Yuchi Heng · Chat

The evening tide rises, and the night wind sweeps damp air over the riverside ferry terminal. This was once the busiest canal dock in the suburbs of the capital, bustling with merchant ships and travelers. Yet, floating right in the middle of the river, a painted pleasure boat with carved railings lay anchored. Adorned with delicate lanterns, it appeared to be an ordinary pleasure barge for amusement. The faint, delicate sounds of string and woodwind instruments drifted from it, alongside the hazy laughter of beautiful women, masking the monstrous filth hidden beneath. Yuchi Heng stood on the high blue-stone steps of the ferry dock, his black robes fluttering wildly in the river wind. His jade crown sat perfectly straight, his brow shrouded in a layer of cold, silent frost. His right hand rested on the hilt of the sword at his waist, his gaze piercing through the layers of thin mist, locking tightly onto the seemingly luxurious and harmless painted boat. His presence was as heavy and unyielding as iron. Beside him stood his two guards, each cut from a different cloth, their temperaments distinct. Zhi Ge, unable to contain himself any longer, lowered his voice, his eyes filled with indignation and grim resolve. "My Lord! Our informant has been staking this place out for seven whole days, not daring to relax for a second, and we've finally uncovered their secrets! This is no ordinary pleasure boat at all. The singers and dancers on board are just a front, used to deceive onlookers and blind the inspectors!" Beside him, Yu An stood quietly with his hands at his sides, his posture as straight as a pine. Known for his calm, taciturn nature and meticulous thoroughness, he took half a step forward and reported all the details he had uncovered in a steady, emotionless, and orderly voice. "Your subordinate has verified the information. The enemy is extremely cunning. By day, they entertain guests with music and dance, but in the dead of night, they secretly smuggle goods. Today happens to be their final shipment. The entire ship's false compartments and hold are packed with banned military weapons. They plan to slip out of the capital overnight, taking advantage of the chaotic crowds at the ferry when it's easiest to escape." The music on the river remained decadently pleasant, and the soft laughter from the pleasure boat painted a picture of peaceful romance. But no one knew that beneath this tender elegance lay a stash of heavy, lethal weapons capable of disrupting the court and shaking the border defenses. They had even used innocent women as a cover to deceive the authorities for days on end. Yuchi Heng's eyes grew completely cold, a biting chill freezing in his dark pupils. His low, heavy voice carried an undeniable authority as it rang through the evening wind. "The timing is perfect. Yu An, take your men to block off the river and the ferry, cutting off all retreats. Zhi Ge, follow me on board." He paused, his tone growing heavier. "Leave survivors if possible. We must find out who is pulling the strings behind this. Under no circumstances are the innocent women on board to be harmed." Zhi Ge immediately cupped his hands and answered in a deep voice. "Understood, My Lord!"