Qu Shao's face turned the color of ashes, and he couldn't stop shaking.

The moment Feng Qizheng said two-faced and sell out your own country, he knew he was finished.

Feng Qizheng knew exactly who he was.

But he'd barely reached the southern frontier. How had he found out?

"G-General Feng, could we speak privately for a moment?"

He wasn't giving up yet. He meant to fight for a way out.

Feng Qizheng eyed him sideways. "If you've got something to say, say it. There's nobody here but your father and you two. What's there to hide?"

Qu Shao fawned. "General Feng, please, step into the study. I promise you won't have made the trip for nothing."

Feng Qizheng thought for a moment. "Lead the way!"

Qu Shao was overjoyed. Once Feng Qizheng gave an inch, everything would be easy.

Kong Shuang helped him up, and the three of them went to the study.

It wasn't far. It was right next door.

Qu Shao bowed and scraped like a lapdog. "General Feng, one moment, please!"

Feng Qizheng sneered. "Let me give you some advice. Don't try anything clever. My men are all around... Listen. The screaming outside has stopped. Those useless men of yours have all been put to death."

Qu Shao simpered. "You worry too much, General. This place is only so big. Where could I run to?

In front of you, General, I wouldn't dare even think of running... I only wanted to get you something good."

Feng Qizheng jerked his chin. "Go on! I'm warning you, don't try anything clever, or I promise you'll die a nasty death."

Qu Shao nodded over and over.

Then he took Kong Shuang to the bookcase against the wall.

"Kong Shuang, help me move the bookcase."

Kong Shuang nodded, stepped up and moved the bookcase aside.

Under it was a stone slab.

Qu Shao said, "Open it!"

Kong Shuang lifted the slab. Buried underneath was a vermilion-lacquered chest.

Qu Shao motioned for Kong Shuang to drag the chest out.

Kong Shuang tried again and again, straining with every ounce of strength…