Hao City. The night was deep and cool.

The inner courtyard in the alley was still brightly lit.

The Xu Family Sisters, Xu Zhiyuan and Xu Zhidi, stood prettily in the main hall, their large eyes blinking as they gazed at the only person sitting upright at the head of the room.

They knew this person’s surname was Shen—an important official of the Xuanqing Guard. Every person in the courtyard, whether fierce-looking, shifty-eyed, or amiable, would listen to this lord’s words, themselves included.

This evening, the lord had come late at night, bringing with him Lord Zhu, Lord Liu, and Lord Wang, faces rarely seen together. The two sisters understood: the "moment to act" was upon them.

Thinking back on these past several months, the sisters’ hearts churned with complex emotions. Bitterness and pain needed no mention; fortunately, in the end, a sliver of hope seemed visible.

The two sisters were originally surnamed Xu, but these names were not their own. Their current names had been given by Lord Zhu—he said they sounded pleasant. They had no right to refuse.

They had been nothing more than relatives of a sinful official, awaiting to be sold by a brokerage, yet were told there might be a chance to "become living people again"—but the price was to become secret agents for the Xuanqing Guard, to infiltrate among strangers for ten years or even longer, until the assignment was complete.

It sounded like no good job, but the sisters had no choice. Wasn’t this still better than being sold off at random? And as secret agents for the Xuanqing Guard, maybe they really could live new lives?

They had already memorized everything about their target—appearance, preferences, past experiences—and learned all sorts of responses: when to show what expressions, when to smile, blush, or let a tear fall. Though complex, they learned such things quickly.

To quote Liu Meng, "The two of you are natural-born secret agent material."

Looking at the two women below, Shen Hao felt an inexplicable emotion: This was indeed expertly packaged and trained bait—compared with their first meetings, the sisters had changed again. Their proper bearing held a touch of playfulness and vitality, and in their eyes, secret inner charm flickered. Would Bai Changqing be undone by these two on the soft couch?

As for instructions about the mission—what should be taught or said, Shen Hao believed Zhu Shou and Wang Jian had already explained thoroughly. His visit tonight was mainly to give these two sisters a bit of hope and sweetness.

For people struggling to survive in particular circumstances, hope is their main source of strength. Cut off all hope, and there’s no energy to go on—especially true for secret agents. Rely on loyalty or on benefit; Shen Hao preferred to use both at once.

"You were sent to the brokerage to be sold with your family. Do you still think of your relatives?"

Not expecting Shen Hao to suddenly ask this, the Xu Family Sisters froze, then quickly bowed. One replied, "Your servant does think of them, but... but does not know whether they are well?"

Shen Hao signaled to Wang Jian, who passed two documents to the sisters.

"Lord, this is..."

"These are certificates of emancipation. Your parents, brothers, and sisters, all direct relatives who still live, are now out of the brokerage. Their slave status has been removed, and they are living elsewhere. Days may not be lavish, but they are safe and well. Xu Zhidi’s family, in particular, should be growing by one next year."

The sisters listened to these simple words and were moved to tears, covering their mouths as they wept in silence.

"However, because of your unique identities and for confidentiality, they have been told that you are dead."

"Wu... wu... wu..."

The two women could hold back no longer. At last, they wept aloud, squatting down and burying their heads in their knees. They understood—their family received preferential treatment because of their service to the Xuanqing Guard. In essence, they had saved their kin, but the price was that their loved ones would only ever hear of their "deaths."

In the main hall, only the sisters’ muffled sobs could be heard. No one went to comfort them—they knew to control themselves quickly. Sure enough, within ten breaths, both stood again. Though their makeup was smudged and their expressions no longer cheerful, they held more energy than before.

Their spirits had returned.

"Though they believe you are dead, you may still visit them. For their safety, and your own, these visits must be done in secret. Liu Meng will make all arrangements."

"Thank you, my lord!"

Both women knelt and kowtowed, and at last Zhu Shou hurried over to pull them up, lest in their excitement they injure their foreheads. With the mission looming, they could not afford any wound.

"If you devote yourselves to the Black Banner Battalion’s cause, we will spare no effort for you in return. Helping your family out of hardship is only the first part—once your mission is complete, far greater rewards await. Silver coins, estates, perhaps even Cultivation Techniques, or a handsome companion. Show me results that satisfy, and nothing will be a mere dream. Do you understand?"

"Your servant understands."

"Good. Today is the twenty-ninth of October. Tomorrow, Liu Kuan will accompany you to visit your families, and the day after, you will depart for the Imperial City to formally begin your assignment. I wish you swift success—may you win a promising future by your own hands."

This time, the sisters did not kneel, but their faces were taut with excitement and solemn resolve. Both bowed as one, vowing to never fail the lord’s trust.

At last, Shen Hao took out two black pills from his pocket, each the size of a pea.

"These are for emergencies. Inside is a poisoned needle—squeeze it and it will pierce your skin. Within three heartbeats, death will follow, painless and without remedy. Keep them close, ready at hand. If you sense your cover is blown and cannot escape, this will be your ending."

The sisters had already prepared themselves; though afraid, they slowly picked up the black pills from the table, hands gentle as they felt the cold surface. After examining them for a moment, each put hers away.

"Don’t worry. These will not stab a person by accident or a simple fall. Only a deliberate squeeze will do it—a method of last resort."

The tortures of the Xuanqing Guard were things these two could never endure. Once exposed, the enemy would certainly inflict brutal punishment. The only sure way never to betray secrets would be to end one’s own life ahead of time. This black pill was Shen Hao’s last-ditch measure.

He’d considered having a poison-filled fake tooth, but such things were hard to create safely. For now, the black pills would suffice as a safeguard.

With all this explained, Shen Hao rose to depart. From here, Wang Jian and Liu Meng would handle the rest. Reports from the Imperial City would arrive in due time, and details could be adjusted as necessary.

To tell the truth, Shen Hao was uneasy; a man’s tastes could change, after all. If Bai Changqing no longer cared for this kind of girl, then all their efforts would be in vain.