“What if I say I can help Eastern Wu turn the tide? Would Your Majesty welcome me then?” The masked man’s words sounded like they were uttered with a smile. Something about his tone demanded trust. His aggressive presence vanished without a trace, making him seem like a regular man.

The emperor looked at the man, his eyes inquisitive. If the man was bothered by the scrutiny, he didn’t show it.

After a long stretch of silence, the man scoffed and turned to leave. The emperor frowned and stopped him. “Why are you helping me? Who are you, and what do you want?”

The man laughed, but his smile didn’t reach his eyes. This close, he seemed to radiate coldness. The emperor suddenly felt his mouth turn dry.

“There are things Your Majesty is better off not knowing. We’ll see each other again.” The masked man left without looking back and disappeared without...