Wei Liang chose the compound before Xu finished the warning, already moving toward the stables, Brigh falling into step beside him without needing to be asked twice.
"I'm coming," Brigh said. "Not asking permission this time."
"Wasn't going to argue," Wei Liang said, swinging onto the fastest horse the way station had available.
Shen Yue caught his arm before he could ride out, something urgent in her face. "If they're hunting bloodlines, and Wei Dong's already been targeted once, whatever comes next won't be subtle. Don't walk into the compound assuming Gong's guards are enough."
"I know."
"Then take this." She pressed a small vial into his palm, the same kind she'd used against the assassin in the medicine hall corridor. "In case seven gates isn't enough against whatever they send n
