Bai Li's expression of concern deepened as he read the Emperor's message.
Meili saw her eldest brother, Mei Renlong, striding over to join them. The guards parted to let him through, and she leapt to her feet and ran to embrace him.
He wrapped her in a hug, then held her by the shoulders, searching her face for answers.
"Meimei! What on earth are you doing here?"
"Gege! I'm so happy to see you!" she cried.
Tears of anxiety and joy in equal measure, trickled down her cheeks, and her brother reached out to brush them away for her.
"Join us here, Mei Renlong," called Bai Li. "I'll catch you up on what you've missed."
When they were all seated, Bai Li passed First the Emperor's message to read. First Brother's eyebrows shot up, but his face otherwise remained impassive and serious.
He nodded in military fashion, handing the precious parchment back to his Commander.
"Understood, Commander Bai. What do we know so far?"
