The Queen’s subordinates had recently noticed that ever since returning from Fairy Bridge Valley, the Queen seemed rather absent-minded.

She often zoned out during meetings, giving answers that didn’t match the questions. For instance, when Ying Bai asked whether the many chaotic administrative regulations from the three counties should be rewritten by advisors, the Queen stared blankly for a long time before saying dreamily, “Chaotic, indeed chaotic. What good does it do him to scramble my brain into mush?”

One day when snow fell and the old masters were composing poems about snow, she suddenly changed expression and said, “I hate ice and snow the most!” before sweeping her sleeves and leaving.

Everyone looked at each other in confusion, not knowing what this was about. What blow had she received at Fairy Bridge Valley?

Because the Queen was often half-mad, the guards didn’t bother her with unimportant matters. For instance, today there was a travel-worn visitor outside the estate requesting to see the Queen, whom the guards politely but firmly turned away.

“Her Majesty is busy with affairs and doesn’t see outside visitors,” the guards blocked the yellow-robed man at the entrance.

“I’m just passing through and actually don’t have time to disturb Her Majesty much,” the man said with handsome, gentle features. Though his tone was slightly anxious, he remained well-mannered. “It’s just that I have urgent matters to inform Her Majesty about…”

“We said no means no…” The guard suddenly became cordial, greeting warmly, “Miss Zirui, are you out shopping for the Queen?”

Xia Zirui stopped and nodded with a smile. Her gaze drifted over and suddenly fixed, asking in disbelief, “Prince Tie?”

Tie Xinze smiled and nodded to her, saying with a bitter smile, “Finally someone recognizes me.”

Zirui somewhat forgot herself and stepped forward two paces. Realizing her position, her face reddened and she quickly stopped, asking, “What, they won’t let you in?” Looking at the guard’s expression, which had turned rather unpleasant.

“No,” Tie Xinze was most tolerant and good-natured, smiling, “The guard brothers are just doing their duty by asking me more questions.”

Zirui saw Tie Xinze’s barely concealed anxiety and didn’t ask more, simply bringing him inside.

This left the guards quite deflated, though they couldn’t get angry. They shook their heads and smiled, “Rare to see Miss Xia blush.”

“What do you think is the relationship between this Prince Tie and her?”

“Don’t speculate wildly. But this Prince Tie really is tolerant and gentle—he matches Miss Xia well.”

“Indeed.”

…

Tie Xinze and Xia Zirui walked one after the other, both very silent. This silence made them feel somewhat uncomfortable.

Both hesitated to speak several times. Finally, Xia Zirui spoke first, her voice very low: “How has Your Highness been recently? Why did you suddenly come to Daimao?”

“My father passed away. I was granted permission to return home for the funeral. When passing through Daimao, I discovered some problems, so I took a detour to notify the Queen and visit old friends,” Tie Xinze explained gently.

When he said “old friends,” he looked at Zirui with gentle, sparkling eyes like brilliant starlight.

Zirui felt flustered under such a gaze and couldn’t help blushing again. After a long while, she said “Ah” and offered, “Please accept my condolences.”

“Thank you for your concern, Miss,” Tie Xinze nodded and looked at her again.

Xia Zirui wanted to smile at him composedly as she did with others, but whether it was the strangeness from long separation or his smile being too intoxicating, she couldn’t control the slight flutter in her heart and had to turn her face away slightly.

People passing by all looked at her in surprise, feeling that the usually dignified and graceful Miss Xia seemed somewhat different today.

The path to the main hall usually felt very long, but today seemed rather short. Xia Zirui looked at Tie Xinze’s back ahead of her and suddenly remembered his fiancée back home. She had heard that once he returned home, he would be married…

Feeling somewhat confused, she stopped. Tie Xinze looked back at her in surprise and gentlemanly stopped to wait for her.

“The Queen is in the main hall… you can go in yourself,” she said softly. “She’ll be very happy to see you…”

He smiled at her, nodded and turned away. She felt lost and disappointed.

But he suddenly stopped again, turned to gaze at her, and said gently, “When I return home this time, I may encounter some difficulties. So I also want to ask the Queen for advice…” He smiled, “Such as how to stay alive, and how to… dissolve an engagement without affecting others as much as possible.”

Xia Zirui’s head jerked up, but halfway up she realized this was improper and quickly lowered it again.

But he was considerate and pretended not to see, saying composedly, “The Queen is intelligent, and Miss Zirui is thoughtful. Both should have good advice for me. Please don’t mind and help Xinze.”

After speaking, he gave a proper bow.

Xia Zirui didn’t know what to say. This man had a crystal-clear heart that illuminated the peach blossoms in hers. She felt the joy of meeting a kindred spirit, the shyness of having her feelings seen through, and surprise at her own sudden emotional stirring. For a moment her cheeks burned as she stammered incoherently. By the time she emerged from her tangled thoughts and raised her head, he had already walked away with flowing robes.

She stood by the path, gazing at his distant figure. Though winter covered the ground with frost and snow, her heart felt like mountains of flowers blooming.

…

Jing Hengbo was very happy to see Tie Xinze. That day at the gates of Imperial Song City, they had parted before proper farewells, separated inside and outside the city. Afterward she was busy with various matters and rarely thought of him—or rather, didn’t want to think of him. Thinking of Tie Xinze would remind her of that day in Quiet Courtyard with red maples, three people drinking together, truth or dare, and falling into the water at the bridge. The maple leaves like fire that day, the bone-chilling lake water that time—those memories were too deep, too vivid, too entangled. They always stabbed her heart with pain, making her instinctively avoid them.

However, meeting an old friend inevitably brought concern, though her response to his words was completely different.

“Returning home for funeral rites?” She frowned. “Your father king died without warning? Won’t your brothers go crazy fighting for the throne? Will they let you enter Chentie Territory alive?”

“Your Majesty has grown more perceptive through experience,” Tie Xinze smiled gently. “Thank you for your concern. But I think it’ll be fine—they’re family after all.”

Jing Hengbo snorted to show her disdain for the phrase “family.”

Even spouses and parents used vicious methods—like Ming Yan’an’s family. Brothers were nothing.

“I came just to tell Your Majesty,” Tie Xinze said, “I think I saw Kanglong Army in Daimao Territory.”

Jing Hengbo’s eyes flashed. She could hardly believe it—the entire Kanglong Army was fighting at Huangjin Territory. Abandoning the battlefield was a capital crime. How could they appear in Daimao?

However, Tie Xinze had a convincing power. His gentle gaze and calm yet sincere tone made everyone feel that each of his words carried weight.

Jing Hengbo instinctively wanted to summon advisors to discuss this matter properly. Cheng Gumo saw her as a great enemy. His Kanglong Army appearing in Daimao, even just one person, was no good omen and must be treated carefully.

However, her raised hand suddenly stopped in mid-air. Meeting Tie Xinze’s puzzled gaze, she shrugged and said carelessly, “Maybe you saw wrong?”

“I stayed in Imperial Song for so many years. I can recognize Kanglong Army without needing insignia,” Tie Xinze said with certainty.

“How many appeared?”

“Not many. A grain transport team, about ten people, completely in ordinary dress. If I weren’t familiar with Kanglong Army, I really couldn’t tell. But that’s exactly why it’s suspicious. Why would Kanglong Army appear in Daimao? And disguised as ordinary people transporting grain? Obviously there’s a conspiracy.”

“I heard Kanglong Army is fighting Huangjin Territory with the battle stalemated and military supplies short,” Jing Hengbo smiled. “Maybe Cheng Gumo got desperate and secretly sent people to rob grain. He’s capable of such things.”

“But they shouldn’t rob all the way to Daimao…” Tie Xinze was getting anxious, but Jing Hengbo cut him off. “You’ve traveled such a long way—tired, right? Look at all that dust on you. Go rest first and let Zirui make you some good dishes. We’ll discuss this later.” Without allowing argument, she pushed Tie Xinze out. He was pushed along, saying with mixed laughter and tears, “Hey, Your Majesty, you can’t… can’t…” He wanted to resist but felt it improper. While hesitating, Jing Hengbo was already laughing and shoving him out the door, where he bumped into Zirui who was hurrying over. Tie Xinze quickly reached out to steady her. Zirui slowly stood firm and raised her face, both cheeks glowing like sunset clouds—a vivid red.

“I… I came to see if Your Majesty had any instructions…” She seemed embarrassed about eavesdropping and had completely lost her usual composure.

Tie Xinze smiled and withdrew his hand, standing aside and considerately turning his gaze away to avoid her further embarrassment.

Jing Hengbo looked at Zirui, then at Tie Xinze, feeling both amused and surprised. Back in Imperial Song, she had seen that Zirui had some feelings for Tie Xinze, though not obviously. She hadn’t expected that after some time apart, those spring feelings not only hadn’t diminished but had grown stronger. Was this fate?

But she wasn’t in the mood to play matchmaker right now. Though Tie Xinze was good, his background was too complicated with too many troubles. His fiancée situation was still unclear. Privately, she didn’t want Zirui to fall into Chentie’s mess. She had heard that Chentie Territory was currently embroiled in succession struggles with cruel methods. She didn’t want Zirui to lose her life before even becoming a Chentie princess.

However… she narrowed her eyes, watching Tie Xinze and Xia Zirui walk away together, having to admit in her heart that this pair truly matched—talented man and beautiful woman.

Someone beside her suddenly said, “Your Majesty’s face seems to hold spring joy. Do you have good news to share with us?”

She caught a faint scent of alcohol and turned to see Ying Bai’s handsome eyes, a wine jug forever covering half his face. The exposed half showed part wine-induced haziness, part flying spirited air.

She stared at him, suddenly thinking this was also an enigmatic figure—appearing enigmatically at her side, enigmatically helping her.

For so long, she hadn’t asked why he was willing to follow her. It certainly wasn’t because her royal aura made him tremble with awe or anything. But she understood in her heart there was no need to ask—asking wouldn’t yield reliable answers anyway.

Or perhaps she herself didn’t want to ask.

Did this former Grand Commander of Jade Reflection Dragon Cavalry know about Kanglong Army’s unusual movements?

Her heart churned with thoughts, but her face bore a radiant smile. “When friends come from afar, of course I’m happy.”

Ying Bai glanced toward where Tie Xinze had left. “Prince Tie looked travel-worn with anxiety on his face. And it seems his coming here wasn’t on his way either. Is there urgent business?”

Jing Hengbo playfully pointed toward Tie Xinze and Zirui’s retreating figures. “Coming to see his sweetheart—does that count as urgent business?”

Ying Bai glanced at her, his smile flowing like wine light. “Oh? How do I remember Prince Tie has a fiancée?”

“You can divorce after marriage, let alone a mere fiancée,” Jing Hengbo chuckled. “If you want someone, boldly steal them away. What’s with all the hemming and hawing?”

Ying Bai seemed about to say something, then seemed to sigh. Finally he just tilted his head back for a drink and raised his jug to Jing Hengbo. “If there’s nothing wrong, I’ll go buy wine.”

“Don’t drink yourself to death—we still have work to do,” Jing Hengbo waved carelessly. “I keep feeling Prince Tie’s Chentie Territory will have trouble. Chentie is close to us too. Maybe I’ll need to visit Chentie Territory soon.”

Ying Bai’s hand paused, then he smiled and turned away.

Jing Hengbo stared at his flowing robes, slowly narrowing her eyes.

…

That evening, Jing Hengbo didn’t disturb Tie Xinze, nor did she take her usual after-dinner walk with Zirui and Yong Xue. After dinner she went alone to the high tower, seeing the curved garden paths ahead, a pool of broken ice like scattered jade. Zirui and Tie Xinze strolled by the pool among evergreen camphor and fir trees, with moon-white brocade robes and pale purple skirts winding through. In the moonlight, Tie Xinze’s features were gentle, his gaze on Zirui elegant and smiling. Zirui’s slightly raised neck was snow-white, her black hair flowing down like water, hiding eyes bright as pools of water. From Jing Hengbo’s angle, she could see Zirui’s lips curved in a smile that was three parts shy, three parts spring-like—a touch of spring light adorning this winter garden’s slight severity.

Jing Hengbo leaned against the railing, vaguely recalling a poem about bright moon, small bridges, and who adorned whose curtains and dreams. She couldn’t remember the words but remembered the mood—just like this moment.

Perhaps love was the most beautiful thing in the human world—even humble rooms could bloom with lotus flowers.

But her heart held slight severity, thinking of that valley cottage, the ice and snow spreading within it. The past was also an ice blade, circling and leaving traces on her heart, winding endlessly.

She considered herself broad-minded, yet at this moment she felt jealous, not wanting to see such romantic moon-viewing intimacy.

This moment’s moonlight was others’ reunion mirror, but three feet of ice on her heart.

She turned to go downstairs, her long skirt trailing across the wooden stairs, taking away patches of cold moonlight.

Below, Tie Xinze suddenly looked up.

Zirui, immersed in sweetness, instinctively looked up too and saw the Queen’s figure on the high tower. Her deep red cloak was dyed snow-colored by moonlight. The person who had been lively and bustling during the day now had a lonely, cold silhouette.

…

The next day Tie Xinze bid farewell to Jing Hengbo, needing to continue his journey home to Chentie.

Without allowing argument, Jing Hengbo ordered Zirui and Tian Qi to escort him partway home.

Tie Xinze naturally refused firmly. Jing Hengbo’s meaning was obvious—currently Chentie Territory was controlled by Third Prince Tie Fenglei. Tie Xinze returning home would inevitably face danger. The two people Jing Hengbo sent weren’t for protection but to show the Queen’s attitude, hoping Tie Fenglei would show some restraint.

Tie Xinze’s refusal was also frank—he didn’t want the Queen, who hadn’t yet established stable footing, to make enemies because of this.

“I just want to return to pay respects to Father King and keep vigil for three years,” he said. “Third Brother shouldn’t make things difficult for me. Why should Miss Xia and Lord Tian Qi make this trip?”

“Consider it asking Zirui and Tian Qi to represent me in paying respects to your father, burning three incense sticks before his spirit,” Jing Hengbo smiled very sincerely. “I heard your third brother has quite a violent temperament. Even his mount wasn’t fierce enough—he bare-handedly tamed a black panther to ride. They say he’s already killed all your brothers. Hard to guarantee you won’t be next. Dealing with such a character, you can’t go without even a companion.”

Everyone around looked indignant—with Tie Xinze’s status, returning home should involve welcoming if not escort guards. But the Third Prince Tie Fenglei who had usurped power sent an edict from a thousand li away, ordering that within a thousand li of Chentie Territory borders, Tie Xinze must remove his weapons, dismiss his guards, and enter alone to pay respects.

Not allowing a single person to remain was clearly humiliation, yet Tie Xinze accepted it. He truly removed his weapons a thousand li from Chentie Territory and gave them to guards to take back to Imperial Song.

While people felt indignant for him, they couldn’t help criticizing his lack of backbone. But everyone had their own aspirations—you couldn’t force them. As friends, all they could do was try to help him.

In everyone’s view, Jing Hengbo sending only two people respected Tie Xinze’s wishes while showing concern for his safety, hoping Tian Qi and Zirui could protect his safe departure when the time came.

Jing Hengbo also put on an attitude of absolutely not meddling, earnestly instructing Tian Qi and Zirui during the send-off to absolutely not interfere—as long as Chentie Territory had no problems, return early. Zirui naturally listened to whatever she said, but Tian Qi, who had been hoping she would cause trouble, was greatly disappointed, repeatedly saying, “I thought you wanted to help Prince Tie compete for the throne. Don’t you really have such plans?”

“He himself has no such plans—why should I meddle?” Jing Hengbo widened her eyes and pointed at his forehead. “I’m not a great king commanding thousands of troops. Should I really make enemies on all sides? I tell you, going to Chentie, remember to keep your tail between your legs. On other people’s territory, be modest, yielding, and don’t cause me trouble. I can’t handle your antics.”

Tian Qi brushed away her hand and looked at her in surprise, feeling something was wrong with recent Jing Hengbo. This clearly wasn’t her style. With her temperament, seeing friends bullied, she’d definitely grab weapons immediately. When had she become so forbearing?

“We need to be quiet beauties, understand?” Jing Hengbo patted his face, smiling with such gentleness and loving kindness.

Tian Qi left with full confusion and resentment. Jing Hengbo watched the three figures disappear on the horizon, slowly clasping her hands behind her back.

“Is everything prepared?” she asked Yong Xue beside her.

“Yes.”

Jing Hengbo turned around. The large group of advisors behind her immediately stepped back respectfully, not daring to face the Queen.

Though the Queen was young and carefree in laughter, somehow everyone felt her smiles gradually lost their initial casualness. When her eyes turned, there was an additional hint of unconscious severity.

The formerly bright and brilliant woman had now grown into a future queen hiding weighty dignity.

Jing Hengbo gazed at the majestic palace under construction. On the worksite, craftsmen worked enthusiastically while common people carried baskets back and forth, constantly pointing and discussing.

The atmosphere was peaceful—this was the land under her rule.

Her smile slowly became somewhat strange.

“My territory, my people,” she said leisurely. “How can I allow anyone to kill, plunder, and cause destruction here?”

…

Under lamplight, he gently unfolded a map. The cowhide paper showed Daimao and surrounding territories, with many places already marked with red dots.

Snow-white sleeves moved across the cowhide paper as his finger slowly connected those red dots into a line, directly facing Seven Valley Pass and Treasure Field Ridge.

He slowly closed his eyes. Candlelight flickered on his forehead while guards behind him held their breath, not daring to speak.

After a long while he asked, “Still no movement from the Queen?”

“None.”

“You didn’t pass along news of Kanglong’s unusual activity?”

“This subordinate originally intended to pass it along,” the guard said respectfully, “but Prince Tie happened to pass through Daimao and also discovered Kanglong Army’s movements, already warning the Queen. This subordinate feared passing more messages would arouse the Queen’s suspicion, so took no further action.”

He made an “mm” sound. “Tie Xinze has already left Imperial Song?”

“Yes. He petitioned to return home for funeral rites, which you approved. Counting the days, he should arrive about now.”

His brow furrowed slightly.

Since she had received news of Kanglong’s unusual movements, why had there been no activity?

Did she really not take this matter to heart?

Or…

“Perhaps you should personally…” the guard tried to suggest. He waved slightly and the guard fell silent.

Candlelight rose and fell in his clear eyes as the grand situation of this realm rose and fell before him.

Jing Hengbo would never not take Cheng Gumo’s actions seriously. She must have other plans.

But no matter how she planned, it could create variables in his plans.

He was racing against time, yet she seemed to only want to stay in place.

He sighed softly.

“The snow mountain side—any news?” He suddenly changed topics.

“Reporting to Master,” the guard said. “There are multiple imprisonment sites on the snow mountain. Just the day before yesterday, our people also checked the last location. Nothing. So now we can confirm—the people are not on the snow mountain.”

He slowly closed his eyes.

Nothing, nothing.

Five years of time, using all effort, gradually infiltrating, searching every inch of the snow mountain’s secret places. The final result was nothing.

Where exactly had that woman imprisoned his family?

He suddenly thought of a possibility… perhaps the only thing in this world he could never find were people who had already died…

Thinking this, his heart ached and grew cold. He raised his hand to press his chest.

No, impossible.

Such a large clan with hundreds of people—even suffering bloodline backlash, just the accumulated foundation of the first family for many years wasn’t something Xu Pingran alone could completely eliminate.

The clan held little affection for him, but only by finding them could he explore bloodline backlash secrets and find hope for bloodline continuation.

Before, he wasn’t afraid of death—would rather die than be held hostage. But now, he wanted to live.

Live one more day to see her one more day, to see her grow stronger until she could resist this world’s cold.

“Expand the scope. Investigate all of Xu Pingran’s external contacts, including those before she married into Nine Heavens Gate,” he said coldly after a long pause.

“Yes.” The guard presented another snow-white letter sealed with fire wax. He opened layer by layer—it was a letter from the snow mountain relayed by Meng Hu. The contents made his brow furrow.

The snow mountain demanded he quickly ascend the throne as emperor!

The snow-white letter crumbled in his palm as he gazed toward Imperial Song with deadly intent.

Ascend the throne as emperor…

Once formally enthroned, what would Jing Hengbo think?

Once crowned emperor, what other demands would the snow mountain make? Xu Pingran aimed for the world. Having him ascend was just the first step. Under her gaze, she wouldn’t allow any divided royal authority to exist.

When that time came, could the Black Water Queen quietly grow strong in Black Water?

To resolve the snow mountain, he must first resolve Xu Pingran. But that woman hid in the snow mountain’s secret realm, never descending one step.

He had originally wanted to take it slowly, gradually removing the snow mountain’s power step by step. But the approaching footsteps grew more urgent.

If people force me, I will force them back.

The sword in its sheath—its cold light could already wound.

His face was like frost and snow. Deep red candlelight couldn’t warm his brow’s temperature.

He spread his hands, letting the letter fragments in his palms fly into the fire with a “chi la” sound, burning away.

…

The same deadly atmosphere spread across Chentie Territory’s land.

Before the border checkpoint, two pairs of iron battle-axes clashed, blocking Tie Xinze and the other two outside the city gate.

“By the Great King’s order!” soldiers shouted loudly. “All external checkpoints are under strict martial law! Exit permitted, entry forbidden! Who comes here? Retreat immediately!”

Tian Qi angrily said, “We already sent word—this is the Seventh Prince returning home for funeral rites…”

Tie Xinze stopped him and presented travel documents, saying gently, “I have Third Brother’s permission to return home and pay respects to the late king. I believe your side should have received notification. Please verify.”

Tian Qi rolled his eyes, wanting to explode but remembering Jing Hengbo’s “low-key” instructions, he had to endure.

But his anger flared again because that soldier didn’t even look at the documents, coldly snorting, “So it’s the Seventh Prince—how disrespectful. But please note your address. The Great King has already ascended the throne. Don’t call him Third Brother anymore—you should address him as Great King.” He blocked them outward. “Please wait here for notification, Seventh Prince.”

This wait lasted a full hour. An hour later, even the patient Zirui couldn’t help asking, “When may we enter the pass? We’ve waited so long—is it because the Great King’s ceremonial procession is coming slowly?”

“What Great King’s procession?” The soldier rolled his eyes. “We’re notifying our gate commander! But the commander doesn’t seem to be on duty today. He’ll be on duty tonight—wait some more.”

“This is outrageous!” Tian Qi raised his hand to push the soldier aside, but Tie Xinze stopped him again, saying softly, “He’ll come out after waiting a bit more. We’re not in a hurry anyway.”

“Don’t you have any…” Tian Qi’s angry curse was forced back by Zirui’s glance, stuck in his throat, making him roll his eyes.

Tie Xinze pulled them aside to sit, saying sincerely, “It’s fine for me to wait. You can’t have conflicts with Chentie Territory people. The Queen’s foundation isn’t stable—it’s unwise to make more enemies.”

With this said, Tian Qi had to stay quiet. Zirui’s eyes had shown some disappointment but now held faint heartache and gratitude. She sighed, “Why must you always think so much for others…”

Tie Xinze just smiled gently, “It’s not thinking for Her Majesty. We’re only three people. If we start fighting, we’ll ultimately suffer. Bear with it. After I offer incense to Father King, I’ll never come to Chentie again. Third Brother knows I have no such ambitions and won’t be hostile anymore. Don’t worry.”

Zirui looked up at him. He smiled with peaceful brows, but his eyes held faint flowing crystal. Zirui thought of this man—a youth held hostage, struggling alone in foreign lands for many years. Now his father died suddenly, traveling a thousand li for funeral rites, yet still being guarded step by step by brothers. A dignified prince humiliated by nameless soldiers at the checkpoint—how much bitterness must accumulate in his heart?

She wanted to reach out and smooth his slightly furrowed brow, or warm his hands, tell him he wasn’t alone and many people cared for him. But a female official’s reserve made her only turn her head gently and clasp her own hands tighter.

Clasping her hands, but unable to contain that heart full of pity and tenderness. Her gaze couldn’t help but linger more on that tall figure. Having lost both parents young, she too grew up in loneliness. She understood the suffering of wandering alone.

Perhaps shared misfortune’s pity would bring out more maternal tenderness in women. Her lips curved gently—she no longer felt this winter night’s wait unbearable.

However, this wait actually lasted until midnight. In the coldest dawn, that soldier woke up refreshed and came out breathing white frost and cold air to tell them, “The higher-ups said you’re carrying people of unknown identity and cannot enter the city.”

Tian Qi, with white frost hanging on his eyebrows, listened grimly without a word, then slapped the man away with one hand. “Bullying with power—what trash!”

Tian Qi always remembered Jing Hengbo’s instructions. This slap looked vicious but used only skillful force without actually causing harm. Yet that soldier seemed to be waiting for this move. He tumbled out, fell to the ground, and simply didn’t get up, shouting loudly, “Someone’s forcing through the checkpoint! Wounded an officer! Come quickly!”

“Rebels! Seize them!” A loud shout came from atop the checkpoint. The gate commander who had been slow to appear suddenly showed up with a large group of soldiers rushing down the checkpoint to surround the three.