### Chapter 18: Shadows of Betrayal
As the kingdom embraced its newfound peace under the rule of the Crown Prince, now crowned Emperor Yu, a subtle shift began to permeate the air. The once humble and grateful prince gradually transformed into a figure marked by arrogance and entitlement. He forgot the debt he owed the Crimson Shadows, the very group that had fought valiantly to secure his throne. Instead, envy began to creep into his heart, particularly towards Xiao Mei, whose skills and reputation overshadowed his own.
Driven by jealousy, Emperor Yu devised a cruel plan. He secretly hired assassins to eliminate Xiao Mei, intending to rid himself of the one who had once been his savior. One night, as Xiao Mei returned from a successful mission, the assassins struck, ambushing her in the dark alleys beneath the palace's shadow. Though they injured her, leaving her weak and vulnerable, they failed to deliver the fatal blow.
Lin Feng was quick to respond. Sensing something was amiss, he investigated the attack, uncovering evidence that pointed toward the Emperor's involvement. A trail of gold coins and whispered rumors led him to a shadowy figure in the marketplace who had overheard the Emperor discussing the need to eliminate a threat to his power.
Approaching General Liang with the evidence, Lin Feng felt the weight of his findings. "General, you need to see this. The assassins who attacked Xiao Mei were sent by the Emperor. He's trying to eliminate any potential threats to his rule," Lin Feng urged, his voice low and grave.
But General Liang shook his head, his brow furrowed in disbelief. "No, it cannot be. The Emperor has just taken the throne; he wouldn't betray us like that. This must be a misunderstanding!" His loyalty to the Emperor clouded his judgment, creating a rift between him and Lin Feng.
"Look at the evidence!" Lin Feng pressed, frustration boiling beneath the surface. "We can't ignore this. The Emperor is turning into a tyrant. We must protect Xiao Mei from him!"
But General Liang's loyalty was unwavering, and he refused to accept the truth. "You're wrong, Lin Feng. You're letting your jealousy for me and your feelings for Xiao Mei cloud your judgment. We are a family in the Crimson Shadows. You can't just accuse someone without proof!" His words were harsh, and the tension between them escalated until Lin Feng stepped back, hurt flashing across his face.