In a desperate bid to prove herself and protect her family, Xiao Mei decided to confront General Liang one last time. She sought him out in the training grounds, where he was practicing with his sword, his movements sharp and precise, but his eyes clouded with uncertainty.
"Liang," she called out, her voice steady despite the storm of emotions inside her. "We need to talk."
He turned, surprise flickering across his features. "Xiao Mei… I didn't expect to see you here."
"Neither did I," she replied, her heart racing. "But we can't keep avoiding this. You've doubted me, and I need to know why."
"I was trying to protect you," he replied defensively. "The Emperor is a powerful man, and we can't afford to be seen as a threat."
"And what about our loyalty to each other?" she pressed, stepping closer. "You've chosen to believe the Emperor over me, and it hurts."
"Xiao Mei, you need to understand—" he started, but she cut him off.
"No, you need to understand! The Emperor is the problem! I've done everything for the Crimson Shadows, and now you want me to investigate my own family?" Tears glistened in her eyes, but she held them back. "If you can't trust me, then what do we even have left?"
General Liang's expression softened for a moment, but the weight of his conflicting loyalties held him back. "I'm stuck between the Emperor and you! You don't understand the position I'm in!" His voice cracked as he spoke, revealing the turmoil within him.
"Then make a choice!" Xiao Mei cried, her emotions spilling over. "Choose to trust me, or choose to side with someone who would see us destroyed. I refuse to be a pawn in his game!"
The air crackled with tension, and for a moment, they stood on the precipice of a choice that would define them. But just as General Liang opened his mouth to respond, a chilling voice echoed through the training grounds.
"Such a passionate argument for a traitor."
They turned to find Emperor Yu standing at the edge of the courtyard, flanked by guards. His gaze was cold, and a smirk danced on his lips. "I see you're still harboring this little rebel. It seems I underestimated your loyalty, General."
Xiao Mei's heart raced in her chest. The confrontation had drawn the Emperor's attention, and with it, the stakes had been raised. There was no turning back now.