Torn between his growing feelings for Lian and the doubts sown by Lady Mei, Lin Feng found himself in a precarious position. He sought out Xia, hoping to gain clarity. "Xia, I'm concerned about Lian. Lady Mei is spreading rumors that could jeopardize our alliances. I want to believe in Lian, but I can't shake the feeling that something is off."
Xia listened intently, her brow furrowed. "You must trust your instincts, Lin Feng. If Lian is truly loyal, she will prove it. But if there is any truth to Lady Mei's claims, we need to uncover it before it becomes a larger issue."
As tensions simmered beneath the surface, the festival continued, with laughter and music masking the growing unrest. The vibrant colors of celebration stood in stark contrast to the shadows of deception lurking nearby.