The moment was suspended in tense silence as Zhao Lan faced her sister and the mercenary leader. Every fiber in her being urged her to stop Zhao Min from continuing down this path of betrayal and desperation, but she knew that words alone wouldn't suffice. Zhao Min's face was set with a stubborn resolve, one Zhao Lan recognized as the determination they both shared—a characteristic that once bonded them, now dividing them.
Li Wei's protective stance beside her was a comfort, but it was Zhao Min's penetrating gaze that held her attention. Her sister's hardened stare was full of resentment, a reminder of the years Zhao Min felt overshadowed, slighted, and disregarded within their family.
Zhao Lan took a measured step forward, her voice a quiet but powerful plea. "Zhao Min, I'm not here to take anything from you. This doesn't have to end in conflict."
Zhao Min's laughter cut through the night air, sharp and bitter. "Conflict? That's all our family has ever given me, Zhao Lan. You, with your perfect composure, your place as the honored daughter—I was only ever the afterthought."
"That's not true," Zhao Lan replied, feeling the sting of her sister's words. "I wanted you by my side. We were supposed to face these challenges together, not as enemies."
But Zhao Min's expression remained unchanged. "Together?" she echoed with a cold, incredulous tone. "I waited for years to stand beside you, and every time I reached out, you just… pushed me further away."
Zhao Lan felt a pang of regret. Had there been moments she had unintentionally distanced her sister? She searched her memories, trying to recall times she might have overlooked Zhao Min's struggles or dismissed her efforts. But Zhao Min wasn't interested in reconciling past grievances.
"Enough!" Zhao Min's voice hardened. "This is my destiny now, Zhao Lan. These people respect me, they value me as more than a shadow. And I intend to keep what I've built, even if it means standing against you."
The mercenary leader drew closer to Zhao Min, placing a firm hand on her shoulder. His gaze flickered to Zhao Lan and her guards, a thin smile on his lips. "I suggest you leave," he said in a low, menacing tone. "Zhao Min has made her choice. I'd hate to have to enforce it."
Li Wei's hand remained on his weapon, his eyes trained on the mercenary leader. He nodded to Zhao Lan, urging her to step back. But Zhao Lan wasn't ready to leave her sister to this dangerous fate.
"Zhao Min, whatever anger you hold against me, our family, it doesn't have to end here," Zhao Lan said, her voice barely above a whisper, carrying the weight of years of unresolved tension. "I'm willing to make amends, if that's what it takes. But I can't stand by while you risk everything for a dangerous alliance that will only lead to ruin."
Zhao Min's gaze softened momentarily as if considering her sister's words. For an instant, Zhao Lan saw the girl she once knew, the sister she had grown up with. But the softness vanished as quickly as it had appeared, replaced by a fierce determination.
"You don't understand, Zhao Lan," Zhao Min replied. "I won't be subjugated to the family's whims, to Father's rules. I'm finally free, and I'm not going back."
Without another word, Zhao Min turned away, signaling to the mercenaries to prepare the crates for departure. Zhao Lan's heart sank as she realized her sister was beyond persuasion.
Li Wei leaned in, speaking quietly so only Zhao Lan could hear. "We need to go, Zhao Lan. If we stay, we're only provoking a confrontation."
Reluctantly, Zhao Lan nodded, her gaze lingering on Zhao Min for a moment longer. "Then I'll stop her another way," she murmured, more to herself than anyone else. As they turned to leave, Zhao Min's final words echoed behind them—a chilling farewell and a promise of inevitable conflict.
---
The Journey Back: A New Resolve
The ride back to the Zhao estate was somber and silent. Zhao Lan's heart felt heavy with the burden of the family legacy and the painful rift between her and her sister. She couldn't shake the image of Zhao Min, defiant and unwavering in her decision. Zhao Lan knew that the consequences of this confrontation would reach far beyond their family.
Back at the estate, Zhao Lan gathered her father and the senior family advisors to inform them of the encounter. Her father's expression turned grave as he listened, his face lined with sorrow and anger.
"Zhao Min has chosen a path of ruin," he said quietly, his voice laden with regret. "Our family cannot tolerate her actions. If she continues down this path, we'll have to protect our name, even if it means confronting her."
Zhao Lan clenched her fists, grappling with her conflicting feelings. She understood the necessity of preserving the family's honor, but it felt like an unbearable burden to think of standing against her sister in a true battle.
Li Wei stepped forward, his voice calm but resolute. "If we're to act, we should do so strategically. Zhao Min has gained influence, but her alliances are fragile. If we can sever her connections to the mercenaries and their trade, we may weaken her position."
Zhao Lan looked at Li Wei, her heart aching with the weight of the decisions before them. She couldn't bear the thought of causing harm to Zhao Min, but she also couldn't ignore the threat her sister now posed.
"We'll proceed with caution," Zhao Lan finally said. "Zhao Min's actions are her own, but if we can prevent her from causing further harm, we must do so."