Capítulo 516: 495. The Qiao Sisters Discussion
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The delicate scent of jasmine filled the air, the surface of the pond reflected the setting sun, and the sound of birds echoed in the background, creating a peaceful ambiance. However, despite the serene setting, both sisters knew that the decision they had to make would significantly affect their futures and the futures of their families.
Da Qiao, ever the more composed and introspective of the two, gazed out at the pond thoughtfully. Her fingers lightly touched the hem of her silk dress as she collected her thoughts.
She had always known that this day would come — a day when her father would seek alliances that would strengthen their family. However, she hadn't expected to feel the way she did. Sun Ce, with his fearless demeanor and martial prowess, had made a strong impression on her.
His reputation as a formidable warrior had preceded him, but now she had seen firsthand the depth of his character, and it intrigued her.
Yet, Da Qiao was not one to be swayed by mere appearances or reputation. She was a woman of depth, one who sought more than just strength in a suitor. "Sister," she said softly, her voice barely breaking the silence. "What do you think of all this?" Her eyes met Xiao Qiao's, searching for understanding.
Xiao Qiao, more lively and impulsive than her older sister, sighed dramatically and leaned back against one of the pavilion's wooden beams. "What do I think?" she echoed, a mischievous smile playing on her lips.
"I think Father certainly knows how to choose fascinating men." She twirled a strand of her hair absentmindedly, her mind clearly focused on Zhou Yu, the strategist who had captivated her with his intellect.
"Zhou Yu… he's different, isn't he?" she said, her voice filled with wonder. "I've never met a man like him before. He's so calm, so clever. And he doesn't flaunt his intelligence like so many others do. He lets his actions speak for themselves."
Da Qiao smiled gently at her sister's enthusiasm. Xiao Qiao had always been drawn to intellect and wit, qualities that she found exciting and challenging. "Yes," Da Qiao agreed, "Zhou Yu is certainly a man of intelligence. But do you think that's enough?"
Xiao Qiao paused, considering the question. Her lively expression softened as she became more serious. "It's not just his intelligence," she explained. "It's the way he carries himself, with grace and humility. He's not just a man of strategy — he has a heart, too. I could see it when he spoke about his vision for peace and leadership. He genuinely wants to build a better world. And… I think that's what I've been searching for in a suitor. Someone who looks beyond the battles and sees the bigger picture. Don't you feel the same about Sun Ce, Big sister?"
Da Qiao hesitated for a moment, her eyes drifting back to the pond. Sun Ce had certainly made an impression on her, but there was more to consider. "Sun Ce…" she began, her voice trailing off as she searched for the right words. "He's everything one would expect from a warrior. He's strong, confident, and capable. But there's something more to him, something beneath that warrior's exterior. He speaks with a sincerity that I didn't expect. When he talked about protecting his people and creating a land of peace, I could tell he meant it. He's not just a man of war; he's a man who values life and honor. And that, more than anything, is what I admire about him."
Xiao Qiao tilted her head, studying her sister with a curious expression. "You sound like you've already made up your mind, Big sister."
Da Qiao shook her head, her long hair shimmering in the fading light. "It's not that simple," she replied. "Admiring him is one thing, but marriage is another. I have to be sure that he's someone I can trust, someone I can rely on not just in times of peace but in times of turmoil. Sun Ce is a warrior, and his path will undoubtedly lead to conflict. Am I ready for that kind of life?"
Xiao Qiao leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand. "But you've always been strong, Big sister. You've never shied away from challenges. Maybe that's exactly what you need — someone who will face those challenges with you. Sun Ce seems like the kind of man who would stand by your side, no matter what."
Da Qiao considered her sister's words, nodding slowly. "Perhaps," she conceded. "But I still need to be certain. It's not just about love or admiration — it's about building a future together. Can Sun Ce and I truly build that future? Can we create something lasting, something that will endure beyond the battles and wars?"
Xiao Qiao grinned, her usual lightheartedness returning. "Well, you won't know until you give it a chance," she said with a playful nudge. "Besides, Father wouldn't have chosen Sun Ce and Zhou Yu if he didn't think they were worthy. He's a wise man, after all. And from what I've seen, these two men are more than worthy."
Da Qiao couldn't help but smile at her sister's optimism. Xiao Qiao had always been the more adventurous of the two, the one who approached life with a sense of excitement and wonder.
And perhaps there was some truth in her words. Maybe Sun Ce was the kind of man who could help her face the challenges of the future, just as Zhou Yu was the kind of man who could inspire Xiao Qiao to reach for her own dreams.
"Big sister," Xiao Qiao continued, her tone more serious now, "I've always admired your strength and wisdom. You've always been the one to guide me, to show me the right path. But this time, I think we need to follow our hearts. These men… they've already shown us that they're more than just warriors or strategists. They're men with vision, men who want to create something greater than themselves. And I think that's worth exploring."
Da Qiao met her sister's gaze, feeling a sense of resolve building within her. Xiao Qiao was right — this was a decision that required not just thought but heart. Sun Ce had already shown her that he was more than just a warrior, and she could see the potential for something deeper, something that could grow into a partnership of strength and honor.
"I think you're right, sister," Da Qiao finally said, her voice steady. "Perhaps it's time to trust our hearts and see where this path leads."
Xiao Qiao beamed, clearly pleased with her sister's response. "Exactly! And who knows? Maybe this is the beginning of something wonderful for both of us."
The two sisters sat in silence for a moment, the weight of their decisions settling in. They both knew that the path ahead would not be easy, but they also understood that this was their choice to make. Their father had given them the freedom to decide their own futures, and now it was up to them to take that step.
"Big sister," Xiao Qiao said softly, her voice filled with affection, "no matter what happens, we'll always have each other, right?"
Da Qiao smiled warmly at her younger sister, reaching out to take her hand. "Of course, sister. We'll face whatever comes together."
The bond between the Qiao sisters was unbreakable, forged through years of shared experiences and mutual understanding. And now, as they stood on the brink of a new chapter in their lives, that bond would only grow stronger.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm golden light over the garden, Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao rose from their seats. They had made their decisions — not in haste, but with careful consideration and open hearts.
Sun Ce and Zhou Yu had impressed them, but more importantly, they had shown that they were men of substance, men who could potentially walk alongside them as equals.
The future was uncertain, but the sisters were ready to face it. Together.
As they walked back toward their residence, their steps in sync, Da Qiao glanced at Xiao Qiao with a smile. "It seems our paths are set," she said.
Xiao Qiao grinned in return. "Indeed. And I can't wait to see where they lead."
With their hearts resolved, the Qiao sisters moved forward, ready to embrace the challenges and joys that lay ahead, knowing that whatever came, they would face it side by side.
Meanwhile, in the city of Lingling, the atmosphere was vastly different from the serene setting the Qiao sisters had experienced. Lingling, once a bustling hub of trade and culture, was now a shadow of its former self.
The streets were eerily quiet, with few souls daring to venture outside. The city, ravaged by fear and suspicion, bore the scars of a dark chapter in its history—one orchestrated by none other than Lady Cai and implicated Liu Cong in the process.
The grand courthouse, which had stood as a symbol of justice and order in Lingling, now felt cold and oppressive. The air inside was heavy with anticipation, and the murmur of hushed conversations filled the room as the trial of Lady Cai and Liu Cong began.
The once-proud matriarch of the Cai clan now sat in disgrace, her usual aura of haughtiness replaced by a tense rigidity. She still held her head high, but her eyes betrayed the fear and madness that lurked beneath her cold exterior. Her son, Liu Cong, sat beside her, visibly shaken, his hands clasped tightly as if in prayer.
At the center of this trial was the tragedy that had befallen Lingling—a tragedy that saw the city's vibrant life reduced to a ghostly shell of what it once was. The Cai clan's army, under the command of Lady Cai, had carried out a brutal purge of the commoners, a move intended to quash any dissent against their rule.
The purge had been merciless. Families were torn apart, homes were burned, and those who had managed to survive either fled the city or were left haunted by the horrors they had witnessed. Lingling was no longer a city; it was a tomb town.
The presiding judge, a stern and stoic man named Zhao Ling, entered the chamber with an air of authority that commanded silence. His reputation as a fair but unyielding magistrate had spread far and wide, and many in the courtroom looked to him with the hope that justice would finally be served for the crimes committed against the people of Lingling.
"All rise for Magistrate Zhao Ling," the bailiff called, and the room obediently stood as the judge took his place at the bench. His expression was grave, his eyes scanning the faces before him, lingering momentarily on Lady Cai and Liu Cong.
The trial commenced with a recounting of the events that had led to this day. Witnesses were called, and each testimony painted a harrowing picture of the atrocities that had taken place under the Cai family's rule. The prosecution began with a man named Hu Wei, a former merchant who had lost everything during the purge.
Hu Wei's voice trembled as he stood before the court. "I lived in Lingling my whole life," he began, his hands shaking as he spoke. "My family… my wife and children… we had a modest business, selling goods to travelers. We never caused any trouble and never spoke out against the Cai family or their rule. But then, one night, soldiers came. They didn't ask questions. They didn't care about our loyalty. They just… they just took everything."
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Name: Lie Fan
Title: Overlord Of The Central Plains
Age: 32 (199 AD)
Level: 16
Next Level: 462,000
Renown: 1325
Cultivation: Yin Yang Separation (level 9)
SP: 1,121,700
ATTRIBUTE POINTS
STR: 951 (+20)
VIT: 613 (+20)
AGI: 598 (+10)
INT: 617
CHR: 96
WIS: 519
WILL: 407
ATR Points: 0
PENSAMENTOS DOS CRIADORES 
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