2 Is Blood Thicker than Water?

On a night of full moon, running footsteps can be heard from the corridors of Hong's Residence. "Brother! You and your army cannot leave the imperial palace. You are the general left to manage the security in the capital!" said by a young lady who has pale white skin that glistens in the moonlight, round almond eyes, and long black silky hair. The young lady emerged from the shadows and angrily appeared in front of a young man who wore a pretentious smile.

"Relax my little sister. I'm not taking with me the entire militia. Maybe forty to fifty men is enough or maybe just myself!". The young man sinisterly laughed. "You! After you heard that the mission is almost complete, you are planning to steal the credit from second brother! I know you influenced the elders to send him to that doubtful mission!". The young girl furiously stared at her brother while deep inside hoped that her brother will change his mind.

"Oh no! What are you saying?! I am there to help him. To save him", the young man playfully replied. Dreaded by her brother's answer, she spoke her mind freely. "Do you not know honor? We are from the same flesh and blood but it seems mud flows in your body". Offended by her sister's words, he started to threaten her. "Hong ZhenMei! Watch your mouth! Remember you are talking to a general of the Imperial Palace and your eldest brother. Always do remember your status, my dear cute little sister. It will help you keep your head". Undaunted, ZhenMei bravely replied, "I am not afraid of you. Reminds me, you speak too highly of yourself as a general, Hong FanFan. It seems you have forgotten you acquired it using our family's influence and your dirty scheming".

"The end does not justify the means", Hong FanFan said sarcastically. "Oh really? Who cares! Does it matter? Look where I am now and how about you? True! Your talent in magic and combat is excellent. People say you're a genius and your summoned beasts and magic runes are one of the greatest contributors to my successful campaigns. They even call you the shadow general but are you the general? No! Do you have my prestige? No! Do you understand now?", Hong FanFan berates his sister.

"Be thankful we have the same blood. If not..". The young girl did not finish her statement and just glared at her brother. "Oh my! Please don't look at me that way. I'm scared". Fanfan pretended to be afraid and continued to mock his sister. "If only looks could kill, you could be the best warrior. But wait! You're a woman so you can never be. You and your second brother end up getting used because of your lack of ambition. It is not my fault you guys are like that you know! Why don't you try to tell mother to stop me, that is if she'll listen to you!". The young man proudly laughed and looked down upon his sister. "But I really do admire your loyalty to our family. Now! now! Enough chit chat! I have to go and save my cute little brother. Good night and sweet dreams sister!"

Fanfan disappeared into the shadows and left ZhenMei furious and disappointed. She knew that even if she begged and exposed the truth, her parents will still listen to her eldest brother. But what if she tried to persuade her mother? Her decision that night was it by fate? Was it for the better or for the worst? No one knows. Only the hands of time can tell.