After a lengthy debate and a series of tense considerations held in a formal setting, Li Chengyan finally stood once more at the seat of honor. His voice was calm, yet full of authority as he spoke.
"After evaluating all proposals, logistical readiness, and the security commitments submitted... Then in the name of the Longxuan Empire, the rights to lead the first trade convoy along the Southwest Route will be granted to the Wei Family."
The hall instantly buzzed with whispers. Some merchants looked toward Lin Xi in admiration, others with caution.
Li Chengyan added, his gaze locked directly on Lin Xi.
"The Wei family, through Lady Wei Lianhua, has demonstrated strategic preparedness, concrete offers for the empire, and the courage to take risks. These qualities are commendable in establishing a challenging new trade route."
Lin Xi bowed with elegance, her voice steady.
"On behalf of the Wei family, we vow to uphold the honor and security of this route, for the shared prosperity of the Empire."
Meanwhile, across the room, Prime Minister Shen remained seated, but his gaze had shifted. Now, he was no longer watching only Li Chengyan, but Lin Xi as well—cold and calculating.
His hand clenched lightly on the table. In his mind, he began compiling a list. And the name Wei Lianhua—increasingly suspicious, too clever, too quickly rising—was now on it.
This child is no ordinary merchant, he mused. If left unchecked, she could become a threat—not just to my daughter, but to the entire balance of noble power.
He narrowed his eyes and signaled one of his personal guards. In a low voice, he whispered,
"Watch Wei Lianhua’s every move. Don’t overlook a single detail."
The guard gave a silent nod and obeyed. Thus, a silent enmity began to form—cold, unseen, yet sharp and deadly.
---
The cool morning air did little to dispel the tension hanging over the main hall of the Wei household. Footsteps echoed hurriedly, followed by the sound of a door being shut a bit too hard.
Su Wanrong stood before Lin Xi, eyes sharp with anger. Beside her, Wei Junlin—the eldest son—sat clutching a teacup nervously.
“What were you thinking, Lianhua? Putting up all our main trade ships as collateral for the first convoy? That’s not bravery, it’s foolishness!” Su Wanrong's voice brimmed with emotion. She had nearly exploded when she heard the final results of last night’s banquet.
Lin Xi, standing tall before them, met her gaze without flinching.
“A bold move is the only way to overtake the deeply rooted families of the capital. If we keep playing safe, we’ll forever remain in their shadow.”
Wei Junlin cut in, his tone no less sharp.
“You may have caught the attention of the King of Qin, but this isn't just about reputation! This concerns the future of our entire family! Do you think Father would agree if he knew all our main ships are being committed to a massive convoy with uncertain returns?”
Su Wanrong nodded in agreement, stepping closer. Her tone softened, but carried a veiled threat.
“You may have grown used to taking risks since your return, Lianhua. But the Wei family is no place for gambling. We will not allow your ambition to destroy our name and fortune.”
“I’m not gambling, Madam.” Lin Xi raised an eyebrow as she inhaled deeply. She knew this was part of the consequence. Yet she didn’t waver.
“I’m making a calculated plan. The Empire entrusted us not because we are the largest, but because we dared to be the first. And if this succeeds—and I will make sure it does—then we won’t just be strong again; we will be irreplaceable.”
A brief silence fell. Su Wanrong narrowed her eyes, now weighing the pros and cons more seriously.
“You really believe you can deceive the nobles of the capital with courage alone? The trade world isn’t as simple as you think,” Wei Junlin muttered mockingly.
“Watch and see, Junlin. If I fail, I’ll shoulder the burden alone.”
Lin Xi stared at her half-brother, sharp but composed. Beneath her upright posture, the storm swirled—revulsion, hatred, and disgust she had long buried. Every glance at their faces felt like swallowing fire.
At last, Lin Xi understood the kind of life Lianhua must have lived. No matter how great her achievements were, they would never be enough for those consumed by greed.
As the tension nearly reached its peak, heavy footsteps and the sound of a door creaking open slowly drew everyone’s attention. Wei Jian, the patriarch of the Wei family, entered. His face was calm, but his gaze sharp and commanding.
“Enough,” he said, firmly but briefly. The room fell into silence. He looked at Su Wanrong, then at Wei Junlin, and finally at Lin Xi.
“I’ve heard everything. And I approve of Lianhua’s decision,” he stated, tired but resolute.
Su Wanrong frowned. “But, my lord, this is too risky! If the convoy fails—”
Wei Jian raised his hand, cutting her off.
“Listen well. What Lianhua has done is indeed bold, but it’s not without foundation. A new trade route opened directly by the Empire is a once-in-a-decade opportunity—perhaps once in a lifetime. If we let it pass, another family will seize it, and we’ll be left behind forever.”
He reached into his sleeve and drew out a scroll. A duplicate of the trade route map unfurled on the table.
“Look at this route. It connects agricultural hubs in the north with iron mines in the southwest and a major port in the south. It’s not just agricultural goods and metals that will be traded—cultural items, fine textiles, precious gems… everything will pass through here. The potential is vast.”
Wei Junlin seemed about to argue, but his father looked him straight in the eyes.
“You fear we’ll lose our wealth? That’s exactly why we need to move. We’ve stayed stuck in the old ways for too long. The world has changed, Junlin. The slow will be devoured.”
He then turned to Lin Xi with a meaningful gaze.
“And one more thing—compared to the others at that banquet, only Lianhua was brave and clever enough to seize such an initiative. The Empire will remember who led the way.”
Su Wanrong appeared unsatisfied, but could not refute her husband’s logic. Wei Junlin only gritted his teeth and fell silent.
Wei Jian approached Lin Xi and gently patted her shoulder.
“Prove to everyone that your courage isn’t just a passing flame. I believe in you.”
Lin Xi no longer replied with words. She simply nodded and walked away, leaving them behind. The disgust she felt when facing her stepmother and half-brother only deepened.
If only I were Lin Xi now, not Lianhua, she thought. Then I wouldn’t need words—a single punch would’ve been enough.