When Tang Wei Sheng reached the study room on the first floor, along with his grandfather, his father and uncle were already present there. The deadly silence lingered in the atmosphere reflected equally on the three men in the room.
"Grandpa, mom said that you were looking for me," He said casually.
"Yes, take a seat," Tang Fei pointed at the sofa and went on to ask his grandson,
"You may wonder why I've called you in the middle of the night,"
"Is everything alright, grandpa?" Tang Wei Sheng could figure out that something is wrong while looking at his grandfather and father.
"Yes. Everything is alright, my child." Tang Fei's mouth curled up into an assuring smile. "There is an important thing we want you to know," He paused for a second and looked at Tang Wei Sheng who got curious all of sudden.
"The Tang family is one of C country's most powerful families among the elites. Do you know how our forefathers achieved such a status in this country?"
Tang Wei Sheng was well aware of the fact that for the last five generations Tang family was not only ruling the economy of C country but also maintained a spot among the top 10 corporations in the continent.
But somehow he felt it wasn't the answer which his grandfather was expecting from him.
"We were the rulers of this land," Tang Fei's authoritative voice rang in the room.
"Rulers?" Tang Wei Sheng eyes widened in complete amusement as he listened to his grandfather.
"Yes. Thousands of years ago our family ruled this land. If we were able to continue the royal reign, then you would have been the only heir to the throne,"
Tang Wei Sheng stared at his Tang Fei, unable to believe his words.
"But grandpa there is no-" He hesitated to articulate the doubts that popped in his mind and stared blankly.
"There is no record of it," Tang Yi completed his grandson's words with a bitter laugh, "Yes, indeed. There is no government record that shows that we are related to any dynasty.
But the truth is that we are the descendants of the royal family of the Wei Kingdom who ruled half of the mainland for over 100years." Tang Fei sounded proud as he spoke about his ancestors.
"You may wonder why the truth is hidden from the world." Tang Fei glanced at his grandson and cleared his throat as if he going to tell a story.
"A treason that occurred during the rule of the last emperor has wiped the existence of a mighty empire from the history of C country," His wrinkled eyes glowed with a malicious glint.
"Wei Sheng," the last monarch of the Wei empire was considered as the greatest ruler ever born in the Wei Clan. He made allies with other kingdoms, conquered those who challenged him and rose into the position of the sovereign head of the entire North- East region. He brought wealth and prosperity to the land. Under his rule, the empire and his subjects rejoiced. But every victory had a price to pay,"
Tang Fei paused and looked at his grandson who is named after their great ancestor,
"The legends say, the Wei emperor is the living vessel of the Wolf God- An immortal being caged inside the human souls.
He will grant your wishes on the price of your soul.
In return, the wolf god asks one thing, to find a precious amulet - moonstone, which helps him to break free from the soul binding chains and bring redemption to him. It was similar to the saying- selling your soul to the devil."
Every human vessel was bound to search for the moonstone. If the vessel fails to find it Wolf God will devour his soul and manifest on another potential vessel.
Unfortunately, none of the vessels could find the moonstone and failed to propitiate the Wolf God.
However, the last emperor was an exception. Unlike others, he was able to locate the moonstone that has been safely guarded in a Kingdom beyond the Tu mountains, hidden from the mainlanders-
It was known as the land of Jade, a small kingdom that is surrounded by giant mountains filled with gemstones and jade- an absolute treasure cove.
Even though it was tiny in comparison with the kingdoms on the mainland no one dared to conquer the Jade land.
"Why is that so?" Tang Wei Sheng who was immersed in the story asked curiously.
"The mainlanders believed that Jade land is the abode of the Jade emperor on earth and whoever tries to attack the sacred land will be struck down by the wrath of the almighty Jade Emperor. It seems like a silly bedtime story, isn't it?"
Tang Fei asked his grandson who appeared dazed.
"But it was real. Those who tried to conquer the Jade land ended up receiving the Jade emperor's wrath and vanished into nothingness.
Understanding the deadly situation, the Wei emperor tried to avoid a blood spill and extended a friendly alliance to Jade land to become the empire's ally. However, Jade land people rejected his offer and humiliated him to an extent where they forced him to declare war on the barbarian kingdom situated in the mountains.
It was the first-ever war that has happened on Jade Land. Though it lasted only four days, many lives were lost, thousands were injured.
In the end, on the verge of capitulation, the Jade land king and his soldiers committed suicide.
After succeeding, the Wei warriors searched all over the place but failed to find the moonstone or single soul in the country,"
"An entire population vanished?" Tang Wei Sheng blurted out in disbelief, "Or did they get killed?"
"Nobody knows. Maybe they have fled to some other place or killed themselves, but altogether it was clear that Wei Emperor ended up achieving nothing," Tang Fei dramatically paused and scanned the young man who was unable to suppress his bewilderment.
"Did he also received Jade emperor's wrath? Is that way his empire got destroyed?" Tang Wei Sheng sought the answers.
"Probably yes," Tang Fei retaliated in a dispirited tone, "The emperor and his army who went to conquer Jade land never returned. Those who went looking for the Wei army after hearing the victory news from the war field messengers, couldn't find a single human soul nor the Jade land itself. The entire kingdom has vanished from the earth along with the people,"
"How is that even possible?" Tang Wei Sheng asked, visibly agitated by the number of unbelievable factors present in the story.
"No one knows," Tang Fei shrugged and continued,
"In the absence of the sovereign head, the empire fell into Chaos. The royal court of Wei divided into two and those who conspired against the emperor came into the rule. They mercilessly killed and exiled the descendants of the royal family. For almost two centuries, the Wei clan lived in secrecy and waited for a chance. But more than anything the missing of the emperor remained a pitiful mystery. So they decided to search for him and Jade land. Even after a thousand years, the search is still continued.
All the males born in our bloodline carries a fate. We are indebted to wolf God and the last emperor. As per the beliefs and rules of the Wei clan, everyone is obliged to search for the jade land and their moonstone. Your great grandfather, me, your father, all of us have done our part in the search for moonstone. Now it is your turn,"
As soon as Tang Fei concluded his words, Tang Wei Sheng looked at him with a pair of confused eyes.
"I know it seems like a fairy tale. But it is true my child, the history we study in books are not entirely true –they are created from one's point of view. Some things are beyond a written text," Tang Fei tried to explain and break the heaviness of the situation,
"The renowned history books written in this country does not contain a single line about Jade land or Wei empire. As if someone has purposefully erased its existence. However, after several year's hard work and research, we have finally located the place where jade land was situated," Tang Fei stopped his monologue and looked at his eldest son to explain the rest.
"As the first male born in this generation of Wei Clan and the chosen one, it is your duty to search and find the Jade land," Tang Yin instructed in a commanding voice and stared at his son who was lost in thoughts.
Tang Wei Sheng's mind was filled with doubts and disbeliefs as he listened to the entire story. It was impossible for him to digest the facts that have been shoved into his brain.
A king and his failed journey to find a stone, that too with a backstory which is no lesser than an eastern fantasy novel.
As a person who lives in the era of supercomputers and high-end technologies– it was unbelievable for Tang Wei Sheng to treat whatever he heard as nothing but a fairy tale.
"Upon our request, Professor Han Guang of Jing University is conducting his research on finding the remains of Jade land. He claims that he has found the place," Tang Yi looked at his son with a tint of hope that his son won't deny their requests.
All of sudden, Tang Fei stood up from his seat and moved towards his grandson. Holding on to Tang Wei Sheng's palm, he spoke tenderly,
"Ah Sheng my child, I know it is difficult for you to believe. In this 21 century who believes tales of an old man-a journey to find a mysterious land- a crazy story. Don't you think? And we are definitely not in a position to persuade you. You are an adult and you have every right to take your own decisions."
Even though Tang Fei explained with a smile, Tang Wei Sheng could recognise the melancholy in his grandfather's wrinkled eyes.
"During my grandfather's time, the Wei clan split into three and started searching for the lost kingdom. It has been decided that the one who finds about the lost land will rise into the higher status as the sovereign head of the clan. Do you know, the three out of the top five Corporations that run C country's economy is part of the Wei bloodline?
As per today's scenario, the one who finds about the lost kingdom will become the sole owner of the biggest economy in the world," Tang Fei said with a subtle level of persuasion.
Becoming the ultimate top dog in the economic world, such a tempting offer, the world will revolve around his fingertip.
Tang Yi's sharp eyes were fixed on his son who took long enough to respond, the lines on his forehead creases into a frown.
"What runs the world, Tang Wei Sheng?" He asked in a sudden loud voice.
"Power!" Tang Wei Sheng unequivocally answered like a soldier who responds to his commander.
There was a momentary sparkle in Tang Wei Sheng's dark eyes.
"Ah Sheng, you should not be worrying about these things, not at least for today… it's already late, go and sleep now," Tang Fei said in a doting tone and patted on the young man's shoulder.
"Tang Wei Sheng," Tang Yi called his son who was about to leave his seat, "If you have time, pay a visit to Professor Han. He will be able to clear your doubts,"
"How about tomorrow?" Tang Wei Sheng asked on a whim, surprising the other three men in the room,
"Can you fix an appointment with him regarding this matter?" He asked nonchalantly.
"Are you considering?" Tang Yin asked with a tinge of surprise in his voice. He did not expect his nephew to agree within a short time.
"Let me clarify my doubts first," He replied frankly,
"Good, I will arrange an appointment for tomorrow," Tang Yi assured and let his son leave the room.
"I don't think he will agree to do this. Ah Sheng has changed a lot. He is no longer the kid whom you used to control," Tang Yin shared his doubt with his brother.
"I know he is not the same. But before his grandfather, he is still a kid who willing to do whatever his grandpa asks. Or else, for the sake of that girl, he will agree." The corners of Tang Yi's mouth turned upwards viciously.
It was true. Tang Wei Sheng was indeed an obedient child who loved Tang Fei more than his own parents.
He was so obedient that, Seven years ago, when Tang Wei Sheng had his first love, he left the country without even confessing his feelings to the girl he loved upon his grandfather's order.
At the same time, Li Juan reclined on her bed sleeplessly. She was fully awake with the memories of Tang Wei Sheng. They have finally met after a long time and to her surprise, none of their interactions felt odd- It was just like old times.
Beep, Beep, Beep!!
Li Juan's mobile rang with the continuous notification sound from her cell phone.
"It's two in the morning and who is sending messages?" She mumbled and checked her phone.
It was Tang Wei Lan who sent her the photos that she took during the party.
Li Juan skimmed through the photographs and found out a photo of her with Tang Wei Sheng.
It was a candid picture of the moment when he hugged her before the crowd.
With her eyes gleaming in happiness, Li Juan selected a picture with Tang Wei Lan and uploaded it on her SNS account with the caption 'Lost and found- My Toy poodle'
As soon as the post came up, she received a message from Tang Wei Lan's account.
Piano fairy: Gege is asking for your number. Should I give him?
Lily of the valley: sends a "Yes" sticker.
Piano fairy: In your dreams! Hahaha.
Lily of the valley: sends a Gloomy face sticker.
Piano fairy: I will give him your number on one condition.
Lily of the valley: What condition?
Piano fairy: Confess to him!!!!
Lily of the valley: You are crazy!!! I don't have time for your tricks...I am going to bed,
Piano Fairy: Aigoo my poor baby, I will give him your number, but you should give me some good news within ONE WEEK,"
Lily of the valley: In your dreams.
Piano Fairy: Haha, I've already your number. Expect your sweet Senior Tang's message any minute.
Lily of the valley: Okay!
Piano fairy: Good night then, dream about your sweetheart.
Lily of the valley: Good night crazy girl!!!
Li Juan ended her chat and kept the mobile on the bedside table.
Beep, beep
another message, She jolted up and grabbed the phone to check the notification.
Puff!!! Li Juan's imaginary bubble popped in the very next second.
It was her professor's message on their research group.
Han Solo: Sorry for the short notice! We will be having a briefing at 9 am tomorrow. It's urgent. I hope everyone will be able to come around 8.30 at least.
Tomb Raider: What? sends a crying Emoji to the group.
Han Solo: Are you still awake, Cheng?
Tomb Raider: No professor, I have already slept.
Han Solo: Don't be late tomorrow, our investors will be there to oversee the research progress.
Second young master Lee: Yes, professor.
Lily of the valley: Yes, professor.
Han Solo: Seems like every single one of you are awake...please don't be late tomorrow.