Imperial Year 10, Shen Zhou Empire, Southern Capital - Xiajing County, Mingling Mountain, Xie Family Mansion
"Quickly, move faster! You there—no, not like that! The canopy must be set up properly, or else it'll collapse under the rain!"
In the expansive garden of the Xie family mansion, a servant clad in navy blue workwear, a matching headscarf, and gripping a pinewood cane bellowed orders at the bustling workers.
"This afternoon is the grand celebration of Old Master Xie's eightieth birthday! The guests he's invited are some of the most esteemed figures across the Empire. If anything goes wrong, you lot won't be able to shoulder the consequences!"
Before he could scold further, a measured voice from behind interrupted him.
"What's all the shouting about?"
Startled, the servant spun around to see a man emerging from the long corridor connecting the walls. This wasn't just anyone—it was a scion of the prominent Chen family, an official of the Empire.
The servant's face turned pale. He knew all too well the rank and authority this man carried and hurriedly bowed in deference.
"Ah, Lord Chen, I was merely instructing the workers to ensure everything is prepared properly for the Old Master's banquet."
Seeing the servant's trembling stance, the elegantly dressed Chen gentleman smiled reassuringly.
"I understand you're eager to ensure a smooth event. After all, it's a sign of your diligence, not negligence. Rest assured, I won't report this to Old Master Xie or anyone else."
"Thank you, Lord Chen! Your generosity knows no bounds."
Lord Chen offered a gentle pat on the servant's shoulder and a few parting words of advice.
"Carry on, but do remember: today marks the Old Master's eightieth birthday. He values the harmony of Feng Shui above all else. Don't let your loud voice disturb the energy, especially with the celestial guests in attendance."
"I understand, my lord. I'll be careful."
Satisfied, Lord Chen left the servant to his work and began strolling deeper into the estate.
The Xie family garden was a marvel—a testament to wealth and artistry. Manicured bonsais and masterfully crafted rock formations were tastefully arranged around a serpentine stream designed to echo the yin-yang of Tai Chi. The flow of crystal-clear mountain water infused the space with vitality.
Yet, as Chen wandered past these carefully curated elements, an unease crept over him. Something about the design, despite its grandeur, felt...off.
"Isn't Feng Shui supposed to evoke balance and peace?" he murmured, an inexplicable chill tracing his spine.
Crossing the arched stone gate that marked the border between the outer and inner gardens, Chen pressed on. The inner garden was more compact but no less lavish. It was here that preparations for the banquet were in full swing, with servants arranging exquisite hardwood furniture under strings of lanterns.
Chen's brows furrowed. Could the Xie family's renowned pharmacy business truly generate such immense wealth?
At last, Chen reached the main house—a sprawling structure of polished redwood, each beam and tile meticulously crafted. Pausing at the heavy red doors, he strained to listen. Silence.
He pushed the doors open and stepped inside, crossing the high threshold. In the dimly lit hall, an elderly figure with sparse hair and a frail demeanor rose slowly from a grand chair.
"Ah, dear nephew! What an unexpected pleasure. Please forgive this old man for not greeting you properly."
The elder shuffled forward, but Chen quickly closed the distance, offering a supportive hand.
"Uncle Xie, there's no need for such formality. The ties between our families run deep; attending your birthday is an honor. Besides, I've prepared a special gift for you."
"Oh, you're far too kind. I'm unworthy of such generosity."
Chen laughed warmly. "Come now, Uncle. You're a man of longevity and fortune. The gift has already been placed in the storage room—I'll have it brought out during the banquet."
"Such thoughtfulness! Truly, I am grateful."
As they exchanged pleasantries, Xie Laotaiye's eyes darted briefly to a shadowed corner of the room. A faint unease flickered across his face before he regained composure.
"Nephew, I must apologize. Managing household affairs has left me stretched thin, with no family left to properly host you. I fear I must leave you to your own devices for now."
"Uncle, there's no need to explain. Your dedication to the family is admirable."
With that, Chen allowed himself to be politely escorted out. Once outside, he glanced back at the grand mansion. The ornate carvings and tiled roof exuded luxury, but they also carried a strange, foreboding energy.
"Father said this mountain is a blessed land," he muttered. "But who still believes in such tales these days?"
Back inside the sealed hall, Xie Laotaiye stood upright, his stooped posture vanishing like a discarded mask. His frail demeanor was gone, replaced by the confident vigor of a man decades younger.
"Ghosthead Qi," he called, striding into the shadows. "Is everything ready? Do we have enough for the ceremony?"
From the darkness, a figure emerged, his face half-hidden in shadow, wearing a sly smile.
"Enough and more, Old Master Xie. But I must say, your act of frailty is rather...amusing."
"You fool," Xie sneered. "Appearances are everything. A man of eighty should not move like one of thirty. Let the ignorant believe I am what they expect."
The man in the shadows chuckled softly but said no more, his expression unreadable as the ritual's true purpose loomed ever closer.