The Lin estate stirred with excitement. Word had arrived that several prominent families would visit to celebrate the annual Moonlight Festival, a grand affair marked by feasting, performances, and games of martial skill. It was a rare chance for noble houses to flaunt their talents and for alliances to be quietly forged—or broken.For Lin Tianwu, it was an inconvenience. Crowds were a distraction, and the last thing he wanted was to parade in front of strangers who would dismiss him as the "useless eldest son." Still, he knew better than to disobey his father's orders to attend.What he didn't expect, however, was the tangled web of emotions and rivalries that would soon unfold.---The festivities began with a flourish. Lanterns adorned every corner of the estate, their golden glow casting a warm light over the sprawling gardens. Musicians played soft melodies, their notes mingling with the laughter and chatter of guests.Tianwu stood at the edge of the crowd, his expression unreadable as he observed the mingling nobles. He was dressed simply but elegantly, his robes dark and understated—a stark contrast to his siblings, who flaunted their wealth and status with vibrant silks and intricate embroidery."Ah, there you are," came a familiar voice.Tianwu turned to see Song Yuren approaching, his crimson robe drawing eyes even among the sea of finery. He carried himself with an effortless grace, his smile as disarming as ever."I was beginning to think you'd hide away all evening," Yuren teased, stopping beside him."And miss all this?" Tianwu replied dryly, gesturing to the lively crowd.Yuren chuckled. "You may not enjoy these gatherings, but they're valuable opportunities. A place like this is where alliances are made, and enemies are revealed."Tianwu's gaze flicked toward Yuren, his eyes narrowing slightly. "You speak as though you've already uncovered something."Before Yuren could respond, a commotion at the main gates drew their attention. A group of newcomers had arrived, their presence commanding immediate respect.At the forefront was a tall young man with striking features and an air of authority. His midnight-blue robes bore the emblem of the Zhao family, one of the most powerful clans in the Liang Kingdom."Zhao Weiyang," Yuren murmured, his tone unreadable.Tianwu's eyes followed the newcomer as he entered, his piercing gaze scanning the crowd. Weiyang exuded confidence, his every movement deliberate and commanding. It was clear he was no stranger to power.Weiyang's eyes lingered briefly on Tianwu before he turned toward the pavilion where the Lin patriarch waited to greet him."You know him?" Tianwu asked, his curiosity piqued.Yuren's smile didn't reach his eyes. "We've crossed paths. He's a man who values strength above all else. Be careful around him, Tianming. He doesn't tolerate weakness."---As the evening progressed, Tianwu found himself drawn into conversations he would have preferred to avoid. Many guests approached him out of curiosity or politeness, their words laced with subtle condescension.But it was Zhao Weiyang's approach that caught him off guard."You must be Lin Tianming," Weiyang said, his voice deep and measured. "I've heard much about you.""Not all of it flattering, I'm sure," Tianwu replied, his tone even.Weiyang's lips quirked into a faint smile. "Modesty doesn't suit you. I saw your sparring match with your brother. You've hidden depths."Tianwu arched an eyebrow, unsure whether the comment was a compliment or a veiled challenge.Before he could respond, another voice interrupted."Tianming!"Lin Haoran strode toward them, his expression tense as he placed himself between Tianwu and Weiyang. "Brother, Father has been looking for you. Perhaps you should see what he wants."Tianwu's eyes narrowed, recognizing the possessive edge in Haoran's tone. It wasn't concern—it was jealousy."Perhaps later," Tianwu said, his voice deliberately calm. "For now, I'm enjoying the company."Haoran's jaw tightened, but before he could argue, Yuren appeared beside them, his presence immediately shifting the dynamic."Am I interrupting something?" Yuren asked, his smile as charming as ever."Not at all," Weiyang replied smoothly, though his gaze lingered on Yuren with faint suspicion. "We were just discussing Tianming's potential.""How intriguing," Yuren said, his tone light. "Tianming is full of surprises, isn't he?"Haoran's expression darkened further, his frustration barely concealed.Tianwu, meanwhile, remained silent, his sharp mind piecing together the subtle undercurrents at play. Weiyang's interest in him was deliberate, but to what end? Haoran's jealousy was expected, but it was Yuren's behavior that puzzled him most.---As the night wore on, the tension between the four of them became increasingly palpable. Conversations overlapped, each word carefully chosen yet heavy with hidden meanings.Weiyang's confidence clashed with Haoran's possessiveness, while Yuren's enigmatic presence kept everyone guessing. And at the center of it all was Tianwu, silently observing, his thoughts veiled behind a calm exterior.It wasn't until the fireworks began that the delicate balance broke.Tianwu had stepped away from the crowd, seeking solitude beneath the shadow of a cherry blossom tree. The distant bursts of color illuminated the night sky, their brilliance reflected in the still waters of the pond.He hadn't expected anyone to follow him."You always seem to find the quiet places," Yuren said, his voice soft as he approached."It's easier to think here," Tianwu replied without turning.Yuren stood beside him, the two of them bathed in the silvery light of the moon. For a moment, neither spoke, the silence stretching between them."Do you trust me, Tianming?" Yuren asked suddenly, his tone uncharacteristically serious.Tianwu glanced at him, startled by the question. "Should I?"Yuren's gaze met his, unflinching. "That's for you to decide. But I'll warn you—trusting the wrong person can be costly."Before Tianwu could respond, another voice called out from behind them."Tianming!"They turned to see Zhao Weiyang striding toward them, his expression unreadable."I thought I'd find you here," he said, his tone almost casual. "I wanted to discuss something—privately."Yuren's eyes narrowed, his posture shifting slightly as if preparing for confrontation.Tianwu's heart raced, though he kept his face impassive. The threads of intrigue were tightening, pulling him into a web of rivalries and hidden desires.As Weiyang stopped before him, the tension between the three of them was almost suffocating."Tianming," Weiyang said, his voice low, "what is it you truly want?"The question hung in the air, heavy with unspoken meaning.And for the first time in centuries, Lin Tianwu found himself unsure of the answer.---In the distance, the faint sound of a flute echoed through the night—a melody hauntingly familiar to Tianwu. His breath hitched as memories long buried clawed their way to the surface, threatening to unravel the fragile balance he had so carefully maintained.