Volume II, Big Summer Dynasty Chapter 29: The chaos will begin
On February 7th, when the Sirius star shines brightest in the sky and the ice is thick, winter reaches its peak. It is seen as a celestial wolf of Venus, orbiting its purple edge. If that celestial balance breaks, chaos may follow.
Not long after, Zhuge Yue, using his sources of information, tracked Chu Qiao's location and was led to the old master Zhuge Xi's mansion. Meanwhile, at the Wei's ancestral hall, Wei Guang held a golden arrow, handing it solemnly to Wei Shu Ye. The old man, his voice low, said, "Shu Ye, do not let your uncle be disappointed, and do not bring shame to the Wei ancestors."
Wei Shu Ye raised his hands and gazed at the golden arrow, his eyes intense. He opened his mouth as if to speak, but no words came out.
"Child of the Ye family, the Wei ancestors are watching over you. Your father would be proud of you if he were here."
Wei Shu Ye frowned and, after a long pause, slowly nodded. "Who?"
Wei Guang gave a faint smile. Dipping his fingers in the tea, he slowly wrote a word on the incense table.
Wei Shu Ye's eyes widened when he saw the word, unsure whether to focus on what was written or on his uncle's expectant gaze.
"This is the meaning behind the ownership of Sheng Jin Gong. Now go, child. You do not need to know all the reasons, but remember, you do this for the Wei clan. History will prove you right, and soon you will understand the legacy of our ancestors. That is all."
As the sunset bathed the Wei's ancestral hall in red light, Wei Shu Ye respectfully saluted his uncle. "Uncle," he said.
"Are you ready?"
"Uncle, rest assured. Everything has been arranged."
"Then go, with the grace of our ancestors." The old man bowed slightly, turning back to the spirit tablets of their forebears. His luxurious robes brushed the floor as the incense smoke swirled, filling the ancestral temple with the scent of ash.
Wei Shu Yuo, older and more composed than Wei Shu Ye, approached, his tone casual, "Uncle, do you have any news from the north?"
The old man chuckled softly, his laugh tinged with irony. "None."
Wei Shu Yuo frowned. "The Northern Yanbei is vast, its people strong. Despite the bitter cold, the region's connection to the Western trade routes has led to a booming economy. The recent elections in Yanbei have also strengthened their government, earning the people's love. Their leadership is filled with talent, and they have won hearts without conflict."
Both Wei men frowned, deep in thought. Wei Guang sighed and said softly, "No one is without fault, but to enter Huabi (the painted wall) is a crime. What do you think of the master of the Golden Palace, who sought to destroy him? Even someone who makes no mistakes for too long becomes suspect. Balance is key. Sheng Jin Gong is weak and complicated, while Yan Wang Ye is flourishing, strong, and righteous. When one rises and the other falls, envy destroys all that stands in its way."
Wei Guang turned, looking at Wei Shu Yuo with pride. "Remember, people may say that the elders are oppressed by the Great Summer dynasty, but seven of their families are now ministers in the government. Do not forget what your uncle has told you, and do not forget who truly holds power in the Great Summer dynasty."
Wei Shu Yuo bowed his head deeply, promising not to forget his uncle's words.
Wei Guang exhaled slowly. "The Yan Princes have slim chances. It's as if they never intended to participate at all."
As the sun set over Yuan City, a strange event unfolded. People on the streets were startled, looking up at the horizon where, without warning, a bright red star flared and then vanished. The star descended smoothly into darkness.
At the Zhuge household, Zhu Shun, wounded and in pain, rushed out, crying, "Fourth young master, please let me explain! This is a misunderstanding!"
A sharp, swift sound was heard. Blood gushed, and Zhu Shun screamed as his ear fell to the ground.
"Keep your life until I return," Zhuge Yue said coldly, ignoring his pleas. His face was dark, his eyes colder still. He mounted his horse and rode off, leaving his guards to follow, casting sympathetic glances at the injured man.
Days earlier, the same man had lost his hands. As he lay by the roadside, wailing, even those who had once called him a confidant dared not help him.
It was suppertime, and snow had begun to fall over Chishui Lake. Dressed in white fur, a hood drawn over his head, a figure stood by the frozen lake, indifferent, eyes fixed on the distance. He was almost a man, his luxurious robes flowing, his handsome face calm as the lake reflected the quiet.
Back in Wei State, as the sun dipped behind the mountains, the lights of Sheng Jin Gong glittered like an endless sea of stars. Yan Xun turned away, his eyes hard as they gazed toward the palace.
"Young prince!" Feng Shujiao ran toward him, panting. "You will not like this!"
"What happened?" Yan Xun asked, his brow raised.
"The star girl was captured and taken to Zhuge Xi's mansion!"
"No way!" Yan Xun's brow furrowed deeply. "When did this happen? Are you sure?"
"I overheard the Zhuge household's maids. Many rules were broken. The 'star child' was forced to leave Castle Peak, and now everyone is worried."
The youngster frowned, deep in thought for a long while. Suddenly, he leapt onto his horse and said, "Feng Shujiao, we have work to do! Off to Zhuge Mansion!"
"Ah?" Feng Shujiao was stunned. "Are we really going? Can we just abandon everything now? What about all the fanfare?"
Yan Xun shook his head. "If we're stopped because of this, it's no big deal."
"What kind of place are we headed to?"
Yan Xun's eyes gleamed as he replied, "I already planned to visit the Zhuge master before leaving. No harm done. Let's go."
As their horses galloped, raising clouds of snow, three hundred troops waited quietly nearby. The advance party returned swiftly, rushing to report to their commander. Facing their leader, one soldier saluted and said, "Permission to speak, sir. We confirm that Yan Shi Zi and his retinue are heading toward Zhuge Mansion, not to the courtyard. Their purpose remains unclear."
"Zhuge Xi Mansion?" Wei Shu Ye frowned, puzzled. "What business would Yan Xun and Zhuge have? Does the Zhuge household intend to arbitrate? As far as I know, Zhuge Mujing (the 'Eye Piece') hasn't been involved in the elder's parsonage. They seem to be avoiding the matter entirely."
"Major General," Mu He Zhang stepped forward with a respectful salute. "I believe that Zhuge's 'Eyes of God' (Muqing) has always had favorable ties with the Batuja family. This might be due to their connection to the eastern army fiefs. Perhaps it's just a coincidence."
Wei Shu Ye nodded thoughtfully. "If that's the case, it will be easier to handle."
Under the cold moonlight, Sheng Jin Gong suddenly sounded its fanfare of drums. Wei Shu Ye glanced upward and said slowly, "It's time."
From the Zhuge household came the resounding drumbeats. Like a signal, the second troop of the Zhuge household prepared to respond, their forces mobilizing in sync with the mansion's movements.
The stars above flickered, as if the remnant of fate was unraveling. The young men had no idea how much this night would change their lives. The fog-covered road ahead concealed the stars they needed to guide them. Yet somewhere, the gate of destiny had opened—a magnificent epic, a new beginning that loomed just beyond their reach.