As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm amber glow across the Blazing Dawn Sect, final preparations for the evening banquet in honor of Lin Cha Mu’s birthday were completed. The main hall of Blazing Sun Mansion, illuminated by countless lanterns, was now bustling with activity. The air was alive with the hum of conversations, the clinking of glasses, and the scent of delicious food being prepared in the kitchens.
Chen Huan, the proud owner of Jade Grass Commerce, stood off to the side, quietly observing the gathering crowd. He noticed with a sense of pride that many of the sect’s servants were dressed in attire crafted by his stores. It was a subtle but powerful sign of just how far his business had come. His clothing wasn’t just worn by common folk now—he could see some of the more esteemed leaders of the affiliated sects also donning his limited-edition designs, garments typically reserved for nobles. The sight filled him with satisfaction. His store’s reputation had spread even further than he had anticipated.
As more and more guests filed into the grand hall, Chen Huan’s chest swelled with pride. Despite the Blazing Dawn Sect’s decision to scale down the event this year, there were still well over 300 attendees, a testament to the significance of Lin Cha Mu’s birthday and the influence of the sect. The affiliated sects of Blazing Dawn alone numbered 126, and with each sect sending at least one representative, they made up a considerable portion of the guests. It was a grand event, even in its more intimate form, and Chen Huan knew this was an opportunity he couldn’t afford to waste.
His eyes scanned the room, taking in the gathering of dignitaries. The hall was filling up quickly, and he needed to make his move soon if he wanted to secure valuable connections. Then, his gaze caught the distinctive bright red hair of Young Mistress Edina. She was standing with her usual grace, though she leaned on a cane for support, her maid by her side. Despite not wearing one of his dresses, she still carried an air of elegance and authority, engaging in conversation with Young Mistress Lu Lan.
Following his line of sight, Chen Huan spotted the main family seated nearby, as expected. Sect Leader Liang Feng sat at the head of the table, his regal demeanor radiating authority even in his silence. Master Lu Mingfe, Lu Lan’s father, was seated next to him, alongside his wife, Mistress Qin. This was the perfect opportunity for Chen Huan to introduce himself and ingratiate his business with the leading figures of the sect. He straightened his posture, mentally rehearsing the introduction he had prepared, and began to make his way towards them.
But just as he took a step forward, a loud voice rang out across the hall. "Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests, may I present the lady of the hour—Young Mistress Lin Cha Mu!" The announcer’s booming voice silenced the crowd, and all eyes turned toward the grand entrance.
Lin Cha Mu entered the grand hall with her usual elegance, her long, flowing gown glistening under the soft lantern light. The gown, a delicate blend of silk and embroidery, seemed to catch the glow with every movement, creating an almost ethereal effect. By her side, her brother, Wei Cha Mu, exuded a quiet, protective pride, his posture upright and eyes vigilant. Together, they made a striking pair as they ascended the stage. The crowd, entranced by their grace and presence, fell into a respectful silence, the air filled with anticipation.
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In the midst of this, Chen Huan, who had been poised to approach the main family, paused. This wasn’t the right time for business introductions. Lin’s birthday was the focus tonight, and any attempt to push his agenda now would be in poor taste. He stepped back, deciding to bide his time. There would be other opportunities to solidify his position with the family—after all, great connections weren’t formed in haste.
A little later, Li Mei arrived alongside her husband Han, fashionably late but in no mood to let it dampen the festive atmosphere. She glanced around the hall, observing the decorations, the glittering lights, and the lively crowd. This would be her daughter Lin Cha Mu’s last birthday as a child—next year, she would undergo her coming-of-age ceremony, marking a pivotal moment in her life. As such, Li Mei was determined to ensure this birthday was nothing short of perfect, her tardiness notwithstanding.
After the main ceremony and formal proceedings concluded, the celebratory energy in the hall began to slow, guests settling into casual conversation as the night wore on. Among the lingering attendees, Junior Edina, with her cane in hand, made her way across the hall toward Chaung Chi, who was standing off to the side, wearing a stunning dress. The hanfu, crafted from exquisite jade-green silk, clung to her frame and featured bold, intricate patterns embroidered across the fabric. Slits on either side revealed her long legs, adding a modern flair to the traditional gown, and as she stood under the dimmed lantern light, she looked both regal and vulnerable. Chaung Chi was drinking deeply, her normally sharp features softened by melancholy.
“Miss Chaung Chi?” Junior Edina’s voice was sharp as she tapped her cane on the floor, gaining the woman’s attention. “Please stop drowning in sorrow.”
Chaung Chi, even after several drinks, appeared remarkably sober, her expression guarded. “How can I not, Young Mistress Edina? After what happened to Young Master Lu Shun…” Her voice trailed off, laden with grief.
“I understand,” Edina replied, her tone cool and devoid of emotion. “But I need you steady for the next few hours.”
Chaung Chi blinked in confusion. The formal ceremony was essentially over, and the atmosphere had relaxed. Why did Edina care if she was sober or not? She had expected Edina to be indifferent at this point. Questions formed in her mind, but she kept them to herself, simply nodding in acknowledgment.
At that moment, Richard, a foreign man dressed in a particularly elaborate hanfu, approached. His presence was an oddity, as he stood out among the more traditional guests. He was Junior Edina’s new teacher, though his integration into the sect was still in its early stages. He stepped next to her, his brow slightly furrowed.
“Your highness,” Richard began, his voice low but respectful. “I understand that this is an important event for the sect, but I don’t quite understand why you requested my presence here tonight. I was under the impression this was simply a birthday banquet.”
Without turning to him, Edina nodded, plucking a small pastry from the plate that her maid, Lian Hua, held by her side. She took a measured bite, chewing thoughtfully before answering. “Just wait a little longer,” she said calmly. “You’ll understand soon enough.”
Richard exchanged a few conversations with Chaung Chi, both of them now intrigued but unsure of what to expect. However, as the minutes passed, nothing extraordinary seemed to happen. Guests continued to mingle, drinks were poured, and the night progressed without incident. The expectation that Sect Leader Liang Feng would step onto the stage and make his retirement announcement seemed to fade as the old master remained seated, a distant expression on his face.
Instead, something unexpected occurred. Li Mei, Edina’s aunt, rose from her seat and strode toward the stage with quiet determination. The crowd's casual chatter died down as she reached the platform, commanding the room's attention with a single wave of her hand.
“I have an important announcement to make,” Li Mei declared, her voice carrying effortlessly over the gathering.
A ripple of confusion spread through Junior Edina’s face. This was not part of the planned evening. Junior Edina’s hand tightened around her cane, her face betraying none of the sudden unease she felt. A cold, creeping sensation settled in her chest, a feeling she had just recently started to forget: dread. Whatever her aunt was about to announce, Edina had a sinking suspicion that it would complicate everything.