Imperial Capital's Deception

This giant bamboo forest is truly marvelous. Walking through it, the bamboo itself evokes a sense of leisure and elegance; yet, because the bamboo is so enormous, it makes one feel as if they're traversing a desolate, ancient forest. These two completely different feelings blend together, stirring a desire to compose poetry and sing praises of the scenery even in me, someone utterly clueless about poetry.

"We're here," the guiding guard team member said.

The long flagstone path ended here, revealing a dense wall of towering, giant bamboo before us.

Is this it? I looked around, but couldn't see anything resembling a building. Could this bamboo forest truly hide some mechanism?

"Haha! Finally! I've been waiting so long."

A rough, booming laugh startled me. A burly-looking uncle emerged from the bamboo forest. He had a full beard, messy hair, and deep wrinkles on his face; just looking at him, he seemed like a seasoned butcher. But despite his butcher-like face, he was dressed like an ancient scholar—the contrast was astounding.

However, more than that, I first noticed the color of his clothes. Unlike the gray tones of the Si Nan Family members, his clothes were a vibrant green, looking full of life. Someone so distinctive couldn't possibly be ordinary.

"This is Si Nan Dan, the Head Captain of the Guard Team. Don't let his appearance fool you, his strength is even greater than Elder Hong's!" Rui Feng whispered to me.

So, he's a super-powerful security chief? And that character 'Dan'... it makes me think of 'danmei' (boys' love).

"Brother Dan, I trust you are well," Si Nan Yuan stepped forward and bowed.

"Don't give me that troublesome formality, I hate it! How is it? Where's that old fogey Si Nan Hong?"

"Right here," Elder Hong suddenly appeared, his expression grim, clearly displeased with Si Nan Dan.

"I heard you, with your old bones, went to confront the Beast Tide? Hahahaha, you're still alive!"

"Enough nonsense! We're tired from the journey, and we're all waiting to rest. Hurry up and clear the way!"

"Tch, so humorless."

Si Nan Dan shrugged, his comically exaggerated smile disappearing. He turned towards the giant bamboo forest.

"OPEN!!!"

He slammed his fists heavily onto the ground, and the giant bamboo forest before him immediately began to shrink at an astonishing speed! Branches retracted, bamboo segments shortened, and in a few seconds, they transformed into small bamboo shoots.

After all the bamboo had retracted into shoots, a wide path appeared before us, leading to—

"Xiao Ye, welcome to the Si Nan Family!"

Si Nan Ying grabbed me and rushed forward.

"Six kings defeated, the four seas unified, Mount Shu flattened, Epang Palace emerges. Covering over three hundred li, separating heaven and sun. Mount Li's north structure bends west, heading straight for Xianyang. The two rivers flow, entering the palace walls. A building every five steps, a pavilion every ten. Corridors winding, eaves like beaks. Each embracing its terrain, interlocking and competing. Twisting and turning, like a beehive or water vortex, who knows how many tens of millions of stories. A long bridge lies on the water, what dragon without clouds? A sky-high passage, what rainbow without rain? High and low, lost in mist, not knowing west or east. Song stages warm with sound, spring light ablaze. Dance halls with cold sleeves, wind and rain chilling. Within a single day, within a single palace, the climate is uneven..."

"Xiao Ye, what have you been muttering about since earlier? I don't understand."

"Just the Ode to Epang Palace... don't mind it."

The moment I saw the cluster of buildings appear before me, I was so shocked that I subconsciously recited Du Fu's timeless masterpiece, which had stumped countless examinees. Not for any other reason than this was a perfect replica of the Epang Palace described in ancient texts!

The architectural style of the main family compound was entirely Chinese, with magnificent towers and palaces, and numerous grand halls. However, compared to the opulent Winter Arrival Hotel, this place lacked the nouveau riche luxury and possessed more of a kingly majesty. The frame structures of the tall halls were arranged in a well-ordered manner, forming a standard courtyard-style layout, with streams and bridges interspersed throughout, exuding a refined charm. Beside the streams were lush ornamental trees, which looked similar to those on Earth but were more than twice their size. All of this combined gave me the illusion of stepping into a vastly enlarged Suzhou garden.

"The Si Nan main family is truly... impressive."

Faced with this unprecedented and magnificent architectural complex, I searched for a word to describe it, only to find that 'beautiful,' 'majestic,' or 'elegant' alone were insufficient. In the end, I could only settle for 'impressive.'

"Alright, after such a long boat ride, I can finally rest. Xiao Ye, come stay in my room with me—Ouch!"

"Don't get too excited, Miss. The Patriarch is waiting for you to meet him," Si Nan Yuan calmly grabbed Si Nan Ying by the back of her collar and pulled her back.

"So troublesome..."

"Haha! So much energy, youth is wonderful!" Si Nan Dan laughed heartily. Wait, why are you still here...

"Liu Ye, I, Elder Hong, and Miss will go see the Patriarch first. You should go with Rui Feng and the others. I apologize for having to trouble you with staying in their dorms today. Your room will be prepared tomorrow. We ask for your understanding regarding any inconvenience."

"I don't have any objections..." I thought the Si Nan Family's efficiency would have meant my room was already prepared. I didn't expect it to still be undecided. But thinking about it, before Si Nan Yuan and the others returned, who knew what those young masters' people might do to my room. Preparing it after their return was the wiser choice. Also, having me stay with Rui Feng and the others was probably to prevent me from doing anything out of line on my first day.

"Then, Little Ying, I'm heading off. Good luck~"

"Xiao Ye, you big meanie..."

Walking with Rui Feng and the others down an impossibly long corridor, beside a vast artificial lake, listening to their footsteps, though weary, were still neat and uniform, I couldn't help but recall my days in the Winter Mountains. It felt like such a long time ago, even though it was only last month...

"This lake is called White Lotus Lake. It's full of koi and lotus flowers. To the left is a pavilion. What we just passed is Junye Corridor. This name was to commemorate..."

Rui Xin enthusiastically introduced me along the way, covering everything from the architectural layout to commemorative significance—a model tour guide.

The Si Nan main family is broadly divided into five courtyards: East, West, South, North, and Central. The eldest son, Si Nan Xing, resides in the North Courtyard. The second son, Si Nan Feng, resides in the East Courtyard. The third son, Si Nan Ganming, and the fourth son, Si Nan Cheng, reside in the West Courtyard. The eldest daughter, Si Nan Xiao, and the second daughter, Si Nan Ying, reside in the South Courtyard. The Central Courtyard is the Patriarch's domain. Rui Feng and the others belong to Si Nan Ying, so their dormitories are naturally located in the South Courtyard.

We are currently at the junction of the East and South Courtyards. This is a shortcut to the South Courtyard and a rather scenic route. The only drawback is occasionally encountering people from the East Courtyard, who exchange cold glances with Rui Feng and the others, making the atmosphere very awkward.

As long as it's just the small fries, I hope we don't run into any important figures from Si Nan Feng's faction...

"Yo, if I remember correctly, you guys are Little Sister's people, right? Where is she?"

Suddenly, a man's voice came from behind. Although it was just a casual greeting, it was filled with an overbearing and sharp aura that made one uncomfortable.

We turned around and saw a large group of people approaching us. They were all dressed in brocade robes, looking very luxurious. Leading them was a young man with short purple hair, a sharp face, and an extremely well-built physique. At first glance, he looked like a handsome, athletic type who would make a good impression, but his condescending gaze, as if looking at ants, and the domineering aura he exuded ruined everything.

Wait, purple hair, purple eyes, an aura like Dragon Proud Heaven... this guy, could it be!

"Welcome, Lord Feng! We subordinates have just arrived at the main family compound. We are still dusty from our travels. If we have offended you, please forgive us."

Rui Feng immediately stepped forward and bowed. Following him, Rui Xin also bowed, "Second Miss was summoned by the Patriarch and is not here. When she returns, she will certainly pay a visit!"

The team members all bowed, and I followed their example. Speaking of which, if it were the protagonists from other novels, those with backbone and ambition, they would probably disdain Si Nan Feng at this moment and refuse to act like servants. Then, the protagonists would use their strength, backbone, and grand principles to leave the arrogant young master speechless, enraging him into a confrontation, after which the protagonist would easily win with their cheat abilities, earning the Patriarch's favor, the admiration of beautiful women, and the respect of their subordinates...

I would like to do that too, especially since Si Nan Feng is the type I dislike the most. But that's ultimately a beautiful fantasy. I don't have the capital to act presumptuously on someone else's territory. I should restrain myself when necessary...

"Hmph..." Si Nan Feng, ignoring the respectful words as if a little bored, scanned the crowd.

"Hm?"

Suddenly, his gaze locked onto one person. A sharp glint flashed in his eyes, and he strode forward.

"You, take off your hood!"

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