Tonight was destined to be anything but peaceful.
Hundreds upon hundreds of buildings throughout the Si Nan Main Family's estate had been renovated. Under the bright lights, their carved beams and painted rafters gleamed. Auspicious red banners hung everywhere. Lanterns in red, orange, and yellow shone from every corner of the gorgeous gardens, filling every pond, bamboo grove, and rockery with dazzling color. Even the night sky glowed, bright as day.
The towering bamboo forest surrounding the Si Nan Main Family's estate had long since been cleared away, leaving its magnificent buildings on full display for all to see. The eastern, southern, western, and northern gardens were all open to the public. Only the innermost central garden remained pitch-black. The bamboo forest had been moved from the estate's perimeter to encircle it, keeping outsiders away.
The birthday banquet was held on the broad lawn where the western and northern gardens met, beside a lotus pond. Hundreds of lavishly decorated round tables had already been set up, and bright lanterns illuminated the entire venue. Countless attendants poured cups of aged wine and served exquisite dishes, lending the gathering an even more extravagant air.
By now, representatives from many of the Imperial Capital's factions had arrived and gathered beside the lotus pond. Every one of them was a renowned Big Figure. Most were leaders of their respective factions; the least prominent were Great Elders or heirs. Faced with an invitation from a superfamily like the Si Nan Family, no faction dared show disrespect.
The only path to the broad lawn where the banquet was being held was a wooden bridge spanning the lotus pond. All the guests entered from there, making it easier to manage the crowds and provide security. More importantly, with only one entrance, the hosts could announce each guest