He was awakened in the middle of the night by a commotion outside.
At first, there were scattered footsteps rushing past beyond the courtyard wall, hurried and disorderly.
Then came voices, kept very low, though he could still make out a few words through the wall: "City Guard," "manhunt," and "search every part of the estate."
Next came the bustle of lamps being lit in the direction of the Main Hall. Servants jogged along the corridors, calling for all family members to gather in the Front Courtyard. Their voices carried across the courtyard, heavy with suppressed tension.
Shen Fei opened his eyes, sat up in the darkness, and listened for a while. This did not sound like an ordinary patrol. It sounded more as though something major had happened, stirring the entire estate.
He got up and draped an outer robe over his shoulders. As soon as he pushed open his door, he saw the old steward hurrying toward him from the far end of the covered walkway, lantern in hand and tension on his face.
"Young master, you're awake? Good. The master has ordered everyone to gather in the Front Courtyard. He has something important to announce. Come with me."
Shen Fei nodded, straightened his robe, and followed the steward.
As they passed through the covered walkway, he noticed far more guards than usual around the estate. Every face was taut, weapons hung at their waists, and they hurried off to patrol different areas.
Several members of the branch families emerged from their own courtyards and followed behind him toward the Main Hall. No one spoke. The atmosphere weighed heavily on them.
Every lantern in the Front Courtyard had been lit, illuminating the entire space as brightly as day.
Shen Hong stood on the steps, with three elders and