CHP 38 Arrival at the Wu Clan
The massive red-and-purple gates of Wu Clan opened slowly, revealing towering walls, lanterns swaying in the evening breeze, and a long stone path lined with blooming plum trees.
From the center of the courtyard, a woman in elegant red robes stepped forward — Xia, the queen's assistant. She bowed gracefully.
Xia: "Honored guests from the great clans, welcome to Wu Clan. You must be tired from your journey. Please, allow us to prepare rooms for you to rest."
Everyone straightened their backs — the air here felt… different. Heavier. More powerful.
Wang San didn't care. He immediately raised his hand like an excited child.
San: "Can I get a room with Zhan?"
Every clan member turned to look at him. Tang Hao almost choked on his own breath. Yun Mao rubbed his temples.
Xia gave a polite but knowing smile. "Of course."
Yun Zhan's eyebrow twitched dangerously.
Xia then gestured for the attendants to lead the way. "Please, follow me."
They walked through corridors decorated with shimmering silver curtains and crystal lamps. When the guest wing's doors opened, everyone froze.
The rooms were enormous, floors inlaid with golden patterns, soft silk bedding in deep crimson and silver, and balconies that overlooked waterfalls glowing in the moonlight.
Tang Li: "This… this is a guest room?"
Gu Nie, usually emotionless, muttered under his breath: "I could get used to this."
Even Yun Mao's strict expression softened.
San, of course, immediately flopped onto the bed in his room. "Zhan, look! The pillow's softer than your face!"
Yun Zhan silently closed the door before anyone could hear his reply.
Xia clasped her hands. "Please, rest. Tonight, our Queen will speak with you all."
Her tone made it sound less like an invitation and more like an event they would not want to miss.
Somewhere deep within the palace, hidden behind veils and shadows, Queen Wu — still disguised — listened to the soft echo of their arrival, a faint smile touching her lips.