Thanshu Wei Wu Hao (Wen Yan)

A measured knock echoes through the office, illuminated at the threshold of night by a good hundred candles. The figure hunched over in front of the table seemed very pitiful compared to its accompanying people. They looked like giants in comparison with her, but they were in no hurry to show contempt: the Head was in thought. This became obvious from the slightly furrowed brows and the smile on his perfect face.

— How old is he that he would allow himself to invite me in this way? — a sudden question cut through the silence, and he stood up, putting his hands behind his back, then walked along the three people standing at attention. 

 The adherent of the Hu Clan did not dare to take his eyes off the floor at all and continuously swallowed, apparently hoping that his tongue moistened with saliva would remember the prayers faster. The Head Thanshu almost laughed at such a picture, and would have done so if he had been a couple of hundred years younger, but now...   

Empty childishness, for which, moreover, he was not in the mood. The man twirled the expensive parchment in his fingers again. Beautiful color and fine workmanship... Could it be that an aesthete had appeared in the barbarian haven?

Having reached an internal agreement, he smoothly turned around, approaching the envoy with the grace of a large predatory cat.

— Tell the hosts that the Yuzhen Thanshu Order will light up the festival of the Head Hu with its presence. And we will bring with us the best adepts and rich gifts. Let the access roads be cleared, — the Head clapped the goner on the shoulder, which is why he almost went to his forefathers.

The man cast a predatory glance at his adepts.

— Inform my sons that the Thanshu Order has been invited to Hu Dao Ming's birthday celebration, — with a lazy gesture of his hand, he drove all unnecessary people out of the office.

The caster walked along the shelves, pulling out a couple of chronicles at random, and sat down on the couch near the table. A gift... Oh, he waited for the time to give it. And he would not miss his chance this time. The Dark Tide Citadel would never surpass the House of the Blazing Sun. And the Hu puppy would never surpass it... only he, Thanshu Wei Wu Hao, was the only one who could advance on the immortals.

 He walked up to the wide counter draped in red satin and allowed himself a few minutes to enjoy. How uncultured, how rude of Yuzhen Thanshu to dress the great former Head of the Hu Clan, who worthily ruled his Clan, in burgundy colors with the sun, even after death.

The caster stopped a meter in front of the canvas and tore off the fabric, his nostrils greedily flaring like an animal. The determined and strong-willed face, made by the most skilled craftswomen, seemed alive in the light of the flame. Even the eyelashes, it seemed, trembled slightly, and the triumphant scarlet gaze could not help but furrow the dimly shimmering threads. What a pity it would be to give the portrait of a father who died in his best years to youngsters who would not appreciate the generosity of his gift - respect for the enemy. 

The previous master of the Citadel remained one of the few whose appearance the Head Thanshu studied in detail, remembering to this day. This picture is his greatest favor to them, and greatest mockery, and only the gods know what he will do if they dare to openly declare the latter.

The man's triumph was interrupted by a knock on the door.

 Thanshu Ai Min (Lu Li)

The young maiden watched her brother grind herbs in silence, her dark brown eyes sparkling with curiosity. She had already gotten used to the fact that Wen Ming always refused her offers to help. But sometimes he gave her small tasks and did not mind her presence when he worked. Therefore, she proudly called herself a healer.

Those who came to them for help always said that the medicine from her hands worked better. Throwing a lock of dark-blond hair from her face, she turned to the shelves, tired of the monotonous action. Having waited for the young man to finish, she already habitually took the cup with the prepared drink and ran to her uncle.

While still children, they were left without parents, and Thanshu Wei Wu Hao, being only a distant relative, sheltered them and cared for them all these years. Ai Min sincerely believed that there was no better and kinder person in the world. As a child, she often called him Uncle Wei, but as she grew older, she learned the rules of decency and began to behave appropriately.

Having knocked on the door, the girl entered the chambers and bowed ceremoniously.

— Greetings to Head Thanshu. Brother asked to convey to you, — shining like a polished coin, held out the cup.

 Thanshu Wei Wu Hao (Wen Yan)

The man called the guest over, and, grasping the vessel with his thin fingers, drank. Looking at the body with curiosity, Wu Hao narrowed his eyes in thought. The girl had grown up, he needed to take care of her and find her a husband, but it would be reckless to give her away from the palace. He knew for sure that this person would soon grow into a skilled healer.

— Are you already learning healing?— the Head was not going to dedicate his plans to his ward, who, together with her brother, was inherited from some distant relative of his ex-wife. The rules of decency then obliged them to accept them and educate them, who knew that the children were so talented that wouldn’t want to let them slip through your hands.

 Thanshu Ai Min (Lu Li)

She looked at the man with admiration. As always, he finds time to inquire about her affairs. She wants to run up and bury her nose in his silk hanfu, like when she first saw him as a child. And feel his warm palm on her head again. But that is impossible, the gap between the orphan and the Head of the Order is too great.

— Of course, Head Thanshu. Although, I am far from my brother's level, — the girl sighed, — but I try very hard.

She really, desperately wants to become the best. And then maybe Thanshu Wei Wu Hao will look at her differently. Since the next mistress appeared in the palace, Ai Min could not find a place for herself, trying to find at least some business, just to catch his eye once again.

 Thanshu Wei Wu Hao (Wen Yan)

The man, still chasing his own thoughts, took his favorite throne. Crossing his legs, adjusted his hem and, slowly lowering his hands to the armrest, looked even more intently at the girl.

— Ai Min, tell me, child, which of my sons do you like more? Maybe… - he squinted, choosing his words, — did any of them show interest in you?

Thanshu Ai Min (Lu Li)

Cheeks instantly flushed brightly, and the girl lowered her eyes, lingering for a moment on his beautiful hands.

— Head Thanshu, your sons are very handsome and courteous menfolk, but I never tried to evaluate them.

 The girl blushed even more.

 — Everyone looks like you, but next to you… — realizing that she had said too much, she swallowed the rash words that had almost flown from her tongue and hid her burning cheeks in her palms, — forgive me…

 Thanshu Wei Wu Hao (Wen Yan)

His eyes widened slightly at what he heard, he clearly hadn't expected that. He paused to think about his words.

— Ai Min, I’m a bit old, and married, maybe it’s better for you to find someone younger? — he tapped the handrail with his long fingers, — it's decided, you'll come with us.

The Head stood up and folded his hands behind his back, walking, his shoes tapping on the stone floor.

— So, in a short time, you need to team up with one of my sons. Together, you must prepare a birthday present for the Head Hu, — waved his hand, pointing to the exit, — good luck to you in your personal assignment.

Wei Wu Hao smirked, the plan was good and it should work.