LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 6: Chapter 6: Hidden Motives
The Zhen family estate buzzed with activity as servants scurried across the sprawling grounds, preparing for the upcoming banquet. The annual Gathering of Branches was not just a family tradition but a political battlefield. For Zhen Yang, however, it was another obstacle in his path.
Sitting in a secluded corner of the outer courtyard, Zhen Yang observed the commotion with an indifferent gaze. His crimson eyes flickered with a faint glow as he pieced together the fragments of his new reality. Two lives of memories churned within him, but clarity eluded him. Instead, there was an unsettling awareness—a sense that his fate was once again being toyed with.
"Young Master Yang," a soft voice interrupted his thoughts. He turned to see Ming Yue, one of the family's attendants. Her expression was calm, but her eyes carried a hint of unease.
"What is it?" Zhen Yang asked, his voice sharp.
"The Patriarch has requested your presence," she said, bowing slightly. "He wishes to speak with all the young masters before the banquet begins."
Zhen Yang's lips curled into a faint smirk. The Patriarch, his father, was a figure cloaked in authority and secrets. This sudden meeting was no coincidence. He nodded and rose, brushing off his robes. "Lead the way."In the grand hall, the air was thick with tension as the Patriarch sat at the head of a long table. His piercing gaze swept over the three young masters gathered before him. Zhen Hai, the eldest, exuded confidence, his broad shoulders and sharp features a mirror of the Patriarch's own. Zhen Rong, the second son, stood with arms crossed, his smug grin barely masking his disdain for the others. And then there was Zhen Yang, the youngest, his presence quieter but no less commanding.
The Patriarch's voice broke the silence. "The Gathering of Branches is more than a feast. It is a test of strength, loyalty, and strategy. Each of you will be watched closely."Zhen Hai stepped forward, his voice steady. "Father, I understand the importance of this event. I will not disappoint."
Zhen Rong scoffed. "Spare us the theatrics, Hai. Everyone knows you're the Patriarch's favorite."
Before Zhen Hai could respond, the Patriarch raised a hand, silencing them. His gaze shifted to Zhen Yang. "And you, Yang? What do you have to say?"
Zhen Yang met his father's eyes without flinching. "I have no intention of vying for the Patriarch's seat. But I'll defend myself if necessary."
The room fell silent. Zhen Rong sneered, but Zhen Hai's expression remained unreadable. The Patriarch studied Zhen Yang for a moment longer before nodding.
"Good," the Patriarch said. "Prepare yourselves. The banquet begins at sundown."
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the estate's grand banquet hall came alive with light and music. Nobles, branch family members, and influential figures filled the room, their laughter and chatter a facade for the undercurrents of scheming and ambition.
Zhen Yang moved through the crowd, his crimson eyes scanning the room. He could feel the weight of countless stares, some curious, others hostile. Whispers followed him like shadows.
"That's the third son, isn't it? The one who—"
"He's nothing like his brothers. A strange one, that boy."
Ignoring the murmurs, Zhen Yang made his way to a quiet corner. The banquet was a charade, but it served a purpose. The Gathering of Branches wasn't just a family event; it was an opportunity to gather information, form alliances, and uncover hidden motives.
As he sipped his drink, a familiar presence approached. Zhen Rong stood before him, his grin as insincere as ever. "Enjoying the festivities, little brother?"
"Get to the point," Zhen Yang replied, his tone cold.
Zhen Rong's grin faltered for a moment before he leaned in closer. "You're smarter than you look. Listen, Yang, you don't want to be involved in this family's games. Why not step aside? Focus on… whatever it is you do in that forest."
Zhen Yang's eyes narrowed. "What's your angle, Rong?"
Zhen Rong chuckled, straightening up. "No angle. Just friendly advice. But if you insist on staying in the game, don't say I didn't warn you."
As Zhen Rong walked away, Zhen Yang's mind raced. His brother's words were laced with hidden intent, and Zhen Yang couldn't shake the feeling that this banquet was a prelude to something far more dangerous.
Meanwhile, in a shadowy chamber deep within the estate, Elder Zhen Xuan met with a group of cloaked figures. Their faces were hidden, but their voices carried authority.
"The third son has returned," one of them said. "Do you believe he's a threat?"
Zhen Xuan's expression was grim. "Not yet. But he's unpredictable. We must keep a close watch on him. If he shows any sign of… deviation, we will act."
"And the other two?" another voice asked.
"Zhen Hai is a loyal heir. Zhen Rong… is a useful pawn. But Zhen Yang… he's an enigma. For now, we let him play his part."
The cloaked figures nodded in agreement. As they dissolved into the shadows, Zhen Xuan's gaze hardened. Whatever secrets Zhen Yang harbored, the elder would ensure they didn't disrupt the family's grand design.
Back at the banquet, Zhen Yang stood on a balcony overlooking the estate. The cool night air carried the scent of blooming flowers, but his mind was far from at ease. The whispers from his second life were gone, yet the weight of his memories lingered. In this world of schemes and betrayal, he had to tread carefully.
"The abyss has its price," he thought, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "But I'm no stranger to sacrifices."
As the music swelled and laughter echoed from the hall, Zhen Yang's crimson eyes glimmered. The game had begun, and he was more than ready to play.