89 Schemes And Plans - 28.5

The remaining days leading to the one of the most anticipated banquets to be held at the imperial palace swiftly flew by amidst the hubbub of news and intrigue in the capital.

Despite of the tangible tension and anticipation in the capital, the days remained peaceful and the only big news that happened was the reopening of the Jade Herb Medicine Hall after it was temporarily closed by the young master of the Fu family. 

It's reopening drew a considerable amount of attention especially when someone from the Lei Palace along with a few guards dropped by on the opening day to present a congratulatory gift and expressed well wishes on behalf of their young miss. 

This of course gave everyone present at the time a huge surprise, after all, most of them there had heard of the rumored daughter of Lei Wangye!

Everyone stared wide-eyed with shock at hearing the possible confirmation of this particular news. 

That is, until the Fu family's young miss; Fu Zhenzhen gave an excited squeal as she rushed towards the representative who thankfully stayed calm and respectfully answered all of Fu Zhenzhen's questions before eventually excusing themselves and went back after handing over their gift. 

After that, talks and speculation circulated on what the Fu's connection was to the Lei Palace which was unfortunately left unanswered because nothing else happened after the reopening ceremony of the Jade Herb Medicine Hall. 

Amazingly, in spite of the increasing interest directed at not only the Lei Palace but also the Fan family, things remained peaceful on their end as they continued on closing their doors to any visitors and remained in seclusion as they focused on construction, rebuilding and rearranging both the Fan Estate and the Lei Palace.

Pretty soon, people noticed that the elegant signboard of the Fan Estate along with the Lei Palace that once hanged on top of the gates has been removed and when those who were keeping a close eye on them investigated, they soon found their answer.

First of all, the Fan Estate was moved to the newly bestowed property on the eastern side of the Dark Flames Mountain which means it's entrance would be much nearer to the area where most military and officials estates would be located and was actually just a short distance away from where the old Fan Estate used to be.

Aside from this, directly on the opposite side, a new estate with huge walls with simple yet elegant architecture was also constructed before a grand gate that drew attention shocked everyone when they saw that this was the new Lei Palace. 

All of this was actually finished quite fast and caught a lot of people off-guard. 

Despite hearing how both the Fan Family and the Lei Palace had hired a huge number of people to do construction as well as serve as new servants, excluding the recruitment of soldiers, the quick progress that they made was simply astounding! 

Those who were watching this happen, quickly figured out that the rumors stating that Fan Hui Zhong would be staying in the capital grew more and more to the point that it was practically confirmed yet what surprised them was that despite reclaiming his previous position as the Fan family head and general of the Thunder Vale Country from his younger twin brother; Fan Hui Liang, he instead only took up his formal title as Lei Wangye which is higher in rank and second only to the imperial family as well as focused on building up his own personal army; the newly reorganized Lei Sha Di Army after receiving the emperor's permission.

In doing so, on the northern side of Dark Flames Mountain, an imposing wall with sentry towers were built which obviously served as the Lei Sha Di Army's barracks and training grounds with it's militaristic designs and buildings. 

Everyone was completely in awe and some were quite curious on what will happen to the former Fan Estate, after all, all those who previously had the chance to visit knew that it was quite a beautiful estate that also had a lot of things that any prestigious family's estate would have, from multiple courtyards, numerous gardens and other miscellaneous buildings so quite a number of people kept an eye on it yet its gates remained closed and no new signages could be seen. 

Meanwhile, while all of this occurred, behind the walls, in one particular courtyard, a small commotion took place early in the morning. 

One of the first people on the scene was no other than Fan Zhu Xia who was drinking quietly by herself in her room at the same courtyard.

Sensing violent fluctuations within the surrounding spiritual energy, Fan Zhu Xia who was leisurely drinking as she reclined on her bed, looking positively alluring with an indolent air around her suddenly straightened up as a sharp glint appeared within her icy gaze. 

Rushing out of her room, looking quite flushed and tender, one would think she's like a soft and innocent flower yet the aura she emitted was the complete opposite. 

With an icy countenance that contradicted the blush on her cheeks, she shot sharp look towards a group of guards who suddenly appeared beside her and as if she just gave an unspoken order, they all solemnly nodded before quickly dispersing to various positions to ensure that no one come there to cause any disturbances leaving Fan Zhu Xia alone as she stood just a few meters outside a particular room where a glowing dome of light pulsed brightly. 

Feeling a bit concerned as to whether the seal that got activated which produced the dome would hold under the strong and rapid changes as the spirit energy in the surrounding became increasingly agitated, Fan Zhu Xia frowned as she thought of what to do but just as she was in a dilemma, the sound of numerous footsteps sounded behind her when she heard her name being called.

"Xia'er!"

Turning around, her eyes met her father's which twitched slightly the moment he got to her side and saw her flushed face and smelled the telltale scent of alcohol on her.

"Xia'er..."

Giving him a mischievous smile, Fan Zhu Xia lowly called back in the same tone as she calmed down enough to even be in a teasing mood the moment she saw Fan Hui Zhong coming with her uncle and eldest cousin with the familiar expression on his face whenever he finds her drinking. 

"Father..."

Sighing, Fan Hui Zhong shook his head before deciding to change the subject as he glanced back at the glowing dome which his brother Fan Hui Liang was currently reinforcing with the help of his eldest son; Fan Li Jie. 

"When did this start?" Fan Hui Zhong asked as he kept an eye out for their surroundings.

"Just a few minutes ago. I came out as soon as I felt the fluctuations and had the guards secure the surrounding perimeter of the courtyard to ensure no one unknown can come close."

"Good." 

Sending a meaningful look towards her father, Fan Zhu Xia then slowly opened her mouth and asked, "Will there be any problems?" 

"There shouldn't be. Despite both your uncle and I being here along with your eldest cousin, the others are keeping an eye on things." 

"Mhmm..." 

Seeing the unconvinced look on her face, Fan Hui Zhong couldn't help the smile that crawled onto his face. 

"Don't worry. Your aunt and cousin Xian is keeping an eye on the servants while Old Man Guo and Min Sheng are looking after the new soldiers and Yong Rui's people are making sure that nothing unexpected happens and the news doesn't get outside." 

"That's good to hear then." Zhu Xia murmured quietly while her father nodded in agreement as both turned their attention back towards the glowing dome.

Not long after, they felt that the disturbance in the air caused by the fluctuations in spirit energy in reaction to the violent qi that first erupted here was slowly returning back to normal making all of them there let out a sigh of relief.

"It would seem as though Grandpa's breakthrough was successful!" Fan Zhu Xia lowly exclaimed under her breath as a breathtaking smile bloomed on her face, making her look absolutely enchanting.

Seeing that and hearing her words, the three men all collectively hummed in agreement with the same joy and excitement reflecting on their faces.

Despite wanting to stay there, Fan Li Jie quickly left to check on the others after receiving instructions from his father, leaving Fan Zhu Xia alone with her father and uncle as they stood there and patiently waited for the door to open.

Luckily, they didn't have to wait long since it soon opened to reveal the old patriarch's lively form. 

Fan Song Xue, who had just had a breakthrough in his cultivation and broke past his bottleneck quickly rushed out when he was stunned to see those standing there and waiting for him, especially his new granddaughter; Fan Zhu Xia whose condition was his main motivation to push for a breakthrough.

Rushing up to her, Fan Song Xue placed his hands on her shoulders as he worriedly looked her up and down before speaking.

"Little Xia, are you okay? How are you feeling?"

Touched at his concern, Fan Zhu Xia gave him a bright smile.

"Grandpa, Xia'er is fine. No need to worry anymore."

"That's good! Grandpa is very happy to hear that."

"Well, we're happy for you to, Grandpa! Congratulations on your breakthrough!"

"Xia'er is right, we're glad that your seclusion was successful, Father."

Looking fondly at his son, Fan Song Xue shot him a smile before his expression turned serious.

"Zhong'er how are things?"

"Not a lot has happened, Father, but let your son update you on what you missed in the duration of your seclusion."