The Butler
After my quiet reflection atop the tower, I decided to retrace my steps to the main courtyard path. Continuing onward, I soon reached an imposing building. Four intricately carved stone steps led to a set of large wooden doors that, while more formidable and sturdy than those in the antechamber, boasted equally detailed designs. On either side of the entrance stood fierce, quadrupedal stone statues with scales and sharp claws, guarding the way forward.
Above the doors, a plaque with the name "Enlightened Tome Pavilion" was displayed in elegant calligraphy. The plaque was framed by sweeping eaves of green glazed tiles, adding an air of majesty to the entrance.
Approaching the doors, I pulled them open with surprising ease, given their size. A spacious hall greeted me, its ceramic tile floor adorned with intricate patterns that reflected the soft glow of lanterns hanging from the wooden beams near the high ceiling. Carpets throughout the hall depicted stories of ancient warriors and fantastical lands, while a central walkway, lined with decorative plants and ornamental vases, drew me further in. Clerestory windows along the walls let in natural light, creating a bright and welcoming atmosphere.
Passing through large, nature-themed archways, I transitioned seamlessly into a grand library. Rows of wooden bookshelves and scroll racks lined the walls, while large paper sliding doors doubled as windows. The floor featured a plush red carpet bordered by polished dark wood, with elegant reading tables and comfortable seating scattered throughout the space. Lanterns were strategically placed, ensuring readers enjoyed a well-lit environment.
As I approached the bookshelves, I perused the vast array of books and manuals. Selecting one at random, I gently pulled it from its resting place and examined the cover, which read "The Pillars of Unyielding Strength" by Lian Zhenwei. Inside, the table of contents organized the book into five sections, spanning a total of 500 pages.
"I see the Second Young Master is interested in reading. Is there anything I can help you with?" An elderly, respectful voice startled me, causing me to close the book abruptly and turn around. Before me stood a short, bowing man with a wispy gray beard and deep-set eyes, clad in a black vest over a black Chinese-style robe. His hands were clasped in front of him.
Regaining my composure, I spoke, "I seem to have forgotten your name; please forgive me." My tone was neither commanding nor yielding.
Appearing somewhat puzzled, the butler responded hastily, bowing even deeper, "Please do not apologize, Young Master. My name is Feng, and I am a butler who resides in this hall."
"It seems I hold a higher position compared to this man. This is fortunate, as he is very respectful and likely won't question me," I thought to myself.
Refocusing on the butler, I issued a command: "Go fetch me some books about my family."
"Right away, Young Master," the butler nodded and moved to a farther end of the library.
In the meantime, I selected a spot to read, knowing I would probably be there for a while to gather as much knowledge about this world as possible. I chose an elegant reading desk near a lattice-framed window, intricately carved with geometric wooden designs. Looking out the window, I saw a small garden with a gentle waterway winding through it. A stone walkway connected this building to others on the opposite side, bridging over the babbling brook. Its stones were carved with designs of nature and mythical beings, while wooden pillars supporting sweeping eaves provided shade overhead.
Soon enough, the butler returned, carrying three books. He carefully placed them on the reading desk, asking respectfully, "These are the books you requested, Young Master. Is there anything else I can get you?"
"Yes, fetch me some tea and breakfast. I'm starting to get hungry," I replied.
"Of course, Young Master. I will have servants bring you breakfast while you read," he said, bowing before departing.
I turned my attention to the books on the table, reading their covers. "The Rise of the Yi Clan: A Martial Legacy Spanning Generations" was the largest and seemed a good place to start. Excited, I opened it and began to read.