Memories of the Bright Moon.

Chapter 1: "Echoes of the Past"

The night was draped in shadows, punctuated only by the ethereal glow of the moon. A resounding cry echoed through the vast corridors of a grand palace. Fire and smoke curled up into the sky, a crimson dance of destruction. Amongst the chaos, a young boy's face flashed, his eyes filled with terror and confusion. The dream always ended with a woman's silhouette, holding something precious, vanishing into the night.

Tian Sheng jolted awake, sweat beading on his forehead. These visions had become a nightly ritual. He took a deep breath, pushing the haunting images to the back of his mind. The rooster's crow signaled the beginning of a new day in Chang'an, the grand capital city.

His room was modest, adorned with only the essentials. Despite his humble surroundings, there was a grace in the way Tian Sheng moved. He began his chores, fetching water and tending to the gardens of Duke Zhang's lavish mansion. The estate was a testament to the Duke's power, every stone and every petal telling a story of opulence.

Whispers flowed like water amongst the servants. Tian Sheng was a puzzle, a servant who didn't fit the mold. His gait, his demeanor, and his skills hinted at a lineage far removed from servitude. But no one knew his origins, and those who might have a clue remained silent.

In the heart of the mansion, Duke Zhang held court. His council chambers resonated with discussions of politics and power. Today, the room was abuzz with talk of an alliance, a union that would cement Duke Zhang's position - a marriage to Yi Su of the Dragon Mist Mountain sect.

As the council deliberated, the Duke's gaze landed on a particular seal, symbolizing the royal lineage. An advisor approached, suggesting that Tian Sheng, with his uncanny skills, be the one to escort Yi Su. A smile played on the Duke's lips, his eyes hiding a myriad of secrets. "Summon him," he ordered.

The weight of this new responsibility was evident as Tian Sheng prepared. He poured over maps, consulted with stable hands, and gathered supplies. An unexpected visitor, an old herbalist, approached him with a twinkle in her eye. "For protection," she whispered, handing him an amulet. There was something familiar about her, but the feeling was fleeting.

While packing, memories clawed at Tian Sheng. A tune he couldn't place, laughter that sounded hauntingly familiar, and a young girl's face, reminiscent of his dreams. Shaking off the feeling, he steeled himself for the journey ahead.

The gates of Chang'an loomed large as he began his trek. Behind him, the majestic city, with its bustling markets and grand palaces, continued its rhythm. Ahead lay a journey fraught with mystery and destiny.

In the distance, Duke Zhang stood watching. As Tian Sheng's silhouette blurred into the horizon, the Duke's fingers brushed over a jade pendant. The game had just begun.

The grandeur of Duke Zhang's estate was undeniable. From the vast courtyards adorned with flowering plants to the ornate chambers echoing with whispered secrets, the mansion was a world in itself. Within this world, a unique individual moved, his presence almost paradoxical to his surroundings - Tian Sheng.

Every morning, as dawn painted the sky in hues of pink and orange, Tian Sheng would be at the mansion's grand pond, drawing water in buckets that seemed too heavy for an average man. Yet, he handled them with an ease that left many in awe. The reflection of the rising sun in the pond would often catch his silhouette, lending an almost ethereal quality to this daily chore.

As the household stirred awake, Tian Sheng's responsibilities shifted indoors. Though his title was 'servant,' his talents extended beyond mere servitude. In the expansive library, he'd be seen meticulously cataloging scrolls, his fingers dancing over the delicate parchment. Occasionally, his eyes would linger on a poetic verse or a historical account, hinting at a deeper appreciation for the written word.