In the dimly lit chambers of his ancient palace, Chen Zhengyu, the vampire emperor of China, lies in a restless slumber, his mind plagued by dreams of centuries past. The air carries the faint scent of sandalwood incense that burns perpetually in the corner, its aroma mingling with the cool night breeze drifting through partially opened windows. As the moon hangs low in the night sky, casting its ethereal silver glow across the room's silk tapestries and carved jade decorations, a figure emerges from the shadows, moving with silent grace towards the ornate canopy bed where Chen lies.

It is his human advisor, a trusted confidant who serves as a bridge between the mortal and immortal worlds. Now in his sixtieth year, the advisor has served Chen faithfully since he was a young man, his loyalty rewarded with extended life beyond that of ordinary mortals. With a gentle hand, he approaches the sleeping emperor, his voice soft and soothing as he whispers his name.

"Your Majesty," he says, his words barely a breath against the stillness of the night. "It is time to awaken. The council awaits your presence."

At the sound of his advisor's voice, Chen stirs from his slumber, his eyes fluttering open to reveal pupils that shift from human roundness to the vertical slits of his true nature. He gazes upon the familiar face of the man who has served him for decades, now showing the first signs of advanced age despite Chen's gifts. Rising from his bed with a fluid grace that defies his apparent humanity, he straightens his regal silk robes embroidered with golden dragons, the weight of his centuries-old crown – passed down from vampire emperor to vampire emperor – resting heavy upon his brow.