In the east, they prized rank; in the west, wealth. The well-endowed Xu family resided in the western part of the city.
Only after Wang Chen accepted Xu Xinlan's letter of employment and became a retainer of the Xu family did he learn that this widow possessed far greater wealth than she publicly disclosed.
Therefore, it was only natural that the Xu family owned a sprawling mansion in the affluent district of Myriad Spirit City, where every inch of land was worth its weight in gold.
The purple carriage, drawn by four hybrid dragon-horses, came to a steady stop before the Xu residence.
Night had just fallen. All the Obsidian Lamps hanging beneath the eaves of the Xu family's main gate had already been lit, and the gates stood wide open inward. Veiled Xu Xinlan stood on the steps with a group of servants, awaiting his arrival.
The moment Wang Chen stepped down from the purple carriage, she immediately curtsied. "Greetings, Master."
The steward and servants behind her all bowed deeply. "Greetings, Immortal Master!"
The courtesy could not have been more impeccable.
Wang Chen smiled. "Dispense with the formalities."
There was no doubt that this widow had put on such a grand display not merely to flatter him. More importantly, she likely wished to borrow his name to intimidate those with ill intent.
Wang Chen did not mind.
Having accepted the Xu family's benefits, it was only right that he shielded them from wind and rain.
"Thank you, Master/Immortal Master!"
Xu Xinlan respectfully led Wang Chen into the residence. They crossed the front courtyard and arrived at the main hall.
To Wang Chen's surprise, Xu Xinlan had not prepared a banquet in the main hall. Instead, she led him into a small building in the inner courtyard.
Inside the three-story