Chapter 741

Pan Yun let out a sigh of relief. "You scared me. I thought you were someone Wang Zhen had planted at Cao Jixiang's side."

The eunuch's legs went weak, and he nearly dropped to his knees before Pan Yun. Was that something one could say in public?

Pan Yun did not care in the least. She waved him off. "Go on, lead the way."

Miao Zhen asked, "Junior Martial Uncle, are we going too?"

It was nearly dark. Junior Martial Uncle clearly did not want to stay at Ping'an Inn, so they needed to find somewhere to stay, didn't they?

Pan Yun waved a hand. "Of course we're going. Official Cao has invited us, and since you're all here, how could you not pay him a visit?"

Covering her mouth, Pan Yun whispered, "We've had a lot of expenses lately. Save where we can."

Miao Zhen understood. They would not need to find lodging.

Cao Jixiang lived in a residence not far from the Prefectural Yamen. It was somewhat old, but a close look still revealed its former splendor. Even the pillars were carved with intricate scenes of auspicious clouds descending. A light tap produced a dull sound, and the rebounding force was solid; one touch told them the wood itself was sturdy, with no expense spared in the materials.

Watching people bustle back and forth through the residence, Pan Yun nodded in praise. "This house is truly nice. Who did it belong to before?"

The eunuch had lost his initial arrogance and become far more respectful. Bowing slightly, he said, "It used to belong to the Maritime Trade Office."

Pan Yun suddenly understood. "No wonder it's so wealthy."

Turning sideways, the eunuch invited them in. "Please come inside. My lord is already waiting within."

The group followed him inside,