This residence stood—
only a few streets away from the imperial palace, amid bustling traffic and a sea of voices.
Carriages could be seen passing by at all times.
Clearly, they all belonged to people of status.
This place displayed the capital at its most prosperous, while also highlighting its extraordinary standing. The residence bestowed upon Zhu Ying was located here, showing just how highly the current Emperor and Crown Prince regarded him.
"Welcome home, Madam!"
The moment the carriage stopped before the imposing gates of the residence, around fifty servants knelt neatly on the ground, their voices ringing through the entire street.
Lin Fu moved swiftly, jumping down from the carriage first. Then, he carefully took the young Zhu Xi from Shen Yu'er's arms, his movements gentle for fear of disturbing his young master.
"Rise, all of you."
Shen Yu'er slowly stepped down from the carriage as well and spoke gently to the servants kneeling before her.
"Thank you, Madam!"
Everyone shouted in unison, yet all kept their heads lowered, not daring to look directly at Shen Yu'er's face.
As registered servants, they knew well that their fates, even their lives and deaths, rested on the whims of the master and mistress of the household.
Humility and obedience were their only means of survival.
"Madam Zhu, this is the residence His Majesty bestowed upon General Zhu."
"The escort mission is complete. I shall now return to the Eastern Palace and report to His Highness the Crown Prince."
The Golden Guard centurion stepped forward, cupped his hands, and respectfully addressed Shen Yu'er.
"Thank you, Centurion Zhang, for escorting us so carefully along the way. My husband and I will remember your kindness."
Shen Yu'er smiled as she thanked him, her gratitude apparent.
"You are too courteous, Madam. It was simply