Wang Nan did not stand on ceremony. He had traveled without rest all the way here, and his stamina had been drained considerably. He followed the old man into the Duke's Mansion.
Lights shone in the courtyard, while several servants hurried busily back and forth.
"Please forgive the sorry sight," the old man said as he led the way. "To be honest, after news of the young lord's disappearance arrived, the Duchess also sent people out to search for him. But no word has come back yet."
"This way, please." The old man led Wang Nan around several corners and stopped before a guest room. "Thanks to you for bringing the young lord back. Some clothes have been prepared inside. Please change into them if you do not mind."
Wang Nan had flown all the way with Dai Yueheng on his back, and his clothes had been soaked through with blood. He nodded and entered the guest room.
Two maidservants were already waiting inside, each holding several white garments. They were exquisitely made, and faint tiger-patterned designs could be seen beneath the lamplight.
"This..." Wang Nan glanced back at the old man.
The old man understood. He gestured into the room, and after placing the clothes on the bed, the two maidservants bowed and withdrew. They then shut the door for Wang Nan.
There was none of the familiar spectacle of maidservants helping him change. Wang Nan quickly changed his clothes, put away the ones he had taken off, and sat in the room for a while. Before long, another knock sounded from outside.
It was still the old man. When Wang Nan opened the door, he said, "Please come to the main hall for a talk. The Duchess wishes to meet you."
Wang Nan had never met the Duchess