Drawbacks

Shanxi Alley, Apricot Blossom Alley.

"The third house after turning left up ahead."

Wang Jin sat sideways on the carriage shaft, one hand gripping the edge of the carriage compartment as he stretched his neck and pointed ahead.

If someone else had been driving, he would have sat comfortably inside the carriage. But Zhang Cheng was Second Master's personal carriage driver.

A superior's driver was naturally not comparable to an ordinary servant.

Thus, Wang Jin could only endure the biting wind and sit on the carriage shaft as well, demonstrating that he shared Zhang Cheng's hardships.

However, Zhang Cheng did not seem particularly grateful. No matter how Wang Jin beat around the bush along the way, Zhang Cheng refused to reveal who would inherit the coveted position of Second Steward.

After the carriage turned left, it soon arrived before the gates of a grand residence.

"Whoa~"

Zhang Cheng reined in the horses, studying the pair of stone lions before the gate as he asked uncertainly, "Is this really the place?"

"This is it. I came here once before."

Before the carriage had even fully stopped, Wang Jin nimbly jumped down. Yet his foot slipped beneath him, and he nearly sent his head beneath the wheels. Terrified, he hurriedly scrambled to his feet, cursing mothers and ancestors at the top of his lungs, though it was unclear whom he was actually cursing.

Perhaps alerted by the shouting, the heavy wooden gates parted, and a Blue-Clothed Cap gate attendant emerged. Standing on the steps, he eyed Zhang Cheng suspiciously.

"We are—"

Just as Zhang Cheng was about to announce their names, Wang Jin had already come around from the other side.

"So it's Master Jin!"

The boy's expression immediately changed when he saw him. He hurried forward with a flattering bow and