Lianchuan City was the provincial capital of Dingzhou, the heart of all its riches and goods, and had always been bustling.
Yet today, the White family's North Courtyard was even more crowded, its voices roaring and guests streaming in like clouds. This was because the White family's Third Master had once more displayed his masculine vigor, taking twelve concubines at once and laying out a three-day continuous banquet. Many people from outside the city had also come upon hearing the news, eager to join in the excitement.
North Courtyard was one of the White family's guest estates. Located behind Anyang Avenue, it covered an enormous area. It was a semi-enclosed residential compound, winding and twisting through countless turns, built from red bricks and emerald tiles, with carved beams and painted rafters. It could host banquets for hundreds without seeming cramped in the slightest.
Outside the main gates, the White family's servants had set up a long row of joined tables. They stood on either side, smiles on their faces, greeting the guests.
Behind the tables sat a long-bearded scholar, brush and ink in hand, recording the names of those attending the wedding feast one by one while also verifying whether they were qualified to enter.
He appeared to be around thirty. His features were upright, deep lines were etched into his face, and traces of frost showed at his temples. His eyes were like abysses, making those who came to register feel panicked, as though they had been stripped naked and stood before him.
This man was one of the White family's stewards, Ruan Hanyun. He was deeply trusted and valued by the White family's Third Master, Bai Tianxiong. Though he was technically a servant of the White family, he had devoted himself to martial arts and was an innate