Still the Zhuo residence.
For some reason, word of the Zhuo Lineage using a raccoon dog in place of the Crown Prince to toy with Chunyang Palace had suddenly spread throughout the Prefecture City.
The gates of the Zhuo residence, once thronged with carriages and horses just days ago, were now avoided even by stray dogs. Some who had previously delivered gifts even came demanding them back. More and more people squatted at the distant tea stall, drinking bowlfuls of tea and watching the spectacle. Though the blazing sun scorched overhead, the Zhuo family could not feel the slightest warmth.
If the Zhuo family had been like a household celebrating a joyous occasion a few days ago, they were now like one holding a funeral—and the kind where both elders departed together, only for the corpse in the Spirit Hall to suddenly rise again.
Of course, those watching outside the gates were not entirely heartless. After all, the Zhuo family's conduct truly left much to be desired.
On a bright, sunny day, Bai Yujun came calling once more.
There were no gongs, no flowers, and no welcoming lines on either side. The gates, once bustling with noise, were so silent she could hear the ringing in her own ears. Bai Yujun looked at the tightly shut doors and shook her head. Even if those wooden gates were studded with forty-eight brass nails, they could not stop anyone.
Creak. Bai Yujun easily pushed open the gates.
The guards stood motionless in the distance, while the maids and servants huddled together, scarcely daring to breathe.
The Zhuo family's Grand Clan Elder gathered his courage and stepped forward to greet her.
"Immortal maiden, your arrival brings splendor to this humble... humble dwelling. Forgive us for failing to welcome you from afar, forgive us..."