This residence was the largest in Gaoyan Ward. It had originally been an official mansion, said to have belonged to Chen Kan, a capable minister of the previous dynasty. But the Chen Clan had long since scattered, and Gaoyan Ward had gradually fallen into disrepair. Though it still had many residents, it was desolate indeed.
Su Ziji climbed to the pavilion atop the artificial hill, while the others laid out wine and food. The sky was heavily overcast now, fine rain and mist drifting down. With night not yet fully fallen, every household had shut its doors and windows, and there were scarcely any lights. Only the occasional bark of a dog lent the place a faint trace of human warmth.
Once the wine and food had been arranged, the others saw Su Ziji gazing wistfully over the rainy scene. None dared disturb him, and they withdrew to stand waiting at the side.
Ten thousand homes lay silent, while sheets of rain drifted and rose and fell... In such a night, Wen Xunpeng said nothing for a time.
"Chen Kan was a famed minister in his day. Under his flourishing rule, the rivers ran clear and the seas lay calm; homes needed no bolts, and no one picked up what had fallen on the road. Yet today, we wait here. That too may be a kind of fate." Su Ziji smiled at himself and broke the silence.
Wen Xunpeng was startled, then smiled. "Grand Secretary Chen served through three reigns. Yet it was from this residence that he rose to prominence, set the realm in order, and brought about a splendid restoration. My lord's arrival here coincides with Heaven's Will in secret."
"Is that so?" Su Ziji looked at Wen Xunpeng, then fixed his gaze on the occasional lights flickering