Duke of Dai's Residence
By then, the Duke of Dai's Residence had become as bustling as a marketplace.
Ox carts approached from every direction, all bound for a single destination: the Duke of Dai's Residence.
Fortunately, the current Duke of Dai's Residence had been renovated from a ducal residence of the previous dynasty. It already had the layout befitting a duke, with spacious grounds inside and a broad open area before its gates, large enough to accommodate many ox carts.
Wanglu Ward was home to high officials and nobles, so its roads were broad and ordinary pedestrians were few. Even so, ox carts had clogged the road, unable to move in or out.
In the end, the residence's steward came out with some servants to clear the road and direct the congratulatory guests to park their carts separately. Only then did they avoid the awkwardness of blocking other people's way home.
"It really is lively." Fang Zhen lifted the curtain and looked out from his ox cart. The line of carts wound on for almost half a li, prompting him to remark, "When the Duke of Dai was first made a marquis, who could have imagined this day?"
Such power-he had leaped three ranks in just a few short months to reach his present position. It was enough to make anyone envious.
Unfortunately, while many envied him, few could see the dangers beneath it.
"Truly, oil cooking over a blazing fire, fresh flowers laid upon brocade-a splendor at its peak." With another sigh, Fang Zhen lowered the curtain and sat silently inside the cart.
The driver up front was literate too. Hearing Fang Zhen's final remark, he shook his head as well.
Though he did not fully understand it, he knew it did not sound like praise. Wasn't it a