At Yang Qing's words, a gleam of excitement flashed through the newcomer's eyes. He quietly steadied himself, then said, "Please come inside, honored guests. It's warm indoors."
Yang Qing nodded slightly and said to Jiang Zhizhou and Bu Er, "Gather our things. Let's go inside for some hot tea."
The three followed the man through the entrance of the First-Rank Residence in single file. A servant came over to lead their carriage into the rear courtyard, and the doors slowly closed behind them.
After leading Yang Qing, Jiang Zhizhou, and Bu Er to a private room, the man who had welcomed them dropped to his knees before Yang Qing.
"Bei Chen pays his respects to his master!"
Yang Qing hurriedly reached out to stop Bei Chen. "We're both away from home now. There's no need to bother with such elaborate formalities."
Bei Chen slowly rose and said to Yang Qing, "Ever since the brothers received word from the south, we've been hoping for your safe arrival, master."
He looked at Yang Qing, then at Bu Er and Jiang Zhizhou standing beside him. "These two must be Bu Er and Young Master Jiang?"
Both nodded in acknowledgment.
"You must have endured a great deal of hardship on the road, master. Please sit here for a moment. I'll be right back."
With that, Bei Chen turned and went out.
Before long, he returned carrying a tray. As he set several dishes on the little table, he said apologetically, "Master, we didn't know when you would arrive, so these were prepared in a hurry. Please make do with them for now."
"Tomorrow, we'll serve you something better."
"This is quite good already," Yang Qing said. "Does the First-Rank Residence still have many customers coming and going?"
"Among the teahouses in Tong City, our