The investigation Yang Qing had asked Bei Chen to carry out after returning had yet to yield any results when an unexpected guest arrived at the First-Rank Residence.
As the manager of the First-Rank Residence, Bei Chen was secretly startled when he saw who the visitor was.
Yet the visitor showed no reservations in front of Bei Chen. He casually set the black Veil Hat he had removed and was holding onto a nearby table, then looked at Bei Chen with perfect composure.
Even Bei Chen, a man accustomed to weathering storms, could not quell the towering waves that surged through his heart this time.
For the visitor was none other than Tan Wenjie, prefect of the Capital Prefecture, one of the two men he and Yang Qing had been discussing so intently earlier.
Still, Bei Chen was only shocked for a moment before quickly regaining his composure.
He bowed to Tan Wenjie with utmost calm. "I did not know you would honor us with your presence, my lord, and failed to welcome you properly. Please forgive me."
Tan Wenjie waved a hand at Bei Chen. "Everyone says the manager of the First-Rank Residence is a remarkable fellow. Now that I have met you, I see your reputation is well deserved."
Bei Chen lowered his head further, his manner growing even more humble. "I do not know what prompted such praise, my lord. It leaves this humble commoner quite overwhelmed."
"I have merely come on an incognito visit. There is no need to stand on such ceremony, Manager," Tan Wenjie told Bei Chen indifferently.
But the more Tan Wenjie said this, the less certain Bei Chen felt.
He could not quite work out why this prefect had suddenly visited the First-Rank Residence.
*Could they have discovered that the First-Rank Residence