At noon, Hu Xiaotian reserved a table at the Wild Goose Tower to welcome his old friend after his long journey. They had just reached the entrance and had yet to go inside when Wan Changchun, the steward of the Wan Residence, hurried toward them with four house servants. Seeing Hu Xiaotian there, Wan Changchun hastily stepped forward to pay his respects.
Hu Xiaotian smiled. "What a coincidence! Steward Wan, join us for a drink."
Wan Changchun held Hu Xiaotian in considerable esteem. "Lord Hu," he said respectfully, "I have business to attend to. Another day, I'll host a meal in your honor."
Hu Xiaotian saw that all four servants behind him were sturdy men, each wearing a grave expression. Apparently, they had something important to do. A little thought led him to guess that it most likely concerned Wan Tingchang. He lowered his voice. "Have you been looking for Wan Tingchang?"
Wan Changchun was startled. This official was practically a god! He had guessed it without being told a thing. Hu Xiaotian had no gift for foretelling the future, but a little reasoning based on what he knew made that conclusion easy enough to reach.
Wan Changchun glanced around, then leaned close to Hu Xiaotian's ear and whispered, "We didn't find him. The eldest young master has already left. I'm on my way back to report to the master."
Hu Xiaotian had no interest in Wan Tingchang's whereabouts. Not one of the Wan father and sons was a decent bird. If there was anyone in the Wan Family worth his concern, it was undoubtedly the young widow, Le Yao.
Eager to return and report, Wan Changchun quickly bade Hu Xiaotian farewell. But Hu Xiaotian caught him again, pulled him aside, and asked quietly, "How is your young madam?"
Wan