The front hall.
Lu Changfeng had just walked in when a familiar figure came forward to greet him.
The man was around forty, dressed in a blue-gray gown, with a lean face and three long wisps of beard beneath his chin. He had the bearing of a scholar. It was Xu Yuanzhi of Hundred-Knowledge Hall.
Lu Changfeng cupped his fists. "Mr. Xu, sorry for the wait."
Xu Yuanzhi hastily returned the salute. "You are too kind, Mr. Lu. I was the one who came uninvited. Please forgive the intrusion."
The two took their seats as host and guest. A maid served fragrant tea, then quietly withdrew.
Lu Changfeng dispensed with pleasantries and went straight to the point. "Have you come today about the matter you mentioned before, Mr. Xu?"
Xu Yuanzhi paused briefly, then smiled wryly. "You certainly are forthright, Mr. Lu."
He paused, his expression turning solemn. "To tell you the truth, I have indeed come to ask for your help. I am ashamed to say that I should have explained this long ago, but I never knew how to broach the subject-after all, it does smack somewhat of using a past favor to demand repayment."
Lu Changfeng waved a hand. "You put it too strongly, Mr. Xu."
He lifted his teacup and took a light sip, his expression untroubled. "Before I went to Jiangnan, I asked you about the whereabouts of the person behind the [Imperial Seal]. Not only did you tell me about Guo Pu's descendants, the Guo Family, you also gave me a map of Jiangnan's factions and detailed information on every sect. I know full well how much those things were worth."
He set down his cup and looked at Xu Yuanzhi. "At the time, you only said you had a favor to ask, and