Meanwhile, at the entrance to the Chancellor's Residence.
Jiang Xiaobai glanced up at the vermilion gates of the Chancellor's Residence, then headed inside.
He had thought that, walking straight in like this, he would at least be stopped by the guards at the entrance.
To his surprise, however, the two guards on duty merely glanced at him before respectfully stepping aside.
Indeed, they showed no intention of stopping him whatsoever.
Jiang Xiaobai was only briefly surprised before he understood.
Most likely, Li Bingzhang had given them instructions beforehand.
Otherwise, how could anyone simply walk into the Chancellor's Residence?!
Once safely inside, Jiang Xiaobai instinctively slowed his pace and looked around.
His last visit to the Chancellor's Residence had been for the Poetry Gathering.
There had been a crowd then, and someone had guided him the whole way, so he had not looked closely.
Only now did he discover that the Chancellor's Residence possessed a distinctive air of its own.
Bluestone paths paved the courtyard, with tastefully trimmed flowers and trees lining both sides.
Rockeries and flowing water formed a harmonious arrangement. Among the pavilions and covered walkways, there was not a trace of extravagance; instead, a refined, scholarly elegance suffused every corner.
Even Jiang Xiaobai could not help marveling inwardly.
It really lived up to the name of the Chancellor's Residence. Its taste was far better than that of our Marquis's Residence!
Still, admiration aside, he knew the Chancellor's Residence was large. If he kept wandering, he might lose himself before he ever found Li Zhiwei.
With that thought, Jiang Xiaobai glanced around. Just then, a maid happened to pass nearby, carrying a tea tray.
"Miss."
Jiang Xiaobai immediately raised a hand and called to her.
Hearing him, the maid hurriedly stopped and turned to look.
"Hello, my name is