Jiang Yuanfa wiped his sweat, smiled, and gave the server a hundred copper coins as a tip. The server bowed and thanked him before leaving.
Jiang Yuanfa, with his hands clasped behind his back, was filled with emotion as he surveyed the luxurious mansion. He had never seen such a lavish residence, and it was his first time seeing the home of a government official.
The vermillion gate was tightly shut, with green beast-faced tinned rings on the door, indicating the owner's high status. Such door rings were only used by officials of the first or second rank.
A pair of round, drum-shaped embracing drum stones stood on either side of the entrance. The drums hinted at the owner's military rank and distinguished military achievements.
Jiang Yuanfa proudly touched the embracing drum stones, tsk tsk, the Commander of the Regional Military Command, a second-rank official! His Ting'er truly had a promising future!
Jiang Yuanfa was now filled with regret!
He should have desperately stopped his old mother back then, and not driven Ting'er away. Otherwise, he could now live in such a grand mansion, and even the Magistrate of Changle County—no, even the Prefect of Qingzhou would have to watch his face!
Madam Chen leaned against the wall, rubbing her sore shoulder from the earlier collision, glaring at the words "Xu Manor" with red eyes and clenched teeth.
Looking at the mansion, it was clear that only officials of a certain rank could live there. How did that little bastard get so lucky! He'd completely overshadowed her Cheng'er!
Why should her Cheng'er be a concubine?
She had planned that after Cheng'er passed the imperial examination, she would divorce the barren woman and arrange a good marriage for him.
With the help of the wife's family, ascending to the top was within reach!
But if her son became a concubine, he was already marrying a second wife, and there was a clear distinction between legitimate and illegitimate children in marriage. Which woman from a good family would be willing to marry him?
The three of them waited like this until the sun began to set.
As dusk approached, Jiang Yuanfa and the others finally heard some commotion.
A team of Embroidered Uniform Guards marched from the street corner. In the middle of the team was a man riding a tall horse. He had a sturdy build, broad shoulders, and long legs. He wore a bright red Python Robe, a jade belt around his waist, and a Black Gauze Hat, fully displaying his imposing demeanor! The Embroidered Spring Blade at his waist exuded a chilling aura!
This person was none other than Xu Hongchuan, the Commander of the Qingzhou Regional Military Command!
Jiang Yuanfa's eyes widened, and a strange light flashed in them. He dazedly went forward to greet him.
The Embroidered Uniform Guards also saw him. Two of them, holding lanterns, quickly stepped forward, one on the left and one on the right to provide light.
Two more Embroidered Uniform Guards stepped out and raised their blades, shouting sternly, "Who's there!"
Jiang Yuanfa's legs went weak with fear, and he almost knelt down.
He braced himself, thinking, Don't embarrass yourself, and quickly said with a smile, "This commoner, Jiang Yuanfa."
As the words "Jiang Yuanfa" came out, Xu Hongchuan on horseback raised an eyebrow slightly, and a look of mockery and disdain flashed in his eyes.
Jiang Yuanfa stared fixedly at his eldest son, whom he hadn't seen in many years, now sitting proudly on a tall horse with such an imposing presence. He couldn't help but call out, "Ting'er…"
"Bold!"
On either side of Xu Hongchuan's horse were two Embroidered Uniform Guards in bullfighting attire. The one in front on the right shouted loudly and hurried forward, sternly saying, "Speak again and you'll be punished!"
This Embroidered Uniform Guard had long, thin eyebrows and delicate features, not looking like a martial man.
He was Wang Shiqi, a capable aide under Xu Hongchuan. The other three were Zhang Hu, Zhou Shishan, and Qi Yue.
These four were Xu Hongchuan's sworn brothers since their days in the military, and they had been following him ever since.
At this moment, Madam Chen was already frightened by the authority of the Regional Military Command and the killing intent of these Embroidered Uniform Guards.
She quickly went to Jiang Yuanfa and pinched his arm hard. Jiang Yuanfa understood and quickly said, "This commoner was confused! This commoner was confused! This commoner, Jiang Yuanfa, is a wealthy man from Changle County. I previously sent the Commander three letters."
Wang Shiqi's expression softened slightly. He stepped forward to the side of the horse, but before he could speak, another Embroidered Uniform Guard with thick eyebrows and large eyes, interrupted, "Boss, I'll drive them away. They've actually come to the door!"
This person was Zhang Hu. Wang Shiqi glared at him in annoyance and said in a low voice, "Third Brother, use your brain! They're blocking the door. If we drive them away forcefully, it'll cause a commotion, and if something goes wrong, it'll give people something to talk about."
Xu Hongchuan smiled meaningfully. They clearly came prepared, and they probably wouldn't leave easily.
Thinking about Prefect Lu's insincere smile at the banquet tonight, he wondered if it was the old fox's deliberate arrangement.
Xu Hongchuan's deep voice sounded, "Bring them inside first."
Since they came, it was a trap!
Wang Shiqi understood and went to Jiang Yuanfa again, saying coldly, "Wealthy Jiang, please wait a moment."
Jiang Yuanfa and Madam Chen nodded repeatedly, realizing they should back off. Xu Hongchuan on horseback passed in front of them, and the two of them didn't dare to raise their heads.
Rongyue, who was also there, naturally lowered her head. It was her first time encountering such a situation, and she was very nervous, her delicate body trembling.
After Xu Hongchuan dismounted and returned to the manor, Wang Shiqi led the three of them inside.
The servants inside quickly lit the lamps. Jiang Yuanfa and Madam Chen secretly looked around the mansion, their eyes almost popping out with surprise.
The mansion had deep courtyards and carved beams and painted rafters, so impressive!
The mansion of a second-rank official was indeed extraordinary!
Xu Hongchuan walked directly into the front hall, strode to the main seat, flicked his Python Robe with his right hand, and with a quick turn, sat on the main seat.
Jiang Yuanfa and the other two, who had followed behind, cautiously glanced at Xu Hongchuan, who was sitting above them. He exuded an air of authority, and their legs couldn't help but feel weak again. They followed into the front hall with small steps and didn't dare to sit, just standing in the hall.