Although the City Lord's Mansion was in the heart of Penzes City, the surrounding neighborhood was home to the rich and powerful, so it grew quite still at night. After the sun went down, the streets were so deserted you couldn't even see a single cat. Uncle Fu stood waiting by the gate. A luxurious carriage, arranged by the great noble hosting Ling Xiao for this evening's banquet, was already waiting before the mansion. After stepping out, Uncle Fu casually scanned the quiet street. Finding nothing out of the ordinary, he then invited Ling Xiao to board the carriage.
A middle-aged man dressed as a coachman, in his forties and rather well-attired, looked just like the kind of professional driver a wealthy family would employ. He wore a simple, honest smile as he bowed to Ling Xiao and asked, "Might I ask if you are the Viscount?"
Ling Xiao nodded. The coachman gave another good-natured smile. "Then please, Viscount, get in. By the way, is it just you?"
