A man was heading towards the inner courtyard, around forty years of age, somewhat corpulent, dressed in a cloud brocade robe, with feet clad in embroidered, gold-trimmed, jade-decorated boots—extraordinarily wealthy.
His steps were steady but there was an implicit haste; even his expression seemed slightly anxious.
Servants greeted him with obeisance, to whom he impatiently said, "All of you, go guard outside. I am entertaining a noble guest; no one is allowed to enter."
The servants bowed and said, "Yes," then filed out.
This person was none other than the head of the Rong family, Rong Fugui.
As Rong Fugui entered the inner room, he saw a man in plain clothes already waiting there. Rong Fugui was about to speak but was interrupted by the man, who gestured for him to proceed further inside.
