Midnight descended upon Hongyi Lane, now buried under a heavy snowfall, extinguished of its once brilliant lights.
She Dengke hurried along, braving the snow as he arrived.
Standing before the famed "Glazed Palace," he hesitated, rapping gently on the door, only to find no one opening up for him.
He stepped back a few paces and looked up, only to see the much-lauded "Glazed Palace" of Hongyi Lane with doors and windows tightly shut, curtains drawn, and engulfed in darkness.
She Dengke muttered under his breath, "Wasn't Brother Gou'er said to be inside? How come it looks deserted as if there's no one there?"
Just then, a bowed servant boy darted out from a side alley, addressing him in a low, fawning tone, "Sir, are you here to enjoy the Glazed Palace?"
She Dengke responded, "I am here to find someone, to find Liang Gou'er."
The servant boy grinned and said, "Oh, you are a distinguished guest of Brother Gou'er. Right this way, please, right this way."
