The carriage made it across the entire city of Haolin, out of the bustling market districts and the sprawling residences of court officials and nobles alike, and came to a stop in front of a dilapidated wall.
Chu Yun thought someone was playing a cruel prank on him.
He wished he had a fan with him so that he could snap it in half at the sight of the place.
A chipped, rotting, wooden signboard above the gate read: "Manor of the Prince of Bei."
Chu Yun looked out the carriage window at the sign. "A relative of yours?" he asked Xiao Zai, his teeth gritted in barely suppressed anger.
Xiao Zai wasn't intimidated by Chu Yun's offended airs. "Yes, my uncle. He was executed for treason when I was a child. The estate stayed empty until now."
Chu Yun took in a big sobering breath. "That," he said, pointing out at the derelict sign and gate, "is a warning."
