Prince Fu rode up to the gate of the Zhang Mansion, climbed the stone steps, and hesitated several times with his hand on the copper ring of the vermillion door, unsure of how to knock.
After a long while, he took a deep breath and knocked forcefully on the door.
The vermillion door opened, and the gatekeeper's servant stood at the threshold, puzzled as he looked at Prince Fu, almost failing to recognize him.
Prince Fu's eyes were bloodshot; his official robe was tattered, his face smudged with soot marks, and his hands covered in charcoal grime, looking nothing like a prince.
It wasn't until the gatekeeper's servant saw the golden crown on Prince Fu's head and the entourage of people and horses behind him that he hurriedly bowed and said, "So it's Prince Fu..."
Prince Fu interrupted, "Please inform Madam Zhang and Second Miss Zhang that I wish to see them."
The gatekeeper's servant opened the door wide: "The Madam and Second Miss are both at home, please come in."
