The carriage door opened, and first a servant jumped down, followed by a man dressed in a purple changshan descended from the vehicle.
He was taller and more robust than the average man from Jiangnan. When he stood in front of the carriage, the crowd realized he was a head taller than Ran Wen, with an imposing stature, handsome and strong facial features as if chiseled from stone, eyebrows like drawn swords, eyes like shining stars, and a high nose bridge. He was indeed handsome, yet he exuded an overwhelming sense of oppression.
In the gatehouse, a group of ladies suddenly held their breath, staring unblinkingly at the man, only the youngest girl at the back whispered eagerly, "Why is no one speaking? Is he very handsome, or not very handsome?"
Despite her anxiousness, no one answered her.
Seeing the visitor, Ran Wen quickly greeted him with a beaming smile, "Assistant Minister Xiao graces my humble abode with your esteemed presence, truly an honor that brightens my home!"
