Ren Ergou was still recovering from the shock of realizing his employer was the Emperor when the Post Station Steward walked in with a cheerful smile, bowing from afar, "Pardon me, dear sirs, pardon me. I was just out on official business and couldn’t greet you in time. How could you sit here? Ergou, hurry and invite the sirs to the main hall..."

Bai Shan and Manbao exchanged a glance and stood up, but instead of following the Steward’s suggestion to enter the main room, they stood aside with a distant smile. Hearing the commotion, Mr. Zhuang emerged from the main hall, followed by Assistant General Nie, who had managed to snatch two cups of tea.

The Steward’s gaze shifted from Bai Shan and his companions to Mr. Zhuang. Noticing Assistant General Nie behind him, bearing a sword and dressed in the attire of a sixth-rank military officer, the Steward raised an eyebrow involuntarily. However, his face remained unchanged as he eagerly approached Mr. Zhuang, bowing and asking, "How should I address you, Sir? On official business to where?"

Mr. Zhuang nodded slightly, and with an aloof demeanor said, "My surname is Zhuang, and we are headed to the Western Regions. This is a post station, isn’t it? I wonder if accommodations can be arranged for us here?"

He pointed at Bai Shan and the others, adding, "They are accompanying family members. You decide where would be most appropriate for them to stay."

"So, it’s Lord Zhuang," the Steward said with a troubled expression, "You must have noticed, sir, this post station is old and in disrepair, unfit for living. Alas, it’s our incompetence; we lack connections in the local government. Applying for repairs is always fruitless. To be honest, I just came from the County Governmental Office trying to handle this, which is why I was late to greet you, sir."

The Steward continued, "Although our post station is shabby and small, it wouldn’t do to inconvenience you, sir. Therefore, let me recommend you an inn. We can settle the bill with the County Governmental Office later. You only need to pay for any excess amount..."

"This is outrageous," Mr. Zhuang interrupted angrily, "I hadn’t expected Shazhou to have such a negligent County Governmental Office. The post station is in such disrepair, yet your repair funds are still withheld."

The Steward’s words were cut off, and he could only nod in agreement while lamenting, "Indeed, sir. But you must understand, we’re just low-ranking officials and cannot speak up to those in higher positions."

"No matter," Mr. Zhuang said, "When we meet the Prefect of Shazhou, we will certainly speak a fair word for you. Perhaps, then, the funds can bypass the County Governmental Office and reach you directly."

The Steward’s eyebrows twitched with concern as he studied Mr. Zhuang, "Lord Zhuang knows our Prefect?"

Mr. Zhuang neither confirmed nor denied knowing him, simply saying, "It’s only proper to pay a visit. Don’t worry; I’ll bring it up when the time comes."

How could they leave without meeting the Prefect?

As they spoke, Steward Li returned quietly, but seeing the Steward standing nearby, he didn’t dare whisper to Mr. Zhuang, only nodding at him.

Bai Shan understood immediately, and before the Steward could continue the topic, he respectfully stepped forward and said, "Sir, Steward Li has already arranged rooms elsewhere. You must be weary from your travels. Why not rest first and discuss matters with the Steward later? It’s not far anyway."

"Very well," Mr. Zhuang nodded and turned to Assistant General Nie, "Let’s go."

Assistant General Nie couldn’t help but flash a grin, happily escorting Mr. Zhuang and Zhou Man, along with the others, out.

Bai Shan stayed behind, smiling and nodding to the Steward, "My master always keeps his word. Since he has mentioned it, you can rest assured it will be done."

The Steward opened his mouth, wanting to say it wasn’t necessary, but the Bai Family’s guards were already escorting Bai Shan out, and soldiers and guards were also escorting the carriages away.

Several onlookers curiously watched the Steward’s expression and then cheerfully followed, feeling surprisingly uplifted.

Steward Li hadn’t actually arranged any rooms, but finding a place to stay wasn’t difficult. With money, accommodations were never an issue.

Meanwhile, Shopkeeper Zhang and his assistants had already been standing at the entrance. Seeing the group leave the post station and head towards them instead of across the street, realizing it was the same steward who had inquired earlier leading them, they perked up, smiling broadly to welcome them, "Please come in, please come in. Are the guests looking for lodging? Someone, hurry and clear out the two courtyards in the back for our esteemed guests..."

By the time the Steward and Ren Ergou hurried out, Manbao and the others were already entering the neighboring inn, and the first carriage was following an assistant’s guidance into an alley leading directly to the rear courtyards.

The Steward opened his mouth and, after watching them for a while, turned to glare at Ren Ergou, "What did you tell them?"

Ren Ergou still hadn’t recovered from the shock of realizing his employer was the Emperor, the Steward being so cautious before Bai Shan and his companions. Suddenly questioned, he muttered dumbfoundedly, "Didn’t say anything, just that I have four brothers and need to save money for their weddings..."

"Enough, enough," the Steward interrupted, frowning in thought. Though he was tempted to drag them back, he knew it wasn’t possible.

Not to mention that poaching customers was a major taboo in the industry, and Laike Inn wasn’t one he could casually cross.

Frowning in thought for a long while, the Steward turned to ask Ren Ergou, "Did they mention I’m running an inn across the street?"

Ren Ergou was naive but not stupid. While he hadn’t explicitly said so... the implication might have been there?

He kept his head down, not daring to look up, and muttered vaguely, "Nope..."

The Steward breathed a sigh of relief but considered the possibility that Shopkeeper Zhang might bring it up given their current lodging situation.

Frowning, he asked, "Did they say how long they would stay here?"

This, they hadn’t mentioned, so Ren Ergou shook his head firmly.

The Steward left, still frowning. These officials were too meticulous. The post station was such a wreck it wasn’t even worth entering, let alone pursuing the matter so seriously.

Though it was a hassle, the Steward wasn’t overly concerned. He had encountered similar situations before and managed to resolve them; officials on temporary assignments rarely pursued minor issues in court, usually leaving things unresolved.

Those few that wouldn’t be ignored, he settled with gifts and sweet words.

The Steward walked off with his hands behind his back, while Shopkeeper Zhang at the Laike Inn thoughtfully arranged their accommodations. Two courtyards, and if needed, even the finest rooms were prepared.

He assured them that even the lower rooms wouldn’t be overcrowded. For rooms with twelve beds, he would only arrange ten occupants, and the rates were the same.

Hot water is provided free, along with hot soup, and more...

As they had come to lodge at his inn despite the Steward’s attempt, he felt a connection with them, even shared ideals, and thus welcomed them warmly, "If you wish to dine here, this evening I’ll serve a dish of shredded radish from our place, a delightful appetizer."

Manbao and the others, intending to dine out after resting, immediately decided to have dinner there upon hearing this.

Therefore, Shopkeeper Zhang cheerfully instructed his assistants to prepare the meal.