The Brocade-Clad Guards Search the Ning-guo House; The Piebald-Horse Censor Impeaches Ping’an Prefecture

Jia Zheng was at home giving a banquet for guests when Lai Da suddenly hurried into the Rongxi Hall and reported to Jia Zheng: “Lord Zhao of the Brocade-Clad Guard Office has come with several officials, saying he wishes to pay a visit. Your servant was about to announce him with an official card, but Lord Zhao said we are on good terms and there is no need for such formalities. He got down from his carriage and walked straight in. The master and the young gentlemen had better go out quickly to receive him.” Jia Zheng was puzzled. “I have ordinarily had no dealings with Lord Zhao. Why has he suddenly come? Now the household is in the middle of a banquet. It is not convenient to keep him, yet not to keep him would be improper.” As he was wondering, Jia Lian urged him: “Uncle, go quickly. If you delay any longer, he will have walked into the house.” Before he had finished speaking, a servant from the second gate came running in and reported, “Lord Zhao has already entered the second gate.” Jia Zheng and the others hurried forward to receive him. They saw this Lord......