Gu Haoran is well-connected and has friends in the State City, specifically within the Eight Righteous Sect. The particular sect wasn't mentioned, and he didn't ask.
During his stay in the State City, he lived at this friend's house.
After nightfall, Chen Ming informed Gu Haoran before heading out to find Xia Mudan.
After he left, Gu Haoran's friend was amazed, "Your nephew seems to have accomplished a lot of extraordinary things in the State City. Surprisingly, he still reports to you when he's going out."
Gu Haoran smiled somewhat oddly, "Yes, my nephew always does things impeccably."
...
"Young Master Gu, you've finally returned."
When Chen Ming knocked on the door of Xia Mudan's house, a young maid saw him and immediately burst into tears, "Miss was taken away by Madam, who said she's to be married off to some old man in the palace. Please, go save her..."
Upon hearing this, his heart sank, "What exactly happened? Tell me in detail."
