The person at the front didn't think Tian Peng was declining and turned to the others with a wave, "Alright, let's not bother the Top Scholar any longer. Let him put his clothes on and quickly return to the palace with us to report back."
The others, upon receiving the order, waited without further action until Tian Peng had dressed, then led him out of the inn's door.
The palanquin outside had already been prepared, merely waiting for its occupant.
Tian Peng boarded the palanquin, which was then lifted and carried towards the imperial palace.
The palanquin wasn't tailor-made, just a generic one. Its interior space was ample for the average person, but for Tian Peng, it felt too cramped; he was squeezed uncomfortably inside.
