There were two routes from Bishui Alley to the other side, one was to cross through Chang'an Avenue to Baishi Street. This route was busier and was usually taken by Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun.
The other route led from Xuanwu Avenue to the end, then onto the official road. It was less populated and closer.
They usually took this route on their way out but avoided it when returning, as it was too dark and they feared accidents.
But to be on the safe side, Gu Jiao and Gu Changqing split up and took each route separately to search.
Gu Changqing headed for the official road, and Gu Jiao went to Baishi Street to look around.
At that time, Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun were indeed on Baishi Street. The reason for their delay was that their carriage wheel was broken.
There happened to be a tea house nearby. Liao Quan had the two of them wait there were while he sought help to repair the carriage.