Despite Tang Yan's not insignificant official position, within the city, he could only just barely be considered middle class.
Because the Tang Family lacked a true powerhouse and a strong economic foundation, Tang Yan was hardly different from the grassroots level.
If he wanted to establish relationships with some of the real power players in the city, he might not even make it through their doors.
There was no need to mention top-tier noble families like the Fang Family and the Lu Family. Even if Tang Yan's official rank were to be raised by two more levels, he still wouldn't catch the eye of these people. To put it more harshly, Fang Lian wouldn't even give him a second glance.
Delivering a visitation card and having a steward receive him would already be considered good treatment.
There was virtually no chance that Fang Lian would meet with him personally.
The thresholds of top-tier noble families were infamously high.