On the morning of the twenty-first of the sixth month, after a light breakfast, Xi Chao, Liu Acheng, and Fu Hong set out under the protection of fifty capable Mounted Slaves. No one saw them off.
This had been Xi Chao's own request, and his parents and wife had unexpectedly respected it. Even an outsider like Liu Acheng could understand. From Xi Chao's appearance after leaving his parents the night before, his distracted state over breakfast, and the crooked, hastily made sachet at his waist, it was clear that Xi Jiabin's household truly enjoyed a father's kindness and a son's devotion, with husband and wife as harmonious as zither and lute.
Under such circumstances, having already said their farewells and given vent to their feelings, there really was no need to meet again. Another meeting would only add to their sorrow.
Nevertheless, before they left, several pouches were still sent out from the inner quarters. They were said to contain talismans drawn personally by Master Lu, not yet burned to ash, for Xi Chao to wear.
But that was all.
Several dozen riders galloping along were an entirely different matter from the earlier wedding procession.
Having made up his mind, Xi Chao rode out of Kuaiji the next day and rested at Master Du Ming's residence in Qiantang, which had only recently suffered a fire. When they set out the following morning, they even changed horses at his house. Two more days brought them to Wukang.
When Shen Jin learned that the teenage Xi Chao intended to go straight to Huan Wen's staff to revive his family's fortunes, and that even his earlier marriage had been meant to reassure his family first, he was thoroughly discomfited.
*Wait, with your Xi Family's standing, and at your age, Xi Chao, how can