Ding Chunqiu had come expressly to warn Chen Caozhi about this. Once he had said his piece, he drove his carriage back to the city through the rain.
One could never dispense with vigilance against others. Chen Caozhi's grading was imminent, and Chen Liu, who had been expelled from Chen Family Cove, had chosen this moment to come to Wu Commandery. Chen Caozhi could only judge his intentions with the utmost malice.
Lai De said angrily, "That Chen Seven! Before the New Year, our young master even agreed to the clan head's request to give him a chance to repent and turn over a new leaf, and he's still plotting to hurt him. His heart is black through and through."
Liu Shangzhi frowned. "Zizhong, what do you think Chen Liu can do?"
Chen Caozhi said, "Nothing else-he wants to ruin my reputation."
Liu Shangzhi said, "Your reputation is excellent in both Qiantang and Wu Commandery. Everyone in the county knows what sort of man Chen Liu is. The clear remain clear, while the muddy grow muddier. Governor Lu and Master Xu both know your character. If Chen Liu tries to tarnish your name, he'll only make his own stink worse."
Xu Miao had eaten dinner early and now came over to discuss phonology with Chen Caozhi. Hearing this, he laughed. "There are three aspects to the gentleman's way: the benevolent do not worry, the wise are not bewildered, and the brave do not fear. Why be afraid of him? If scum who cannot even find acceptance within his own clan dares come spreading rumors in the commandery seat, he'll be the one to suffer."
Chen Caozhi did not dismiss Chen Liu as lightly as Liu Shangzhi and Xu Miao did. Chen Liu had worked as a legal clerk in Qiantang