Only after Mother Chen Lady Li had gone to sleep did Ding Youwei lead Zongzhi and Run'er out into the upstairs corridor. Xiao Chan came forward and asked softly, "Which room would you like to sleep in tonight, mistress? You may choose whichever you please."
Ding Youwei said, "Let us go upstairs and have a look first."
Qingzhi held the lamp, and Chen Caozhi accompanied his sister-in-law Ding Youwei up to the third floor, with Xiao Chan, Rain Swallow, and A Xiu following behind.
The Fortified Manor's wooden stairs were about five Jin feet wide, allowing two people to walk abreast. With a child in each hand, Ding Youwei found the climb rather awkward, but Run'er was delighted. "There are so many people today. It's so lively! Run'er is so happy."
Yes, Chen Caozhi thought. The West Tower has dozens of rooms across its three floors. On the first floor are Lai Fu's family of eight, along with Jing Nu and Ran Sheng. On the second and third floors, there are only Mother, Yinggu, Zongzhi, Run'er, Xiao Chan, Qingzhi, and me-seven people altogether. It really is quiet and lonely. Fortunately, Xiao Chan and Qingzhi came to Chen Family Cove last year, or it would be emptier still. And I spend more than half the year away studying. Zongzhi and Run'er are children; naturally, they feel lonely-
Chen Caozhi heard his sister-in-law Ding Youwei give a soft sigh. He knew she would be returning to Ding Clan Villa tomorrow and must be worried that Zongzhi and Run'er would be upset, so he said, "Our Chen Family Cove will grow livelier and livelier."
Remembering what Agu had said earlier, Ding Youwei could not help smiling through her sorrow. "Yes. Once your Uncle Chou marries, a whole crowd will come along. We may