Yesterday afternoon, Liu Shangzhi had learned from Zhang Mo's servant that Chen Caozhi would soon arrive in Jiankang. Today, he rose very early and left the city to welcome him. A Jiao, the maid who had grown spoiled on her master's favor, came along as well. Ten li outside Qingxi Gate, they spotted several ox carts approaching in the distance, with a giant of a man riding a great white horse ahead of them-
Liu Shangzhi had not returned to Qiantang since leaving early the previous year. Over that year and more, Ran Sheng had grown taller and sprouted a beard; mounted on a great white horse as he was, Liu Shangzhi truly did not dare recognize him at first. A Jiao said with certainty, "That's Xiao Sheng. Who else could be that big?" They stopped their cart and called out loudly. Sure enough, it was Chen Caozhi's party.
The joy of old friends reunited needed no telling. Liu Shangzhi accompanied the brothers Chen Shang and Chen Caozhi, talking as they traveled. First, he asked after his elderly father at home, then impatiently opened the family letter Chen Caozhi had brought him. Now laughing, now sighing, he sorely missed his father and said he would certainly return home for the New Year-
Seeing that Chen Caozhi had brought a maid with him this time, A Jiao could not help laughing inwardly. She had met Xiao Chan before when accompanying Liu Shangzhi to Chen Family Cove, so they were especially affectionate upon meeting now and sat in the same cart, chatting away.
Liu Shangzhi asked, "Zizhong, did you enter the capital together with Minister Lu's wife and Mr. Zhang Andao this time?"
Chen Caozhi said, "We traveled together for part of the way."
Liu Shangzhi tilted his head and looked Chen