In happiness, one always regretted how short the days were; with deep affection, one always feared parting. Lu Weiwei and Chen Caozhi lingered beside Jiangling Lake for more than half the day, gazing toward distant mountains and the vast lake, wandering among green trees and abundant blossoms, watching gulls and egrets rise and settle, listening to birdsong, long and short, now quiet, now clamorous. Laughter and conversation sounded now and then; their eyes met in understanding. The slightest touch set their hearts beating with happiness, and even the simplest words seemed filled with endless affection-
The red sun high in the sky seemed unable to bear the sweet endearments of lovers below, or perhaps Kuafu was pursuing it from behind, for it hurried down toward the western hills.
Lady Lu, Zhang Wenwan, urged Lu Weiwei to return to the city. She had agreed to worship at Dong'an Temple and also wanted to hear Chen Caozhi discuss the Buddhist Scriptures with Zhi Daolin. Zhi Daolin enjoyed great renown, and the brothers Lu Shi and Lu Na both held him in high esteem. If Chen Caozhi could win Master Zhi's approval and praise, perhaps that would alter Lu Shi's prejudice a little. Yet Lu Shi's prejudice was not merely against Chen Caozhi himself; it concerned family standing. Even if he admired Chen Caozhi, he could hardly go against his clan's interests and consent to Lu Weiwei marrying a son of a second-tier gentry clan, unless Chen Caozhi could swiftly rise to a high and distinguished office. Then there would be greater hope. But for a son of a second-tier gentry clan to rise above the fifth rank was almost impossible without twenty or thirty years of accumulated seniority. How could Wei Rui afford to wait!
On the way back to the city,