Chen Caozhi and Gu Kaizhi put the finishing touches on the murals, then took their leave of Elder Zhu Fatai and left Waguansi with Liu Shangzhi, Xu Miao, and his wife, heading toward Qingxi Gate. Glad of the fine weather, everyone except Feng Lingbo, who rode in a carriage, walked in wooden clogs, chatting as they went, much as they had in their school days in Wu Commandery.
Ran Sheng suddenly called out, "Young master, a crowd is coming toward us. Could it be that bunch from last time, back for revenge?"
Chen Caozhi and the others looked toward Qingxi Gate and saw a group of burly men who looked like household soldiers approaching with an overbearing air. Even from a distance, they were pointing at them; plainly, they were coming for them. The Gu Residence's six armed Household Troops immediately moved to the front and asked the young masters to board the carriages, lest anything happen-
Ran Sheng had excellent eyesight and could now make out the face of the man seated on a litter carried by two men, with a third holding a canopy over him. "Young master, it's Lu Qin."
Lu Qin must have come for Chen Caozhi. Liu Shangzhi immediately said, "Zizhong, Chang Kang, I'll go ask what he wants first. Let's avoid trouble if we can."
Chen Caozhi wanted to marry Lu Weiwei; whatever else might be said, he had no wish to clash with Lu Qin directly.
Chen Caozhi and the others slowed their steps and watched Liu Shangzhi stride forward to meet Lu Qin. Lu Qin remained seated on his litter, arrogant and discourteous. After only a few words, Liu Shangzhi returned, his face showing embarrassment and anger. Presumably, Lu Qin had mocked him.
"Zizhong, Lu Qin wants to speak with you. Don't