Compared with the throng who had seen Chen Caozhi off when he last left Jiankang for Gushu, his departure for the Western Headquarters this time was much quieter. Apart from Chen Shang, Gu Kaizhi, Liu Shangzhi, Kong Wang, and the others, only the brothers Xie Lang and Xie Shao came to see off their elder cousin Xie Daoyun. Neither Xie An nor Xie Wan appeared. Sima Yu, the Prince of Kuaiji, sent his principality's chief administrator to set up a canopy and a farewell feast on Chrysanthemum Terrace at New Pavilion for Chen Caozhi and Zhu Yingtai. Xi Chao also sent someone.
As before, the siblings Banli and Duan Chu waited at the foot of the hill. Only after Chen Caozhi had said his farewells did they approach and present the gifts Lu Weiwei had prepared for him: robes, caps, socks, and shoes, along with brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones. Lu Weiwei knew how much paper Chen Caozhi used-
"Master Chen, the eighth day of the eighth month is our Little Lady's birthday. Don't forget." The young maid Duan Chu reminded him with a beaming smile.
Chen Caozhi smiled. "How could I forget? If there is nothing important at headquarters then, I'll find a reason to return to Jiankang. We'll meet at New Pavilion again, and I'll wish Little Lady Wei Rui a happy birthday in person. The chrysanthemums on Chrysanthemum Terrace will surely be even lovelier then. It will be just the season to enjoy them."
Duan Chu said delightedly, "That's wonderful! Every time our Little Lady sees you, Master Chen, she stays happy for at least half a month-"
Chen Caozhi said, "But don't tell Little Lady Wei Rui about this yet, Duan Chu. I can't be certain I'll be able to come. After all, I have official