The water route from Gushu to Jiankang was less than two hundred li. With the current and a favorable wind, they could leave in the morning and arrive by evening, but the Princess of Nankang did not want to return to Jiankang at dusk. They therefore set sail at noon and moored at Alligator Head Islet at sunset. The islet lay about thirty li from the White Egret Islet docks outside Jiankang; setting out early the next morning, they could arrive within two hours. Messengers had already been sent ahead to Jiankang to inform Sima Yu, the Prince of Kuaiji, Huan Mi, the General of the Central Army, and the others.
After supper aboard the ship, Chen Caozhi went up on deck to admire the river at dusk. Jagged, strangely shaped rocks towered along both banks, and golden reeds covered the river's sandbars. The evening breeze brushed against him, slightly chilly. Turning his head, he saw Xiao Chan beside him and said, "Sister Xiao Chan, another golden eighth month of autumn is here. How quickly the days pass."
"Yes," Xiao Chan said. "It's been over half a year since we left Chen Family Cove on the sixteenth of the first month. I never imagined I would travel so far. Only by following you, young master, have I been able to see all this. I'm much luckier than many women."
Xiao Chan knew her place, was optimistic, and knew how to cherish what she had.
Chen Caozhi smiled faintly, thinking, All four of Sister-in-law's maids have good dispositions. They must have absorbed her influence from growing up beside her. Yes, Sister-in-law is the best sister-in-law under heaven.
Ran Sheng emerged from the cabin, looking pale. "Elder Brother, I really can't stomach riding this ship. I feel a little like throwing up."