Chen Caozhi's mount, Purple Lightning, and Ran Sheng's great white horse had both been brought to Jiankang by boat. Two private soldiers of the Chen Clan led the horses over, and Chen Caozhi and Ran Sheng mounted outside the gates of the Gu Residence-
Xiao Chan hurried after them with a bundle in her hand. "Young master, take Young Lady Lu's birthday present with you."
Chen Caozhi took the bundle and tied it behind his saddle, then said, "Fetch my Keting Flute."
Huang Xiaotong dashed off and brought back the wooden box containing the Keting Flute. Chen Caozhi secured it firmly behind his saddle with a silk cord, then cupped his hands toward Gu Kaizhi. "Chang Kang, I'll return tomorrow. If anyone comes to see me, please receive them on my behalf."
Gu Kaizhi said, "There's no need to tell me that-the Lu Clan's convoy set out the day before yesterday. They must have passed Jurong by now. You should be able to catch up with them in Qu'a, Zizhong."
Chen Caozhi acknowledged him and urged his horse toward Qingxi Gate. At Yuan Market, he encountered Chen Shang, who jumped down from his ox cart and asked in surprise, "Sixteenth Brother, where are you going?"
Chen Caozhi said, "To catch up with Young Lady Lu and see her part of the way."
Naturally, Chen Shang knew that Lu Weiwei had been forced to leave Jiankang. He sighed and said, "Sixteenth Brother, the Prince of Kuaiji has invited you to dinner tonight."
Chen Caozhi said, "Please offer the Prince of Kuaiji my apologies, Third Brother. I'll pay him a visit when I return tomorrow."
Chen Shang nodded. "Very well. Hurry back, Sixteenth Brother. Take care on the road, and don't wear yourself out."
Only after watching Chen Caozhi and Ran Sheng