Chen Caozhi and Ran Sheng dismounted, tethered their horses to the pavilion pillars, and climbed up into Cao'e Pavilion, their Lun Scarves and robes slightly damp. Looking out from the pavilion, they saw the flowing Shan River, distant mountains, and nearby trees all blurred amid the swirling snowflakes-
The snow looked likely to continue for some time. Ran Sheng said, "Elder Brother, aren't we going to Master Zhu's manor to rest a while? This Master Zhu is rather rude. We've come right to his door, yet he hasn't even invited us in for a cup of warm wine!"
Apart from the people she had brought with her, Xie Daoyun ordinarily spoke only to Chen Caozhi, so to Ran Sheng, this Master Zhu seemed aloof and arrogant. But this was indeed Xie Daoyun's nature; even without having to conceal her identity, she would never have been someone who could charm everyone around her.
Chen Caozhi hesitated a moment, then said, "Master Dai Andao is at the Xie Clan Manor. I must pay my respects. Oh, Xiao Sheng, Master Zhu's identity is somewhat unusual. Don't ask too many questions when we get there."
"Yes," Ran Sheng replied.
The two left Cao'e Pavilion and rode toward the Xie Clan Villa, catching up with the Xie Clan household soldier at the villa gates. They dismounted before the wooden house. Seeing Chen Caozhi arrive, the soldier hesitated, then hurried inside to announce him. Only after about a quarter of an hour did he emerge and tell Chen Caozhi, "Master Chen, our young master is not at the manor just now. When Master Dai heard you were here, he asked you to come and see him." As he spoke, he handed Chen Caozhi and Ran Sheng an oilcloth umbrella each.
Chen Caozhi knew that with Dai