When Xie Xuan heard that his elder sister Xie Daoyun wanted to avoid the Lu Clan Lady by taking the route through Wuxing Commandery instead, he thought, Elder Sister refuses to admit she loves Zizhong, saying only that she cherishes his talent and wants his friendship. Yet retreating three leagues before the Lu Clan Lady plainly exposes what lies in her heart. Elder Sister likes Zizhong, but her proud, reserved nature means that, knowing his heart belongs to the Lu Clan Lady, she refuses to reveal her feelings. She only wants to meet him as a friend, asking not to spend their lives together, only to remain friends for life. Ah, among all the devoted lovers in this world, is there anyone who surpasses my sister?
Liu Shangzhi was secretly surprised to see Zhu Yingtai intending to part ways with Zizhong. He thought, His eccentric streak has flared up again. He and I count as old school friends, but he has always been neither warm nor cold toward me. Without Zizhong, we would scarcely have anything to say to each other. What disagreement has he had with Zizhong that he refuses to travel with him? He said nothing, lest Zhu Yingtai wound him with his sharp tongue.
Chen Caozhi looked at Xie Xuan. Xie Xuan nodded and said to his elder sister Xie Daoyun, "Elder Brother, I have something to say to you alone."
Xie Daoyun followed Xie Xuan beneath the corridor of the Post Station. Watching the lamplight from the hall fall across the cold ground, she asked quietly, "A'e, are you going to persuade me to go through Wu Commandery?"
Xie Xuan smiled. "It has always been Elder Sister persuading me. When have I ever persuaded Elder Sister?"
Xie Daoyun gave a little snort of laughter. "What, do