Chen Caozhi, Ran Sheng, and their party accompanied the Lu Clan's carriage procession through Jurong, Qu'a, and Danyang, reaching Jinling on the twenty-seventh. Before leaving the capital, Gu Minzhi had already sent word to the Gu Clan Manor at Wulong Mountain in Jinling, so the moment Chen Caozhi's party entered Jinling territory, the manor's steward and retainers met them and escorted them to the foot of Wulong Mountain to stay the night.
That night, near midnight, Chen Caozhi had already gone to bed when someone suddenly knocked at his door. He faintly recognized Lai De's voice and was startled. Lai De returned to Qiantang two months ago. How could he be here? Had he hurried here from Qiantang? Had something serious happened at Chen Family Cove?
Chen Caozhi draped on a robe, slipped into his shoes, and went to open the door. Several lanterns swayed before him amid a confused bustle of faces and voices. He heard not only Lai De but also Lai De's father, Lai Fu. Before Chen Caozhi could make out their faces, several men bowed at his feet, saying joyfully, "Our young master really is here! Haha, we nearly missed you-"
By then, Ran Sheng, Xiao Chan, and Huang Xiaotong had all come out of the neighboring rooms, asking why Uncle Lai Fu and Lai De had come.
Though Lai Fu and Lai De's faces were weather-beaten, both father and son were brimming with delight. Knowing that they had not come because of some upheaval at Chen Family Cove, Chen Caozhi dressed at his leisure while asking what had brought them.
"Let our young master know," Lai Fu said, "the young mistress and Little Lady Run'er have arrived in Wu Commandery."
"Ah!" Both surprised and delighted, Chen Caozhi asked, "What have Sister-in-law and Run'er come to