When Xie An and Xie Wan heard Chen Caozhi say he would ask Palace Attendant Zhang Changzong to act as matchmaker, both expressed their satisfaction. They also asked about the betrothal arrangements with the Lu Clan. Xie Wan said, "Though the empress dowager's grant of marriage distinguishes between Left and Right Wives, that certainly does not mean a daughter of our Xie Clan must rank below Young Lady Lu. From the Zhou and Qin onward, the right has always been honored above the left. Zuo's Spring and Autumn Annals says, 'The people of Chu honor the left.' The Lu Clan are Southerners, so let them honor the left, while our Chen Commandery Xie Clan honors the right. Thus, in the Six Rites, the Lu Clan cannot take precedence. The Betrothal Proposal and inquiry into the bride's name must take place on the same day-"
Xie Wan had rather a bookish streak and deeply resented his niece Xie Daoyun taking a place beneath the Lu Clan woman. Naturally, Chen Caozhi could hardly debate the precedence of left and right with him now, and felt quite caught. Chen Xian and Chen Man exchanged looks, both thinking, Marrying into two great houses at once really is no easy business. Each side insists on comparing itself with the other, and neither will accept coming second. With the brides' families so powerful, a husband will struggle to assert his authority. Will our sixteenth nephew become henpecked?
Chen Caozhi could only say, "The Betrothal Proposal, inquiry into the bride's name, announcement of auspicious divination, presentation of betrothal gifts, and Wedding-Date Request can all be held simultaneously. Both my uncles are here. On the first day of the second month, my Fourth Uncle and Attendant Minister Xi can visit the Lu Clan, while my Sixth Uncle and