The three hundred carriages accompanying Chen Caozhi's bridal welcome procession, belonging to his clansmen, friends, and colleagues, were joined at Hengtang by the servants and dowry chests from the Lu Residence, then at Wuyi Lane by the dowry chests and servants from the Xie Residence. Horses and carriages streamed like a dragon, pedestrians thronged like woven threads, and the procession stretched for miles along the Qinhuai River. Tens of thousands vied for a look at this spectacle without precedent-
Dressed in ceremonial robes of white patterned with gold, Chen Caozhi rode his black steed beside the slowly moving Four-Sided Viewing Carriage with Painted Wheels. Whenever he turned to look at its occupants, the two women inside turned their faces slightly toward him. It worked every time: both women were watching him all along. Though round silk fans concealed their faces, the eyes above them, clear as autumn waters, revealed their devotion-
The vanguard of the bridal welcome procession had already reached the Eastern Garden of the Chen Residence while its tail was still in Wuyi Lane. Dusk had fallen, and the You hour had just begun. The Chen Residence beside the Qinhuai River was hung with lanterns and festive decorations, its guests gathered like clouds, its hall attendants holding candles, its furnishings sumptuous. Those who had still harbored contempt for the Qiantang Chen Clan finally conceded their admiration upon seeing the grandeur of the residence and the extravagance of its appointments. An old clan from Yingchuan did indeed have deep foundations-
Brocaded felt covered the ground, and drums and music filled the heavens. Chen Caozhi dismounted, approached the Four-Sided Viewing Carriage with Painted Wheels, and extended both hands. Lu Weiwei and Xie Daoyun each placed a hand in his and stepped gracefully down-
Chen Caozhi stood between the two women,