That evening, after taking his time and seeing the sights the whole way, Ning Chen finally reached Mangzhou.

Ning Chen came into the city quietly and did not disturb the officials of Mangzhou, high or low.

The party came to the Chai Residence, which had once been the Mei Residence.

Uncle Chai and the others heard the news and came hurrying out.

"Fourth Young Master?"

"Ning, dear."

Ning Chen looked around at them all, beaming. "Is everybody well?"

Uncle Chai said cheerfully, "All well, all well... We have just been missing the Fourth Young Master."

Ning Chen's eyes came to rest on Yudie and Zisu, and the look in them grew warmer and warmer.

It had been nearly half a year since he had seen them, and his "longing" was about to overflow.

"Come on, everybody, go in and sit down and talk."

They all went through to the main hall. They had not seen one another for a long time, and the talk was merry.

Uncle Chai busied himself getting food and drink together.

At the table the cups passed back and forth.

During the meal they learned that Nanzhi was with child, and everyone was happy for her.

Zisu examined Nanzhi and found the pregnancy steady.

Ning Chen raised his cup. "Here's to our steady and hard-working Old Pan, and the son he is going to have!"

Pan Yucheng felt that steady and hard-working sounded strange coming out of Ning Chen's mouth.

When they had eaten and drunk their fill, everyone broke up and went back to their rooms.

Steam hung everywhere.

Ning Chen soaked in the bathtub, with two pairs of soft little hands wandering over him.

Ning Chen narrowed his eyes in sheer comfort.

He caught hold of Yudie's hand and rubbed his cheek against her arm. "There's nothing like home!"

Yudie said softly, "Ning, dear has had a hard time of it!"

"You mean tonight? It's only right."

Yudie's little face went red. "This girl means Ning, dear has had a hard time on the road!"

Ning Chen gave a dirty grin. "The moment I…