The boat returned to the small dock at Lin Family Manor in Mao County at the hour of Xushi. A waning moon, shaped like an eyebrow and a bow, hung in the sky. Torches were lit at the dock, and there were voices, showing the Lin Clan members eagerly awaiting their return.
Lin Wanwan held the tired and sleeping little Qingyu and said to Xiao Chong, "It's already late, and traveling at night is inconvenient. Why don't you stay at the schoolhouse tonight, cousin?"
Xiao Chong smiled slightly and said, "In that case, I'll trouble you."
Lin Wanwan replied, "Oh, it's nothing, really. Anyways, the schoolhouse is empty at night; just the conditions are simple. I hope you two cousins don't mind."
Xiao Ce shook his folding fan and said, "That's not a problem."
As they spoke, Lin Mengbo and others had already dropped anchor, tied the ropes to the mooring posts, opened the gangway door, and set the plank in place.
