In Lianfu Garden, Du Gongfu, who rested on the bed in the inner chamber, had not yet gotten up.
Old Mrs. Xia feared heat and loved coolness, so these days she had been sleeping on the cool couch in the West Attic, waking up as soon as it was light outside.
Lanzhi attended to Old Mrs. Xia's grooming.
Old Mrs. Xia sat at the table, leisurely drinking a cup of warm tea, and said, "Yesterday, at what hour did they come back? Why did no one report it?"
Lanzhi smiled and said, "The young masters and ladies are well-versed in manners and etiquette, surely they followed your instructions and came back early. Not reporting must mean they were concerned about the health of both you and the old master and did not dare to disturb."
Old Mrs. Xia gave a light snort.
