Zhu Qingyi reacted quickly, but she was ultimately more than seven tea-steeping times too late.
Mei Juncang had already taken his servants along Yujing Mountain to visit every household that maintained the closest ties with the Mei Mansion. When he first set out, he had composed a brilliant essay, his spirit high and his appearance radiant. Now, however, his sleeves were torn to shreds, the cap on his head had fallen off, and he looked like a terrified stray dog, unable to even recognize the way home.
His attendant, unable to bear it, said, "Young Master, let’s return to the mansion."
Chapter 71