I served as Li Bai's page.

After breakfast, Mu Mu followed me around, wanting me to take her to play by the Yangtze River. Li Bai and Cen Xun, who were originally going to drink, also wanted to come with us when they heard we were going to the river.

"Qinglan, are you coming with us?" I asked.

"I'm not going. You guys have big feet and walk fast, I can't keep up," Qinglan replied.

"Then don't bind Mumu's feet anymore, okay? Look how inconvenient it is for her to have such small feet," I said, seizing the opportunity.

"If she doesn't bind her feet, people will laugh at her and she won't be able to get married," said Mu Mu's grandmother.

"But binding her feet was so painful; her toes became deformed."

"Young man, that's just how society is," said Mu Mu's grandfather.

Li Bai suddenly interjected, saying, "The three-inch golden lotus is actually a work of art."

I was so angry I couldn't speak. I grabbed Mumu's hand and said, "Come on, Uncle will take you to the Yangtze River. If your feet are bound, you might not even be able to leave the house."

Mu Mu and I walked in front, while Li Bai and Cen Xun walked behind. As soon as we arrived at the South Gate Outer Street, we saw a vendor selling candied hawthorns. We each took a skewer and headed towards the South Gate Wharf Bund.

We arrived at the confluence of the Yangtze River and the Grand Canal, and played to our hearts' content on the wide sandy beach. Li Bai and Cen Xun chased after the waves like children, while Mu Mu squatted alone in the sand, digging around.

"Mumu, what are you doing?" I saw Mumu squatting there, and walked over to her, only to find that her little pocket was full of seashells filled with sand.

"Do you really like these little seashells?" I asked Mumu.

"I love them, Uncle! Look, don't they look like fingernails? They're so colorful and pretty!"

"Mumu is right. I'll ask those two uncles to come and help you collect seashells too."

"Young Master, Young Master Cen, please come and help Mumu collect seashells; she loves them. I'll go check on the South Gate Wharf."

After handing Mu Mu over to Li Bai and Cen Xun, I went alone to the South Gate Wharf to look for boats and a way to get to Anlu. I inquired at many places, but none were suitable. Just as I was worrying about what to do, Li Bai came over and said, "Don't waste your time. I'll tell you my route. We'll go to Chuzhou first, then west along the Huai River to Yingyang, where we'll find Yuan Danqiu."

"No, let's get things done in Anlu first."

"Are you the young master, or am I the young master?"

"The main problem is that we don't have much money left, and we don't know if we'll have enough to cover our expenses along the way," I said.

Li Bai lowered his head and remained silent.

Cen Xun led Mu Mu over: "I heard your conversation. Let's do as Brother Taibai said, otherwise he won't be satisfied. I'll cover the expenses. We can set off tomorrow."

"Thank you, Young Master Cen. I'll ask about the boats going to Chuzhou." I turned and walked towards the pleasure boats on the dock.

"Don't go. I'm from Runzhou, I know all this well. Just come with me tomorrow," Cen Xun said.

I stopped walking and returned to Li Bai's side: "Young master, as you wish."

The four of us spent the whole morning playing along the Yangtze River. When we returned to the hostel, Sister Qinglan had already prepared lunch.

Mu Mu took out the seashells from her pocket and kept showing them off to her mother, grandparents, and other relatives. Seeing her happy expression made me think of her bound feet when she grew up, and I felt a strange pang of sadness.

After lunch, I approached Sister Qinglan and said, "Sister Qinglan, thank you for taking care of us these past few days. We're leaving tomorrow, so I've come to settle the bill."

"My cousin has already paid your bill. He'll refund any overpayment and collect any underpayment. You can leave now without worry," said Sister Qinglan.

"How can that be? I have the money; Young Master Meng doesn't need to pay."

"My uncle and aunt also said they can't accept your money," Sister Qinglan firmly refused. I had no choice but to go to Li Bai and Cen Xun and say:

"Young Master Meng paid the rent, and I asked Sister Qinglan to pay him back, but she refused."

"Young Master Meng and we've been through thick and thin together, so let's just pay for it. He's leaving tomorrow, so let's invite him out for drinks today," Cen Xun said.

Li Bai stood by the window without speaking; perhaps he hadn't figured out how to respond to his friend's help.

I put the money away and said to Li Bai, "Let's go to the Meng residence to find him, and while we're at it, say goodbye to Master Meng and Madam Meng."

Li Bai agreed, and the three of us left the inn, hired a carriage, and headed towards the Meng residence.

Arriving at the gate of the Meng residence, they happened to meet Meng Shaofu returning from the county government office.

"Brother Taibai, Brother Cen, you have time to come over today," Meng Shaofu greeted them.

Li Bai stepped forward, took Meng Shaofu's hand, and said, "Brother Meng, thank you so much! I will repay your great kindness in the future."

Cen Xun said, "We came to invite you for drinks; we're leaving tomorrow."

"Are you leaving tomorrow? That's fine. Go to Anlu as soon as possible, Brother Taibai. Once things are settled, you can then make your grand plans." Meng Shaofu grasped Li Bai's hand, speaking with a mix of admonition and hope.

Just then, the gate of the Meng residence creaked open, and Master Meng came out, saying, "I told you there were people talking outside, but your mother didn't believe me. Don't all stand at the door; come inside and sit down."

Madam Meng also came out, took Li Bai's hand, and led him into the mansion.

We sat down in the main hall of the Meng residence. Li Bai rose and bowed deeply to Master Meng and Madam Meng, saying, "Thank you for your care, sir. We are leaving tomorrow, and we have come today to bid you farewell."

"Are you going to Anlu? Let us know when things are settled so we can rush over to your wedding," the old lady said.

I quickly interjected, "Madam, thank you for granting my young master's wish. You will definitely be able to attend his wedding."

"Brother Taibai, weren't we going to have a drink? Let's go. Father and Mother, I won't be having dinner with you tonight," Meng Shaofu said, standing up.

"Go ahead, you young people have your own circle, you don't need to accompany us," the old lady said.

The four of us left the Meng residence, boarded the Meng family's carriage, and went directly to the restaurant that Cen Xun had booked. A group of friends who usually drank with him had also arrived. Everyone entered the private room of the restaurant and took their seats. Li Bai, who was always generous, kept toasting people as soon as he sat down.

"Brothers, I will be leaving Yangzhou tomorrow. Thank you for your help and companionship during my stay in Yangzhou. I'll drink this cup to express my respect." After saying this, Li Bai raised his wine cup and drank it all in one gulp.

After several rounds of drinks and dishes, and with all the necessary words and toasts exchanged, Li Bai stood up and said, "All good things must come to an end. Let's stop here for today. Please take your leave. I, Taibai, bid you farewell."

Friends stood up one by one to say goodbye, until only Meng Shaofu remained.

"Brother Meng, you should go back too." Li Bai followed Meng Shaofu out of the restaurant and came to the Meng family's carriage.

"Brother Taibai, you must remember what I said and keep the letter I gave you safe. It will not only solve your immediate problem, but also be of great benefit to you in the future." Meng Shaofu knew Li Bai's character well and repeatedly gave him this advice.

"Young Master Meng, don't worry, I'm here. I'll steer the ship well for you," I assured him, patting my chest.

"Yuehua, you understand this matter better than your young master. I believe in you." After saying this, Meng Shaofu got into his carriage and returned home.