As dusk fell, Qin Liuxi returned to Qin Mansion and upon entering the courtyard saw Qin Mingchun sitting on the steps, with little apprentice Wang Chuan beside him.
The two children's eyes lit up when they saw her, and they simultaneously dashed towards her, but Qin Mingchun, remembering his status, slowed down after a few steps and walked up to Qin Liuxi with propriety, cupped his hands in salute and said, "Big sister, peace be upon you."
Wang Chuan, nearly clambering onto Qin Liuxi, also stopped and cupped one fist in the other to perform a Taoist ceremony: "Greetings to Master."
Qin Liuxi smiled and said, "How come you two are so courteous all of a sudden, and Qin Xiaosi, why aren't you at school?"
Qin Mingchun looked enviously as she lifted Wang Chuan and gave him a couple of kisses, then said, "Yesterday was the Dragon Boat Festival; the school has a three-day holiday. Big sister, you weren't home for the festival yesterday."
