The shouts from outside came from Ding Damao and a few others who had returned with He Youfeng. The small group had somehow gotten their hands on a few wild rabbits and brought them over to satisfy a craving.
The early autumn night wasn't exactly cold, but it certainly wasn't warm. So, the group abandoned their usual spot for eating, drinking, and laughing at the stone table in the courtyard, moving instead into the central hall of the main house.
This way, they wouldn't disturb Bai Chenggang and the others who were studying diligently in the opposite courtyard. However, when it was time to eat, Shen Weimin still made a special trip over to invite them.
Ever since the opposite courtyard became available, the whole group—new acquaintances and old friends alike—often hung out together. Seeing that no other women were present, Xu Changqing decided to keep to herself.
