Chen Ping'an glanced at the dusk beyond the window. Clouds spread like fish scales, and the setting sun seemed traced in gold.
When the sun sank behind the western hills and carried away its last afterglow, the moon, like a tender Taoist companion to the mortal world, would write its love-letter moonlight across lonely mountains, bustling cities, wine cups and bowls, and the eyes of wanderers far from home.
Ascension City's God of Wealth, Gao Yehou, came calling of his own accord to ask after his younger sister, only incidentally discussing a few matters concerning Quan Fu.
Ning Yao did not enjoy involving herself in such affairs, so she left the room. Gao Yehou was still worried that the next time the gate opened, Gao Youqing might bring back some little brat from Northern Juluzhou—some fellow who looked wrong no matter how he was viewed. Wouldn't that be a disaster? So Gao Yehou made Chen Ping'an promise to help vet the matter. If it really was that Chen Li, then fine—Gao Yehou would acknowledge him as his brother-in-law.
Chen Ping'an merely said he would keep an eye on things, adding that there was no reasoning to be had in matters of love between men and women. Gao Yehou immediately asked whether there was any wine here for a small drink. Chen Ping'an retorted, "Mansion Lord Gao, you came visiting without even bringing a gift, yet you have the nerve to ask for wine? What, do you take this place for a tavern? You're Gao Youqing's real brother, but I'm not little Yin Guan Chen Li's real brother. Why should I become relatives with you? If we were truly close, why didn't your Quan Fu lineage give the Summer Palace a little more support? The Way of Heaven takes from surplus