The old scholar strode over the threshold, waved a hand to indicate that no one needed to change seats, and sat down on the bench beside Cui Dongshan.
Cui Dongshan's lips moved slightly. He probably had not managed to call out that word, "Patriarch."
Chen Ping'an took out a jar of wine and a set of twelve Flower God wine cups, all of which he had conveniently appropriated during the last Temple of Literature discussion. He had Little Millet distribute the cups and pour the wine.
The old scholar accepted his wine cup. After Little Millet filled Sage of Literature Master's cup, she set the wine jar on the bench beside him. Remembering something, the old scholar pulled a large stack of red envelopes from his sleeve. Each envelope contained two Snowflake Coins. The money was not much, but the New Year blessings written upon the envelopes had barely dried. Before leaving the Forest of Merit, the old scholar had specifically asked someone to write them.
After handing a red envelope to Little Millet, the old scholar smiled and reminded her, "Little Millet, don't lose the red envelope. It's worth a little money, but more importantly, it's a rare thing—hard to come by. If you're ever short of spending money, go to Guanhu Academy or Shengao Sect in your Treasure Bottle Continent and find a buyer who knows good goods. If they offer fewer than two Valley Rain Coins, don't sell."
Cui Dongshan lightly shook the red envelope in his hand. It rustled softly; there were two Snowflake Coins inside, not Little Summer Coins or Valley Rain Coins. The old scholar promptly smacked him on the head.
Little Millet held the red envelope in both hands, lowered her head in a respectful salute, and called out in her clear voice,