By the time they returned from discussing the Dao in the mountains, dusk had fallen, and mountain moonlight bathed them. Near his doorstep, Xing Yan saw Qiong Rong and Xueyi leaning by the door, waiting for their hall master to return from his business, just as they used to at Thousand Birds Cliff on Mount Luofu.
That evening, the old Daoist Qinghe ate and drank with them at Xing Yan's home. Following mountain-village custom, Xing Yan's mother stood beside the table to serve the food and wine, busily bringing dishes and filling bowls. Seeing this, Xueyi refused to take her seat and offered to help, but Xing Yan's mother firmly declined her kindness.
Once they sat down, Xueyi was naturally reserved, and even Qiong Rong seemed a little constrained. Qinghe, however, looked the two pretty girls over, then turned to lavish praise on Xing Yan, saying that the two female disciples in his hall had grown lovelier than ever. As their fortunate hall master, he simply had to drain his cup.
After several rounds of wine, the atmosphere around the family table grew livelier. While the adults drank, Qiong Rong knelt on the wooden stool with her feet tucked beneath her, leaning close to the table and shoveling rice into her mouth. As she ate, some thought suddenly struck her, and she picked up the Tin Wine Flask, leaning forward to pour Qinghe a cup.
Everyone was rather puzzled by her gesture, until the little girl suddenly spoke, thanking Qinghe with perfect solemnity:
"Thank you, Uncle Qinghe, for looking after Brother for us before Little Sister Qiong Rong and Sister Xueyi knew him."
"..."
Her words brought smiles to everyone at the table. The bewildered old Daoist happened to have a mouthful of wine; when he understood what the bright