Wei Zhilin sat at ease in the Grand Preceptor's Chair, holding a book in one hand and reading with relish while occasionally warming his other hand over the brazier at his feet.
"Senior Brother, in weather this bitterly cold, how can warming yourself by a fire compare to the pleasure of drinking? Come, come, have a bowl with me!"
Seated nearby, Cheng Zi Ya lifted a large bowl from the table and gulped down several mouthfuls. He wiped the wine from his lips and burst out laughing.
"Zi Ya, a little drink lifts the spirits, but too much harms the body. This drinking of yours... you really ought to give it up!"
Wei Zhilin looked up from his book at Cheng Zi Ya, his brows creasing slightly.
"You're such a bore, Senior Brother! Our venerable master always said: melt snow to brew tea, drink wine and sing, listen to the wind... listen to the wind... what came next?"
"Listen to the wind and admire the moon!"
Wei Zhilin answered mildly, a smile appearing on his face.
"Right... listen to the wind and admire the moon!"
Cheng Zi Ya slapped his thigh and exclaimed excitedly, "All of these are refined pleasures of the mortal world! You've always been a man of refinement, Senior Brother. Why not drink with me?"
Wei Zhilin set down his book and was about to speak when a knock sounded outside.
Jia Huaigang, master of the Discipline Hall, came bustling in. Seeing both Academy Heads present, he cupped his hands in greeting.
"Old Jia, have a drink!"
Cheng Zi Ya sat on the floor, propping himself lazily on one elbow as he held out a large bowl of wine.
Jia Huaigang stood on no ceremony. He took it and gulped it down in one go.
"Splendid!"
Cheng