40 The Banque (1/2)

He didn't have to wait for long as the doors to Duke Ming Xiang's manor soon opened, and all the scholars went in. They seemed to know precisely where to go, as though they had been here one time or another.

Nevertheless, Lin Qinghui followed them. The inside of the manor was spacious, but there were not as many pathways to walk as the manor of a wealthy merchant. How strange it was that the manor of a duke was incomparable to that of a wealthy merchant. One could not even begin to compare how there were fewer servants as well.

Everyone made it to the inner courtyard of the manor where the meeting would soon take place. Lin Qinghui followed, and they arrived at the Pavillion with a few pathways lined by stone carvings. Just one look, one could tell this place was well taken care of despite the low number of servants.

Lin Qinghui could not help but feel a slight sense of admiration for this duke Ming Xiang whom he had never seen before.

Things soon got settled quite quickly, as platters of food and wine were being served on tables that were placed within reach of all the scholars. As people who studied and abided by the rules set by predecessors, among them who went to the various academies, there was no divide in rank among them.

Even if some were from nobler lineages than others, they had been taught the same type of etiquette that scholars should have for one another.

The myth of the drunken scholar held true to some degree, as on a cold day, it was commonly believed that wine would improve circulation and make one's body warmer. All scholars who had faced the bitter cold had a decent tolerance to the wine being served and drank a few cups of the fine liquor before the feeling of warmth arose in their chests.

As for Lin Qinghui, he also had a cup before putting it down.

”Uncle Song makes it better.” He mumbled under his breath before looking towards the other scholars who were downing the drinks like it was water.

Which for the most part made sense, because it would be terrible if everyone got drunk before an hour passed, then it would not be considered a meeting of sharp minds, but of drunkards.

~

”I don't see why there is a need to go.” Mumbled Ruan Wang as he sat on the carriage on its way to Duke Ming Xiang's manor.

”You promised to go Master.” Xu Fei said as he drove the horse at a steady pace.