The joyous luncheon between host and guests in the pavilion lasted a full two hours.
Only when the sun was setting and the horizon had been dyed with a splendid late-evening glow did the drinking finally come to an end.
By then, Li Qingzhao was already thoroughly drunk.
With the strenuous support of her personal maid, Xiao Lian, she staggered out through the gates of Jiang Che's courtyard.
Before leaving.
Li Qingzhao's exquisite cheeks were red as ripe apples as she let out a satisfied belch reeking of rich sauce-flavored liquor, with none of a proper lady's decorum.
"Hic~"
She turned back, her eyes soft and alluring as she looked at the two people seeing her off at the entrance.
"Thank you, Brother Jiang... and Sister Liu, for your generous hospitality today."
Li Qingzhao's mind was muddled, and emboldened by the alcohol, she had even changed how she addressed them. "Qingzhao... is deeply grateful."
"If Brother Jiang and Sister Liu happen to have some free time in the future, you must come visit Li Manor next door."
She patted her ample chest and made a lofty promise. "Qingzhao... will sweep the couch and await you!"
"Then Brother Jiang can also have a taste of the century-old wine Qingzhao has treasured for years!~"
Seeing her young mistress acting so boldly despite being too drunk to stand steadily.
Xiao Lian, who was supporting her from the side, wore such a miserable expression that her whole face seemed twisted into a knot.
"Oh, my dear young mistress!"
As the little maid struggled to hold up Li Qingzhao's arm, she complained in a pitiful whisper, "Why did you drink so much again this time..."
"When we return to the manor, if Master sees you in this drunken state..."
Xiao Lian was so anxious that