The river catfish was tender and delicious, accompanied by jar after jar of aged wine. The aromas of wine and food mingled, whetting everyone's appetite.
Lei Chongxiao pulled Su Fei into the seat of honor, while Thousand Households Commander Hong, Thousand Households Commander Zeng, and the others took their seats in turn.
Zhang San, Li Si, and the seventy-odd Imperial Guards also sat at the various tables, all beaming as they raised their cups and drank freely.
"Marquis Su, let me toast you."
Lei Chongxiao raised his wine cup, his tone bold and hearty.
"On this trip to Cloud Province, you killed until the White Lotus Sect trembled at the mere whisper of your coming, bringing tremendous honor to our Imperial Guard. I'll drain this cup first as a sign of respect."
With that, he tipped back his head and drained his cup.
Su Fei also raised his wine cup with a faint smile.
"You're too kind, Commander Lei. Let's dedicate this cup to all our brothers in the Imperial Guard."
With that, Su Fei likewise raised his cup and drained it.
The other Thousand Households Officers followed suit, offering Su Fei toast after toast, their praises ringing out without end.
Zhang San and Li Si were particularly buoyant.
They traded toasts with their colleagues from the Pacification Office, sharing the dangers and rewards of this trip to Cloud Province under Marquis Su's leadership.
From time to time, their accounts drew waves of astonished exclamations.
The entire Southern Commandery Investigation Department was filled with laughter and cheerful voices, bustling with revelry.
Meanwhile, at the Crown Prince's Residence on the other side of the Great Xuan Imperial City, an entirely different scene unfolded.
Crown Prince Zhao Yan's bedchamber was brightly lit.
Dressed in a brocade robe, he sat opposite his usually