There was no time to call in sick.
Kang Shi could only steel himself and attend this Hongmen Banquet.
Most of the time, he was distracted, his mind wandering far away.
Xun Zhen was both a meritorious official and a guest, so he naturally deserved the seat of honor. The dishes brought to the table might not have been worth mentioning elsewhere, but at Yonggu Pass, where supplies were limited, they were the highest-standard fare. Naturally, there was also the fine wine Xun Zhen loved.
This banquet was both a welcome feast and a celebration of victory.
Naturally, many people attended.
Apart from the few men under Chu Jie's command who were injured and bedridden, all the rest of his core officers were present. That showed just how much he valued the occasion.
They had won a great victory, and every face beamed with delight. Cups were raised and exchanged, and the atmosphere was light and festive.
Many people knew Shen Tang's pitiful tolerance for alcohol. She drank several cups with Xun Zhen, Chu Jie, and the others, using goat's milk in place of wine. She drank it with the swagger of a seasoned drinker, her cheeks taking on a rosy hue in the candlelight. She could strike up a conversation with anyone.
"Hanzhang, I'd like to offer you a toast."
Xun Zhen returned the courtesy. "Lord Shen, please."
"Wuhui, you're getting on in years. Better switch to light wine."
Shen Tang worried Chu Yao might drink himself into an early grave.
Life expectancy was very low in this era.
Chu Yao, too, ought to learn the science of health and longevity.
Chu Wuhui: "..."
Chu Jie: "???"
Chief Clerk Yu took advantage of lowering his head to drink and quietly studied Lord Shen from the corner of his eye,