"Assistant Prefect, it's been a long time. I hope you've been well."
Yu Dayou and Qi Jiguang cupped their hands in greeting to Wang Yan.
It was already the depths of winter, and the heavy snow from the day before yesterday had yet to melt. Yu Dayou and the other generals had come to Jingcheng to receive their assignments and rewards, and so they came to pay Wang Yan a visit.
They were still at the Shuntian Prefecture yamen, where Wang Yan returned their salute.
"I should be the one asking after you. The turmoil in the southeast was settled only because the two generals gave it your all. That is why we have this great victory today, and peace in the days ahead. Today, we're having hotpot. In weather this cold, nothing suits better than some steaming hot meat. Gentlemen, please. Let's eat and drink while we talk."
When they arrived at the main hall, three hotpots had already been set out on the dining table. A great quantity of neatly arranged meat lay on platters, its marbling alone enough to make one's mouth water. There were also piles of all sorts of vegetables rarely seen in winter, a proper balance of meat and greens.
As the three took their seats, Yu Dayou said, "Assistant Prefect, you certainly know how to enjoy yourself. Even in the warm Liangguang region, one could hardly find such a complete spread of dishes."
Wang Yan was lowering a platter of meat into the pot. Hearing this, he smiled. "Old General, are you insulting me?"
"Ah, Assistant Prefect, you misunderstand. This old man knows well that you love the people as your own children and would never squeeze the people dry. Since there are so many rare greens here, I presume those who cultivate