Wang Gaofu was Wang Da's second son, already in his thirties. This time, Wang Yan was leaving Jingcheng to take up office at a border garrison, and he could not be without a cook at his side. Wang Da, whose family had become deeply tied to Wang Yan, had sent out his second son to serve him.
Wang Yan also trusted Wang Da's family greatly. They had all been tested and proven, making them far more reliable than many others. Naturally, what Wang Da's family had gained far exceeded what they had given.
For instance, several years earlier, Wang Da's eldest son had left the yamen and, with Wang Yan's support, opened the Wang Family Restaurant. By now, it had expanded to several branches.
Wang Da himself had remained at Wang Yan's side as his cook. After so many years of study and refinement, Wang Da's culinary skills had become worthy of founding a school of their own. His craftsmanship was exceptionally fine, and the children in his family had all inherited his true teachings.
After all, Wang Da was getting on in years, so Wang Yan did not put him through the ordeal. He brought Wang Da's second son instead.
With the help of the factory guards who had come along, Wang Gaofu braised, stir-fried, steamed, and deep-fried a lavish spread of dishes. Wang Yan drank and exchanged pleasantries with the civil and military officials here, getting acquainted with them all. Only after the gathering broke up did he sit down to speak with Tan Lun and Qi Jiguang.
"What do you think of the officials here?" Tan Lun asked bluntly.
"What can you tell just by looking? You have to see how they do their work." Wang Yan shook his head. "In my experience, once we finish the