Jiang Wang hid away in Xia Mountain Villa, turning away all outside visitors. He did not even keep servants around.
After inviting Yu Liyang to sit in the courtyard, he went off and carried over four jars of wine.
After thinking it over, he brought another two jars.
A stalk of Fragrant Snow Osmanthus, worth a fortune and nearly impossible to obtain, had also been transplanted here. It stood proudly in the courtyard, facing the wind.
Of course, this was not the season for smelling osmanthus blossoms.
"Fu Mountain ages, Fragrant Snow fades"—these were the two most renowned varieties of osmanthus in the Eastern Domain. Beyond their enchanting beauty, the former soothed the mind, while the latter gladdened the heart.
A low table of bluestone stood beneath the osmanthus tree, with two cushions beside it, as though carved from jade.
Jiang Wang brought over some Iron Pulp Fruit and a few pastries before sitting down on his knees opposite Yu Liyang.
From beginning to end, Yu Liyang had simply sat quietly beneath the Fragrant Snow Osmanthus, like a figure in a meticulous brush painting, himself part of the scenery... watching Jiang Wang bustle back and forth.
Only then did he say, "I never expected the Marquis of Wu'an's courtyard to be so quiet."
This was their first meeting since the presentation of gifts at the Imperial Ancestral Temple.
Before that presentation at the Imperial Ancestral Temple, they had never had any contact at all.
Yu Liyang stood too high above him. Back then, Jiang Wang had been far from qualified to drink with him.
"Other than cultivation, I have nothing else to do." Jiang Wang said mildly, "I'm used to being carefree, so I have no need of attendants."
Six jars of Deer Cry Wine stood in a neat row