The head chef of the Marquis of Wu'an's Estate had been brought along by Brother Yan when he came to the estate for a banquet once—at first he brought his own wine, then his own furniture, and later his own chef. This, too, was proof that his friendship with Brother Yan had deepened.
Marquis Jiang of Wu'an naturally would not spurn a good friend's generous gesture. After that meal, he made the decision on the spot to keep the man. The chef's skill truly was extraordinary; after he joined the estate, even Chongxuan Sheng began coming around more often.
Because Zhang Linchuan had used Lei Zhangan as a substitute for his life, Chongxuan Sheng had carried out a thorough cleanup in Deer Frost Commandery. He had done it very well. Leaving aside everything else, the fine wines in the Marquis of Bowang's Mansion and the Marquis of Wu'an's Estate were being drunk in ever greater quantities, until the wine cellars had already been filled to the brim.
The pleasures of the palate might be worldly matters, but being worldly truly was delightful.
Jiang Wang, Xiang Qian, Bai Yuxia, and Chu Yao ate and drank heartily, their laughter unceasing.
Chu Yao was not permitted to drink. Once he had eaten his fill, he was sent away to practice calligraphy.
The remaining three drank slowly, savoring every mouthful.
When their mouths were slick with grease and their gazes had grown somewhat hazy, Xiang Qian picked up a napkin and wiped his mouth. Then he drained the remaining wine in his cup in one gulp, let out a satisfied belch, and rose to his feet.
"I'm leaving!"
That was what he said.
His voice was like a sword being sheathed, its cold edge concealed—crisp, clean, decisive.
Jiang Wang did not rise. He merely