New Subordinate, Second Realm Cultivation

The night was deep.

The old Jiang Family residence district in Zhongjing's inner city was especially quiet. The doors to the main hall of Jiang Zhixing's courtyard stood open, warm yellow light spilling out from within, along with the faint sound of people talking.

A family banquet had been laid out on the Eight Immortals table in the hall for quite some time. There were not many dishes, but each was exquisite: a plate of steamed sea fish, a plate of braised beef tendon, a plate of wood ear mushrooms dressed with scallion oil. The wine was osmanthus brew stored in the old Jiang Family residence's cellar. The moment the jar was opened, a sweet, delicate fragrance filled the room.

A white porcelain wine cup sat beside Yang Wenqing's hand. Jiang Zhixing sat across from him. The old man was in exceptionally high spirits tonight, completely unlike his usual calm and dignified self.

Jiang Wan leaned against a pillar beneath the corridor outside the hall, with Xiao Yue sprawled across her lap. Xiao Yue's head rested in the crook of her arm, and her ears twitched from time to time. Lan Ying was curled up against Xiao Yue's side, already asleep.

A middle-aged man with an ordinary face sat in the seat of honor. He had not said much tonight. When Jiang Zhixing toasted him, he drank. When Jiang Zhixing spoke, he nodded.

"Wen Qing!" Jiang Zhixing raised his cup again toward Yang Wenqing. "Come, have another drink. I've kept this osmanthus brew for ten years. I'm happy today, so let's have a few more cups."

Yang Wenqing smiled, raised his cup, clinked it against Jiang Zhixing's, and drained it in one gulp. The wine was sweet and clear as it slid down his throat, then turned into warmth that