Chen Yang straightened the black gauze official's hat that had gone crooked while he was laughing.
He gestured for Wen Ning to head inside.
Wen Ning followed him through a side door of the main hall and along a blue-brick path toward the rear hall.
Chen Yang usually worked there. It was quiet and secluded, perfect for drinking tea and chatting. Wen Ning looked up and froze. Well, well. A feast!
The square table in the rear hall was laden with food and drink: braised lion's head meatballs, steamed sea bass, sweet-and-sour ribs, crab roe tofu, a plate of peanuts, and a plate of soy-braised beef. An unopened jar of aged Huadiao wine sat in the middle.
Wen Ning looked at the jar of Huadiao, then at Chen Yang, his stunned expression turning teasing.
"Chen, did you invite me here for dinner or to bribe me? With a spread this lavish, why do I get the feeling I'll have to risk my life for you once I'm done eating?"
Chen Yang did not deny it. He merely smiled and gestured, then picked up his chopsticks and pointed at the food.
"You're joking, Heavenly Official Wen. Try this lion's head meatball first. The chef from Bai Jin Han Gong reached the end of his allotted lifespan yesterday. I specially kept him around to prepare this feast."
"This Huadiao was an offering from a worshipper from Zhejiang who came to fulfill a vow two years ago. It's been buried beneath the osmanthus tree in the temple's rear courtyard for two whole years. The previous City God had been saving it, but I had it dug up today especially to welcome you."
Wen Ning picked up his chopsticks, his gaze lingering on the lion's head meatball for several seconds.
It glistened with rich,