Things were less busy over in the Heavenly Court than they were for Wen Ning.
Wen Zhong even had time to drink tea. He had left his paperwork untouched that day.
A woman in a blue Daoist robe sat across the table from him. She was the Dipper Mother.
The Dipper Mother rarely dropped by to see him. She happened to have business at the Thunder Department that day, giving them a chance to get together.
"How has Wen Ning been lately?"
The Dipper Mother lifted the teacup before her and gently blew on the tea leaves floating on the surface.
Wen Zhong answered casually.
"He's doing all right. He's handled a few cases in the mortal world."
Seeing how solemn her disciple looked, the Dipper Mother said,
"Can't you lighten up a little? It's been so many years, and you still look like everyone owes you money.
"People who know us know I'm your master. Anyone who doesn't would think I'm your creditor."
Wen Zhong gave a wry chuckle at his master's words.
"Master, that's just who I am. I can't change it. How has Grandmaster been lately?"
"Master has been a little unhappy lately. He lost a game of Chinese chess to Wen Ning last time and took it badly. He's been studying the game ever since."
The Dipper Mother did not know whether to laugh or cry when she spoke of her own master, the Heavenly Lord of Primordial Beginning.
"He's been challenging anyone he catches in the Imperial Garden. Even the Queen Mother got dragged into playing two games when she passed by."
A hint of resignation crept into the Dipper Mother's voice.
"The Queen Mother said he's a poor sport. Whenever he loses, he takes back his moves."
Wen Zhong finally failed to keep a