Before long, Feng Bao had brought over a plate of hot beef and a cold platter of assorted vegetables, and opened a jar of his treasured June Spring.
Huo Shengnan said, "Two people can't eat that much."
Feng Bao said, "In a little while, I'll make you my two specialties, Wind-Sand Chicken and Dragon Gate Fish."
Hu Xiaotian smiled. "Sorry for the trouble, Brother Feng!"
Feng Bao chuckled and casually draped his white towel over his shoulder. "You two enjoy your chat. I'll get to work in the kitchen."
Huo Shengnan watched Feng Bao's retreating back, her gaze filled with warmth.
Hu Xiaotian asked, "He used to serve under you, didn't he?"
Huo Shengnan nodded. "He was once a brave, battle-hardened commander. He led the charge in every battle and suffered countless wounds. In the fighting to retake the Seven Northern Cities, he lost an arm and took more than a dozen arrows. He was lucky to escape with his life."
Hu Xiaotian said, "The Fourth Prince of Black Hu has come to negotiate peace. It looks as though Great Yong and Black Hu won't be fighting so many wars from now on."
Huo Shengnan fell silent. Seeing that she said nothing, Hu Xiaotian raised the bowl of wine before him and clinked it against hers. They drained their bowls together. Huo Shengnan said, "I've fought the Black Hu people many times. I know their nature. They have the ravenous ambition of wolves. All these years, they've never abandoned their designs on invading the south. These peace talks are merely a delaying tactic. Once they've rested and recovered, they'll sharpen their weapons, feed their horses, and plot another march south."
Hu Xiaotian set down his wine bowl, lifted the jar, and filled their empty bowls again. He asked softly, "You