In the rear hall of the Feng Residence, candles burned brightly, filling the room with warm light.
Seven or eight dishes, meat and vegetables alike, graced the Rosewood Round Table, their savory aromas filling the room.
Wei Nisheng was ushered into the guest seat, with Fu Niang sitting beside him.
She kept her eyes lowered and her hands folded in her lap, sitting primly without daring to stir.
Feng Yan occupied the seat of honor, with Feng Guan beside him. Jiang Shi sat next to her husband, while Feng Ci sat opposite Fu Niang.
Wei Nisheng glanced at the dishes on the table, and a faint warmth stirred in his heart.
Steamed bass and lotus root stuffed with osmanthus-scented glutinous rice-he had casually mentioned liking those two dishes the last time he dined with Feng Yan at the Feng Residence.
He had never expected Fu Niang to remember and tell Jiang Shi.
"Zi'an, don't stand on ceremony. Make yourself at home."
Smiling, Jiang Shi served him some food, placing a piece of fish belly in his bowl.
"Fu Niang said you liked this, so we had it specially prepared."
Wei Nisheng hurriedly rose to thank her, but Jiang Shi waved him back into his seat.
"Sit, sit. You're no outsider. What's all this ceremony for?"
Just then, Feng Guan poured himself a cup and looked up at Wei Nisheng. "Zi'an, do you drink?"
"With you inviting me, Uncle, how could I refuse?" Wei Nisheng paused briefly, then answered with a smile.
"Only, I don't hold my liquor well. I'm afraid I won't be able to keep you company to your heart's content."
"A low tolerance is no matter, so long as we enjoy ourselves." Feng Guan personally poured him a cup.
The wine was clear and richly fragrant-a fine Shaoxing