As the civil official walked over, the laborers who had arrived earlier immediately called out to their friends. The men still eating in the tavern quickly settled their bills and left.
In an instant, the tavern hall, which had just been bustling and filled with the smell of male sweat, was completely empty.
The shopkeeper and waiter both frowned, their gazes cold as they faced the civil official who had reached the entrance.
As he drew closer, Wen Qingkong saw that the official was no longer young, around forty. The skin on his face had already begun to sag, his beard was flecked with gray, his steps were unsteady, and his face was slightly puffy. Clearly, he was in poor health.
Looking past the official, Wen Qingkong swept his gaze over the officers behind him. Some held ranks as high as deputy general or assistant general, while the lowest were merely minor captains.
It was clear that the Ming Army had suffered severe losses in this great battle, with many officers killed in action.
"Shopkeeper, bring out your best wine and food!"
An assistant general shouted loudly, then stepped forward and vigorously wiped down a stool before fawning over the official. "Commissioner, please sit."
The civil official wrinkled his nose slightly.
Compared to the taverns in Mingzhou City, this place was truly far too shabby. It reeked of fish and sweat, without the slightest trace of refinement.
If he had not been delayed at sea for so long and left utterly starving, he would never have come here.
Fine, fine. He would endure it for now.
Tang Yuanlou gave the waiter a look. The waiter served portions of the one meat dish and two vegetable dishes from their large pots onto plates and set them on the table.
The assistant