Jun is true to his word and by dinner time the whole manor has scrapped together a small party.


    The dining room is decorated with flowers. He even got a musician playing a qin.


    His whole squad is there. When I arrive, Ming is completely focused on the musician. Luan is slumping in his chair with his arms crossed.


    Tai and Zhen have their arms over each other’s shoulders and appear to be having some sort of drinking competition.


    Jun is the first to notice my arrival and stands up to greet me. He says, “Ellen, I want to wish you congratulations again on your recovery –“


    Luan interrupts, “She’s not completely recovered until I say so. It will take at least another week.”


    Not to be derailed, Jun continues, “I wish to congratulate you again on leaving your crutches behind. And I would like to propose a toast.”


    At the mention of a toast, Zhen cheers loudly and passes me a glass.


    Luan dives across the table and swaps my cup for one containing juice. I laugh and take it without complaint.If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    Luan glares at Zhen and takes the cup he confiscated.


    Ming comes over and grabs his cup as well.


    Jun says, “This toast is for you Ellen. May we drink to your health.”


    Zhen cheers loudly again before knocking back the whole cup and teasing Tai for drinking too slowly.


    After everyone has settled down a bit and the food is brought in, Jun says, “I also have another announcement.”


    Tai raises an eyebrow at this. I’m guessing he’s not used to getting news with the rest of us.


    “Going forward, Ellen will be in charge of managing the manor and all the staff that we’ve been too busy to handle.”


    Luan says, “You can’t be serious.” Tai nods in agreement.


    “It’s not like you have the time. Within a week of walking, she had all the housekeeping staff in order and don’t get Zhen started on the food.”


    Honestly, I’m not sure about what happened with the head chef either. I do know that on my second walk through the kitchen, a bunch of spices miraculously returned and that there were fewer empty shelves.


    But it’s not like I told the head chef to do anything.


    “There is no better choice and if we leave things as they are, this whole territory will be wrecked while we’re out on campaign. You both know it.” He stares at them for emphasis.


    Tai says, “It’s your territory.”


    Zhen pours him another glass and says, “Lady Ellen, if I can keep eating like this, I might be tempted to never go out and fight again.”


    Ming chimes in, “Brother, there isn’t anything in this world that would take the fight out of you forever.” With that, the booze flows and we eat well into the evening.