LGSLAW : Chapter 79 – Picking a Fight

 

The guests were momentarily stunned and quickly looked in the direction of the voice, making way for the speaker. 

 

They saw two young men dressed in silk robes, one older and one younger, both with expressions that hinted at ill intentions.

 

Xu Huan’s face darkened slightly. “So, it’s the two young masters from the Luo family. I must apologize; it seems I’ve been so busy that I forgot to send an invitation to your esteemed house today.”

 

The two young masters from the Luo family were brothers. The older one was Luo Zijun, who had been to Miaojia Village; the younger one, Luo Ziqi, was around Xu Ming’s age and was the arrogant young master Miao He and Yang Dalang encountered in the fabric store.

 

Because Luo Zijun had traveled all the way to Miaojia Village without finding anything useful, and had to return after the Xu family successfully kept the tribute right, he was heavily scolded. Fortunately, Luo Zijun managed to bring back a recipe for vermicelli, thus redeeming himself, which prevented a worse situation. Knowing about today’s event, they came with the intent to cause trouble.

 

Luo Zijun, outwardly composed, bowed with a smile. “Boss Xu, that’s not right. We are here accompanying Eunuch Fang from afar. Are you going to drive us away?” He stepped aside, revealing a man standing behind him with his hands behind his back—Eunuch Fang.

 

This Eunuch Fang was the one who had delivered the plaque to Miao He’s house earlier. 

 

He wasn’t just any low-ranking official; he was actually one of the chief eunuchs overseeing the Imperial Kitchen. His position was quite significant, as he had final say over various royal provisions, which carried a lot of weight with the merchants around the capital.

 

Invitations had indeed been sent to Eunuch Fang for the wine tasting, recognizing his previous visit to Miao He’s house. Although the invitation had been extended, they hadn’t expected him to actually take leave from the palace to attend. Now, it seemed that the Luo family had already managed to win him over.

 

Xu Huan felt a bit suspicious and hurriedly bowed. “I didn’t realize that Eunuch Fang was gracing us with his presence. Please forgive me for not welcoming you properly. It is my fault. Your presence truly honors us. Please, take the seat of honor.”

 

Eunuch Fang acknowledged him with a simple “Hmm.”

 

Luo Zijun, seemingly good-naturedly, continued, “Since Eunuch Fang is here, shouldn’t the seating arrangement be adjusted accordingly? Boss Xu, I’m not trying to be picky, but having children and a commoner sharing a table with esteemed guests might disrupt the enjoyment. It seems a bit inconsiderate.”

 

Luo Ziqi nodded in agreement. “My brother is right. Moreover, they are from a farming family, lacking in manners and etiquette. It would be inappropriate if they accidentally offended the guests. I suggest Boss Xu set up a small separate table for them. My brother and I can keep Eunuch Fang company.”

 

The brothers’ disparagement of Yang Dalang’s family was an obvious attempt to stir up trouble. Surrounded by Suzhou’s elites, the easiest target was Yang Dalang’s family. If they could provoke a scene, breaking the partnership with the Xu family, that would be even better.

 

Their back-and-forth nearly made Xu Huan laugh from anger, but Eunuch Fang was not someone to offend lightly. He bowed earnestly and said, “Yang Bro’s family is my honored guest today. As the host, I must ensure their proper hospitality. Eunuch Fang is a rare and esteemed guest. If the main seat is too noisy, I could arrange for you to enjoy the view and the wine in the finest riverside pavilion, which would be most fitting.”

 

The riverside pavilion was the top suite in the teahouse, only not used this time due to its small size. Offering it to Eunuch Fang was a sign of great respect.

 

But Eunuch Fang might not know this, and Luo Zijun seized the opportunity to criticize, “Wait a moment, Boss Xu. I cannot agree with this arrangement. Are you suggesting sending the highly esteemed Eunuch Fang elsewhere just for some rural bumpkins?”

 

Xu Huan frowned and was about to explain when Eunuch Fang gestured for silence.

 

Seeing this, both Luo brothers were delighted.

 

But then Eunuch Fang said, “No need for that. I’m not here for the wine. The Empress enjoyed the honey peach cake I brought back last time, so I’m here to let you know that the Imperial Kitchen will place an order. Boss Yang, please prepare accordingly. As for the plum wine, I will take some back as well. Boss Xu, thank you.”

 

He was here on the Empress’s behalf to purchase items and was already acquainted with Boss Yang? The smiles that had just spread across the Luo brothers’ faces seemed to freeze.

 

Eunuch Fang glanced at the brothers, who had used him as a prop, and added, “As for these two young masters, I only met them at the door. Boss Xu, handle them as you see fit.”

 

Xu Huan was overjoyed and relieved.

 

The other guests in the room now looked at the Luo brothers with a mix of pity and contempt.

 

Xu Huan couldn’t afford to care for other guests at this point and focused on arranging everything as per Eunuch Fang’s requests, ensuring nothing went wrong. After a busy period, by the time he returned, the Luo brothers were nowhere to be seen.

 

However, the other guests were now eager and impatient.

 

Thinking that even the palace had sent people to take the wine, they couldn’t contain their excitement. 

 

“When can we taste the wine, Boss Xu?”

 

“We don’t need to wait for the accompanying dishes. Drinking a bit on an empty stomach won’t hurt. Just bring out the wine first!”

 

“I hope there won’t be any of those awful purchase limits this time! Seeing Boss Yang here makes me a bit worried.” This was from a family who had experienced the fruit rush before.

 

“Yes, yes! How much can we buy this time? Just tell us, price isn’t an issue! We’re here with genuine intent to support you, so we should be able to buy more than others, right Boss Xu?”

 

One after another, the guests clamored, causing a commotion.

 

Xu Huan couldn’t help but smile wryly. The wine hadn’t even been opened, yet business was booming.

 

Reflecting on Eunuch Fang’s visit, it seemed to imply that any new products would first need to be sent his way. Although Eunuch Fang hadn’t said it outright, his gesture was unmistakably a form of endorsement.

 

Regardless, the refined and leisurely wine tasting event turned into a bustling wine selling affair.

 

That day, Yang Dalang expanded his network significantly in Suzhou, while Miao He, holding the children, watched with amusement.

 

Each bottle of wine sold meant forty percent of the profits went into their pockets. That would be a substantial amount of money!

 

Yes, they could afford to buy more new clothes for Dalang and the children.

 

***

 

By the end of the day, Yang Dalang asked Xu Huan about the Luo family brothers who had caused the scene. He hadn’t retaliated immediately out of respect for Xu Huan as the host. Now that the event was over, it was time to address the issue.

 

Xu Huan had previously mentioned the conspiracy to replace the tribute, pointing out that although the Luo family hadn’t been prominently involved, they were allied with the third house and were business competitors, making their intentions clear.

 

Miao He tilted his head, “Luo Zijun, why does that name sound familiar?”

 

“Min Chun. Vermicelli workshop,” Yang Dalang reminded. Min Chun was always on their watch list.

 

“Vermicelli? The Luo family has been opening vermicelli workshops everywhere recently, making a lot of money, which explains their arrogance,” Xu Huan said, surprised. “So, they started a workshop in your area too?”

 

Miao He’s eyes sparkled mischievously, “Indeed. Perhaps they were the pioneers. Making vermicelli isn’t difficult. Xu Bro, would you like to get a recipe and take a piece of their market?”

 

Xu Huan’s eyes lit up. “Really!? We must discuss this in detail!”

 

Thus, another business deal for vermicelli recipes was made. But the more important matter was the wine for next year.

 

With the plum wine receiving rave reviews, their reputation was solidified. They decided to continue harvesting and brewing plums this year.

 

The profit share was adjusted from a 60/40 split to 50/50. Yang Dalang’s family now held a significant role in the sales.

 

Originally, Xu Huan wanted to renegotiate this year, but Yang Dalang insisted on sticking to the agreed terms, emphasizing principles and the continuity of a pleasant partnership. This reassured Xu Huan, showing that Yang Dalang valued long-term cooperation over immediate gains, marking him as a reliable business partner.

 

Additionally, since the plum wine was successful, Miao He thought about grape wine.

 

Before crossing over, grape wine had been popular among his office colleagues who brewed it at home as a hobby. Public service regulations against excessive socializing led to unique interests. However, there was once a report of someone being poisoned by homemade grape wine, prompting Miao He to research the correct brewing method. He had always wanted to try it himself.

 

Now seemed the perfect time. Although this era had fruit wines, the methods were different.

 

Miao He shared the entire grape wine brewing process with Xu Huan. The outcome was uncertain due to the critical temperature control during brewing. This challenge would be left to Xu Huan’s brewing experts, while Miao He’s family would

 

 supply grapes for testing. If successful, they would consider planting grapes on their second hill.

 

Xu Huan wisely refrained from questioning the recipe’s origins, simply grateful for the unexpected boon. A new brewing method was a vital extension of their business.

 

After finalizing the details and signing the contract, their main business was concluded.

 

With business settled, Miao He and Yang Dalang, along with their children, enjoyed various eateries and attractions in Suzhou. They bought another round of new clothes and scoured major herbal and fruit stores for new seeds to take home. Their harvest was quite good, including green-skinned grapes, apples, cherries, and a melon resembling a honeydew.

 

“With so many new fruits to plant, we might need more hills,” Miao He said cheerfully.

 

When he looked up, though, he noticed Yang Dalang staring intently ahead.

 

“What’s wrong?” Miao He asked curiously, tilting his head.

 

Yang Dalang’s gaze was fixed on an old monk standing by the roadside in tattered robes, holding a begging bowl and chanting.

 

Yang Dalang paused before saying, “That monk gave me my fate reading.”

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