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墨書 Inktalez
According to the "Compendium of Materia Medica," Sorghum is grown in the northern regions to prepare for food shortages, as well as for cattle and horses, and it has been cultivated for nearly four thousand nine hundred years. The wine brewed at the Ten Li Fragrant Restaurant is Sorghum Wine. Sorghum, also known as Sorghum, is said to originate from Sichuan, hence its name.
The reason Luzi ultimately decided to let Jiao Niang open a restaurant in Qidu Linzi was due to a question he had once asked. It was this casual inquiry that made him abandon the idea of guiding Jiao Niang to open a silk shop or similar business.
This matter dates back to when he saved Jiao Niang, which happened while he was on his way to the capital of Qi State. Jiao Niang, who had lost her family, was feeling downcast, and Luzi tried to comfort her with conversation.
Although Luzi had long since come to terms with the separations of life and death in this world—having witnessed them far too often—he understood that for Jiao Niang at that moment, it felt as if the sky had fallen. Just before leaving, her relatives were still chatting and laughing, but in an instant, they were separated by life and death.
Jiao Niang's spirit was resilient, which was something Luzi admired about her. Despite crying day and night, she still radiated vitality like life after a spring rain.
Isn't this the essence of great life? It shines through in adversity and hardship! One day, when the spring breeze arrives, it will break through the earth and bloom beautifully towards the sun!
Luzi asked Jiao Niang why she came to Qidi with her parents instead of going to other Feudal States. After all, at that time, Qi State was not as stable as it is now; it was still in turmoil due to power struggles.
Jiao Niang knew that Luzi was a good person, one worthy of trust, so she did not hide the truth. She told Luzi that her mother was from Ju State's Qiuqiu (now Anqiu in Weifang, Shandong). Her father had resigned from his official position in Lu State and moved to Qidi to seek refuge with his wife's family.
Luzi's purpose in finding Jiao Niang this time was to persuade her to open a silk shop. After all, it would be beneficial for a girl like her to be familiar with such things. Just as he was about to suggest this idea, he heard the name of Qiuqiu from Ju State. From what he knew, every household there brewed a type of liquor called Sorghum wine, which had a rich flavor and lingering aftertaste.
"Are there any relatives left on your mother's side?"
As soon as Luzi spoke these words, he immediately regretted them. He thought to himself: Am I out of my mind these days? In such chaotic times, it's best if this answer comes directly from the person involved!
Jiao Niang was not offended by such remarks; instead, she expressed that there should still be relatives back home, as most of her uncles and aunts were there. This conversation ended there, as Jiao Niang did not intend to return to reconnect with her family.
The reason for her silence was unclear, and naturally, it was not something that could be inquired about. Luzi quickly expressed his agreement and did not oppose her stance, then continued to ask, "I have heard that Qiuqiu is known for its brewing families, but I wonder if Jiao Niang understands this craft?"
The answer he received was that the so-called Qiuqiu fine wine was all due to an old well in the village. No one in the village could say exactly when the well had been there.
The water from this well was sweet and refreshing; only wine brewed with this water could be called authentic Qiuqiu fine wine.
With this information, Luzi decided to change his plan from opening a silk shop to suggesting the establishment of a Tavern. After receiving Jiao Niang's consent, he hurried to Linzi and secretly began preparations for this venture. By the time the tavern opened, he had already left Linzi for quite some time.
Due to a prior agreement, Jiao Niang never mentioned Prosperity Record Big Shopkeeper to outsiders. Subsequently, many members of the Nobility came to patronize the business, ensuring that trade flourished. During this time, no one came to cause trouble; even taxes were paid symbolically. Of course, the normal taxes due were paid in full!
If people did not know about Prosperity Record, even heroes would be powerless!
The wise Jiao Niang knew very well who deserved the credit for this success but could only cherish it in a small corner of her heart. She understood Luzi's background and felt that repaying him with money would seem too mundane! However, she felt she must repay this kindness but could never find the right opportunity.
Jiao Niang did not dare to hope for a legitimate relationship with Luzi, as their social standings were mismatched. Even being a concubine or having an unofficial relationship would suffice. Yet every time she tried to express this sentiment, it would frighten Luzi, causing him to flee in panic.
When Jiao Niang learned that Lu the Shopkeeper had arrived at the tavern, she realized that tonight was a rare opportunity. She made sure to dress up before heading to Luzi's room. At that moment, her tear-streaked face appeared even more enchanting; her eyes conveyed emotions meant to reserve her maidenhood for the man she admired most.
As they say, appreciating beauty under the light is what truly matters. Moreover, both of them enjoyed fine wine, enhancing their allure to its fullest extent!
After setting down his wine bowl, Luzi looked up and saw the beautiful flower blooming before him, leaving him utterly astonished. What! How did she come here again!? Just as he was about to rise and escape under the pretense of needing to relieve himself, he realized there was now a stunning beauty in his arms.
In that era, men could marry multiple wives, as long as they could support them. With Luzi's wealth, there was no doubt about it. Moreover, Jiao Niang had her own assets and didn't need him to support her.
Sweating profusely, Luzi gently pushed Jiao Niang away from his embrace and cleared his throat to break the atmosphere that had just formed. "Jiao Niang! You've only had a little to drink and you're already drunk!?"
Unexpectedly, Jiao Niang persisted, lowering her head to wipe away her tears while murmuring, "Luzi, you must still be thinking about that Queen Dowager, right? Poor me, living alone in this world without anyone to care for me..."
Listening quietly to the subtle resentment in her words, Luzi sighed deeply within. The reason he didn't want to get too emotionally involved was that his beliefs constantly reminded him not to get entangled in romantic affairs.
Moreover, with the ongoing turmoil in the world and hostile forces plotting against him, his life could be lost at any moment. Why should he leave behind so many attachments? As for the Queen Dowager... sigh! It seemed he would never be able to clarify that in this lifetime!
With these thoughts in mind, a deeply frustrated Luzi picked up the wine jug and filled two ceramic bowls.
"It’s not that Jiao Niang is unworthy of me, Lu Ziquan; rather, I, Lu Ziquan, am unworthy of Jiao Niang! Jiao Niang is so wise and clever; she surely knows that Linzi's Prosperity Record is merely a footnote. In the face of the world's turmoil causing suffering among the people, this moment is when we heroes of Huaxia should step forward to uphold justice. I, Lu Ziquan, am a true Huaxia Good Man; contributing my small part for lasting peace in the world is also my duty. For the common people, I have long pledged my life to my country and can no longer pledge it to you!"
The Good Man aims for all directions!
Agreeing deeply with this sentiment, Jiao Niang stopped hesitating and raised her ceramic bowl to toast this great hero who cared for the world with a cup of light wine as a sign of respect.
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