High-Grade Rice Wine

Hong Yujun strolled into the kitchen, extending a glass of water towards Chu Qingzhi, “All done here?”

“Yep, let’s head out.” The gelatin was set, the kitchen spotless. There was nothing left to do.

With a spark of excitement, Hong Yujun suggested, “The rice wine’s ready. Want to check it out?”

“Of course.” Qingzhi had been waiting for this moment.

Together, they made their way to the brewery, where Lin Wanning and Si Yuheng were still bustling about. Spotting Qingzhi, they gathered around.

Lin Wanning greeted, “Sister Qingzhi.”

Nodding at them, Chu Qingzhi said, “Came to see the rice wine.”

At the mention of rice wine, Lin Wanning couldn’t help but praise, “Sister Yujun’s brew is so fragrant. We were all enchanted by its aroma when the jar was opened.”

Hong Yujun said humbly, “It’s not that exaggerated.”

Stepping into the brewery, a rich aroma enveloped them, intoxicating Qingzhi at first sniff. Lin Wanning wasn’t exaggerating. It truly was mesmerizing.

Three large vats held about five to six hundred pounds of wine. Chu Qingzhi sampled a bowl from each, savoring the rich, smooth, and refreshing taste.

She mentally awarded Hong Yujun 395 out of too. This girl had serious brewing talent.

“This rice wine is top-notch, as good as the best out there. Yujun, you’re definitely at master level.”

Hearing this, Hong Yujun smiled and joked, “Then can I take in disciples?”

“Of course, as long as you like it.”

Lin Wanning said, “There are too many people who want to be your disciple. Sister Yujun, don’t be humble.”

Hong Yujun smiled. “Well, the rice wine’s done. Qingzhi, let’s discuss making fruit wine next?” She had been pondering over it for days.

“Okay.”

The two of them came to the meeting room and sat down next to each other to discuss.

After some discussion, the two of them decided to brew grape wine first.

There was grape wine in this era, but it existed as a tribute. It could be said to be a luxury item among wines. It could only be drunk at palace banquets.

If they could produce such wine, not only could they fetch a good price, but their business would gain significant influence, maybe even compete for the title of the royal wine merchant.

Of course, there was one condition—their wine had to be better than the tribute wine!

A challenge filled with excitement.

Hong Yujun declared earnestly, “I’ll start preparing tomorrow.”

“No rush. Let’s make sure everything’s considered before we start. Better to succeed on the first try than to fail and start over.”

“Agreed, we’ll be cautious.”

In the fields, Li Qingyu called it a day, “Xiao Chen, let’s wrap up for today.”

Since their return to the village, Li Qingyu and her team had been busy sowing winter wheat—preparing seeds, weeding, loosening the soil, and planting. Despite days of hard work, there was still a lot left unsown.

They had planted all their original land but considering their business’s need for a large amount of flour, Li Qingyu suggested clearing new land for cultivation, hence the never-ending workload.

“Okay, let’s head back then,” Xiao Chen replied.

This bunch of once-beggars had pooled their money to buy a piece of land near Chu village.

After buying the land, they even registered their household, officially becoming residents of Chu village.

Strictly speaking, they were now part of the village, though they hadn’t started building houses yet… Funds were tight, so they had to return to their shabby homes in the county town for now.

But with renewed hope, everyone was more spirited and determined to earn money to build their homes sooner.

Xiao Chen and the group called out to each other as they left.

Li Qingyu and her companions tidied up and, with their farming tools in hand, headed home.

Halfway there, a group of enthusiastic women approached, blocking Li Qingyu’s path with a matter of importance.

These women were from the neighboring Zhou village, led by someone named Xu Guifang.

Xu Guifang hesitated before getting straight to the point, “Sister Qingyu, I’ll just say it—either it works out or it doesn’t.”

Li Qingyu nodded, signaling her to continue.

Xu Guifang said, “Our village has grown a lot of taro this year. Since your family is in business, could you consider buying our taro?”

The market was flooded with taro this year, making it hard to sell at a good price, so they thought to try their luck with Chu family.

Li Qingyu was undecided, “Give me a moment, let me ask and get back to you.”

As she finished speaking, she saw Chu Qingzhi and a few girls walking out of the workshop, so she waved them over, “Qingzhi, got a question for you.” Chu Qingzhi hastened her steps, “What is it, mom?”

Li Qingyu relayed, “They’re saying their village has a lot of taro. Do you want any?”

“How much do you have?” Qingzhi was considering adding more varieties to her apple pies. Taro could be perfect for making a delicious taro pie.

Xu Guifang replied, “At least four or five thousand pounds.”

Chu Qingzhi inquired, “If I buy it all, how much per pound?”

Xu Guifang was thrilled, “If you take it all, I can give you a price of seven copper coins per pound.” The market rate was eight or nine copper coins.

Chu Qingzhi decided, “Let’s go to your village and check the taro. If it’s good, we’ll sign a contract.”

Xu Guifang agreed immediately, “Signing a contract is good. It ensures a fair deal for everyone.”

“Exactly,” Chu Qingzhi affirmed.

Xu Guifang said readily, “Great, I’ll take you there right now.”

Chu Qingzhi to Li Qingyu, “Mom, I’ll be back after checking.”

Li Qingyu cautioned, “Be careful.”

“Sure.” Chu Qingzhi followed the women from Xu village.

Xu village wasn’t far, just a short walk away.

The village was surrounded by mountains, nestled in a valley that was moist all year round, ideal for growing taro. The villagers even liked to plant a row of taro along the fields, which often grew large and healthy.

Xu Guifang said, “Look around, the village is full of taro. Feel free to dig anywhere.”

Taro was everywhere—around houses, in front of and behind them. Taro isn’t picky about soil; as long as the land is moist, it thrives. Xu Guifang’s estimate of four or five thousand pounds seemed modest upon closer inspection.

“Let’s dig up those near the village entrance. They look pretty good.”

“Okay, I’ll get you a hoe.”

Xu Guifang went to fetch a hoe, leaving the rest waiting at the village entrance.

The villagers, recognizing Chu Qingzhi from her previous help in finding water sources during a drought, greeted her warmly.

Chu Qingzhi smiled and responded to the greetings.

Xu Guifang quickly returned with a hoe, “Do you want to dig, or shall I?”

“I’ll do it.” Chu Qingzhi took the hoe, cleared the soil around the taro, and efficiently unearthed the cluster.

The taro was exactly what she wanted…

Those taro were not just any taro, but fragrant taro, perfect for making delicious taro pies.