Chapter Six: Meeting Again

Two years later, in the small town of Qinghe.

“Dear customer, your wine is ready.” Wang Jiu’s lips curved with a gentle smile, causing the man who had come to buy wine to freeze for a moment, suddenly growing a little embarrassed, his voice dropping several notes without his realizing it.

Just as Qi Lu had predicted, ever since Wang Jiu arrived, business at the tavern had grown better and better. Wang Jiu had a great natural talent for brewing, and now, the wine he made was even finer than Qi Lu’s own, selling in greater quantities as a result.

Qi Lu felt gratified. He always had a sense of finding a worthy successor. His thoughts drifted back to the day he’d found Wang Jiu at the foot of the cliff—blood trickling from the corners of his eyes, his clothes in tatters, body battered and bruised, lying there on the verge of death, not far from a sword stripped of its scabbard.

At first, Wang Jiu had been shy and wary upon waking, but now he could converse freely with others, easing Qi Lu’s worries. Despite his rough appearance, Qi Lu was a careful man; his refusal to probe into Wang Jiu’s past was proof enough of his tact.

Qi Lu once asked Wang Jiu if he’d like to apply some medicine to the faint scar on his face to remove it. Wang Jiu only smiled and shook his head, so Qi Lu let the matter drop. The scar was so faint that one wouldn’t notice it without a close look, and it did nothing to mar the boy’s handsome features. His wife would have no cause to complain.

Qi Lu also kept in mind the innate chill that clung to Wang Jiu. He concocted some medicinal broths for him, and to his surprise, they worked—at least, people could now stand near Wang Jiu without shivering. Physical contact, however, remained a challenge.

Fortunately, Wang Jiu didn’t seem to mind. He simply said he’d grown used to it; as long as he didn’t inadvertently harm others, he was content. Qi Lu could only let it go.

The seasons turned, and it was once again time to travel for business. The old couple entrusted the tavern to Wang Jiu with peace of mind, packed a few belongings, and set off together.

They had worried that Wang Jiu’s eyes would make things difficult for him. Though he could perceive light, the injury to his eyes ran deep and would require a long recovery. Still, seeing how ably Wang Jiu moved and worked, their concerns were soothed.

Though his vision was poor, Wang Jiu’s martial training allowed him to recognize people and locate things by sound, so he managed just fine.

After serving a table of customers, Wang Jiu returned to his place behind the counter, stretching lazily and propping up his chin, lost in thought.

He didn’t see the look of shock on the face of one of the guests at the table—that man was Xiao Qi, who had searched for Ye Min for two years. The Wang Jiu before him was a far cry from the cold, aloof Ye Min of the past, and it was no wonder Xiao Qi was so stunned.

A man of seven feet, yet Xiao Qi’s eyes reddened and his voice choked. His hand clenched tightly of its own accord. He looked at Ye Min once more, then drained the wine in his cup. The wine was fragrant and soft on the palate, lacking the biting fire of other spirits, sweet and mellow, with a hint of bitterness that lingered on the tongue before fading into a refreshing aftertaste.

Good wine! Xiao Qi praised inwardly. He picked up his straw hat, left a few silver coins on the table, and walked away without looking back. No wonder he hadn’t found a trace of Ye Min these past two years—the town was so far away, in the opposite direction from both the Xiao estate and the cliff. How could he have found him? If not for this chance encounter...

Ah! Wang Jiu seemed far freer and happier here than he ever was at the Xiao family. He was doing well now, so Xiao Qi considered his task complete. There was no need to disturb the peace Wang Jiu had finally found.

As soon as Xiao Qi left, Wang Jiu, snapping out of his daze, glanced at the spot where Xiao Qi had sat. After pocketing the silver, he sighed softly. Perhaps it was time to find an apprentice to help.

Manning the tavern alone was tiresome and dull; everything fell to him, and it was exhausting. With that thought, he posted a notice outside seeking help.

Xiao Family.

Xiao Qi stood behind Xiao Xian, reporting everything he had seen. Xiao Xian, his hair streaked with gray, listened, then gave a bitter smile and sighed, “As long as he’s well, that’s enough for us. Let’s pretend we know nothing. Have someone protect him in secret, but don’t show yourself before him or disturb his peaceful days.”

Xiao Qi nodded, and at Xiao Xian’s wave, quietly withdrew.

Back then, when Xiao Muran fell victim to the “Grievance-Dissolving Herb” and committed all manner of outrageous acts, Xiao Xian had never been able to let it go. The bond between father and son had been strained ever since. After regaining his senses, Xiao Muran was wracked with regret, but it could not undo what had been done.

There was no cure for the “Grievance-Dissolving Herb.” Xiao Xian’s remedy only suppressed its effects temporarily, not curing it. Lady Xiao, upon learning this, refused to leave Xiao Muran’s side for fear he might do something reckless again.

In secret, Xiao Muran also sent people to search for Ye Min. The spy, following the trail of those sent by Xiao Xian, returned even faster than Xiao Qi.

“Any news?” Xiao Muran asked.

“He’s in a tavern in Qinghe Town,” the spy replied.

Xiao Muran was stunned for a moment, then dismissed the spy to collect his reward. He sat down slowly and murmured, “My dear... I wish...”

Lady Xiao looked at him helplessly, patting his hand. “What’s done is done. Regret now is pointless. Besides, it wasn’t all the herb’s fault—you know that as well as I do. How could the Xiao family ever repay what we owe Ye Min?”

Xiao Muran stared at the ground. “Perhaps we should send Xiao Jiu. Ye Min was always fond of him; seeing Xiao Jiu would surely make him happy. That way, I could at least fulfill one of Ye Min’s wishes and ease my own heart a little...”

Hearing this, Lady Xiao immediately withdrew her hand with a cold laugh. “What? You want Xiao Jiu to pay for your mistakes? When did you become so selfish, Xiao Muran? Have you forgotten what caused Xiao Jiu’s nightmares?”

Xiao Muran replied, a little agitated, “But Master Lin said that only the one who tied the knot can untie it. Perhaps sending Xiao Jiu might cure his nightmares?”

Lady Xiao’s face was expressionless. “If you’ve already decided, then do as you wish. But remember, Xiao Muran, some responsibilities and consequences must be borne by yourself. You’re a father now; you can’t always let others shoulder things for you.”

With that, she turned and left.

Xiao Muran pressed a hand to his forehead and sighed long. In this world, was there ever a medicine for regret that would allow him to start anew?

The next day, Xiao Muran summoned Xiao Jiu.

Ever since the nightmares began, Xiao Jiu had rarely been without wine. He grinned, “Father, what brings you to me?”

He reeked of liquor, causing Xiao Muran to frown repeatedly, but there was nothing to be done. He said seriously, “You’ve learned almost everything you need to. It’s time for you to go out and gain some experience.”

Xiao Jiu’s eyes lit up. “Does that mean I can take on a mission?”

Xiao Muran resisted the urge to smack his son’s head. “Yes.”

Xiao Jiu was thrilled, but soon wilted. If he left, there would be no more of his mother’s pastries, and not enough wine. What would he do if he ran out on the road? The thought left him quite dejected.

As if anticipating this, Xiao Muran added, “You’ll have more than enough travel expenses for this mission.”

Xiao Jiu lowered his head and said nothing.

Xiao Muran ignored his sulking and continued, “Your target is at a tavern in Qinghe Town, several dozen miles away.”

A tavern? At the word, Xiao Jiu’s head snapped up, and he declared solemnly, “Father, the mission is so far away—we can’t burden the uncles. Let your son take care of it!”

Xiao Muran’s mouth twitched. In every way, this boy took after his mother, not him. “Pack up and set off.”

For once, Xiao Jiu nodded obediently, refraining from retort. Inwardly, he thought, Father really does love me—my first mission is such a cushy job! He packed his bundle in no time and departed that very day.

He rode, sometimes fast, sometimes slow, stopping frequently along the way, until at last he arrived in Qinghe Town.

His money was long spent. Under the scorching sun, Xiao Jiu slumped over his horse, gasping for breath. After asking around at several homes, he finally found the tavern hidden in the heart of the town. Spotting the sign, he slid off his horse without a second thought and strode inside.

At that moment, Wang Jiu was filling a wine jug for Tao Hong, who had come to collect an order. After filling the jug, he reminded her, “Take care with this! Don’t drop it on your way home again, or Uncle Tao will surely scold you.”

Tao Hong gazed at Wang Jiu with infatuation, cheeks flushed as she listened to his deep, magnetic voice. She answered softly, “Brother Wang Jiu, I understand.”

Wang Jiu nodded and continued ladling wine for the neighbors who would come by later.

Xiao Jiu sat down directly, poured himself a cup of tea from the pot on the table, and finally felt alive again. He slapped the table and called out loudly, “Boss! Where’s the boss? I want wine!”

Wang Jiu froze, the ladle clattering to the floor and spilling wine everywhere. Tao Hong hurriedly set her jug aside and picked up the ladle, asking anxiously, “Brother Wang Jiu, what’s wrong?”

Wang Jiu pressed his lips together and said calmly, “Don’t worry, Tao Hong. I’m fine.”

Seeing Wang Jiu at a loss and glancing over at the brash young man at the table, Tao Hong’s face clouded with displeasure. Clearly, this spoiled young master had frightened Wang Jiu. She rolled up her sleeves, ready to give Xiao Jiu a piece of her mind, but Wang Jiu stopped her.

He sighed gently and smiled tenderly. “You’d better hurry and deliver the wine to Uncle Tao. I can handle things here.”

Tao Hong’s anger melted at once in the warmth of Wang Jiu’s smile. She picked up the jug and left, but as she passed Xiao Jiu, she snorted coldly. If she found out this person had bullied Wang Jiu, she would not let him off!

Xiao Jiu was baffled by Tao Hong’s glare, but when he turned back, Wang Jiu had already approached to pour him wine.

As Wang Jiu drew closer, Xiao Jiu was enveloped in a clear, lingering fragrance. He couldn’t help but look up. Unlike himself, dripping with sweat, Wang Jiu’s face was calm and fresh. Xiao Jiu stared, stunned—it was the first time he had seen someone so strikingly handsome. Looking closer, he felt a twinge of regret for two reasons: first, such beauty was marred by a faint scar on the man’s face; second, his eyes were dull and lifeless—he was likely blind. Was the target of his first mission really going to be this easy? He didn’t want to bully someone disabled.

Wang Jiu recognized him by his voice. Xiao Jiu’s heated gaze swept over Wang Jiu, making his hand tremble as he poured the wine. Xiao Jiu instinctively reached out to steady the nearly toppling jug, his hand landing atop Wang Jiu’s.

Both men froze. Wang Jiu recovered first, withdrawing his hand and, feigning calm, set down the jug. “Your wine is ready. Drink it, and then be on your way.”