Chapter Thirty-Six: The Old Manor Servant

After leaving Jiao Haiqing’s home, it was nearly midday when Wei Renshi finally made his way to the tavern. Following the road south through Fuchang City, he exited the city gate and walked along the wall for a short distance before spotting a mud-brick house by the roadside. In front of it was a makeshift canopy, beneath which stood a few tables and some rustic stools, sparsely occupied by a handful of patrons.

A wooden sign hung from one of the posts, bearing the word “wine.” Another sign on a neighboring pillar announced “tea.” Xier pointed ahead and said, “Master, that’s Uncle Sun’s place.”

Wei Renshi nodded and walked over, settling himself on one of the stools outside. Not long after, a small child of about seven or eight years old dashed out from within, and with a sweet, childish voice, asked, “Sir, what would you like to drink?”

“A bowl of cloudy wine and a bowl of tea soup,” Wei Renshi replied with a smile.

The child spun around and scampered back inside. Shortly thereafter, a middle-aged man emerged, carrying two large bowls. Upon seeing them up close, he paused in surprise, saying, “Master? Xier?”

He set the bowls on the table and respectfully saluted Wei Renshi, “Greetings, Young Master!”

Wei Renshi hadn’t expected to be recognized, but Xier grinned familiarly and said, “Brother Youqing, is Grandfather home?”

“My father’s in the back. I’ll go fetch him.” The man saluted Wei Renshi once more before turning to head inside.

“I thought he wouldn’t remember me,” Wei Renshi remarked, turning to Xier as the man left.

Xier covered her mouth and laughed, “Just last year, Brother Youqing and Grandpa Sun visited our home several times, delivering grain. How could they not recognize you, Master?”

Soon, Sun Youqing returned, followed by an elderly man. As they approached, the old man saluted just as Youqing had, “Greetings, Young Master!”

“Grandfather, you needn’t be so formal,” Wei Renshi stood and drew him to sit. “Come, let’s all sit together—Youqing too.”

Once everyone was seated, Wei Renshi smiled and said, “Grandfather Sun, after all these years, you still remember my family, and for that, I thank you.”

“Master, you’re too kind. We survived only by the grace of your father, and that’s why we have such a large family now. Though your family has fallen on hard times, we must never forget that kindness. If this old man had any ability, you wouldn’t have had to endure these hardships,” the elder shook his head. “Please don’t blame me—this is all I can do.”

“If not for your frequent aid, our days would have been even harder. Your kindness is engraved in my heart,” Wei Renshi replied. “Now our family’s fortunes have improved; we no longer worry for food or clothing and even have income. Remembering your many years of help, I wish to repay your kindness.”

The old man waved his hands insistently, “How could I accept that? Impossible! Your father saved our entire family’s lives. Not being able to support your family better is shame enough; how could I let you treat me so kindly?”

Wei Renshi looked around and then asked, “Brother Youqing, how goes the tavern business?”

Sun Youqing shook his head, “Not well.”

Wei Renshi tasted the wine in his bowl; it was passable, thick and greenish, with a strange, sweet flavor from fermentation.

“Grandfather Sun, may I see the back?” Wei Renshi asked the old man.

“Of course, though I fear the smell might trouble you,” the old man replied.

Wei Renshi stood, smiling, “I’ll take a look.”

With that, he made his way toward the rear, and the others promptly followed.

At this time, taverns typically had their brewing workshop at the back, with the shopfront selling the wine. Wei Renshi found a small mud house, the air thick with the scent of fermenting grain.

The space was cramped; standing inside, Wei Renshi could barely find room to step. Such limited space hindered the brewing process. For instance, sun-drying the grain—its cleanliness and degree of dryness directly affect the quality of the wine. Here, with so little room, the grain cannot dry thoroughly, and each batch dries differently.

Not to mention, the tiny house must also accommodate steaming and cooking the grain and yeast, which must be airtight to preserve flavor. After fermentation, the half-cooked grain must be spread out, stirred, mixed, heaped, and undergo initial fermentation—all in this overcrowded space.

The fermentation pit was also too small, making it hard to achieve uniform aging.

“Forgive me for showing you such humble conditions,” the old man said, rubbing his hands in embarrassment.

“Grandfather Sun, I’m planning to establish a proper brewery to produce a new kind of wine—clear as water, with a lingering aftertaste, its aroma either gentle and refreshing or rich and profound. Mild as a clear breeze and bright moon, strong as blazing fire,” Wei Renshi explained. “I want your help for a few days to produce some samples. If it fails, you, with a lifetime of brewing experience, will surely see where it falls short. If it succeeds, I’ll need a master brewer to oversee the brewery.”

“I owe your father so much; if you wish me to help you brew, I will gladly do it,” the old man replied.

“Father…” Sun Youqing tugged at his father’s sleeve, and when he saw the old man unmoved, he bit his lip and stepped forward, “Master, do you mean you want to start a brewing business and have my father as your master brewer?”

Wei Renshi nodded, “Exactly. If Grandfather Sun agrees, he alone will receive a tenth of the annual profits.”

“Master, brewing is a difficult trade,” Sun Youqing cautioned. “Even if we make good wine, the government breweries and the big taverns control the market; we can only make a little money from passing travelers.”

“True spirits aren’t hidden by narrow alleys,” Wei Renshi replied, shaking his head. “The real issue is the wine isn’t good enough.”

“But Master, you’re a scholar. Both your father and grandfather valued learning above all. If they knew you were turning to business…” Sun Youqing said, “Please don’t rush into this. If it doesn’t work out, why not observe our tavern for a while before deciding? You’ll see it’s not a profitable venture.”

“As for whether Grandfather Sun becomes my master brewer, let’s discuss that later,” Wei Renshi said. “For now, Grandfather, help me make a few batches and test my method—there’s no harm in that, is there?”

Sun Youqing thought for a moment, “All right, where do you want to brew? Everything here is ready; why not use my place?”

Wei Renshi looked around, “Good, let’s try here first. I’ll need to construct a certain apparatus before we begin; once it’s ready, I’ll bring it over. It won’t be long—three to five days at most.”