Chapter Sixty-Seven: Presenting Gifts

“Have you heard? The proprietor of Dream Pavilion—the one who bought Spring Breeze Pavilion—suppressed the ghost in Spring Breeze Pavilion yesterday with a peachwood sword!”

“That’s not it. I heard he killed it outright! The ghost’s blood was all over the floor!”

“No, you’re both wrong. My uncle’s cousin lives right next to Spring Breeze Pavilion. He says the owner of Dream Pavilion captured the ghost, whipped it a hundred and eighty times, then tore it to pieces!”

“Nonsense! My cousin’s brother-in-law used to work at Spring Breeze Pavilion, got called back to help, and saw with his own eyes how Dream Pavilion’s owner raised his hand and summoned a crane, which devoured the ghost whole! Now that’s true skill!”

…

In less than two days, the rumor of Wei Renshi slaying the ghost had spread throughout the Southern Market. The tale grew ever stranger; by the time Wei Renshi himself heard it, people were saying he’d swallowed the ghost whole and loudly declared it delicious.

“Sun Peng, make sure the staff know: anyone working at Dream Pavilion must keep their mouth shut. If anyone dares to gossip about what happens here, I’ll release one of last night’s creatures in their home!” Wei Renshi gritted his teeth, glaring at two passersby who were discussing how the owner slayed the ghost.

“Uh, yes!” Sun Peng hurriedly bowed. “I’ll tell everyone not to spread any more stories.”

“If anyone asks, just say nothing happened at all,” Wei Renshi added.

“Yes, understood!” Sun Peng answered.

Wei Renshi slapped his forehead, remembering something else. “Almost forgot! Go prepare a gift box—one jar of each type of fragrant wine, and another jar of ‘Three Bowls Exile.’ I’ll need it tomorrow.”

Because Wei Renshi had acted so boldly in front of the staff, their fear dissipated. Coupled with generous wages, their enthusiasm grew. Everyone worked hard to prepare for opening day; by now, everything was tidied up, and the remaining days were for Sun Peng to familiarize the staff with the rules.

Wei Renshi set many rules, but none were harsh. He outlined how staff should welcome guests and provide excellent service, making sure patrons left satisfied. He also explained what was permitted and what was strictly forbidden within Dream Pavilion, as well as the corresponding rewards and penalties.

Wei Renshi explained everything to Sun Peng at night; Sun Peng then relayed it to the staff during the day.

Five days passed swiftly; only two days remained until the grand opening.

As dusk approached, a group stopped in front of Dream Pavilion.

“In the Southern Market, shops are everywhere. We finally found it!” A young gentleman hopped off the carriage.

He turned and helped a woman down. “Mother, this is the restaurant Renshi opened.”

The woman nodded, then walked to the second carriage and smiled. “Sister, come down quickly! This place is much larger than we heard!”

Lady Wei stepped out, her face surprised, pausing. “Is this really my son’s establishment? Could we be at the wrong address?”

“Lady Wei, you’re not mistaken. This is the place,” Zheng, the village elder, called as he stepped off another carriage. “This is exactly the Dream Pavilion Wei mentioned.”

---

“What a feat! Young Wei managed to acquire such a spacious establishment!” Several villagers from Changgu, who came with Elder Zheng, marveled as they gazed at Dream Pavilion.

Elder Zheng led the group closer and called toward the entrance, “Is anyone inside? We’re from Young Wei’s hometown.”

Of course, someone was keeping watch inside and immediately came forward. “Ah, the master’s family! He instructed us to welcome you. I’ll fetch him right away!”

He hurried to the back and informed Wei Renshi.

It was only right for family to come see the opening, and Li He, a childhood friend, had to be invited as well. Elder Zheng had helped greatly, so he too was invited. Wei Renshi had sent a letter days before, asking Elder Zheng to bring a few others.

Wei Renshi quickly went out to greet them.

“Son pays respects to Mother,” Wei Renshi bowed to the matriarch, then turned to Li He’s mother. “Nephew greets Aunt.”

He then addressed Elder Zheng, “Uncle Zheng, thank you for the trouble.”

Elder Zheng laughed. “You honor us by inviting us to witness your enterprise. No trouble at all.”

He led everyone to the rear courtyard. The group was curious about the establishment and took a tour before settling in the back.

The chef had already prepared a feast, and the dishes were brought out.

“The storefront is huge, but the living quarters seem a bit small,” a villager remarked. “Young Wei, if you’re planning to settle in Luoyang, you might need to buy another house.”

“No need for now. Once things here are settled, I’ll return to Changgu,” Wei Renshi replied with a smile.

“Return to Changgu?” Old Liu asked. “Why, after opening such a grand place in Luoyang, would you go back?”

“When the restaurant’s affairs are settled, I’ll move on to the next task,” Wei Renshi laughed. “There’s always something to do—it never ends!”

“So what’s your plan next?” Elder Zheng asked with a smile.

Wei Renshi swallowed a mouthful of pastry and answered, “Farming is the foundation of the realm. Next, I’ll return to Changgu to cultivate the land.”

“Farming?” Everyone was puzzled, but Wei Renshi simply smiled and didn’t elaborate.

After dinner, Sun Peng had arranged accommodations in the Southern Market and led everyone there.

Wei Renshi followed, deliberately lagging behind with Li He.

“Tomorrow, dress well. You’ll accompany me to visit Scholar Zhang,” said Wei Renshi. “I’ve already prepared a gift.”

“All right,” Li He nodded, then asked, “Renshi, do you really not plan to pursue further studies? Next year we’ll prepare for county school. We’ll register, take the exam, and secure a spot. At fourteen, we’ll be just in time for admission.”

---

Wei Renshi thought for a moment. “Even if I don’t want to, Mother will insist and make me register. Changji, when you decide to apply for county school, call for me. As for whether I actually attend, we’ll see as things go.”

The night passed. Early the next morning, Li He called for Wei Renshi, and together they went to the Jixian Hall Academy.

As usual, Jixian Hall was filled with students reading for free.

Wei Renshi and Li He slipped inside, not heading for the library but walking straight to the rear.

At the end, a round-arched gate blocked their way, and the guards stopped them.

“Student Li He, here to seek an audience with Scholar Zhang. Please, brothers, announce us,” Li He said, bowing to the two guards.

“Wait here,” the guards exchanged glances. Those who came to the rear courtyard to register must be connected with the scholars within, not like the students who came only to read. One guard went in to report.

Soon, he returned and allowed them through.

Scholar Zhang was reading, but upon seeing them, he set his book aside.

“Students pay respects to Scholar Zhang!” Li He and Wei Renshi bowed.

Scholar Zhang regarded them. “Is there some issue with your studies? Speak freely—perhaps I can help.”

Li He shook his head. “No, my studies have gone smoothly. Today, having arrived in Luoyang, I came specifically to pay my respects.”

“Scholar Zhang, you may not know—this is wine brewed in my family,” Wei Renshi explained for Li He. “Changji arrived in Luoyang and liked the wine, so he asked for some to present to you, in gratitude for your guidance.”

As he spoke, Wei Renshi opened the gift box, revealing the jars of wine.

Scholar Zhang initially waved off the gift, but upon seeing the jar labeled ‘Three Bowls Exile,’ he remarked, “Three Bowls Exile… I’ve heard much of this lately. So it’s yours. This must be the famous Wei’s White Wine?”

Wei Renshi nodded. “Besides the jar of Three Bowls Exile, there are four jars of Wei’s White Wine—strong, sauce, clear, and aromatic, each with its own flavor. Changji wanted to thank you, so he took one of each to offer you a taste.”

“I only cherish talent, never expecting reward,” Scholar Zhang smiled as he eyed the wine. “Normally, I wouldn’t accept gifts. But wine—lately everyone’s been talking about Wei’s White Wine—so I’ll make an exception and accept it.”

He then fixed Wei Renshi with a half-smile. “Your gift, I’ll accept specially.”

With his purpose achieved, Wei Renshi saw that Scholar Zhang had seen through his intentions and did not try to hide, bowing. “Thank you, Scholar Zhang!”