Chapter 6: The Immortal Wine Arrives in the City of Chang'an

The next day, Du Chengfeng rose early and left a note for his elder brother, telling him he was heading to Chang’an to sell wine, so his brother wouldn’t worry if he couldn’t find him. Then, he quietly departed from Du Family Village alone, setting out for Chang’an.

Though Du Family Village was remote, it lay less than thirty li from Chang’an. With Du Chengfeng’s current physical strength and speed, he reached the outskirts of Chang’an in less than an hour. To avoid exposing the system space, he rented a cart outside the city, loaded all the wine onto it, covered it with oilcloth, and pulled it into Chang’an.

Chang’an was said to be the largest city of ancient times, the grandest and most magnificent capital. Its area spanned eighty-four square kilometers, 2.4 times that of Han Dynasty Chang’an, 1.4 times that of Ming and Qing Beijing, and seven times larger than Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire in the same era. For thousands of years, it was reputedly the largest city in the world, unquestionably deserving the title of the world’s foremost city. Within its walls, industry flourished and the economy prospered; among cities of its era, perhaps only Luoyang, the secondary capital, could compare.

Standing at the foot of Chang’an’s majestic city walls, Du Chengfeng gazed at the bustling crowds of merchants and travelers, his spirit soaring with ambition. His grand enterprise would rise from this very starting point—nothing could stand in his way.

“Into the city!” With lofty aspirations, Du Chengfeng strode boldly through the gates of this historic city.

His plan was simple: first, find the largest tavern in the city and make the name of Immortal Wine famous, then swiftly enter Chang’an’s high-end market through cooperation. Immortal Wine was purified from turbid wine, so Du Chengfeng would never equate it with ordinary wine. His sights were set on the city’s elite consumers; the common folk would have to wait.

Firstly, production of Immortal Wine was limited—it took several vats of turbid wine to refine just one vat of Immortal Wine. Secondly, since he named it Immortal Wine, its price must reflect its unique character. Later on, he would also need to improve the packaging, perhaps use larger porcelain bottles, for now, the crude wine jar hardly suited a premium wine.

“Brother, may I ask what the largest tavern in Chang’an is called, and how do I get there?” Du Chengfeng politely stopped a passerby.

The man paused, noting Du Chengfeng’s plain attire and his youth—barely fifteen or sixteen years old. He felt a slight displeasure, but seeing the dignified bearing of Du Chengfeng, he set aside his disdain and answered calmly, “Naturally, the largest tavern in Chang’an is River View Pavilion, just west of Shunyi Gate. Young man, are you looking for the biggest tavern for some reason?”

“Oh, I have a business matter to discuss,” Du Chengfeng replied casually.

“Business?” The man’s eyes betrayed a trace of scorn. Du Chengfeng was plainly dressed, pulling a shabby cart covered in oilcloth, and claimed to be seeking the largest tavern in Chang’an for business—was he bluffing or was it true?

Yet, Du Chengfeng’s calm demeanor and unruffled expression made the man reconsider. Years of trading experience and intuition told him never to underestimate such a youth—something might indeed happen today, and this young man could truly be here for business.

With that thought, he quickly put away his contempt and smiled, “Young brother, my name is Wang Zhuo. Coincidentally, I am also going to River View Pavilion to discuss business with the proprietor. If you don’t mind, we could go together.”

Du Chengfeng hadn’t noticed the change in the other’s expression; he was simply grateful that Wang Zhuo was also heading to River View Pavilion, introduced himself, and offered to accompany him. To meet such a welcoming person on his first arrival in the city left Du Chengfeng with a good impression of Chang’an’s folk.

“Brother Wang Zhuo, I am Du Chengfeng. This is my first time in Chang’an, so I’ll trouble you to show me the way. Thank you!” Du Chengfeng replied very politely.

“Alright, let’s go then.” Wang Zhuo felt a little embarrassed at Du Chengfeng’s courtesy.

Along the way, through conversation, Wang Zhuo learned that Du Chengfeng came from a small village called Du Family Village outside Chang’an, and was a sixteen-year-old orphan. This only reinforced his earlier thoughts. A sixteen-year-old orphan newly arrived from the countryside, yet possessing a bearing equal to any scion of a noble house, and the courage to enter Chang’an alone with a cart of goods to discuss business—how admirable. He recalled his own sixteen years, spent idly among the sons of wealthy families, frequenting brothels and taverns, accomplishing nothing.

On this point alone, Du Chengfeng deserved his respect. Wang Zhuo had strict principles for dealing with people. Though he had been aimless in his youth, years of family training and business experience had sharpened his insight. After a brief conversation, he sensed Du Chengfeng was no ordinary youth, and resolved to befriend him.

Meanwhile, Du Chengfeng walked along, taking in the sights of this ancient city. “If you would know the rise and fall of empires, just look upon Luoyang,” wrote the great Northern Song poet Sima Guang of Luoyang, Chang’an’s companion capital—but Du Chengfeng felt these words suited Chang’an as well.

The sights of Chang’an were now within reach. A gentle breeze brushed his face as he strolled down wide avenues, sunlight streaming over the emerald tiles and red walls, sparkling with allure. The flowing carriages, endless throngs of people, and serene, contented smiles on every face—all displayed the flourishing splendor of this world’s foremost city.

After about ten minutes’ walk, an ancient four-story building appeared ahead, and Du Chengfeng knew he had arrived at Chang’an’s largest tavern. Above the entrance, a grand signboard bore the golden characters “River View Pavilion.” The tavern comprised several interconnected pavilions, with carved eaves and painted beams, exuding a sense of majesty and timelessness.

Outside the tavern, the air was alive with voices and bustle. Vendors hawked their wares, and not far from the tavern, a shimmering green river wound its way past.

But now was not the time to indulge in the scenery. Du Chengfeng paused only briefly, parked his cart to the side, slung a jar of Immortal Wine over his shoulder, and entered the grand hall of River View Pavilion alongside Wang Zhuo.

They had just found an empty table and settled in when a lively attendant approached them. “Gentlemen, what can I get for you? Are you here to dine or stay?” the attendant asked enthusiastically.