Chapter 8: Du Chengfeng’s Calligraphy Astonishes Chang’an

When they reached the inner hall, the waiter tactfully excused himself.

"Young friend, please have a seat!" Manager Lu greeted him with utmost courtesy.

"Thank you," Du Chengfeng replied, settling in with ease.

Seeing Du Chengfeng seated, Manager Lu carefully considered his words before speaking slowly, "Such an exquisite wine—having you choose Wangjiang Pavilion as your first partner is a great honor. Would you share your thoughts with me?"

Manager Lu dared not overstep his bounds and kept a modest demeanor. He knew very well that for Du Chengfeng to come straight to Wangjiang Pavilion with this miraculous wine and request a meeting with him by name, there must be a well-thought-out plan in his mind.

Du Chengfeng smiled, thinking to himself, This Manager Lu is indeed shrewd, just the kind of person I like.

"Manager Lu, how do you assess the value and prospects of this Immortal Wine?" Du Chengfeng countered.

At this moment, Du Chengfeng displayed none of the awkwardness typical of a sixteen-year-old. Instead, he resembled a seasoned merchant, tossing out a question as a feeler. He wanted to see how the manager of the most renowned establishment in Chang’an would evaluate and position this wine.

After all, to be the manager of the top establishment in Chang’an, one’s insight and ability must far surpass the average.

Granted, Du Chengfeng’s display was a bit of a façade. Having lived in Du Family Village with his grandfather, he had never been to Chang’an and was completely in the dark about the city’s prices and business climate.

But in business, the key is to seize the initiative. Du Chengfeng may not understand the market in Chang’an, but as a modern man, he was quite adept at putting on an act.

Unaware of Du Chengfeng’s inner thoughts, Manager Lu pondered a moment before replying solemnly, "The prospects go without saying. I’m certain that once Immortal Wine enters the market in Chang’an, it will take the Tang Empire by storm. Do you have a price in mind?"

Manager Lu subtly returned the pricing question to Du Chengfeng.

"The price? How about three strings of cash per jar?" Du Chengfeng stroked his chin, smiling faintly.

Before coming, he had made a rough survey: the best wine on the market, Sanle Brew, was only 350 coins per jar, and even that was not significantly better than the common turbid wine.

Immortal Wine was aimed at the high-end market from the start; setting the price at three strings per jar both reflected its value and positioned it in the market.

"Three strings? Excellent, just as you say," Manager Lu agreed readily. As the manager of Wangjiang Pavilion, he quickly analyzed that this was a fine price point.

"How would you like the partnership to proceed?" Manager Lu inquired further.

Du Chengfeng considered briefly before saying, "Here’s my proposal: I’ll supply it to you at a wholesale price of 2,500 coins per jar. You will have exclusive sales rights within Chang’an, but you must not arbitrarily raise the price. You may send someone to Du Family Village outside Chang’an to collect the goods at regular intervals. What do you think?"

He watched Manager Lu closely. As a modern man, he detested price gouging and wanted to nip such behavior in the bud from the outset.

"That’s perfectly acceptable," Manager Lu agreed without hesitation. Only a fool would refuse such a deal—a clear profit of 500 coins per jar. Manager Lu was inwardly elated.

Du Chengfeng was not surprised at his response. Any discerning merchant could see the potential of Immortal Wine, especially one as seasoned as Manager Lu.

"Good! Since we’ve reached an agreement, let’s have someone draft the contract," Du Chengfeng said.

After all, this was their first business transaction; a measure of protection was necessary. In modern society, all business deals are formalized with contracts and protected by law. Even in this era, contracts were recognized by the authorities.

Manager Lu was obviously a savvy operator; Du Chengfeng had to be cautious.

"A contract?" Manager Lu was taken aback for a moment, thinking, So this young man doesn’t trust me completely.

On reflection, it was understandable. With so much at stake, who wouldn’t want some assurance? Manager Lu was not an inflexible man.

"Someone, come here," Manager Lu called out toward the door.

The waiter waiting outside hurried in, bowing low.

"Bring me the scholar’s four treasures. I need to draft a contract," Manager Lu ordered.

"Yes, sir. Please wait a moment," the waiter replied, stealing a glance at Du Chengfeng as he left.

Even a fool would realize by now that the manager had struck some major deal with this young man. He regretted having underestimated him earlier and broke out in a cold sweat, but it seemed Du Chengfeng hadn’t taken it to heart.

Soon, the waiter returned with the ink, brush, paper, and inkstone, setting them on the table before withdrawing and closing the door.

Manager Lu, knowing the contract was Du Chengfeng’s idea, laid out the paper and offered the brush with a smile. "Please, young friend."

Du Chengfeng took the brush and wrote out the details of the Immortal Wine partnership on the paper, then handed it to Manager Lu for review.

Fortunately, he had studied calligraphy with several masters in modern times; otherwise, he would have been at a loss in this Tang Dynasty era.

Of all the calligraphic styles, Du Chengfeng preferred the Slender Gold Script created by Zhao Ji, Emperor Huizong of Song. Unique, lively, and swift, it would be utterly astonishing in the Tang Dynasty.

So, when drafting the contract, Du Chengfeng deliberately used the Slender Gold Script, more with an ulterior motive in mind.

Sure enough, when Manager Lu received the contract and saw the script, he was stunned, his eyes gleaming. He barely glanced at the content, transfixed by the writing.

Though not a calligraphy expert, Manager Lu had seen enough of the world to recognize that this script had never appeared before in the Tang.

"You are truly remarkable, young friend. Your calligraphy must have deep foundations. I am most impressed—who would have thought someone so young could have such mastery! Astonishing, truly astonishing!" Manager Lu exclaimed.

"Not at all, you flatter me," Du Chengfeng replied modestly, though inwardly he was delighted.

The system required fame and prestige to unlock the Reputation System. Using advanced calligraphy to impress Manager Lu was just a test, but the effect was promising.

He thought to himself, If you’re amazed by just the Slender Gold Script, you’d be scared out of your wits if I showed you more styles.

"Young friend, I have a favor to ask—though it may be presumptuous—but I hope you will agree," Manager Lu said gravely.

Having seen the Slender Gold Script, Manager Lu had an idea.

"Oh? What is it? Please, do tell," Du Chengfeng replied playfully, having already guessed what the request might be.

"Would you write an inscription for Wangjiang Pavilion?" Manager Lu asked earnestly.

"Of course, it's a small matter," Du Chengfeng answered without hesitation, thinking to himself, Just as I expected—exactly what I wanted.

Wangjiang Pavilion was the most prominent restaurant in Chang’an; once his Slender Gold Script appeared there, he would attract a huge following. With that, his reputation points would soar, and the Reputation System could be activated—a win-win situation.

"You have my gratitude," Manager Lu said, his appreciation evident. He immediately handed over a brush, spread fresh paper, and even stood aside to grind the ink himself, momentarily forgetting about finalizing the contract.

Du Chengfeng took the brush, pondering what to write. Wangjiang Pavilion—it occurred to him to use a famous couplet from history, perfectly suited for the occasion.

He quickly wrote: "Wangjiang Pavilion overlooks the flowing river; from the pavilion one watches the river flow. The pavilion endures through the ages; the river flows for eternity. Reading Pavilion, filled with the sounds of study; within, the voices of learning echo. The pavilion stands for a hundred years; the sounds of study endure for a century."

Inspired further, he changed paper and, in a completely different style, wrote another verse: "Leaning alone upon the railing at Wangjiang Pavilion, the slanting sun lingers, the waters stretch far and slow. Thousands of sails have passed, none bearing the one I await; hearts are broken for the one parted, on the white duckweed islet." He did not forget to sign his name: Inscribed by Du Chengfeng.

This was all part of his plan to gain prestige and activate the system.

"Wangjiang Pavilion overlooks the flowing river; from the pavilion one watches the river flow," Manager Lu recited in awe. "It’s perfect—so apt, so fitting!" He was visibly moved.

Once again, Manager Lu was astonished—not only was Du Chengfeng’s calligraphy superb, his literary talent was extraordinary.

He could already envision the day these inscriptions were hung up, Wangjiang Pavilion soaring in fame, attracting scholars, poets, and gentlemen from all quarters. With the influence of Immortal Wine, daily profits would be the least of his concerns.

Manager Lu was so pleased he seemed almost giddy.

Yet, in his excitement he did not forget the calligrapher. He bowed deeply to Du Chengfeng and said with emotion, "Young friend, I will remember your kindness. From now on, you may dine at Wangjiang Pavilion free of charge, and the Sky Room on the top floor will always be reserved for you."

"In addition, I will have a sum of five hundred strings of cash prepared for you to take with you as payment for your inscriptions. Please, you must accept it."

Not only did Manager Lu offer money and free meals, but the permanent reservation of the Sky Room was a gesture of particular favor.

Such generosity was rare—a few words penned and five hundred strings of cash as reward.

Du Chengfeng did not dwell on Manager Lu’s motives; he took it all as his due. He gladly accepted the money, for he was in need of funds.

With their partnership set and his goal of unlocking the Reputation System achieved, Du Chengfeng saw no reason to linger.

He rose, clasped his fists, and said, "Manager Lu, I won’t stand on ceremony. There are five jars of Immortal Wine stored downstairs, a gift for Wangjiang Pavilion. You may use them for promotion. In three days, you may come to Du Family Village to pick up your order—payment and delivery must occur simultaneously. I must take my leave now."

"Very well, young friend, allow me to see you out," Manager Lu said, not daring to be remiss. He walked Du Chengfeng out of the inner hall, accompanied him all the way to the entrance, and personally placed the five hundred strings of cash onto the carriage. Only when Du Chengfeng was out of sight did he hurry back to the main hall.

The first thing he did was summon the waiter and instruct him to find the best mounters to frame the two inscriptions and hang them in the main hall.

At that moment, the aroma of Immortal Wine had stirred a fervent longing among the wine lovers in the hall. Seeing Manager Lu return, they grew excited.

A middle-aged man in splendid silk was the first to step forward, exclaiming, "Manager Lu, that wine the young man brought must all have been bought by you—don’t keep it to yourself! Bring it out for us to taste!"

"Yes, Manager Lu, let us try it!" the crowd echoed.

Manager Lu frowned, but had no choice but to fetch a jar of Immortal Wine from the inner hall, placing it on the counter. He announced loudly, "Everyone, please quiet down and listen. In three days, this Immortal Wine will be officially for sale here. For now, I’ll open one jar for you to sample. If you find it satisfactory, I hope you’ll support us when the time comes."

He then instructed the waiter to fetch wine cups and pour tastings for all present. Though it pained him, the thought of the bustling business to come in three days left Manager Lu thoroughly satisfied.