Liang Xiao nodded and said, "In comparison, the first run of the liquor is too strong, and the last run is too weak. The liquor in between is the mellow and smooth good liquor, but it also needs to undergo multiple strict distillations, blending, and even mixing. However, the first run and the last run also have their own uses, and they must be put to good use!"
Luo Qingxue's beautiful eyes flickered as she looked at Liang Xiao, who was explaining earnestly. Her heart was filled with pride.
Even if her beloved didn't enter officialdom in the future, and only worked as a merchant, accumulating enough money to help the disaster victims would be a great merit!
She, who was taught by Zhuo Zifang, was not an obstinate person. As long as Liang Xiao didn't become addicted to pleasure and neglect his duties, it would be enough!
Even if he failed after a lifetime of effort, she was willing to stay by his side. But if he could succeed, that would naturally be even better!
"There's some of yesterday's brew in the storeroom. Do you want to have a taste later?" Liang Xiao smiled at Luo Qingxue.
Luo Qingxue pouted playfully, "I won't drink! You know my alcohol tolerance is average, you just want to see me make a fool of myself..."
Liang Xiao grinned, with a half-smile, and did not force her.
The way she looked when drunk was indeed too adorable.
The workers were focused on brewing liquor and didn't even notice Liang Xiao at the entrance.
After the two left the distillery, Luo Qingxue looked at the pine trees at the entrance and felt her mood lift. She couldn't help but link her arm with Liang Xiao's, a look of happiness on her face.
She had originally thought her fiancé was useless and condemned by all.
During her stay at the Liang mansion, she realized that whether it was Yue Lian, Zhen Mi, or these workers and servants, they all genuinely respected Liang Xiao.
When she chatted with Zhen Mi and Yue Lian, she learned that Zhen Mi studied hard because she hoped to be like Liang Xiao in the future, writing good poems and lyrics on the wine jars to sell more wine.
However, Liang Xiao did not agree!
This was because Liang Xiao did not want his loved ones to contribute to his utilitarian endeavors; he only wanted them to be carefree.
Back in the courtyard, Luo Qingxue saw Yue Lian and Zhen Mi reading, with an ancient circular jade pendant on the table.
"What is this?"
Luo Qingxue walked over with Liang Xiao, looking at the jade pendant with confusion.
This circular jade pendant was unremarkable and had a chipped edge, but it was covered with dense patterns. It turned out to be a jade jue.
"Sister Qingxue, this is Sister Yue Lian's gift to Mi'er, but Mi'er dare not accept it!" Zhen Mi explained.
"Mi'er, just accept it," Yue Lian then remembered the jade jue beside her and urged her again.
Zhen Mi shook her head repeatedly, "Brother Xiao said this is the memento left by Sister Yue Lian's parents. Mi'er cannot accept it!"
Yue Lian was speechless.
Liang Xiao pulled Luo Qingxue to sit down and said with a smile, "Yue Lian, you should keep this item safe and not lose it. Your thoughtful care for Mi'er is the best gift."
Yue Lian hesitated for a moment, then sighed softly and put away the jade jue.
At the same time, in a secret chamber, the Left Virtuous King sat high and mighty, with Huyan Jialuo standing by his side, looking imposing.
A person in a black robe knelt on the ground, his face showing unwillingness.
The Left Virtuous King played with a jade jue in his hand, staring at the black-robed man with a cold smile.
This jade jue was similar to the one Yue Lian kept!
"Zuo Wushang, you truly are a bunch of idiots! Seeking to restore your kingdom, yet you can't even protect your only princess, nor find her!"
The black-robed man's eyes sharpened, and he slowly stood up, extending his left hand to the Left Virtuous King, speaking fiercely.
"The situation was complicated that day. I believe the princess is blessed and must still be alive. Please return our kingdom's token to the Left Virtuous King..."
The Left Virtuous King chuckled, tossed the jade jue to Zuo Wushang, and spoke sternly.
"Remember, without the help of my Barbarian tribe, the surviving elders and youths of your Great Heng Kingdom will only be homeless dogs for eternity! Since you cannot find the princess, obediently submit to the Barbarian tribe and cultivate the Twelve Barbarian Assassins for me again!"
Zuo Wushang carefully put the jade jue into his embrace and said in a neither servile nor overbearing tone.
"Training the Twelve Barbarian Assassins will take ten years. Left Virtuous King should also understand that we are merely cooperating. My true master is only the Princess!"
The Left Virtuous King gritted his teeth, his left fingers digging deeply into the wooden table.
He truly could not control this Zuo Wushang, as Zuo Wushang could also expose his existence!
Huyan Jialuo smiled slightly and reminded, "Left Virtuous King, we can put aside the matter of cultivating the Twelve Barbarian Assassins for now. I have a suggestion. Since Mr. Zuo has returned to the capital, why not let him be responsible for assassinating Liang Xiao and Luo Qingxue?"
"Liang Xiao?" Zuo Wushang narrowed his eyes, becoming vigilant.
He had been gathering information recently and was aware of this suddenly renowned descendant of a military family.
The Left Virtuous King's eyes lit up, and he said with a smile, "Zuo Wushang, the Barbarian tribe suffered a defeat in their attack on Yan Province due to your intelligence. You need to be responsible for this matter."
Zuo Wushang frowned, "My intelligence was accurate. If anyone is to blame, it is only Heaven for giving the Great Gan Kingdom a heavenly general, thus ruining your plan!"
As Zuo Wushang spoke, he stared at the Left Virtuous King, and he saw the fear in the Left Virtuous King's eyes when he heard "heavenly general," secretly despising him.
Who was the real idiot?
The Left Virtuous King roared, "Do you think the Chanyu will believe you or me?"
Zuo Wushang's expression changed. He cupped his fists and said, "I will do my best to assassinate Liang Xiao at the opportune moment and atone for my sins. Left Virtuous King had best know when to stop, or we will part ways."
The Left Virtuous King's expression softened slightly, and the two reached a consensus on this matter.
After Zuo Wushang left, the Left Virtuous King and Huyan Jialuo exchanged a knowing smile.
The heavenly general manifested?
Let these surviving elders and youths of the Great Heng Kingdom risk their lives and see if the heavenly general could still manifest and protect Liang Xiao and Luo Qingxue!
In the main hall of the Liang mansion, a group of young people, led by Gu Shaoyan and Mu Hong, were seated on both sides, drinking tea.
"Two talented scholars, do you truly still have any of that fine wine from the Dongfeng Gathering?" Duanmu Xiu couldn't help but ask.
Gu Shaoyan retorted, "Didn't Young Master Duanmu smell the aroma of wine from my home?"
Duanmu Xiu was speechless and could only nod with a smile, his throat bobbing.
Gu Shaoyan led them to his home, and they all smelled the strong aroma of that jar of wine.
It was unforgettable!
Compared to this aroma, the Pine Spirit Wine, hailed as a court delicacy, was simply like plain water!
These people were all from wealthy families.
They were all eager to taste it, but Gu Shaoyan sternly refused.
Even if they offered three hundred taels to buy just half a jar of wine.
This scoundrel was keeping that jar of wine and drinking half a cup every day, enjoying himself immensely!
Mu Hong, that rascal, was even composing poems and verses to the jar of wine he had saved for himself every day!
Gu Shaoyan and Mu Hong sat calmly and drank tea, looking satisfied.
They were helping Liang Xiao "solicit customers," not entirely out of good intentions.
Firstly, it was to repay Liang Xiao for the "friendly price," and secondly, to leave a fallback for themselves, as they saw Liang Xiao's potential.
Their elders, while publicly forbidding their clansmen from associating with the Liang mansion, privately condoned their actions.
After all, even without them, Liang Xiao would definitely sell his wine to these people!
"Seeking confidants through poetry and wine" had already become a well-known anecdote, and the wine enthusiasts yearned for that mysterious wine!
They were hedging their bets on both sides, just in case!
After a moment, Liang Xiao finally arrived late. Seeing the crowd in the hall, he showed a look of surprise.
Duanmu Xiu was the first to stand up and eagerly asked, "Second Young Master Liang, how much of that wine from the Dongfeng Gathering do you still have in stock? And what is its name?"