Chapter Sixty-Two: Rogues Stirring Trouble

Hearing a voice that sounded somewhat familiar, Wei Renshi lifted his head from within the thatched cottage. His gaze passed over the gathered crowd, following the direction of the voice.

He saw a burly man push his way through the people and enter the cottage.

“Brother Zhang?!” Wei Renshi recognized him instantly and called out, hurrying over to welcome him inside. “Come, have a seat!”

This was none other than Zhang Gan, one of the three companions with whom Wei Renshi had shared drinks after the wine tasting at Lanchang Tavern. Zhang Gan was the very man who, upon leaving in a drunken stupor, had left Wei Renshi that black token.

“That day, I left without saying goodbye as you had already fallen asleep from drink. I hope you won't hold it against me,” Zhang Gan said good-naturedly, sitting down.

“Think nothing of it, Brother Zhang!” Wei Renshi replied with a smile.

Zhang Gan grinned, “Yesterday I heard someone say there was a challenge outside Dingding Gate—three bowls and you can't enter the city. I heard it was your white liquor, so I guessed you must be in Luoyang to sell it. I sought you out today, and sure enough, here you are. I also heard that no one has yet bested the three-bowl challenge—is the liquor truly that strong?”

Wei Renshi nodded. “It’s much stronger than what you tasted that day.”

“Oh?” Zhang Gan’s eyes lit up. “To tell you the truth, the two jars you gave me were of great help. I have an acquaintance who is passionate about collecting the world’s finest spirits. I gave him those two jars, and he was full of praise, saying there is no better wine under heaven. I had a favor to ask of him, and although he hasn’t agreed yet, the wine loosened his stance. Suffice it to say, you did me a great favor, and I won’t forget it. If this new liquor is as potent as you say, could you spare me a few more jars?”

“If you have use for it, help yourself,” Wei Renshi replied. “And if it’s not enough, you need only stop by my shop and fetch more. Since fate has brought us together as friends, how could I begrudge you a few jars of wine?”

“Brother Wei, you are truly generous!” Zhang Gan laughed heartily. “It is my fortune to have a friend like you! But let me first try this three-bowl challenge for myself!”

With that, Zhang Gan rose, took up a bowl, and poured himself a serving. As he sniffed it, he exclaimed, “Remarkable! So fragrant and pure, yet clear as water. Even after seeing it again, it never ceases to amaze me.”

He brought the bowl to his lips and drank it down in one gulp, then slapped the table and shouted, “Excellent! Nowhere else in the world could one find liquor so strong and aromatic! With this spirit, my plans are as good as accomplished! Where is your shop, Brother Wei?”

“I’ve taken a shop in the South Market. It was formerly called Spring Breeze Pavilion, but I’ve renamed it Dream Pavilion. It will open soon,” Wei Renshi replied with a smile.

“Good! I’ll reserve a spot for you. When you set the opening date, be sure to send word. I’ll be there to support you,” Zhang Gan said warmly. Then, suddenly remembering something, his expression darkened, and he frowned. “Spring Breeze Pavilion? Brother Wei, have you been taken in? That place has a bad reputation. Who sold it to you? Tell me, and I’ll have them brought here to return your money.”

“The location is excellent, the shop is spacious, and the price was right, so I bought it,” Wei Renshi said. “I’ve heard the tales of hauntings, but don’t worry, I’m not afraid.”

Seeing Wei Renshi’s nonchalance, Zhang Gan insisted, “Even if you aren’t troubled by the rumors, the previous owner died terribly. It’s best to be careful. Tomorrow, I’ll go to the Grand Daoist Temple and ask a priest to conduct a ritual there, just to be sure…”

He was interrupted by a sudden commotion from the back.

“Out of the way! Let’s see who dares to peddle this poison here!”

A group of ruffians forced their way forward, encircling Old Man Sun and his companions along with the tables of wine.

Old Man Sun hurried forward. “What brings you gentlemen here? If we have done anything to offend, please speak plainly…”

“Get lost!” A thug shoved Old Man Sun aside, cursing. “You think you can set up shop on our turf and sell poison to deceive people? We’re here to act as heaven’s enforcers! Smash it!”

He kicked at one of the tables.

“How dare you!” Sun Youqing stepped in, catching the man’s leg and shoving him to the ground.

“Assault! Did you all see that? They struck first! Beat them up and haul them off to the authorities!” the man on the ground shouted.

Wei Renshi immediately recognized this as a group of troublemakers causing a scene.

He stood and approached them. “How much money do you want?”

“Listen to this young master! Which of us looks like we needs your money? You’re selling poison and beating people!” the other thugs jeered.

The man on the ground wailed, “Call the authorities! I’m seriously injured!”

“We’re new to Luoyang and unfamiliar with the customs here,” Wei Renshi said, moving in front of Sun Youqing and Sun Youquan. “If this liquor were truly poison, many would already be dead. If it’s money you seek, just name your price.”

“Nonsense! Where under heaven could a distillery produce liquor this strong? Clearly, you’ve mixed something dangerous into it!” another man accused. “And do we look like we’re here for money? You laid hands on us, so you must pay compensation. In my view, nothing less than a thousand strings of cash will do!”

At his words, the dozens of men who had come with them began shouting as well.

They were many, fierce in appearance, and the onlookers, even those who might have spoken up for justice, dared not intervene.

“A thousand strings? Isn’t that a bit excessive?” Wei Renshi said, his face growing cold.

“A thousand is cheap!” the man replied. “You set up shop in our territory without so much as a word—did you think it would be that easy?”

“And if I refuse?” Wei Renshi asked.

“Refuse?” the leader laughed. “You can refuse, of course. We won’t do anything to you. But we have nothing better to do, so we’ll just sit outside your door all day, basking in the sun, idling away the hours, and chatting with your customers.”