Chapter Ninety-Seven: The Leader

“Alas, we are not young anymore. If before I still harbored any intention of competing with Dream Tower, after meeting Brother Wei today, all such thoughts have vanished,” Liu Zhenqi sighed deeply. “If I were twenty years younger now, I would never agree to yield the position of guild leader to Dream Tower.”

He sighed once more, a hint of the melancholy that often accompanies a hero’s twilight years in his voice.

From beside him, the owner of Drunken Sage Pavilion spoke up: “Brother Liu is right. Before coming here, to be honest, I was somewhat reluctant. But after this meal, learning that Brother Wei is still so young—ah, his future is boundless. There’s no point in competing. Even if I don’t want to admit it, I have to. Not to mention anything else, just this wine and these dishes alone—no way we can compete!”

Another person said to Wei Renshi, “We only hope that Dream Tower can be the guild leader in the future, so that the taverns and eateries in Luoyang can operate in peace and earn some money steadily. Once Dream Tower becomes the leader, besides eating meat, please spare some broth for us as well.”

Others quickly echoed similar sentiments. When everyone had spoken, Liu Zhenqi smiled and asked, “We hope Dream Tower will take the lead. Brother Wei, what do you think?”

“Well... Dream Tower is newly established, and you all are the longstanding names in Luoyang. Would that really be appropriate?” Wei Renshi demurred.

“There’s nothing inappropriate about it,” one restaurant owner said. “We want the one with the best business to be the leader. It used to be Huachun Tower, but now, the best business without question is Dream Tower. Dream Tower will surely grow larger in the future—we won’t be able to catch up even if we try.”

“Whoever has the largest business, we will follow,” another added. “But they must also bear the responsibility of maintaining order among the taverns and eateries in Luoyang, mediating disputes, and keeping a close watch to prevent any underhanded tricks. Only the biggest can be the leader. None of us are blind; Dream Tower surpassing us is inevitable. Just look at this table of dishes and the wine—we’re helpless, can’t replicate it. That’s the foundation Dream Tower will build upon. So I have no objections to Dream Tower leading. We only ask that once Dream Tower becomes leader, they support us more so we can all profit together.”

The others nodded and urged Wei Renshi on with similar words.

Wei Renshi feigned contemplation, thinking for a long moment. Then, biting his lip, he suddenly stood and said, “I’m honored by all your support. Very well! Today, I accept. Dream Tower will become the guild leader of Luoyang’s taverns and eateries, and I promise to work with everyone to make money together! Come, let me toast all of you!”

Everyone immediately raised their cups, standing with smiles. “Congratulations to the new leader! Let’s all toast the new guild leader!”

They exchanged glances and drank together.

Wei Renshi observed their reactions with a forced look of restrained pride, but inwardly he sneered.

Planning to join forces against me? Hah!

Putting down his cup, he smiled and said, “Brothers, your endorsement truly flatters me. Since you hold me in such regard, I as the leader won’t disappoint. Here’s the deal: Dream Tower’s high-proof liquors are extremely difficult to make. Even the consumption within Dream Tower exceeds production, so sales must be limited. As for the lower-proof white wine, although also challenging and limited in output, it’s relatively easier. I hereby announce that Dream Tower’s lower-proof white wine will be available for sale to other taverns and eateries. Everyone can purchase it at cost price to sell in their own establishments!”

“What?!” Everyone was stunned.

“White wine?”

“Anyone can buy from Dream Tower and resell it?!”

Wei Renshi continued, “Of course, stock will first be reserved for you all. But the white wine’s brewing process is extremely complex. Even the lower-proof kind is hard to produce, and output is limited—nothing like ordinary liquors. Currently, Dream Tower’s inventory can only support two establishments. You can discuss among yourselves which two will get first priority. Since I’m the leader now, I won’t charge you more than cost. You’re all brothers, so I can’t show favoritism; it wouldn’t look good if I picked and chose. But stock is limited to two. So either you agree on two businesses to supply first and come to me directly, or I’ll supply the two who offer the highest price.”

At this, Liu Zhenqi immediately opened his mouth to speak, “Brother Wei, you—”

“Master!” A voice interrupted from outside.

Wei Renshi said, “Come in.”

Sun Peng entered, bowed, and said, “Master, Scholar Zhang from the Academy of Learned Worthies sent someone over. He said you arranged to visit the Academy this afternoon and wonders why you haven’t arrived yet.”

Feigning surprise, Wei Renshi hurriedly said, “It’s already this late? Ah, I was so engrossed in conversation with you brothers that I missed Scholar Zhang’s appointed time! This…”

“Hehe, young master, it’s a great blessing to know the scholars of the Academy. You should go promptly,” Liu Zhenqi smiled and said. “Now that we’re well fed and watered, I think we should be taking our leave.”

Everyone agreed and began to rise and prepare to leave. Wei Renshi saw them out and then returned to the back courtyard.

“Well done; you spoke at just the right moment,” Wei Renshi said to Sun Peng, smiling.

“I think those few will be competing fiercely now,” Sun Peng said with a grin. “Master, that move of yours—just like that, you’ve broken their alliance. But are you really going to let Dream Tower be the guild leader?”

Wei Renshi nodded. “The money we’ve earned these past months, plus the money from their liquor purchases, will be partly used to keep supplying the distillery. The rest we’ll save for future expenses. We’ll spend money to buy reputation—call it our advertising budget.”

“Spend money to buy reputation?” Sun Peng asked, puzzled.

“Since they’ve succeeded in making me the leader, they will immediately move to the next step,” Wei Renshi said. “If my guess is right, the prefectural government will soon come asking us for money. If they call on me directly, I’ll go. If they call on you first…”

“Then I’ll firmly say it’s not up to me, they must speak to the owner in person,” Sun Peng finished.

Wei Renshi nodded. “Exactly. Remember, we pay on their behalf, but we won’t give them cash directly.”