Chapter 10: Wang Zhuo Comes Seeking an Alliance

Everyone’s reaction was exactly as Du Chengfeng had anticipated. The emergence of anything new always went through a process of acceptance.

The best proof was always in the facts themselves, so he had no intention now of explaining in detail how high-yield rice could possibly produce over a dozen stones per acre.

There was a saying: “Money can move even the spirits.” Du Chengfeng now possessed a modest fortune; since words were hollow, he would use money to earn their trust.

“Fellow villagers, please listen to me,” Du Chengfeng raised his hand and pressed downward to quiet the crowd. “I understand your doubts are natural. Therefore, I will first plant the high-yield rice in my own fields. Anyone willing to help me plant it will receive the same wage as before: forty coins a day. If you believe in me, Du Chengfeng, and wish to try planting it yourselves, you may come to me and collect seeds free of charge. I promise here and now: if the rice fails to yield a dozen stones per acre as I say, I, Du Chengfeng, will compensate you double for your loss.” Having finished, he called Uncle Dazhu over.

Uncle Dazhu was still bewildered, and only snapped to attention when Du Chengfeng slapped his shoulder heavily.

“Chengfeng, tell me honestly, can that rice really yield over a dozen stones per acre?” Uncle Dazhu asked solemnly.

Although he had watched Du Chengfeng grow up, the claim of such yields was simply too shocking for him to believe.

What made him even more doubtful was that Du Chengfeng had only visited Chang’an once and now had seeds for high-yield rice? If Chang’an truly had such seeds, would the imperial court still suffer grain shortages?

Du Chengfeng sighed helplessly, looked at Uncle Dazhu, and said, “Uncle Dazhu, I won’t explain. When the rice matures in a few months, the results will speak for themselves. For now, help me keep an eye on the distillery; your wage will be a hundred coins a day. What do you think?”

“Very well, Chengfeng, I believe in you. I’ll work with you,” Uncle Dazhu stamped his foot, secretly deciding that the hundred coins a day were worth it.

Despite lingering doubts about the rice’s potential yield, the lure of money persuaded over a dozen families to accept some rice seeds from Du Chengfeng.

With his promise, trying cost nothing—and if it succeeded, their lives would have hope again. Du Chengfeng also promised to visit the next day to guide them in planting.

As for the distillery, over a dozen people registered with Uncle Dazhu; compared to rice, this was a tangible business.

Du Chengfeng had Uncle Dazhu lead them to build a simple workshop beside his own house, and once it was finished, distillation would begin immediately.

In three days, Manager Lu would definitely come to collect goods, so Du Chengfeng needed to distill a batch of Immortal’s Wine for emergencies. He also had to guide the villagers in transforming their rice fields.

With Du Chengfeng’s double wages, the villagers of Du Village worked with great enthusiasm, and the rudimentary distillery was erected in less than an afternoon.

Du Chengfeng began instructing them in distillation, while also emphasizing secrecy. He repeatedly warned that the first batch of liquor must not be consumed, and asked Uncle Dazhu to store it all together, so he could later transfer it into the system warehouse when he had time.

At present, Du Chengfeng could not yet refine pure alcohol, but the first batch would suffice as a temporary substitute.

Once the workshop was running, Du Chengfeng began guiding the villagers in transforming their rice fields, constructing irrigation channels, and, once modifications were complete, cultivating seedlings.

When everything was arranged and he returned home to rest, an unexpected visitor arrived.

“Brother Wang Zhuo, how did you find your way here?” Du Chengfeng greeted him with a smile. Seeing his elder brother Du Wenling bring over a distinguished young man, Du Chengfeng was quite surprised.

“Brother Chengfeng, leaving the River-view Pavilion without a word seems a bit lacking in courtesy,” Wang Zhuo teased.

“Aiya! My apologies, Brother Wang Zhuo, it was rude of me. I left in such a hurry that I forgot to thank you. Please forgive me,” Du Chengfeng said self-deprecatingly.

Wang Zhuo had helped him find his way and had spoken up for him at the River-view Pavilion. Du Chengfeng had been entirely focused on expanding the workshop and had forgotten to bid Wang Zhuo farewell—indeed, not very courteous.

“Haha, Brother Chengfeng, no need to mind—it was just a joke,” Wang Zhuo laughed, then continued, “But to have the fortune of tasting your Immortal’s Wine makes the trip well worth it! You truly conceal your talents, Brother Chengfeng—not only do you brew fine wine, but you write beautifully and possess remarkable literary flair. I was utterly astonished!”

“Brother Wang Zhuo, you flatter me—it’s nothing, really,” Du Chengfeng replied, his face flushing slightly.

Apart from his calligraphy, his supposed literary talent was all borrowed—he felt quite ashamed.

“Brother Chengfeng, you are too modest. Why not invite your far-traveling guide inside?” Wang Zhuo joked, emphasizing the words “guide.”

Du Chengfeng caught the hint and smiled, “Brother Wang Zhuo, my humble abode is shabby, but if you don’t mind, please come in.” He stepped aside and gestured invitingly.

He guessed Wang Zhuo’s purpose almost entirely—most likely, he was interested in the market for Immortal’s Wine and had come to seek cooperation.

For Wang Zhuo to find his residence so quickly, he must have spent considerable effort at the River-view Pavilion; after all, Du Village had only been mentioned to Manager Lu.

“Of course I don’t mind! The scenery here is beautiful, and the land is blessed with talent,” Wang Zhuo said cheerfully, hinting at something in his words, and walked boldly into Du Chengfeng’s humble earthen house.

Du Chengfeng heard the implication and was even more certain of Wang Zhuo’s purpose, but he did not mind.

Immortal’s Wine was just his starting point; the workshop would certainly expand in the future, and another partner would do no harm.

Once they were seated, Du Chengfeng got straight to the point: “Brother Wang Zhuo, to come all this way yourself, I imagine you’re here for Immortal’s Wine.”

Wang Zhuo was somewhat taken aback by his directness; he hadn’t expected someone so young to be so sharp.

He was grateful he hadn’t judged Du Chengfeng by his appearance at the city gate—this was no mere fair youth, but a wise old fox.

Wang Zhuo groaned inwardly; his carefully prepared words were completely thrown off by Du Chengfeng.

“Brother Chengfeng, you are indeed a prodigy; my little scheme has been seen through,” Wang Zhuo said awkwardly, then continued, “Since you’ve already guessed, I won’t hide it. I am a member of the Wang family of Luoyang. I came to Chang’an intending to cooperate with Manager Lu, but after tasting your Immortal’s Wine at the River-view Pavilion, I decided I must bring this extraordinary wine to Luoyang and let it become famous there. As I understand it, your contract with Manager Lu covers only the Chang’an region, so I’ve come to seek cooperation with you. What do you think?”

“Certainly. The purchase price will be the same as Manager Lu’s—two thousand five hundred coins per jar. Is that acceptable?” Du Chengfeng agreed without hesitation.

The rise of Immortal’s Wine in the Tang Dynasty was inevitable; with an established channel, he was glad to oblige.

More importantly, he found Wang Zhuo a decent person—insightful, bold, and free from the arrogance of many noble youths.

“Excellent, Brother Chengfeng! Here is the contract—I prepared it in advance. Please review it,” Wang Zhuo said, handing over the agreement. The speed at which the partnership was reached surprised him as well.

Du Chengfeng glanced over the contract, finding it similar to his agreement with Manager Lu.

He signed his name, pressed his handprint, and handed a copy back to Wang Zhuo. “Just as with Manager Lu: come in three days to collect the goods. Take as much as you can.”

Wang Zhuo agreed quickly, gathered up the contract, and prepared to leave. With the deal sealed, he was eager to return to Luoyang and report to his family.

Having witnessed Du Chengfeng’s literary skills and calligraphy, and after this exchange, Wang Zhuo resolved to cultivate a close relationship with him.

So young, yet possessing such sophistication and wisdom—Wang Zhuo could easily imagine that Du Chengfeng would someday rise swiftly through the ranks.