Chapter 25: Fine Wine and Beautiful Women

Chapter 25: Fine Wine and Beautiful Women

All eyes turned to Zhang Yuelu. The waiter hesitated for a moment before turning away.

Shaojiu, or burning wine, was a type of strong distilled liquor. It got its name because of its intense flavor and the sensation of being burned by fire after taking a sip. It was popular in the Liaodong Region, where the weather was harsh and cold, making it suitable for keeping warm.

This was a favorite among soldiers. It would make sense for someone from the Liaodong Region to ask for this wine. Even if Qi Xuansu had expressed a desire for shaojiu, most people would accept it. However, Zhang Yuelu had requested it, so it raised some eyebrows.

Firstly, it was not common to encounter women who enjoyed drinking, and those who preferred strong liquor were even rarer. Secondly, Zhang Yuelu’s slight Jiangnan accent suggested she was not from the Liaodong Region.

Even Qi Xuansu could not help but glance at her. “Shaojiu?”

“Shaojiu,” Zhang Yuelu confirmed.

Qi Xuansu whispered, “Usually, only alcoholics like shaojiu. You don’t strike me as one.”

“Yellow rice wine is a bit too mild for me. It doesn’t have the same kick,” Zhang Yuelu said, seemingly unconcerned with the curious glances cast her way. She looked just as indifferent as she was at Chiming Palace, where she ignored the opinions of the three Deputy Hall Masters.

It was not arrogance, but rather her natural disposition. She treated everyone equally. Whether it was the three Deputy Hall Masters, Qi Xuansu, or even the Sages, she remained courteous without humbling herself.

Qi Xuansu fell silent and simply sized her up.

She was a young woman with outstanding but not exceptionally stunning features, dressed in a simple Daoist robe, yet exuding a strong and confident air.

Soon, the banquet officially began. Besides the aged Nu Er Hong, Zhang Yuelu also ordered a shaojiu which was served in a small jar, about 500 milliliters.

The waiters at the restaurant thought this young woman was merely indulging in the moment. Or perhaps they thought she was feeling troubled and wanted stronger alcohol to drown her sorrows. They did not think that she was a true drinker.

However, seeing her composed demeanor while conversing with the young man beside her, they did not think that she looked like someone seeking solace in alcohol. Nevertheless, the waiter did not serve her too much shaojiu. That was because people with a low alcohol tolerance could get drunk on just a few shots, so serving too much would be wasteful.

Zhang Yuelu lifted the jar and removed the seal. Almost immediately, the strong aroma wafted out, enough to make one’s nose sting. It was not an exaggeration to say that someone could get a bit intoxicated just by smelling the wine.

Zhang Yuelu’s eyes lit up as she poured the shaojiu into a cup and took a small sip.

Qi Xuansu inexplicably breathed a sigh of relief at this sight. He was genuinely worried that Zhang Yuelu might gulp down the wine straight from the jar and wipe the alcohol stains off her mouth with her sleeve, like a bold outlaw feasting on meat and swigging wine. He could not process such a jarring image in his mind because Zhang Yuelu looked like such a refined young lady.

Fortunately, Zhang Yuelu opted to drink from a cup, avoiding any excessively unconventional behavior.

In fact, Qi Xuansu was not the only one at the table who breathed a sigh of relief at that sight. They were glad that Zhang Yuelu was a civil lady who merely wanted to enjoy a drink.

After finishing her cup of shaojiu, a faint blush appeared on Zhang Yuelu’s fair face. She looked at Qi Xuansu and raised her cup, asking, “Would you like some?”

Seemingly afraid of Qi Xuansu’s refusal, she quickly added, “It’s delicious!”

Qi Xuansu’s smile was somewhat stiff, but he nodded nonetheless. “Sure.”

Zhang Yuelu lifted the jar and filled Qi Xuansu’s cup to the brim. This was not the small liquor cup, but an antique three-legged golden goblet, just like the one mentioned in a popular poem. “Do not let the golden goblet be empty under the moon’s glow.”

Zhang Yuelu smiled gently, without a hint of shyness.

After the woman left, Zhang Yuelu continued to support Qi Xuansu as they walked to the statue of the Primordial Daoist Ancestor.

The statue of the Primordial Daoist Ancestor stood on a massive, three-tiered pedestal. Zhang Yuelu helped Qi Xuansu sit on the first tier of the pedestal and asked, “Where do you live? I’ll take you home.”

“Home...” Qi Xuansu was momentarily stunned. He sobered up a little.

After a long while, he sighed deeply and said, “I don’t have a home to return to.”

Zhang Yuelu stayed silent and sat down beside Qi Xuansu. They were about thirty centimeters apart. She looked up at the moon in the night sky and changed the subject. “I didn’t expect your alcohol tolerance to be so low.”

Another gust of night wind sobered Qi Xuansu up even more. Perhaps he was so drunk that his mind became clearer.

Qi Xuansu smiled bitterly. “This is the strongest shaojiu I’ve ever had, and I didn’t use my qi to resist the effects. I drank nearly half a jar and still didn’t collapse. I can even talk to you. That’s pretty good, right?”

Zhang Yuelu said, “Alcohol tolerance is judged by comparison.”

Qi Xuansu said, “Do you know how painful a hangover feels?”

“I don’t, but you’ll know soon enough,” Zhang Yuelu said with a faint smile. “Actually, getting drunk isn’t so bad. At least, you can temporarily forget your troubles. I’ve heard of a type of alcohol called Dreaming Death. It’s specifically made for the sages because regular alcohol has no effect on them. If a sage wants to get drunk, they’ll ask for a jar of Dreaming Death.”

Qi Xuansu asked, “What happens if an ordinary person drinks it?”

“If an ordinary person drinks Dreaming Death, they will forget many things, including their parents, spouses, children, friends, and even themselves. That’s why it’s a controlled item that is rarely seen on the market. I’ve always wanted to try it, but I’ve never had the chance.”

Qi Xuansu said softly, “You’re still all about that path to enlightenment.”

The moonlight shone on them, casting two long shadows.

After a moment of silence, Zhang Yuelu said, “It’s getting late. I’ll walk you home.”

Qi Xuansu waved his hand. He recited, “Two souls, amidst the mountain’s floral sway. A cup, then another, in a sweet array. In a drunken haze, bid thee farewell tonight. Come dawn, with lute embraced, seek my light.”

“Well, then... until we meet again.” Zhang Yuelu did not insist. She stood up, holding her box of pastries.

Qi Xuansu replied, “Until we meet again.”

Zhang Yuelu turned and left.

Qi Xuansu remained seated on the steps as he watched Zhang Yuelu disappear into the night. He had intended to circulate his qi to dispel the effects of the alcohol, but he suddenly remembered Zhang Yuelu’s words about how difficult it was to get drunk. Thus, he immersed himself in this drunken state.

He had not expected to meet such an interesting woman tonight, but he did not dwell on it too much. After all, in this vast city of ??people, they might never get a chance to meet each other again. They were merely passing through each other's lives.

Their encounter was but a fleeting dream.

1. Nu Er Hong literally translates to “Daughter Red.” ☜