Chapter Twelve Distilled Liquor

  "Dong dong dong."

  The sudden clanging of cymbals broke the quiet night.

  Qin Yu was startled awake, and after a moment's thought, he knew the reason. He furrowed his brow, then got up, just as Xiao Tao and Xiao Hong heard the commotion and hurried in to help Qin Yu get dressed.

  Qin Yu was recuperating from his injuries, and it was always Xiaotao and Xiaohong who took care of him. He didn't want them to see anything, but they ended up seeing everything anyway. As soon as he returned to Zhangjiacun, Qin Yu had the two little maids move into the house, but they stayed in a side room, so that the two little maids wouldn't sleep at the door again.

  Put on his clothes, Qin Yu went out. At this moment, the villagers of Zhangjiacun all woke up from their dreams and rushed to the direction of the gong with torches in hand.

  After Qin Yu arrived, the villagers automatically made way for a path and saw two strangers tied up with five flowers on the ground. Without thinking, they knew that these two people were thieves who came to investigate the production of white paper and printing technology. Otherwise, why would they appear outside Zhangjiacun's workshop?

  The originally noisy crowd suddenly fell silent with the arrival of Qin Yu, but the villagers' heavy breathing due to anger was still clearly audible.

  Qin Yu walked up to the two people who were stealing the craft, looked them up and down, and saw that they had blue noses and swollen faces, shivering with fear, with blood still on their clothes, obviously having been beaten severely.

  It's no wonder the villagers treated them this way, as their actions would cut off Zhangjiavillage's source of wealth. How could they not provoke the villagers' anger? Especially after being taught by Qin Yu and having their eyes opened, the villagers naturally became hostile towards them.

  "Who sent you?" Qin Yu's tone was very gentle, without any hint of anger, but the two people tied up on the ground felt that Qin Yu had a murderous intention. They had seen this situation before, in short, they thought Qin Yu was a smiling tiger.

  "Spare us, spare our lives, young master." The two of them almost simultaneously shuddered and involuntarily twisted their bodies a couple of times. Seeing that it had no effect, they hastily opened their mouths to plead with Qin Yu to let them off.

  Qin Yu let out a long sigh and said after a while, "I can let you go, but when you return, tell your master that this is the only time, or else."

  Qin Yu's words had just fallen when he glanced at Cheng Huailiang, and Cheng Huailiang immediately understood Qin Yu's meaning. With a "swish" sound, he drew out the Tang knife hanging from his waist, revealing a mouthful of white teeth, and said in a gloomy tone.

  "I'm going to find out which son of a bitch dared to mess with the husband of the princess, go back and tell your master, before sunset tomorrow, I want to see compensation, otherwise, I'll personally come over and twist his head off as a chamber pot."

  The two of them heard this and immediately let out a sigh of relief, repeatedly expressing their gratitude, "Thank you, thank you for sparing our lives, young master."

  Originally, the two thought Qin Yu wouldn't ask them who their master was and were secretly rejoicing that they didn't have to worry about being punished when they returned. But Qin Yu's next sentence sent them plummeting into an abyss: "Wait a minute, draw a picture, write a confession, confess everything, and then you'll be free."

  The two men looked at each other, and both saw the struggle and fear in each other's eyes. If they confessed, they would likely be put to death once they returned; if they didn't confess, they would die right now. Soon, the two men made their choice: being able to live one more day was better than nothing, so they agreed to Qin Yu's request.

  Before speaking, Qin Yu directly inquired, and these two might not have said anything. However, after Qin Yu gave the two a false impression of going to heaven, and then beat them into the abyss, their rationality collapsed, and they had no choice but to speak. It can be said that Qin Yu was indeed a bit sinister.

  The two men were illiterate and could only draw their signatures. After they finished handing over, Qin Yu ordered the villagers to release the two men and handed them a newly drafted contract, asking them to take it back to their master Cui Wen.

  It was learned from the merchants who came to watch that Cui Wen seemed to have some connection with the Qinghe Cui family, Qin Yu didn't worry, Cheng Huailiang was still here, just having a connection with the Qinghe Cui family, and even if it wasn't certain whether he was considered a member of the Qinghe Cui family or not, an unremarkable existence wouldn't shake Qin Yu.

  Of course, these merchants may also have scouts, but at this moment they absolutely dare not make any moves, because the people behind them are not that strong and can't intimidate Lord Lu Guo Gong Cheng Yaojin.

  As for whether the two people who were let go would return or not, Qin Yu didn't care. Even if they didn't come back, the merchants would still spread the news after they returned.

  When the time comes, it will naturally reach Cui Wen's ears. Qin Yu just wants to show his attitude, if you want to make money, follow the rules, and don't care about clearing the river or not.

  The villagers returned to rest one after another, and those in charge of the lookout continued to stick to their posts. Qin Yu and Cheng Huailiang said a few simple words and went back to the other courtyard to rest. What's the point of not sleeping at midnight? There are no computers here anyway.

  As he repeatedly borrowed from Cheng's prestige, Qin Yu gradually felt a bit unwell in his heart. Entering the imperial court was not what Qin Yu wanted, and even if he could avoid it, how could he possibly get involved, even though the Tang Dynasty was known for its monarchs discussing governance with their ministers, it couldn't attract Qin Yu.

  "Honestly, just brush up on your reputation." Qin Yu let out a long sigh and then fell asleep.

  Reputation can elevate a person's status, making enemies tremble with fear. Even Li Shimin wouldn't dare to easily move against someone with extraordinary reputation. Of course, if Li Shimin really wanted to kill someone, no matter how great your reputation is, it would be useless.

  However, Li Shimin wanted to be an emperor who would leave a good name in history, so he wouldn't do such things. But if he was provoked, he would also kill, which is another reason why Qin Yu didn't want to go to Chang'an. History is history, and it's generally not accurate, but who can really figure it out? Qin Yu had many concerns.

  How is fame obtained? Simply, it is obtained from scholars and from ordinary people.

  The four books compiled by Qin Yu will soon bring him a considerable reputation, and as time goes on, this reputation will become more and more weighty.

  Isn't there a saying that education should start from an early age, and in the book, there is Qin Yu's name, and it was written by Qin Yu himself. When these children grow up, they will naturally remember that Qin Yu was their enlightened teacher. At that time, who dares to speak ill of Qin Yu? I reckon these kids will rise up and attack them.

  Cheap books can also win the favor of poor writers and gain fame, otherwise why did Qin Yu insist that books should be sold at a low price and write his own name on them.

  The greatest prestige is to make the people not hungry, the Tang Dynasty is a prosperous world, but in this era, there are many people who are starving, selling children and daughters also exist, what's the use of equal land allocation, most of the land is still controlled by the aristocratic families, especially when encountering severe droughts and locust plagues, the number of disaster victims is countless.

  Potatoes, sweet potatoes, and corn are the best tools for gaining a good reputation. As long as these three crops take root in the Tang Dynasty, the people's food and clothing will be greatly resolved. When the people are at peace, the country is prosperous, and fame naturally comes rolling in. Whenever these three foods are mentioned, the people will think of Qin Yu.

  Of course, Qin Yu really didn't dare to do so, otherwise he wouldn't have taken out most of the sweet potatoes and sent them to Chang'an. The betrothal gift was one aspect, but more importantly, Qin Yu didn't dare to monopolize this fame.

  Give Cheng Yaojin a good deed, share Li Shimin's attention, otherwise Qin Yu will definitely be wary of Li Shimin. This is the Great Tang, but the people still remember your kindness, this is the rhythm of rebellion, Li Shimin naturally dislikes it.

  Cheng Yaojin is not stupid, even if he is, Qin Yu has privately reminded him that Ling Yun told Cheng Yaojin that he can secretly cultivate it and doesn't have to offer it, but the spread of the Great Tang must be done by Li Shimin himself, and the benefits will naturally follow.

  As for corn, it's still unknown whether it can be ripened later. After ripening, Qin Yu also didn't dare to spread it recklessly. This could only be done through Li Shimin, of course, Qin Yu also had some ideas about plotting something good, such as plotting a title or something, which relates to the livelihood of the people. Thinking about it, Li Shimin wouldn't be so stingy.

  The next day, the merchants left a substantial deposit and then departed Zhangjiacun together, while the villagers of Zhangjiacun began to get busy, burning bricks, making paper, and printing.

  In accordance with the principle of secrecy, villagers temporarily made a fence with wood to prevent others from prying, and when the number of bricks was sufficient, they would still change it to a brick wall. From this day on, the villagers took turns guarding the workshop voluntarily to prevent the leakage of craftsmanship.

  Qin Yu naturally didn't need to worry about this, as there were more important things waiting for him to do. Fortunately, there was a kitchen in another courtyard, and Qin Yu had Muramasa send over a lot of wood, then closed the big door and forbade anyone from approaching, including Cheng Huailiang. In Qin Yu's words, he wanted to go into seclusion.

  Distilled liquor is not difficult, after getting it right, just pour the wine and light a fire, wait for it to be done, of course, you need to control the temperature, otherwise it's all in vain.

  Most of the work was done by Xiaotao and Xiaohong. Qin Yu thought about joining in, but it didn't work out. The two little girls disagreed, so Qin Yu could only direct from the side.

  As time passed, the alcohol evaporated into gas and then condensed into liquid droplets that fell into Qin Yu's previously prepared wine jar. At this point, the wine was still undrinkable and toxic, requiring further processing before it could be consumed. However, as the alcohol content increased, the fragrance of the wine wafted out from the other courtyard.

  The first to smell the wine fragrance was unexpectedly Muramasa, who followed the scent and found that it came from Qin Yu's separate courtyard. In the end, he swallowed his saliva, left dejectedly, but kept looking back, reluctant to leave.

  The second one was Cheng Huailiang, who didn't care whether Qin Yu was in seclusion or not. He directly slammed the door and shouted loudly, "Brother-in-law, open the door! I knew you had a secret stash of liquor hidden away for so long, drinking it all by yourself. Hurry up and open the door, get me some to quench my thirst!"

  Qin Yu heard this, his mouth twitched slightly, partly in satisfaction and partly in helplessness. Qin Yu was very sure that if he didn't open the door, Cheng Huailiang would probably break in. He had to instruct Xiaotao and Xiaohong to reprocess the alcohol again, otherwise it would be poisonous to drink. Fortunately, the alcohol had just been delivered.

  Xiao Tao and Xiao Hong nodded obediently, and Qin Yu went to open the door for Cheng Huiliang. Unexpectedly, when he opened the door, not only did he see Cheng Huiliang, but also Cun Zheng, Cai Langzhong, and Zhang Dashan, all staring at him with dry faces.

  It seems like he's saying, "Don't forget about us."

  "Alright, all of you go to the main hall and sit down for a while. I'll bring the wine over soon." Qin Yu had just finished speaking when he saw Cheng Huailiang's dissatisfied yet urgent expression, and hastily added, "Second Uncle, if you shout again, I'll pour away the wine."

  Qin Yu's threat had the desired effect, and Cheng Huailiang didn't say another word before shutting his mouth and rushing towards the main hall with excitement. The villagers followed closely behind him, secretly rejoicing.

  Who would have thought that this group of people would take an hour, if Qin Yu hadn't instructed Xiao Hong to go and calm them down, they probably would have rushed over again. Qin Yu didn't want his wine-brewing secrets to be learned by others.

  Just as everyone was getting impatient and anxious, Qin Yu carried a jar of wine to the main hall, while Xiao Tao brought several porcelain bowls behind him.

  Cheng Huailiang was displeased as soon as he saw the wine jar in Qin Yu's hand, which weighed about five kilograms. "Brother-in-law, this little bit of wine isn't even enough for me to drink alone, how can you be so stingy?"

  Cheng Huailiang was bad enough, and as soon as he said this, the others didn't dare to compete with him for drinking. Qin Yu shook his head helplessly, "You can't finish this wine by yourself, and besides, you have to drink it in small sips, don't say I didn't tell you."

  Qin Yu finished speaking and poured the small peach into a porcelain bowl on the table, filling it to the brim. The strong aroma of wine instantly filled the entire hall, and everyone couldn't help but swallow their saliva. Cheng Huailiang was the first to reach out, pick up the bowl and drink.

  "Cough, cough." Ignoring Qin Yu's advice, Cheng Huailiang was suddenly choked and coughed repeatedly, "This wine, this wine."

  "Cough, cough." After a few more consecutive coughs, Cheng Huailiang finally came back to himself and looked at Qin Yu in shock, asking, "Brother-in-law, is there any more of this wine?"

  "Enough, just be assured." Qin Yu smiled in response. After getting Qin Yu's answer, Cheng Huailiang finally loosened his hand that was secretly pressing down on the wine jar. This guy was preparing to monopolize this jar of wine, but after hearing Qin Yu say there was more, he pretended to be magnanimous and signaled for Village Chief and others to drink.

  Muramasa and others were eager, seeing Cheng Huailiang did not object, they all picked up a bowl of wine, but because of Cheng Huailiang's previous lesson, several people started drinking in small sips.

  "Refreshing." Cheng Huailiang was indeed a drunkard, and with the first sip, he choked for a moment. But with the second sip, he didn't choke at all, instead loudly expressing his delight.

  A bowl of wine is about three or four liang, and it's still high-proof. Before long, the group of people got drunk and started talking nonsense, with some lying on the ground, their drunken behavior on full display.

  Qin Yu also drank a lot, but didn't feel much, Qin Yu was very suspicious if it was because he had become smaller that made him so able to drink, whatever the reason, it didn't matter, at least for now, not only did he get rid of his craving for wine, but also understood the allure of this wine.

  The drunken crowd was naturally taken care of by the servants, Qin Yu returned to the other courtyard after drinking a toast, and there were still many wines waiting to be distilled, this was money, Qin Yu was naturally full of energy.