Chapter 1: The Initial Encounter at the Wine Betting Conference

Don't move! Liu Qingshan suddenly spoke up

Her bright eyes seemed to be adorned with scattered stars, and in the moment she opened them, Lu Rongfei found himself momentarily breathless

Um, that..." Coming back to her senses, Lu Rongfei quickly changed the subject, "Then we can go together. By the way, be careful while walking, don't trip or bump into anything.

But what does this have to do with her

Liu Qingshan did not respond, but Yun Xiangxiang sincerely said: "Of course, it is to help clear the injustice of your family's winery. Although you are not a great person, I believe you will not waste the wine"

"It doesn't matter to us whether it's big or small..." Yun Xiangxiang murmured softly

"This case concerns my future, how could I joke about it?" Liu Qingshan replied seriously, "In the past, I have solved quite a few theft cases, but those were all minor incidents, not comparable to homicide cases. If I can assist in resolving the poppy liquor case in Nongquan County this time, I will surely be promoted and receive a salary increase! Just think about it..."

"Not good! Not good!" the man shouted, "Our winery has been surrounded by a group of officials!"

Lu Rongfei is naturally unwilling; it is not to say that he was wrong to teach a lesson to the young master of the neighboring money shop. After all, it was the latter who first bullied the singing girl at the restaurant, followed by verbal provocation. After being beaten, that fellow could only admit his inferiority in skills. On the other hand, Lu Rongfei has never been interested in the business world since childhood. The pretense and flattery prevalent in the commercial arena do not suit his free-spirited and unrestrained nature

"That thing is difficult to handle and expensive. Although it tastes good when mixed into food, too much can be addictive and deadly. Who would plant this for no reason?" Lu Rongfei was unfazed, "At least to my knowledge, no one does."

"Lower your voice! Lower your voice!" The man lowered his voice, paused for a moment, and then continued, "Watch your step."

As time passed, by the time Yun thought about finishing dinner, it was already past the hour of Xu, but this timing was just right to visit the Ti Hu liquor distillery

"Hush! Think about it, keep your voice down!" Liu Qingshan said anxiously, "We are here to solve a murder case, not to steal anything, so there is no need to feel guilty."

"Brother Qingshan, stop looking. Let's go back after we finish delivering the wine songs," Yun Xiangxiang said, tugging at Liu Qingshan's sleeve.

Unlike the previous type of wine that took shortcuts with the brewing ingredients, this wine places greater emphasis on flavor. However, due to the unusual fermentation process, it can easily mislead others and result in misidentification of the brewing ingredients

The substance of opium is not widely circulated among the common people, but it is not unfamiliar to the nobility and high-ranking officials

Lu Fengyao cast a calm glance at the audience, skillfully uncorking the wine bottle, and nodded to signal the servant to carry the wine jar around the venue.

"Cough cough." Liu Qingshan's coughing interrupted Young Master He.

Miss Lu, is this the apricot blossom wine mixed with morning dew?" A young master from the winery could not help but reveal the answer, his burning gaze fixed on Lu Fengyao.

"Oh? Are you concerned about us?" Yun Xiangxiang teased

Old Gui is a very discerning drinker; he knows how to drink and how much to drink. A phrase he often repeats is, "I wish to be a fairy among wines, not a ghost beneath the wine." Therefore, this time he drank excessively, leading to alcohol poisoning and his subsequent death, which surprised the neighbors.

"Hey, hey, hey, you aren't drunk, are you?" Seeing Yun Xiangxiang's steps falter, Lu Rongfei, who had been secretly watching her, quickly reached out to support her.

"Are you sure, miss?" asked Butler Lu with a smile.

"Pfft—" Lu Rongfei couldn't help but laugh out loud, "You little girl, why do you act like a drunkard?"

Although Lu Rongfei did not like Liu Qingshan, he still expressed a certain level of agreement with his words, whereas Yun Xiangxiang did not share the same view

He originally intended to take this opportunity to thoroughly humiliate this country girl who had come out of nowhere and slapped him in the face

Having set the time and plan for the evening's infiltration of the winery, Liu Qingshan accompanied Yun Xiangxiang to deliver the wine yeast. Coincidentally, the family to whom they delivered the wine yeast was the very family of the young master from the winery at the gambling wine conference

Yun could not resist Young Master He and could only agree.

Lu Rongfei pushed her head away and said: "Why are you sniffing everything? What if this thing is poisonous?"

Liu Qingshan, upon seeing this, slightly puffed out his chest, wanting to protect Yun Xiangxiang, but was held back by her.

The young maid fell to the ground, and the medicine bowl shattered, but Yun Xiangxiang was fortunate that Liu Qingshan caught her

"I cannot accept the title of beauty wine; it is merely ordinary wine." Yun Xiangxiang felt somewhat embarrassed

No wonder he could say, "I would rather be a fairy in wine than a ghost beneath it." But, is there really no girl willing to follow him?" After hearing Lu Rongfei's words, Yun Xiangxiang asked curiously

That item is not inexpensive; the person who presented it claimed it is from the Western Regions, and its most remarkable feature is that it can glow at night

"Who is it! Who is playing tricks here?" Yun Xiangxiang questioned again

Perhaps in keeping with the occasion, the clouds tonight are rather thick. As the moonlight struggles to penetrate the clouds, it casts down a few glimmers of light. With this faint illumination, the clouds finally discern that there lies a person beneath them, and this person is not unfamiliar.

Longquan County is the closest small county to the capital. Do not underestimate it just because it is a small county; it has quite a reputation! In this county, there is a well-known winery called "Ti Hu Jiu Fang". The wine produced by Ti Hu Jiu Fang is renowned for its "unmatched fragrance in the capital". Apart from the master brewer Yun Xuan from the Imperial Winery in the past, no one has been able to brew wine that can compare to that of Ti Hu Jiu Fang.

That must be Miss Lu, not only is she beautiful, but at such a young age, she has already made a name for herself in the business world, truly impressive

"In this round, Master Lu wins!" Butler Lu announced the correct answer loudly, and Yun Xiangxiang's eyes widened in surprise

The wealthy scions are often extravagant; most of these seemingly well-groomed young gentlemen are merely superficial. The only one who can barely be considered a rival is Xiang Zhiyuan, the owner of the Qingzhu Winery in Suzhou.

The crowd suddenly surged, all moving closer to the stage. Yun Xiangxiang was pushed by someone and nearly fell, but fortunately, Liu Qingshan caught her just in time

As soon as the words were spoken, a servant came forward holding a jar of Baijia wine.

"Solving the case?" Lu Rongfei scoffed, "Are you trying to find evidence of wrongdoing for the Lu family, or are you here to help clear the name of our winery?"

Leaving the distillery, the three of them proceeded along the way with lanterns in hand. Along the journey, Liu Qingshan asked Lu Rongfei some basic questions, but these were also inquiries made by the officials. For instance: Which families in this county cultivate poppies

The people from these eight households, the master cannot take the stage, and the subordinates have no decorum. Continuing forward, Young Master He muttered.

Indeed, it was a grand scene, with a large crowd, and Yun Xiangxiang could not help but think to herself.

As it was the crime scene, Lao Gui's house was also sealed off. The three of them climbed over the wall as usual to enter. The first to go in this time was Lu Rongfei, followed by Yun Xiangxiang, and finally Liu Qingshan

When Yun Xiangxiang compared Lu Rongfei with Lu Fengyao, Lu Rongfei was so angry that his fingers trembled, while Lu Fengyao covered her face and smiled. It seems that this brother of hers, who used to fear nothing, has now encountered a formidable opponent.

Nowadays, the young master of this winery is quite knowledgeable, and the young master of the Lu family is even more so, but... they are merely showing off their skills in front of Yun Xiangxiang.

Due to the case involving poppy wine, all the doors and windows of the Tiho Distillery have been sealed. At this moment, the area is deserted. Yun Xiangxiang followed Liu Qingshan to the back door, intending to climb over the wall to enter.

If no evidence can be found, Liu Qingshan will not be able to solve the case, and Lu Rongfei will also be unable to clear the Lu family's grievances

Upon hearing "dog nose," Yun Xiangxiang shot a glance at Lu Rongfei, but still curiously asked, "What made you misunderstand? What was the misunderstanding about?"

This means that the old ghost... in other words, the deceased, became addicted due to drinking alcohol mixed with poppy husks, then drank excessively, ultimately succumbing to alcohol poisoning, correct?" After listening to the explanation from the bystanders, Yun Xiangxiang concluded.

"Think about it, think about it." Liu Qingshan held Yun Xiangxiang's hand and said, "I am also doing this for you and Aunt Lian to have a better life. Just think, as a mere constable, how many years would it take for me to save enough money to marry you?"

Yun Xiangxiang paused, staring at the young constable, tilted her head and asked: "Brother Qingshan, are you thinking of bribing that magistrate again? This is not good!"

The Lu Family Wine Gambling Conference is renowned far and wide, attracting numerous participants each year. Among this group, only a small portion are true wine enthusiasts, while another segment is merely enticed by the substantial prize money.

There is no such meaning, so this young master and my younger sister cannot be considered colluding. Since there is no collusion, why should the answer I derived from my own ability to taste the wine not count?

The case has been solved. Liu Qingshan took the initiative to confess

The praise of others may not mean much, but when Liu Qingshan said this, Yun Xiangxiang blushed shyly, saying modestly, "Not at all".

What happened, think about it? Liu Qingshan pressed for an answer

How could this be? She looked surprised

Liu Qingshan furrowed his brows, slowly moved closer to him, and then leaned down to pick up an object

This is just my guess, Yun Xiangxiang replied

Liu Qingshan stared at the solemn scene inside the distillery, seemingly not hearing Yun Xiangxiang's words, his eyes shining: "The Dihua Distillery brews wine with poppy, causing the death of a person; this case is quite significant."

"You are still too young," Lu Rongfei said in a tone of someone who has been through it all. "For the sake of power and status, what do these romantic feelings matter?" As he spoke, he walked over to the simple desk in the room, picked up a poetry collection, and casually flipped to a certain poem and began to read.

Hmm..." Lu Rongfei said in a deep voice, "This resembles the petals of a poppy flower.

However, this matter has nothing to do with him; after all, that wild girl from the countryside is not related to him in any way. If she were truly Master Lu's woman, he would never be willing to take her around everywhere. No! No! He would never be interested in such a wild girl!

At this moment, a sudden sound of gongs erupted on stage, with a resounding "clang—" that instantly silenced the bustling venue.

According to Liu Qingshan's previous words, Yun Xiangxiang always has a feeling of giving herself a wedding gift

It is referred to as the third "table," but this is not entirely accurate, as the servants brought in six wine cups on a tray.

Thus, this young master, who appeared to be of little promise in the eyes of outsiders, indeed agreed to Lu Fengyao in a rather unremarkable manner

"Zhu Bajie is wearing flowers," Lu Shaodang said softly, then strode forward and addressed Butler Lu, "Where are the people? Where are they? Why hasn't the second pot of wine been brought up yet? We must not let some country folks think that our gambling wine event is so simple"

Young Master He froze for a moment, as if realizing something, and then he smiled playfully to change the subject, escorting the two out the door

For some reason, Lu Rongfei found it difficult to bear the sight of Yun Xiangxiang in this manner

"Do you mean that we need to sneak into the winery?" Yun Xiangxiang exclaimed inadvertently, and Liu Qingshan quickly covered her mouth

Yun Xiang thought about it and saw that Liu Qingshan had softened, so she no longer felt angry. She took a step back, holding the wine yeast tied with hemp rope in her hand, and said: "Since Brother Qingshan is so eager to participate in the wine gambling event, then I will accompany Brother Qingshan there. However, Brother Qingshan must agree with me that we attend this wine gambling event solely for our original intentions, regardless of winning or losing"

Lu Rongfei chuckled and looked at Lu Fengyao on the stage, saying: "Sister, it seems that I am not such a failure in my role as the young master after all, as there are actually people who think I understand wine tasting. Tsk, but everyone within a hundred miles knows that I, Lu Rongfei, am idle and have a penchant for drinking. If Brother Han says my answer doesn't count, does that mean he is suspecting me of cheating? Sister, some people are saying that you and I are in collusion; what should we do about that?" Lu Rongfei opened his folding fan, slightly covering half of his face, and looked at the young master of the winery with a look of grievance.

This year's third challenge is more complex than ever before. The wine in the glass is a blend of various types, and at this moment, after being adjusted by the steward, discerning its flavor becomes exceedingly difficult.

Knowing that the other party meant well, Yun Xiangxiang rubbed her forehead without retorting, simply saying: "I just feel that this smell is a bit familiar, as if I have smelled it somewhere before..."

In a single sentence, the air around them became noticeably heavier. Liu Qingshan quickly grasped Yun Xiangxiang's shoulder and said: "Xiangxiang, quickly recall where you have smelled a similar scent before!"

"Have you heard?" Lu Rongfei was astonished

"Then, could it be said that this might be a case of a crime of passion?" Liu Qingshan analyzed, "The young woman married for money, the deceased was betrayed, came to confront her, and then the young woman..." Liu Qingshan made a gesture of cutting his throat.

Returning to that Ti Hu liquor distillery

"I just heard that young master say, you are the head of the Lu family, right?" Yun Xiangxiang smiled with hidden intentions, "As a young master of leisure, even this grand competition is hosted by your own sister, but you should understand the rules, shouldn't you?"

The elderly woman chatting with her nodded and then shook her head in exclamation: "I never expected that this Ti Hu liquor distillery would resort to such despicable means to make money, truly heartless"

This is a game of betting on wine, as well as discerning wine; it is certainly not a child's game of who raises their hand first. After finishing the last half of her sentence, Yun Xiangxiang looked at Lu Rongfei with a smile, and at this moment, Lu Rongfei even had the thought of wanting to strangle her.

Young Master Lu's answer certainly holds weight, but I, a humble young lady, have an even better answer. Sister of the Lu family, may I still answer the question? Yun Xiangxiang's charming and melodious voice broke the awkward silence, and a confident smile appeared at the corner of her mouth.

Although it is merely a conjecture, it is not without reason. Liu Qingshan thought for a moment and expressed his agreement, saying, "Let us follow the route the deceased took home and investigate along the way; perhaps we might uncover something after all"

The Ti Hu Liquor Workshop holds an annual gambling wine conference in Nongquan County, gathering wine connoisseurs and enthusiasts to taste wines, with the winners receiving a substantial cash prize from the Lu family of the Ti Hu Liquor Workshop

The gaze subtly suggested to Liu Qingshan to remain calm, while Yun Xiangxiang lightly glanced at Lu Rongfei before shifting her attention to Lu Fengyao: "Whether it is good or not is not for you to decide; as long as the answer is correct, that is sufficient"

Yun Xiangxiang was stopped by the officials outside the tavern during the day, and the sounds were not clear. Now that she has entered the tavern, she can smell the rich and enchanting aroma of the wine, and she immediately feels lightheaded.

What is this? By the light of the oil lamp, three people huddled together, carefully discerning the object in Liu Qingshan's hand

"Brother Qingshan, is that Ti Hu Wine Workshop really that impressive? Every time you come to Nongquan County, you have to tell me about it. My ears are getting calluses from listening!" On the streets of Nongquan County, a young girl dressed in a white and blue cloth outfit walked by, covering her ears with her hands, her expression slightly displeased

Yun Xiangxiang was amused by Liu Qingshan's words: "How do you know you won't see it in your lifetime? Xingyan Town is not far from Nongquan County..."

Lu Rongfei was taken aback by the shout, his whole body instantly stiffening, and his voice trembled slightly: "What happened?"

And Yun Xiangxiang, noticing the understanding in his eyes, said slowly: "This wine is contained in a container made of agarwood, rather than porcelain. The wine brewed in a wooden barrel has a more intense and lasting aroma, and its taste is also richer. Therefore, this wine has a hint of agarwood fragrance."

Even though she is dressed simply, it cannot conceal her exquisite beauty and the vibrant spirit that dances in her eyes

Seeing his expression, Liu Qingshan hurriedly asked, "Do you know what flower's petals these are?"

"Who?" Yun Xiangxiang scolded in a low voice

As Liu Qingshan stepped forward once again, Yun Xiangxiang followed closely behind him, mimicking his every move. Lu Rongfei rolled his eyes, secretly muttering to himself: Others take the case more seriously than you do, yet you still foolishly follow along.

Young Master He, who had been "served well," felt refreshed and waved his hand to instruct the maid to tidy up quickly and leave, as she was a nuisance. The maid thanked her master, then turned to Yun with a grateful nod, before squatting down to pick up the broken bowl.

However, this is not all; what is even more astonishing is that during the examination of the old ghost's body, the forensic expert discovered an even greater secret—fragments of poppy husk in the old ghost's mouth

However, the Yun family, including Yun Xuan, was overturned overnight due to a catastrophic disaster, and now there are few who mention it. Occasionally, when someone reminisces, it is only with sighs and regrets

Uh... what about the other half? The confident young master of the winery gently gritted his teeth, yet could no longer articulate the answer to the other half

"What? You aren't trying to win the prize for that pretty boy, are you?" Lu Rongfei asked with a hint of sarcasm, noticing Yun Xiangxiang's gaze.

She clenched her fist in silence, continuously praying in her heart. However, this time, heaven did not show her favor again

It seems the other party was very cautious, leaving no traces at all. Sitting on the bench in the tavern, Liu Qingshan said dejectedly, while Lu Rongfei's expression was also not good

Only this small stretch of road remained, and apart from saying goodbye, Yun Xiangxiang did not speak again

Lu Rongfei rejected Lu Fengyao, yet Fengyao mistakenly believed that he was acting on behalf of the merchants to summarize their monthly accounts as a condition for persuading her brother to attend the gambling event

The sweet and sour green plum wine is mixed with the fragrant and rich Huadiao wine, then complemented by the subtle aroma of osmanthus flowers, and finally buried in high-temperature soil to accelerate fermentation. The wine fermented in this manner will have a stronger taste than normally fermented wine, yet due to the presence of green plums and osmanthus flowers in the ingredients, it perfectly blends away the fierce kick. This wine can be said to truly achieve a balance of bitterness followed by sweetness, leaving an endless aftertaste

Recalling the scenery seen during hospitalization, Lu Rongfei nodded in agreement and said, "It seems to make a bit of sense."

Mixing various wines is not as simple as one plus one equals two

He has lived this way for nineteen years, long accustomed to a carefree and free life. His father has also long since adapted; how could it be possible for him to be affected at this moment simply because he is ill

The one referred to as Brother Qingshan is a young constable, and he has known her since childhood. He jogged a couple of steps to catch up with the girl, his eyes shining as he said: "You have no idea, if I can get that reward, the day I become the head constable will not be far off!"

The young master of the winery said: "Brother Lu, you make a valid point, but you are a member of the Lu family, so your answer does not count"

Yun Xiangxiang pouted and did not want to pay attention to him, tugging at Liu Qingshan's sleeve and saying: "Brother Qingshan, let us check quickly."

Ah? Brother Qingshan... you... you are not joking, are you

Lu Rongfei smiled triumphantly and pointed at the servant who had previously served the wine, saying: "Your nose is quite keen, but your observational skills are too weak. The medicinal wine is not in the cup, but on the servant's body"

Yun Xiangxiang and Liu Qingshan passed through the crowded throng and stood beneath the gambling table

It is indeed quite heartless, Yun Xiangxiang expressed her agreement with this sentiment, but when she saw Lu Rongfei frowning, she felt that Ti Hu Jiu Fang would not do such a thing... At least, if Lu Rongfei were still the young master of the Lu family, he would never allow his own winery to act in this manner

The name of this beautiful wine was given by the townspeople of Xingyan Town, simply because it is brewed by her and her mother, two women. If it were a man brewing it, it would probably be called Hero's Wine or Great Man's Wine.

For some reason, she suddenly thought of Lu Rongfei

Yun contemplated with a furrowed brow and asked, "What does the poppy taste like?"

At this moment, a clear voice suddenly emerged from the crowd: "Apart from the morning dew, the other half is the cool spring water that retains the warmth of dusk, and the tea leaves that sprout after the rain. Morning dew, spring water, tea leaves, and apricot blossoms, none of them can be omitted"

Following Lu Rongfei's indication, Yun Xiangxiang indeed saw the housekeeper's ankle, which was swollen and red. She bit her lip, at a loss for words, and when she turned to look at Liu Qingshan, she found him wearing a look of disappointment.

The young master of the winery repeatedly waved his hands and hurriedly explained, "Miss Lu, I did not mean that at all!"

Yun contemplated and confirmed once again, nodding her head

This condition is too tempting for Lu Rongfei. He has long been tired of spending a wonderful day each month listening to those old men drone on one by one. Now that his sister is willing to take on this big trouble for him, he is naturally inclined to go along with it.

As the three of them walked towards the main gate, laughing, a young maid carrying a bowl of medicine nearly knocked Yun Xiangxiang over as she passed through a moon gate

Then I wish you to "achieve remarkable success at once". Lu Rongfei slightly leaned closer to Yun, with a smile that did not reach his eyes.

As soon as Lu Rongfei spoke these words, it seemed as if sparks were flickering in the air. Even if Yun Xiangxiang wanted to regret it, it was already too late.

Seeing Liu Qingshan and Lu Rongfei hanging their heads, Yun Xiangxiang bit her lip and asked, "Although the deceased bought the wine from the Ti Hu liquor store, it doesn't necessarily mean the act had to be committed within the liquor store, does it"

The Ti Hu Jiu Fang, renowned far and wide, has its reasons for such fame

Lu Fengyao smiled slightly: "Young master, you are only half right."

Yun Xiangxiang's bold words instantly silenced the originally lively scene, and it was not until Lu Fengyao applauded in praise that the onlookers let out gasps of astonishment, while the mockery on Lu Rongfei's face diminished significantly

The clouds seem to think, their eyes curved and lazy, unwilling to respond further

I had a brief conversation with Young Master He, who insisted on having Yun Xiangxiang and Liu Qingshan stay for dinner. Yun Xiangxiang made quite a spectacle of that Young Master Lu at the gambling event, so he must thank her properly

And now, he has also been amazed by Yunxiangxiang.

The young master of the winery, as if seeing a savior, quickly turned to the side and said: "Miss, please tell me, do you have a better answer?"

"Certainly," Lu Fengyao said

What you said is correct, Yun Xiangxiang said, but in winemaking, besides the raw materials for brewing, the containers are also indispensable

"Think about it, you are truly impressive." On the other side, Liu Qingshan's joy was evident in his expression.

The young master of the winery let out a long sigh of relief, and the applause was particularly loud. Lu Rongfei, standing beside him, cast a glance at him, causing his movements to pause momentarily. He then placed his hand behind his back and smiled shyly, prompting Lu Shao to finally shift his gaze away.

Regarding serious matters, Lu Rong furrowed his brow slightly. After a brief moment of contemplation, it seemed as if he suddenly recalled something and turned his gaze towards Yun.

The two big men exchanged a glance, and it was rare for them to reach a consensus: "Let's go!"

That person appears to be carefree, but in reality, he acts with great discretion. Although Young Master He treats them with courtesy due to his inebriation, he fundamentally looks down on women. ... Never mind, she thought, why bother thinking so much? After all, as long as Brother Qingshan is not that kind of person, it is enough.

"Think about it, don't stoop to his level." Liu Qingshan leaned close to Yun Xiangxiang's ear and whispered comfortingly, "He is a grown man, and still the young master of the Lu family. It's just that he feels embarrassed compared to you. Once we receive the bonus, we will go back to live a good life, far away from this person, ensuring that we won't see him for a lifetime"

Well, it's one thing for this country girl to slander him, but to mock him as if he were a three-year-old child is simply outrageous! ... Yet, ironically ...! ... Yet, he actually finds her quite admirable!

Closing the fan, Lu Rongfei lightly tapped his palm repeatedly, walked up to Yun Xiangxiang, and raised his chin, saying: "You claim to have a better answer; what if I find it unsatisfactory after you say it out loud"

However, Yun Xiangxiang felt indifferent about this; she couldn't help but glance at Liu Qingshan whenever she heard that this was the final round

Yun Xiangxiang knows that winning first place at the Lu Family Wine Competition has always been Liu Qingshan's dream, how could she not support him

Upon hearing this, Liu Qingshan and Lu Rongfei simultaneously turned their gaze towards Yun Xiangxiang, with Lu Rongfei exclaiming in realization: "What you mean is that the wine is from my family, but the murderer could have added poppy into the wine after Old Gui bought it back?"

What a scoundrel! Yun Xiangxiang felt flustered and angry in her heart, but after several encounters, she understood that she could not outtalk this person. She gritted her teeth and turned her head to look at Butler Lu, hoping that the competition would end soon so she could win the prize and leave.

Looking at the dark and dimly lit room in front of her, Yun Xiangxiang felt a bit scared and softly asked, "Should we... go in?"

Lu Rongfei shook his head: "How would I know? I do not engage in such sordid matters, but I have seen what a poppy flower looks like in books."

Lù Róngfēi suddenly laughed heartily. He walked over to Butler Lù, shaking his fan, and said, "My answer is the same as hers, but without the last ingredient, 'medicinal wine'"

Here, there is a refreshing corn wine flavored with lotus flower stamens and lotus seeds, a strong sorghum wine flavored with roasted barley and buckwheat, and a sweet glutinous rice wine flavored with apples and sugarcane... " After a brief pause, Yun Xiangxiang frowned and added, " There is also medicinal wine "

Lu Fengyao suppressed a smile and nodded in agreement.

Looking at the two people standing in front of him, Lu Rongfei brushed off the dirt from his body and, rubbing his chest, asked: "What are you here for?"

Upon hearing this, Yun Xiangxiang's low spirits were instantly lifted, and she widened her eyes, ready to retort. Just at that moment, a young attendant hurriedly ran over.

When the second jar of wine was brought up, Lu Rong carefully discerned it and had just opened his mouth to say "Qingmei Huadiao" when Yun Xiangxiang quickly interrupted him

This is natural. Lu Rongfei's face displayed a myriad of emotions, but in the end, he still smiled and replied, "Miss, I am truly impressed by your nose, which is even more perceptive than a dog's. However, since you already have the answer, it would be better to speak up sooner to avoid any misunderstandings."

"Country bumpkin!" Yun Xiangxiang shot a fierce glare at Lu Rongfei, but rather than relying on mere verbal sparring, she preferred to let her abilities speak for themselves

Lu Rongfei revealed a triumphant smile on his face. Before Yun Xiangxiang could raise her hand to interrupt, he opened his folding fan, threw her a flirtatious glance, and said with nonchalance: "It’s a misunderstanding that you have to follow me around like this."

Liu Qingshan gazed at Yun Xiangxiang, his eyes filled with tender emotions. Yun Xiangxiang recalled her mistake at the gambling wine conference and ultimately nodded in agreement, asking: "So what should we do next?"

According to what others say, although this old man is a drunkard, he read some books in his youth and later earned a few coins by writing letters for others. Logically speaking, a person who has read and can recognize characters should not lack for young women who are fond of him. However, this old man has invested all his money into the wine jar, leaving not a single cent. Considering their future lives, the young women dare not marry him.

Liu Qingshan saw her looking like a wronged little wife and couldn't help but affectionately ruffle her hair, saying: "Alright, I will listen to you. Just focus on doing your job well and don't be upset anymore, okay? Think about it."

I actually believe it to be true, Yun Xiangxiang said earnestly

The flavors of wine vary; some are sweet and pleasant, some are smooth and sweet upon entry, while others have a rich and vibrant aroma. Those who do not appreciate its taste may keep their distance, while those who understand its charm find it hard to part with. However, as the saying goes, a small drink brings joy, while excessive drinking harms the body

"You little maid! How are you walking?" Young Master He, hurry up, the next line is to punish this little maid

Yun Xiangxiang hurriedly interceded, saying: "Young Master He, it was I who was captivated by your words, do not blame her." This statement not only helped the young maid but also flattered Young Master He

As they explored and conversed along the way, the three of them did not uncover any clues until they arrived at Old Gui's house

This is a matter of great importance, and Yun Xiangxiang does not dare to be careless, pondering carefully. For a moment, the only sound left in the room is the crackling of the oil lamp's wick.

I am fine," Yun Xiangxiang said somewhat shyly, "it's just that this wine is too fragrant, and I lost my senses for a moment...

I believe that there is indeed a deep emotional connection between the old ghost and that young woman. The old ghost must be a gentle person; otherwise, why would he go to such lengths to tend to those flowers and plants after being betrayed

The Spring Water Wine Betting Conference, the final judgment, begins—With the sound of a gong, Yun Xiangxiang comes to her senses, her face filled with confidence

Could it be that the old ghost's spirit has returned

Yun Xiang coughed lightly, hurriedly and awkwardly moving her foot away, while Liu Qingshan only jumped down after Lu Rongfei had gotten up

Don't get me wrong! He simply admires her talent for wine and that nose which is more sensitive than a dog's.

A few days ago, his younger sister angrily approached him, insisting that their father had been feeling unwell lately because of him. She urged him to perform well at the gambling event to cheer their father up.

Liu Qingshan, after a moment of realization, couldn't help but embrace Yun Xiangxiang tightly, saying: "Alright, alright! I will listen to Xiangxiang! Thank you, Xiangxiang."

The aroma of the wine wafted across the gambling table, transitioning from a light fragrance to a rich and intense scent, both mellow and delightful

Yun contemplated for a moment, nodding slightly, still feeling a bit uneasy in her heart, but for the sake of Brother Qingshan, she chose not to say anything further

"Think about it, don't be afraid, I will be there soon!" Liu Qingshan spoke to comfort, and then took two steps back before swiftly climbing to the top of the wall.

The crowd followed the sound and saw that it was the young master of the Lu family, who was waving a folding fan

In an instant, various discussions filled the air. Lu Rongfei, hidden among the crowd, cast a cold glance over the chattering people before him, sneering contemptuously as he unfolded his folding fan and began to wave it lightly: "Ignorant children, what do you understand!"

Yun Xiangxiang's gaze slowly shifted towards Lu Rongfei, and the smile at the corner of her mouth deepened. Lu Rongfei wore a sullen expression, staring directly at her, thinking to himself: Where did this wild girl come from? ... She actually ruined this young master's good deed ...

Yun Xiangxiang's words left Lu Rongfei momentarily speechless. He gazed into her eyes and recalled something he had seen during his childhood at his grandmother's birthday, something called "fluorite".

"This is my family's winery. I didn't ask you, so why are you asking me instead?" Lu Rongfei's handsome face was tightly furrowed. "Also, you, you should quickly move away from me; you're about to crush my internal organs!"

Oh! Yun Xiangxiang widened her eyes, "I remember now! It was at Young Master He’s place, that little maid who was holding the medicine bowl!"

She has been particularly sensitive to alcohol since childhood, often playing games with her friends like Liu Qingshan, guessing the scents of different wines. Each time, her friends would obediently concede defeat. She was even given the nickname "Little Wine Monster" by the neighbor girl Xiaohua because of this talent, who remarked that her fondness for alcohol at such a young age would lead to trouble when she grew up, which made her so angry that she ended up fighting with her.

At that time, Lu Rongfei was still young and had no interest in rare treasures, yet even so, he was still captivated by the beauty of that fluorite.

So it turns out that the famous beauty wine from Xingyan Town is from your family!" The shop assistant carefully collected the wine yeast, while the young master of the winery looked at Yun Xiangxiang with enthusiasm in his eyes

This younger sister is impressive, but that dandy young master from the Lu family still did not attend this year. The two siblings really do not look like they share the same father.

The whispered conversation between the two was, of course, inaudible to Lu Rongfei, but just by observing their overly affectionate demeanor, he felt a shiver run down his spine. Fortunately, the third jar of wine arrived just in time, allowing his eyes to find some peace.

Liu Qingshan pondered for a moment and pulled Yun Xiangxiang out of the crowd. Yun Xiangxiang looked at the place where her hand was clasped with Liu Qingshan, feeling both shy and delighted

Yun Xiangxiang pointed towards the yard and replied, "How could a rugged man, for no reason at all, be planting flowers in the yard?"

There is a rumor. Lu Rongfei replied while searching around, "I have only heard that the girl married for money, and since no one has ever seen her appearance, everyone thinks it is just the drunken talk of an old ghost."

The young master of the winery was at a loss and could only raise his gaze to seek help from Lu Fengyao, but Lu Fengyao did not pay him any attention

At the gambling event, it was her excessive arrogance that led to her losing the competition; otherwise, Brother Qingshan would not have needed to get involved in this murder case just to earn more money for a promotion

The last sentence she spoke was somewhat uncertain, as the ingredients for the first three types of liquor were extremely meticulous, while this final medicinal wine was indeed too unconventional and illogical. However, considering that this is a gambling liquor convention, such an unusual combination is not impossible.

But just as Liu Qingshan was about to jump into the courtyard, a somewhat familiar male voice came through: "Don't, don't, don't! Don't jump!"

Lu Rongfei snapped the folding fan shut with a flick of his wrist, playing with it while observing the surroundings, a meaningful smile lingering at the corner of his mouth

Yun Xiangxiang, who did not possess martial arts skills, was lifted onto Liu Qingshan's shoulders, allowing her to enter first. However, as soon as Yun Xiangxiang landed, a muffled groan echoed within the courtyard

In the blink of an eye, sixteen years have passed, and the events of the past have been sealed in the dust of time; if no one inquires about them, they shall never be mentioned again

Lu Rongfei's expression darkened: "Who cares about you? I am worried that you will trip over the wine in my house"

Only then did a refined butler, around forty years of age, walk in, accompanied by a young lady of approximately eighteen. The butler had an unremarkable appearance, while the young lady was exceptionally beautiful. She wore a gown of pale yellow and was draped in a light green veil. Her hair was styled in a cloud-like bun, adorned with a flower-shaped butterfly hairpin. Observing her, one could see her delicate and charming demeanor, with her eyes sparkling with a hint of cleverness. Such a beauty is unlikely to be found a second time in Nongquan County.

At the moment when Lu Rongfei was lost in thought, Liu Qingshan and Yun Xiangxiang had already conducted a thorough search. However, the officials during the day found nothing, and naturally, they also came up empty-handed.

Liu Qingshan was originally walking at the forefront, but upon hearing Lu Rongfei's voice, he quickly walked to Yun Xiangxiang's side, took the person from Lu Rongfei's hands, and asked: "Xiangxiang, are you alright?"

At this point, Lu Rongfei was left speechless; what difference was there between this and deliberately leaning in to receive a slap from someone

"This time, I was the one who spoke first." After Yun Xiangxiang finished a long speech without even taking a breath, Lu Rongfei finally found his pitiful sense of existence

The audience below was abuzz with discussions among the common people, who did not understand wine. In contrast, the confident young masters of the wineries seemed to have victory assured.

Lu Rongfei swallowed but did not respond, while Liu Qingshan instinctively wanted to touch the knife at his waist, only to realize afterward that he had not brought it with him

Upon reaching a deserted area, Liu Qingshan released his thoughts and said: "We are unfamiliar with the terrain in Longquan County, and if we rashly claim to be here to help, even if they know I am a constable from Xingyan Town, they may not pay us any mind. It would be better to wait until evening and quietly enter the tavern to investigate."

Before she could finish her sentence, Liu Qingshan excitedly grabbed her and said: "Think about it, I want to stay and help solve this case"

"Oh, oh, oh, isn't that exactly what I just said!" Lu Rongfei repeatedly interrupted after hearing the first half of the sentence.

Upon witnessing this farce, Yun Xiangxiang could not help but chuckle

The young lady is correct about the two rounds, this is the third round. As long as she answers correctly in this round, she will be able to win the prize for this gambling event," Butler Lu said to Yun Xiangxiang. As soon as he finished speaking, the servant carrying the wine casually mixed together a few cups of wine.

Yun Xiangxiang did not lose her balance because she was bumped into by the maid, but rather because she had sensed an unusual smell from the bowl of medicinal soup that the maid was carrying early on, which distracted her attention

Lu Rongfei stopped rummaging and turned to look at her, asking: "Why?"

Lu Rongfei came to his senses and looked at the crowd before him. As expected, the majority of the participants were the young successors of the wineries, all eager to make a name for themselves at the conference while also promoting their own wineries.

Welcome everyone to this year's Nongquan Wine Gambling Conference, I express my gratitude here. " Steward Lu stepped onto the stage, cupping his hands in a gesture of respect, and politely said, "Next, we will follow the tradition and start with the aromatic guessing of the names of the mixed Baijiu. Those who answer three questions correctly first can come up to the stage to receive a prize. Everyone is encouraged to participate in the guessing. Now, let us present the first jar of Baijiu.

"Is this a petal?" Yun Xiangxiang said, and then leaned in to take a sniff.

"It's not like I absolutely need you to give me money. Marry me!" Yun Xiangxiang stomped her foot, turned her head away, her little face flushed with anger.

"Engaging in trickery and deception," Yun Xiangxiang murmured softly, then stepped forward to carefully examine the wine presented by the servant.

Even when her thoughts were interrupted, Yun smiled and turned her head to look at him

However, this time she glanced at Lu Rongfei before responding, and to her surprise, Lu Rongfei actually made a gesture of "please" towards her

Don't say it, it actually fits the situation quite well

This matter involves the family affairs of the He family. Yun Xiangxiang and Liu Qingshan did not engage in the conversation, yet Young Master He continued: "I don't know what my father sees in that eighth room, just an actress. If we are to say her performance is good, it doesn't seem so; after catching a bit of a cold, she has been coughing for more than half a month without improvement. Her constitution must be weak; how can one enjoy oneself like this..."

In fact, it is not just the butler; as events have unfolded, those who originally intended to join in the fun have turned into mere spectators. This year's gambling and drinking competition seems to have transformed into a duel between Lu Rongfei and Yun Xiangxiang. As for the small group of individuals who harbored regrets, upon seeing the third test question, they completely lost hope.

Lu Rongfei, that person, although he has a sharp tongue, his love for wine is genuine, so he certainly will not tolerate such a wasteful approach to wine

"Young Master Lu? What are you doing here?" she exclaimed in surprise

Liu Qingshan made a sound of acknowledgment, nodded slightly, and turned to walk inside

She closed her eyes, took another whiff of the lingering aroma of wine in the air, and opened her eyes, speaking in a leisurely tone: "This wine contains morning dew, the residual warmth of the spring water at dusk, tea leaves sprouting after the rain, and apricot blossoms..."

Yun Xiangxiang swallowed hard, using the faint moonlight to discern the scenery in the courtyard while pressing her back tightly against the wall, and replied: "Brother Qingshan, I seem to have heard a man's voice."