Chapter Four, Wine Does Not Intoxicate.

It's you. After downing a bowl of wine, Liu Sizhang's tongue became a bit loose. "If it were someone from the Zhao family, I would never say these things."

The old man's name is Sun Long, who is Zhao Ying's best friend. They became brothers when they were young, and their friendship remained strong even when they grew old. Sun Long often helps to discipline Zhao Ying's children.

Okay. Shopkeeper Liu Si has already regretted it and just wants to send "Brother Guiyang" away as soon as possible, willing to agree to anything.

Come to my house, okay? Sun Long said angrily, leading the way in front. His house was just at the entrance of the alley, not far from here.

No, there are still six brothers out on official business and haven't returned.

Shopkeeper Liu Si and Zhao's adopted son are both very familiar. When they received the invitation, they did not hesitate to sit across from Hu Guiyang at the counter, slightly bowed, and said, "You just walked in, I cannot lie to the Jinyiwei, especially since they are from the Dongchang."

Hu Guiyang followed behind, paused for a moment, and suddenly laughed, "Uncle, you really look like a cunning tortoise."

Nothing much, I'm just referring to the bottom lane. Hu Guiyang asked unintentionally.

Running over, with a bitter face he said: "Uncle Si, didn't we agree not to call me Goudan in front of outsiders? Call me Xiao Er or Runner, either is fine."

I haven't seen the body of my adoptive father yet, but like him, I don't believe in creatures like fox spirits.

As Liu Si Guai drinks more, he talks more. Even when the waiters come to advise him, he chases them away.

A few pickled vegetables, a jar of aged wine, Liu Sizhanggui and Hu Guiyang enjoyed themselves and drank heartily. Several old men drinking tea nearby couldn't help but salivate. The waiter kept shaking his head. Fortunately, there were few customers at this time of year, and the owner didn't come often, so the manager, Hu, could do as he pleased.

Sun Long felt that it was almost time and said, "Your adoptive father's death seems somewhat suspicious. After careful consideration, only you can uncover the truth."

Hu Guiyang was a little drunk, walking on the street, feeling that the world was both vast and narrow, with countless roads in front of him. However, no matter how he wandered, they all led to the same place, which was particularly annoying.

Put oneself in another's shoes. The two said these four words at the same time, smiled at each other, and continued drinking.

Hu Guiyang took a sip of wine, "This is exactly why I admire my adoptive father. Even if the whole world doesn't recognize it, even if misfortunes keep coming one after another, he remains unwavering. He apprehends swindlers not for personal gain, but because they harm others. He doesn't care about ghosts, gods, or superiors."

That is for sure, but to be honest, not all of them have a good reputation.

Tea is on me, I'll treat you to drinks," said Liu Sizhang, the shopkeeper, with a smile.

Hu Guiyang wants to curse someone's mother, but he doesn't know whose mother to curse.

The visitor is Hu Gui Da, also known as "39th Brother".

Shopkeeper Liu was stunned for a moment, then smiled and said, "Zhao, the hundred-household head, is truly an extraordinary person. I, as a commoner, cannot compare. We should worship the gods when necessary and exorcise ghosts when necessary."

Let's discuss something. Everyone is at home, but you are outside drinking.

They are unaware. Sanliu, please go home quickly, I beg you. Hu Guida is good at running errands, but not good at persuasion.

Hello, you little rascal...

Sun Long's nose felt sour, and he almost cried along with it. His beard trembled as he cursed, "Damn it, little brat, why are you crying in the street? No need for Lao Zhao, I'll use a big ear scraper to smack you."

The tea house is named "Shi Wei". Regular customers call it "Guanyin Temple Tea House". Hu Guiyang is a regular customer. Since moving to Shijia Hutong, he is farther away, but still comes to sit for a while every three or four days.

Big brother and fifth brother are both here. They are in charge, so I won't cause any trouble.

Shopkeeper Liu gave a stern look and hurriedly said, "I'll go get the wine." Turning around, he muttered quietly, "A jar of strong liquor, and it's even 'rare'..."

My adoptive father never forces others, and among us brothers, there are also those who believe in gods and spirits.

Hu Guiyang raised his head in surprise, "Big brother, fifth brother are both here, why does it have to be me?"

My stepfather just entered the coffin... You really are... Sigh, Big Brother and Fifth Brother are calling you to go back.

Winter is not completely over yet. There are not many customers in the teahouse. Hu Guiyang orders a cup of tea and asks the waiter to buy a portion of noodles from outside. Taking advantage of the steaming hot food, he eats until he is half full, then says to the shopkeeper, "Liu Sire, come over and chat for a while."

Well, the thing is, the other guests are all staying inside the house. As for you, doing this... Shopkeeper Liu chuckled and shook his head. Although they were familiar with each other, there were some things he couldn't say.

Hu Guiyang cried again for a while, finally stopped, with a dirty face, like a five or six-year-old child, and showed a slightly inappropriate smile. "Actually, I don't miss being whipped that much, it's just... it's just... I drank too much alcohol."

When my stepfather was alive, I had some freedom. Now that he's gone, I feel constrained. Well, I won't make things difficult for you. Let's keep track of the tea and alcohol, and settle up in a few days.

Zhao Baihu is an extraordinary person. Liu Sizhangui couldn't help but say, "When I first arrived here, the shopkeeper told me, 'You can provoke anyone, but never provoke Zhao Baihu in the alley. He has killed Taoist priests at Lingji Palace, captured demons in the palace, disrespected the heavens and the earth, and is not afraid of ghosts and gods. He has dozens of adopted sons at home, all born of foxes and raised by ghosts.'

Liu Sizhang picked up the bowl, about to make another toast, when suddenly a person rushed in from outside. Seeing the two of them drinking in the teahouse, he was first taken aback, then angrily said, "Sanliu, you, you..."

Liu Sizhanggui respectfully offers a bowl of wine. "To be honest, I am somewhat skeptical of Zhao Baihu's words, but..." Liu Sizhanggui shakes his head and pushes away his nephew who is serving the tables. "Zhao Baihu's sudden death, with no children under his knees, only you, these unrelated adopted sons, have offended all the relatives. The family business is not small, but there is no one to inherit it. Tell me, is it true that there are ghosts and gods punishing Zhao Baihu?" "Zhao Baihu's sudden death, with no children under his knees, only you, these unrelated adopted sons, have offended all the relatives. The family business is not small, but there is no one to inherit it. Tell me, is it true that there are ghosts and gods punishing Zhao Baihu?"

Sun's residence is much smaller than Zhao's, with fewer servants. An older servant than Sun Long trembled as he brought tea. Hu Guiyang drank a large bowl and felt much more sober. He wasn't really drunk, just showing his wild nature. After venting enough, he naturally calmed down and sat silently in his chair.

Similar words have been heard countless times by Hu Guiyang, and every time he finds it very interesting, laughing out loud, "The adoptive father's official position is not big, but his reputation is not small."

As Liu Sizhang got excited, he slammed the table and said, "Go and bring me the precious Shao Daozi that I have collected. I will have a drink with my old friend Gui Yang."

Hu Guiyang finished the remaining wine in the bowl in one gulp, stood up and stretched lazily, picked up the jug and poured himself another bowl. "I don't care about anything, whether it's mourning, dividing the family property, or who will take charge... Just let me know after you've discussed it. There are so many people in the family, one less won't make a difference. Go back and tell my eldest brother and fifth brother that I'm already too drunk to know what's going on, that I'm heartbroken and only a drunken stupor can ease my sorrows."

Hu Guiyang laughed so much that he couldn't close his mouth, suddenly frowned and clicked his tongue, as if he had eaten spoiled food.

The wine in the altar is running low. Hu Guiyang held the jar with his right arm and scooped the wine with his left hand, drinking it with relish. His chest was soaked, looking more like a drunken man who had lost control.

What are you going back for? Hu Guiyang asked with a sidelong glance. The alcohol doesn't intoxicate people, he gets drunk if he wants to.

It's strange to say, the more others criticize my adoptive father, the happier I become. They say extraordinary people always have extraordinary stories and names, but all I can say is that this person is mediocre and unremarkable.

Hu Guiyang sat down and continued eating and drinking. However, Liu Sizhang, the shopkeeper, woke up a bit and advised, "Brother Guiyang, it's better to go home and take a look. It's good to show some concern. Besides... I can't keep you here either."

That's really not something that can be asked of you.

You have vomited and defecated on the street, and this matter must also be handed over to you. Sun Long's neck straightened even higher, "This is not just my idea, your brothers, as well as the West Factory and East Factory, all think so too."

Sun Long doesn't hide it, "Old Zhao raised a white-eyed wolf. Your brothers are not all trustworthy, only you are always unreliable and lazy. A few days ago, you didn't even go to Zhao's house, but you were more trustworthy. Alas, on the day before Old Zhao's death, he mentioned your name, perhaps... perhaps he had a premonition."

If you want to inquire about the Zhao family's affairs, go find the eldest brother and the fifth brother. I don't know anything.

Hu Gui cried bitterly but could not laugh. He could only give Liu, the fourth shopkeeper, a fierce glare before turning around and leaving.