Chapter 4, Brewing Wine

Is she even more formidable than her brother

Did not see clearly

The banquet continued until dusk, yet both host and guests remained in high spirits, engaging in lively conversation by candlelight. That evening, Chengduo took refuge in the humble abode of the East. The following morning, the snow that had fallen for several days finally ceased, and Chengduo took his leave. The East remarked, "Brother Xijian can reach Pingyao in an hour by taking this southeastern path." Chengduo clasped his hands in salute and replied, "The camp in Yanzhou awaits your esteemed presence." The East nodded slightly, and Chengduo mounted his horse and turned to depart

The Eastern scholar smiled and said, "I guess you are still waiting for the court to give you a legitimate title."

Cheng Duo looked at Ming Ji as she walked out the door and asked, "How did you know I would come?"

The waiter promptly went to fulfill the order, and before long, the noodles were ready and served; he then went to the back to bring a bundle of fodder. Chengduo turned the noodles, and the fragrant aroma of the spicy oil wafted through the air. A villager passing by on the road saw the waiter feeding the horse in front of the inn and called out, "Oh, you haven't returned yet?"

Cheng Duo looked at him and smiled lightly, saying, "Thank you very much."

How to say it?

Cheng Duo found it somewhat amusing yet exasperating to see him bundled up in layers of adult clothing for warmth. He then said to Zhe Yi: "Take him down, change his clothes, and give him something to eat. I still have questions for him"

What is your name again

Before he finished speaking, a gust of wind brushed past his ear. Cheng Duo lightly tapped his toes and swiftly dodged. A nine-foot silver whip swept just three inches past him, and the whip's tail curved back to strike at his face. Such a weapon was both strong and flexible, and Cheng Duo did not dare to block it head-on, so he dodged again. The woodsman, from a distance, elegantly twirled his hand, and the whip transformed into a swirl of floral shadows, which he then caught in his grasp.

Dong looked at him apologetically and instructed Ming Ji: "I mentioned this morning that if I have not returned by the hour of Shen, you should heat up the wine in the kitchen. Have you done as instructed?"

When he spoke these words, the lead-gray clouds that day seemed thinner than those of the previous day, their ever-changing forms becoming increasingly unpredictable.

The waiter replied: "It will be soon. Today is already the 21st day of the twelfth month, and the day after tomorrow we will close the shop and return to my hometown in Qingzhou."

The drifting snow has ceased, yet it remains piled up and has not melted, while the sky has cleared. Cheng Duo observed the soldiers practicing in the camp, standing on the reviewing platform. In the distance, he spotted two figures, one red and one white, riding towards him along the road, knowing they were from the East. He leaped down from the high platform and rode out to meet them

Cheng Duo observed her adeptness in social situations and gladly called in Zhe Ren, instructing, "Mr. Dongfang and Miss Mingji are both my esteemed guests. You shall escort Miss Mingji downstairs and arrange for her a superior accommodation. Convey my orders that no one is to treat her with disrespect."

Ming Ji clapped her hands and laughed, saying: "Brother often speaks of how formidable Prince Wu is, yet today, as soon as I mentioned him, he believed it and went down the wrong path."

Otherwise, if the entire line engages in battle, apart from your few loyal followers, the various generals in Yan and Yun provinces may not necessarily follow orders. Moreover, there is still Prince Chengxian stationed in Yunzhou. Do you not want to be cautious in every aspect

Cheng Duo saw this scene and felt a sense of peace and joy in his heart, so he said: "Mr. Dongfang."

*

Nail

Eastern Smile: "Still impressive"

Walking on the snow, I head towards the thatched cottage along the small path in the mountain village

With a "click," the door opened from the inside, revealing a figure in red, who was none other than Ming Ji, whom I encountered on the road today. Upon seeing Dong Fang, Ming Ji broke into a smile, called out "Brother," and took a few steps to his side, linking her arm with his. She leaned out slightly to look at Cheng Duo and said, "Is this the person you mentioned?"

Cheng Duo smiled but did not respond

The Eastern Eye revealed a look of approval and was about to speak when Ming Ji entered with a large tray. On the tray were smaller dishes containing dried fruits and other accompaniments for the wine, along with a wide-mouthed wine jug, from which steam was rising. In an instant, the room was filled with the fragrance of wine. She set these items down, placed the earthen water jar next to the table onto the stove, and then positioned the wide-mouthed wine jug into the jar, with the rim of the jug resting on the edge of the jar, ensuring that the charcoal fire would not directly burn the wine jug

Eastern Baishou Dao: "I am unworthy of such praise; Your Highness may call me Ranzhi."

Cheng Duo sighed, "But you just had to let her point me in the wrong direction."

Chengduo also extended his hand and said, "Mr. Dongfang, please!"

He was both in the mood for jest and still had the energy to observe for any flaws in his opponent's moves. He replied, "It was an inauspicious outing; next time, consult the almanac." Countless thoughts flashed through his mind in an instant. What if he seized that whip? It would surely wrap around his hand. If he were to engage in a contest of internal strength, then someone would inevitably be injured.

The two individuals braved the wind and snow, exchanging a few words here and there, and continued walking until darkness fell, when they finally encountered the sentry patrolling outside the main camp. Zhao Sun led the troops forward and called out: "Your Highness, everyone else has returned, all are safe."

Since the prince is not one to indulge in empty words, I shall straightforwardly ask for clarity; the prince may as well speak candidly.

Cheng Duo Fang saw clearly that the whip was gleaming white, forged from fine steel, with links that were tightly interlocked yet remarkably flexible. Just this single movement demonstrated ten years of skill. The woodcutter had removed his hat, standing in the pure white snow like a crane or bamboo, and said with a smile: "You are out here all alone, and you don't even carry a weapon for self-defense?"

Chengduo picked up a pitted date to eat: "Nowadays, the snow is knee-deep, and both people and horses are stuck; they must also ascertain the truth of the situation, as it is unlikely that there will be any changes in the next couple of days"

Dongfang shook his head and said: "Your name is filled with the aura of weapons." After a moment of thought, he smiled and added: "However, it is indeed remarkable that the Prince of Jingyuan, who has not suffered a defeat in over ten years, can reflect on defeat in his name as a lesson."

Bypassing the mountain ridge, one finds a vast expanse of land. In the distance, the trees rise and fall, concealing a bamboo bridge and several thatched cottages, all blanketed in the gently falling snow, creating an atmosphere of utmost tranquility. In response to this beautiful scene, Chengduo could not help but feel a surge of joy and exclaimed, "What a wonderful place."

Ming Ji still followed the East, waiting for him to go far away, and then asked: "Is he very formidable?"

Dongfang has moved the plate to the table. Mingji set the wine, straightened up, smiled at Chengduo, and took the tray down

His casual attitude, however, revealed a hint of sincerity to Chengduo. If a person's intentions are not pure, their actions will not be straightforward. If Chengduo were to recruit talents with ulterior motives, he would not have come so casually; if Dongfang were to negotiate with ulterior motives, he would not have agreed so readily.

Cheng Duo slowly drank a cup and nodded, saying: "Very well. Given my current position and my relationship with the Emperor, to express any ambitions would be a great disrespect. My present aspiration is merely to repel the Hu people. For at least thirty years," he raised three fingers of his left hand, "to ensure that the Hu people have no strength to advance south for thirty years."

Cheng Duo did not engage in pleasantries with him, but simply asked: "Eastern mutual? Which mutual?"

Cheng Duo glanced at him and said, "What are you doing in this snowy field?"

Hmm? Cheng Duo was slightly taken aback, smiled, and said, "What? Doesn't it look like it?"

Ming Ji said: "Hmm, it's done, and I have also washed a plate of jujube fruits."

In the courtyard stood a wooden-carved sun crown, with two bamboo stools placed beside it, and the snow had been swept aside along the path. Chengduo stepped onto the bamboo corridor, which connected three thatched cottages in a T-shape. Dongfang led him into the largest room to the north. The walls were entirely lined with bookshelves, and at the top was a large rosewood table piled high with stationery and paper rolls, while strange shapes and maps hung on all sides. Upon seeing the maps, Chengduo unconsciously walked over, but Dongfang directed him towards the bamboo curtain corridor on the other side, saying, "This way, Your Highness." The walls were entirely lined with bookshelves, and at the top was a large rosewood table piled high with stationery and paper rolls, while strange shapes and maps hung on all sides. Upon seeing the maps, Chengduo unconsciously walked over, but Dongfang directed him towards the bamboo curtain corridor on the other side, saying, "This way, Your Highness."

A deep trench lay beneath the snow, a distance of ten feet away. Chengduo stopped and said, "Come out." The head slowly reappeared, as if a person was hiding in that trench. The individual revealed only a pair of eyes, which darted around. Chengduo could not see his face clearly; they stared at each other for a while. Chengduo walked over and pulled out a half-grown child. The child's hands and feet were frozen stiff, and the cotton cloth wrapped around his head fell off. He shivered and whispered, "Help me."

The woodcutter did not turn around, and the silver whip in his hand had already swept behind him, barely blocking a palm strike. He laughed and said, "If I were to defeat you today, what would you think?"

Dongfang struck the bamboo chopsticks against the table and said, "Not bad!" He picked up the wine ladle and poured another cup of wine for Chengduo, slowly adding, "So you have come to this remote and impoverished place to enjoy the scenery at your leisure?"

Not quite like that

Nail

*

Cheng Duo was caught off guard, retreating twice in quick succession. At this moment, he was taken aback by the question but managed to smile and replied, "My weapon is too sharp and should not be used casually"

Eastern Dao: "Then take it to the northern room." Saying this, he allowed Chengduo to enter.

Cheng Duo raised his head and drank a cup of wine, then said slowly and unhurriedly: "What insights does Brother Ran have?"

Dongfang, hearing his straightforward words, did not hold back and said: "Does Brother Xi Jian have any origin for this courtesy name"

Dongfang turned to Chengduo and smiled, saying: "My younger sister has been spoiled by me, so in her moments of rudeness, I hope Your Highness can be forgiving towards her."

The East did not refuse either, pulling out a sheet from the stack of paper, but upon closer inspection, it turned out to be a plain piece of paper; looking again, he was momentarily stunned.

To be frank, I divined an omen the day before yesterday, and it indeed foretold of military conflict. However, the court has already promised a marriage alliance, so how could they send troops? The only one who possesses the authority to command the army and dares to go against the court's wishes is none other than you, Brother Xi Jian. Therefore, I surmised that you would come. This morning, the auspicious energy of the purple dragon emerged from the Eastern Mountain, shining upon my doorstep. I thought that in this northwestern corner, the only one with the quality of phoenix feathers and dragon markings is you, Prince Wu, so I specifically sent Ming Ji to guide you to Pingyao Town.

The mutuality of mutual. I like this character as it embodies the principles of Tai Chi. As they spoke, the two had already arrived at the bamboo gate in front of the thatched cottage courtyard

My name is Dongfang Hu, courtesy name Ranzhi. I am accustomed to a leisurely life in these rural mountains, so if there is any disrespect, I hope Your Highness will not take offense

Did not pay attention to listening

The East looked at him and slowly smiled: "Since you are so confident, how could I dare to interject"

Eastern Path: "I guess there are two meanings to your search for me. If I can still be of some use, you will want to subdue me for your own purposes, lest I assist others. If I am a person of no learning or skill, stirring up the hearts of people in this border fortress, then you will want to eliminate me. So ... "

Chengduo suddenly remembered that it was almost the end of December, and a sense of inexplicable unease rose in his heart. He suppressed this feeling, looked up at the snow on the road, took another couple of sips of soup, and tossed some silver onto the table before heading out. His horse had just finished its feed as well. Chengduo untied the reins, patted the horse's nose, and the horse responded with a snort. Chengduo smiled and led the horse northward.

The two gazed at each other, gradually breaking into laughter, which echoed particularly loudly in the vast, silent snowfield

Chengduo looked at him, wrapped in layers of thin cotton clothing, and those garments were meant for adults. Chengduo then took off his outer coat, picked him up, and placed him on the horse's back. The clothes carried warmth, and after a while, the child caught his breath, holding onto the saddle as he lay on the horse's back

"It was said casually, just said casually"

Ming Ji also smiled, saying, "The prince helped me that day, and my brother said I was lacking in manners, as I had not thanked the prince." As she spoke, she gathered her skirts and curtsied, saying, "Thank you for your assistance." Now that Cheng Duo's status was different, she did not dare to address him as 'you' and 'I'.

His choice of words is humble, yet his ambitions are beyond what previous generations have achieved. Cheng Duo withdrew his hand and smiled again, saying: "Now that we have reached this point in our conversation, since you are already familiar with the situation at the border, why not come out of the mountains to assist me?"

Cheng Duo was secretly taken aback, but he asked calmly on the surface, "How many people?"

The two drank to their fill

Uh? I just feel that it doesn't look like it

This time, the East no longer plays the role of a woodcutter; adorned with a long robe and crown, his garments flutter in the wind, making him appear even more graceful and elegant. It feels not as if the snow has cleared and the clouds have parted, brightening the sky; rather, it is because he has arrived that the sky suddenly seems exceptionally clear. The soldiers who were originally in training also paused their weapons, looking around in curiosity.

Eastern Dao: "This is what I usually refer to as the Fifth Prince."

Cheng Duo thought to himself: How is it that your siblings are so adept at making a study of names? He couldn't help but smile. "This is a name I created myself when I was fifteen and leading troops. To this day, no one has ever called me by it." In his youth, he held a position of great honor, and now he is even more so, second only to one and above ten thousand. Who would dare to address him by his courtesy name? Hearing Dong Fang call him today, he found it quite amusing.

Dongfang Xiaoxiao said: "Perhaps it is similar to what that old gentleman said, it must be something seen through observation." As he spoke, he poured wine into the cups of the two. Chengduo picked up the cup and took a sip, feeling the rich aroma warm him, and the chill of the wind and snow of the day dissipated. He then heard Dongfang continue: "However, I find it strange that you are so at ease with your tens of thousands of troops at this time."

How do they dress up

At this moment, Chengduo was also eager to return to the main camp. Just as he was about to spur his horse, suddenly a head appeared in the snow a short distance away, and in a flash, it disappeared again. In the vast snowy wilderness, it seemed particularly eerie. Chengduo felt as if he were imagining things, but he never experienced such illusions, so he dismounted and slowly walked over.

Cheng Duo controlled the power of the whip, and in the end, he managed to grasp the end of it. A surge of strength came from the whip, and he reversed his grip, holding onto the body of the whip, and questioned: "If you are using such a weapon with no intention to kill, why should I take action?"

Cheng Duo saw Ming Ji leaning against the east, charming and lovely. Just as he was about to speak, Ming Ji hurriedly asked, "Which prince?"

When he left the Yan State border post, the soldiers on guard did not recognize him. He then took out the pass he had issued to himself and traveled several miles beyond the border. The wind blew directly at him, and Cheng Duo pulled down the fur hat that covered his face, leaving only his eyes exposed. The snowy field was marked with crisscrossing hoofprints, and the melting snow formed a small eye and a book. He examined the area of hoofprints, which should have been left by the cavalry of Yang Youlin returning to the Yan State camp.

"That is the child of the Ding family. In ancient times, weren't those old scholars all named after their surnames?" After Dingzi finished speaking, his stomach let out a timely growl.

Who does it not resemble?

Chengduo nodded, took the child down from the horse, and exchanged a few words with Zhao Sun before heading back to the main tent. Zheyi brought hot water, and Chengduo took a sip of the scalding sheep's milk, leaning back on the couch, soaking his frozen feet in warm water, finally feeling comfortable. Seeing that he was silent, the child, feeling a bit bolder, quietly asked: "They call you prince, are you also the emperor's brother?"

The child's demeanor was timid, yet his speech was sharp and articulate. He said: "The Hu people often come to Yanzhou to raid, and my parents have both died. They captured me and made me a slave. Last night, there was a commotion during a fight, and I pretended to be dead to escape. On the way, I encountered the Hu people again, and there was nowhere to hide in the snow, so I could only take refuge in that ditch for half a day."

Then how do you call 'he is also the emperor's younger brother'

The child paused for a moment, then spoke with a trembling voice: "People from Yanzhou"

The woodcutter nodded slightly and said, "Be careful." Before his words had fully left his mouth, the whip, like a long snake, lashed towards him. Cheng Duo, accustomed to the battlefield and skilled in swordplay, suddenly found himself unable to handle such an unwieldy object, evading it again and again.

Dongfang listened to him speak with a solemn expression, and at this moment, she smiled faintly, saying, "Very well. If I do not follow you, there will be no one else to follow."

After listening, Dongfang pondered and said: "Although this surprise attack was indeed exhilarating, it has also enraged the Hudi royal court, which will surely send troops in response. Brother Xijian has been waging wars in the south in recent years, and you should know that the country has suffered considerable losses due to the ongoing conflicts. It is now uncertain whether we can engage in a decisive battle with Hudi. You have stirred up this trouble; how do you plan to resolve it now?"

Cheng Duo naturally understood what she wanted to say and smiled, saying: "That day, I made you suffer injustice; I will take care of them properly later."

The woodcutter replied, "Your weapon is easy to kill, but my weapon is not easy to kill. Why do you not unleash a killing move?"

Cheng Duo glanced at him and said, "Perhaps it is because the weather here is pleasant."

What was said

Cheng Duo brought him out, "So you want to see what kind of person I am. If I come here and do not see you, I will naturally return empty-handed; yet you are waiting at the northwest fork in the road. If I do not catch your eye, you will conceal your identity and avoid me from then on."

Chengduo stepped onto the corridor, only to find that there were steps leading to the back of the house. As the eastern light lifted the bamboo curtain, he saw a winding stream of water behind the house. Although much of it was frozen, there remained a gentle flow. In one corner of the yard, there was a low bamboo fence, covered with a felt cloth to block the wind, inside which were several snow-white doves, all quietly huddled together. The two of them sat down at a small table under the corridor. Nearby was a small but clean stove, burning charcoal, with a straight-eared water jar beside it, containing a little clear water that was steaming hot. In one corner of the yard, there was a low bamboo fence, covered with a felt cloth to block the wind, inside which were several snow-white doves, all quietly huddled together. The two of them sat down at a small table under the corridor. Nearby was a small but clean stove, burning charcoal, with a straight-eared water jar beside it, containing a little clear water that was steaming hot.

A group of people came over last night and headed northwest. They spoke in a foreign language. I had originally intended to light a fire, but I had no choice but to run into the ditch, and I couldn't even strike a spark. " As he spoke, he let out a loud sneeze.

Eastern Way: "Very impressive"

One hundred and ten soldiers

The woodcutter also looked at him, his smile deepening, stepped aside, and raised his hand, saying: "General, please!"

Dongfang silently observed him for a while, then spoke earnestly: "May I ask about Your Highness's aspirations?"

Cheng Duo did not ask Dong Fang Zhi Xiang why, as it was already unnecessary. He smiled, poured a cup of wine for Dong Fang, and raised his own cup, saying: "Thus, this is the sentiment of my brother Cheng Ran."

In war, there are victories and defeats; the defeat of the enemy can also serve as a lesson

Cheng Duo smiled and said, "You may come and be my enemy; I only fear that there will be no enemies to keep me company, and I am never afraid of having too many enemies"

The East gazed directly at him and said, "Are you not afraid that I will become your enemy?"

Good, I am accustomed to writing. This is a place beyond the world, unbound by common customs, yet you may still address me by my courtesy name.

Cheng Duo was momentarily taken aback and said, "Indeed, your brother is truly remarkable." Thus, while drinking wine with him, he recounted the events of the recent battles. The warm wine drove away the chill, and after several cups, the room was already filled with warmth and camaraderie

Cheng Duo set down the wine cup and said, "Not necessarily. It is merely that when the cart reaches the mountain, there will be a way; it is a matter of adapting to the circumstances. In warfare, one must not neglect planning, but if everything is predetermined, then there will be no surprise tactics."

I am not a person beneath the chrysanthemums at Dongli, yet I discuss the universe from a small space. The affairs of men are like green plums boiled in wine; upon returning, remember to account for three parts of snow.

The woodcutter either circled with his elbow, or prodded with his palm, or struck with his foot, the silver whip varying in length, moving as if it were one with him, both swift and precise, only aimed at Cheng Duo. Cheng Duo dodged all the way, managing to evade twenty-eight strikes, secretly marveling in his heart, having never seen anyone wield such a flexible object with such exquisite skill. Taking a deep breath, he leaped to attack his opponent's back.

Cheng Duo trudged through the snow, breathing heavily, and said: "You mentioned hiding from the Hu people in that ravine; when did you see the Hu people?"

Chengduo slowly responded: "The way of nurturing soldiers is to practice and train them, so that one can stand against a hundred; the way of employing soldiers is to recognize the unpredictability of strategy and learn from defeats."

The East heard him speak directly, and felt a bit embarrassed: "Brother Xi, you are straightforward in your words."

Chengduo held the reins, walking with one foot deep and the other shallow, and asked: "Where are you from?"

The woodcutter looked at him, seemingly pondering something. Chengduo loosened the whip and raised it, prompting the woodcutter to shake the handle and retract it into his sleeve. He stood in silence for a moment, then turned and took a few steps toward the thatched cottage, only to suddenly stop. In the vast expanse of the snowy ground, the woodcutter picked up his hat, turned back with a smile, and said, "Not far from here is the cottage; would you care to join me for a drink?"

Cheng Duo solemnly said: "You are not wrong, but if you are unwilling to follow me, I will not make things difficult for you"

Upon hearing the sound, Dingzi let out a breath, and his heart finally settled back into his chest. He knelt down and bowed his head to the ground, then followed Zheyi out.

Cheng Duo still smiled and said: "A hundred people would not dare to ask me like this, yet you truly have the courage to ask."

Ming Ji followed Zhe Ren out, and Cheng Duo began to knock on the documents on the table, saying to Dong Fang: "You have said it all. The Emperor has already sent a decree, both in clear terms and in secret orders. On the surface, he has mobilized troops from several provinces for me to fight, but privately, he does not allow me to engage in battle. Take a look for yourself."

Chengduo arrived at Pingyao Town just after the hour of Si. A few pedestrians were walking on the snowy street, which did not seem desolate. In the distance, a small eatery was lifting its curtain to welcome customers, so Chengduo led his horse over and tied it to a post at the door. A young waiter slowly approached and asked, "What would the guest like to eat?" Chengduo looked around and found nothing appealing, so he ordered a bowl of beef noodles and asked for some extra fodder to feed the horse.

Cheng Duo arrived before them, and both parties greeted each other with pleasure. The three dismounted in front of the camp and entered the central military tent, where Yang Youlin and Zhao Sun followed in as well. Cheng Duo introduced everyone to one another, and Ming Ji cast a sidelong glance at Yang Youlin, as if she wanted to say something, but held back.