Chapter Four: The Honorable Minister in White, Sun Hong

"Cuicui, come here. Pay your respects to Mr. Gongsun Hong," Li Xi's gaze swept past Chen Jiao, who was behind his wife, paused slightly, and then shifted his attention back to his wife

After receiving guidance from Chen Jiao, that clever young man spent a few days and surprisingly managed to produce distilled liquor. The alcohol concentration of this newly produced distilled liquor was naturally unmatched by any other beverage of this era. Yesterday, when the young man brought the liquor, the unsuspecting Gongsun Hong drank it all in one go. Having never tasted such liquor before, he certainly suffered greatly, and the most immediate consequence was that the time of departure was postponed from yesterday to today. Yesterday, when the young man brought the liquor, the unsuspecting Gongsun Hong drank it all in one go. Having never tasted such liquor before, he certainly suffered greatly, and the most immediate consequence was that the time of departure was postponed from yesterday to today

Chen Jiao carefully lifted the wine glass, observing the wine's emerald green hue, which appeared clear and pure. The aroma was rich and fragrant. However, after taking a sip, she found the taste of the wine to be quite mild, only qualifying as a fruit wine with trace amounts of alcohol, similar to alcoholic beverages, yet the flavor was quite pleasant

"It is not that Xinfeng wine is bad, but rather that the wine I wish to drink is not available here." Chen Jiao couldn't help but recall the wines she had consumed in the past. Although they could not be considered fine wines, they had a much higher alcohol content than the Xinfeng wine she held in her hand now.

Ah... this... Chen Jiao thought, if she said it was done by Wei Yingwu, and he had not yet been born, she would probably be immediately regarded as a madwoman by them

What happened to Miss Chen

Among the renowned wines of ancient China, the Xinfeng wine from the Han Dynasty, the Sangluo wine from the Six Dynasties, the Lanling fine wine from the Tang Dynasty, the Fenjiu from Xinghua Village in Shanxi, and the Xifeng wine from Shaanxi all carry the profound charm of history, harmonizing with the fragrant aroma of fermented grains, complemented by the extraordinary quality of fine springs, as well as the timeless verses penned by their admirers. They have gracefully traversed from ancient times, permeating through history to form their own unique cultural symbols. Complemented by the extraordinary quality of fine springs, as well as the timeless verses penned by their admirers, they have gracefully traversed from ancient times, permeating through history to form their own unique cultural symbols

Seeing Chen Jiao in this state, Gongsun Hong did not want her to feel embarrassed, so he immediately came to her rescue, saying: "Hehe, speaking of this Xinfeng wine, its taste is indeed good. Has Miss Chen heard of its name for a long time? Is that why today..."

Li Xi noticed that Chen Jiao was eagerly staring at the wine jug in his hand, and he cleared his throat awkwardly. Subsequently, he also poured a glass of Xinfeng wine for Zhang Cui and Chen Jiao

The Zhang family of Li Men paid their respects to Master Gongsun. Zhang Cuifu offered a formal greeting to Gongsun Hong.

Miss Chen's method is truly unprecedented. Can it really produce fine wine?

"Jiao'er, your words are well-intentioned. I fear that your wine is too strong, causing the powerful to lose their composure after drinking, which would prevent me from even holding a minor official position." Gongsun Hong lightly patted Chen Jiao's shoulder, then mounted his horse, feigning fear as he spoke.

Mr. Gongsun possesses great talent, and this time he will surely have the opportunity to realize his grand ambitions. In the future, his achievements will undoubtedly be extraordinary, and generations to come will surely know of his esteemed name. Is it not too much of a disservice to compare myself, a mere small merchant, with someone like you?" Li Xi filled two cups with wine, saying, "As your humble nephew, I raise this fine wine from Xinfeng to toast to your journey, wishing you boundless success!"

"We must part ways at last," Gongsun Hong said with a hearty smile to the three who were seeing him off. "This is where we shall stop."

Chen Jiao looked at Li Xi, who was full of confidence and spoke with certainty, and suddenly felt that the brother-in-law she recognized might not be such a simple person after all. Because, just based on his insight into people and matters, he was far superior to the people of this era. After a few days of interaction, Chen Jiao had already confirmed that this Gongsun Hong was indeed the historical Gongsun Hong.

Zhang Cuichong smiled at Chen Jiao and said, "You should come down with me, so you can also get to know your brother-in-law."

--- "Records of the Grand Historian: Biography of the Marquis of Pingjin, Lord Zhu Fu, Chapter 52"

Seeing her satisfied smile, Gongsun Hong couldn't help but tease her a little. Chen Jiao immediately felt quite embarrassed, a blush quickly rising to her cheeks, making her look exceptionally adorable

Gongsun Hong, though aged, possessed a robust physique, whistling away in the sunlight, with the wind stirring his gray sleeves and his white hair dancing in the breeze. Li Xi, observing his figure, suddenly remarked: "As Mr. Gongsun departs, he will surely bring about a transformation in the realm of the Han. He is destined to become one of the most significant figures of our dynasty"

"I have just heard the bell of Chang Le, and I ride my horse east and west." Gongsun Hong gazed through the window towards the direction of Chang'an, seemingly lost in thought

The hatred of the universe seeps into the wine of Xinfeng, the cold of frost and dew invades the fur coat of the season's child

The name Xinfeng originated during the Han Dynasty. Liu Bang, the founding emperor of the Han, was born in Fengli. Later, he raised an army, defeated the Qin, vanquished Xiang Yu, and established the Han Dynasty. He honored his father as the Grand Emperor. The Grand Emperor, while in the city of Chang'an, longed for the scenery of his hometown. Consequently, Liu Bang ordered the skilled craftsman Hu Kuan to construct this city in the likeness of his hometown Fengli, naming it Xinfeng, which means the new Feng township. After the completion of Xinfeng, the Grand Emperor wished to drink the wine from his hometown, so Liu Bang relocated the winemakers from his hometown to this place. From then on, the fine wines of Xinfeng gained fame throughout the world

What is distilled liquor? At this point, even the three people who had been listening and laughing on the side became interested, and Gongsun Hong asked.

After the recent conversation, Chen Jiao, who had long been captivated by Zhang Cui's demeanor, naturally nodded in agreement. She was also very curious about the man who could marry such an extraordinary woman and travel the world hand in hand with her

Under Zhang Cui's guidance, Chen Jiao awkwardly changed into the attire of an ordinary woman and went downstairs with her. Upon entering the private room specially reserved by Li Xi, Chen Jiao discovered that, in addition to a young man, there was also a spirited elderly gentleman present. Zhang Cui greeted the young man with a bow and sweetly called him "husband," leading Chen Jiao to confirm that the person before her was indeed her "brother-in-law" Li Xi

Li Xi wishes the gentleman great success and fame! Li Xi displayed an elegant smile and also clasped his fists in return.

"Did your sister write this herself?" Zhang Cui looked at Chen Jiao with surprise, "Your sister is truly talented!"

Of course, the so-called "the wine of Xinfeng, still carries the rain of Baling," the wine of Xinfeng is indeed well-known to me. Chen Jiao blurted out the lines from Wei Yingwu's "Song of Encounter".

Chen Jiao thought for a moment and briefly explained the principles of distilling liquor

Mr. Gongsun has given me praise," Li Xi humbly said, always holding a trace of respect in his heart for the elderly man before him

"Rise, rise," Gongsun Hong said with a smile. "You are all so busy with your travels, yet you still take the time to meet with me. It truly is a hardship for you."

Mr.!" Chen Jiao pouted her lips upon hearing this, somewhat unwilling to relent.

"Miss Chen, this poem seems to convey an unfinished sentiment," Gongsun Hong asked with a smile.

"As I indulge in the new Feng wine, I still carry the rain from Ba Ling..." Gongsun Hong recited this line of poetry softly, feeling that its rhythm was vastly different from the current style of lyrical compositions, yet it possessed a unique charm.

Wherever it may be, my nephew's household affairs are complicated, and I cannot personally accompany you to Chang'an. I truly feel ashamed. After the four took their seats, Li Xi immediately apologized to Gongsun Hong.

Of course not. Looking at the aggrieved fellow in front of her, Chen Jiao felt both pity and amusement in her heart, and thus spoke.

"Miss Chen, how is it? Is the taste acceptable?" Suddenly, Gongsun Hong's voice rang in her ears. Chen Jiao looked up and realized that the other three people were all staring at her. Just a moment ago, Chen Jiao had been gazing at her wine glass with admiration, and the three present were all astute and discerning individuals; how could they not notice her strange expression

Observing the three individuals, each with their own desires, Chen Jiao felt that the atmosphere in the room was exceedingly strange. She lowered her head and quietly sipped the sweet, beverage-like Xin Feng wine. With her small head bowed, she was completely unaware that she had become the focal point of the three people's attention

Haha, parting is inevitable even after a thousand miles of companionship. Let this be the end. "Gongsun Hong sat on his horse and clasped his fists in farewell to the three.

Earlier, during their conversation, Zhang Cui had briefly introduced their identities to Chen Jiao. Zhang Cui hails from a family of merchants in Xishu, while Li Xi is a trader from the Jianghuai region. The couple is currently traveling to various places, inspecting shops along the way, and is now planning to return to their hometown. However, Li Xi had made an appointment to meet an old friend in Xinfeng, so he hurriedly left Chang'an without waiting for Chen Jiao to wake up, disregarding her wishes and taking her away from Baqiao.

The young nephew, at merely thirty, has already established a family and a career. I, having surpassed seventy, can only now realize my ambitions. If we are to speak of feeling ashamed, I am far more deserving of that sentiment than you are. " Gongsun Hong said with a smile, stroking his beard

Hmm, the entire poem should read: "Seventy steps ascend to the Han dynasty, the sounds of heroes echo through the ages. Coming from the East, I wish to pay my respects to the illustrious ruler. Still intoxicated by the wine of Xinfeng, I am yet accompanied by the rain of Baling. By chance, we meet, and since our parting, we inquire about each other's well-being. Who would know that in the white daylight, we would converse among the flowers? Suddenly, I hear the bell of Chang Le, and I ride my horse east and west." Chen Jiao quietly changed the twenty in the original text to seventy, to suit the present situation. Suddenly, I hear the bell of Chang Le, and I ride my horse east and west. Chen Jiao quietly changed the twenty in the original text to seventy, to suit the present situation.

This was originally a good way to make money. I just foolishly told that guy, and now the money has flown away. Chen Jiao held her head and lamented, "I am truly a fool"

Our Xinfeng wine is renowned throughout the world, but when the young lady says that it is the wine favored by the Duke of Zhou and the founding emperor, is she looking down on our Xinfeng wine? This fellow clearly has a strong sense of collective honor; upon hearing Chen Jiao's words, he actually forgot that he was entertaining guests and retorted back at Chen Jiao.

Gongsun Hong's expression changed slightly as he looked at the wine cup in Chen Jiao's hand, and he softly asked, "Isn't this that white liquor?" His cautious demeanor made Chen Jiao unable to help but chuckle, instantly dispelling the earlier somber atmosphere.

Gongsun Hong, styled Ji, was a man from Xue in Zichuan. In the fifth year of the Yuan Guang era, he was recommended by the national scholars as a virtuous and capable individual. In response to the imperial examination, the Emperor appointed him as the top candidate. He was summoned for an audience and conferred the degree of Doctor. Hong, with his humble background, managed the classics and was appointed as Chancellor. He practiced the laws and administrative affairs, embellishing them with Confucian principles, which pleased the Emperor. During the Yuan Shuo period, he was granted the title of Marquis of Pingjin. Scholars across the realm were drawn to him.

Gongsun Hong smiled as he helped Zhang Cui up and said to Li Xi: "Noble nephew, you have indeed married a good wife"

"Not bad, there are rules in every profession. Violating these rules is tantamount to cutting oneself off from the industry. That young man is clever and astute, not a mediocre person." Li Xi, who had been silent, spoke with a cold gaze, causing Chen Jiao to feel a shiver in her heart

Chen Jiao and Zhang Cui sat in the room for a while longer. During their casual conversation, Chen Jiao persistently clung to her "fact" of amnesia, while Zhang Cui, noticing this, chose not to delve deeper. Instead, she naturally shifted the focus of the discussion to her own marriage. After briefly mentioning her and her husband's background, Zhang Cui subtly redirected the topic to the interesting anecdotes they had encountered over the years, which not only made Chen Jiao laugh continuously but also left her in awe of Zhang Cui's extensive knowledge. Just as they were recounting their experiences from a few years ago in the Western Regions, they heard someone outside the door softly calling, "Madam, the young master requests your presence!"

What kind of wine does the young lady wish to drink? There is no fine wine in the world that we in Xinfeng do not possess. The attendant continued to argue with Chen Jiao. It is not surprising, as Xinfeng is renowned for its wine throughout the world, and being close to the capital, merchants from various places frequently come and go. Xinfeng can be considered one of the few prosperous cities in the Han Dynasty, where fine wines from all over can naturally be found. He has always felt a deep pride in Xinfeng's wine, but now, suddenly confronted by a woman who not only drinks in large quantities but also claims that there are wines better than those of Xinfeng, it is understandable that this child, who has never left Xinfeng, feels discontented. In a fit of childish anger, he confronted Chen Jiao.

Of course. Chen Jiao's tone was resolute, as she had a father who was a factory director specializing in "alcohol testing," so she had a certain understanding of liquor. Although this method might not be very scientific, it was certainly possible to distill a better quality liquor than the current "sweet wine." The only uncertainty was whether this young waiter could brew the liquor before they left. Suddenly, she recalled that she had just done something foolish, and her previously proud little face immediately fell.

As familiar verses floated through her mind, Chen Jiao felt incredibly fortunate. Having just witnessed the Baqiao, she now had the opportunity to taste the renowned Xinfeng wine. Although Chen Jiao herself was not fond of alcohol, she felt compelled to take a sip, given the reputation of Xinfeng wine.

"In encounters, we meet twice; do not ask about the cold and heat in our separations." Li Xi recited this line of poetry, gazing at Gongsun Hong's graying hair, feeling a deep sense of reflection within. He cast a glance at Chen Jiao, seemingly lost in thought.

Chen Jiao thought to herself, you are indeed very perceptive, you even noticed that. Wei Yingwu, I am sorry.

This line of poetry indeed surprised the other three present. Seeing their astonished expressions, Chen Jiao's heart immediately sank. She internally cried out, it's over, it's over, I've said the wrong thing. Five-character poetry only developed during the late Han Dynasty, and the earliest five-character literary poems, "Nineteen Old Poems," are still unknown in their whereabouts. She actually recited a line from Wei Yingwu's poetry.

"Good, well said. This cup of wine, I shall drink it, my dear nephew." Gongsun Hong laughed heartily as he took the wine cup.

After listening, the waiter’s eyes lit up, but he still said, "Let me try it out first before I talk to you again." Watching the waiter run off eagerly, Chen Jiao thought to herself: He is surprisingly rational enough to verify it and hasn’t been fooled by me. This waiter is quite a talent.

"Who is this?" Gongsun Hong asked in confusion, looking at Chen Jiao, who was standing beside him.

New Feng's fine wine costs ten thousand, how many years have the wandering heroes of Xianyang roamed, meeting with righteous spirit to drink for you, tying their horses by the tall building beside the drooping willows

In the following days, the four of them traveled together in Xinfeng City. Chen Jiao and Gongsun Hong, the venerable scholar, grew increasingly close. Chen Jiao treated Gongsun Hong as if he were her elder, and her playful and spoiled behavior made Gongsun Hong, who had long been immersed in academic pursuits with few friends or relatives, feel both refreshed and deeply touched. After several days of interaction, Gongsun Hong found this young girl to be exceedingly charming, treating her with the affection one would show a beloved granddaughter. Chen Jiao's behavior, treating Gongsun Hong as her elder, continued to evoke a sense of novelty and warmth in him. After a few days together, Gongsun Hong could not help but adore this girl as if she were his own granddaughter. The usual gentlemanly friendship of Li Xi was relegated to the background.

"Mr. Gongsun, may you have a safe journey." Chen Jiao looked at the amiable elder leaving with great sorrow, feeling a deep sense of reluctance in her heart. She raised her wine cup and said, "Jiao'er offers this cup to you, Mr. Gongsun, as a farewell toast."

"This is Xinfeng wine," Chen Jiao said with a smile, pointing to a small wine flask tied to Gongsun Hong's horse. "What’s inside is the real baijiu. When you arrive in Chang'an, you can use it along with books to bribe the powerful and secure a higher official position to present to Jiaor." Winking at Gongsun Hong, Chen Jiao teased him deliberately.

Xinfeng wine is the most sought after by poets, with renowned poets such as Li Bai, Wang Wei, Li Shangyin, and Lu You having composed poems in its honor

The silence was broken by the servant delivering the wine, who looked at Chen Jiao, pouring wine into her glass with abandon, and was so astonished that he could hardly close his mouth. He stammered, "This young lady truly has a remarkable capacity for alcohol."

After Gongsun Hong, Li Xi, and Zhang Cui exchanged glances, they burst into silent laughter. Zhang Cui walked over to Chen Jiao and said, "Silly sister, there are rules in every profession. That clerk, even if he confirms that your brewing method is excellent, would not dare to use it as a means to profit without your consent. Moreover, although the court has not explicitly issued a prohibition on alcohol, those who can intervene in the liquor industry are all wealthy families. He is merely a lowly clerk; even if he were to brazenly steal your method, it would be like a three-year-old child carrying a gold brick through a bustling market. How could he possibly have the means to counter the pressure from his peers?"

"This is my younger sister," Zhang Cui said as she pushed Chen Jiao in front of Gongsun Hong, "Why don't you greet Mr. Gongsun?"

The lover comes and yet does not come, who shares in the intoxication of the new Feng wine

Looking at the surprised expression of the waiter, Chen Jiao couldn't help but smile. She said, "The taste of your wine is good, but with such a low alcohol content, it won't get anyone drunk." In this regard, Chen Jiao was not lying; in ancient times, the alcohol content of wine was generally low, as they had not yet adopted the distillation method to produce distilled spirits.

Hearing this, Chen Jiao looked up in surprise, "Rules of the trade?"

The heart breaks, the new Feng wine dispels sorrow, how many thousands of cups have been fought over

Mr. Gongsun, take care! Li Xi felt no significant sadness, after all, he had traveled extensively and experienced numerous separations and reunions. Moreover, Gongsun Hong was about to ascend to great heights; his heart was filled only with joy, leaving no room for melancholy.

Chen Jiao bowed gracefully to Gongsun Hong, but in her heart, she wondered if he was the old friend that Li Xi was so eager to meet. The age difference between the two seemed rather significant. While she was lost in her own thoughts, she did not notice the confusion that flashed in Li Xi's eyes when he heard her introduce herself as Chen Jiao.

"Do you distill liquor?" Although Chen Jiao knew it was impossible, she still asked casually

At this moment, Chen Jiao felt a buzzing in her head. This was because the four characters "Xinfeng Meijiu" suddenly made her realize exactly where the place Xinfeng was.

This seventy-year-old man is the historical figure who, alongside Dong Zhongshu, promoted the Gongyang school of the modern Confucian classics and jointly advocated for the policy of "suppressing a hundred schools of thought and exclusively honoring Confucianism" during the reign of Emperor Wu of Han. He was the first Confucian scholar in the Han dynasty to become Chancellor in plain clothes, relying on his mastery of the classics, and he was also the Chancellor who best collaborated with Emperor Wu. After him, military power began to completely overshadow the authority of the Chancellor, rendering the position increasingly insignificant. He was the first Confucian scholar in the Han dynasty to become Chancellor in plain clothes, relying on his mastery of the classics, and he was also the Chancellor who best collaborated with Emperor Wu. After him, military power began to completely overshadow the authority of the Chancellor, rendering the position increasingly insignificant