Husband, Let Me Touch Your Abs - Chapter 91

Chapter 91

 

1 jin = 0.5kg or 1.1pounds 

 

Azure skies, yellow leaves on the ground, autumn hues ripple on the waves, with cold mist rising above.

 

In the blink of an eye, it was already September. Xiao Chun had been staying with the Zhao family for almost two months.

 

His leg injury had mostly healed, and the splint had been removed. Being young, his body recovered quickly. Although he still had a slight limp, it barely affected his walking.

 

Initially, Lu Yao wanted him to rest for three full months before helping out, but the boy insisted otherwise, likely fearing he’d be disliked if he didn’t contribute. So, he started assisting at the eatery early on.

 

To be fair, since his arrival, Zhao Beichuan noticeably felt less burdened. Xiao Chun managed most of the small prep tasks on his own, and he even showed a natural talent for cooking. After just a few days of practice, he could chop ingredients quickly and neatly.

 

The only downside was that he was still too small and frail to lift the heavy iron ladle used for stir-frying.

 

That said, he had grown quite a bit during this time. With the Zhao family ensuring he was well-fed and clothed, his height had already surpassed that of Xiaonian in less than two months.

 

During these two months, the first batch of wine Lu Yao had brewed was also nearing completion.

 

He had started brewing at the beginning of autumn in early August. The brewing process itself isn’t worth going into detail here, but the effort involved was substantial. The wine used up sixteen stones of sorghum, and the family had worked from morning till night for three days to steam and prepare everything. It was stored in eight large ceramic vats, and now, after fermenting for a full month, it was ready for distillation and refinement.

 

The wine Lu Yao brewed was different from the common Xiaoqu rice wine and clear wine sold in the market. The Daqu sorghum wine he made had a richer aroma, carrying the distinctive fragrance of grains. After fermentation, its strong fragrance filled the air, detectable even from outside the courtyard.

 

Neighbors had come by more than once to ask what delightful thing the Zhao family was making that smelled so heavenly.

 

It just so happened that Douzi had the day off today. The weather was pleasant, with clear skies and a crisp autumn breeze. After serving the last table of customers and tidying up the shop, the family prepared to head back and start distilling the wine.

 

The wine vats were stored in the back room. The eight large, round-bellied ceramic vats filled the space to capacity.

 

Lu Yao lifted the gauze covering one of the vats, and the fragrance of the wine immediately hit him. The aroma was intoxicating even before tasting.

 

Using a clean wooden ladle, he stirred the contents, which released a significant amount of liquid — the raw wine.

 

Lu Yao scooped up a ladleful and handed it to Zhao Beichuan to taste.

 

Although Zhao Beichuan hadn’t drunk much wine before, he could tell this was far better than the yellow rice wine sold in the market.

 

The three children nearby looked on eagerly, seemingly wanting a taste too.

 

Lu Yao generously ladled out a bowlful for each of them. This raw brew had a low alcohol content, only around six or seven percent, so it was unlikely to make anyone drunk.

 

Most of the wine sold in the market had similar alcohol levels, lacking the spiced kick of later generations. What Lu Yao was aiming for was distilled liquor, with a concentration of at least 30%.

 

A few days ago, he had purchased over thirty wine jars, each capable of holding about twenty catties of liquor.

 

Lu Yao then asked Zhao Beichuan to temporarily set up a stove in the courtyard. The distillation process would take at least five or six days to complete, and doing it indoors might scorch the floor mats.

 

Once the stove was built, a clay pot was placed at the bottom and filled with water. The fermented sorghum was evenly spread onto a steaming rack above the pot, and the key piece of equipment — the wine distiller — was set on top.

 

The wine distiller was an essential tool for traditional distillation, something that hadn’t been invented yet in this era. Lu Yao, however, had the advantage of modern knowledge.

 

He had a carpenter custom-make one for him. It resembled a bottomless wooden barrel, with a small circular hole drilled into the side for a thin bamboo tube to extend out. The middle section contained a wide trough to catch the liquor. A cooling pan filled with icy well water was placed on top of the distiller, completing the simple setup.

 

As Zhao Beichuan lit the firewood, the water in the pot gradually began to boil. Steam rose to meet the cooling pan, where it condensed into droplets that fell into the trough and then trickled out through the bamboo tube.

 

Lu Yao quickly grabbed a ladle to catch the liquid. The first and last portions of the distilled wine were not drinkable due to harmful substances, so they were set aside to be re-distilled later.

 

After collecting the first jin of head wine, what followed was premium distilled sorghum liquor.

 

“Quick, bring over a jar.”

 

The three children hurriedly fetched a wine jar. Lu Yao placed a clean hemp cloth over the jar’s opening as a filter, letting the liquor flow directly in. In no time, the jar was half full.

 

During the distillation process, the aroma of the wine spread far and wide, drawing out curious neighbors.

 

“What is that smell?”

 

“I don’t know, but it’s amazing. It makes me salivate just sitting at home.”

 

Zhao Haifeng from next door stepped out, rubbing his hands. “It must be coming from Zhao Beichuan’s place. I noticed a wonderful aroma from there a few days ago.”

 

A group gathered at the door, knocking. “Beichuan, are you home?”

 

Before long, Lu Yao opened the door. “Uncles, is there something you need?”

 

“Oh, nothing much. Just curious — what are you making that smells so good?”

 

Lu Yao smiled mysteriously. “Naturally, something delicious. In a few days, you’re welcome to try it at the eatery.”

 

Hearing this, the neighbors didn’t press further. They understood that this was the family’s trade secret and wouldn’t intrude on their livelihood.

 

After sending off the neighbors, Lu Yao secured the door again, planning to distill two vats tonight and leave the rest for the following days.

 

Before long, the first jar was full. Lu Yao carefully moved it aside and scooped out a small bowl of the liquor, handing it to Zhao Beichuan to taste.

 

Thinking it would be similar to the earlier raw brew, Zhao Beichuan took a large gulp, only to be caught off guard and start coughing violently.

 

“Cough, cough, cough! Why is this wine so spicy?”

 

Lu Yao hurriedly patted his back. “Drink slowly. This is distilled high-proof liquor, much stronger than before. Be careful not to get drunk.”

 

After finally stopping his coughing, Zhao Beichuan tried another sip, this time taking only a small one. The hot, rich liquor flowed through his teeth and down his throat, spreading a burning warmth all the way to his stomach.

 

Zhao Beichuan touched his chest in surprise. “It feels like it’s burning here.”

 

Lu Yao also took a small sip and exclaimed, “Ah, good wine!”

 

Xiaodou tugged at his sleeve, wanting to try as well. Lu Yao handed him the bowl with a mischievous smile, letting him take a small sip.

 

“Ah! So spicy!” Xiaodou burst into tears after just one sip and quickly ran inside to drink cold water.

 

Lu Yao turned to Xiaonian. “Your turn to try.”

 

Xiaonian smiled and shook her head. “No way, you always trick me!”

 

Seeing she wouldn’t fall for it, Lu Yao offered the bowl to Xiaochun.

 

Xiaochun timidly accepted the clay bowl and took a small sip. His face immediately turned bright red from the spiciness, but he tried to act unfazed. “Not spicy at all,” he said before putting down the bowl and hurrying inside to get some water, too.

 

This made Lu Yao and Zhao Beichuan laugh heartily.

 

They continued distilling until past 9 p.m. Once the second batch of sorghum was fully distilled, they extinguished the fire.

 

From the two batches, they distilled seven jars of liquor in total. Each jar held twenty jin, making 140 jin of liquor in all—quite a decent yield.

 

Lu Yao sealed the jars with hemp cloth, topped them with large leaves, and covered everything with a layer of yellow clay. Properly sealed, these jars could last for decades without spoiling.

 

By the time they finished tidying up the courtyard, the moon was already high in the sky. The two of them quickly bathed and climbed into bed, discussing how to distribute the liquor.

 

“We should send one jar to Master Cao as thanks for his help last time. Just inviting him to a meal wasn’t enough.”

 

Zhao Beichuan agreed. “Will one jar be enough?”

 

Lu Yao turned onto his side, resting on his arm. “There’s a saying: the rarer something is, the more valuable it becomes. If we give too much, it might not be appreciated as much.”

 

Zhao Beichuan indulgently tapped his nose. “You’re always right.”

 

“We should also send one jar each to Commander Ge and Vice Commander Cao. The rest can go to the restaurant for sale.”

 

“How much should we sell it for?”

 

Lu Yao thought for a moment. “I’ve heard that the finest wine at Quanfude Restaurant sells for two guan per pot. Those pots are about one jin each. Let’s match that price. Tomorrow, we’ll visit the pottery shop to buy some wine vessels.”

 

“Alright.”

 

“If every table of diners at the restaurant orders a pot of wine, we’ll make at least two taels of silver per table. Ten tables would bring in twenty taels—we’ll be rich in no time!”

 

Zhao Beichuan was enchanted by his husband’s excitement. Unable to resist, he pulled Lu Yao into his arms for a kiss, leaving him breathless.

 

Blushing, Lu Yao hooked his arms around Zhao Beichuan’s neck and asked, “Aren’t you tired after working all night?”

 

“Not tired. Shall we?”

 

“Take it easy. We have to work again tomorrow.”

 

“I’ll handle the work. If you’re tired, just rest at home.”

 

“Hey—” Lu Yao’s words were cut off as he was pinned beneath Zhao Beichuan, strong arms on either side of him. It would be another sleepless night…

 

—

 

Early the next morning, Zhao Beichuan carried a jar of liquor to the Cao family.

 

Fortunately, Master Cao was at home and curiously asked, “What’s this good stuff you’ve brought, Zhao?”

 

“It’s a jar of liquor my husband made, as a token of thanks for your help last time. We couldn’t repay you properly with just a meal.”

 

“Oh! He actually managed to make it!” Master Cao quickly had a servant take the jar. He had a particular fondness for fine food and wine, so his interest was immediately piqued.

 

He wasted no time in opening the jar. As soon as the yellow clay seal was removed, the rich aroma filled the entire hall, leaving Master Cao stunned. “This scent—I’ve never smelled anything like it!”

 

He eagerly removed the leaves and hemp cloth, letting the full fragrance of the wine escape. The intoxicating scent made him feel tipsy even before taking a sip.

 

“Quick! Bring the porcelain cups from my study!”

 

A servant rushed off and returned with a set of delicate Qing porcelain cups. Normally, Master Cao treasured this set and rarely brought it out for fear of breaking it. Today, however, he didn’t hesitate.

 

He poured himself a cup and took a small sip, savoring it. The wine wasn’t as harsh as Zhao Beichuan had warned. It was smooth upon entry, with a lingering fragrance, a warm burn down the throat, and a long-lasting finish. Truly extraordinary.

 

After finishing his cup, Master Cao asked, “How much of this wine have you made?”

 

Zhao Beichuan answered vaguely, “Only seven jars so far. We’re sending one to you, two to the military officers, and the rest to the restaurant for sale.”

 

“How much will you sell it for?”

 

“My husband thought two taels of silver per pot would be fair. Each pot holds about one jin of liquor, so a jar of twenty jin would be forty taels.”

 

Master Cao waved his hand grandly. “Don’t put the remaining four jars in the shop; sell them all to me!”

 

“This…” Zhao Beichuan hesitated.

 

“Aren’t you selling it for forty taels a jar? I’ll give you fifty taels per jar. Sell me these four jars first, and you can put the next batch in the shop.”

 

Zhao Beichuan quickly responded, “I can’t accept your silver. If you like it, I’ll send it over to you.”

 

Master Cao directly instructed a servant to follow him home and carry the jars, even forcing the silver into Zhao Beichuan’s hands. “Take it! I won’t drink your liquor for free!”

 

Having tasted countless wines over the years, this was the first time Master Cao had encountered something so strong and flavorful. He needed to buy more jars to send as gifts to his brothers in the capital for the New Year.

 

With the four jars at home sold to Master Cao, there were still six large vats left to be distilled. Over the next few days, they would finish the process, and the liquor could eventually be sold at the restaurant.

 

That afternoon, after the restaurant closed, Zhao Beichuan delivered two more jars to the military camp.

 

The border had been tense lately, and the atmosphere in the camp was grim. Soldiers were busy training, and even Ge Zhangbao, usually lighthearted, accepted the jar with a solemn expression, said a few quick words to Zhao, and left in a hurry.

 

When he returned home, Lu Yao and the three children had already set up everything for the next batch of liquor. They steamed another two large vats of sorghum, sealed the jars properly, and planned to bring two jars to the shop the next day. After all, given the price, ordinary families would be reluctant to spend two taels of silver on a single pot of liquor.

 

Who could have guessed that once “Lu Liquor” hit the shelves, it would become a sensation in Pingzhou Prefecture in no time?

 

—

 

The story began with Master Cao. After acquiring five jars of liquor, he stored four to gift during the New Year and decided to host a wine-tasting party with the remaining jar, inviting his friends to celebrate the Double Ninth Festival on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month.

 

The guests invited were all prominent figures in Pingzhou Prefecture, each willing to attend due to Master Cao’s status and connections.

 

Since it was a wine-tasting event, everyone brought their finest liquor from home, and the group would vote to crown the best wine of the day.

 

Before the event began, Master Cao whispered to his friend Qu Tian, “This year, I’m determined to win the wine crown!”

 

Qu Tian, the deputy steward of the city’s largest escort agency, was a notorious wine lover. Hearing this, he widened his eyes. “What divine nectar did you get your hands on, Master Cao? Quick, let us have a taste!”

 

Master Cao smiled but said nothing, letting everyone present first display and taste their offerings. Whoever’s wine received the most praise would be the winner.

 

The guests, all wealthy and influential, brought high-quality wines, including Bamboo Leaf Green, Chrysanthemum Autumn, Barley Wine, Jade Flask Spring, and Mulberry Wine transported all the way from the southern regions.

 

The servants laid out the wines, and the guests began tasting each one.

 

Though everyone had different tastes, a good wine was immediately recognizable. So far, the most praise went to the mulberry wine. Made from mulberries, its deep purple color, sweet-and-sour taste, and lingering finish captivated the group. Accustomed to northern wines, the unexpected flavor of this southern fruit wine won many over.

 

One guest remarked, “It seems today’s wine crown will go to Master Chi.” The mulberry wine belonged to him.

 

Chi Xing smugly cupped his hands. “Thank you all for the compliments. This wine wasn’t easy to transport—just getting a few jars back cost several hundred taels of silver in travel expenses.”

 

The Chi family, being merchants of medicinal herbs, often traveled south to purchase supplies, which gave them access to such rare wines. (Here, “south” refers to areas south of the Yellow River.)

 

Master Cao remained calm. After everyone finished tasting the other wines, he finally instructed his servants to bring out his own.

 

Each person received only a small cup. The liquor was as clear as water, completely transparent, but its aroma was intoxicating.

 

“Master Cao, what kind of wine is this?”

 

“Don’t rush. Taste it first.”

 

Everyone lifted their cups to their noses. “Hmm! It smells wonderful—like sorghum.” One guest, with a sharp nose, immediately recognized the ingredient.

 

A few sipped it cautiously, the first taste tingling their tongues. Once they fully sampled the liquor, they were reluctant to finish even the small cup.

 

Seeing their reactions, Master Cao was delighted. “So, my friends, how is it?”

 

“Excellent wine!”

 

At the end of the tasting, Lu’s liquor was unanimously crowned the best. The guests couldn’t stop asking Master Cao where the wine came from, how much it cost, and if they could buy some.

 

Master Cao could only reply, “This is brewed by the Lu family’s restaurant. As for the price, I’m not sure, since it hasn’t been officially sold yet!”

 

Unexpectedly, Master Cao’s boastful display brought unexpected fame to Lu’s wine.

 

—

 

“Boss, do you still have Lu Liquor today?”

 

“Yes. How much would you like?”

 

“How much do you have left?”

 

Lu Yao paused. “Seventeen jin left…”

 

“My master wants it all. Here are thirty-five taels of silver, and we’ll take the jar too!”

 

“This… this jar isn’t even worth a single tael of silver. Hey, young man, don’t be in such a rush.” Lu Yao couldn’t stop them as the wine jar was snatched away. He looked at the silver in his hand, unsure of what to say.

 

In the afternoon, several more customers came to buy wine, but unfortunately, only two jars had been brought today. Lu Yao told them to come back tomorrow.

 

One of them even left five taels of silver as a deposit, insisting that a jar be reserved for him the next day.

 

After closing the restaurant in the afternoon, Lu Yao placed the silver on the table.

 

Zhao Beichuan’s face lit up with excitement. “All the wine sold?”

 

Lu Yao nodded.

 

“With so much silver made, why do you still look unhappy?”

 

Lu Yao sighed. “I’m worried this wine will end up like the tofu back then—impossible to keep safe…”

 

When brewing the wine, Lu Yao hadn’t thought too far ahead. He simply aimed to make it taste as good as possible. After it was finished, they set a high price, thinking it would take at least a year or two to gain recognition. Who would’ve expected that within six or seven days, it would already be famous throughout the city?

 

Moreover, judging by the attire of the buyers today, none of them seemed to be ordinary people, which only deepened Lu Yao’s unease.

 

Back when their tofu was worth mere dozens of strings of cash, people were already envious. Now, with this liquor priced at two taels of silver per jin and still in short supply, it’s hard not to imagine someone coveting it.

 

A thousand jin of liquor means two thousand taels of silver—such a staggering amount is bound to attract attention.

 

Although on the surface they seemed to have the military camp and the Liang family as their backing, anyone who investigated would quickly realize that they had almost no real connection to the Liang family. If they faced serious trouble, the Liang family would certainly not intervene. That’s why Lu Yao was so worried.

 

They had already lost the tofu recipe once—were they going to lose the brewing recipe this time too?

 

Lu Yao said gravely, “This wine is the foundation for our restaurant’s future. No matter what, we can’t let it go this time!”