Chapter Eleven: The Revenge Begins

Seeing his own Erdao Spring completely overshadowed by an unknown wine, Zhao He, agitated, could not control his words. The moment the words left his mouth, he realized his mistake, but it was already too late.

The fine wine specially arranged by the county magistrate had just been dismissed as dregs from his lips—was this not a deliberate insult to their host?

The ninety-year-old matriarch, who usually enjoyed a personal drink at home, was just about to sip a cup of River Moon White when she heard Zhao He’s contradiction. Unhappily, she remarked, “How dampening to the mood.”

The county magistrate’s face darkened as well, but remembering Zhao He's past gestures of respect during festivals, he refrained from confronting him directly.

“Oh? Master Zhao, do you have something to say?” the magistrate asked.

Regaining his composure, Zhao He softened his tone and replied, “Sir, I’ve heard this so-called River Moon White is nothing more than an untraceable wild brew. Perhaps you’ve been misled by someone’s flattery into believing it’s a fine wine, but in my eyes, it’s hardly worthy of your esteemed table and may tarnish your reputation.”

With Zhao He's words, those guests who were about to taste the River Moon White paused, setting their cups down. All eyes turned to the county magistrate, awaiting his response.

Zhao He's claims weren’t entirely unfounded; rumors had circulated that this wine was the kind given freely at dawn to commoners and, being called wild brew, was not exactly a malicious slander.

Strangely, the wine seller never took money and vanished without a trace after gifting wine for three consecutive days, leaving those who had grown accustomed to it searching in vain for the stall.

Yet tonight, it was served at the county magistrate’s birthday banquet—how mysterious! The wine’s allure only grew, stirring curiosity and longing among the guests.

Jiang Chen smiled to himself. “The more curious you become about River Moon White, the less you’ll be able to resist trying it. All just as I calculated.”

Sure enough, a burly gentleman among the guests seized his cup and declared boldly, “Wild brew or not, if it tastes good, it’s good enough for me!”

“You’ll know if it’s fine wine only after trying it yourself. Besides, the county magistrate would never offer us poor wine.”

He drank it down in one gulp, then praised it in a booming voice, “Heavens, this wine is truly exquisite! The magistrate has never deceived me!”

With this response, the county magistrate’s displeasure vanished. He too drank his cup, proving through his action that River Moon White’s reputation was well deserved.

Zhao He’s face grew increasingly stiff as more and more people drank River Moon White before his eyes, each offering unanimous praise.

“Is this wine some celestial nectar? How can it be so delicious?”

“If this is what real fine wine tastes like, then what have I been drinking before—horse urine?”

One guest even pointed at Zhao He’s ashen face and said, “Master Zhao, it seems your Erdao Spring has been eclipsed. From now on, I’ll only drink River Moon White. Erdao Spring is only fit for marinating fish and vegetables!”

Laughter erupted around the table.

Although such words might be dismissed as drunken banter, how many truths are spoken in jest?

This banquet left Zhao He restless and unable to enjoy a single bite. When the feast ended, he stormed out of Drunken Immortal Tavern, fuming. He needed to come up with a plan quickly—he could not let River Moon White steal all the glory from Erdao Spring.

He had heard of River Moon White before but dismissed it as mere boasting among lowly commoners, never imagining it would one day threaten his core interests.

After tonight’s events, River Moon White would be the talk of the city. Zhao He felt an uneasy foreboding.

Erdao Spring from the Zhao family winery was his golden brand, his most lucrative source of income. But if it truly lost to River Moon White, the consequences would be dire.

“Hmph! And at this critical moment, those two wastrels have gone traveling. If Lin Qingxuan rises again, they’ll be the ones to suffer!”

While Zhao He fumed over his predicament, Lin Qingxuan rejoiced, drinking heartily and sweeping away the gloom of recent days.

“Jiang Chen, you’re truly resourceful. Ever since those scoundrels forcibly took our century egg congee and steamed buns, I haven’t been able to lift my head at home. But today, you’ve helped me vent my anger. Name your reward—whatever you want, I’ll make it happen!”

Seeing Lin Qingxuan so spirited, Jiang Chen did not let temporary victory cloud his judgment. He told Lin Qingxuan solemnly that the real battle was just beginning, and their plan for revenge had only taken its first step tonight.

The next day, the whole city was abuzz with talk of River Moon White, as if everyone had been bewitched by its aroma overnight.

Jiang Chen bought fine wine and meats, planning to celebrate at home with Wu Yue. Their wine, named for the two of them, was about to become famous, promising a bright future ahead.

“Yue’er, look what I bought!”

Returning home, Jiang Chen found Wu Yue absent, though she had agreed to wait for him. No matter—her family lived next door. After setting his things down, he went to look for her, only to see several shifty-eyed men loitering in the Wu family’s front courtyard, clearly up to no good.

“Hey, what are you doing here?” Jiang Chen approached and questioned them. The leader, a man with a scar on his right cheek, glared back menacingly.

“Kid, mind your own business. Do I owe you any answers?”

“This is my fiancée’s house. Don’t you think it concerns me?”

Jiang Chen stepped past them, blocking the Wu family’s door. The situation seemed unfavorable, yet he refused to yield an inch.

The Wu family was his own family—this would never change. Now that trouble had come, how could he stand by and do nothing?

“Brother Chen!” Suddenly, the door behind him opened, and Wu Yue ran out to his side.

“Yue’er, tell me—what’s going on?”

Seeing Wu Yue, the scar-faced man burst out laughing. “Well, little lady, you’ve finally come out. You should know hiding is useless. Just come with us quietly now!”

“What nonsense! Whoever dares harm Yue’er won’t leave this courtyard today!”

In his previous life, Jiang Chen had been an outstanding warrior. Now, a formidable aura erupted from him, forcing the intruders to retreat several steps in fear.