Chapter 118: The Old Man’s Token of Thanks

Jiang Chen’s brow furrowed slightly. From the woman’s description, it was clear that this group definitely did not belong to the Night Punishment Division. But if not them, which high-ranking officials or nobles would come looking for trouble at his doorstep? Judging by their demeanor, they were clearly here to cause trouble. Could it be that he had offended some powerful figure again?

The more Jiang Chen pondered, the stranger it seemed. He pressed the neighbor for more information and learned that when those men left, they had left a message to ask an old man living in the courtyard about their visit. Filled with a mixture of apprehension and curiosity, Jiang Chen hurried back to the courtyard where he had previously rented. Sure enough, the old man they had taken in was still living there.

However, when Jiang Chen inquired about the events of that morning, the old man evaded the question and instead answered, “This wine is heavenly nectar, enough to grant seven-tenths of a drunken bliss every day!”

“Hey, old sir, you smell of wine. Could it be that...” Jiang Chen stepped inside and found that the jar of Jiang Yue Bai he had brought with him was nearly drained. It turned out that during their absence, the old man had been sneaking sips of the wine every day. The more he drank, the more muddled he became, babbling nonsense and answering all questions with ignorance.

“Jiang, my young friend, why do you look so glum?”

Jiang Chen rolled his eyes at the old man and said, “Old sir, you really treat this place like your own home, without any courtesy toward me.”

“I had originally planned to save this wine for a celebration with everyone,” Jiang Chen added.

From the mountain town of Shanguan to Ziyang, then to Longjiang, and finally to the royal capital Jinyang, he had brought only this jar of Jiang Yue Bai. Unexpectedly, it had been wasted on this old man.

Yet Jiang Chen was not very upset. After all, the old man was a connoisseur, and seeing how enchanted he was, it seemed to be a recognition of Jiang Chen’s brewing craftsmanship.

“Jiang, my young friend, this wine is like celestial dew, a sweet rain that refreshes the heart. It’s not in vain that I’ve survived to this old age,” the old man suddenly subdued his eccentric temperament and grew solemn and reflective. Perhaps he was recalling some bygone years and the boundless glory he once enjoyed.

Jiang Chen sat down beside the old man and took a hearty drink from the wine vessel.

“Good wine deserves to be drunk with such abandon. Today, I’ll drink with you till we are satisfied!”

Jiang Chen laughed heartily, exuding a bold spirit. The old man, encouraged, raised his head clapping and cheering. As the wine took effect, the old man began to sing a rustic folk song from some unknown countryside, its melody gentle and playful, carrying a unique charm.

When the song ended, Jiang Chen remarked, “Old sir, you must be longing for home.”

“Yes,” the old man replied. “I can’t even remember how many seasons have passed. Whether the road home still looks as I remember, it’s so far away that I fear I’ll never return in my lifetime.”

The old man’s weathered face showed resignation and sorrow. Jiang Chen suddenly thought of the late Old Wu; there seemed to be much in common between them.

“Jiang, my young friend, thank you for drinking with me. This is my parting gift to you,” the old man said, pulling a scroll from his bosom. Its surface was yellowed and edges curled, and when Jiang Chen brought it closer to smell, an indescribable foul odor arose, reminiscent of months of unwashed body odor.

Jiang Chen paused. The smell was quite overpowering, and only then did he realize its source.

“Old sir, what is this? Surely it’s not some precious calligraphy or painting?” Jiang Chen joked half-seriously.

“Hmph, precious paintings? This is far more valuable than those. I’ve never seen anything like it, but its worth justifies your kindness to me these days. I have nothing else to my name, only this I have always been reluctant to part with,” the old man explained.

“This time, I’ll give it to you as a keepsake.”

Jiang Chen immediately asked, “Are you leaving?”

“I’ve been a burden here for too long. This old man can’t just cling on forever. This place is not my home,” the old man said, gazing into the distance toward the west, the direction of the setting sun. Perhaps his heart was forever tethered to a homeland in the west.

Jiang Chen felt a sudden pang of sadness but understood that everyone had their own path. There was no need to force the old man to stay. If fate allowed, they would meet again.

Even if not, today’s wine had brought the joy of life—what was there to regret?

Jiang Chen carefully stored the scroll and said to the old man, “Life is full of unexpected meetings. I won’t keep you, but whenever you long for my Jiang Yue Bai, you can come back for a drink anytime!”

“Hahaha, Jiang, after all these years, you’re the only one who understands me,” the old man chuckled.

He stroked his graying beard and declared, “Jiang Yue Bai... what a splendid name. I can’t recall any other famous wine that can compare!”

“One day, Jiang Yue Bai will be renowned across the land. Wherever it is found will naturally be your home, old sir.”

Jiang Chen spoke with great passion, expressing a desire that had long dwelled in his heart, a dream he never doubted he could fulfill.

The old man laughed heartily and, before departing, reminded Jiang Chen, “Jiang, those who came looking for you this morning are not ordinary folk. Perhaps they hold some value for you. I advise you to be cautious.”

After uttering these final words, the old man resumed singing the folk song. His stooped figure and hoarse voice gradually faded into the distance.

Jiang Chen pondered the old man’s warning. Those men were no ordinary people, perhaps their status was even higher than typical nobles? Usually, even wealthy merchants and aristocrats were just commoners with more wealth; strictly speaking, they still belonged to the mundane world.

The old man’s advice was meant as a kind reminder, and Jiang Chen took it to heart.

It was getting late, so Jiang Chen left the courtyard to return to the Yu family. Just as he stepped out, he ran into Shen Xueying from the Night Punishment Division. She wore a pleased expression, probably because the words of the Cat Shadow had worked in his favor.

“Our Cat Lady is straightforward and efficient. She agreed to help me not long ago, and now she’s got me out of a bind. I really owe her a meal!” Jiang Chen said.

Shen Xueying asked, “What, if you invite her, don’t you invite me too?”

“That depends on whether you let me finish what I need to do first,” Jiang Chen replied.

As expected, Shen Xueying had come to take Jiang Chen to the Shui Pavilion dungeon. She had finally agreed to his request.

“This man is called Liu Kui. He claims to be a tyrant ruling over villages around Longjiang City, but he has not committed any crimes of rebellion or attempts on officials’ lives. Beyond that, he refuses to say anything,” Jiang Chen explained.

Jiang Chen smiled, “This man is using a false identity. Even the name Liu Kui is fake.”