Chapter 84: Discussing Winemaking with the New County Magistrate

“Xiaosi has bought two farms and would like you to help keep an eye on things, as he’s worried the stewards might pay lip service but act otherwise in secret.

Each year, after the grain from the farms has been taxed, the distillery will take seventy percent, and you will receive thirty percent. Whether you eat the grain yourselves or sell it elsewhere is up to you.”

Uncle Li and Second Uncle Li’s families swallowed hard. How much grain would thirty percent of the post-tax harvest from a whole farm amount to?

Moreover, they wouldn’t even have to do much—just supervise. How was this any different from being handed grain for free?

Aunt Li managed to speak, “Da Ping, are you serious?”

Li Daping nodded firmly. “Xiaosi said if you’re willing, just put your fingerprint here.” He also mentioned that if they weren’t willing, he’d find someone else.

Li Daping left the rest unsaid. In his eyes, with terms like these, only a fool would refuse.

No, even a fool wouldn’t turn this down.

Aunt Li quickly said, “We agree, we agree.” To refuse would be downright foolish.

Uncle Li tugged his wife’s hand. “Da Ping, isn’t this too generous on Xiaosi’s part?”

Li Daping shook his head. “Big brother, don’t think that way. Xiaosi said we’re family, and he wants to give you priority because he trusts you more. He’ll feel much more at ease if it’s you. But if you’re unwilling, he’ll still offer similar terms to others.”

“He still needs to continue his studies. This time, he’s going to Mingyue Academy, which is far away, so he won’t have time to manage these affairs.”

Uncle Li and Second Uncle Li knew well that Xiaosi was intentionally helping them out. There was no way he’d offer such terms to outsiders.

Their hearts warmed at these words, a flush spreading across their faces.

“Alright, we’ll sign. We’ll definitely manage things well for Xiaosi!” Uncle Li declared.

Second Uncle Li nodded vigorously, remembering Xiaosi’s kindness.

Grandpa Li and Grandma Li nodded in contentment. All their lives, they had hoped for harmony and obedient children.

Xiaosi was the most accomplished in the family, yet he was willing to lift up the others. This made everyone hold Li Xu in even higher esteem.

Even if Xiaosi did nothing for them, they wouldn’t have complained.

A similar scene was unfolding in the Feng family.

Grandma Feng and Grandpa Feng praised Xiaosi’s filial piety.

Now, Second Aunt had come back. This time, no one had gone to fetch her—she had returned home sheepishly of her own accord.

She hadn’t brought anything back with her and stayed for a few days. When no one from the Feng family came to take her back, her family started treating her with indifference, and the village gossip about her grew.

Second Aunt grew afraid. If the Fengs didn’t want her, there would be no good days for her back at home.

She finally understood: her family had only treated her well when she brought things home. Without those things, her parents’ affection vanished; their kindness had never been real.

So, she returned to the Feng family on her own. At first, Grandma Feng refused, but after repeated promises that she’d never do such things again, Grandma Feng reluctantly let her in.

Before marriage, her family hadn’t treated her well, but she always harbored hope. After marrying, a few kind words from her parents were enough for her to fall under their spell and obey them.

After suffering a second time, Second Aunt finally understood. She decided to live well in the Feng family, giving up all hope for her own family.

If the Fengs ever did cast her out, her own family would never take her back.

Thinking of this, she even envied Li Zhengping—her family was so protective of her.

When Second Aunt heard that Grandpa and Grandma Feng would be managing a farm, she was even more glad she’d come back.

It was clear the Feng family’s days would only get better. She couldn’t afford to be muddleheaded again, not to be swayed by a few sweet words.

...

Meanwhile, Li Xu went to the county seat to see the magistrate. The current magistrate was not the same as before—this one was said to be appointed by the emperor himself.

Li Xu wasn’t sure if he was imagining things, but he felt this magistrate treated him with a certain deference.

The magistrate greeted him with a smile. “Scholar Li, what brings you here?”

Li Xu cupped his hands in greeting. “Greetings, Magistrate. I do have something to discuss with you.”

“Speak, Scholar Li.”

Li Xu handed over a sheet of paper, which the magistrate opened with curiosity.

As he read, the magistrate’s head jerked up in surprise. “Scholar Li, you know how to make wine?” The art of brewing was typically passed down within families; outsiders rarely knew the craft.

Li Xu nodded slightly. “I came across the recipe by chance and have brewed on a small scale before. Magistrate, you’re welcome to try it.”

Li Xu produced a jug of wine, a product of his earlier experiments. Other than this jug, there was little left—just enough for his family and his master.

The magistrate poured himself a cup. The strength of the wine surpassed any he had tasted, its rich aroma lingering—truly distinctive.

If this could be produced on a large scale and promoted as a specialty of the county, it would undoubtedly generate a tremendous commercial tax!

He had only just taken office, and Li Xu had delivered an opportunity for political achievement right to his door!

His predecessor hadn’t had such luck, but for him, success was served up immediately. The previous magistrate had held gold but mistook it for rubble!

The magistrate’s smile grew even warmer as he lavished praise on Li Xu, his compliments flowing freely.

Li Xu smiled. “You flatter me, Magistrate. I’ll be relying on you regarding the distillery.”

“I’ll have it done for you by tomorrow!” The magistrate seemed even more eager than Li Xu.

In this dynasty, brewing wine for personal use was permitted, but selling it required official approval. Without the proper paperwork, selling home-brewed wine was illegal—your wine would be confiscated and you could be flogged or imprisoned.

With the magistrate’s promise, there would be no problems.

He made no other demands, knowing the wine tax was already high. If Li Xu truly brought in a large sum, his political achievements would be secured.

Moreover, the magistrate sensed that Li Xu was a man of great fortune; it was best not to make enemies, as his predecessor had learned.

...

Li Xu left the yamen and headed for the Qin residence.

Qin Ming was delighted to see him. “Brother Xu, what brings you here?”

“I’m looking for Uncle Qin.”

“My father?” Qin Ming looked puzzled. “You might have to wait a bit—he’s out.”

“Then I’ll talk to you first.” Li Xu handed over a prepared document.

“What’s this? A distillery? Brother Xu, are you giving me free silver?” Qin Ming glanced over it—it was an agreement for him to receive dividends, with nothing required on his part. Wasn’t this free money?

Though he’d never heard that Brother Xu could brew wine, when Brother Xu said something, there was never a problem. Qin Ming believed him without reservation.