Chapter 104

After the martial arts examination.

The court found out that the "chatting" incident was fabricated, and the Minister of Rites was treated lightly and remains in his current position.

Emperor Chongzhao only fined him three months' salary and ordered him to reflect on his mistakes and never have close private relationships with others during special periods in the future.

The third prince was given a warning and has been much more low-key in the court recently.

After the results of the martial arts examination came out, the results of the civil and military examinations were combined, and Xia Fuyang won the third place in the martial arts examination - but he was still a little bit worse in the civil examination.

The martial arts examination did not involve the excitement of a horse-riding parade through the streets. After a Qinglin Banquet, the selection process for official appointments or military service would begin.

Xia Fuyang's rank gave him a certain degree of freedom to join the army, and he chose Xianghe, a remote area in the south, to be a small garrison commander.

Just before his departure, Qu Dubian and Xi Zixing prepared a farewell banquet for him.

This time it was still in Ruyi Tower, in the private room where they often gathered.

However, the dishes were not from Ruyi Tower. Some of them were brought by Qu Dubian from his uncle Tingfeng, and some were prepared by Xi Zixing.

Qu Dubian also brought a pot of wine - he had promised Xia Fuyang that he would give him a pot of good wine.

The existing wine-making technology of the Great Zhou Dynasty remains at the "lees" stage. The grain distillation technology has not been developed. Without distillation, the lees will stop fermenting after fermentation reaches a certain level.

The highest alcohol content nowadays is only about 20 degrees.

The simulator gave him the blueprint of a wine retort, but didn't tell him what material it was made of. He studied several types before he felt that the wine distilled in a copper wine retort was the most aromatic.

Then he asked his uncle Xie Jingshan who worked in the Ministry of Industry to help him make a small copper wine steamer.

However, because the liquor was too strong after distillation, he divided it into two jars, aged them for two years, and only served one jar today.

He has never drunk strong alcohol because it would hurt his throat. He had to sing in his previous life and only liked to drink low-proof alcohol.

But Qu Dubian estimated that the alcohol content of the wine must be over 60 degrees.

Xia Fuyang couldn't wait to open it, and a strong aroma of wine spread out: "Wow, you filtered out the lees, it's all sake."

Xi Zixing sniffed it and said, "This wine smells so fragrant and strong."

After saying that, he glanced at Qu Watanabe.

Qu Dubian drank the warm water and pouted: "Don't be on guard against me, I don't drink, I only like sweet fruit wine."

Xia Fuyang laughed and said impatiently: "Let me try it."

He poured himself a glass of wine, and after a gulp, he felt a burning knife-like sensation sliding from his throat to his stomach, and his whole body became hot. He was refreshed: "That's really strong!"

"If this wine is delivered to the northern border, it will keep the soldiers warm during the cold winter months!"

Xi Zixing: "I'm afraid it's not easy to get."

"Well, the brewing process is more complicated, and the tools also need to be forged," Qu Watanabe said, "and if this wine is spread out, it will have a great impact on existing wine producers and wine shops. Even if we want to promote it, we have to plan it well."

When making wine, if the fermentation is not completed properly, drinking it can be fatal, so not every household can make and sell wine. You can brew some for yourself and let your family drink it, that's fine.

A winemaker is a family that is officially allowed by the Great Zhou Dynasty to make wine.

The survival and livelihood of the common people have to be carefully calculated, and a change or policy from the upper level may seem like insignificant grains of sand, but when it falls to the lower levels, it becomes a mountain for some people.

Xia Fuyang: "I didn't think that much."

Xi Zixing: "Xiao Qi is right. What are you going to do?"

Qu Watanabe: "We'll talk about it when the time comes."

If he dedicated it purely to Lao Deng, there was a high possibility that Lao Deng would not give him a penny, but just reward him with some gold and jewelry. Wouldn't he be at a great loss then?

"Drink first and try the food made by my uncle. It's very good!"

"Come, come, come."

After Xia Fuyang poured a glass for Xi Zixing, he was reluctant to give it to him and held the jar of wine next to him like a treasure.

Over the years, Xu Tingfeng's cooking skills have improved as much as his food presentation has deteriorated.

Fortunately, all three of them knew what to do and ate it with great relish.

Xia Fuyang said proudly: "Our uncle really loves me. He knew I was leaving and specially prepared a table of food."

Qu Watanabe: "Oh yes, he loves you."

Xi Zixing: "But then again, why did you choose to be a general in Xianghe?"

The Xiang River is about one hundred miles east of Zhennan Pass, which is also the border with Nanning. There are many floods and mosquitoes. Although the environment is good, it is quite difficult for the defenders.

Qu Dubian: "There are many generals at Zhennan Pass. He may not be able to make a name for himself if he goes there. There are also frictions at the Xianghe border and Nanning. It can train people and help them grow."

Xia Fuyang: "Well, in the army, you still have to rely on your military achievements and abilities to speak for yourself," he raised his eyebrows and said, "I went there as a seventh-rank lieutenant. If I were to go to another comfortable place, how could I be given such a high position?"

There are not many military officers who are promoted to the seventh rank right from the start.

"Hahaha, OK, let me toast to our Captain Zhiguo," Qu Duan raised his glass, "Come on, I hope you get promoted soon and become a great general guarding a place!"

Xi Zixing: "I hope that by the time I take the imperial examination, you will have become a general."

Xia Fuyang said without any modesty: "Definitely! Even earlier."

The three of them raised their glasses and drank.

A second later, Xi Zixing's tears quickly came out from the spicy wine and quickly appeared on his face. He kept stuffing food into his mouth.

Qu Dubian was drinking water and was enjoying watching the joke.

He said: "Near Xianghe River is the hometown of Concubine Zhou. I heard her say that the scenery of Xianghe River is beautiful, the people are simple and honest, and the mulberries are especially sweet. When you go there, you can try the mulberry wine."

Xia Fuyang: "If it tastes good, I'll send you some."

Qu Watanabe joked, "Send more so I can share them out as favors."

The day arrived when Xia Fuyang was leaving Beijing.

Wang prepared a big bag for him.

Accompanying them were classmates who were going to the south to join the army.

Wang: "It's a long journey, and you may not be home for two or three years. My son, please be careful."

Xia Fuyang: "Don't worry, mother."

Wang sighed and said softly, "In fact, it would be best for you to go to the Northern Frontier. Your father will take care of you and save you a lot of suffering."

Xia Fuyang said seriously: "I have made a choice in my heart. My father and I may not go the same way in the future."

His strength lies in his own hard-earned military achievements. He must grow up before he is qualified enough to gain a foothold in the power field of the capital.

Even if the Seventh Prince has no intention of competing for the throne in the future, he can still help as a friend.

Wang nodded: "In that case, mother will not say anything more from now on. I just hope you can put on more clothes when you are cold and have more food when you are hungry."

Xia Fuyang: "My son knows."

The flying hairs are all far away, so let’s just drink up the cup in our hands.

He bid farewell to his mother, mounted his horse, carried his bag and never looked back, firmly heading for the road he had chosen.

-

Qu Dubian and Xu Tingfeng finished the discussion.

That afternoon, he opened the second jar of wine and went to see Emperor Chongzhao.

"Father, please try it."

Emperor Chongzhao took a sip and was stimulated. The lingering sleepiness disappeared. "This wine?"

Qu Watanabe said proudly: "Someone honored me."

Emperor Chongzhao said with a smile: "Respect you?"

Qu Dubian: "Yes, I often go to Ruyi Tower and visit bookstores. The owner of a bookstore gave me a jar of wine, saying it was good stuff. If I can't drink it, I can give it to my family."

He leaned over and said, "I know he is trying to curry favor with me and get me to buy more of his books."

Emperor Chongzhao pondered for a moment.

I guess someone recognized Xiao Qi's identity and wanted to use Xiao Qi to offer him wine. The little bastard was used by others and thought that others were honoring him.

But this wine is excellent.

His eyes sparkled.

Control is needed within the territory of Da Zhou, and the livelihoods of winemakers and distilleries must always be considered, but dumping products at high prices to Nanning and northern Xinjiang and destroying their domestic ecology will have nothing to do with Da Zhou.

"Which bookstore owner?"

Qu Duanbian pondered, "What's it called..."

Emperor Chongzhao: “…”

"Don't you know that you buy storybooks every day?"

Qu Watanabe: "I'm reading a storybook, so it's enough to know the location. It takes a lot of effort to remember the name of the bookstore."

Emperor Chongzhao felt a lump in his heart and could only wait patiently for him to think.

After Qu Dubian finished two bowls of rice, he pushed the limit of Emperor Chongzhao's patience and said, "Oh! The boss's surname is Xue. I don't know his specific name, but he is the one who invented the method of brewing wine. If you still want to drink it, you can buy it from him."

Emperor Chongzhao immediately called people from the Ministry of Revenue.

Qu Dubian did not get involved in what happened afterwards. He reduced his presence and went to eat nearby with his small bowl. After all, professional matters should be handled by professionals.

He handed over the wine steamer and the system-optimized distillation drawings to his uncle. With his uncle's brain guiding him, Uncle Le Tian would not suffer any loss.

But you may be assigned to work abroad. It doesn't matter if it's a bit hard, but the money you make is not bad.

Three days later.

Xue Letian negotiated with the Ministry of Revenue and named the distilled grain liquor Zhenbao Liquor. He also obtained the exclusive royal agent status of Zhenbao Liquor, was responsible for sales, and shared the profits 3:7 with the Ministry of Revenue.

Xue Le added three, and the Ministry of Revenue seven.

Even Xue Letian has to pay taxes on the 30% he earns.

He was so angry that he cursed: "You don't know, that bastard Lin in the Ministry of Revenue is so stingy. I don't know how others do business with him. He is so shameless!"

Xu Tingfeng was not surprised by this result, as it was within their acceptable range.

"We were able to negotiate more than 20% thanks to their investigation of your background. Zheng Yushi of the Censorate is your relative. With this official background, they didn't swallow you up directly."

None of the people in the Ministry of Revenue, led by Minister Lin, are easy to deal with.

But if you want to make some money, you have to cooperate with the court. Otherwise, if you sell it privately, the court will issue a ban, seize the drawings and technology, and you won’t get a penny.

Now, with the endorsement of the Great Zhou, Zhenbao Liquor is almost in a monopoly state. If someone tries to produce it privately, the authorities will step in to stop it without waiting for them to take action.

Xue Letian: "Hey, I know. After a while, I have to go to Baojiangfang again. I can't rest."

Xu Tingfeng waved at him and lowered his voice.

"How much iron did you buy with the money you circulated?"

Xue Letian's expression was slightly serious, "Not much at the moment."

Xu Tingfeng: "I'll buy some more when I have more money."

Xue Letian: “Yeah.”

Xu Tingfeng leaned back in the wheelchair, and he felt vaguely aware of his legs. After resuming his practice and starting over, the longer he practiced, the more obvious the effect became.

The internal energy skills given by his nephew gave him hope of standing up again.