Chapter 79: Old Man Liu Shows His Support

The five who had just entered followed the attendant toward the east, and only then did the rest in the main hall realize that there was more to the eastern wall than met the eye. The attendant lifted a concealed curtain near the corner; this door was well-hidden and would be almost impossible to find without guidance. Once the five guests had passed through, the attendant followed after them.

Some curious souls hurried over to the eastern windows and peered outside. They discovered a small rectangular courtyard with two trees and two flowerbeds, each planted with a variety of chrysanthemums in full bloom—vivid and beautiful in their season. Across the yard stood three doors in a row, each apparently leading to a separate private room. The party that had just crossed the courtyard was being led by the attendant into the leftmost chamber.

Once inside, the guests were taken aback; this room was quite unlike the private booths they were accustomed to in ordinary taverns and wine houses. It was modest in size, rectangular, with no tables or chairs—only a large wooden platform, one side pressed against the wall, with two low tables atop it.

The room’s furnishings were simple. There was a window facing the courtyard, beneath which sat a tall potted green plant on one side and a high table on the other, upon which stood an antique vase holding several vivid red camellia branches.

On the wall directly opposite the platform hung two or three small paintings, all depicting elegant ladies—some drinking and feasting, others reclining in drunken abandon among the flowers, their delicate and playful expressions too nuanced to be fully described.

Despite the simplicity of the décor, the room exuded a refined and tranquil atmosphere that lifted the spirits of all who entered. The attendant pushed the two small tables together atop the platform and arranged five cushions around them, cordially inviting the guests to take their seats. It was already October, with a chill in the air, so a thin mattress had been spread over the platform and thick cushions provided, ensuring that kneeling to sit was completely comfortable.

No sooner had they settled in than another attendant entered, bearing tea and dishes. With a smile, he said, “Gentlemen, please wait a moment; your food and wine will be served shortly.”

The man addressed as “Master” was none other than Liu Qin’s eldest brother, Liu Cheng, who had come today specifically to support his younger sister’s venture. In truth, their father had wished to come as well, but his presence would have been inappropriate, so Liu Cheng came to represent the family.

Liu Cheng nodded. As the attendant left to fetch the food, one of the guests smiled and said, “Brother Liu, how did you discover such an elegant place?”

Liu Cheng withdrew his gaze from around the room and replied, “I heard mention of it from someone at home and thought I’d come and try it out. We’ve sampled every wine house in Wucheng; whenever a new one appears, we must see it for ourselves.”

Another chimed in, “That’s true. The best wine houses in Wucheng still number only a handful—I’m honestly a bit bored of them all.”

The first speaker laughed heartily. “Brother Zhao, I think you’re not tired of the wine, but of the people you find there!”

Brother Zhao gave him a playful shove. “Nonsense! Though you and I are cut from the same cloth, living as if life itself were a dream, seeking pleasure in drunkenness, let’s not speak of such things before a gentleman like Brother Liu, lest we sully his ears.”

Liu Cheng took a sip of tea, put on a stern face, and said disdainfully, “Who doesn’t know of the mischief you two get up to? My ears have been tainted more times than I can count. Brother Ning, how many times has your father thrown you out this year?”

Everyone burst out laughing. The one called Brother Ning, who had spoken first, pulled a wry face and waved his hand. “Let’s not dwell on unhappy things—today we drink in celebration! I wonder what the wine here is like; I intend to drink my fill! Ah, what else can cure sorrow but fine wine?”

As they joked and chatted, the attendant returned, carrying a tray laden with cold and hot dishes, placing them on the table along with two jugs of wine. “Please enjoy,” he said before retreating quietly.

Liu Cheng poured wine for everyone, and with good wine and fine food before them, their spirits soared as they ate and drank with relish. Before long, exclamations such as “What excellent wine!” and “This braised dish is delicious!” could be heard from the room.

At one point, Brother Zhao, wiping his hands with a cloth, said with a smile, “I must say, the owner’s attention to detail is truly commendable. Even this small hand towel speaks of thoughtful care—no easy feat!”

Hearing his friends praise the place in unison filled Liu Cheng with joy for his little sister and, at the same time, a touch of wonder at her ingenuity.

He had gone to great lengths to support her, inviting not only close colleagues from his official circles but also some of Wucheng’s wealthiest and most influential young men. These were connoisseurs of fine food and drink, with discerning palates. If they approved, the establishment would easily gain a foothold and reputation throughout the city. But if not, at the very least, they’d be subjected to harsh criticism.

Liu Cheng was confident in the quality of the wine, having tasted the batch his sister had brought home. But wine alone was not enough; the atmosphere and setting mattered, especially for those born to wealth and privilege, who had seen and tasted the best of everything. Bringing them here, he had been anxious. But now, having witnessed the service and sampled the fare for himself, his worries melted away. He couldn’t help but marvel—his little sister was truly extraordinary.

In the central room, Liu Qin sneezed twice. Who could be thinking of her at this moment?

Changsheng, dressed in an attendant’s uniform, lifted the curtain and entered, leaning in to whisper to Liu Qin and Jiang Li, “Master has arrived. Changxing has led them in, and the food was just brought out. I personally went down to the cellar for the wine, as you instructed, and fetched the jar that Master Jiang has aged for several years.”

After much correction from Liu Qin, Changsheng and the others had finally grown accustomed to addressing Liu Qin as “Master,” and referring to themselves as “I” instead of using humble terms. It was a small change, but it warmed their hearts, making them feel respected.

“How are things outside?” Jiang Li asked.

Changsheng turned to Jiang Li, unable to suppress a smile. “Every seat is taken, and quite a few people are standing around, unwilling to leave—they’re all waiting for a table.”

Despite having anticipated such a turnout, Liu Qin still asked anxiously, “Are you managing all right?”

“We’re doing fine, Master. I really admire your foresight. If it weren’t for that training you organized, we’d be in chaos today. But now, those young ones are handling everything smoothly, even better than Changxing and me. I’ll head back out. If Master Mu or the teacher need anything, just call for me.”

After greeting Master Mu and Teacher Zhou, who were drinking on the platform, Changsheng went out again to help.

For today’s grand opening, Liu Qin had mobilized her entire circle, except for Cui Liu. At this moment, the only ones in the central private room were Liu Qin, Jiang Li, Xiao Wu, and the two teachers whom Liu Qin had specially invited to drink. Everyone else was busy outside. Chang’an and the other three had donned attendant uniforms to serve guests themselves, Fang Nuo was handling the accounts, and Cui Yu was in the kitchen helping with food preparation. Thanks to their efforts, the workload on the staff was greatly reduced. With so many hands, even the busiest scene could be managed with ease.