Chapter 28: Fine Wine in a Glazed Bottle

"Brother Chu, this way of eating is a first for me. Does it have a name?" Zhou Shicai asked, picking up a beef ball with his chopsticks.

"In our countryside, we call this a 'mixed stew' or 'hot pot.' It’s perfect for winter," Chu Chen replied.

The concept of hot pot did not exist in this world. After hearing this, Zhou Shicai concluded that the countryside must be a place where immortals reside, inaccessible to ordinary mortals.

"Hm, a bit bland. Needs some salt." With that, Chu Chen turned and went back to the kitchen, returning with a ceramic jar and sprinkling a handful of salt into the pot.

Zhou Heng’s eyes widened at the sight, and he immediately snatched the jar away. He exclaimed excitedly, "My second uncle told me about this, but I didn't believe him. Brother Chu, can you really produce as much of this refined salt as you want? What is the cost?"

Finally, the real topic had arrived. Chu Chen looked at Zhou Heng with a smile. *Good grief,* he thought, *your second uncle calls me 'Brother Chu,' and you call me 'Brother Chu' too—the seniority is all messed up.*

He replied, "Young Master Zhou, I cannot produce it in large quantities just yet, but in three months, I should be able to. As for the cost, it’s lower than you could possibly imagine."

"It is my impatience, Brother Chu. However, there are things you may not understand. The Great Xia Dynasty has been established for over a hundred years, and the salt trade has been monopolized for just as long. The people of Great Xia suffer greatly."

"So, you must help me this time. In return, I will split all profits with you fifty-fifty."

*Fifty-fifty?* We shall see about that later. Still, the production of salt shouldn't be difficult. During his recent trip to Qingyun City, he had specifically inquired about the price of salt. It was fifty wen for one tael of yellow, coarse salt, which ordinary families could barely afford. Most were forced to settle for foul-smelling, acidic "vinegar cloth" instead. The best refined salt on the market cost as much as five hundred wen per tael, and its quality didn't even come close to his. He guessed it was controlled by salt merchants like Zhou Shicai, who artificially inflated the prices.

In truth, Chu Chen had guessed wrong. Zhou Shicai was not a conventional salt merchant; at best, he was a middleman. He lacked the secret method of salt production. He acted as a merchant to purchase large quantities of coarse salt and redistribute it at fair or low prices, aiming to break the monopoly held by the powerful clans who possessed the secret of salt refinement. Controlling such an essential commodity was a powerful check on imperial authority.

In reality, Zhou Shicai was not just a wealthy merchant; he was the Second Prince of the Great Xia Dynasty, the Emperor's own brother. And the man before him, Zhou Heng, was the Eighth Prince.

The Eighth Prince had cared for the people since childhood and could not bear to see their suffering; he was a prince with an excellent reputation. Upon seeing Chu Chen's refined salt at his uncle’s residence and learning that someone else in Great Xia had discovered a method for salt production, he had impatiently insisted that his uncle bring him to meet Chu Chen.

"Brother Zhou, as I said, I will still be here in three months, and I will give you a satisfactory answer then." Chu Chen observed Zhou Heng’s eagerness and realized that salt was even more important than he had initially thought. Consequently, he couldn't agree too quickly.

Chu Chen had his own plans. If he were to live well in this ancient era, he needed his own territory, and Mashan Village was an ideal location. To have land and people, he needed money. Salt was indeed a great opportunity, and he intended to build it into a proper industry. Before that, he had to solve his housing situation, after which he would recruit men and expand his influence.

Seeing Chu Chen’s stance, Zhou Heng did not press him. "It seems I was too forward. After all, this salt-making method is likely your foundation; one cannot expect to reach a partnership with just a few words."

In fact, Zhou Heng had previously discussed with Zhou Shicai the idea of seizing Chu Chen to force the secret out of him. Zhou Shicai had rejected the notion without hesitation. *What a joke,* he thought. He had witnessed Chu Chen’s miraculous methods; trying to capture him was a death wish. Besides, if he refused to speak even under duress, the outcome would be even worse. Moreover, if the powerful clans got wind of it and recruited him first, it would be disastrous.

"Brother Zhou, you take it too seriously. You’ve seen my humble place; I need time to set up workshops and recruit personnel," Chu Chen told them.

"Enough, enough! The wine is open. Boss Zhou, Brother Zhou, and all you brave men—I, Chu Chen, thank you all for helping me out of this predicament today. Otherwise, I’d likely still be in a jail cell." With that, Chu Chen raised his glass to everyone.

They had only just begun to eat before Chu Chen brought out the salt, causing everyone to pause. Now, they were reminded of the fine wine. After Zhou Heng raised his glass, everyone followed suit and downed their drinks in one go.

"My word, Brother Chu, is this immortal nectar? I, Zhou Shicai, have traveled the world for half my life and have never tasted such fine wine." The fiery liquid burned as it went down his throat, into his stomach, and straight to his heart. The guards, all martial artists, were particularly fond of it. After the first cup, everyone began to feast with gusto.

Zhou Heng pretended not to notice; these men were his loyal followers, and he treated them with great leniency. While they were guards on the surface, he did not treat them as subordinates in private.

"Young Master Chu, this wine is excellent, but there’s a bit too little of it!" one guard shouted.

With five or six men sharing one bottle, it was indeed a bit scarce. Chu Chen turned and went to the kitchen, returning with two more bottles for their table. The guards thanked him profusely and continued drinking. It was obvious—if it could be stored in crystal bottles, it was far superior to any ordinary wine. They were eager for more.

Halfway through the meal, another guard arrived on horseback, whispered a few words to Zhou Heng, and walked toward the table. Zhou Heng then looked at Chu Chen and said, "Brother Chu, the trouble has been resolved. At the very least, no one in Qingyun City will bother you again. As for the Sanhe Gambling House, it has been shut down."

Without thinking, Chu Chen asked, "My thanks, Brother Zhou. You aren't just a simple salt merchant, are you?"

"Haha, nothing escapes you, Brother Chu. However, now is not the time to speak of it, as we have yet to form our partnership." Zhou Heng raised his glass, smiled at Chu Chen, and drained it.

Although he hadn't personally taken down the gambling house, having it resolved saved him a great deal of trouble. Now, he could focus on his own affairs in peace.

The meal lasted a full hour before everyone departed, satisfied.

"Brother Chu, it is getting late, and we must return to Qingyun City. I will be staying there for the next three months; if you have any trouble, come find me." With that, Zhou Heng left with his men.

Chu Chen generously gifted him a large ceramic jar of salt and four bottles of wine as payment for their help that day. After they left, Chu Chen looked at the remaining wine and thought: *Perhaps brewing is a good path forward as well.*

Though his inventory held many supplies, they would eventually run out. As for things like glass, they would only make money at first; once the market was saturated, they would lose their value.