The Magistrate's Shock

Magistrate Wen seemed to be thinking about something, and then said: "Perhaps it's hard to say for this reason. The matter has been resolved. Today I specially brought some good wine to treat the old man for a drink, and I also wish Young Master Xu to get a good score in the exam this time."

Wen Yuan handed out small bottles of well-packaged wine to his father, Grandpa, and Big Uncle Xu.

Grandpa looked at the red wine in his cup, smelling its familiar scent, and wasn't sure what to say. Big Uncle Xu was also taken by surprise.

Magistrate Wen smiled and said: "Maybe the old man doesn't know why this wine is red? I heard that this wine is made from grapes. It's hard to find a bottle in Beijing. Everyone is chasing after it. I spent a lot of effort to get such a small bottle. It's very precious!"

Uncle Xu couldn't hold it in any longer and said: "There should be two more flavors, right?"

Magistrate Wen was surprised and asked: "How did you know there are two different flavors? This wine is only sold in the capital, but those two flavors are more suitable for women. I heard that even the Queen and Concubines in the palace drink some every day, saying that it can beautify the skin. It's a pity that I only got this small bottle, and I spent a lot of my private money!"

Wen Yuan smiled: "Father, were you hiding money from Mother again?"

Magistrate Wen secretly cursed himself for being quick-witted. His son was really a fool to say that in front of so many people, so he perfunctorily said: "No, it's the salary I saved. I won't say more. Come on, come on, old man, have a drink and try it."

The old man also raised his glass and tasted it. Hmm, it was still the familiar recipe and the familiar taste.

Magistrate Wen asked: "How do you think it tastes, old man? This wine has another name, called nectar and jade liquid, very delicious!"

The old man said: "Well, that's right! This wine should only be found in heaven, and it's rare to smell it in the world!"

Magistrate Wen laughed and said: "It seems that the old man knows a lot about wine. If this wine wasn't so limited, I would have drunk enough with you today!"

The old man said: "It's not difficult. Go to the backyard and bring a jar over."

"Yes, Father!"

Magistrate Wen said: "Old man, after drinking this nectar, you will find other wines tasteless."

The old man said: "Well, that's right, I think so too."

"Little sister, do you still remember me?" A pleasant and clear voice asked.

Qibao replied: "I remember, we met once at the entrance of Juxiang Pavilion, but you were wearing a veil at that time."

Wen Die smiled and said: "Well, I didn't expect that we are really destined to be together!"

Qibao nodded and smiled back.

Mrs. Zhang smiled and said: "Miss Wen, you are so beautiful."

Wen Die was a little shy and said: "Thank you for the compliment, Auntie."

At this time, Uncle Xu came in holding a jar of wine and said: "Father, I brought the wine."

The old man said: "Magistrate Wen, keep this small bottle for yourself and try my wine today."

Magistrate Wen asked: "How can this be possible? I am treating you to a meal today, how can I let the guests bring their own drinks?"

The old man replied: "It doesn't matter, it's all the same anyway!"

Still puzzled, Magistrate Wen heard the old man say: "Eldest, pour a cup for the prefectural magistrate."

"Yes!"

Because the jar's opening was wide and the cup small, fearing a direct pour would spill the contents, Big Uncle Xu had brought a special liquor ladle for serving.

As the red wine flowed into the cup, Magistrate Wen and his son Wen Yuan's jaws dropped in shock.

Magistrate Wen said: "Old man... How come your wine is red too? It looks just like this bottle of Imperial Jade Nectar I have."

Wen Yuan also knew that his father had spent a lot of money to get such a small bottle of wine, but the wine in such a large jar that the Xu family brought over could probably hold dozens of bottles. How much would that cost!

The old man said: "Yes! It's the same!"

Magistrate Wen thought that the color was the same, but the taste might be different, so he picked up the wine glass and took a sip without saying a word.

"Hmm? The taste is exactly the same! Old man, did you buy this jar in the capital as well? How much did it cost?" Magistrate Wen was becoming more and more shocked.

The old man said: "It's free, you can drink as much as you want today!"

"What?! Free?" Magistrate Wen's eyes widened.

The old man said: "This wine belongs to me, why should I charge for it?"

Magistrate Wen stood up and said: "Old man, you can't say that. Do you know who has this Imperial Jade Nectar in the capital?"

"I do." The old man replied: "That's someone I know in the capital."

Magistrate Wen swallowed hard and asked: "Is his last name Su?"

The old man was surprised and said: "Magistrate Wen also knows him? His surname is indeed Su."

Magistrate Wen sighed: "So that's how it is! Old man is so lucky! The Su family is a big tree!"

The old man asked doubtfully: "Is the Su family very powerful in the capital?"

Magistrate Wen asked in confusion: "Old man, you don't know?"

Magistrate Wen said: "Since he didn't reveal his identity, I, a small Magistrate, dare not say much, but old man, you just need to know that few people in the capital dare to mess with the Su family!"

I see." The old man said: "I should've realized that. If this wine is so valuable, of course people would try to get it for themselves."

Magistrate Wen looked at the small bottle of wine he brought with him and said a little embarrassedly: "It turns out that this wine was brewed by the old man's family. Today I am showing off my skills in front of an expert."

The old man smiled and said: "You don't have to say that, sir. It's because you think highly of an old man like me. I'll buy you wine today!"

"Sounds great! I won't stand on ceremony then. But there's one more thing—I'd like to buy two bottles later for my wife to try. Is that okay with you?" Asked Magistrate Wen.

The old man smiled: "Just leave it for me. I'll give you two jugs when the time comes. And please, help look after Juxiang Pavilion from now on. It's my way of showing appreciation."

Magistrate Wen said: "You are too polite, old man. This wine is excellent—I love it! I'll definitely be coming around for a drink from time to time."

"I'm afraid that won't be possible." The old man replied: "To be honest, as soon as the Wenwu exams are over, we're leaving."

Magistrate Wen said with regret: "I see. But Qingyun City is not too far from Huamen Town. We can visit each other more often in the future."

"Come anytime you like." The old man reassured him. "We don't mind a bit of country hospitality. Just drop by whenever you feel like it."

Uncle Xu took the opportunity to promote it: "Our village is going to become a vacation spot soon. We'll have unique log cabins to stay in. People can bring their families for a short holiday. The scenery is beautiful, and we even have delicious crayfish to eat! There'll be fishing and fruit-picking, too."

Magistrate Wen was surprised: "A vacation spot? That's news to me! But what are these crayfish? I'm really curious now!"

The old man said: "Come anytime. Please help us spread the word. You won't be disappointed."

Magistrate Wen agreed: "Sure, no problem!"

Wen Yuan smiled: "I'll definitely bring friends along when the time comes!"

Wen Die looked at Qibao: "Sister Xu, what kind of fruits do you have at home? I love eating fruits, but the fruit season is so short that I can only eat the common ones."

Qibao replied: "The fruit in my family's orchard is different from what you find outside. Some fruits are available all year round, and they're really tasty."

Wen Die replied: "Really? I'll have to try them when the time comes!"