Jun Mo Xie took a slow sip from his cup, the rich liquid dancing across his tongue like a seasoned courtesan in silk robes.
It was smooth, seductive, and left a lasting impression.
"Mmm…" He let out a hum of satisfaction as he smacked his lips. "Now that's wine. Old Song, you sneaky vinegar merchant, you've finally brewed something worth remembering."
Old Song nearly tripped over his own feet from joy. "Master! I thank you for your kind words! This humble one owes it all to your sacred guidance. Without your secrets, I'd still be fermenting cabbage with hopes and prayers."
Jun Mo Xie chuckled, swirling the wine gently in his cup as it caught the glint of evening light.
"It's far better than last time, yes, but don't get arrogant," he warned, one eyebrow raised. "Your layering of flavor is still a bit immature. The essence of mountain spring water is wasted if you overheat the distillation process. Use two ounces less of white sandalwood. No rush."
Old Song fell to his knees, almost spilling the remaining wine on the tray. "Yes, Master! I shall etch your words into my bones!"
As if to celebrate the moment, Solitary Falcon and Feng Juanyun raised their cups high.
"To Wine Immortal Jun!" Feng Juanyun declared with a grin, clearly savoring the moment as much as the brew.
"To the man whose wine shames Heaven and revives the dead!" Solitary Falcon bellowed with mock reverence.
Jun Mo Xie gave them a sideways glance. "If you two sing my praises any louder, the Heavens might really send down a thunderbolt to silence you."
The room erupted in laughter.
Even Yang Mo, the pretty-faced boy, giggled quietly behind his sleeve. He glanced up at Jun Mo Xie, cheeks still rosy from earlier teasing but clearly enjoying the festive atmosphere.
As laughter continued and wine flowed freely like a spring in bloom, the room's energy shifted. Heavy boots echoed on the tavern floor—measured, unhurried steps that cut through the noise with the weight of purpose.
All heads turned.
Yang Huainong stood near the center of the tavern now. His hair was tied in a jade clasp, and his bearing though relaxed.
Jun Mo Xie raised a brow. "And here I thought I only invited drunkards and lunatics. To what do I owe the honor of this imperial visit?"
Huainong gave a polite, courtly smile and clasped his hands. "Can't a man seek good wine and better company?"
"Sure, you can," Mo Xie drawled. "And since you're here, take a seat before Old Song brings out your fancy goblet made of dragon bone and gold."
The prince chuckled and joined Mo Xie at his table, lifting a cup poured by Old Song himself. He took a sip and closed his eyes.
"This…" He murmured. "This is no longer wine. This is… artistry."
"Say that again and I might start charging your family by the word," Jun Mo Xie teased.
Huainong smirked. "Then I'll get to the point."
He leaned in slightly, lowering his voice—but not so much that the nearby masters couldn't hear.
"I've thought more about what I said to you the last time. About the auction."
Mo Xie's playful demeanor didn't waver, but a gleam passed through his eyes. "You're referring to the idea of turning my wine into gold?"
"No," Huainong said slowly, "I'm referring to the idea of turning your name… into legacy."
A hush fell across the table.
Feng Juanyun raised an eyebrow. Solitary Falcon paused mid-sip.
Jun Mo Xie leaned back, arms folded behind his head. "Legacy, huh? Sounds like politics to me. You sure you're not here on behalf of your brother, His High-and-Mighty Crown Prince?"
Huainong shook his head slowly. "Quite the opposite."
That earned a sharper look from Mo Xie.
"You see," The prince said, swirling his wine thoughtfully, "everyone knows my elder brother—Yang Huaiyu—is the perfect heir. Born with a blade in his hand and a scroll in his other hand. Tactical, brilliant, and terrifyingly efficient."
He looked into his cup.
"...So brilliant, in fact, that I gave up competing with him years ago. I had no desire to crawl on broken glass for the sake of a throne I would never reach."
Jun Mo Xie watched silently, the humor fading from his features.
"But things change, Mo Xie. I have children now. And I've seen what happens to the branches of the royal tree when a new king ascends. Nephews become rivals. Cousins become corpses."
A flicker of tension settled in the air.
"I don't need the throne," Huainong continued. "But I do need to secure a future. And if the Crown Prince dies unexpectedly—or if his sons fight amongst themselves… the Empire could crack like old porcelain."
Jun Mo Xie finally sat up, resting an elbow on the table. "So what you're really telling me… is that you've entered the game."
Huainong looked him in the eye. "Reluctantly. But yes."
"And you want my wine," Mo Xie said slowly. "To buy the hearts of nobles. To cement your influence. To become relevant again."
"I want your wine," Huainong agreed. "Because your wine is no longer just wine. It's art. It's prestige. Its status."
He placed a golden contract scroll on the table with a thud.
"I'll pay you three million silver taels for a 15% share in the distribution rights."
The air grew still.
Even Old Song nearly dropped a wine cup.
Jun Mo Xie blinked once and then he burst out laughing.
"Three million silver taels?! I thought you were here to drink, not bankrupt your own treasury!"
Huainong didn't flinch. "It's not just about money, Jun Mo Xie. It's about alliance."
Jun Mo Xie's laughter died down, and he picked up the scroll, twirling it absently between two fingers.
"An alliance with you… It would mean standing against your brother and his sons. The golden prince and his golden future."
The prince gave a small, sad smile. "They already view me as obsolete. What difference would one rogue make?"
Jun Mo Xie's eyes narrowed. "You're not obsolete. You're just too clever to die for a seat that burns everyone who sits on it."
The prince met his gaze. "Then help me ensure my children live long enough to never want it."
There was a pause.
Finally, Jun Mo Xie leaned back and gave a long whistle. "You know… if you weren't royalty, I might've adopted you."
Huainong smiled faintly. "Then consider this the start of our adopted alliance."
--- ✦ ✦ ✦ ---
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