Chapter Thirty-Seven: Settling the Heart (Part Two)

The old patriarch listened quietly as the elders discussed, a faint smile slowly spreading across his face. Pressing his hands down gently, he began to speak in a measured tone, "I imagine everyone is quite curious about the origins of this wine, but that is not the main point. The real question is: if we acquire the method of brewing it, what should our next steps be?"

Yun Feiying coughed lightly and stood up. "Patriarch, I suppose you already possess the formula. Now, we must consider where to brew it, where to sell it, and how to sell it. This is a matter of great consequence; we cannot afford any leaks. Otherwise, the Yun clan would not be able to bear the consequences."

"The First Elder speaks wisely. That is precisely why I have gathered everyone here today—to draw on our collective wisdom and settle this matter well."

Yun Feiying said, "Are the brewing materials rare? What ingredients are needed? This will affect our choice of location. The wine is so potent that its aroma is bound to drift for miles during the brewing process. We ought to choose a desolate, uninhabited place."

"The main ingredient is grain, just like ordinary brewing. I propose the summit of Weishan. What do you all think?" The old patriarch looked at the assembled elders.

"Transport might be difficult at the summit," Yun Feihe shook his head. "The clan's spatial pouches are insufficient—only you and Qinghe possess them, and their capacity is small, less than ten units. If vast quantities of grain are needed, it would prove unfeasible."

The old patriarch's eyes flickered. "Ten units will suffice. One hundred pounds of grain yields twenty pounds of the wine we just tasted, plus several dozen pounds of lesser-quality wine. As for the spatial pouches, rest assured—I have an extra ten-unit pouch, which Yufeng acquired on his recent travels. That solves one problem."

"But we must proceed with utmost caution. One misstep and all is lost."

"Also, Yufeng has contributed greatly. Allow him to enter the Scripture Pavilion and choose two martial techniques freely. If all goes well, once Qinghe and the other three return, we will begin constructing the brewery. Go back and consider all necessary matters carefully; select direct descendants only, and be strict. They will manage the brewery in the future."

"Yes, Patriarch," everyone replied, already plotting whom to send. It was a coveted task, worthy of careful deliberation.

The next day, Yun Qinghe and the other three hurried back from various places. Upon learning of the matter, their eyes shone, especially Yun Qinghe, who was in charge of external affairs. He nearly drooled on the spot, so well did he understand its value.

Without regard for their exhaustion, he dragged his three cousins into the study to scheme.

Along the stone path, Yun Yufeng walked leisurely between the gardens, hands clasped behind his back. This time, he was headed to the forge to inspect the quality of the carbon used.

He knew the clan was struggling; otherwise, his father would not have been so overjoyed by two short swords. If only they could manufacture weapons in bulk. So Yun Yufeng devised a plan, though he would need the craftsmen's cooperation.

Passing through the gate, he saw Master He instructing his apprentices, gesturing energetically, spittle flying.

Yufeng smiled and called out, "Master He!"

"Ah, Young Master Yun, please, come this way. Bring tea," Master He said, heading toward the table and ordering an apprentice to serve Yufeng.

"Young Master Yun, what wind brought you here today? No wonder the magpies were chirping on the big tree outside this morning."

Yufeng laughed, "Master He, you do have a sense of humor."

"Not at all, Young Master. In fact, I was hoping to ask your advice."

"Master He, how long have you worked in the forge, and how do you feel about it?"

"To be honest, Young Master, I grew up here in the manor. My father spent his life forging weapons for the family. For us servants' descendants, what better prospects could there be? So I inherited his trade and stayed in the forge. You see that sturdy lad, twelve or thirteen—that’s my son. Doesn’t he resemble me?" Master He sighed with emotion.

Yufeng paused, surprised. "So… are most of the forge workers like this?"

"Mostly, yes. Many are father and son, passing down the craft for generations. Without talent, this is our only path. At least life is comfortable. Even with talent, we cannot afford the cost of becoming warriors."

"The clan will remember your contributions. One day, you will be proud to have stayed here." Yufeng found himself at a loss for words.

"Remember? After decades, we're nothing but dust, indistinguishable from others. I only wish my family well—what need is there for glory or honor?" Master He spoke quietly.

"Master He, I must disagree. A true man strives forward—not for himself, but for his wife, his children, and his descendants. Perhaps your son will have talent, or your grandson might be gifted."

Master He's gaze flickered, and he sighed. "Your words have opened my eyes, Young Master. If you ever need me, I will serve diligently."

Yufeng laughed, "Who says a burly, muscular man can't have a keen mind?"

Master He smiled wryly, "Who says youth must be ignorant? How do we know it's not our own dullness? Don’t underestimate the young and poor!"

"Someday I will call on you, Master He. Don’t refuse me then. For now, I have something to ask: do you know of a black mineral that can burn? I see you often smelt iron—could those containers be shaped differently?"

"You mean a refractory crucible? We have special clay here, which, when fired, withstands high temperatures. We use it for holding molten iron when repairing iron tools. Is the black mineral rock-like, with a strong smell of burning sulfur?"

"Yes, that’s exactly it. It's important—do you know where to find it?"

"It’s called blackstone. It’s hard to get, but possible to transport by caravan, though the route is long. It's considered useless—while it burns, the smell is intense, unsuitable for daily fires, and it leaves solid lumps after burning, so no one bothers with it."

"Well, as long as we have it, that's good news. You'll see, it's a valuable thing." Yufeng smiled slyly. "Alright, I’ll be off now."

"Safe travels, Young Master," Master He said, bowing slightly.

Leaving the forge, Yufeng headed to the patriarch’s residence. Entering, he found the old patriarch sitting serenely in a grand chair, sipping tea.

Seeing Yufeng, the old patriarch greeted him with a smile, "Yufeng, are you here to see your father?"

Yufeng curled his lip, "It’s more worthwhile to see you, Patriarch. The old man wants to hit me every time he sees me, and right now he has no mind for me anyway."

"Haha, tell me what’s on your mind." The old patriarch laughed heartily at Yufeng’s slight embarrassment.

"I need some blackstone, but the clan doesn’t have any. So I have to come to you, Patriarch, hoping you’ll help arrange for some to be collected."

"That’s not difficult. With my token, it can be done. But how much do you need?"

"For now, not much—a few hundred pounds will suffice. If all goes well, the quantity needed later will be much greater, but that will be your concern, not mine." Yufeng chuckled.

The old patriarch’s eyes sparkled. He sensed something was about to happen, something entirely unexpected. Looking at Yufeng’s youthful face, he felt a touch of nostalgia. "Yufeng, how did you come by these things, like the brewing method? After all, your reputation as a wastrel isn’t undeserved."

Yufeng hesitated slightly. "Could you allow me a little privacy, Patriarch? The more people who know, the less secure things will be. Please forgive me."

The old patriarch smiled bitterly and waved his hand. "The blackstone will arrive soon. If there’s nothing else, you may go."

Just then, Yun Qinghe entered from the side door to consult the patriarch. Hearing Yufeng’s bold words, he was furious. "You brat, how can you be so rude? Do you know who you’re talking to? That’s the patriarch. Apologize at once!"

The old patriarch waved his hand. "It’s fine. This child has earned the privilege. Qinghe, don’t blame him. In future, whatever he asks, you must grant it—do you understand?"

"But…" Qinghe began.

"Enough, I said it. The rule was set by your father. If you have a problem, take it up with him." The patriarch’s calm words carried unmistakable authority.

Hearing it was his father’s idea, Qinghe immediately backed down, sighing inwardly. The old really do get muddled with age; both his father and the patriarch seemed confused. If things went on like this, all his hard-earned wealth would be squandered in no time.

Yufeng, listening nearby, could barely contain his laughter. Qinghe’s eyes bulged with fury, but he dared not utter a word.

With the patriarch’s promise, Yufeng bowed slightly. "Patriarch, I have no other business, so I’ll take my leave." With that, he turned and left the hall.

Inside the hall, only Qinghe and the patriarch remained. Qinghe was full of doubts, wondering why his son was granted such privileges—a wastrel with so much influence?

"Patriarch, must you really grant that brat all his requests?"

"Don’t call him a brat. Yufeng knows what matters; he won’t act foolishly. He’s grown now. Do you think your father is senile? Or that I am?" The old patriarch gave Qinghe a stern look. Yufeng was so well-mannered, yet you raised him as a wastrel for years. If I were your father, you’d have driven me mad.

Hearing the patriarch mention his father again, Qinghe quickly wiped his forehead. "Patriarch, actually I came to report an important matter."

"Oh? Speak, I’m listening. If it’s trivial, you’ll regret it." With that, he produced a wine bottle, pouring a full glass, filling the hall with its aroma.

Qinghe swallowed, "We’ve discussed it. Tomorrow we’ll begin work. The direct descendants chosen by the elders will join us; the digging should be complete in two days. The first batch of wine will be auctioned in Yong’an City to build influence, and the tavern will be set up at Muzha Camp. All transport will be handled by the four of us, using spatial pouches."

"Good. Build a secret passage for the brewery. You dig it yourself; your father will show you the route. In future, you alone will use it—your three brothers need not know it exists."

"Understood, Patriarch."

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