Chapter Twenty: Seizing the Wine

After half a day of diligent cultivation, Li Taiyi had already grasped the essence of the seventy-two steps of the Fiery Phoenix Capture technique, moving in tandem with Ye Sansi. When the two finished practicing, Liu Lingshuang approached, clapping her hands and saying, “Taiyi, you are truly modest, claiming your aptitude isn’t high, yet you mastered the seventy-two steps in just half a day.”

Taiyi replied, “Though these seventy-two steps are more refined and sophisticated than the thirty-six steps I learned before, having mastered the earlier set makes this one easier to acquire. With diligent practice, it’s not that difficult. The truly impressive one is Brother Sansi—when he demonstrated the steps for me, he slowed them down without losing their rhythm. That’s what is truly challenging.”

Ye Sansi scratched his head sheepishly, laughing, “It’s nothing, really. I’m so hungry—the sun is nearly down and I haven’t eaten yet.” Liu Lingshuang interjected, “It’s not time for dinner yet. Aren’t you going to learn my ‘Cosmic Lock’ technique?”

Sansi said, “I’ve studied the ‘Cosmic Lock’ several times, but I can’t grasp it as easily as the Fiery Phoenix Capture steps. Perhaps today isn’t the day for it. Teach me again sometime.”

Liu Lingshuang pouted angrily, “What do you mean you can’t learn it? With your talent, my technique should be easy for you. I think you just look down on me and don’t want to learn, isn’t that right?” Sansi hurriedly waved his hands, indicating it wasn’t as she imagined.

Li Taiyi explained, “Lingshuang, don’t be upset. I think Brother Sansi has a point. The Fiery Phoenix Capture is a martial art, while your Cosmic Lock is an immortal technique from Square Inch Immortal Island—they’re fundamentally different. Immortal techniques require not only mastering the movements but also the incantations and heart methods. They can’t be learned so easily.”

Liu Lingshuang nodded, “That’s true. I spent some time on Square Inch Immortal Island listening to the incantations and heart methods before I managed to grasp the basics. These techniques can’t be rushed. If you practice recklessly, you might suffer a dangerous backlash.”

Lin Nian’er ordered the servants to carry the qin into the room, then walked over to them and said, “I’ve arranged for the meal. The matter of martial arts can’t be hurried. The sun is setting, and tomorrow is the Wine Festival. Why not eat first and rest well tonight, then continue practicing tomorrow?”

Liu Lingshuang tapped her head and exclaimed, “Ah! Look at me, I forgot about tomorrow’s big event. Today ends here—let’s eat and recharge. Taiyi didn’t even say what his plan is—he’s really making us curious.”

Taiyi laughed, “Tomorrow you’ll find out.” Though he spoke lightly, his heart was uneasy and uncertain.

The four entered the dining hall, sat down, chatted a bit, and soon the dishes were served. Although the fare was similar each day, Sansi still devoured his meal, clearly enjoying the food.

The dishes were delicious, but everyone was uneasy about tomorrow’s Wine Festival and Taiyi’s mysterious plan. Lin Nian’er was especially worried—would the bandit problem in Qingyang City finally be resolved? She worried about her father, Lin Youzhi, who was deeply invested in this year’s festival. He believed that holding a successful festival would rid the city of its bandits, and tonight he hadn’t returned home.

Ultimately, the most anxious was Li Taiyi. He was preoccupied, his brow furrowed all night.

After dinner, conversation was sparse, and everyone returned to their rooms. Yet none slept immediately; they lay on their beds, lost in their own thoughts, taking a long time to find rest.

The next day, the Wine Festival began as scheduled. Qingyang City brimmed with excitement—the townspeople performed lion dances, and visitors from outside flocked in, marveling at the spectacle. Not only were outsiders amazed; even locals had never seen such a lively festival.

An elder stroked his beard and said, “In all these decades, the Wine Festival in Qingyang City was just a formality. How is it so grand this year?” A nearby man responded, “Father, stop worrying. Maybe it's because the Magistrate found a good son-in-law and is celebrating. He’s paying for everything—opera, acrobatics, even our lion dances, and he rewards us with silver. We’re just here to enjoy ourselves, hahaha!”

On the streets, gongs and drums sounded, and firecrackers occasionally exploded. The din woke Ye Sansi, who washed up and stepped outside, frowning, “The sky isn’t fully bright yet—why so noisy outside?”

As he pondered, Lingshuang skipped over in new clothes, her hair pinned up, looking radiant. Sansi grinned, “Lingshuang, you look beautiful today—almost like a different person.”

Liu Lingshuang replied proudly, “Of course! If I don’t dress up, I’m ordinary, but when I do, I become ‘One smile, a hundred charms arise; the palace beauties pale in comparison!’ Hehe.”

Lingshuang continued to bask in her vanity, but Sansi interrupted, “Lingshuang, why are you up so early?”

“Of course I had to get up early! You forgot? Today is the Wine Festival, and it concerns the bandit problem in Qingyang. Besides, Taiyi is keeping secrets. I was so curious last night I couldn’t sleep. Today, I must see what he’s really up to.”

“What secrets, what medicine in the gourd?” Sansi asked.

“Haha, Sansi, it’s not important, not important, hahaha.”

They walked to the main hall, where Lin Youzhi, Lin Nian’er, and Li Taiyi were sipping tea and chatting. Lingshuang and Sansi found seats. Lin Youzhi, seeing everyone was present, asked Li Taiyi, “Young hero Li, what is your clever plan? I still don’t understand. Can fine wine and gold really attract capable people to help me rid the city of bandits? If that’s your method, it won’t work—I’ve spent a fortune hiring heroes and immortals before, but none could defeat the bandits. Why should today be different?”

Li Taiyi rose and bowed, “Please rest assured, Magistrate. Trust Taiyi.”

“I trust you, but I don’t believe anyone else can eradicate the bandits.”

“Magistrate, rest assured. If today’s method fails, I will take the lead myself, risking life and limb to eliminate the bandits, with no thought for my own safety.”

“Young hero Li, you speak too seriously. I arranged this festival, spreading the word far and wide, and every detail matters greatly to me. I have concerns—if I speak out of turn, I hope you’ll forgive me.”

“Please, you are both the Magistrate and an elder. Even aside from official matters, Nian’er and I are friends. I must help you. If you keep praising me, it’s truly uncomfortable, hahaha.”

Lin Youzhi’s stern face finally relaxed into a smile, “Hahaha! With Nian’er traveling with you all, I am reassured. Young hero Li is so wise and courteous—please look after her in the future.”

Liu Lingshuang coughed, “Magistrate, why only Taiyi? What about me?” Ye Sansi chimed in, “Yes, Uncle Lin, there’s me too!”

Lin Youzhi was deeply pleased, genuinely happy that Nian’er had such devoted friends. Knowing she wouldn’t be bullied after he was gone, his worries eased, though he still felt reluctant and sad.

Taiyi asked, “Magistrate, when will the wine contest atop the high platform begin?”

“How about in an hour?”

“Agreed.”

After consulting Lin Youzhi, Li Taiyi, Liu Lingshuang, Ye Sansi, and Lin Nian’er left the Lin residence to attend to their tasks. Lin Nian’er and Liu Lingshuang went to purchase ingredients to host the winner of the wine contest, selecting the best produce—a job the servants couldn’t handle. Li Taiyi, meanwhile, went to buy several jars of fine wine.

Ye Sansi’s task was the most crucial: he supervised their shopping and sampled snacks in the market, buying some to serve the audience at the wine contest.

Sansi first accompanied Taiyi to the tavern, ordered several jars of wine, and asked the shopkeeper to deliver them to the Lin residence. Sansi asked, “Taiyi, what is this fragrant drink?”

Taiyi explained, “It’s called wine. Today’s contest atop the high platform is for this. But excessive drinking clouds judgment—if you can’t hold your liquor, don’t drink recklessly.”

Sansi laughed, “Haha, there’s such a thing in the world? I’d love to try it. As long as I don’t drink too much, right?”

Taiyi smiled, “That’s right. At noon, I’ll share a bowl with you.”

“Great! This wine smells rich—drinking it must be even more delightful. Just thinking about it excites me.”

Taiyi shook his head, smiling helplessly, and they headed to the market, where Sansi began selecting snacks.

“This one—this one—this one is delicious—wow, this one is the most delicious—this one is even better than the last!” After sampling ten stalls, Taiyi paid for ten sets of snacks and carried them with difficulty, running to Sansi and saying, “Brother Sansi, that’s enough. Look how deep this street is—if we keep going, I fear even the Magistrate’s wallet won’t survive!”

Sansi nodded, helped Taiyi carry a few bundles, and returned to the Lin residence. On the way, they encountered Lingshuang and Nian’er. Lingshuang had a candied fruit stick in each hand, skipping along. Taiyi asked, curious, “Lingshuang, Nian’er, where are your ingredients?”

Liu Lingshuang smiled, “I’m clever—I wouldn’t carry them myself! I bought the best ingredients in abundance, and when I mentioned the Lin residence, the sellers offered to deliver them. Plus, the Lin residence rewards them with silver. I helped those poor folks, so I’m doing good deeds.”

Taiyi nodded repeatedly, as if praising Lingshuang’s cleverness. Sansi approached her, “Lingshuang, what are those in your hands? They look delicious—let me try one, please?” With his hands full, he leaned forward with his mouth.

Liu Lingshuang quickly dodged, “Hey, hey, what are you doing? I’ve already licked both sticks. If you want one, buy it yourself elsewhere. Mine aren’t for sharing.”

Sansi appealed to Taiyi for help. Taiyi said, “These snacks are heavy—I must deliver them to the Lin residence.” He turned to Lin Nian’er, who laughed, “Young Master Ye, when we return, the wine contest will begin. Candied fruit isn’t rare—you’ll find it again, so there’s no rush.”

Ye Sansi scratched his head, a bit disappointed, but agreed—he looked just like a child.

At the gate of the Lin residence, Lin Youzhi was just coming out. Seeing the four, he said, “Perfect timing. I was about to head to the government office, where the high platform is ready. You can leave your things for the servants to deliver and come with me.”

The four arrived at the Magistrate’s office, where a towering platform had already been erected. Looking up, they saw a jar of wine placed at the top, surrounded by crowds of onlookers and challengers. Lin Youzhi pointed to the platform, “Young hero Li, is this up to your standard?”

Taiyi nodded, “With no footholds, the platform is difficult to scale, and with so many vying for the wine, no one is likely to reach the top. Magistrate, this platform is even better than I imagined.”

Lin Youzhi nodded in satisfaction, walked to the entrance, and signaled Chief Yuan to strike the gong. When the gong sounded, all eyes turned to Lin Youzhi. After a burst of firecrackers, Lin Youzhi addressed the crowd, “Today’s Wine Festival is livelier than ever. A few days ago, I held a contest for my daughter, seeking a worthy son-in-law. I didn’t want to host lavish banquets, so I decided to celebrate with the people. All spectators can enjoy snacks and fine wine, and those who participate in the wine contest—win or lose—will receive silver rewards. As for the victor, you already know: a hundred taels of gold and a jar of exquisite wine.”

With another sound of the gong, Lin Youzhi declared, “The wine contest atop the high platform begins now!”

No sooner had he finished than several contestants rushed forward, leaping onto the platform. Each appeared skilled in lightness techniques, but the platform was so tall that most were either dragged down or fell after reaching their limits—none made it to the top, let alone fought for the prize.

During the contest, one participant complained to Lin Youzhi, “Magistrate, you placed the wine so high, with no footholds. How are we supposed to compete? Perhaps you’re reluctant to part with a hundred taels of gold and did this on purpose?”

Others echoed his complaint.

Li Taiyi sneered, “Where do these failures come from? If you’re incapable, why attempt the contest? It's nothing but self-inflicted humiliation, and now you dare question the Magistrate’s arrangement? How bold.”

With that, Taiyi leapt lightly onto the platform, his feet barely touching as he reached the top, tapped the wine jar, and descended. The crowd applauded, giving him thumbs-up and whispering among themselves. The complainer was left speechless, bowed to Taiyi and said, “It was my fault—I apologize for offending you and the Magistrate.”

Taiyi waved his hand, indicating forgiveness, and then announced, “If there are no further objections, the wine contest atop the high platform will proceed.”