Chapter 083 – The Wedding Banquet - Part 1
While Li Yuan slept peacefully at the tavern with Xue Ning, Zhu Tongji, the owner of Cicada's Cuisine, sat elsewhere with a deep frown. In the glow of an oil lamp, the silver wine flask on the table cast a soft shadow. Three jade cups were set out; two for men, one for a woman.
The woman rested her delicate fingertips on one of the cups, gently swishing the liquor so that its pale sheen slid around the inner walls. She lifted the cup to her nose, took a tentative sniff, and murmured, “How strong!”
Zhu Tongji said, “Have a taste.”
The woman then brought the cup to her lips. Inhaling again, she took a slow sip and closed her eyes. After a moment of silent savoring, she opened them and gave her verdict. “It’s not that the flavor is extraordinary, but it’s potent and very smooth. That’s more than enough to make it sell like crazy.”
She swirled what remained in her cup. “They must have discovered a new brewing technique. This Snowbrew they’re selling is probably just an early prototype. I’m sure they’ll come out with something even better.”
Zhu Tongji sighed heavily, his tone edged with resentment. “Shame it’s not our Cicada's Cuisine producing it.”
The woman was Cicada's Cuisine’s head brewer; the two men in the room with her were a steward and the head of security.
Earlier that day, as soon as the Ginger Tavern began selling this new liquor, Zhu Tongji had someone buy a jug so he could sample it himself. He’d been in a gloomy mood ever since, so by nightfall, he summoned his three most trusted people to discuss what to do.
The steward hesitated before speaking. “Sir, should we inform the Elder? After all, the Ginger Tavern is owned by Young Master Li. He’s basically in charge of Silver Creek these days, definitely not someone to cross lightly.”
The head of security gave a sneering laugh, baring his teeth as his eyes flashed dangerously. “Why not wait for a dark, windy night and just burn down that distillery? No one will ever know it was us, and problem solved.”