Chapter Five: Distilling Fine Spirits

In the days that followed, Liu Yao spent each day studying under Cai Yong. From time to time, he would recite a line of poetry, leaving the old scholar so astonished that he could only exclaim about this otherworldly prodigy. Or, he would defeat the old-fashioned master soundly at the chessboard, provoking him to loud protests and laughter. Thus, time slipped by quietly.

At last, on a certain night fifteen days later, the time specified on the blueprint had arrived. Liu Yao could hardly contain his excitement as he opened the large vat. The clear liquor within sparkled to the bottom, and its heady fragrance filled the air, making his mouth water uncontrollably.

Liu Yao picked up a copper ladle, scooped up a mouthful, and drank it down in one gulp.

“Pah! Ah, spicy, so spicy!” He spat it out at once, his tongue darting out to relieve the burning, tears streaming down his cheeks. What Liu Yao did not realize was that he was no longer an adult, capable of holding his liquor, but a mere child. A child’s palate is delicate and unaccustomed to the intensity of strong spirits.

Only after a long while did the burning in his mouth subside. With a wry smile, he muttered, “Why is it so spicy? I never remembered it being like this in my past life.” But his dismay quickly gave way to excitement. “But that’s just as it should be—if it’s spicy, it means the alcohol content is high. Which means my brewing is a complete success.”

He immediately divided the large vat of liquor into twenty prepared jars. After all the labor, Liu Yao felt tired and leapt onto his bed. “Tomorrow I’ll go to see Teacher and begin preparations,” he mumbled to himself before quickly drifting into sleep.

The next day, Liu Yao ordered two guards to carry ten jars of liquor as he set out to pay his respects to his imperial father.

The three of them arrived at the Southern Palace, and at once a eunuch went to announce their arrival to Emperor Ling of Han.

Inside the palace, Emperor Ling was indulging himself with several palace attendants when the eunuch interrupted. “Your Majesty, the Crown Prince seeks an audience.”

“Not now, not now—ah, my beauty, come—wait, who did you say?” The emperor paused, surprised.

“Your Majesty, it is the Crown Prince,” the eunuch whispered.

At this, Emperor Ling immediately collected himself. “Everyone, leave us.” He dismissed the attendants, leaving only Zhang Rang, one of the Ten Attendants. The emperor straightened his rumpled robes. “Let my son enter.”

With permission granted, Liu Yao entered the palace alone. “Your son pays his respects to Father,” he said.

“My son, what brings you here today?” Emperor Ling inquired.

“Father, I recently received some fine wine from my teacher and wished to present it to you,” Liu Yao replied with a smile.

“Oh? Fine wine! Where is it? Bring it here for me to taste.” At the mention of wine, Emperor Ling’s eyes shone with anticipation.

Liu Yao gestured, and the two guards brought in all the jars before withdrawing respectfully. Zhang Rang, ever diligent, opened one of the jars, and the rich aroma of wine wafted through the hall.

Emperor Ling inhaled greedily. “Ah! What a fine bouquet. Just the scent tells me this is exceptional wine. Hurry, let me taste it.” His impatience was obvious.

Zhang Rang ladled a measure into a goblet and presented it to him. “Your Majesty, please enjoy.”

Emperor Ling seized the goblet and drank it down in one swallow.

He immediately began to cough. “Are you all right, Your Majesty?” Zhang Rang asked anxiously.

Waving his hand, Emperor Ling reassured him, “I’m fine, just unprepared for such strength. This truly is fine wine—never have I tasted its equal.” He quickly poured himself another, this time sipping more cautiously.

“Excellent, excellent! But it is a bit little,” he said, eyeing the ten jars with some disappointment. Then, turning to Liu Yao, he asked, “My son, did all this wine come from Cai Bojie?”

“Yes, Father. It was all brewed by one of Teacher’s close friends, but the supply is limited,” Liu Yao answered.

“Limited, is it? Then I won’t be able to enjoy such wine every day,” Emperor Ling said, his expression souring.

Liu Yao’s eyes flashed with calculation. “Father, I wish to leave the palace and stay at my teacher’s residence for a time. While there, I can ask for more good wine for you.”

“Hahaha, worthy son! You have my permission. From now on, you need not request leave to go out,” Emperor Ling said, clearly pleased. “Still, though you’ll be in Luoyang, I’ll send some guards with you for protection.”

“That won’t be necessary, Father. Who in Luoyang would dare trouble your son? Besides, too many guards would disturb Teacher’s household,” Liu Yao protested.

“No, it’s decided. I won’t be at ease otherwise,” Emperor Ling replied sternly, but then he relented. “But you have a point—too many guards would indeed be inconvenient.”

After a moment’s thought, Emperor Ling turned to Zhang Rang. “Go and summon the Imperial Tutor.”

“At once, Your Majesty,” Zhang Rang replied, hurrying out.

“Imperial Tutor? Who could that be, to be appointed as such? Why don’t I remember anyone like that?” Liu Yao pondered.

After half a stick of incense, a middle-aged man of commanding presence entered—sword-browed, with bright eyes, a broad back, and a robust build. “Your humble subject, Wang Yue, pays his respects to Your Majesty.”

“It’s him!” Liu Yao’s heart skipped a beat. So, it was Emperor Ling’s swordsmanship instructor—no wonder he hadn’t recalled the title. Wang Yue, the renowned hero, who at eighteen rode alone into the Helan Mountains and returned with the Qiang chieftain’s head. It was said he was the only one who had ever bested Lü Bu in combat—though that was due to Lü Bu’s weakness on foot. Regardless, Wang Yue’s martial prowess was undeniable.

“Rise,” Emperor Ling said mildly, then turned to Liu Yao. “My son, this is my swordsmanship instructor, Wang Yue—courteous name Ziru. He is a master of the martial arts. With him to protect you, I shall have no worries.”

“Thank you, Father. But I have one more request,” Liu Yao replied.

“Speak freely.”

“I wish to learn martial arts from Master Wang.”

At this, Wang Yue studied Liu Yao with renewed interest.

Emperor Ling laughed. “So that’s all! Granted. Wang Yue, from now on you will remain with my son, instructing him in martial arts and ensuring his safety.”

“As you command.” Wang Yue responded, his eyes shining with excitement. Just a moment’s scrutiny had revealed that Liu Yao possessed an excellent physique for training—a rare talent indeed.

“Father, if there is nothing else, I shall take my leave,” Liu Yao said, bowing.

“Go, and remember to bring back more of that fine wine for me to taste,” Emperor Ling replied, waving his hand, his face still alight with greed.

After Liu Yao and Wang Yue had departed, Emperor Ling’s expression changed. “You may go as well, Father Rang. I wish to be alone.”

Zhang Rang, though puzzled, bowed quietly and withdrew, leaving only Emperor Ling in the Southern Palace, accompanied by a faint, almost inaudible sigh.

Meanwhile, Liu Yao found the sun high overhead. With imperial permission, he left the palace without hindrance, and a carriage awaited at the gate. He and Wang Yue climbed aboard, the coachman cracking his whip as they set off for Cai Yong’s residence. Naturally, the ten remaining jars of wine traveled with them.

Inside the carriage, Liu Yao turned to Wang Yue. “Master Wang, I will be relying on you from now on,” he said, offering a respectful salute.

“No need, Your Highness,” Wang Yue replied quickly, a little overwhelmed.

“There’s no need for modesty. Since you are to be my instructor, you fully deserve this courtesy,” Liu Yao said with a smile.

Wang Yue was deeply moved. He had never expected the imperial prince to be so humble and approachable.

“Master Wang, do you have any ambitions?” Liu Yao inquired, preparing to secure another ally.

“To be honest, Your Highness, I am thirty-five and have always longed for official rank. Yet I possess only martial skills—not enough for a civil post, and not quite suited for the battlefield either. Thus, I have achieved little in life,” Wang Yue replied, disappointment written on his face.

“Would you be willing to trust me?” Liu Yao asked earnestly.

Wang Yue could not say why, but in the presence of this child, he felt a natural sense of confidence. Gritting his teeth, he nodded. “I will.”

“Good! If you are willing to aid me, I promise you will have a place in the government in the future,” Liu Yao vowed.

Wang Yue stared at the enigmatic prince in shock, but then, without hesitation, clasped his hands and bowed deeply. “I pay my respects, my lord.”

“Excellent! But for now, there’s no need to call me lord. Address me as Crown Prince, and I shall call you Ziru—would that be agreeable?” Liu Yao said, his face alight with joy. Though Wang Yue might not be a general for the battlefield, he would make an excellent hand for covert affairs—someone indispensable for certain undertakings.

“Understood,” Wang Yue replied.