The residence that Cao Cao had arranged for Lin Yu was originally the backyard of the Prefect's Mansion.However,desiring to keep a low profile,Lin Yu courteously declined Cao Cao's kind offer.Eventually,Cao Cao purchased an ordinary civilian dwelling near the Prefect's Mansion,and Lin Yu moved in with pleasure.

Xun Yu,Guo Jia,and Xi Zhicai arrived at the entrance of Lin Yu's house and knocked.Soon,the door opened,and Zhao Yun regarded them with a puzzled look."Prefectural Magistrate Xun?"

"Hello,Brother Zilong.These two are my dear friends and also the Army Advisors and Libationers under our lord's command,Guo Jia,Feng Xiao,and Xi Zhicai,"Xun Yu greeted Zhao Yun with a warm smile."The three of us have come today to pay a visit to your eldest brother."

"To visit my eldest brother?"Zhao Yun hesitated briefly but then nodded."Please come in,sirs."

The three followed Zhao Yun into Lin Yu's residence.It was an unassuming civilian house.Besides a courtyard and a few chambers,there was only one backyard.

"My eldest brother is occupied with something in the backyard.I'll go and inform him at once,"Zhao Yun said.

Making something?The three exchanged surprised glances.

"Bang!"Just then,a muffled explosion-like sound emanated from the backyard.Immediately,a disheveled figure stumbled out.

"Elder Brother,what happened to you?"Zhao Yun rushed forward.

"Don't ask.It didn't turn out well,"Lin Yu said,vexed.Lately,having some free time,he had begun to experiment with winemaking.If he could produce white liquor,even if he were to leave Cao Cao's service in the future,he could live a carefree life as a prosperous merchant.

However,though he knew the winemaking process in theory,he had never actually attempted it himself.By chance,something had gone awry during the distillation,leaving him in this disarray.

While dusting off his clothes,Lin Yu's eyes landed on Xun Yu."Huh?Prefectural Magistrate Xun?"Observing Lin Yu with his tousled hair and dirt-smeared clothes,Guo Jia instinctively looked at Xi Zhicai.They exchanged a look,both feeling somewhat uncertain.Could this...be the mastermind?He hardly seemed the part!

Xun Yu cleared his throat and said with an awkward laugh,"Hello,sir.We three have come rather presumptuously today.We hope we're not intruding?"

"No,no.It's an honor to have the Prefectural Magistrate visit.My humble abode is truly graced!"Lin Yu feigned flattery,yet out of the corner of his eye,he noticed Guo Jia and Xi Zhicai intently observing him.His heart skipped a beat.What was going on?Why had Xun Yu and Guo Jia suddenly come to visit him?Could they have discovered something?

He forced himself to stay calm and led Xun Yu and the others into the hall to be seated.

"I wonder what brings the Prefectural Magistrate and the two sirs here?"Lin Yu inquired with a smile,acting as if nothing were amiss.

"It was thanks to you that Puyang City was successfully defended a few days ago.We're here today to express our gratitude,"Xi Zhicai said suddenly.

"Huh?What do you mean,sir?"Lin Yu looked at him with a perplexed expression."The defense of Puyang City was due to my second brother,the Prefectural Magistrate,and all the soldiers.What has it to do with me?"

Under the scrutiny of Xun Yu and the others,Lin Yu appeared bewildered,as if he couldn't fathom Xi Zhicai's words.

Strange.Could it really not be him?The three couldn't help but have doubts.

Guo Jia thought for a moment and then said with a chuckle,"I heard some noise from the backyard just now.I'm curious as to what you were doing,sir?"

"To be honest,I was researching winemaking,"Lin Yu replied with a smile.

"Winemaking?"

"Yes.I'm a timid sort and have little interest in war and conflict.So I'm looking forward to the day when I can leave the army and make a living by selling wine."

Xun Yu frowned,clearly displeased."A man should aspire to bring peace to the world and provide stability for the people.How can he become a merchant who chases only profit?"

"Prefectural Magistrate,you don't understand.My greatest dream is to be a wealthy man with vast fertile land.On ordinary days,I'm an ignoramus who leads a group of servants to harass innocent girls on the street!"Lin Yu retorted nonchalantly.

"Shameless!Those with different outlooks need not seek common ground!"Xun Yu angrily rose,flinging his sleeve,and prepared to leave.Seeing this,Guo Jia and Xi Zhicai had no choice but to apologize and reluctantly bowed and departed.

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Watching the backs of the three as they left,Lin Yu heaved a long sigh of relief.His heart was racing with a thousand thoughts!He had hidden himself so well,yet he had almost been exposed by Xun Yu,Guo Jia,and Xi Zhicai.It seemed he had underestimated the wisdom of these ancient minds!Fortunately,it appeared that his Oscar-worthy acting skills had managed to deceive them.

Outside Lin Yu's house.

"Brother Wenruo!Brother Wenruo!"Guo Jia and Xi Zhicai caught up with Xun Yu,jogging."How could someone like him be the mastermind?"Xun Yu fumed.

"It seems our speculation was wrong,"Xi Zhicai shook his head.In their view,any person of noble aspiration,in the face of this chaotic world,would have the desire to serve a worthy lord and bring order.That hidden mastermind would be no exception.But Lin Yu's aspiration was to be a merchant!In this era,agriculture was prized and commerce was repressed.Among the four classes of scholars,farmers,artisans,and merchants,merchants had the lowest status.This was why Xun Yu and Xi Zhicai believed Lin Yu couldn't be the mastermind.

Guo Jia felt something was amiss,but he remained silent.He simply nodded and said,"Alright,we'll continue our search later."

...

After successfully bluffing his way through,Lin Yu returned to the backyard and resumed his winemaking efforts.After several more failures,he finally managed to brew white liquor.

"Come,Zilong.Have a taste first,"Lin Yu beckoned to Zhao Yun.Zhao Yun took the wine glass gingerly and sipped.Then he said slowly,"This wine is good,but it's far inferior to the Feitian Moutai that Elder Brother brought out last time."

Lin Yu couldn't help but roll his eyes.Of course.Feitian Moutai was one of the finest white liquors in later-generation China.How could the liquor from his small workshop compare?

Lin Yu also took a glass and sipped.The taste was good.Although it couldn't rival Feitian Moutai,it was far superior to all the wines in the Eastern Han Dynasty.With this wine,Lin Yu was confident he could make a fortune in this era.

"Elder Brother,since you plan to sell this wine,should you give it a name?"Zhao Yun asked.

"You're right!"Lin Yu said without hesitation."Let's name it Moutai!"

...

Seeing that it was still early in the day,Lin Yu took a bottle of the freshly brewed Moutai and strolled to the Prefect's Mansion.After announcing his arrival,he entered the main hall and saw Cao Cao.

"Sir,what brings you here today so unexpectedly?"Cao Cao was delighted to see Lin Yu and quickly rose to welcome him.

"Cao Cao,I've brought you something,"Lin Yu said,holding out the bottle of Moutai."I've managed to brew some wine.I thought you might like to try it."

Cao Cao's eyes lit up with interest."You've brewed wine?I must taste it at once!"He took the bottle and poured a glass for himself,then raised it to his lips and took a sip.His eyes widened in surprise as the flavors exploded on his tongue.

"This is...extraordinary!"Cao Cao exclaimed."Lin Yu,you have outdone yourself.This wine is unlike any I have ever tasted.It is bold,yet smooth,with a depth of flavor that is truly remarkable."

Lin Yu smiled,pleased with Cao Cao's reaction."I'm glad you like it.I believe this wine could be a great addition to our stores,and perhaps even a valuable trade commodity."

Cao Cao nodded thoughtfully,already considering the potential of Lin Yu's Moutai."You may be onto something,Lin Yu.This could indeed be a valuable asset.I shall have to discuss this further with my advisors."

As they continued to discuss the prospects of Moutai and its potential impact on their domain,Lin Yu couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in his accomplishment.Not only had he successfully deceived Xun Yu,Guo Jia,and Xi Zhicai,but he had also created a wine that could very well revolutionize the drinking culture of the Eastern Han Dynasty.

"Lin Yu,"Cao Cao said,setting down his glass with a thoughtful expression,"this Moutai of yours,it is a marvel.I can see it becoming a symbol of our domain's prosperity and a testament to our ingenuity."

Lin Yu nodded,his eyes gleaming with anticipation."That is my hope,Cao Cao.I believe that Moutai could not only bring us wealth but also elevate our status among the other warlords."

Cao Cao leaned back in his chair,regarding Lin Yu with a newfound respect."You have shown great resourcefulness,Lin Yu.Not only are you a man of strategy,but you also possess the mind of an entrepreneur.I am fortunate to have you in my service."

Lin Yu bowed his head in acknowledgment."Thank you,Cao Cao.I am grateful for your support and trust.I assure you,this is just the beginning.I have plans to improve the brewing process and increase the production of Moutai."

Cao Cao's eyes sparkled with excitement at the prospect."Very well,Lin Yu.I give you my full support.Let us work together to make Moutai a symbol of our success and a beacon of our domain's prosperity."

With that,Lin Yu and Cao Cao spent the rest of the day discussing the logistics of producing Moutai on a larger scale and the potential markets for their new wine.They spoke of the future,where Moutai would be served in every noble household and become a symbol of wealth and refinement.

As the sun began to set,Lin Yu took his leave of Cao Cao,his heart filled with determination and hope.He had not only secured his place in Cao Cao's good graces but also laid the foundation for a new venture that could change the course of his life and the fate of the region.

Walking back to his residence,Lin Yu couldn't help but smile as he thought about the events of the day.He had faced suspicion and scrutiny,yet he had emerged unscathed,his secrets still safe.And with the support of Cao Cao,he was now poised to make a significant impact on the world around him.

As he entered his humble home,he was greeted by the familiar sight of Zhao Yun practicing his sword forms in the courtyard.Lin Yu paused for a moment to watch,a sense of contentment washing over him.Despite the intrigue and danger that lurked in the world,here in his home,he found a sanctuary of peace and purpose.

"Elder Brother,you're back,"Zhao Yun said,sheathing his sword and approaching Lin Yu with a respectful bow.

Lin Yu nodded,handing him the bottle of Moutai."Zilong,pour us both a drink.We have much to celebrate."

Zhao Yun's eyes lit up as he took the bottle,understanding the significance of the moment.They had overcome adversity and secured a promising future for themselves and their people.

As they raised their glasses under the starlit sky,Lin Yu knew that this was just the beginning.With Moutai as their anchor,they would navigate the tumultuous waters of the Three Kingdoms and carve out a legacy that would be remembered for ages to come.