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Chapter 40:The Fragrance of Nectar

Guo Jia let out a long,slow breath,and a glint of sharp intelligence flashed within his eyes."This military strategy...it is truly a masterpiece!"The contents inscribed within the booklet were distinct from any military stratagem of the current era.The novelty of its perspectives was sufficient to inaugurate a new school of thought,an astonishing feat indeed.Even Guo Jia,after perusing it,was left in awe and couldn't help but extol it with unrestrained praise.

"Yet,I wonder who the author of this military strategy might be?"Guo Jia regarded Cao Cao with a glimmer of anticipation in his eyes.

"Well...I am not entirely certain.It is said to be the work of a mastermind,passed down through the ages,"Cao Cao replied.Initially,he had considered brazenly claiming authorship,but upon second thought,he realized that the handwriting was not his own.Moreover,if Guo Jia were to question the contents,he would surely be exposed.

Guo Jia's brow furrowed slightly.He did not believe Cao Cao's words.In his view,this must surely be the creation of the mastermind behind Cao Cao.Damn it all.Before he could unmask that person,they had already produced this military treatise,a veritable scripture of war.Once again,he had been outdone!

Nevertheless,despite the reluctance gnawing at his heart,Guo Jia had to concede that the talent of this mysterious mastermind far surpassed his own.But he was not one to give up so easily.

With this thought,Guo Jia rallied his spirits and said in a solemn tone,"Lord,might I make a copy of this military strategy to study more thoroughly?"

"I was just about to suggest the same.Go back and have several copies made.I intend to have Yuan Rang,Miao Cai,and the others study it with great care as well,"Cao Cao said with a smile.This military strategy was replete with invaluable wisdom.If one could fully comprehend and assimilate the ideas within,it would undoubtedly enhance the odds of victory in war.

For this reason,after reading it,Cao Cao planned to have his generals pore over it."But,Feng Xiao,remember not to let this book circulate freely,"Cao Cao cautioned.

"I understand,my lord,"Guo Jia nodded gravely.Such an important military strategy could not be carelessly spread.Were it to fall into the hands of the enemy,it would spell disaster.

Guo Jia reverently placed the booklet within his robes and then bowed and took his leave.A faint smile tugged at the corners of Cao Cao's mouth,and his face was suffused with a look of pride.He had obtained this treasure-like military strategy at such a small cost.It was truly a bargain!

...

Half a month later.After meticulous preparations,Lin Yu's wine shop opened its doors for business!The storefront was situated on the busiest thoroughfare in Puyang County.

"Pop,pop,pop..."A volley of firecracker explosions rent the air.In this era,the common folk had few leisure pastimes.When they spied a new shop opening,they flocked around en masse.

"Nectar?So,it's a wine shop!""But didn't the Prefect prohibit winemaking?"The people murmured among themselves.

Some wine aficionados couldn't resist stepping forward and inquiring of the waiter stationed at the entrance,"Waiter,what manner of wine do you sell in your establishment?"

The waiter,having been trained by Lin Yu,smiled at the crowd and said,"We do not sell the kinds of wine you are accustomed to."

These words elicited looks of surprise from the onlookers."Then what kind of wine do you sell?""We sell the superior Moutai fine wine!"the waiter announced with pride.

"Moutai fine wine?""What sort of wine is that?""I've never heard of it."The people began to chatter animatedly,their curiosity piqued.

"To be honest,the recipe for Moutai fine wine was bestowed by an immortal.It has been passed down through the millennia until it reached our shopkeeper's hands!"As the waiter introduced Moutai fine wine,he picked up a wine jar and poured the liquid into a wine bowl for all to see.

Gazing at the Moutai fine wine in the bowl,the bystanders were astounded.The wines of this era were all cloudy.Never had they beheld such clear wine,as limpid as water.Especially the rich,sweet aroma of the wine made their mouths water uncontrollably.

"How much is this wine?"Some of the wine addicts couldn't help but ask.

"Our wine is rather costly.A jar of wine,which is approximately one jin,is priced at nearly one hundred coins!""Hiss..."At the waiter's words,the people gasped in unison.

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"Your Moutai fine wine is far too expensive!"In this era,one dou of fine wine,which amounts to twelve jin,costs only fifty coins.Yet,this single jar of Moutai dared to command a price of one hundred coins!

"You think it's pricey?I agree.But look around.Where else can you find a place selling wine these days?Our shop has received special permission from the Prefect,"the waiter said,raising his head with an air of pride.

However,despite his words,the people still hesitated as they eyed the fine wine in the bowl.After all,one hundred coins for a single jar of wine was no small sum.

Just then,a shout pierced the air."The Prefect is approaching.Make way!"The crowd parted like the sea,and a robust and imposing figure,accompanied by several burly men,emerged slowly.It was Cao Cao,Dian Wei,Xiahou Dun,and the others.

"Greetings,Prefect!"The onlookers saluted Cao Cao."Fellow citizens,there's no need for such formality.I've come today to sample the Moutai fine wine,"Cao Cao said with a smile,waving his hand as he made his way into the wine shop.

After they were seated,the waiter promptly brought several jars of Moutai and a few plates of side dishes."Come,all of you,taste this fine wine brewed by Mr.Lin Yu,"Cao Cao said,raising his glass with a smile and gesturing to Xiahou Dun and the others.

Everyone raised their glasses and downed the contents in one gulp.Watching Cao Cao and his companions in the wine shop already drinking with gusto,the onlookers outside could no longer hold back.Since even the Prefect praised this Moutai fine wine,it must be truly excellent.Moreover,with Cao Cao's recent ban on private winemaking,good wine had become a rare commodity.

Today,having chanced upon a place selling wine,how could they resist?With this thought,they all began to shout,"Give me a jar!""I want a jar,no,two jars!"The people surged forward in a frenzy to purchase Moutai.

...

At Xun Yu's residence,Guo Jia pushed open the door,accompanied by Xi Zhicai."Brother Wenruo!"they greeted.Xun Yu had been engrossed in reading something.At the sound of Guo Jia's voice,he looked up and smiled."Why have you two come here?"

"We just passed by the street and heard that Lin Yu's wine shop had opened.We thought to invite you to join us in the merriment,"Xi Zhicai said with a smile.At the mention of Lin Yu,Xun Yu's expression changed slightly,and he shook his head."I'm not inclined to go."

He prided himself on being a man of letters and disdained to mingle with merchants."Oh,really?"Guo Jia winked and said with a smile,"I heard they're selling fine wine there,and even the Lord has gone to show his support.Are you sure you don't want to go and see for yourself?"

Xun Yu was also a connoisseur of fine wine.It was a pity that due to Cao Cao's ban on wine,he had been deprived of it for quite some time.At the mention of fine wine,the longing in his stomach was instantly awakened.After a moment's hesitation,he finally succumbed to the temptation and nodded."Since you two have invited me,how could I refuse?Let's go."

The three of them exchanged glances and then burst into laughter.

As they made their way to the wine shop,the streets were abuzz with excitement.The news of the Moutai fine wine had spread like wildfire,and people from all walks of life were gathering to get a taste of the legendary immortal's wine.Upon entering the shop,they were greeted by the sight of Cao Cao and his generals,already deep in their cups,their faces flushed with the joy of the drink.

Xun Yu,Guo Jia,and Xi Zhicai joined the throng,each purchasing a jar of Moutai.They found a quiet corner and sat down,pouring the clear liquid into their cups.The first sip was a revelation.The wine was smooth,with a complexity of flavors that danced on the tongue,leaving the first sip was a revelation.The wine was smooth,with a complexity of flavors that danced on the tongue,leaving a warm glow that spread through their bodies.Xun Yu,who had always considered himself a discerning drinker,was taken aback by the quality of the Moutai.

"This is...extraordinary,"Xun Yu admitted,his initial disdain for the merchant's wine shop melting away in the face of such a delightful libation.

Guo Jia nodded in agreement,his eyes sparkling with appreciation."I've never tasted anything like it.It's as if each sip tells a story,rich with history and craftsmanship."

Xi Zhicai,who had been more reserved,also found himself won over by the Moutai."It's a shame that such a fine wine comes from a merchant's hand.Still,one cannot deny its excellence."

As they sipped their wine,they couldn't help but notice the bustling atmosphere of the shop.Laughter and conversation filled the air,and the clinking of cups echoed like music.The people of Puyang,who had been living under the shadow of war and scarcity,were finding joy in this simple pleasure,and it was a sight to behold.

"Look at them,"Guo Jia said,gesturing to the crowd."This wine brings people together,lifting their spirits.It's a powerful thing,this nectar of the gods."

Xun Yu raised an eyebrow,considering Guo Jia's words."You're right.Perhaps there's more to being a merchant than I initially thought.This Lin Yu,he's given us something precious."

As they continued to enjoy their Moutai,they discussed the implications of such a fine wine on the people and the economy.The shop was not just a place to buy liquor;it was a hub of community,a symbol of prosperity in difficult times.

Meanwhile,Lin Yu,observing from a distance,felt a sense of satisfaction.He had created something special,something that brought joy to others,and that was a victory in itself.As he watched the people of Puyang enjoy his Moutai,he knew that he had made the right decision to open the shop.

The day passed in a blur of activity,with jars of Moutai selling out faster than they could be restocked.The success of the wine shop was undeniable,and the people left with smiles on their faces and the promise of a good tale to tell.

As the sun set and the shop closed for the day,Lin Yu stood in the quiet of his now-empty store,reflecting on the day's events.He had not only provided a much-needed respite for the people of Puyang but also secured a future for himself and his family.

With a contented sigh,Lin Yu locked the door and made his way home,looking forward to a well-earned rest.The Moutai had been a success,and he could already imagine the many opportunities that lay ahead.

The fragrance of nectar lingered in the air,a promise of good times and prosperity to come.And as Lin Yu walked through the streets of Puyang,he knew that he had made a mark on this world,one jar of Moutai at a time.