Spoiled and mad critic of powerful ministers

He saw that his sister-in-law, who had been standing opposite him, instantly lost her formulaic, fake smile upon hearing his voice, replaced by a relaxed and bright smile.

"It's Zhao Qiyan." Shen Qiongju's eyes lit up, and she turned and walked out, her steps becoming lighter.

"Second Uncle, please have a seat. I'll go greet a distinguished guest."

Zhao Qiyan?

Pei Zhihui quickly searched his mind for the name.

The Marquis of Yan's good-for-nothing youngest son? The one who was notorious for being a troublemaker under his elder brother?

He watched Shen Qiongju's hurried departure, not even bothering to bow and say goodbye.

Pei Zhihui stood there, his fingers slowly stroking the rough window frame. A splinter pricked his fingertip, causing a slight stinging pain.

Distinguished guest?

They were calling him so affectionately; he wanted to see what kind of distinguished guest could make his "good sister-in-law" so happy.

Pei Zhihui lifted his robe and strode out after him.

The stairwell on the third floor.

A young man dressed in a crimson brocade robe strode up.

This man was extremely handsome, with sword-like eyebrows and bright eyes, but his attire was really not flattering.

His crimson robe was embroidered with golden qilin, and two jade pendants hung from his waist, jingling as he walked, making him look like a male peacock displaying its tail feathers.

"Commander Zhao!" Shen Qiongju greeted him with a beaming smile. "What brings you here?"

"It's just the northwest wind!" Zhao Qiyan laughed heartily, and without any hesitation, she pulled a cloth bag from her bosom and stuffed it into Shen Qiongju's hand.

"I just got some grape seeds from a caravan in the Western Regions, brought some for you. Oh, by the way, weren't we supposed to be tasting some new wine today? I came here on an empty stomach!"

Their familiar tone made it seem as if they were old friends who had known each other for many years.

Shen Qiongju took the cloth bag, weighed it in her hand, and her smile became even more genuine: "Thank you for your concern, Commander Zhao. It just so happens that the newly brewed 'Fiery Fire' liquor has just been opened today, and we are looking for an expert to taste it."

"Then what are we waiting for? Let's go!" Zhao Qiyan reached out to pull Shen Qiongju's sleeve.

A pale, slender hand suddenly darted in, precisely blocking the way between the two.

"This must be Commander Zhao, right?"

Pei Zhihui stood on the steps, looking down at the viewer, his voice cold and clear like shattered jade.

Zhao Qiyan was stunned, her hand stopped in mid-air, and she looked up at the "Cheng Yaojin" who had suddenly appeared.

The man before them wore a worn bamboo-green robe, was thin, and had a pale, sickly complexion, but his eyes held an unsettling chill.

"You are..." Zhao Qiyan narrowed her eyes, feeling that this person looked somewhat familiar.

"My name is Pei Zhihui." Pei Zhihui cupped his hands slightly, his movements fluid and graceful, without the slightest flaw.

"During my exile, I am deeply grateful to Brother Zhao for taking care of the Pei family. I am honored to meet my benefactor today, and I would like to invite Brother Zhao to take a seat."

These words were spoken politely yet distantly.

Not only did it reveal the Pei family's identities, but it also cleverly placed Zhao Qiyan in the high and mighty position of "benefactor," subtly widening the distance between him and Shen Qiongju.

Zhao Qiyan suddenly realized: "Oh! You're Brother Zhichao's younger brother! The one who went crazy from studying... cough cough, the child prodigy!"

He slapped his forehead, completely oblivious to the veiled meaning in Pei Zhihui's words. Instead, he casually put his arm around Pei Zhihui's shoulder, saying, "Since we're family, let's not stand on ceremony! Come on, let's have a couple of drinks!"

Pei Zhihui subtly avoided his hand and turned to the side, making a "please" gesture.

Inside the "Genting" private room.

The aroma of wine filled the air, and five small white porcelain cups were placed on the table, each filled with a different color of wine.

Shen Qiongju stood by the table, holding a booklet in her hand, her expression focused.

"This is the first one, made from a mixture of sorghum and wheat, and fermented for seven days." She pointed to the first cup.

Zhao Qiyan picked up the glass, tilted her head back, and downed it in one gulp. She smacked her lips and said, "Strong! Powerful! But the aftertaste is a bit bitter, like swallowing a knife. It's fine for those old veterans, but it's not quite good enough to win a drinking contest."

Shen Qiongju immediately wrote down in the booklet: "The aftertaste is bitter; the ratio of yeast needs to be adjusted."

The two chatted back and forth, working in perfect harmony.

Shen Qiongju's gaze towards Zhao Qiyan was full of trust and reliance. It was an affirmation of her partner, and also a sense of relaxation towards her friend.

Pei Zhihui sat opposite him, holding an empty wine glass in his hand, his knuckles turning white.

He felt like an unnecessary decoration.

He was clearly a member of the Pei family; he was clearly this woman's brother-in-law.

But now, she is chatting and laughing with another man, discussing a major event that could change the fate of the Pei family.

"This is good!" Zhao Qiyan's eyes lit up after tasting the third cup, and she slapped her thigh. "It's smooth on the palate, warms you up, and has a fruity aroma! Sister Shen, what's the name of this wine?"

"It hasn't been named yet," Shen Qiongju said with a smile. "This was made with a little pear juice added; it was originally intended for the women."

"No way! Men like to drink this too!" Zhao Qiyan moved closer, almost touching Shen Qiongju's arm.

"Qiongju, you'd better keep this recipe safe, it's an absolute money-maker! We'll split it 50/50... no, 30/70! I'll take 30% and you take 70%!"

Seeing their sleeves almost touching, Pei Zhihui felt a surge of anger welling up inside him.

"I'd like to try this wine too," he suddenly said, his voice somewhat deep.

Shen Qiongju was taken aback: "Zhihui, your alcohol tolerance isn't suitable..."

"It's alright. It's just for tasting, I won't swallow it."

Before she could refuse, Pei Zhihui reached out and, bypassing Zhao Qiyan, picked up the wine pot that Zhao Qiyan had just praised.

He poured himself a glass.

The amber-colored liquor swirls in the glass.

He raised his glass, but his gaze wasn't on the wine; instead, he stared intently at Zhao Qiyan, a faint, cold smile playing on his lips.

"Since Brother Zhao says it's good, then I, Pei, would like to try it and see just how good this wine is that it has earned such high praise from you."

After saying that, he tilted his head back and, instead of just taking a sip, drank it all in one gulp.

The pungent liquor rolled down his throat, triggering a violent cough, "Cough cough cough..."

Pei Zhihui coughed violently, his pale face flushing instantly, his eyes still defiant as he stared intently at Zhao Qiyan.

Shen Qiongju was startled and quickly stepped forward to pat him on the back: "Are you crazy? This is strong liquor!"

Pei Zhihui grabbed her wrist, his palm burning hot.

He raised his head, and his usually cool and restrained eyes were now shimmering with tears, carrying a hint of unprecedented stubbornness and... grievance.

"Sister-in-law," his voice was hoarse and reeked of alcohol, "I can appreciate this wine too. Why did you only ask him and not me?"