The Great Song Dynasty's Soul-Forging in Progress

The name "Drunken Eight Immortals" seemed to sprout wings, sweeping through the entire city of Chenzhou in just a few days. Coupled with the news that Prefect Chen Shimei had purchased ten jars of "Drunken Eight Immortals" for the Emperor and the Prince of Xiangyang to taste, the word spread rapidly among merchants traveling north and south, quickly reaching surrounding prefectures and even the capital. Its momentum far exceeded Lü Sanjun's initial expectations.

Wealthy merchants and patrons valued the rarity and status symbolism of "Drunken Eight Immortals" even more, sending invitations to the Lü family to place orders in advance or seek long-term supply. The price had already been inflated several times over on the black market, with even a hundred taels of silver still making it extremely difficult to find a single jar.

Inside the study of the Lü residence, Lü Sanjun, looking at the accounts and the flood of orders presented by Wang Zhonghua, grinned from ear to ear: "Hahaha! Zhonghua, your 'hunger marketing' has truly turned lead into gold! This 'Drunken Eight Immortals' is not just popular in Chenzhou, it's about to become famous throughout the land!"

Wang Zhonghua, however, was not blinded by his current success. He calmly reminded him, "Sir, beneath the great reputation, undercurrents surge. While Prefect Chen seems to be praising us, General Di has ulterior motives, and there are many forces coveting the brewing secret… We need to make plans early. Expanding production requires caution, and secrecy is of paramount importance. Furthermore, the Chenzhou market has been initially opened up; the next step might be to consider entering Bianjing. Don't believe me…"

Upon hearing this, Lü Sanjun interrupted him: "If I don't trust you, who else can I trust? What you say is absolutely right. A tall tree catches the wind! Everything will proceed according to your plan. I'll leave all the affairs of this brewery and dealing with various parties to your care."

"That's naturally my duty."

Wang Zhonghua left the study, gazing at the swaying shadows of the trees in the courtyard of the Lü residence. His heart felt less joy and more somber. The success of "Drunken Eight Immortals" had thrust him and those around him into the limelight. Chen Shimei, Di Qing, potential rivals… this game had only just begun.

As for his new dish "stir-fried dishes" and the "Xiangelou" restaurant, which is about to become a big hit with the new dishes, it is time for him to find a suitable place to settle down in Chenzhou City.

It must be said that Wang Zhonghua's understanding of the Song Dynasty was remarkably accurate: the Song Dynasty had enjoyed a long period of peace, and Chenzhou, in particular, was a region radiating from Bianliang (Kaifeng), the capital of the Song Dynasty, boasting unparalleled commercial prosperity. Although the government suppressed excessive profit-seeking, the people's desire for profit spread like wildfire, difficult to suppress. In the major cities of the prefectures, where the curfew had been lifted, lanterns burned all night, and brothels and theaters were bustling with noise until dawn. Taverns and teahouses stood side by side, not only selling drinks but also serving as vibrant hubs for social interaction, business discussions, and the exchange of information. Goods from the north and south, thanks to the increasingly developed water and land transport, gathered and distributed at various docks, attracting merchants from all over, with caravans and wagons constantly passing by. Gold, silver, silk, paper money, and salt certificates circulated rapidly between accounting offices and counters, nurturing a vast and vibrant consumer market. The purchasing power and enthusiasm of this era for novelties, luxurious enjoyment, and "rare goods" that could signify status and wealth far exceeded ordinary people's imagination.

It is in this fertile yet vibrant commercial landscape that the market for "wine," a special commodity that permeates etiquette, social interaction, pleasure, and culture, has long been a red ocean, yet it also harbors an extreme thirst for disruptive "new products." Ordinary wineries rely on location, reputation, and personal connections to survive, while true wealthy merchants invariably employ artisans, secretly researching techniques, attempting to brew that unique, trendsetting elixir, even one destined to be offered as tribute to the imperial court. Every grand banquet, every gathering of literati, even a new poem sung in a brothel, can become the catalyst for a fine wine to rise to fame.

Lü Sanjun understood this well; his network of wine shops and connections in the Grand Canal were the foundation of his confidence in betting on Wang Zhonghua's "ancient secret recipe brewing." Wang Zhonghua, on the other hand, knew even better that in this era of nascent modern commerce, a product's ability to "sell well worldwide" required more than just good wine. It needed a legendary story, a sensational debut, and a "trigger point" that could quickly penetrate all levels of society, becoming a topic of conversation and a symbol of status.

The Wanghulou Poetry Gathering was the pebble Wang Zhonghua had carefully chosen to throw into the calm lake. He wanted to use the mouths of the Chenzhou dignitaries, scholars, and wealthy merchants gathered at the pavilion to firmly link "Drunken Eight Immortals" with the brilliant "Song of the Eight Immortals of the Wine Cup," so that from the very beginning, this wine would carry the elegant reputation of poetry and wine and the mysterious color that inspires imagination, just like its clear as spring water yet fierce as fire, quickly sweeping through this bustling market with its keen sense of smell.

The groundwork has been laid, and the east wind has arrived.

So, when Wang Zhonghua rose from the clamor of the building and recited the poem that transcended time in his clear, melodious voice, he was not merely promoting a poem, but also the "Drunken Eight Immortals" Jade Dew, destined to stir up the winds of the Song Dynasty's wine industry, which was about to be poured into a crystal goblet. Poetic sentiment and wine, elegance and business opportunity, intertwined perfectly at that moment.

That evening, back in Wangjiagang, Wang Zhonghua explained to Yao and Wang Zhuacai the immense popularity of "Baxianzui" in Chenzhou, much to the couple's delight. Wang Zhuacai then summoned Zhao Shun and his wife, revealing to them his idea for an ice-making business, which had been inspired by Zhao Shun.

Zhao Shun's wife, Zhou, was originally a skilled woman from a village near Chenzhou. Zhao Shun took a liking to her because of her excellent needlework and household management skills. After their marriage, the two worked together for their former employer. Although Zhou was illiterate, she was meticulous and had unique insights into market transactions and the preferences of women and children. Zhao Shun managed external affairs while she managed internal affairs, and the couple managed their employer's household in an orderly manner.

Now that Wang Zhonghua has bought them and brought them home, freeing them from their lowly status, the couple is extremely grateful.

Upon hearing Wang Zhonghua's idea, Zhou's eyes lit up: "Young Master, this is a brilliant idea! In previous summers, the stalls selling 'cool water' (a general term for cold drinks in the Song Dynasty) in the city were the most bustling, but most of them were chilled well water, which is nothing compared to real ice. If we can make fruit-flavored ice cream, not to mention children, even adults will definitely want to try it!"

Zhao Shunze was more concerned with the actual operation: "Young Master, the method of making ice with saltpeter must be kept strictly confidential. I suggest finding a secluded manor near Longsheng Ditch outside Chenzhou City to serve as an ice-making workshop. Firstly, it will be close to a water source, and secondly, it will be far from the city center, making it easier to keep secret."

"Uncle Zhao is absolutely right," Wang Zhonghua praised. "I have three considerations for this ice-making business: First, the high-end route—supplying major restaurants, brothels, and wealthy households, serving it in glass goblets with exquisite fruits, and priced high; second, the mass-market route—making simple 'popsicles,' sticking them on bamboo skewers, and selling them in the market, with low profit margins and high sales volume; third, ice storage services—providing ice storage services for restaurants and eateries that need to keep their ingredients fresh."

Zhou added, "Young master, the ice cream business is only booming in the summer; it will likely be idle in the winter. How about... we build a few more 'heated rooms' and 'baths' in the workshop? In winter, we can heat the water with charcoal fires to create bathhouses, which can be used by ourselves or opened to the public. Although there are many bathhouses in Chenzhou City, most of them are located within the city. If we build a spacious one in our estate outside the city, it would be best if we could draw hot spring water from it. If not, we can use boiled water. This will definitely attract nearby villagers and traveling merchants."

Wang Zhonghua clapped his hands in admiration: "Aunt Zhou's idea is brilliant! Selling ice in the summer and running a bathhouse in the winter, it's never idle all year round. And—" a glint flashed in his eyes, "the bathhouse business can also boost the surrounding area."

Zhao Shun understood Wang Zhonghua's meaning and replied, "Young Master, do you intend to use this business to improve the livelihoods of the surrounding people?"

"Exactly." Wang Zhonghua stood up and paced around. "Making ice requires manpower, selling ice cream in the summer requires manpower, and the bathhouse in the winter also needs manpower. These jobs are not too heavy, and the elderly, women, and even teenagers can do them. We can give priority to hiring villagers from Wangjiagang, Longshenggou, and nearby villages, paying them on a daily basis and providing two meals a day."

The more Zhou listened, the more excited she became: "This is an incredibly virtuous thing to do! In our village... no, in the surrounding villages, so many able-bodied men are idle during the off-season, and the women can only do sewing and mending at home. If they could have a stable income, I wonder how many families they could support!"

"That's not all," Wang Zhonghua said. "Once the bathhouse business takes off, there will inevitably be supporting businesses in the surrounding area—selling bath soap (ancient soap), towels and handkerchiefs, selling tea and food, and even providing porter services... a whole industrial chain will be established. The bigger our Lü family's business becomes, the more we need the support of our neighbors. Only when they live well can our business be more stable."

Zhao Shun gave Wang Zhonghua a deep look, feeling a sense of admiration. This young master, despite his young age, not only possessed a keen business sense but also a rare and commendable compassion. He valued profit in business but was not solely driven by it; such a perspective far surpassed that of ordinary merchants.

"Young Master, rest assured, leave this matter to my wife and me. I will take care of everything, from selecting the location and building the ice-making workshop to recruiting and training staff. As for confidentiality, I will break down the ice-making process and only use the most reliable people for the core steps," Zhao Shun solemnly promised.

"With Uncle Zhao and Aunt Zhou here, I'm naturally at ease," Wang Zhonghua said with a smile. "I'll allocate the initial investment from the profits of 'Drunken Eight Immortals.' How about calling this ice-making and bathhouse business... 'Cooling Pavilion'? Providing coolness in summer and warmth in winter."

"Great name!" Zhou clapped his hands and said, "Simple and easy to remember."

……

Inside the Lü family's accounting office, the sound of abacuses clattered day and night, as money poured in like water. Lü Sanjun, watching the accounts steadily climb, was overjoyed, scratching his head in delight, and became almost completely obedient to Wang Zhonghua. With a wave of his hand, he immediately selected a site in Hulu Bay and began constructing three larger new wineries, striving to meet the surging demand as quickly as possible.

However, just as Lü Sanjun was full of ambition and ready to make a big splash, Wang Zhonghua poured cold water on him.

"Master, building a winery is certainly important, but I believe there are two things that are more urgent than building the winery right now." Wang Zhonghua stood in Lü Sanjun's study, his expression solemn.

"Oh? What could be more urgent than making money?" Lü Sanjun said nonchalantly, holding a freshly brewed cup of tea.

"First and foremost, there's the issue of grain," Wang Zhonghua said solemnly. "Brewing is a major grain-consuming industry. Once the three new distilleries are operating at full capacity, the daily grain consumption will be astronomical. 'Drunken Eight Immortals' is currently riding high, and it's inevitable that some envious individuals will try to cut off our grain supply. We must plan ahead and immediately begin large-scale grain purchases and storage, establishing a grain reserve sufficient for at least six months of distillery operations. Otherwise, if the grain supply is blocked and we have no rice to cook, even the best distillery will be useless."

Upon hearing this, Lü Sanjun paused, his hand holding the teacup still. Although a businessman, he lacked any concept of such strategic reserves, and Wang Zhonghua's point immediately sent a chill down his spine. "Yes, yes, yes! Zhonghua, your concerns are absolutely correct! I was so focused on distributing wine that I forgot about this fundamental matter! This is urgent; I will immediately give the order to mobilize all channels to purchase grain at high prices!"

"Not only should we collect, but we should also collect discreetly and in a dispersed manner to avoid causing drastic market fluctuations and attracting the attention of those with ulterior motives," Wang Zhonghua added.

"That makes sense! And what's the second thing?" At this moment, Lü Sanjun had completely abandoned his contempt.

"Secondly, it's about security!" Wang Zhonghua's eyes sharpened. "Wealth is a powerful motivator. The profits of 'Drunken Eight Immortals' are so substantial, it's like a child carrying gold in a bustling market. The wineries, granaries, and even the transportation routes outside the city all need capable guards. Relying solely on government officials and constables may not be enough, and they are too far away to help in a crisis. We must have our own security force."

He walked to the window and pointed towards the Lü family's estates outside the city: "The master owns many estates, and there are plenty of able-bodied young men among the farmers. We can select honest, upright, and strong men from among them, train them, and form a 'estate protection team.' They can patrol the estates on a daily basis, guard the granaries and distilleries, and in case of any unforeseen circumstances, they can also serve as a surprise force. This will not only ensure the safety of the property but also settle the farmers, unite the people, and is a long-term strategy for peace and stability."

"A manor protection team?" Lü Sanjun pondered. Keeping a private army was a sensitive matter in the Song Dynasty, but training some manor guards under the guise of "manor protection" was within the permitted scope, and many wealthy families did this.

"But... in this life-or-death situation, where can we find a leader for this protective force who is both loyal and reliable, and who can immediately go into battle?"

"Nephew, what should we do?"