Chapter 399: A Craft of One’s Own
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
Hong Yujun’s longing was not of romantic nature, but a yearning for her only kin – intense and pure. On a low table beside her, a jug of wine and a glass, filled to the brim, awaited.
She gracefully reached for the glass and downed its contents in one go, hoping the drunkenness would ease her thoughts of the young master.
Suddenly, a clear voice called out, “Hong’er…”
Startled, her face lit up with delight. She leaped barefoot from the window, embracing the handsome young man in white under the moonlight, “Young Master, you finally came to see me.”
Tears of joy rolled down her cheeks. The young man, taller than Hong Yujun, held her in his arms. He gently patted her back, softly saying, “It’s
Mid-Autumn today; of course, I’d come to see you. I brought mooncakes. Want to try?”
Releasing him, Hong Yujun wiped her tears and nodded eagerly, “Yes.”contemporary romance
The young man, his heart softening at her appearance, led her back inside to the low table, “Were you drinking wine?”
She nodded, “It’s lonely being alone, a little drink helps.”
Observing her, the young man felt relieved to see her gaze wasn’t that of a lover’s, “I have some friends who aren’t married yet. How about I introduce them to you?”
Hong Yujun glanced at him, then demurely lowered her head, “I’ll leave my marriage in your hands.”
Looking at Hongyu Jun, the young man said, “Then I’ll make the decision?” He really could not bear to see Hong’er alone here.
Hong Yujun blushed and replied softly, “Ok.”
The young man opened the box and took out a mooncake. He handed it to Hong Yujun. “Have one.”
Hong Yujun smiled and took it. Then, she split the mooncake in half and handed half to the young man. “Eat it together.”
The young man took the mooncake and thought to himself that if he was a man, he would definitely marry Hong’er. What a good girl.
Hong Yujun took a bite of the mooncake and hurriedly opened the box on the low table. There were ten mooncakes inside.
“Young Master, I bought the same mooncakes as yours. They’re delicious. I tried one and bought all five flavors. These are specially for you.”
The young man looked at the mooncakes and felt touched. His heart softened even more towards Hong’er. “Hong’er, thank you.”
Hong Yujun said happily, “You don’t have to thank me.”
The young man said, “Hong’er, is there anything you want to do?”
For the time being, he could not immediately resolve Hong’er’s marriage. He might as well find something for her to do to distract her.
Unexpectedly, she said, “I want to brew wine.”
“Brew wine?” Chu Qingzhi was surprised, “Why would a lady like you enjoy brewing?”
Hong Yujun said, “In my memory, there’s always a pleasant fragrance of wine, but I can’t remember where I smelled it. As time passed, I became obsessed with wine.”
“Have you ever brewed before?” he inquired.
Hong Yujun blinked at the young man and said mysteriously, “Don’t look down at me. I’m an experienced brewer.”
The young man asked with interest, “How so?”
“You’ve drunk the wine from the Hundred Flowers Tower, right?” Hong Yujun said proudly. “I brewed that.”
The wine in Hundred Flowers Tower was famous for its fragrance. Other wines could not produce that fragrance. Many people went to Hundred Flowers Tower just for that mouthful of wine.
She recounted, “There’s a brewing workshop in an alley past Hundred Flowers Tower . An old lady ran it after her husband passed. She couldn’t bear to sell it, so she brewed and sold wine herself.”
“When I was ten years old, I happened to pass by the alley and saw the old lady fall to the ground. I entered and helped her. The old lady started to teach me how to make wine.”
“It’s just that I’m a woman from a brothel. She’s unwilling to take me in as her disciple, but she taught me very well.”
“I spent three years learning her craftsmanship. After that, I’ve been helping out in the workshop.”
Her mood turned sorrowful, “The old lady passed away recently, and her son sold the workshop.”
The young man comforted her. “The old lady is old. It’s normal for her to die of old age. Hong’er, don’t be sad.”
Hong Yujun sniffled. “I know.”
The young man said, “I originally thought that Hong’er was just an ordinary beautiful girl. I didn’t expect my Hong’er to be so capable. You are already an old master at brewing wine.”
Hong’er shyly responded, “Just average. I can’t compare to Young Master.”
After chatting a while, an idea struck the young man, “Since you like brewing, would you help me with something?”
Hong Yujun said enthusiastically, “Young Master, please tell me.”
The young man said, “I have a friend who wants to brew rice wine. Can you help?”
Hong Yujun agreed without hesitation. “Of course, but I’ve never brewed yellow wine before. Moreover, yellow wine is precious, and its brewing method is a secret.”
The young man said, “If you are willing to help, she will tell you the brewing method. Are you willing to try?”
Hong Yujun was in disbelief. “Normally, people only pass the skills to their sons or disciples. I’m not related to her. Will she really tell me?”
The young man said affirmatively, “She definitely will. Are you willing?”
Hong Yujun said, “Of course I’m willing. Furthermore, I’ll do my best to help your friend.”
The young man said, “Oh right, the brewing workshop hasn’t started yet. I need your help with this too.”
Hong Yujun smiled and said, “No problem. I know where to get quality, affordable brewing tools. If your friend trusts me with this, I’ll do my best.”
The young man said, “I knew I chose the right person.”
Hong Yujun said humbly, “You flatter me.”
Capital, General’s Mansion.
Tang Jinghong lit the two red apple lamps that Chu Qingzhi had placed for him and placed them on the table in the study to admire.
“Qingzhi, what are you doing now?”
Tang Jinghong slowly immersed himself in his longing.
A soldier’s report jolted him back to reality, “General, the Princess is here.”
Tang Jinghong immediately frowned. “Tell her that I’m not feeling well and can’t meet guests.”
As soon as he finished speaking, the door of the study was pushed open, revealing Princess Changle’s beautiful but incomparably aggrieved face.
She had just been released from house arrest by her royal brother and rushed to see Tang Jinghong, only to be met with such coldness.
Tears welling up, she asked, “Jinghong, am I so unwelcome to you?”
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