The alcohol content of wines in the Great Yuan Dynasty was generally low, with yellow rice wine being the most common, along with some fruit wines. Due to the low alcohol content, medicinal wines were almost nonexistent.
Lu Chao's brewing skills were learned from his grandfather. As a child, he was sent to his grandparents' house every summer. His grandfather owned a small 15-square-meter shop in town, selling only homemade rice wine. Back then, people would bring their own bottles to fill, and his grandfather would use a ladle to serve the neighbors while Lu Chao helped with the change. Perhaps from years of being surrounded by the scent of alcohol or due to inherited genes, his tolerance became legendary within the company—no negotiation table was complete without him.
His ability to drink certainly played a role in his rapid rise to the position of executive assistant at such a young age.
Introducing high-proof liquor would undoubtedly bring in massive profits, but Lu Chao didn’t dare.
Grain, salt, and iron—these three industries were off-limits. In an era where human life was as cheap as ants, wealth meant nothing if one didn’t live to enjoy it.
No one could call him a profiteer, though, because his medicinal wine was genuinely effective. Of course, it came at a higher price, but he wasn’t greedy—only ten small bottles were released each month, ensuring no unwanted attention.
Watching his private coffers grow steadily, Lu Chao finally felt some consolation.
Recently, the hottest topic in Yingchuan City was the impending release of the results for the triennial provincial exams.
Lu Yuanzhao, who had secluded himself for two months to study, had shut out all distractions, focusing solely on the classics. Once a fresh-faced young scholar, he now looked somewhat haggard. Lu Chao sighed—whether in school or work, hardship inevitably brought maturity.
The Lu family had sent several servants to wait by the city gates for the results. Father Lu sat in the main courtyard, fanning himself while sipping tea. As the weather grew warmer, beads of sweat formed on his forehead after a few sips. Seeing this, a servant beside him picked up a large palm-leaf fan and began waving it.
With so many students from the academy taking the exams, classes had been suspended for the past few days. Lu Chao and Lu Yuanyi were roused early, listlessly picking at their breakfast.
Father Lu shot them a sidelong glance.
"Even though the academy is on break, how can you two be so lazy? If I weren’t off duty today, you’d probably sleep till noon!"
"Father’s reprimand is justified."
In the past, Lu Yuanyi would have been frightened or resentful, but now, he had learned from Lu Chao—becoming as unflappable as a seasoned rogue.
"Last night in my dreams, Father was teaching us calligraphy. How could I bear to wake up?"
Lu Yuanyi: !!!!
You can say that?! Noted!!
Father Lu: …
He nearly laughed in exasperation.
If his youngest son ever entered officialdom, he’d undoubtedly be the type to flatter and fawn.
"Then bring me your calligraphy practice today. Let’s see how well ‘dream-me’ taught you," Father Lu snorted.
"Heh heh, of course." Lu Chao nodded repeatedly. Once the results were announced, his cheap father would have no time to check his handwriting—no big deal.
Lady Lu had no patience for their bickering. If all went well, her eldest son should rank within the top three. She had to ensure everything was prepared—the firecrackers for the announcement, the reward money for the servants, and gifts for the tutors. None of this could afford mistakes.
"Elder Brother, what’s the examination hall like?" Lu Chao asked curiously.
"Just a cramped booth less than two feet wide, with only a desk and chair. You’ll see for yourselves in a few years when you take the exams," Lu Yuanzhao replied with a smile.
"What if you need to relieve yourself during the test?"
"Well… try to hold it. If it’s urgent, raise the ‘restroom’ placard, and the proctors will escort you."
Lu Chao shook his head. So that’s how it worked. At least candidates weren’t forced to eat, sleep, and relieve themselves in the same space—those with cleanliness obsessions would’ve been driven mad.
