Chapter 15 Section 4: Botus Selling Oats and Dust

As the sun was rising, Lu Buwei's single-horse cart briskly entered the bo wine road. Those who know how to drink wine gather in the world's great wine market.This is a well-known three-mile long street in Handan City, where wine shops from various countries are connected shoulder to shoulder, and the aroma of wine almost permeates half of Handan.The rules of the market: the wine market is not open for drinking.In other words, the market of Bojiu Dao only sells barrels and trucks, but there is no place for drinking.In this way, the big wine market will not take away the drinking business of many restaurants, restaurants and guest houses, and there will be no problems between business travelers.However, in such a grand wine market, if there is no place for wine merchants and wine lovers and tourists to taste it, it will also spoil the scenery.Over the years, there are three alleys on both sides of this Bo wine road, but they are dedicated to selling pulp. The people in the city all call it "pulp alley", but it is an interesting place for drinkers.

The oatmeal, light wine, was commonly called "mash" at that time, and later became "mash".The mash and glutinous rice are actually fermented rice wine, and its history has a long history. "Zhou Li" records: the emperor six drinks, water, syrup, Li (sweet wine), cool (mixing wine with water), medicine (medicinal juice), and elixir (porridge), among which the post of "pulp person" is A workshop dedicated to brewing this sweet light rice wine.The brewing of pulp can become wine in three or two days, and it can only be drunk fresh, and cannot be sold long distances.Seen in the wine market, naturally it can only be a small business of Handan people. It will not hurt many restaurants, restaurants and guest houses, and it will add a bit of charm to the wine drinkers. It has become a unique feature of the Handan wine market. landscape.It is deep in the alley, and it is brewed and drunk. It is fresh and home-cooked, and it has a unique charm, which is favored by the city people.

After walking along Bojiu Road for a while, the car came to an alley in the middle.This is a stone alley, clean and tidy, with various wine flags picked out from the small shops on both sides, and the smell of mellow wine permeates the air.There are no cars or horses in the alley, and there are all kinds of drunks wandering around, coming in and out, shouting and shouting, it is actually a bit more lively than the main street.The car stopped at the open space where the streets and alleys meet, and Lu Buweixin stepped into the alley.While walking and looking around, I saw a yellow flag with water chestnuts fluttering in the forest of wine flags, and the three big red characters of "Ganmaoxue" were eye-catching.Lu Buwei's eyes lit up suddenly, and he walked straight to the wine shop.

The sweet mash wine is spread on the three-level bluestone steps, and the three-bay facade is simple and clean.Three feet into the store stands a chest-high mahogany counter, on which there are rows of nine large earthenware pots with red cloth mouths and large bowls with buttoned lids, spotless.Behind the cabinet, a middle-aged man in red with a long beard was leisurely looking at various passers-by, but he didn't have the hospitality of ordinary restaurants to attract people from the city.Seeing Lu Buwei entering the store and looking around with a smile, the man in red behind the cabinet only smiled and nodded.

"Dare to ask the restaurant, whether the sweet mash is sold or not?" "Buy or sell. Don't buy or sell." "The shopkeeper's answer is not the way of doing business!" Lu Buwei laughed, "If you sell it, you will buy it, if you don't sell it, you won't buy it. Why do you buy it and sell it, and if you don't buy it, you don't sell it?" The man in the red clothes is not in a hurry: "The proverb of wine in Handan: sweet mash, if you buy it, you will sell it. This is called a wine seller who knows the family. If you don't buy it, you don't know it. If you don't know it, you can't buy it if you sell it."

"So, if you don't buy sweet mash, you don't know sweet mash?" "If you know, you will buy, and if you buy, you will know. If you don't buy, you don't know. If you don't know, you don't buy. This is the way of trading in the market. What a strange thing!" "Okay! Dare to ask the restaurant for three liters!" The man in red nodded, and took out three Tao Shengs from under the cabinet and lined them up: "Two drinks of sweet mash, is it cold or hot?" "One cool, one hot, one warm." Lu Buwei pointed to the three Tao Sheng.

"Sir, wine master!" The red-clothed man smiled happily, and picked up the large earthen pot on the cabinet, and filled the first Tao Sheng with viscous, clear and slightly reddish sweet mash.He also lifted a copper pot from the stove behind him, and filled the second Tao Sheng. The wine was steaming, and the wine was hot as far as the eye could see.Then he yelled to the back of the store, "Warming up the wine—" The wooden screen agreed, and a middle-aged woman came out, holding a clay pot wrapped in silk cotton in her arms, and filled it up neatly. The third Tao Sheng. The man in red clasped his hands: "Sir, please taste the three flavors of sweet mash."

Holding the cold wine in both hands like a whale drinking a river, Lu Buwei let out a long sigh: "It's ice-sweet and can smell of wine, it's great!" The man in red looked at the remaining two liters, but remained calm .Lu Buwei picked up the warm wine again, gulped it down, his face was reddish after a liter of stomach, he couldn't help but clapped his hands and praised: "It's warm and sharp, the wine lasts for a long time, it's wonderful!" The face of the man in red burst into tears Smiling, he held up the steaming Tao Sheng with both hands: "Sir, please." Lu Buwei cupped his hands and said with a smile: "After two drinks, the sweet mash must be sipped as a meal, otherwise you will be drunk for three days. Three drinks of sweet mash, one step Usually only two drinks are given to the guests, that's why. Today I am making an exception, but I am too drunk, please forgive me." The man in red laughed and said: "Mr. knows the beauty of sweet mash, what can I say! How much do you want?" Lu Buwei said with a smile: "I want to buy three hundred catties of sweet mash, and I want to load it into the car today." The man in red flashed his eyes and smiled teasingly: "The century-old wine base of sweet mash is brewed in one jar every day. Three hundred catties of sweet mash, sir wants to cut my life?" Lu Buwei bowed deeply: "Did Mr. Xue really live in the wine shop for a long time?" The man in red was stunned for a moment, then solemnly cupped his hands: "This hot wine, dare to invite sir Have a drink."

Lu Buwei entered the shop, only to see that the famous Handan "Ganma Xue" was slightly lame on his left leg, and he touched the ground with an iron rod in his hand.There are only three entrances to the amazake shop.The so-called back hall refers to a row of big houses between the backyard workshop and the storefront. The bedroom on the right hand side and the two rooms on the left hand side of the passage form a hall for receiving guests.The middle-aged woman enthusiastically brought a large pot of stewed lamb's feet and a large bowl of fresh okra, and asked Lu Buwei to accompany the meal with hot drinks.

Lu Buwei's face was rosy after drinking, he couldn't help sighing: "Mr. Xue hides in the back alleys and wastes everything!" "Alcohol has its own quality, and people have their own ambitions. If you don't achieve it, you will be alone." "Being alone?" Lu Buwei shook his head and smiled, "Xue Gong was originally a famous scholar, and he wanted to travel around the world to show off his talents, but he was framed by a group of officials in the officialdom and imprisoned. Although he was rescued by Lord Xinling, he was jealous of Wei Qi, the minister of power. He had no choice but to avoid living in the city of Handan. Mr. Xinling lived in Zhao State as a guest, and he drank with Mr. Xue many times, which caused Mr. Pingyuan to ridicule Mr. Xinling for his lack of style. Mr. Xue did not want to involve others, so he never interacted with Mr. Xinling Don't you think it's too much for you to take care of yourself so alone?"

Xue Gong smiled coldly: "Take great pains to find people's traces, what is the master's intention?" Lu Buwei stood up and bowed solemnly: "The great cause lies ahead, may the master help me." After being silent for a long time, Mr. Xue held back a smile: "Sir, as a business traveler, what can be called a great cause?" "Establish a monarch, establish a country, and pacify the world." Lu Buwei paused every word. "Where is the country and the lord, you allow business travelers to use it?" "If the public has a heart, he should tell the whole story." "Buy and sell." "Okay! That's the way of sweet mash." Lu Buwei couldn't help laughing for a while, sat down again, and narrated all the things and his own plan, and finally said, "I don't want to invite Xue Gong to enter the world." , to be a strategist for others, to help him lay down the foundation. What do you think, Mr. Xue?" Mr. Xue's eyes sparkled, and he smiled heartily: "If you know what you buy, if you buy, you will sell. Sir, if you know me, you can trust me, but if you know me, you can only sell it. .” "It's just that since there is no sweet mash in Handan, the wine addicts will scold me." The two laughed out loud.Lu Buwei quickly said: "I'll take care of the aftermath of the wine shop immediately, and you can come out of the mountain with your whole body." Xue Gong nodded his stick and said, "It's not a busy matter. I will take care of it when I have to deal with the aftermath. Feel free to send it, sir." Lu Buwei He said with emotion: "Okay, please come to Yunlu for a gathering in three days." But Xue Gong said in a deep voice, "I have a man with great wisdom. If you can see him, great things can be accomplished." Lu Buwei cupped his hands solemnly and said: "If Wei Wei is narrow-minded, please teach me." Xue Gong shook his head and said with a smile: "Mr. made a mistake. Xue Mou said this because he is really an unusual person. Even if you are a wise man like Lord Xinling, When I saw this person for the first time, I also frowned. That's why I'm worried that you won't be able to see him." Lu Buwei smiled and said, "I would like to hear more about it." Xue Gong said that the people called "Mao Gong".This Mao Gong was born in a family of scribes. He liked to read books since he was a child. He read very fast without asking for a deep understanding. He used his father's royal palace library as a small official. At the age of sixteen, he read all the books he could see. The book is as big as it is refined.A group of weak-ranked scholars made friends and talked about learning, and Mao Gong said that he was invincible, and he became famous for a while.Scholars from all over the world who studied in Daliang heard the news and made an appointment to fight. Mao Gong generously accepted the appointment and won three games, but he kept his secret from then on.Xue Gong made friends with him, or asked how to read all the books in the world?But Mao Gong smiled: "Only choose those who understand and can understand, and read a few places." He asked how about the new words?Mao Gong laughed again: "Stupid! Just go around. He doesn't recognize me, how can I recognize him?" Xue Gong suddenly said: "Such learning is like duckweed. I want to travel around the world to increase my foundation, brother If you go to practice together with me, great talent can be expected!" Mao Gong laughed loudly: "I will wait for you to return, if you defeat me, I will go out soon!" On the day Xue Gong was about to leave, the calamity of framing suddenly came.Mao Gong stepped forward and went to the officialdom to appeal for him.I don't know how far he went, but Mao Gong broke into the political affairs hall of Prime Minister Wei Qi. He denounced all kinds of abuses in Daliang's officialdom in the hall, counted the bad deeds of a group of civil servants in the prime minister's mansion, quoted scriptures, laughed and cursed, and strongly urged Xue to be released immediately. male!Wei Qi was so shocked that he couldn't make a decision for a while.At this time, the old official who was the chief scribe murmured in Wei Qi's ear for a while, and Wei Qi immediately took the case: "A young scholar, with such talent and courage, great Wei is lucky! You stay here and follow me into the palace tomorrow. State it to the King of Wei as before, and you will definitely get what you want." On the next day, in the great court, Mao Gong was impassioned for half an hour in the main hall where the monarchs and ministers of Wei State gathered.The ministers scrambled to criticize, and actually listed more than 30 fallacies of Mao Gong’s quotations from the classics, and the crimes were even more long: blasphemy of sages, defilement of classics, fabrication of poems and books, fabrication of historical records, confusion of sight and hearing, rebellious and dangerous, and out-of-the-ordinary behavior And Jian and so on and so on.In the end, Taishi Ling, who ruled over the classics, made the final conclusion: "This place is dangerous, after all, it is a weak crown. The crime of not teaching lies with his father: he took this son into and out of the important places of classics without authorization, and intercepted them wantonly, so he became a reckless person. Please destroy him. Clan, use the ring to come later!" On the day when the whole family was slaughtered, Lord Mao went crazy... Half a year later, Lord Xue, who was released from prison, got the help of Lord Xinling and found the insane Lord Mao. Starry Night went north to Handan, and began a long journey in the market. anonymous career. "Heaven grinds out talented people, so much so!" Lu Buwei sighed, "This man has supernatural powers, and his madness must be a fake." "Sir, you are so clear!" Xue Gong also sighed, "Although he is not really crazy, his temperament and behavior have changed a lot. He doesn't bother to do my livelihood, and he doesn't want to accept my financial aid. Make a living among the gamblers. It is also this gentleman who is unparalleled in intelligence and wisdom, and he is sure to win every gamble. In three or two years, he has the title of "Mao Shen Gambling", and the money is flowing under his feet." "Excellent Mr. Mao!" "It's even more strange for him to do it." Xue Gong said with a smile, "This man only wants to win the bet, not the money. After gambling every day, he laughs and returns the money in the case to the loser, and he only takes ten coins. It's just food and drink for a day. At the beginning, the losers didn't want it, so he scattered the money in the market in front of the gate and let people pick it up. In this way, a group of gamblers are not afraid of losing, and the bets become bigger and bigger, and sometimes they win thousands of dollars in a day. Gold is like mountains and money is like water, but people are just a piece of cloth and a dilapidated house. As long as they drink a scoop every day, they are happy like gods. Over time, all the gamblers and gamblers in the market regard it as a miracle, and they follow each other to seek skills and follow him. Everyone, never leave the three thousand disciples of Confucius." "There are hundreds of schools of thought, you can add a lot of learning!" "But he didn't set up a door and didn't accept disciples. He just said bluntly: 'The real skills are only in the meeting, and the church is a bird!' Year after year, this man remains the same. He gambles, gets drunk and sleeps alone every day. That's it. This gentleman's behavior has caused Lord Xinling and Lord Pingyuan to almost fall out." "Hey! But why?" It turned out that after He Zong defeated Qin, Lord Xinling could not return to Wei because he stole soldiers to rescue Zhao, so he lived in Handan as a guest.When I heard that Mao Gong and Xue Gong were hiding in the market in Handan, I deliberately visited and investigated.On that day, Mr. Xinling, who was walking in commoner clothes, suddenly entered Ganmao Xue.Xue Gong was very emotional, and the two had a drink.After a while, Lord Xinling asked Xue Gong to look for Mao Gong.It was not hard to find this man, before he passed three gaming houses, he heard his peculiar hoarse laughter.Lord Xinling always hated excessive playfulness, so he just waited in the hall, invited Xue Gong in and pulled Mao Gong out, and went to his mansion to have a drink and chat.Unexpectedly, as soon as Xue Gong went in and said something, this gentleman squinted his eyes and yelled: "What is Lord Xinling? I don't know!" Then he buried his head in gambling again.Xue Gong was annoyed, and with a wave of his iron stick, he overturned the gambling case: "You just say! Go and don't go!" Seeing Xue Gong was angry, Mao Gong suddenly laughed and shouted: "Sweet mash, is Xue good?" Reasonable, is there such a way to invite people? If you really respect me, come and watch me bet three rounds before you talk! Standing in the hall, I am just a blogger, and the two have nothing to do with each other!" Xue Gong was stunned, but Lord Xinling had already left When he came in, he gave Mao Gong a head-on bow: "I have heard that the gods bet on Mao Gong's name for a long time, so how about I bet with you for three rounds?" Mao Gong laughed loudly: "Have a good time! The servant opened the case and set up a game! " A group of elegant gamblers who didn't know Lord Xinling's name immediately applauded and bet one after another.Hearing the news, the general manager of the gambling house immediately made a bet in person. After counting the bets, all the bets were on Mao Gong's side. The case was as much as 300 gold!Si Ga smiled and asked Mr. Xinling if he was enough to bet?Lord Xinling smiled slightly: "What's the point of a few hundred gold?" In a short time, Mr. Xinling won three games in a row! Handan Gambling and Play Gambling House was a big sensation, and gambling idiots rushed in after hearing the news, and actually surrounded the gambling house to the brim.Lord Mao frowned, but he was helpless, so he bowed deeply to Lord Xinling: "My life is numbered, I submit to you! Lord Mao should make an oath to quit gambling from now on." Lord Xinling laughed loudly, Then Mao Gong left the gambling house.The three of them swaggered across the market, and for a while they attracted the crowd's attention. When the news spread, Lord Pingyuan didn't take it seriously, so he commented on his wife: "I've always heard that my wife's elder brother is unparalleled in the world, but today I heard that he actually went with a bourgeois peddler, swaggering through the market, and deviant! You're a fool!" Madam was originally Lord Xinling's younger sister, so she told Brother Nai about Lord Pingyuan's remarks.But Lord Xinling said: "Mr. Pingyuan is in Zhao, so I dared to steal soldiers to save Zhao. I don't want Mr. Pingyuan, but I only want to make friends with the rich and rich, and I don't ask for scholars! Wuji is in Daliang, and he often hears about Mao Gong and Xue Gong. Zhao, I'm afraid we won't be able to meet each other. Even if I travel with him in common clothes, I won't be sure to win him yet. Mr. Pingyuan thinks it ashamed, and it's really not worth mentioning!" So he packed up and left the country of Zhao.Lord Pingyuan was ashamed when he heard about it, and immediately went to the door, took off his hat and apologized, and sincerely persuaded Lord Xinling to stay.Although Lord Xinling did not leave Zhao State, he was also alienated from Lord Pingyuan a lot.When Lord Pingyuan's disciples heard about these remarks, almost half of them left Lord Pingyuan and joined Lord Xinling. "This Mao Gong, where is he living now?" Lu Buwei's spirit lifted. "Sir, I can see you. I'll wait for the party in three days." Xue Gong said with a smile, "This gentleman's whereabouts are uncertain after quitting gambling. He made a hasty visit, so we may not see him." Leaving Bojiu Road and returning to Yunlu, Lu Buwei summoned Mr. Ximen to discuss it, and he immediately drove to Ying Yiren's secluded alley.In two days, everything has been arranged.In the early morning of the third day, Lu Buwei personally drove a large black car to Bojiu Road to pick up Mao Xue Ergong.Entering Yunlu, Ying Yiren greeted them eagerly, Lu Buwei made an intermediary, Mao Gong Xue Gong and Ying Yiren met each other, so they entered the big tent of Yunlu to taste tea and discuss business. After more than a month of recuperation, although Ying Yiren's dishes have not faded, they are much more handsome than before.As soon as everyone was seated, they formally bowed to Mao and Xue and asked for advice sincerely and humbly. "Heaven!" Mao Gong, who had been sleeping and half-closing his eyes, suddenly slapped the table and laughed, "This is a wonderful thing! It can be done! Don't ask, the secret must not be revealed!" Xue Gong remained calm, He only nodded slightly to Ying Yiren.Lu Buwei laughed and said: "The secret is the man's plan. We'll just discuss the matter and tell the way out. If Handan doesn't have a foundation, Xianyang will be in vain." Xue Gong said unhurriedly: "It is the root of Handan, but you live in seclusion. It's been a long time, it's not suitable to be violent, it must be done step by step. As far as the general situation is concerned, it is better to be famous in two or three years. It seems that there is nothing wrong with the order of the master's age." Lu Buwei frowned and said: "I will go to Xianyang next spring, You must get a good name from the son, otherwise you can't start. The plan is definitely safe, and you will only go to Xianyang after three years..." I was thinking about it, and then I heard "Pa!", and the hoarse voice of Mao Gong started : "No, no, no! Lao Tzu said, Dao is not Dao, very Dao. How can extraordinary things be dealt with in the usual way? In my opinion, this matter will only become famous before next spring! There is a Qianlong useless, and there is a arrogant Long Youhui, I just give him a flying dragon in the sky!" Xue Gong waved his hands impatiently: "Cut seven and eight, use both raw and cooked, old and sick! You just say, how can you become famous in one fell swoop in half a year?" Mr. Mao not only He didn't think he was disobedient at all, instead he laughed loudly: "Old Brother Xue just thought, how can I become a celebrity in one fell swoop as a gambler?" "I'm not Lord Xinling..." Xue Gong stopped suddenly. "Ah, ah, the flying dragon is in the sky! Sir, this matter is only for my old brother." Xue Gong said with a leisurely smile: "This maniac is always saying the same thing. If you have friends with Mr. Xinling, it will be true. Become famous in one fell swoop." Lu Buwei cheered up: "Er Gong has been rewarded by Lord Xinling, and if he plans properly, he will surely succeed." "Hey, hey," Mr. Mao waved his hands again and again, "Mr. Xinling is serious about killing. Although he regards me as a scholar, he doesn't like my madness. This matter is useless to me. If my old brother is not the one to do it, I will just run with the dragon's tail in my arms." Let's run." Lu Buwei bowed solemnly: "Mr. Xue is steady and meticulous, please, Buwei." Xue Gong said with great emotion: "Since we want to work together, why bother!" Turning around and pointing at Mao Gong with his iron stick, "You old lunatic can accomplish something within a month since you are proud to hold the dragon's tail." "But it doesn't matter." "Looking for a lost military book, teaching it so that you know it well, and you must have a few true insights." "Alas! Does your elder brother want me to study?" Mao Gong smiled wryly and shook his head. Raise the account and burst out laughing.Lu Buwei waved to the old manager of the tent: "Serve the wine, let's talk while drinking." After a while, the sumptuous wine and dishes were put on the table, and the four of them kept discussing until sunset.After sending the three of them away, Lu Buwei leaned on the couch wearily, and passed away in a daze.The boss was about to turn off the lights, but Lu Buwei suddenly opened his eyes again: "Father Ximen, I have some free time, I have to go back to Puyang." The boss looked at Lu Buwei, but didn't speak. "Is there something wrong?" "Mr. Zhuo has an agreement, but it has not been fulfilled yet..." "That's right!" Lu Buwei suddenly smiled, "It's a big turn, and I'm in a hurry."