Chapter 47: After This Bowl, There Are Still Three More

Shaxian was a crucial town on the southwestern border of the Chen Kingdom, and the only city along the Sha River to bear its name. Here, the rolling mountain ranges abruptly ended, and the Sha River rushed forth, unfettered for a thousand miles. If this land were a painted scroll, the chapter of towering peaks would close at this point, giving way to the grandeur of rivers and the endless expanse of rice paddies, teeming with fish and grain. Shaxian itself was like a small but unyielding nail, hammered into the very center of this artwork, replacing a rest with its steadfast presence.

Across the Sha River, one could see the towns of the Cai Kingdom on the opposite bank. Occasionally, boats plied the waters, but at each port, a dozen or more warships could be seen, a sure sign that tensions between the two kingdoms were high and both sides were sharpening their blades, awaiting the inevitable clash.

Yet, within Shaxian, the residents seemed utterly unaffected by the looming shadow of war, and the city was alive with jubilation and merriment.

The houses and markets were neatly arranged, and the streets bustled with every manner of folk. After entering the city, the young gentlemen dismounted of their own accord, bantering and laughing as they made their way to the famed tavern, “Never Return Drunk.”

From the outside, the establishment appeared rather ordinary. As they reached the entrance, a waiter hurried out to greet them.

“Honored sirs, your presence brings glory to our humble inn, truly, it is an honor!”

The young gentlemen laughed. “We’re all regulars—no need for pleasantries. Prepare our table and see that our horses are well cared for.”

The waiter nodded repeatedly, calling others to lead away their dozen or so horses. But when he came to Xu Wenshan’s ox, he paused in confusion.

He had no idea who Xu Wenshan was and looked at the others, asking, “And this gentleman is…?”

The young men burst out laughing, teasing him. “What are you staring for? Lead our friend’s ‘carriage’ in as well!”

“Standing there dumbfounded? Never seen a fine steed before?”

The waiter, scratching his head, led the ox cart to the stable, still full of doubt. Xu Wenshan said sternly, “There’s cargo in my cart—keep an eye on it and don’t let anyone touch it. Feed my ox well, too. If it gets thin from hunger, you’ll answer to me.”

The waiter nodded obediently, but when the others weren’t looking, he surreptitiously lifted the felt covering. “So that’s all he is—a mere fur trader!” He immediately felt a strong sense of disdain for Xu Wenshan.

Inside the tavern, Xu Jing and the others ordered more than twenty dishes in one go, nearly exhausting the entire menu, and called for several jars of fine wine.

By the time the food arrived, they were famished and, unmindful of decorum, devoured everything in a whirlwind.

Though the fare was only homestyle cooking at best, Xu Wenshan was thoroughly delighted. In Luhe Valley, there were no chilies, no cumin, no MSG, no noodles, no corn, no potatoes, and even salt was scarce. To be able to eat a meal of such quality here was deeply moving.

After a while, Xiang Jie suddenly said, “Old Xu, didn’t you claim even thirty jars wouldn’t bring you down? Why not show us?”

Xu Wenshan, in high spirits, wiped his mouth and replied, “Bring it on!”

Cheers erupted from the group as they urged the waiter over. It was the same waiter as before, who bowed and asked, “What can I do for you, gentlemen?”

“You may not know, but this man is a hero among drinkers. He says your ‘Three-Cup Knockout’ is all talk, and even thirty jars wouldn’t fell him. Bring out thirty jars, and let’s see if he can stay on his feet!”

The waiter, uncertain of the gentlemen’s mood, wrung his hands. “Well…”

Xu Wenshan patted him on the shoulder. “Is it true here that if you can drink three bowls and not fall, the meal and drinks are free?”

“Absolutely,” the waiter replied. “Our sign guarantees it.”

Xu Wenshan grinned. “Then bring me three jars to start.”

The waiter glanced at Xu Jing, who waved a hand. “Go ahead—don’t spare him the wine. Better bring extra, lest he be disappointed!”

Seeing the faintly mocking smiles on the gentlemen’s faces, the waiter surmised that this fur trader was merely a clown for their amusement. Taking it seriously, he brought up three jars of wine.

“This is our signature wine: Three-Cup Knockout. If you can stay standing after three bowls, the meal is free.”

Xu Wenshan broke the seal and sniffed the wine—it was a grain wine reminiscent of sake, not yet a distilled spirit. He smiled to himself. “I could finish thirty jars of this, let alone three.”

The waiter sneered, slamming a large bowl onto the table. “Drink three bowls first, then we’ll talk!”

The young gentlemen were only too eager for spectacle. Seeing sparks fly between Xu Wenshan and the tavern, they clapped and cheered, hoping for a brawl.

At first, Xu Wenshan thought the “Three-Cup Knockout” was just bravado, but seeing the size of the bowl—nearly as large as a washbasin, likely holding a whole jar—he realized the trick. The average man would have no hope of drinking such a quantity.

But was he an average man? Certainly not.

Xu Wenshan filled the bowl to the brim, lifted it with both hands, and downed it in one go—without spilling a single drop.

“Well done! One bowl!” the young men cheered.

With a smile at the waiter, Xu Wenshan poured another full bowl and drank it down in the same fashion.

“Well done! Two bowls!”

Now, the waiter’s face had gone pale.

“Three bowls!”

“Hiccup.”

As the gentlemen cheered, Xu Wenshan let out a hiccup after downing the third bowl, still standing firm, legs steady, not the slightest sign of drunkenness.

The waiter shoved Xu Wenshan a couple of times, but couldn’t budge him and grew crestfallen. If this table went unpaid, the owner would surely take it out on him.

The proprietor, who had been watching from the shadows, could no longer contain himself and came out, bowing to the gentlemen. “Such resourceful young masters—where did you find such a prodigy, who can truly drink three bowls of our wine?”

This flattery boosted the egos of the young men, while the true drinker, Xu Wenshan, was made the butt of the joke—a fact that made his teeth ache, though the others enjoyed the praise.

“Sir, does your ‘three bowls unfallen, meal is free’ still stand?”

“It does, of course. But we must see if this gentleman is truly sober or just putting on a show,” the owner replied obsequiously.

It was hard to blame him; with a dozen people eating a table full of dishes, a free meal would be a heavy loss.

Nearby, Lu Ze—disguised as a rustic farmhand—leaned close to Xu Wenshan and whispered so softly no one else could hear, “A wine sprite who drinks can cultivate demonic power.”

Xu Wenshan nodded faintly. “I know.”

Then he turned and said, “No need to test me further. Bring out every jar of wine you have. When I finally get drunk, I’ll pay for everything on this table.”

Xu Jing, who had intended to treat everyone, was startled at this and protested, “Brother Xu, that’s not right!”

Xu Wenshan waved her off. “Don’t be embarrassed. What I mean is, if I do get drunk, I’ll settle the bill. But if I can’t be brought down, then not a coin will I pay for food or drink. What do you say?”

The tavern owner snorted. “So, we’re wagering on drink, are we?”

“That’s right, a wager. Do you dare accept?”