MFBOWSBTMT Chapter 94

At last, the milk tea was finished. Qiao Suiman tidied up the table, then quietly waited for the yayi to strike the gong.

 

Xiao Shun’s face twitched slightly. The lychee drink he had prepared was contained in a blue-and-white porcelain bowl bought at great expense. The lychees weren’t cheap either, specially brought from Lingnan by someone he hired. Despite his painstaking preparation, the last drink he brought out only drew a little attention in the beginning, and a flash of unwillingness passed through his eyes.

 

No… the top spot must be his… it must be his!

 

His gaze suddenly fell on Judge Wang, and a sinister smile appeared at the corner of his mouth.

 

“Clang!”

 

The gong sounded.

 

Thus, all three rounds of the fragrant drink competition had come to a completion.

 

Qiao Suiman rubbed his hands together. All that was left was for the judges to taste and listen to their explanations, and then it would be over.

 

The servants set the final products of the six contestants one by one before the panel of judges.

 

“This bamboo tube,” one of the judges said with a smile, “is quite interesting.”

 

“Indeed, it’s more unique than these porcelain bowls and cups.”

 

“Alright, summon them,” Liu Ben said to the shiye waiting to the side.

 

Qiao Suiman and the others were thus summoned to the front.

 

Before, when he stood far away, he could not see clearly. Now that he was closer, Qiao Suiman realized there was a familiar face among the judges!

 

It was the old shopkeeper of the teahouse that Qiao Suiman and Lu Dongqing had visited together before.

 

Qiao Suiman’s eyes lit up. The old shopkeeper smiled and nodded at him, and he responded with a smile.

 

“Number Three, what drink did you make, and how does it relate to ‘life’ (生)?” the shiye asked.

 

Number Three’s legs trembled. “R–Replying to my lord, this humble one, this humble one has made… has made…”

 

He kept stammering “made” for a long time, but couldn’t come up with any clear answer. He was obviously nervous.

 

The old shopkeeper took a sip of his drink and said with a smile, “Young man, why not tell us what you used to make this?”

 

“Replying to my lord, it is smoked plums. I pickled them with salt, dried them in the sun, heated them over a fire, ground them into powder, and then used them, soaking them in water.”

 

Number Three’s voice still shook, but the old shopkeeper has a kind and benevolent face, so he wasn’t as speechless as at the beginning.

 

“A herbal drink, then,” Judge Wang curled his lip. Such a method was not rare, but it was the first time he had seen smoked plums used this way.

 

“Yes, yes.”

 

“Then what does this have to do with ‘life’ (生)?” another judge asked.

 

Number Three answered hesitatingly, but fortunately, he finished his answer. After the judges tried his drink, they still looked calm, but Qiao Suiman could see that their expressions had changed slightly.

 

They questioned three more contestants in turn, and the answers were all sorts of strange. One said his wife dreamt of it when giving birth, another claimed it was to let everyone drink without killing[mfn]不杀生 bù shā shēng – The concept of not killing living beings, often associated with Buddhist teachings on compassion and non-violence (ahimsa).[/mfn]. Judge Wang’s brows remained furrowed the entire time.

 

When it was Xiao Shun’s turn, his lychee drink tasted good, but it wasn’t a new creation. On top of that, his explanation rambled on endlessly, from the mysteries of heaven and earth[mfn]天地玄黄 tiāndì xuánhuáng – “Heaven is dark, earth is yellow” are the first line of the Thousand Character Classic (千字文, qiānzìwén), which introduced the formation process of the universe[/mfn] to the talented and virtuous spirits of the south and the continuous cycle of life. This made many people dizzy.

 

“What nonsense is he spouting? Even the wife’s dream was better than this,” someone in the crowd said.

 

Qiao Suiman almost laughed, but then he remembered it would soon be his turn to speak. He rubbed his hands nervously and could not bring himself to smile.

 

The judges had different expressions on their faces. Finally, the old shopkeeper stopped him from continuing, but he still looked like he hadn’t finished speaking.

 

Shopkeeper Hu sighed slightly and first asked Qiao Suiman, “What is the drink you’ve made?”

 

Qiao Suiman swallowed and said, “Replying to my lord, I made ‘milk tea’.”

 

“Milk tea?” Judge Wang said dismissively.

 

“It’s something new,” another judge nearby said with a smile, opening the lid.

 

A scent of milk mixed with tea fragrance wafted out.

 

“It doesn’t smell pungent at all!” the judge exclaimed in surprise.

 

“I also find it very fragrant,” another judge said. Unable to wait after smelling it, he took a sip and exclaimed, “This, this, this…!”

 

“Look at you, is it really that impressive?” the fifth judge teased. He too drank a sip, and his eyes widened instantly. He opened his mouth to speak, but instead took several more sips before finally saying: “It truly is ‘milk tea’! The fragrance of tea and milk can blend so harmoniously. What a rare delight indeed.”

 

“Is it really that delicious?” The others looked puzzled and opened the lids one after another.

 

Suddenly, no one spoke. They were all savoring the taste of the ‘milk tea’. It was truly remarkable, truly wonderful!

 

The crowd was surprised. “Why aren’t they speaking? Is it that good?”

 

“Damn, I couldn’t stand it just smelling it earlier. How good exactly does it taste?!”

 

“Shopkeeper Qiao’s skill is unmatched. To think goat milk could be made so delicious. Look, even the County Magistrate is nearly finished drinking!”

 

“Will this be sold? I’ll be the first one to buy it.”

 

“You think you’ll be first? I’ll definitely be ahead of you!”

 

The voices from below grew louder.  Judge Wang looked around and saw that he was the only one who hadn’t tasted it yet. He had sworn earlier that he would never drink it.

 

But the aroma was truly enticing that he swallowed his saliva several times already.

 

The fifth judge teased, “Wang-xiong, just drink it. We’ll pretend we didn’t hear what you said. If you’re determined not to drink this delicious milk tea, just give it to me.”

 

“Get lost! I’m closer. If anyone gets it, it should be me!” the judge beside him joked.

 

Judge Wang ultimately couldn’t resist the temptation: “Nonsense, I never said anything.”

 

After saying that, he picked up the bamboo tube and took a small sip.

 

The fragrance of milk tea burst in his mouth. The taste is smooth and not greasy, and there is a hint of osmanthus fragrance lingering at the end. It tastes really good!

 

He took several more gulps, not bothering to speak.

 

Fragrant!

 

Truly fragrant!

 

Seeing them all drinking happily, Qiao Suiman’s eyes shone slightly. He stood waiting for their next question.

 

Finally, the old shopkeeper steadied the situation. Wiping the milk tea off his beard, he smiled and asked, “How does this relate to ‘life’ (生)?”

 

Qiao Suiman took a deep breath and recited the explanation he had gone over countless times in his mind: “When I first heard the word ‘life’ (生), I had no idea, and it troubled me greatly.”

 

Qiao Suiman’s voice trembled a little at first, but became calmer as he spoke: “I thought, isn’t ‘生’ just life? When I learned to read, I came across the word ‘life.’ I am life, others are life, and from generation to generation, we continue life.”

 

“My brother-in-law is pregnant, which is also continuing life. But he has been suffering during this time. In our village, most ge’r raise their children on rice gruel, while only wealthy families can afford goat milk. My elder brother also bought some for him, but goat milk has a peculiar taste. My brother-in-law couldn’t get used to it, but to continue ‘life’, he still drank it.”

 

“I thought, he suffers for ‘life’, so could I give him a little sweetness? Make goat milk into a delicious drink so he can be happier while continuing ‘life’.”

 

“So I tried many methods and finally created ‘milk tea’.”

 

“Milk tea is delicious. If it can make others happy to drink, then it also continues the ‘life’ of milk tea.”

 

Qiao Suiman finally finished speaking, pursed his lips slightly, and waited for the judge’s response.

 

The judges fell quiet. For a moment, no one spoke.

 

Judge Wang secretly wiped the corner of his eye before saying, “Sincere words from the heart, the genuine emotion within is truly moving.”

 

The old shopkeeper nodded with satisfaction, “Though the words are simple, they are the most genuine. The milk tea tastes so good, one can see how much thought was put into it.”

 

Qiao Suiman’s nervousness from the entire day vanished at this moment. He smiled, his eyes slightly damp.

 

“Alright, it’s time to discuss the final results,” the old shopkeeper said.

 

The judges gathered together and discussed in low voices. Each selected their three favorites, finally handing the choices to the shiye to tally the tokens.

 

Outside, the crowd discussed the meaning of ‘life’ (生), and those inside the teahouse could hear as well.

 

Qin Yu began crying from the moment Qiao Suiman mentioned him. Thinking of their hardships over the years and their mutual support, coupled with his sensitive state due to pregnancy, he simply couldn’t stop.

 

Zhou Shuifen and Chen Xuesheng also had tears in their eyes, and they comforted him over and over before he finally calmed.

 

Seeing this, Chen Xiasheng’s eyes blinked. “Qin Yu-ge, have you drunk it? Is it very delicious?”

 

Zhou Shuifen laughed and scolded in a low voice: “All you think about is eating and drinking!”

 

Qin Yu laughed through his tears: “It’s delicious, especially delicious. Dongqing brought a bowl back yesterday.”

 

“I want to drink it too,” Chen Xiasheng blinked and said again.

 

“Quick, quick, it’s tallied. Look,” Lu Xuesong exclaimed.

 

After counting all the tokens, the shiye’s eyes revealed surprise. He announced to the crowd: “Third place, Number Three, Zhang Yuan!”

 

“It’s me! Heavens! Mother! I’m third!”

 

Number Three, who could barely speak clearly at the beginning, shouted wildly.

 

“Second place, Number Twenty-Six, Zhou Huo.”

 

Zhou Huo had spoken more clearly, and at least everyone remembered his story of his wife dreaming of ginger honey water when giving birth.

 

Only first place remained.

 

Qiao Suiman’s lips parted slightly, as though time itself had stopped, until he looked at the shiye.

 

“Congratulations!”

 

“Number Fifty-Three, Qiao Suiman.”

 

“All ten judges selected you as the first! You’ve won the first prize!”

 

Qiao Suiman’s ears were buzzing, as if he had been detached from the scene before him. His lips parted and closed, his gaze becoming unfocused.

 

He… he actually won first place!

 

“Xiao Man, Xiao Man.”

 

He heard someone calling him. He turned his eyes. Lu Dongqing stood just outside the railing, smiling broadly at him.

 

Qiao Suiman immediately grinned widely, waving his arms. “I’m first!”

 

“Mn, Xiao Man is truly amazing,” Lu Dongqing said with a smile.

 

With the rankings decided, the next step was receiving the prize money. The shiye had just prepared the prize money for the three of them when Xiao Shun suddenly rushed over, grabbing the shiye by the collar. Xiao Shun’s face twisted viciously. “Impossible! I am the first place! I am!”

 

“How audacious!”

 

Immediately, the yayi came forward to grab him, but he was like a madman, shouting, “I’m the first! You promised, you promised!”

 

Liu Ben immediately caught the information and ordered the yayi to bring him forward: “Who promised you? Speak the truth!”

 

Xiao Shun seized upon hope and struggled toward Judge Wang. “Lord Wang, Lord Wang, you promised me first place! You can’t do this, you can’t!”

 

“Nonsense! I don’t even know you!”

 

Judge Wang stood up abruptly. “Audacious madman! Turning lies into truth! When have I ever seen you?”

 

He then turned to Liu Ben and bowed: “Magistrate Liu, I swear on my family’s fortune and life, I have never done such a shameful thing!”

 

Everyone was stunned by the sudden turn of events. Qiao Suiman was also startled. Seeing the unclear situation, Lu Dongqing directly jumped over the railing to Qiao Suiman’s side, shielding him behind him.

 

The yayi were too busy to stop him.

 

But Qiao Suiman suddenly remembered something. He tugged Lu Dongqing’s sleeve and stepped out from behind him.

 

Lu Dongqing didn’t know what he intended to do, but stayed close by his side to prevent him from being accidentally injured.

 

Liu Ben had a headache. Xiao Shun kept trying to implicate Judge Wang, but Judge Wang swore to the heavens that he did not know Xiao Shun.

 

“Your Honor, I recall something that might be related to this matter,” Qiao Suiman said.

 

Liu Ben immediately asked: “What is it?”

 

“After the second round, he said something to me.” Qiao Suiman pointed at Xiao Shun and repeated what Xiao Shun had said: “You were willing to spend money to buy information as well.”

 

Liu Ben narrowed his eyes. “He truly said that?”

 

The already eliminated Number Forty-Eight nearby slapped his forehead. “Right, right, right! I heard it too!”

 

“Seems I recall such a thing,” Number Forty, who was slightly closer to them, also said.

 

Liu Ben slammed the table heavily: “Audacious! Hurry up and tell me! Who did you buy the information from!”

 

Xiao Shun pulled out a portrait from his robes, unfolding it to reveal Judge Wang. “It was you! Your steward took my hundred taels of silver and gave me the information! Don’t deny it!”

 

Then he shouted toward Liu Ben: “Your Honor, one hundred taels! I was counting on this competition to turn my fortunes around! Your Honor, he said he would give me first place!”

 

“Wang Heng! What is the meaning of this!” Liu Ben shouted.

 

“Your Honor, the steward in my residence would absolutely not do such a thing. He must have been deceived by someone else, believing that person was my confidant, hence this situation.”

 

Wang Heng paused, then said to Xiao Shun: “The steward you spoke of, does he have a slight limp in his right leg?”

 

“Yes! It’s him! And you say you didn’t know!” Xiao Shun said viciously.

 

Wang Heng ignored him and said to Liu Ben, “Your Honor, last month, a servant named Wang Er was sneaking around the main courtyard. It was later discovered that he stole two porcelain vases from the family and sold them outside. He was beaten and sold off. If what this person said is true, then Wang Er was impersonating as my steward to swindle him.”

 

“I often speak openly of household affairs, so he may have overheard the competition details.”

 

Wang Heng added: “My Wang family has vast wealth and business. Why would we covet a mere one hundred taels?”

 

“Indeed, Your Honor, Wang-xiong’s family earns more than one hundred taels in a single day,” said a judge who was familiar with him.

 

After a moment of contemplation, Liu Ben said, “Detain Xiao Shun and search for Wang Er.”

 

“Yes,” the shiye replied, then asked quietly: “Your Honor, what about today’s prizes…”

 

“Proceed.”

 

Once the storm passed, the people present hadn’t quite recovered. Liu Ben helplessly called Qiao Suiman forward: “It should have been your moment to shine, yet such a thing happened under my watch. Fortunately, it was a misunderstanding. How about this: I shall write a plaque for your shop myself, as a signboard. What do you say?”

 

Qiao Suiman was so overwhelmed by the good news that he immediately nodded in agreement.

 

Liu Ben also gave extra rewards to Zhang Yuan and Zhou Huo, then let the three receive their silver and withdraw.

 

With all procedures of the competition here completed, the onlookers gradually dispersed, talking about the day’s strange events. Some even asked Qiao Suiman when his drink shop would start selling milk tea.

 

Qiao Suiman replied that it would be sometime later and followed Lu Dongqing to the teahouse in a daze. Only when he saw Qin Yu, Miao Lianhua, and the others’ delighted gazes did he finally regain his senses.

 

The County Magistrate himself would inscribe a plaque for him!

 

“Xiao Man,” Qin Yu clasped his hand, eyes red from crying.

 

“Xiao Man-ge, you’re amazing!” Lu Xuesong said.

 

“Qiao-gege, who was that person? Why was he so wicked!” Tang Guo’er said. When he heard Xiao Shun’s words, he wanted to roll up his sleeves and go fight him on the street.

 

Everyone was talking at once, and Qiao Suiman responded to each question one by one. It took a while before he finished.

 

Qiao Suiman’s eyes curved into smiles: “Regardless, we didn’t suffer any losses and even gained silver and the Magistrate’s inscription as well.”

 

 

 

 

 

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