Wine

The river breeze carried a touch of coolness.

The old monk smiled as he gazed at the splendid water-town scenery of little bridges and flowing streams, as though he had merely come to the water's edge to admire the view. Calm as light clouds and gentle winds, neither arrogant nor impetuous, he was quite unlike the young man beside him, whose face was faintly flushed with unease.

"Does Benefactor Xu have something on his mind?"

"I... I have nothing on my mind. I've merely been somewhat tired lately."

Xu Xian gave an embarrassed smile, then began staring blankly into space again, his gaze unconsciously turning toward Osmanthus Alley.

The old monk did not expose him, merely smiling.

"Do not let a destined marriage slip away, lest you regret it beyond redemption in the future. It takes a hundred years of cultivation to share a boat crossing, a thousand years of cultivation to share a pillow in sleep. Fate is not easily won; seize the chance. The doubts and misunderstandings in your heart must be resolved."

"Was it truly a misunderstanding? I..."

He sounded somewhat anxious, then realized it too late and smiled awkwardly, his face reddening as he forced himself to remain calm.

Then he saw the mysterious old monk take out a small wine jar. The ancient-looking jar gave off a faint fragrance of wine. Xu Xian wondered why the old monk had brought out a wine jar. It was said that Golden Mountain Courtyard forbade drinking—could it be that he wished to drink with him by the river today?

The scholars and literary men in the city enjoyed drinking by the lakeside, where they could compose poetry as well.

Judging from the scent, it should be rice wine. Suzhou and Hangzhou had plenty of it, and several breweries