The four carts of grain totaled over four hundred catties, all fine rice and wheat—far better for brewing than the previous corn. To win the five coachmen's loyalty, Xu Mu generously gave each ten catties, prompting cheers from Chen Sheng and the others.
"Master, when I brought the grain home last night, my wife practically worshipped me." Chen Sheng beamed the next day. "She said you're a good man—told me to follow you faithfully."
"Funny, my wife said the same."
Rare laughter filled the courtyard. Their courage the previous night had proven them worthy.
"F-food's ready." Jiang Caiwei stood in the yard, smiling. Following Xu Mu's order, she'd cooked two large pots of rice—a rare treat these days.
The men initially declined, but once seated, they wolfed down their food, nearly matching Si Hu's appetite. Xu Mu didn't mind—these five were his first recruits; stinginess wouldn't do.
"After eating, I'll need your help with some work." Xu Mu smiled. Two days had passed; brewing couldn't wait.
"Whatever you say, Master."
Xu Mu nodded, about to explain the brewing steps, when barking dogs outside signaled visitors. A group appeared at the yard.
"Brother Mu? Heard you returned last night—I was so worried." It was Madame Sha's voice.
Xu Mu frowned. The five men and Si Hu set down their bowls coldly. Jiang Caiwei, flustered, 弯腰 to pick up her old woodcutter's knife.
"Go inside." Xu Mu said. She hesitated, then hurried in.
"Si Hu, open the gate." Xu Mu sat back down, calm.
Si Hu reluctantly opened the gate. A crowd poured in. Xu Mu looked up—Madame Sha was there, along with Lame Ma and around ten thugs.
"Brother Mu's eating rice." Madame Sha's voice turned sour. She dragged a chair over, sitting without invitation.
"I was going to visit you, but this saves the trip." Xu Mu pulled out a silver pouch, tossing it coldly before her.
Madame Sha snatched it, counting repeatedly, then grinned maliciously. "I was confused earlier—fifteen taels was wrong. Recalculated, it should be fifty."
"Also, per Gang rules, you owe tribute. Since you brew good wine, I'll take just one tael per jar." Lame Ma leaned against the wall, picking his nails coldly.
Xu Mu narrowed his eyes, tossing his own pouch onto the ground. "Go on—pick it up."
A nearby thug rushed forward, only to stumble back ten steps, as if hitting a mountain. He looked up to find Si Hu's tower-like frame blocking the way. Behind him, five stern men stood with cudgels, unyielding.
"Brother Mu's grown bold." Madame Sha's voice turned icy. "In Wangzhou, unruly dogs and cats get beaten to death."
"Madame Sha, no threats. If you're capable, bring an official with a warrant. Fifty taels? How many girls must you sell for that?"
"Brother Mu's really disobedient—doesn't want to be a thug anymore?"
Xu Mu's expression didn't change. Breaking ties with these criminals was inevitable once he started brewing. "Three million thugs in Da Ji—one more or less means nothing."
"No more negotiating?"
"No." Xu Mu shook his head. He'd never let them meddle in his business.
"Who knew Brother Mu had it in him? Impressive." Madame Sha stood, kicking over her chair. Inside, Jiang Caiwei tensed.
"Brother Mu, leaving the gang without permission means three knives and six holes." Lame Ma scowled—they'd gotten nothing. As if that absurd rule existed.
Xu Mu stood slowly, voice rising. "I brew better wine than old shops. Do you think I have no backers?"
That finally made Madame Sha and Lame Ma exchange glances. "Who—"
"Si Hu, see them out." Before she could finish, Xu Mu ordered. Si Hu, wielding two cudgels, herded the stunned intruders out.
"Brother Mu, which official are we backed by?" Si Hu rushed back, excited.
"Don't ask..." Xu Mu sighed. He had no backers—just bluffed to deter them. Once this batch sold, he planned to move outside Wangzhou, building a winery to avoid such troubles.
"Lads, move the grain—let's get to work!"
"Right, Master!"
"Hu, don't carry too much—you'll drop your silver!"
"Haha!"
Jiang Caiwei leaned in the doorway, watching Xu Mu haul sacks, a warmth blooming in her heart. Before entering Wangzhou, she'd heard thugs were monsters—violating women on day one, selling them by day three. But her husband was different: he paid her debts, cared for her. A gift from heaven.
"X-Xu Lang, t-take it slow—don't fall." Her voice caught, nose stinging.
Xu Mu looked up, breathless from the original owner's debauched body, too tired to read her feelings. Si Hu and Chen Sheng turned, laughing.
"Oh, right, got it." Xu Mu replied awkwardly.
Jiang Caiwei blushed, covering her face, and fled inside.