The official post of Hengshui County became a temporary one due to the imperial driver's stay. All the idlers and other people were cleared away. Even the post's staff and servants were all kicked out and replaced by camp servants. The imperial guards were ordered to follow the regulations. , arrange the garrison tightly, and guard the imperial chariot.
Probably reflecting Emperor Liu's mood, the imperial driver seemed to be in a hurry on his way back. He went all the way south without making many stops along the way. He didn't really stop until Hengshui County.
In a clean guest room, the waiter, Xing Shouyan, dressed like an aristocratic gentleman, lay lazily on his side on a couch covered with a new silk quilt. Although he was just lying down simply, there was an invisible aura surrounding him. There was a middle-aged eunuch serving him.
The servants around Emperor Liu were servile, courteous and calm when serving Emperor Liu, but in front of others, they naturally had a different look and were very good at showing off. As a great eunuch who has reached the pinnacle of the eunuch profession, he is naturally more powerful and tyrannical towards the eunuchs below.
As a slave who serves others, it feels natural and more enjoyable when being served.
"Sir, would you like to try this wine again?" The middle-aged eunuch poured a glass of wine respectfully, holding the small wine glass carefully in both hands, and took two steps on his knees to hold it in front of the rock.
Yantuo didn't even look at him, he took it slowly, took a sip, shook his head, and said simply: "No!"
The eunuch took the wine cup without any hesitation, returned to the table and put it down, replaced it with a clean cup, opened another jar of wine, poured it in, repeated the action, and presented it to the rock.
Yan Tuo also had the same reaction. After taking a sip and savoring it, he still said indifferently: "Almost!"
There are a row of wine jars neatly placed on the table. Judging from their condition, although they have been cleaned up, there is a feeling of sedimentation. Three jars have been opened.
The middle-aged eunuch's service continues, he keeps unsealing titles, and keeps offering Yantuo, but he is always rejected. The air is already filled with a strong aroma of wine. Obviously, these are good wines, but they just don't taste right.
As time passed, the eunuch could no longer act as leisurely as before. When he offered another cup, his hands were trembling slightly and his voice was obviously nervous.
After a brief taste, Yantuo's tone already contained a hint of impatience: "Is this wine also going to be presented to the officials?"
Feeling Yantuo's anger, the eunuch immediately fell to the ground in fear, not daring to raise his head, say anything, or take any more actions. Although he was very proud of the awe of his chamberlain, Yantuo did not show his feelings and said coldly: "Have you finished tasting the wine?"
"no no....."
Feeling Yantuo's will, the eunuch returned to the case again and repeated the action of unsealing and pouring wine. He was also helpless and frightened. Yantuo did not give a clear evaluation. It was just not good. The leader did not explain. Of course, he did not know what the specific difference was. He could only continue to contribute numbly with trepidation, hoping that Yantuo would be able to make a difference. Satisfied.
Otherwise, if you can't even handle this little thing, you will probably fall out of favor with the great eunuch Yantuo, and your life in the palace will not be easy in the future. Working next to Yantuo, the head of the chamberlain, the competition pressure is also very high. Being able to be personally ordered to run errands is both an opportunity and a challenge, and it also comes with risks, even if it is just to find some suitable wine.
Naturally, Yan Tuo did not care about the thoughts of his men. He took the new wine again and took a sip as usual. This time, Yan Tuo finally lit up his eyes, clicked his tongue, drank the wine in the cup, and said: "Okay. ! This is the wine I chose!”
"Yes!" After hearing this, the eunuch finally breathed a sigh of relief and responded quickly. He looked back and saw that this was the penultimate altar.
Yantuo also sat up at this time and gave strong instructions: "Prepare twenty jars of this wine first. They must be exactly the same. The year and even the location of the cellar must be the same. There can be no difference!"
"Yes!" The eunuch nodded.
"As soon as possible! I can wait, but the officials can't wait!" Yan Tuo made a gesture.
"Little one, get it done immediately!"
The two Yantuo people were here so solemnly and attentively, for no other reason than to choose wine for Emperor Liu. Emperor Liu was passing by Hengshui for a while, and occasionally he wanted to taste the wine of Hengshui. After all, Hengjiang wine has a great historical heritage and a certain reputation. Since he passed by this treasure place, tasting it and understanding the local characteristics is also a way to understand the folk customs. way.
Although this is just the emperor's casual interest, it is a first-class event for Yantuo. They have no dignity at all in front of the emperor. They are dedicated to pleasing Emperor Liu, and what the emperor orders is even more important. To be achieved efficiently and perfectly.
The offered wine must first pass through Yantuo's mouth, where he tastes and selects the best, and then presents it to Emperor Liu. Yantuo, the slave, also did a good job. When he was with Emperor Liu, in order to show his loyalty, he often took over the task of tasting food. He had eaten delicacies from mountains and seas, as well as simple meals. He had a very tricky mouth and had extremely high abilities. taste skills.
Wine, of course, is no exception.
...
Emperor Liu's accommodation naturally looked more comfortable. Of course, this was just a guesthouse in a county, and it was crude after all. The one who lives with Emperor Liu is Concubine Gao. Even during the journey, one must pay attention to the rain and dew.
Of course, at Emperor Liu's age, his body and physical desires have faded a lot. Concubine Gao is over forty years old. Although she still has an attractive and mature temperament, her temptation towards Emperor Liu has indeed inevitably declined.
The two also paid more attention to emotional communication. Concubine Gao also served Emperor Liu attentively as usual, washing his feet and massaging his feet.
"This wine is good, it should be a famous local wine, high-quality Hengjiang wine!" Emperor Liu took a sip and looked down at the wine in the cup. This may be the predecessor of Hengshui Laobaigan.
Glancing at Yantuo: "You must have put a lot of effort into finding such a fine wine!"
Upon hearing this, Yantuo immediately said: "The official family, Hengshui is rich in wine and there are many old cellars. Although there are some twists and turns, it is not a trouble, as long as the official family is satisfied!"
Emperor Liu smiled: "I just want to have a taste, I don't want to waste a lot of time and disturb the people!"
"I don't dare, I just sent my men to buy according to the price!" Yantuo responded.
After nodding his head, Emperor Liu ordered the imperial concubine to pour a glass as well, saying, "You should also try this Heng Niang!"
Concubine Gao also smiled and said: "I heard that Heng Niang has the reputation of 'opening the altar with ten miles of fragrance'. It seems that I am also in luck today!"
Concubine Gao was not usually fond of wine, but in order to cater to Emperor Liu, she also showed joy.
"You should prepare more than one jar. Instruct them to go down and accompany the civil and military ministers and give them a jar each so that they can have a taste!" Emperor Liu looked at Yan Tuo: "Especially Rong Guo Gong, he is good at wine, and he must be a hunter. Congratulations, give me an extra altar!"
"Yes! I'll arrange it now!" Yantuo responded.
As for Emperor Liu, it was just as he said, he just tasted it briefly and stopped without paying any more attention to it. And for his taste, Yantuo and his men had put in a lot of thought and effort. All they wanted was to get Emperor Liu's approval.
The leader's words could cause the subordinates to break their legs, and Emperor Liu just showed a casual interest, and the ministers around him might make the subordinates go crazy.
