Chapter 82: Couldn’t Figure It Out

“Pour the wine.”

Miss Zhao said lightly. Liu Liwa wore a cold smile on his face, not hiding his impatience at all. Inside, he was so angry that he gritted his teeth, wishing he could mix some pesticide or rat poison into the wine.

He had spent his previous life serving women, thinking this life would bring better luck, but he still ended up serving women. Liu Liwa unhappily poured wine for everyone at the table. Of course, no one cared whether he was happy or not. Everyone’s attention was focused on Miss Zhao, as if she were a queen enjoying boundless glory.

“Come, everyone, don’t be reserved.” The young lady smiled and raised her glass, especially glancing at Liu Liwa as if the wine he poured was somehow special. Then she encouraged everyone to drink, saying, “From now on, I will be settling in Linyu County, and I’ll need all of you to look out for me!”

Everyone was slightly taken aback and quickly raised their glasses, saying they didn’t dare. It was a joke—who would dare take care of the emperor’s fiancée? However, Wen Jun couldn’t help but ask, “Miss, you’re not going to the Capital City, nor are you returning to Ningyuan County. May I ask what brings you here?”

As the local military commander, directly under the Imperial Family, he had to be cautious around this future Imperial Concubine, who might even become the Empress. This was also something that puzzled Brother Chun and Lord Zeng: why would such a powerful young lady suddenly seek them out?

Miss Zhao drank her wine boldly and said slowly, “The family estate is managed by my father and second sister. As for going to the Capital City, I am but a simple country woman—how could I possibly enter such an important place, right under the emperor’s feet? The reason I came here is to start my own business. As you all saw earlier, the clothing boutique in the southern part of the city is run by me. It’s a small operation, so I’ll need your support. Also, since I have left home, there’s no need to call me ‘Miss.’ My given name is Jiabi—you may address me as such.”

Miss Zhao spoke casually, but her words struck everyone like thunder. The room fell silent, and each person interpreted her words differently. Brother Chun and Lord Zeng understood a bit better; they realized that she had invited them because there would be business dealings in the future. Brother Chun owned the largest cloth shop in Linyu County, and Lord Zeng ran the biggest carriage service. One would be her supplier of raw materials, the other her logistics partner—essentially, they were to be collaborators.

But to Wen Jun, her words had a completely different meaning, especially the key phrases: “left home,” “my own business,” “country woman,” and “given name.” Putting it all together, it meant this young lady had run away from home with no intention of marrying into the Imperial Family. She was setting out on her own here; there would be no more Miss Zhao, only Zhao Jiabi!

Liu Liwa also caught the hidden meaning, but he didn’t care. Starting a business on one’s own was just a way for rich second-generation kids to cover up their incompetence. In the end, they still relied on family funds, connections, and background.

“Ah, everyone, don’t just stand there stunned. Today, I specially arranged this banquet to get to know all of you, so we can communicate more in the future.” Zhao Jiabi smiled, then gestured with her middle finger, signaling Liu Liwa to pour more wine. After Liu Liwa refilled everyone’s glasses, they were all still thinking about how and from what angle to interact with this seemingly runaway young lady in the future.

Zhao Jiabi gave a faint smile, suddenly picked up two glasses of wine, and handed one to Liu Liwa, saying, “Come, young man. I’ve just arrived here and have been warmly received. I’d like to offer you a toast!”

Everyone was surprised again, but Liu Liwa generously accepted the glass. He knew this cunning woman was using him as a stepping stone to show everyone that she was no longer a young lady of high status but an ordinary woman. She even personally toasted a lowly servant, showing her common touch and letting others know they needn’t worry—surely they were no less than a servant!

Liu Liwa had been running around all day and night—taking photorealistic portraits, meeting contacts like a spy, and helping Young Master Ye boast—so he was starving, his stomach sticking to his back. Not only did he take the glass, but he also grabbed a chicken leg, took a couple of bites, and then raised his glass, saying, “Miss, don’t stand on ceremony. You drink half; I’ll finish it all!”

“Pfft…” Lord Zeng, Brother Chun, Young Master Ye, and the two young ladies all spat out the wine they had just drunk. Only Third Miss Zhao and Wen Jun were confused; without firsthand experience, it was hard to grasp the meaning behind Liu Liwa’s words.

“You drink half; I’ll finish it all.” At first, it sounded like he was telling a female friend to drink less, but the underlying meaning was profound!

Miss Zhao was also taken aback, watching as Liu Liwa ate with greasy lips and happily downed the fine wine. But the others’ expressions puzzled her. She wasn’t used to being kept in the dark—controlling everything was her nature. Clearly, something was off about what was just said, but she couldn’t figure out what. Luckily, her equally clueless younger sister and the obedient Young Master Ye were by her side.

Third Miss Zhao grabbed Young Master Ye’s ear and pressed him for an explanation. To please his crush, Young Master Ye blushed and stammered out his understanding in her ear. Third Miss Zhao’s face turned red, and she nearly yanked his ear off. Then she leaned over and whispered to her sister. Both sisters blushed—one mature and dignified, the other youthful and lively—a stunning pair of beauties.

Miss Zhao glanced at him but didn’t show much anger or embarrassment. That was the mark of a true master—not revealing emotions. Of course, mainly because she had no proof; Third Miss Zhao’s retelling was just Young Master Ye’s interpretation, which might not have been Liu Liwa’s actual intention, so she had no grounds to confront him. However, this seemingly lowly brothel steward had thoroughly caught her attention.

She sat down with a cold smile and urged the others to eat. The atmosphere shifted slightly, but this strong woman was no simple character. She shared some amusing anecdotes, re-energized the two accompanying young ladies, and, amid their coquettish urging to drink, the mood gradually lifted. Liu Liwa had secretly gotten one over on the young lady, and after munching on a chicken leg, he felt much better.

Miss Zhao was skilled at managing the atmosphere, behaving like a smooth and experienced PR manager. Throughout the meal, she constantly praised Lord Zeng and Brother Chun, complimenting their big businesses, wealth, and success, making the two feel like they could audition for Super Girl.

At the same time, she didn’t forget Young Master Ye and Wen Jun, exaggerating their strengths and making everyone feel dizzy. Finally, with the help of Miss Zhao and the two young ladies, they successfully got all the men drunk. Lord Zeng even shouted for Liu Liwa to fetch his “secret weapon” from the Madam.

For the ten silver taels Lord Zeng promised, Liu Liwa willingly ran the errand. It turned out to be just an oil-paper package. On the way, he sneakily opened it and saw a white powder inside. Even if opium existed in this era, it couldn’t be processed so finely. He sniffed it—the smell was pungent and invigorating. Liu Liwa suddenly understood: this was indeed the “secret weapon” for a man of Lord Zeng’s age—energizing, refreshing, and… standing tall!

The men were all heavily drunk, especially Young Master Ye and Wen Jun, who had been drunk for two days straight and were on their third round. One was passed out on the table, and the other had slid under the table, clinging to Third Miss Zhao’s leg and refusing to let go.

Brother Chun was dragged away by his favorite girl. Lord Zeng took the “special effect pill,” mixed it with wine, and downed it in one go, instantly transforming into a Super Saiyan before leaving with a girl.

Only Liu Liwa and Miss Zhao were left, staring at each other. The composed Miss Zhao showed no signs of being affected by the alcohol. She seemed to have something to say, but Liu Liwa beat her to it and asked, “Tell me, what’s the use of Lord Zeng taking that white powder?”

Miss Zhao didn’t expect him to ask so suddenly. She thought for a moment, then shook her head and said, “Couldn’t figure it out!”

Liu Liwa was overjoyed, clapped his hands, and said, “Congratulations, you got it right!”