The Sacred Leaves Family's Wishes for Peace-Chapter 432 - 550: The Chief Brewer and Fang Chu’s Revenge Plan

Chapter 550: The Chief Brewer and Fang Chu’s Revenge Plan

"Quick, open it and let us taste it!"

Uncle Jiu could barely contain himself, leaning forward eagerly, eyes bright with anticipation. His long years of experience had taught him to appreciate fine wine, yet even he had never encountered a brew that stirred him so completely.

Fang Chu opened the wine jar with calm precision. The moment the seal was lifted, a delicate fragrance poured forth, filling the air with an intoxicating floral aroma. This was the signature of Hundred Flowers Brew: a harmony of carefully selected spiritual flowers, each contributing its own subtle notes to the blend. The scent lingered, weaving a tapestry of freshness and depth that seemed almost tangible.

"This... this is definitely Hundred Flowers Brew," Steward Qiu said, nodding with certainty. Uncle Jiu mirrored his approval, both well-versed in the intricate subtleties of this popular brew. They were intimately familiar with its flavor, yet something about this batch struck them as different.

Fang Chu poured the wine from the jar into a polished wine pot, then carefully into their cups. The rich aroma spread further, curling and twisting through the small courtyard, reaching even the farthest corners. The fragrance seemed to dance on the breeze, beckoning and inviting.

Qiu and Uncle Jiu each lifted their cups, bringing them close to their noses to inhale deeply.

"Something’s off... not off, but different," Qiu said, brow furrowing slightly as he sniffed. "The aroma is more pronounced than usual, yet the wine itself hasn’t lost any of its subtle undertones. And... I swear I detect a new flower in this scent!"

He stared at Fang Chu, eyes wide, filled with a mixture of surprise and admiration. This was no mere reproduction—it bore the unmistakable mark of a creative mind.

"I added the Moon Pavilion Flower," Fang Chu said calmly, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

Uncle Jiu’s eyes widened in recognition. Although he had suspected that some modification might exist, the confirmation still hit him like a revelation. Qiu’s expression shifted, a mix of shock and deep respect settling over his features.

Neither of them had expected such boldness—not only had Fang Chu successfully reproduced Hundred Flowers Brew, he had dared to enhance it, demonstrating not just skill but extraordinary confidence in his abilities.

Uncle Jiu, unable to contain his excitement, lifted the cup and took a careful sip. As always, he drank not in hurried gulps, but in slow, deliberate sips, savoring every nuance. The subtle layers of flavor unfolded on his palate: the original floral notes of Hundred Flowers Brew, enriched by the gentle, rare fragrance of Moon Pavilion Flower.

Qiu followed suit, tasting with measured attention, his usual composure giving way to a slight gleam of delight.

Though the wine was Hundred Flowers Brew, it had been transformed under Fang Chu’s hand. The subtle differences—the richer aroma, the enhanced bouquet, the smoother finish—were enough to set this batch apart, to elevate it to something greater.

Uncle Jiu’s face changed noticeably. Initially, a faint furrow of confusion as his mind compared this wine to the divine Dreaming Back he had tasted months ago. Then, as he realized the quality and refinement of Fang Chu’s creation, his brow relaxed, a serene satisfaction spreading across his features.

Qiu’s reaction was less dramatic but equally telling. His eyes reflected joy and recognition, acknowledging Fang Chu’s mastery.

"Fang brother," Qiu said, voice firm yet warm, "you’ve not only captured the essence of Hundred Flowers Brew, you’ve improved upon it. You are truly a master of brewing. I can say this without hesitation: welcome to Moonwatch Tower as a brewmaster."

Fang Chu shook his head, his signature modesty in place. "Steward Qiu, you flatter me. I only followed the recipe step by step, adding a small adjustment at the end. To call me a master seems far too generous."

Uncle Jiu chuckled as he refilled their cups. "Fang brother, you are perfect in every way—except one. You are far too humble."

Qiu nodded in agreement, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

Fang Chu simply shrugged, accustomed to deflecting praise. Yet internally, his mind was already turning. This achievement wasn’t merely about recognition—it was the first step in a much larger plan.

Uncle Jiu leaned in, curiosity and approval evident. "With your skill, Fang brother, you could handle any position here. Even the chief brewmaster role in the future wouldn’t be beyond your reach."

Fang Chu’s expression remained calm, yet a subtle gleam of interest appeared in his eyes. "Chief brewmaster? What exactly does that entail?"

Qiu set his cup down, patient and deliberate. "You are already considered a brewmaster of Moonwatch Tower on Qingzhou. Let me explain. We have nearly a hundred brewmasters, each assigned to a specific region—ten continents each, covering all our branches. You, as Qingzhou’s brewmaster, will oversee all branches across Qingzhou and nine neighboring continents. Each day, the demand for spiritual wine is immense. Several brewmasters alone could not meet it. That is why we need a structured system with skilled hands in every region."

Fang Chu nodded, listening intently as Qiu continued.

"Every fifty years, we hold a master’s assessment. Performance in this assessment determines your future assignments—the more skilled, the better the regions you can oversee. And among our positions is the chief brewmaster, responsible for managing all brewmasters and all wine-related operations. The top three scorers in the assessment may challenge the chief; the winner assumes the role."

A spark of calculation lit Fang Chu’s eyes. His original purpose in joining Moonwatch Tower had been simple: gain experience, and create a pathway for vengeance against those who had wronged the Fang family. A plan that had once seemed difficult now revealed itself as tantalizingly achievable.

If he could become chief brewmaster, he could use the authority and influence over wine production to exact precise revenge. Poison or subtly enhanced brews could reach the upper echelons, crippling Moonwatch Tower from within. Even if limited, carefully planned subversion could deal a major blow to one of the Fang family’s twelve great enemies.

Uncle Jiu, sensing his thoughts, patted his shoulder. "I have faith in you, Fang brother. Becoming chief brewmaster is only a matter of time."

Fang Chu smiled faintly, saying nothing. In his mind, the path was clear: brew to perfection, ascend to the top, and let his carefully orchestrated plan unfold. Once his vengeance was served, he could vanish without leaving a trace, leaving Moonwatch Tower in disarray and exacting the retribution long overdue.

Qiu glanced at him, explaining practicalities. "As a Moonwatch Tower brewmaster, your sole responsibility is the craft itself. You’ll have three to five years to familiarize yourself with all required brews and produce them to standard. All ingredients will be supplied, and your salary and benefits start immediately, even during the familiarization period."

Fang Chu nodded, calm and composed. "Understood. No questions."

"Good," Qiu said, a satisfied gleam in his eyes. "Then let’s begin your journey as a Moonwatch Tower brewmaster."