Chapter 30: Intoxicated

"But we have so many people at the mountain stronghold; how can we possibly settle them all?" Lei Ying asked.

The shopkeeper burst into laughter. "You have no idea how vast the scale of His Highness's business empire truly is. Settling these people is not a problem at all."

Li Ye smiled as well, adding, "My business dealings extend not only within the Dayuan Dynasty but also across the surrounding smaller nations. Because of this, I require a vast number of skilled martial artists to serve as bodyguards and escorts. People from the stronghold, being well-versed in martial arts, are perfect for the role of caravan guards."

Lei Ying was struck dumb with astonishment. He found it impossible to imagine the sheer scale of a business that could employ ten thousand guards. Yet, the man did not appear to be lying. He felt utterly overwhelmed.

Li Ye said, "I know this is hard to believe, but allow me to show you one of the products from my firm. Once you taste it, you will know for yourself that I am not deceiving you."

Li Ye looked toward Mr. Xiao. "It wouldn't be a problem to borrow a jar of wine, would it?"

Mr. Xiao had originally expected this campaign to be a long, drawn-out affair and had brought along a wagon full of wine. Li Ye intended to let Lei Ying experience the taste of the fine liquor.

Mr. Xiao nodded in agreement. "Your Highness, please take whatever you need. It was provided by you in the first place. If we run out, I can simply have more brought over later."

Upon receiving permission, Li Ye waved his hand. "Prepare a feast immediately."

Lei Ying and his men exchanged bewildered looks. They were supposed to be seeing a "product," yet suddenly, a feast was being laid out, and they were being invited to drink? They were completely baffled.

"Your Highness, what is this?" Lei Ying could not help but ask.

"Come, come, sit down and you shall see!" Li Ye personally came forward to usher them to their seats. Lei Ying, unable to refuse, followed the arrangements.

The cooks had been personally trained by Li Ye, and the dishes were prepared with great speed. Before long, several plates were served. Xiao Cui brought over a jar of wine. Li Ye personally unsealed it, and in an instant, the scent of the liquor filled the entire tent.

Who among the mountain folk did not love to drink? However, due to the constant suppression and blockades by the imperial court, alcohol was a luxury to them. They only drank during special occasions or celebrations. When they caught the fragrance of the wine, Lei Ying and his men could no longer hold back. They salivated uncontrollably, gulping down their saliva, their eyes fixed intently on the wine jar.

They had never tasted such fragrant wine before. Li Ye personally poured a bowl for each of them.

"This wine is brewed by our own firm and is always in short supply. With your addition, we can export these wines to the surrounding smaller nations. I won't even mention the profits—without dozens of times the return, I wouldn't bother. Try it and tell me how it tastes. However, this wine is strong, so sip it slowly. If you drink it all at once, you will easily become drunk!"

After saying this, Li Ye raised his bowl. "Come, let us toast to the day when everyone in the stronghold can live a prosperous life."

Lei Ying, long impatient, took a large gulp. He felt a sharp, fiery sensation travel from his throat all the way to his stomach. A warm current seemed to rise from within, and the fragrance of the wine filled his mouth. He had never experienced such a marvelous sensation. Smacking his lips and savoring the lingering aroma, he felt almost intoxicated.

After finishing the wine, his body felt heated and energized. One of his men choked, nearly unable to handle the strength of the spirit, and began to cough violently. They had never anticipated such potency.

"Good wine!" Lei Ying drained his bowl and let out a hearty belch. The aroma rushed forth, leaving an endless aftertaste.

"Good wine must be paired with good food. Come, try these dishes."

Lei Ying took one bite and widened his eyes again. He had never tasted such delicacies. Suddenly, he felt as if the years he had spent in the mountain stronghold had been a waste. If one could regularly enjoy such fine wine and food, it would be a life fit for the gods.

"The culinary skills of the chefs Your Highness brought are truly remarkable."

The shopkeeper explained from the side, "To tell you the truth, these dishes were all developed by His Highness personally and then taught to the cooks. He has also opened many restaurants. Once you earn money, you can go to these establishments and order whatever you wish."

"Ah?" Lei Ying was shocked once more. In ancient times, the saying went that a gentleman should stay away from the kitchen, let alone a dignified prince. How could someone of such noble status personally cook? It was unimaginable.

Li Ye smiled. "I have no choice; I am quite particular about what I eat. Even the imperial chefs in the palace cannot satisfy my palate, so I have to research it myself. However, the annual profits from these restaurants are quite substantial. Although my reputation suffers because of it, it is well worth the cost. Otherwise, I would not have dared to promise to take in and settle your entire stronghold."

Lei Ying felt more and more that the Sixth Prince before him was exceptionally unique. He was willing to personally do things that others would scorn, and he did them so well. Even though he was a bandit by origin, the prince was willing to sit at the same table and drink with him. Lei Ying felt a deep sense of ease, convinced that such a prince would never betray them.

They continued to drink and chat. Li Ye described the wonders of the outside world, and Lei Ying and his men listened with profound longing. Any hesitation they had about surrendering to the imperial court vanished completely.

By the time the jar was finished, they were all swaying unsteadily. Li Ye realized the severity of the situation; if they were dead drunk, how could they return? If they didn't make it back to the stronghold today, the others might suspect treachery and think they had been captured.

"Lei Ying, can you still walk back to the stronghold? Perhaps you should write a note and have someone deliver it so they don't worry."

Lei Ying stood up, his body swaying back and forth; he couldn't even stand still. "N-no, it's fine. Th-thank you for your generous hospitality, Your Highness. I... I must return to the stronghold. O-otherwise, they... they might think something has happened..."

Lin Yue shook her head helplessly. "You kept urging them to drink; now look at the mess you've made!"

"Men, escort them back to the stronghold and hand them over to their people." Li Ye had no other choice but to give the order.

"Th-thank you, Your Highness. When I return, I will immediately... arrange for our departure from the mountains!"

Li Ye steadied Lei Ying. "No rush, attend to that once you are sober."

"Yo-your Highness, stay... stay well!"

After sending Lei Ying off, Li Ye felt a bit tipsy himself; his steps were slightly unsteady. However, he possessed deep internal strength and was accustomed to high-proof spirits, so he was not as heavily affected.

"I truly did not expect to resolve the Bald Eagle Mountain issue so smoothly. I can finally go back and report."

"Indeed, you resolved Bald Eagle Mountain without losing a single soldier! Your Highness's strategy is truly brilliant." Mr. Xiao made no effort to conceal the admiration in his eyes.