Chapter 204: Wine Gamble

The clamor outside the tavern gradually subsided.

In the private room, Wan Tang stood alone in silence, the previously courteous gentleness fading from her face.

Her eyes were calm, and her fingertips unconsciously twirled the intricate pattern on her cuff.

The air stirred slightly, and a tall, lean figure emerged silently from the shadows like ink dropping into water—Ouyang Qing.

He wore a dark, sturdy outfit, his aura retracted to near nothingness, only his eyes remained sharp as a hawk.

When it fell upon Wan Tang, it carried absolute respect.

He clasped his fists, his voice low and steady: "Virtuous Consort."

"Your Majesty has issued an order; beyond this gate, to avoid revealing identity, I must address you as 'Madam.'"

Wan Tang gave a slight nod, not looking at him, only gazing at the dusk deepening outside the window.

Her tone was plain yet carried undeniable authority: "The Emperor's instructions, Lord Ouyang, you have surely heard clearly?"

"Yes, every word entered my ears; I dare not forget."

"I will spare no effort to protect the Madam fully and investigate the tavern's details." Ouyang Qing lowered his head in reply, his posture flawless.

Wan Tang slowly turned, her gaze finally landing on him, a flash of rapid brilliance flickering in her eyes.

Her voice dropped even lower, yet each word was clear: "The Emperor's intent, of course…"

"But my intent, Lord Ouyang, you must also understand."

"What we seek is not merely to uncover the person behind it."

She paused, her fingertips lightly tracing the table where the outline of a silk pouch still lingered: "Those silk pouches, especially the unopened ones, must be wholly in our hands."

"Not a single one may fall into another's hand, understand?"

Ouyang Qing's form seemed to freeze for a moment, then his head lowered further, his voice still steady and calm.

Yet a deeper resolve entered his tone: "Yes. I understand."

"I will exhaust all means to obtain the silk pouches for the Madam."

As night deepened, the Forget‑Worries Tavern grew ever livelier.

A new round of the "Silk Pouch Contest" was about to begin.

Wan Tang and Ouyang Qing concealed themselves behind a screen a short distance away, observing.

Though many participated, there seemed to be no particularly troublesome opponents, and Wan Tang's mind stirred slightly.

She turned her head, whispering to the expressionless Ouyang Qing beside her: "Lord Ouyang, looking at these people's stances, I fear few can endure to the end."

"What the Emperor desires is crucial and cannot be compromised."

"In my view, ordinary investigation may not reach the core, perhaps…"

Her eyes flickered, indicating the noisy long table: "Lord, why not enter personally, under the pretense of a drinking competition, seize the first prize, and place that silk pouch into your own, isn't that the safest?"

Ouyang Qing's brows knit imperceptibly: "Madam, my duty is to guard and conduct covert investigations; would this act draw too much attention?"

"In extraordinary times, extraordinary methods are required." Wan Tang's tone was firm, with a hint of urging, "Your skill is exceptional, surely your inner strength is profound; a mere drink should be no trouble."

"If we can claim the top in one go, it will be the fastest and most direct method."

"If the Emperor knew, he would also favor efficiency first."

Ouyang Qing was silent for a moment, then clasped his fists: "As you command."

He removed the dark, sturdy outer coat, revealing a modest teal‑gray long robe underneath, and stepped into the crowd.

The contest began, the clatter of wine bowls and shouts of commands filling the air.

Ouyang Qing's face was as still as water; he downed bowl after bowl of strong liquor as if drinking water, his complexion unchanged, his gaze still clear and sharp.

Opponents one by one flushed, tongues stiff, fell in defeat; he remained as steady as a rock, even his speed increased.

The surrounding drinkers went from cheering to amazement, finally watching him as if he were a monster.

This is not drinking; it's as if the wine vat had become a spirit!

At first Wan Tang silently nodded, finding the plan brilliant.

But as Ouyang Qing continued to crush his way unimpeded toward the first prize, her hand gripping the cloth tightened.

"No… if this continues, he may win, but too easily and too conspicuously!"

"His drinking capacity is inhuman; he doesn't get drunk—how am I to act?"

Watching Ouyang Qing about to outdrink the last opponent and reach for the prize silk pouch, Wan Tang's heart raced with anxiety.

She could not spare a word, hurried forward, feigning a stumble with a "Whoa" exclamation.

It seemed accidental, but precisely struck Ouyang Qing's arm holding the jug.

The wine splashed, wetting Ouyang Qing's collar and temporarily halting the contest.

Ouyang Qing's movement paused, his sharp gaze instantly sweeping toward Wan Tang.

Wan Tang quickly steadied herself, a look of apology on her face, lowering her voice urgently: "Hold on! The momentum is too great; it may cause trouble!"

Ouyang Qing's arm was struck, the wine splashed, and his action halted.

Ouyang Qing merely shook his head slightly, his voice low yet firm: "Madam, it's fine."

"Long nights bring many dreams; the Emperor's will is to obtain the silk pouch swiftly and decisively, which is the best strategy." He was clearly confident in his own strength, unwilling to invite complications.

Just as he prepared to reach for the pouch again, a slightly plump, smiling middle‑aged man who looked like the tavern's proprietor stepped out from the back hall.

He clapped his hands and praised: "Sir, you truly have a sea‑wide capacity, admirable, admirable!"

"If no one else steps up, today's 'Po Jun' silk pouch could be yours!"

Wan Tang's palm exuded a fine cold sweat.

At that moment, a clear, smiling voice rang out: "Hold on!"

The crowd turned toward the voice, seeing Qi Er leading a pale‑skinned, yet strikingly bright‑eyed scholar in plain clothes entering.

Qi Er bowed and smiled: "Proprietor, my brother just heard of this grand event outside."

"I also want to get a bowl of wine to drink, test my luck; I wonder if that's possible?"

The shopkeeper naturally smiled and agreed.

The drinking contest resumed.

The newly arrived scholar seemed as frail as a reed, yet his speed of emptying the bowl was no slower, and he held his own against Ouyang Qing in the duel.

Ouyang Qing's expression still revealed nothing, but Wan Tang keenly noticed his fingertips tightening slightly as he lifted the bowl.

The wine's after‑effect was potent, and the scholar seemed adept at channeling its influence; Ouyang Qing began to feel the pressure.

Qi Er, seizing the moment while everyone's attention was on the drinking contest, silently moved to stand beside Wan Tang, his gaze fixed on the arena.

He spoke to Wan Tang, his voice pressed down to a whisper: "What a coincidence, I didn't expect the lady to be interested in this tavern's little game."

Wan Tang's face remained impassive, also watching the arena, a faint smile appearing, her tone carrying a measured helplessness: "Masters are among the common folk."

"Acting on orders, truly helpless."

"I just didn't expect to meet the Imperial Tutor here; truly… fortunate."

Qi Er, hearing this, let a flash of understanding smile in his eyes.

He said no more, speaking calmly: "Let's see then, this tavern is quite interesting."

In a corner of the elegant room, the light was dim.

Ouyang Qing finally could not hold on; his vision became completely blurred, his forced will crumbling under the relentless onslaught of the strong wine.

He swayed, barely supporting himself on the table edge with his hand to avoid falling, but it was clear he could no longer continue.

Wan Tang and Qi Er sat nearby, taking in everything with their eyes.

Qi Er lightly tapped the table with his fingertip, the sound so low that only the two could hear: "Madam, you must have seen today that the water of the Capital runs deeper and murkier than imagined."

"But I don't know… how the matter you previously promised, madam, has progressed?" He was referring, of course, to the joint effort to overthrow the Empress and avenge Lady of Grace.

Wan Tang's lips curled into a faint bitter arc; she drew a tiny folded slip of paper from her sleeve and slipped it to him quietly: "I was just about to ask the Imperial Tutor for assistance."

"The Empress used this item to blackmail me, making me hesitant to act."

"Please, Imperial Tutor, see to it that you uncover the truth of the old matter mentioned here; what really happened back then." Her voice carried a perfectly measured fatigue and earnestness.

Qi Er took the slip, quickly scanned it under the dim light; his complexion changed abruptly, he suddenly felt a solemn respect, even subconsciously straightening his posture a little.

His gaze toward Wan Tang grew unusually heavy: "I didn't expect… to be linked to this matter."

"Madam, rest assured, Qi Er will do everything possible to uncover the cause."

Wan Tang gave a slight nod, her eyes shifting to Ouyang Qing, who was still forcing himself upright, and said softly: "Now that this is settled, this side… should also conclude."

She rose, gliding to the wine cabinet, and seemingly casually took down a plain‑looking bottle marked with a special label.

It was the ultra‑high‑proof distilled spirit (XO) she had secretly swapped earlier.

She gave the shopkeeper a slight signal.

The shopkeeper understood instantly, and while no one was watching, quietly replaced the remaining wine before Ouyang Qing with the "special brew" in Wan Tang's hand.

Ouyang Qing felt his mouth dry and tongue parched, his mind hazy; when the wine was brought, without a second thought he seized the bottle and tipped it back in a gulp.

The extremely spicy, unusually rich spirit surged down his throat like flames, far surpassing any he had ever drunk before.

Half a bottle down, his eyes snapped wide, his body stiffened, all movement halted.

At the same time, the scholar drinking opposite Ouyang Qing glanced toward Qi Er.

Qi Er gave a very slight nod.

The scholar instantly seemed to have all his strength drawn away, softly "thud" he collapsed onto the table, unconscious.

Though Ouyang Qing was near his limit, he still clung on with fierce will; seeing his opponent fall, he slammed the table hard.

He roared hoarsely: "…I win! I have won!"

Qi Er, seeing this, bowed a smile to Wan Tang and whispered: "Madam, I await good news. Qi will take the lead."

Having said so, he swiftly left with the "drunken" scholar.

Ouyang Qing staggered back to Wan Tang's side, pressing the hard‑won brocade pouch heavily onto the table.

He handed it to her, breathing heavily, his words already slurred: "Madam… the brocade pouch… Subject… will act immediately…"

He still clung to the emperor's orders.

Wan Tang's gentle smile remained, she reached out to take the brocade pouch, her tone calm and steady: "Lord Ouyang, you have worked hard; you handle the matter, I am naturally at ease."

She paused, looked out the window, her tone caring: "You seem heavily drunk; open the window for some fresh air."

Speaking, she walked to the window and, with a creak, pushed open a hinged sash.

The night breeze, cool, surged in instantly.

Ouyang Qing was suppressing the surging wine fumes; the cold wind sparked it, causing the raging alcohol within him to surge explosively, and the last hint of clarity was completely cut off.

He closed his eyes, fell straight backward, and with a "bang" slammed heavily onto the floor, utterly drunk to death, unconscious.

The shopkeeper, who moments ago wore a friendly smile, now hurried over, his demeanor completely changed, respectful and brisk.

He whispered to Wan Tang: "Master, this place is unsuitable; please move to the back courtyard."

Wan Tang lowered her gaze at the mud‑like drunken Ouyang Qing on the ground and said lightly: "Find him a clean guest room so he can rest."

Wan Tang followed the shopkeeper through a concealed curtain, entering the tavern's back courtyard.

Unlike the bustling front hall, this area had strict guards and an unusually quiet stillness.

In the courtyard, over a dozen people were already kneeling in rows—scholars with accounting looks and sturdy guards alike; upon seeing Wan Tang enter, they all bowed their heads and respectfully said, "We have seen you, Master!"

Wan Tang's gentle expression faded, replaced by a composed, dignified bearing.

She waved casually: "Rise." Her gaze swept the crowd, about to ask for details of today's events.

"Hmph!"

A deep, cold snort suddenly came from atop the wall, shattering the courtyard's solemn silence.

"Interesting! Truly unexpected, the owner of the 'Worry‑Forget Tavern' that has stirred the whole city into a storm, even the Your Majesty's Commander is enamored with, turns out to be the Virtuous Consort, renowned in the inner palace for her gentle virtue!"

As the words were spoken, a tall, burly figure stood proudly on the wall, the night wind ruffling his slightly disheveled beard and hair.

If it's not Huang Hu, who is Shei?

His gaze was like lightning, firmly locking onto Wan Tang in the courtyard; his face no longer showed any trace of drunkenness, only an eagle‑sharp scrutiny and a hint of annoyed irritation at being teased.

Everyone inside the courtyard turned pale in an instant; the guards immediately stepped forward, shielding Wan Tang behind them, the atmosphere tense as drawn swords and strained bows.

Wan Tang's heart trembled violently, yet she forced herself to appear calm, even tracing a faint smile on her face.