Chapter 273: The Method to Become a Thousand Cup Drunkard

A subordinate asked in confusion, "Last time, someone set off fireworks in the sky, falsely claiming it was a warning from the heavens that Yuan Canghai was going to rebel. It scared the Yuan Family Army into a state of chaos, and in the end, it allowed the Beijiang Army to escape. Later, Yuan Canghai personally sent a firework into the palace, set it off on the spot, and knelt before the Prince, crying and protesting his innocence. Only then was his suspicion cleared. Otherwise, the Emperor would have truly believed Yuan Canghai was planning to rebel and would have sent troops to attack the Yuan Clan."

Zhao Wei said, "This just goes to show that there is an expert guiding Xiao Moting from behind the scenes."

"Then we should go to the Beijiang Camp to investigate."

Zhao Wei gave a cold snort, "Fool, there are several checkpoints outside the Beijiang Camp; do you think we can get in?"

The subordinate then said "Oh," "No wonder when we went to the Beijiang Camp last time, the Post Road was guarded by the Beijiang Army; anyone with an unknown identity was not allowed to pass. So this was Xiao Moting guarding against us."

Zhao Wei nodded, "That is why we came to the Snow Mountain Mine; this is also Xiao Moting's territory, and we can find clues here as well. All of you keep your eyes sharp these next few days; as soon as you find important information, report it to me immediately."

"Yes."

Xiao Moting walked into the room.

Zhang Zhao immediately had the soldiers close the door and stand guard outside.

Then, he walked up to Xiao Moting and knelt on one knee.

"Prince, please forgive this general for not telling the truth just now."

"The items lost from the mine include over two thousand catties of iron ore and one hundred bags each of rice and flour."

"Commandant Zhao was present just now, so this general reported a false quantity to avoid arousing his suspicion."

Xiao Moting nodded, not blaming him.

"Well done."

"Zhao Wei has come this time likely to probe the true situation in the Beijiang."

"If the mine were to extract a large amount of Iron Ore, it would only make him suspicious."

Zhang Zhao then stood up and said, "This general has set up sentry posts along the road. Before Zhao Li arrived at the mine with the Imperial Guards, this general had already hidden all the tools and supplies sent by Shennü Daren deep in the mountains. I also ordered all personnel not to leak a single word."

Xiao Moting frowned slightly.

"Zhao Li wants to probe the situation in the Beijiang; even if he hasn't found anything now, he will eventually show his hand if he stays long enough."

Zhang Zhao asked, "Then in your opinion, Prince, what should be done?"

"Send them away quickly and have them return to Shengjing." Xiao Moting stood up, "Isn't Zhao Li here under orders to investigate the theft of the Tribute? Once we catch this band of rebel troops and settle the matter, he will have no reason to continue staying at the mine."

"By then, even if he refuses to leave, I will use forceful means to make him go."

Zhang Zhao nodded, "The Prince is right; we should indeed have them leave sooner."

Xiao Moting asked, "Tell me in detail, what exactly is the situation with this band of rebel troops?"

"Prince, these people are elusive; they traverse mountains and ridges as if walking on flat ground. Moreover, their Lightness Skill is excellent, and they are extremely vigilant. This general truly cannot do anything about them." As Zhang Zhao said this, a look of shame appeared on his face.

Xiao Moting waved his hand.

"This matter has nothing to do with you. Now, have all the garrison troops stand strict guard. The villages near the mine are very poor, and the villagers don't have much food to eat. With the mine having food and supplies, it is a piece of fat meat in the eyes of the rebel troops; they will definitely come again."

"Yes." Zhang Zhao's expression turned stern, and he immediately cupped his hands.

Just as they were speaking, a commotion suddenly came from outside the door.

A guard's panicked voice came, "Commandant Zhao, General Zhang and the Prince are discussing matters inside; you cannot enter..."

Xiao Moting immediately exchanged a glance with Zhang Zhao and said in a loud voice.

"Let Commandant Zhao in."

The door opened.

Zhao Li walked in, carrying two bottles of wine with a cheerful smile.

Xiao Moting also softened his expression, "Commandant Zhao, what brings you here?"

"Prince, this general has heard that you are the Beijiang War God; seeing you today, I am truly impressed." Zhao Li laughed, "The Emperor bestowed several bottles of Imperial Wine and asked me to have someone deliver them to you when I came to investigate the Tribute. Now that you have come over, I have brought the Imperial Wine to you."

Xiao Moting nodded, "Father Emperor is busy with state affairs yet still cares so much for his son; this son is truly unworthy of such favor. Commandant Zhao, please thank Father Emperor on my behalf after you return to Shengjing."

"It is almost time to eat, isn't it?" Zhang Zhao glanced toward the door, wanting to send Zhao Li away, "Let's go eat first."

Zhao Li hurriedly said, "Exactly, the Emperor, out of concern for the Prince, ordered me to keep you company and drink the wine bestowed by the Emperor with you. Let's go together."

Xiao Moting's eyes darkened slightly.

Is he trying to get me drunk to fish for information?

The Welcome Banquet had already been set.

Zhao Li gave a wink, and along with several subordinates, came before Xiao Moting with wine cups in hand.

"This general toasts the Prince."

Xiao Moting took the cup and drank it in one gulp.

The several officers behind Zhao Li also held up their cups to offer a toast.

After a few cups, Xiao Moting felt something was wrong.

This Imperial Wine was exceptionally pungent; it was a strong liquor.

And Zhao Li kept toasting him, even doing so with his subordinates, his attitude exceptionally enthusiastic.

His tolerance for alcohol was not good; he felt a bit dizzy after only a few cups, and he could not refuse the wine bestowed by the Emperor, or else it would be contempt for the Emperor.

Taking advantage of a break in the drinking, Xiao Moting wrote a note and secretly passed it to Bai Wei.

"Bai, could you send me some medicine for a Thousand Cup Drunkard?"

"Medicine for a Thousand Cup Drunkard?"

Bai Wei received the note and was puzzled.

She knew Xiao Moting didn't usually drink; why was he drinking now?

Bai Wei thought for a moment and decided to go over and see for herself.

She pricked her finger and dripped blood onto the Jade Pendant.

Bai Wei traveled to Daliang; the Jade Pendant would crack, but as long as she only sent her consciousness through, it didn't matter at all.

A wave of dizziness hit her, and when Bai Wei opened her eyes again, she discovered Xiao Moting was at a banquet.

Several soldiers wearing Imperial Guard uniforms were persistently urging Xiao Moting to drink.

"Why are the Imperial Guard from Shengjing here?"

Bai Wei was startled.

Her mind raced, and she immediately thought of one thing.

Could it be that the Emperor wanted to cause trouble for Xiao Moting again and had sent the Imperial Guard over?

This wouldn't do!

Bai Wei immediately returned to Qingshan Village and wrote a note for Xiao Moting.

"Xiao Moting, do it like this..."

Although modern medicine is advanced, it is not yet heaven-defying; there is no such thing as a Thousand Cup Drunkard drug in the modern world.

The next moment, Xiao Moting received Bai Wei's note, a flash of surprise in his eyes.

It could be done this way?

At this moment, Zhao Li came over with a cup again, his face full of smiles.

"Prince, I toast you!"

The cup was filled to the brim with strong liquor, the smell of which was pungent.

Xiao Moting remained calm, crumpled the note into a ball, and put it into his pocket.

He took the wine cup handed over by Zhao Li and nodded slightly.

"Commandant Zhao, please, you as well."

After speaking, Xiao Moting held the wine cup in his right hand, raised his left hand, and poured the wine from the cup into his mouth.

Just as the liquid was poured, it suddenly vanished into thin air.

Zhao Li did not notice at all; he tilted his head back and drank the wine in his cup dry, a flash of smugness in his eyes.

This Fourth Prince, although brave and skilled in battle, was known by everyone to have a terrible tolerance for alcohol.

Once Xiao Moting was dead drunk later, he could take the opportunity to fish for useful information.