Cheng Shiqi couldnt stand the thirst, ignoring his guards.
The two monks were sitting down by the tree and drinking. Seeing someone coming over, they didnt bother to greet them. But they said, If you benefactors are feeling thirsty, feel free to drink the tea made from the spring water. You may give however much as you wish. Were not here to earn money from you.
Them, they continued to drink and didnt bother with them.
One guard walked forward and drank half a bowl of tea first. Then, he rinsed the bowl with tea and served it to Cheng Shiqi.
Cheng Shiqi saw the muddy tea but still drank it, feeling a sense of bitterness entering his mouth. He thought it was just the tea and took a few more sips, before placing the cup down.
He suddenly sniffed an unusual smell in the air which came from the wine jars in the two monks hands.
Cheng Shiqi asked the monk, May I ask the senior brothers what the Fragrance Hill is? And where is the pagoda of a temple?
The monks looked at each other and both stood up, saluting. May I ask why you guys are inquiring this? This is the Tiger Cave Mountain and there is a Thousands Clock Temple within. This monk is the traveling monk within the temple.
Cheng Shiqi saluted and said, I am quite lucky to see two senior brothers and I am wondering what win you guys are drinking since it has an unusual smell. I am tired from traveling and am hungry and thirsty. Can you guys give me some wine? I will naturally pay you for this.
The two monks shook their head repeatedly and said, This benefactor doesnt know but the air in the mountain is moist. We have to drink wine in order to combat the cold and this wine is made from the wild apes. Its called Monkey Wine and it can only be discovered but not sought out. We dont even have enough so how can we sell this to you?
Cheng Shizhaos heart itched, wanting to have a taste. He coaxed and pestered, saying, I am very thirsty and even just selling a bit of wine will be enough for me.
When the two guards saw this situation, they rummaged for an ingot of silver and scolded, Monks, dont create trouble for us. Since our young master wants a taste of your Monkey Wine, whats wrong with selling some wine to us? We are still giving you the money you deserve.
The monks took their time to come over and pour three bowls of wine, covering the jar of wine afterwards and refusing to pour anymore.
Cheng Shiqi looked at how clear the wine was and took in the strange fragrant scent. He was delightful in his heart as the Monkey Wine was mentioned in a legend; he finally got a glance of it today.
The two guards were quite curious as well, but seeing that the wine was poured from the jar that the monks were drinking from, they werent worried anymore. The two toasted and drank the wine in one gulp.
But after one bowl, Cheng Shiqi was still in the mood for more. He wanted to ask for more but his legs became weak, feeling the surrounding spinning in circles. He asked, Why does this wine has such a strong effect? Then he fainted on the table.
The two monks chuckled out loud and one of them said, Seeing that a scholar like you has no bags or luggage and also have two fierce guards accompanying you, I wasnt going to bother with you. Had you just silently walked by, it wouldve been fine. Who knew you were being greedy and determined to drink the wine? You were basically asking for it so dont blame us monks.
The two guards also felt their legs becoming weak, falling down and couldnt move at all. Thankfully, one of them Li Quan had a determined mindset and didnt faint. Seeing the situation had gone wrong, he pulled out a dagger and stabbed his leg. Using the pain, he reluctantly remained awake and struggled to get up. While the two were off guard, he rolled over and escaped.
At this time, Yu Xingzhi and Cheng Shizhao slowly headed over.
However, they only saw one person galloping their horse and returning.
When he was finally close, a guard rolled off the back of a horse, covered in blood. He said, Something big happened. Ninth Prince was snatched by two people off to the mountain!
Everyone was shocked after hearing Li Quans report.
Cheng Shizhao smacked his hands with his fists and scolded, That idiot. He only cares about eating the entire day! Now, thats great. Hed gotten himself in a thorny situation!
Yu Xingzhi advised, Your highness, now is not the time to blame anyone. We need to devise a plan to save him first. If we delay the time, Ninth Prince may be in grave danger.