While Li Yuan slept peacefully at the tavern with Xue Ning, Zhu Tongji, the owner of Cicada's Cuisine, sat elsewhere with a deep frown. In the glow of an oil lamp, the silver wine flask on the table cast a soft shadow. Three jade cups were set out; two for men, one for a woman.0

The woman rested her delicate fingertips on one of the cups, gently swishing the liquor so that its pale sheen slid around the inner walls. She lifted the cup to her nose, took a tentative sniff, and murmured, “How strong!”0

Zhu Tongji said, “Have a taste.”0

The woman then brought the cup to her lips. Inhaling again, she took a slow sip and closed her eyes. After a moment of silent savoring, she opened them and gave her verdict. “It’s not that the flavor is extraordinary, but it’s potent and very smooth. That’s...0