Liver in Water Margin, outlaw madman

Zhang Shan squatted on the ground, fiddling with bamboo tubes, looking relaxed with a smile on his lips.

He actually doesn't like fighting and killing.

My biggest dream in my past life was to try all sorts of things, and my biggest hobby was watching documentaries.

He watches documentaries from all walks of life, documentaries about all sorts of people.

Therefore, I've come to understand some random, useless knowledge that many people consider pointless.

But that didn't stop Zhang Shan from being interested.

Simply because he was full of curiosity about the world.

"Third brother, do you even know how to do it?"

Lu Zhishen paced back and forth beside him, staring at the object on the ground, scratching his head in frustration.

He watched as Zhang Shan busied himself for half a day, but he hadn't even set up the brewing rack.

Zhang Shan didn't stop working, but chuckled and looked up: "Brother, what's the rush? This is a secret recipe, a secret among secrets."

"Third brother, you have this secret recipe, why didn't you make it yourself when you were in Tokyo?" Lin Chong asked casually, leaning against the door frame.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Shan rolled his eyes at Lin Chong and said, "Second Brother, do you think I can guard this thing?"

Lin Chong was taken aback, then gave a wry smile.

He was a grown man, a member of the Imperial Guard, and highly skilled in martial arts, yet he couldn't protect his own wife.

Not to mention, the really profitable businesses.

"Third brother is amazing, he can really hold back. If it were me, even if I didn't sell it, I would still make it for myself."

Lu Zhishen licked his lips, his tone urgent.

Zhang Shan fiddled with the yellow mud in his hands, secretly making plans in his mind.

If it weren't for Zhao Ji's utter stupidity and the Jin dynasty's excessive greed...

He felt that life on the island was quite comfortable. There was no alarm clock, no one forced him to go to work, and he could do some small handicrafts. It was very pleasant.

It would be even better if Lu Zhishen weren't nagging on and on.

"Third brother, why are you using alcohol to brew this?"

Lu Zhishen went closer to the pot and craned his neck to look inside.

"This wine is far too bland."

"Send Li Si down the mountain to buy some good wine."

"Hurry up, or I'll finish all this wine."

Zhang Shan had no choice but to pretend he couldn't hear and continue working on his tasks.

Distilling spirits can be difficult in some ways, but it can also be easy in others.

But we must keep it a secret, as this is Liangshan's most important source of wealth, and if it really succeeds...

Harvesting high-ranking officials and nobles in the future will be far more effective than dealing with mere rare big fish.

Let's not even talk about selling it for 1499, we should at least sell it for 50 or 100 guan a jar!

Who says you have to rob someone to make money?!

It's vulgar, and the way they eat is awful.

There are many ways to make money; violence is a guarantee, a last resort.

Otherwise, even if you make money, you won't be able to keep it.

"Brother, if you're really in a hurry, go outside for some fresh air."

Zhang Shan frowned, his tone carrying a hint of headache.

Another concern was that if Lu Zhishen stayed a little longer and drank all the original liquor, what would he use for distillation?

Actually, he didn't know how to brew wine; to put it bluntly, it was just distilled spirits.

Earthen stove, wooden bucket, bamboo strainer, yellow mud, lime, copper pot, bamboo tube.

All that was left were buckets and firewood.

To maintain secrecy, only a few people are currently in the room.

After checking all the tools and confirming that everything was in order, Zhang Shan said, "Alright, start the fire and heat the pot."

Li Si quickly stepped forward, stuffed firewood into the earthen stove, and lit it with a fire poker.

As the flames grew stronger, the village wine in the pot slowly steamed and rose, with white vapor rising up from the wooden barrel.

The bamboo tube was wrapped in linen soaked in cold water, and the water vapor cooled inside the tube and dripped slowly down the bamboo tube.

In an instant, the rich aroma of wine filled the room.

Lu Zhishen stared intently at the earthenware jar that held the wine, his Adam's apple bobbing incessantly, and the sound of him swallowing could be heard.

Drip, drip, drip, and finally, a small bowl is filled.

Lu Zhishen could no longer hold back. While Zhang Shan was adjusting the firewood, he quickly stepped forward, picked up the wine bowl, and took a big gulp.

Zhang Shan raised his head, a smile playing on his lips, and quietly looked at him.

Lu Zhishen took a big gulp of liquor, and his face instantly turned bright red.

It's like someone who's used to drinking beer suddenly switching to strong liquor—they can't handle it.

Lu Zhishen took a sip, and his expression changed instantly. His eyes widened to an unprecedented degree as he stared intently at the remaining liquor.

"This, this is indeed fine wine!"

His voice was hoarse, but full of excitement.

Zhang Shan was surprised that Lu Zhishen had actually held on, and couldn't help but give him a thumbs up: "Brother, amazing!"

Seeing this, Lin Chong couldn't resist either. He stepped forward, took the wine bowl, opened his mouth slightly, and took a small sip.

"Cough, cough."

Lin Chong couldn't help but cough repeatedly, feeling a burning sensation in his throat.

Zhang Shan took it, sipped it, and roughly estimated the temperature to be around 40 or 50 degrees Celsius.

Since it was my first time doing this, I lacked experience and the seal wasn't tight enough, resulting in a low alcohol yield.

Only about one pound is produced from ten pounds.

Once you get more skilled, you can produce about two pounds.

If we were to repeatedly distill, we might be able to produce alcohol, but that would be even more expensive, so it's not suitable right now.

"Third brother, does this wine have a name?"

Once Lu Zhishen had recovered, he grabbed Zhang Shan's arm and asked anxiously.

Zhang Shan smiled and said, "How about we call it 'Hero's Wine'?"

"Good, good, let's sing the hero's song and drink the hero's wine!"

Lu Zhishen excitedly downed the rest of the liquor in one gulp, wiped the liquor stains from the corner of his mouth, and shouted "Bravo!"

"That was awesome! So awesome!"

Lin Chong had also calmed down by this time, and his expression became serious.

He stepped forward, clasped his hands in a fist salute, and said firmly, "Third brother, this method must not be passed on to others. My elder brother and I swear we will not reveal it to anyone! Otherwise, we will all die a horrible death!"

This thing is simple, but if someone learns it, the consequences will be unimaginable.

This must be kept secret!

Lu Zhishen also dropped his playful grin and clasped his hands in a vow: "I also swear that I will never tell anyone. If I break this vow, may I die a horrible death!"

Zhang Shan nodded, feeling a warmth in his heart: "With these two brothers' words, I can rest assured."

Li Si, who was standing nearby, quickly clasped his hands in a fist and said, "Third Brother, I swear I will never tell anyone!"

Zhang Shan waved his hand. This kind of thing can be guarded against for a while, but not forever. It's enough if it can last until he has enough initial capital.

Lu Zhishen leaned closer to the earthenware jar, smelling the aroma of the wine, and asked reluctantly, "Third brother, is there any more? I'll have one more sip."

Zhang Shan smiled and shook his head: "That's all. This is all for the first trial."

"When I make it next time, I'll save a jar for you so you can drink your fill."

"Alright! It's a deal!" Lu Zhishen beamed, patting his chest to assure them, "I'll keep watch for you, no one will be allowed near!"

Lin Chong looked at the two of them, a faint smile appearing on his lips. He knew in his heart that this wine would be a great opportunity for Liangshan.

Zhang Shan checked the tools again, planning to improve the sealing and increase the wine yield next time.

"Alright, let's tidy up first. We'll make more next time so the brothers can also taste our own fine wine from Liangshan."

However, I can't do it all by myself every time; I need to find a few trustworthy confidants.

Also, this amount needs to be controlled.

Scarcity makes things valuable!