Human Notes

Author: Tan Ge
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2001-07-01
Features: The works collected in Notes from the Human World may vary in themes and writing styles, but their essence is to promote traditional virtues, shape perfect personalities, and showcase the integrity of humanity. They also explore life philosophies and criticize outdated customs. The prose is concise, the writing skillful, with a balanced rhythm and a light, enjoyable pace, much like savoring tea or wine, full of charm. As for the characters, though not extensively described, they are vivid and each possesses distinct personalities.
Excerpt:
Heavily intoxicated in a small town by the river. Both banks of the river were mountains, with numerous jujube trees. The jujubes were in abundance, so the townsfolk used them to make wine. Consequently, there were many wineries. Each winery had its own unique recipe, resulting in a variety of flavors. The most renowned was the "Nine Bowl Fragrance" winehouse in the east. The owner, Hao Qingmin, had three generations of ancestors who made wine, and by his time, he had improved the recipe, brewing jujube wine that was mellow and rich in flavor. His reputation spread far and wide, attracting traders from a hundred miles along the river to come by boat to purchase his wine. That year, the government demanded several jars of Hao’s jujube wine, which were then presented to the capital. Hao’s jujube wine gained even greater fame. Inspired, Hao Qingmin built a winehouse in the east, naming it "Nine Bowl Fragrance." What does "Nine Bowl Fragrance" mean? The first sip of Hao’s jujube wine is sweet and refreshing, the second sip permeates the body, and the third sip makes the arms feel light as if flying—like being in a heavenly state. Most drinkers become drunk within three to five bowls. Fifteen miles east along the river lies a town called Jiangjia, where there lived a wine enthusiast named Jiang Sheng, known as the "Wine Immortal." His drinking capacity was unmatched for a hundred miles along the river. One day, Jiang Sheng came to the small town and visited the "Nine Bowl Fragrance" winehouse. After drinking only eight bowls, his face flushed, and he could no longer stay on his feet. Impressed, Hao Qingmin boasted that he would give away his winehouse to anyone who could drink nine bowls of his jujube wine without getting drunk. The news spread, attracting wine enthusiasts from over a hundred miles along the river to compete in drinking contests. And one by one, they all succumbed to the wine within nine bowls—none were spared.
That autumn, heavy rains fell for days, the river became fierce with wind and waves, and boat travel ceased entirely. The businesses of the winehouses in the small town dwindled. One day, a gaunt man, drenched to the bone, arrived at the "Nine Bowl Fragrance." The waiter hurried to greet him, and the man introduced himself as Gao Lianyu, a merchant from Hebei who had come to trade cotton fabric. Due to poor water conditions, his boat capsized in the river, and he managed to swim ashore alone. Cold and penniless, he asked for a few bowls of wine for free. The waiter, unable to refuse, called for Hao Qingmin. Hao nodded and had the waiter bring two bowls of wine. Gao Lianyu smiled, "Boss Hao, you’re so stingy. Why not bring enough wine?" Hao Qingmin bowed, "Sir, you don’t know, our wine is potent. Seeing as you’re quite thin, it’s best to drink less. It’s not that I’m stingy. Please forgive me." Gao Lianyu’s face darkened, "If you’re not stingy, just bring it. Put the bill on record, and I’ll pay double when I pass by." With that, he finished the two bowls of wine. Hao Qingmin was taken aback and immediately had a waiter bring out a jar of wine and seven large bowls, arranging them neatly in front of Gao Lianyu. Hao personally filled the bowls, seven in total. A strong aroma filled the air. Gao Lianyu praised, "Indeed, fine wine." Hao smiled, "Sir, please proceed." Gao Lianyu drank tirelessly, finishing the seven bowls in an instant, not a drop spilled, his face calm as water. The waiter was stunned, unable to move. Gao Lianyu then turned to Hao, "Sir, your wine is strong, but today, your winehouse is lost to you." Gao replied, "Let’s not talk about winning or losing for now. I’m still not satisfied." "Would you like to drink more?" Hao asked with a playful smile. "Of course, bring another jar." The waiter froze, unable to take a step. Hao strode to the counter and brought another jar of wine, filling another ten bowls.