Southern New Feng Wine

Southern New Feng Wine

　　One year, Emperor Yang of Sui traveled with his imperial concubines by dragon boat from Yangzhou City, heading to Hangzhou via the Grand Canal. As the dragon boat approached Xinfeng, the concubine suddenly experienced a sore back and waist, unable to straighten up. It was likely that she had caught a chill while stepping out of the cabin to admire the view of the Yangtze River as the boat crossed the river. Emperor Yang asked his accompanying ministers if there were any towns ahead, so they could land and find a doctor. One minister replied, “There is a market town called Xinfeng up ahead.” Before long, the dragon boat arrived at Xinfeng, and the emperor ordered it to stop. The officials disembarked to look for a physician. The local officials, seeing the imperial boat dock, quickly got busy preparing, straightened their clothes, and went to greet the emperor, asking what was needed. They were then informed that the empress was feeling unwell, with a sore back and waist, and was unable to stand, requiring diagnosis and treatment. Among the local officials who came to greet the emperor was one who knew medicine. After learning about the symptoms, he discussed with the other officials and had someone present a bottle of New Feng Wine. When the jar was opened, its fragrance filled the cabin. The concubine immediately felt her mind clear and her body become more comfortable. After drinking a few cups, the effects took hold—her back and waist no longer ached, and she could walk normally again. Emperor Yang, seeing the wine cure her ailment, was both delighted and amazed. He asked, “What kind of medicinal wine is this, that it works such wonders?” The local official replied: “The soil in Xinfeng is rich and pure. The rice grown here, when milled, looks like pearls and agates. The cooked rice fills the house with aroma, tastes delicious, and is highly nutritious. Using this rice, the crystal-clear water from New Feng Lake, and our unmatched brewing techniques, we produce a wine that is not only sweet and fragrant, but also effective in dispelling wind and cold, improving blood circulation, relaxing tendons and activating collaterals, as well as replenishing qi and invigorating the spirit.” Upon hearing this, Emperor Yang was overjoyed and said, “Since Xinfeng produces such fine wine, then send dozens of jars of New Feng Wine to the capital every year as tribute.” From then on, New Feng Wine gained fame throughout the land, selling well across the country. The great Tang Dynasty poet Li Bai, during his travels in southern China, visited Xinfeng and left behind the verse: “Southern New Feng Wine, Eastern Hill Dancers’ Song.”