The tradition of floral wines runs deep. In Nine Songs, Qu Yuan wrote, "We pour pepper sauce and laurel wine; …
The tradition of floral wines runs deep. In Nine Songs, Qu Yuan wrote, "We pour pepper sauce and laurel wine; serve spiced meat in orchid bowls." Mei Cheng, in Qifa, noted, "Orchid wine, used to rinse the mouth." From commoners to scholars, all delighted in infusing blossoms into their brews. In the Ghostlight Market, the famed Netherworld Wine is made from red spider lily stamens steeped in the waters of Huang Quan. Legend says that over a decade ago, a drunken wanderer, captivated by the lilies blooming along the riverbank, plucked a few stamens and brewed them with the underworld's water. Upon drinking it, he claimed to see his brightest memories and deepest longings come vividly to life. The brew quickly drew throngs of curious merchants. But locals were alarmed. Xue Chou warned that both the flowers and the water were poisonous. Yet after careful study, Physician Tushan discovered the toxins neutralized each other, creating something wholly new. Since then, Netherworld Wine has remained one of the Ghostlight Market's most coveted secrets.