Glory

The others were also itching with curiosity and said, "Tomorrow at the tenth hour, let's all go to the Gathering Fragrance Pavilion together."

"Excellent, excellent," everyone agreed.

The next day, the group went to the Gathering Fragrance Pavilion. Seeing the sets of tea utensils displayed upstairs and listening to Second Master Ye explain the tea arrangement, they recalled the scene Fan Yu had demonstrated the day before and immediately went on a buying spree, each purchasing several sets.

Seeing his friends so satisfied with the day's outing and eager to buy every tea utensil in the teahouse, Fan Yu was also very pleased.

He asked Ye Hongsheng, "Hongsheng, have you found that book you mentioned yesterday? Did you bring it?"

"I brought it, I brought it," Ye Hongsheng replied with a beaming smile, cupping his hands respectfully. "Imperial Consort Fan, please wait a moment. I'll go fetch it for you right away."

"Hurry, hurry."

After Ye Hongsheng left, Tan Xuan and the others asked curiously, "What book? Is it worth you eagerly asking about it?"

After all, Ye Hongsheng was a merchant and likely hadn't read many books. It made sense for Fan Yu to come here to buy tea utensils and tea leaves, but it was strange for him to persistently ask a merchant for a book.

"A book about tea," Fan Yu said.

"About tea? Who wrote it?" The others grew even more curious.

In the Great Jin Dynasty, many literati had written essays and poems about tea. However, these were mostly inspired by drinking pressed tea with friends, using tea as a metaphor to express their inner feelings.

But Fan Yu himself was a great talent, and few literary works could catch his eye. How could the works of renowned masters end up in the hands of the owner of the Gathering Fragrance Pavilion? Could it be that those masters had tasted his tea, found it excellent, and then composed a poem for Ye Hongsheng?

Fan Yu let their imaginations run wild, smiling without answering, and only said, "You'll find out in a moment."

Two days earlier, when he had visited, he heard Ye Hongsheng speak about tea with great insight and many profound views. When he asked where these insights came from, Ye Hongsheng said some were his own reflections, while others were inspired by a book on tea.

Fan Yu became very interested in this book and asked Ye Hongsheng to bring it to the teahouse so he could borrow it when he visited.

However, he hadn't read the book himself, didn't know if it was well-written or who the author was, and didn't dare recommend it to his friends lightly.

After a short while, Ye Hongsheng brought the book.

Fan Yu took it and looked at the title—The Classic of Tea; the author—Lu Yu.

He had an exceptional memory since childhood and had read extensively. He was certain he had never seen this book before and didn't know the author.

The calligraphy in the book, though bold and vigorous, was honestly just average and not particularly outstanding.

At first glance, the book gave him the impression of being "mediocre." He even felt a slight dislike for it.

Why? Because an unknown person, whose calligraphy wasn't even impressive, dared to name his book The Classic of Tea!

What did "classic" mean? A masterpiece!

It was sheer audacity, completely unaware of its own limitations.

His interest in the book immediately waned by half.

However, it would be unreasonable to ask for the book in front of his friends and then leave abruptly without even opening it.

Frowning slightly, he began to flip through the book.

The handwriting inside was identical to that on the cover, clearly written by the same person.

But after reading a few pages, he gradually became absorbed, his gaze growing more focused. As he read further, he couldn't help but exclaim, "Huh?"

Those standing behind him or sitting beside him, reading the book along with him, understood exactly what that "Huh" meant."The best tea grows amidst weathered rocks, the medium quality in gravelly soil, and the lowest quality in yellow earth. Those from sunny cliffs and shaded groves are superior, with purple shoots being the finest and green ones next; bud tips rank first while sprouted leaves come second; curled leaves are premium while fully expanded ones are inferior.

"No picking on rainy days, nor on cloudy days even when it's sunny."

To be honest, while they regularly drank tea, they knew nothing about tea picking and processing, nor were they interested or even deigned to learn.

It was like enjoying emerald-green, crisp, and sweet bok choy - if one were to investigate how it grew from muddy soil, how many times it was fertilized during growth, or how it was harvested by farmers with dirt under their fingernails before being sold, wouldn't that spoil the appetite?

Yet reading about how to pick and process tea in this book, they found it utterly fascinating, developing great interest in the entire tea production process.

Who would have thought that a simple tea leaf required such fastidiousness during harvesting, let alone the processing stage?

The book continued: "Heaven nurtures all things with perfect subtlety. Tea presents nine challenges: first is cultivation, second is selection. For the most exquisite and aromatic tea, serve three bowls; for lesser quality, five bowls. If there are up to five guests, serve three bowls to preserve the lingering aftertaste."

Upon reading this passage, Tan Xuan repeatedly exclaimed: "Profound insight! Profound insight!"

Someone said sheepishly: "Reading this master's elevated discourse makes me realize our usual tea drinking is nothing but crude guzzling."

Everyone burst into "ha ha" laughter.

"Look here - the book says tea brewed with scallions, ginger, or citrus peels 'might as well be ditch water, yet the custom persists'. Clearly this gentleman is one of us connoisseurs!"

"Absolutely! Absolutely!"

After finishing the book, Fan Yu couldn't put it down, having completely forgotten his initial disdain. He felt genuinely convinced.

As true gourmets, they must trace everything back to its source. They always claimed to be tea lovers, yet never knew tea should be picked only on sunny days, that purple buds were preferable, and that proper tea service meant just three bowls. This "Lu Yu" was truly a refined soul.

"Brother Hongsheng, who is this Lu Yu?" he asked.

"A relative of mine," Ye Hongsheng replied. "But she dislikes fame and avoids company. She once said: if you find eggs delicious, just eat more. No need to specially meet the hen that laid them."

The group stared blankly before erupting in "ha ha" laughter.

After laughing, they cheered: "Marvelous! Marvelous!"

"What brilliant reasoning!"

"This is wisdom indeed!"

Unconvinced, Fan Yu rolled his eyes and probed: "Did you copy this book yourself?" "Yes," Ye Hongsheng answered.

His daughter's calligraphy wasn't for any random man to criticize.

Fan Yu nodded. This explained the mediocre penmanship.

He pressed further: "Has Master Zhineng read this work?" Suspecting the master was the actual author.

The writer demonstrated expertise in tea picking, processing, and brewing - even the water for steeping showed fastidiousness, suggesting an affluent leisurely scholar. Moreover, the text revealed profound learning.

Only Master Zhineng fit all these criteria.

But who was Master Zhineng? How could Ye Hongsheng, a mere Lin'an merchant, dare claim him as relative? Had he the audacity?

Unaware of Fan Yu's suspicions, Ye Hongsheng beamed at the mention of Master Zhineng, recalling the master's praise for his daughter: "He has read it. Master Zhineng praised this book highly and even wrote a colophon for it."