Glory

Fan Yu quickly flipped open the book again.

When he had earlier reached the final "Ten Diagrams," he assumed there was nothing more and set the book aside, eagerly pressing for information about the author, thus overlooking the colophon.

Flipping backward from the last page, he indeed found a colophon.

In this colophon, Master Zhineng first explained how his deep fondness for tea led him to personally cultivate, pick, and process tea leaves, receiving guidance from the author's elders. However, perhaps due to insufficient talent, he could never produce tea that satisfied him.

After reading this book, he realized that there were numerous intricacies starting from the tea-picking stage, and these insights were the author's own diligent research and realizations—he had grasped his own "Way." Inspired by this, Master Zhineng felt his own state of mind had advanced significantly. He expressed great gratitude to the author.

Master Zhineng highly praised the author for sharing these insights, allowing tea lovers to understand tea deeply, stating that the author would surely go far in the path of tea and that he looked forward to witnessing the author's future achievements.

"I originally thought this book was written by Master Zhineng. After reading this colophon, I realize I was mistaken," an old man voiced Fan Yu's thoughts.

"Haha, indeed. If Master Zhineng had written it, even if he didn't want fame and used a pseudonym, he would never write a colophon praising himself."

"Moreover, it's clear that the author is quite young, referred to by Master Zhineng as 'young friend.'"

"I truly wish to meet this person," Fan Yu said. "When I first picked up the book, I inwardly scoffed at this individual for overestimating themselves, daring to call their own work a classic. Now it seems they truly deserve the praise."

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Someone turned to ask Ye Hongsheng, "Brother Hongsheng, is that person really unwilling to meet anyone? Is there any chance you could introduce us? When spring arrives and the weather warms up, we will personally visit Lin'an."

Hearing them praise his daughter, Ye Hongsheng wished he could record these words for her to hear.

Seeing their repeated requests to visit the author, he felt regretful but had to decline on his daughter's behalf once more: "I'm truly sorry, but due to health reasons, this person consistently declines visitors and does not meet anyone."

Pausing, he recalled a potential loophole and added, "Even Master Zhineng has only met her twice."

This was the truth; he did not lie about this point. As for other details, Ye Yaming had instructed him to describe her as if she were Ye Yayu. Thus, even honest Ye Hongsheng managed to weave the tale without error.

Humans are experts at filling in gaps. Upon hearing Ye Hongsheng's words, everyone understood: This person must have some physical imperfection, hence the refusal to let anyone close.

"Everyone has their own difficulties and preferences; there's no need to force it," Fan Yu said. "As this author puts it, if you like eggs, just eat a couple more; there's no need to know the hen that laid them."

Hearing this, everyone laughed again.

Someone asked Ye Hongsheng, "Does he have any other books?"

"None. However, I have one or two other books about tea by different authors back in Lin'an that I didn't bring. I only brought this one because it helps me with tea processing," Ye Hongsheng replied.

Earlier, when Ye Hongchang hadn't arrived, Ye Hongsheng had been managing alone. At that time, Osmanthus Tea had just launched, causing a sensation in the capital. Every day, numerous nobles and officials sought to meet the proprietor for various reasons, forcing him to muster all his lifelong skills to handle them.Perhaps having been tempered by major storms, or perhaps because those who came to the teahouse to buy tea and requested to meet the owner were all tea enthusiasts discussing topics related to tea, Ye Hongsheng no longer appeared as timid and tongue-tied as before when conversing with others.

In the distance, the manager Huang Yaozu stood behind the counter, watching the scene intently.

Huang Yaozu had been personally promoted by Ye Hongchang and was fiercely loyal to him. Although Ye Hongsheng had managed the Gathering Fragrance Pavilion in the capital for a period recently, compared to the versatile and shrewd elder master, Huang Yaozu felt Ye Hongsheng was less capable and did not hold much respect for this second master.

Now, seeing Ye Hongsheng surrounded by Fan Yu and others, eloquently discussing various tea sets while the elder master stood by unnoticed, Huang Yaozu felt indignant on his behalf.

He said to Ye Hongchang, "Master, next time Imperial Consort Fan visits, perhaps you should receive him yourself and not specially summon the second master."

Ye Hongchang shook his head. "I've been in the capital for over a decade and have received Imperial Consort Fan and his companions countless times. There were plenty of opportunities, but when have you ever seen me gain their favor?"

"Wasn't it because we didn't have these tea sets before? Imperial Consort Fan and the others are here for the tea sets."

"No, no," Ye Hongchang said. "You haven't grasped the essence."

"My younger brother is obsessed with tea-making. His mind is simple and pure, and he even carries a touch of innocence. He loves reading and delves into all sorts of miscellaneous books. Though not profoundly learned, his knowledge spans widely. Moreover, with the tea arrangement, brewing techniques, and tea ceremony passed down to him by Ming'er, coupled with his exceptionally sensitive palate, he resembles a scholar more than a merchant. This is why Imperial Consort Fan and the others enjoy conversing with him so much."

Huang Yaozu pondered thoughtfully.

"Manager Huang, I know you are loyal to me. But you are also aware of our family's situation. If not for the third young lady of the second branch, our family might have faced ruin."

"Old Master Ye holds the third young lady in high regard. He arranged for the second master to come to the capital not only because I was injured and unable to travel but more so because he hopes the second branch will also be involved. In the future, the third young lady will remain at home in a matrilocal marriage and participate in the family's business decisions. From now on, you must change your attitude toward the second master and never look down on him."

When Ye Yaming decisively dealt with Meng Chengwei, Ye Hongchang felt wary of this formidable niece and decided not to contend with her. When Song Yifeng was imprisoned by Ye Yaming and sentenced to lifelong exile, Ye Hongchang resolved to submit to her.

And when that copy of The Classic of Tea arrived from Lin'an, and his elderly father claimed it was written by Ye Yaming, with Master Zhineng's postscript confirming the book's authenticity—not something fabricated to boost her reputation—Ye Hongchang abandoned all other thoughts.

However, his father repeatedly emphasized that aside from the two brothers, no one should know The Classic of Tea was written by Ye Yaming—not even their most trusted subordinates. He specifically instructed them to burn his letter after reading it, lest others perceive Ye Yaming as unnaturally brilliant and bring trouble upon her.

Thus, Huang Yaozu remained unaware that The Classic of Tea was Ye Yaming's work.

Therefore, Ye Hongchang had to ensure his trusted subordinates maintained the correct attitude.

Huang Yaozu was momentarily stunned, then bowed deeply to Ye Hongchang. "Thank you for your guidance, Master."

He understood that Ye Hongchang's advice stemmed from appreciation for his loyalty and a desire to prevent any disrespect from the first branch's trusted manager toward the second master, which could foster resentment between the branches.