Glory

Due to the tea processing standards of this era, the original loose tea, even the Pre-Qingming First Flush harvested in spring, still carried slight bitterness and a dull yellow hue compared to modern pan-fired green tea. It lacked sufficient freshness and its aroma was inadequate.

Even after Ye Yaming added osmanthus to create Osmanthus Tea, it only stood out in fragrance while still having many shortcomings.

But now, after being brewed by Ye Yaming's hands, the tea's freshness became prominent while the bitter and dull flavors almost disappeared. Combined with the lingering osmanthus fragrance, one's attention was entirely captured by the aromatic entrance, immediately followed by a sweet aftertaste that magnified the sensation severalfold.

After drinking this cup of tea, Master Zhineng suddenly doubted the tea he had been drinking these past few days.

It must be understood that since the Ye family gifted him the Osmanthus Tea, he hadn't drunk any other tea. He was thoroughly familiar with the flavor of Osmanthus Tea, and after drinking it frequently, the initial amazement had faded.

Yet now he found himself marveling at this tea's flavor once again.

"Miss Ye, what tea did you brew?" he asked. "Did you produce another batch later?"

It was undoubtedly Osmanthus Tea, but the flavor was superior to the original.

"No, no," Ye Chongming quickly shook his head. "It's the same batch as before."

As he spoke, he looked toward Ye Yaming.

But Ye Yaming didn't respond to him, instead turning her gaze toward Jingchen.

Jingchen was still recalling how Ye Yaming had brewed the tea. He truly couldn't understand why the same tea could taste so much better when brewed by Ye Yaming.

He had always believed he could bring out the best flavor in any tea. But now, compared to Ye Yaming, he suddenly felt his complacency was laughable.

He had been a frog at the bottom of a well.

Although Master Zhineng didn't understand why Ye Yaming remained silent and looked at Jingchen instead, seeing Jingchen lost in thought, he called out twice: "Jingchen, Jingchen."

Only then did Jingchen look up, his eyes filled with confusion: "Ah?"

Master Zhineng felt both annoyed and amused.

Ye Yaming finally spoke: "The tea I just brewed was given to me by young master Jingchen."

When Jingchen saw Master Zhineng looking at him, he jolted and completely regained his composure.

He nodded vigorously: "Yes, it's the same tea Old Master Ye previously gifted you, which I stored in a jar. Since Miss Ye didn't bring any tea with her, I handed her that jar. I watched Miss Ye take the tea from that jar when she was brewing it."

Upon hearing this, Master Zhineng was merely astonished, but Lu Guanyi and Qi Ji were filled with intense delight.

After all, Ye Yaming had brewed the tea using tea ware she created herself, demonstrating its remarkable effectiveness. Moreover, Ye Yaming had mentioned she would gift them the brewing method as well, suggesting that unlike Jingchen's approach, one didn't need exceptionally sensitive taste buds or expert brewing skills to achieve good flavor. It should be something ordinary people could learn.

This was intangible assets, as valuable as tea processing methods.

Cooperating with the Ye family was indeed the correct choice. No wonder Meng Chengwei had tried every means to collaborate with the Ye family. Unfortunately, he used the wrong approach.

Master Zhineng looked at Ye Yaming, hesitating to speak.

Given his esteemed status and typically steady demeanor, this was the first time in decades of acquaintance that Ye Chongming had seen Master Zhineng appear so uncertain.

Finding the situation somewhat amusing, Ye Chongming said to Ye Yaming: "Ming'er, why don't you explain the intricacies of your tea brewing technique to everyone?"

"This..." Master Zhineng, usually a man of decisive character, now hesitated. "Is it perhaps inappropriate?""It's quite alright," Ye Chongming said. "Ming'er mentioned that only loose tea can reveal the true essence of the tea. And to make loose tea favored by the nobility, the tea brewing technique must be even more refined. As long as it improves the flavor of loose tea and makes more people appreciate it, she doesn’t mind if others learn her brewing skills."

"Excellent, excellent," Master Zhineng praised repeatedly, clasping his hands together toward Ye Yaming. "Thank you, Miss Ye, for your willingness to share your knowledge unreservedly."

Jingchen’s eyes sparkled brightly.

Ye Yaming said, "Why don’t I brew another round, allowing Young Master Jingchen to observe and comprehend it first?"

"Very well," Master Zhineng responded eagerly.

Earlier, during the first brewing, Ye Yaming had only prepared one cup per person, with no extras. Naturally, Master Zhineng was eager to taste another cup.

Ye Yaming cleaned the tea set, replaced it with fresh tea leaves, and brewed another round for everyone, explaining the process as she went.

Once again, everyone became immersed in the elegant scene before them.

After brewing the tea, Ye Yaming poured it into each cup. Noticing that Jingchen seemed completely absorbed in the art of tea brewing, she did not disturb him. Instead, she personally carried the tea tray and served the tea to each person.

Master Zhineng remained silent, merely offering a single-handed salute as he accepted the teacup. The others followed suit.

Only Ye Jiaxing was puzzled by the sudden solemn and reverent atmosphere in the room. However, he dared not ask, even holding his breath lightly as he carefully accepted the tea from his cousin and took a slow, delicate sip.

As the tea touched his throat, he closed his eyes halfway in contentment.

Hmm, it was just as fragrant and delightful as the first time he had tasted it at home. But…

He glanced around at the others, utterly bewildered: Did drinking tea really require such a serious atmosphere?

He looked at his grandfather and saw that he, like Master Zhineng and the others, was fully focused on the teacup before him.

Well, with his grandfather handling everything, he might as well simply enjoy this cup of fragrant tea.

After a long while, Master Zhineng finished his tea with great care and finally looked up at Jingchen, who was wholly engrossed in savoring the tea.

Jingchen’s entire being was immersed in the flavor of the tea, his mind free from any distractions.

Master Zhineng did not rush him.

The others, having finished their tea, noticed that Master Zhineng seemed to be waiting for Jingchen and remained silent as well. For a time, the room was exceptionally quiet.

Finally, when Jingchen had finished every last drop of his tea, Master Zhineng spoke up, "Jingchen, what have you realized?"

Jingchen first placed his teacup on the table, then stood up and bowed to Ye Yaming with hands clasped. "Thank you, Benefactor Ye. This humble monk now understands how to treat tea."

Then, turning to Master Zhineng, he said, "Previously, I only regarded tea as tea. But after watching Benefactor Ye brew it, I realized that tea has a life of its own. It requires our sincere care and attention in brewing."

Master Zhineng nodded and looked at Ye Yaming, his eyes not only filled with admiration for an outstanding junior but also with respect for an equal.

"Third Miss Ye," he addressed her, "is Jingchen’s understanding correct?"

Ye Yaming smiled.

She appreciated Master Zhineng’s attitude at that moment.

When she had first visited Chongshan Temple with Ye Chongming, she had been a junior of the Ye family—an intruder with impure motives, abruptly stepping into a sacred space. Though Master Zhineng had not shown any rejection, he had largely ignored her.