Yang Shu's business is not just the Huangshang "tea" stall. He directly or indirectly controls no fewer than fifty shops, large and small, in the imperial city. If Yan Guan hadn't made such a fuss, Yang Shu could have surrounded one-third of the shops in the imperial city.
In addition, the "tea" business of the imperial merchants mainly involved tea, so the best and most high-end teahouse in the imperial city was Yang Shu's business.
Unlike others who like to open teahouses on Junhou Street to serve the business of high-ranking officials, Yang Shu's teahouse is located in a remote corner of the south of the city. A dense bamboo forest serves as a barrier to separate the hustle and bustle of the market outside, and there is a small bamboo pavilion inside. , accompanied by a covering circle to ensure the privacy and tranquility of each guest.
The tea house is named: Fuji.
Tea was produced in the south during the Jingjiu Dynasty, and there were many famous teas, but they were rare and expensive. The most expensive tea was not produced in the Jingjiu Dynasty, but came from a wild tea called "Tea Island" in the sea of treasures. Call it: Blue Sea Tide.
The flavor of Bihaichao is very special. It is among the top teas but has a sweet aftertaste that no other tea has. The most important thing is that Bihaichao is not only a tea, but also a Chinese medicinal material that can be used as an elixir. When brewed, the tea has a very good concentration effect on monks, and long-term drinking can even improve the sensitivity of the soul and the toughness of the meridians.
Therefore, one tael of tea leaves and ten taels of gold, Bihaichao is a prohibitive price. Moreover, it is so priceless that ordinary people who claim to be high-class people rarely see it, let alone drink it.
Of course, huge profits are huge profits, and there are also gimmicks in them. Because although Bihaichao is indeed a Chinese medicine, it is not widely used. There are only a few types of elixirs that can use it.
But it tastes good for sure, and the tea island is very small, and the output of Bihaichao is very low. The output is only about 20 kilograms throughout the year. Excluding the three to five kilograms of tribute, it would be strange if the remaining ones are not sold at sky-high prices. .
Of all the teahouses in the entire imperial city, only here at "Fuer" you can drink blue sea tide. Of course, if you want to drink Bihaichao, prepare money first, and then depend on your luck. Only with good luck can you drink it.
However, not many people in the imperial city knew that the "Buer" Tea House was an industry under Yang Shu's name. But many people have guessed about Huangshang "Tea", but there are also very few who know that the actual controller of Huangshang "Tea" is Yang Shu.
Bai Changqing belongs to the latter. He knows the name of "Fu Er" Tea House and has even been there several times. He guessed that this tea house must have a good background. It may have been founded by the imperial merchant "Tea", but he didn't know that the Seventh Prince was actually behind it. Yang Shu.
Today Bai Changqing was invited to have tea. The person who invited him was his former teacher, the former left minister of Tobe who had been working in the countryside for many years.
When Bai Changqing was still at the local level, he relied on this teacher's connections to climb up step by step. He is inseparable from his own abilities, and at the same time, the teacher's blessing has really given him a great favor.
Fortunately, the teacher also has some cultivation skills. Now he is ninety-five years old and in good health. Every year Bai Changqing would visit him and listen to his teachings. But it is rare that I am invited by the teacher.
Bai Changqing can decline invitations from others, he can use the excuse that he is "family-oriented", or he can let others think he is "henpecked". This is the method he has been using as a shield for a while, and he even dealt with Ye Lansheng's invitation in this way. However, Bai Changqing still couldn't refuse the teacher's invitation.
But when Bai Changqing was led by the attendant to the forest pavilion at the innermost part of the tea house, he knew that the teacher would not come today. Because this is said to be the best "side room" of the "Fu Er" teahouse, and the teacher has been in office for a long time, so it is impossible for him to have such a great reputation.
Unexpected, but also reasonable. Bai Changqing was mentally prepared for this change. I know that sometimes people can't help themselves, and teachers may also have difficulties.
However, Bai Changqing did not leave, but sat down with peace of mind. He was curious about who spent so much time wanting to see him.
Also, there is a unique-looking tea can on the tea table in the pavilion. It is blue and has a sticker with the word "BI" written on it.
Bai Changqing likes to drink tea and understands tea better, so he immediately recognized the origin of the tea can on the table after sitting down.
"Blue sea tide?" There was a hint of joy in the doubt, and a little bit of confusion.
This kind of tea cannot be bought with money. It is said that one tael of tea costs ten taels of gold, but you may not be able to buy it even if the price is ten times higher. After all, there is so little of this kind of tea. Even Bai Changqing, the official minister, only had the honor to drink tea once at Ye Lansheng's house, which was only a small spoonful of tea and a cup.
But now...a jar?
Bai Changqing didn't believe it. He reached out and picked up the tea can. He weighed it and found that it was really not empty. When he opened the lid, he was a little surprised. There was really more than half a can of tea in the can. It was light blue and had a unique appearance like ocean waves. The blue sea tide! Who is so heroic?
"I heard that Mr. Bai's tea skills are unparalleled. I wonder if I, the king, would be honored to see him?"
Just when Bai Changqing was surprised, someone came in from outside the forest, and the voice came first.
Turning around, Bai Changqing's face was even more surprised, but he quickly stood up, bowed and cupped his hands: "Bai Changqing has met His Highness King Ling."
The visitor was naturally the Seventh Prince Yang Shu. His guest Qing happened to be able to find Bai Changqing's teacher, and "Xiao Zhi Yi Qing" naturally asked him to come forward and ask Bai Changqing out. As for whether Bai Changqing will complain? I believe that it is impossible for a mature Minister of the Ministry of Finance to have such a little bit of government and patience. Whether things can work out after that depends on how Yang Shu copes with it.
"Haha, Mr. Bai, there is no need to be polite. Please sit down." Yang Shu was dressed in regular clothes, but his outfit showed nobility, which was very different from his usual dressing style.
Sitting across from the tea table, Yang Shu smiled and started to light up the small stove on the table, using fruit wood, and then put a pot of spring water on the stove to burn.
"Master Bai, are you willing to show your hand?"
Bai Changqing also smiled and said, "As long as your highness doesn't dislike my craftsmanship." He said without being polite and started to move around with the tea set on the table. Each movement was smooth and had its own beauty. As for the so-called tea art, it has already begun at this time. Every movement is exquisite. Those who understand it will understand naturally, and those who don't understand can just watch the fun.
Yang Shu makes money from tea, so he is naturally knowledgeable about tea. Judging from Bai Changqing's actions, he is indeed an old tea pot as rumored.
"It's my first time to brew Bihaichao. I don't know how to control the heat. Please give me your advice."
Yang Shu nodded, and after taking a sip of the brewed tea, he thought about it seriously and said, "Very good! The skills are indeed excellent..."
Yang Shu really understands, and unlike other princes, he can bend down to flatter the people below him, and he does so skillfully, rarely making a mistake.
Sure enough, even Bai Changqing and his ilk could not resist the compliments and flattery of a prince. The smile on his face had lost its previous awkwardness and became much more natural.
