mtl008 Chapter 246 The Tea Snacks Are Wonderful
Chapter 246 The Tea Snacks Are Wonderful
"Mr. Su, please."
The three went upstairs and arrived at the room where Empress Li was.
"Madam, the matter is settled," Su Bing said to Empress Li.
Empress Li nodded. "Yes."
She looked up at Tian Tian and beckoned, "Tian Tian, come here."
Tian Tian walked over and said, "Tian Tian greets Your Majesty the Empress."
"Hahaha." Empress Li laughed heartily. "I knew I couldn't hide it from you, you little rascal."
She grabbed Tian Tian's hand and pulled her close, saying, "You little rascal, you're really good at holding back."
Tian Tian smiled and said, "How can I not hold it in?"
“Girl, this imperial edict... was suggested to me by Yao’er. It should have been given to you long ago, but I left the capital in a hurry and didn’t have time to deal with it.”
"It has been delayed until now."
"You are a smart girl, doing such a great thing for the country and the people."
"He deserves commendation from the imperial court."
Empress Li held Tian Tian's hand tightly, stroking it gently. "Girl, Yao'er..."
Tian Tian glanced awkwardly at Su Bing and Shen Zhian beside her, "Your Majesty..."
"Alright, this matter... let you and Yao'er discuss it yourselves, I won't interfere." Empress Li released her hand.
"Mr. Su, please take out your calligraphy."
Su Bing's servant brought over a wooden box, took out a roll of paper from it, and slowly unfolded it on the table.
The three large characters of "Tea Fragrance Studio" are written in a vigorous and powerful style, yet with a touch of gentleness.
It seems that every stroke contains the weight of time and the insights of life.
The horizontal strokes are like a rainbow piercing the sun, and the vertical strokes are like a pine tree standing tall. Between the strokes, there is both a sharp and piercing spirit and a gentle and restrained elegance.
The key point is that below the three characters "茶香斋" (Cha Xiang Zhai) is Su Bing's signature and seal.
This calligraphy... is extremely valuable.
Shen Zhian was so shocked when he saw it that he stood up.
"My God..." he exclaimed, "To see Mr. Su's calligraphy up close in my lifetime..."
"I, Shen, have no regrets in dying."
"It truly has both a majestic grandeur and a delicate charm."
Tian Tian blinked. She could tell that Su Bing's handwriting was very good, but she couldn't see the style or charm of it.
All she knew was that with Mr. Su Bing's calligraphy, the tea shop's business was bound to be good.
Many of the people outside the door just now were not from Xiushui County.
She guessed that most of them had come following in Mr. Su Bing's footsteps.
Su Bing was used to praise and flattery, and his face remained expressionless.
But he was curious about Shen Zhian's identity, "And you are?"
Tian Tian introduced, "This is my godfather, Shen Zhian."
Su Bing looked at Shen Zhian, his expression suggesting he knew Shen Zhian's name.
"Shen Zhian..."
"But...that Manager Shen who deals in tea?"
“Exactly.” Shen Zhian smiled, his lips curving upwards, simply because Tian Tian had called him “godfather.”
He had originally considered that Tian Tian was now a princess, and it wouldn't be appropriate for him to aspire to such a higher status.
"I love Manager Shen's Jade Dew Tea the most."
"It is my honor that Gyokuro tea has caught Mr. Su's eye."
Su Bing looked at Empress Li and said, “Your Majesty, since we have come to Chaxiangzhai, why not try the tea and snacks here?”
"This is the first time I've ever heard of using tea in cooking."
Shen Zhian bowed and said, "Then I will make the arrangements immediately."
"Well, since Manager Shen is the princess's godfather, let him come along too." Su Bing kept Shen Zhian behind.
Empress Li didn't care; she was busy talking to Tian Tian.
"The high-yield rice planted by Yao'er has been harvested, with a yield of up to 1,400 catties per mu."
"Right now, they've started digging sweet potatoes."
"Judging by the time, he will be back in a little over a month."
Upon hearing this, Tian Tian's heart tightened, and she subconsciously frowned...
Empress Li had been observing her expression, and seeing her like this, she was overjoyed.
The fact that the girl's face showed a reaction indicates that she does have feelings for Yao'er.
It seems... Yao'er still has a good chance.
She has to stay and help out.
As for the letter that the Emperor sent Su Bing with... let's put it aside for now.
Nothing is more important than her getting married.
To live up to the name "Tea Fragrance Studio," the waiters serving dishes in the shop are all very refined, unlike the bustling atmosphere of other shops.
The room was softly lit, with bamboo curtains hanging gently, and a faint fragrance permeated the air.
The tables and chairs are all made of solid wood, with delicate yet understated carvings and light colors, giving the feeling of being in nature.
A simple blue-and-white floral cloth is laid on the table, with deliberately left blank spaces on the surface, which reminds one of the Zen concept that "blank space is beauty".
The waiter brought the tea and snacks with light steps.
Each teacup and tea tray is exquisitely crafted, seemingly possessing a unique soul.
Each tea snack is no more than the size of a fist, and is very delicate.
There are also different decorations on the plate...
Su Bing sat upright in a bamboo chair, his brows revealing a profound scholarly air. When he saw the first tea snack, his expression softened and his gaze turned into the distance.
"This tea snack...is exquisitely presented, like a traditional Chinese ink painting."
Tian Tian remained silent...
Her plating designs emphasize the contrast between 'emptiness' and 'fullness', with appropriate blank space to better showcase the beauty of the lingering aftertaste.
As the tea and snacks were served one after another, Su Bing's pupils trembled slightly, and his eyes softened.
“Mr. Su…” Shen Zhian lowered his voice.
Su Bing nodded, picked up his chopsticks, took a shrimp from the tea-flavored shrimp dish, and put it in his mouth.
"The shrimp are as white as jade, exuding the aroma of tea...like the ethereal beauty of clouds."
After he finished speaking, he picked up the teacup and took a sip.
"This tea is like a river of spring water, crystal clear and refreshing. The tea soup is amber in color, clear and transparent. When you drink it, it feels slightly cool in your throat and has a long aftertaste. It is truly the ultimate in elegant taste."
"Both the tea and the food are wonderful."
Su Bing gently twirled the teacup, closed his eyes slightly, as if to store the aroma of the tea in his heart.
He put down his teacup, then picked up a piece of tea-flavored pork rib. It was tender and soft in his mouth, and the delicate fragrance of tea filled his mouth. He couldn't help but sigh, "Wonderful, wonderful! This tea snack is like the sound of a bell in a quiet mountain temple. It tastes plain at first, but after chewing it carefully, you can feel the tea fragrance and salivation, and the aftertaste is endless."
He chuckled, put down his chopsticks, and, as if unable to resist, recited aloud, "A cup of clear tea washes away the dust of the world, a half-eaten meal allows one to understand the Zen mind."
Upon hearing this, everyone exclaimed that it was wonderful!
Shen Zhian pointed to a plate of tea-scented pine nut pastries, "Would you like to try these pine nut pastries, Master Su?"
Su Bing was already intrigued. He took a piece of tea-flavored pine nut pastry and chewed it slowly. He found that after the slight bitterness of the pine nuts, a mellow sweetness emerged, as if one had experienced the vicissitudes of life and finally understood the joy of simple pleasures.
He laughed loudly, “Indeed, it has a Zen-like quality! Isn’t this the wonderful taste of ‘bitterness before sweetness’?”
He picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and smiled, his expression one of complete satisfaction.
At this moment, he was completely immersed in the aroma of tea and the Zen spirit, as if this tea house was not only a place to drink tea, but also a pure land where his soul could retreat.
Shen Zhian and Tian Tian exchanged a smile.
Su Bing's support shows that Cha Xiang Zhai has succeeded.
"Mr. Su, since you like Tea Fragrance Pavilion so much, why don't you write down the poem you just recited and hang it in Tea Fragrance Pavilion?" Empress Li suggested with a smile.
Tian Tian's eyes lit up. This... is great.
With Mr. Su's calligraphy in the town, scholars from all over the world will come to visit.
“Then I will immediately arrange the writing materials and ask Mr. Su to bestow his calligraphy.” Shen Zhian was the most enthusiastic, and as he spoke, he had already reached the door.
Mr. Su Bing glanced at Empress Li and happily agreed, "Alright, then this old man will make a fool of himself."
"The wisps of tea smoke drift into the gate of Zen, all phenomena vanish, only a single thought remains. Sitting opposite each other by the green lamp, listening to the night rain, half a pot of spring colors brings enlightenment to past causes."
"The stove is warm and the wind is gentle as it boils snow buds; a touch of Zen-like tranquility falls like plum blossoms. If life is like the melody in a cup, its joys and sorrows are something to be proud of."
"Good, haha, good." Shen Zhian didn't know how to praise him, so he could only keep saying "good" and then carefully had someone take it away, instructing them to keep it safe.
He must hang these two calligraphic works in the most conspicuous place in the Tea Fragrance Studio.
The waiter continued serving the dishes, and everyone sat back down.
Tea-smoked chicken, with tender chicken meat infused with the aroma of tea.
The tea-infused braised pork belly is tender and flavorful, with a thick broth where the aroma of tea and meat intertwine for a unique taste.
Tea-scented fish, the fish meat absorbs the aroma of tea, resulting in a rich flavor.
Tea-infused vegetarian wings, with concentrated broth and an aroma of tea permeating the air.
Tea eggs have a rich flavor, with the aroma of tea and the taste of braised meat blending together.
"These tea snacks are in no way inferior to the banquets at those grand feasts," Su Bing remarked.
Empress Li also savored the moment, remarking, "This combination is truly unique."
She looked at Tian Tian with admiration, "My girl is so smart."
"Mr. Su, I'm afraid you'll miss this taste often when you're in the capital."
Su Bing was taken aback...
But he quickly turned to Tian Tian, "The princess has received the imperial decree and must go to the capital to express her gratitude."
"Although the princess's business is doing well in Yunzhou Prefecture, everyone who does business wants to expand their business to the capital."
“Your Highness may also consider it. In that case, this old man will no longer have to worry about the tea and snacks at Tea Fragrance Pavilion every day.”
*
Tian Tian returned to Baishi County with Empress Li, but did not live to see the official opening of Chaxiangzhai.
After having that tea and snack meal, Mr. Su Bing returned to Beijing alone.
However, before leaving, he earnestly suggested to Tian Tian that she could open a shop in the capital.
The great Confucian scholar was so fond of tea and snacks that it inevitably stirred a sense of pity in Tian Tian.
He actually started to think about it... maybe he should open a shop in the capital?
"Sweetie." Empress Li suddenly grabbed Tian Tian's hand, pulling her back from her thoughts.
"What are you thinking about?" Empress Li asked.
Tian Tian said frankly, "Your Majesty, I was thinking about... Mr. Su's request for me to open a shop in the capital."
Empress Li did not rush to correct her form of address.
“Sweetie, now that you are a princess, you should be living in the capital.”
The key point is that if she marries Yao'er in the future, she will be the Crown Princess of Daqi, and she should live in the capital.
"It's normal for you to open a shop in the capital."
"You don't need to worry about not finding a good shop. I have several shops in excellent locations in the capital."
"Whether you want to open a Baishi Teahouse, a Baishi Hot Pot Shop, or a Tea and Snack Shop... however many shops you want to open, I will have as many shops as you need."
Tian Tian awkwardly parted her lips. If she really wanted to open a shop in the capital, she would have to rely on her own abilities. How could she use the Empress's shop?
However, she couldn't say these things to the Empress right now, lest the Empress bring up someone else again...
"Um... Your Majesty, I haven't decided yet..." Tian Tian said.
Empress Li patted her hand gently and considerately, "It's alright, think about it slowly."
*
Upon returning to Baishi County, Tian Tian told her family about Empress Li's identity.
Of course, he didn't hide the fact that he had been conferred the title of princess.
"Lu Tao greets Your Majesty the Empress." Lu Tao was the first to react, pulling Liu San Niang beside her to kneel down.
Empress Li quickly helped her up, saying, "Oh dear, Sister Lu, please don't stand on ceremony."
Lu Tao and Liu San Niang looked at each other and stood up...
Liu San Niang, "Your Majesty... hiss..."
Biting my tongue.
She adjusted her posture as she spoke, "Your Majesty, aren't you...aren't you Young Master Ling's mother?"
"You are the Empress, then Young Master Ling..."
"Wouldn't that mean..."
Her eyes widened. "Your Highness?"
It is common knowledge throughout the land that His Majesty and Empress have only one son.
Empress Li smiled and nodded, "Yes."
Liu San Niang looked at Lu Tao in shock, then at Tian Tian.
Tian Tian shrugged...
Tian Xiang, who already knew the truth, wasn't too surprised; she was simply happy for Tian Tian.
“Mother, Tian Tian is a princess now,” Tian Xiang reminded everyone. “Shouldn’t we also pay our respects to the princess?”
Upon hearing this, Tian Tian immediately retorted, "Big sister, what are you saying?"
"Even Her Majesty the Empress has not made everyone kneel, so how can I make you kneel?"
"Besides, you are my family."
Tian Xiang frowned. "But I heard... there was a ruler first..."
Empress Li chuckled, "Your family has a good relationship, so there's no need to worry about this."
"Exactly, why bother with this?" Tian Tian glared at Tian Xiang, annoyed.
Tian Xiang smiled awkwardly, "I heard it from someone else."
Empress Li looked at Lu Tao, "Sister Lu, there's no need to be so particular about these details, but..."
"Now that I have received the imperial decree, I still need to go to the capital to express my gratitude."
"In my opinion, why don't you all go to the capital together?"
“Where will our large family stay in the capital?” Lu Tao waved her hands repeatedly in refusal. “Let’s forget it, let’s forget it.”
"Let Tian Tian go alone..." she wanted to say.
But upon closer reflection, going to the capital is such a long way...
How could she feel at ease letting Tian Tian go alone?
So, Lu Tao looked at Tian Xiang and Qin Youyou and said, "Let the three Tian sisters go together."
In this way, they can look out for each other on the road, and Tianxiang and Youyou can also go and see the sights together.
Empress Li laughed and said, "Sister Lu, what you're worried about is nothing at all."
"The Emperor has bestowed upon Tian Tian the title of Princess of Fufeng, so he must have already ordered the construction of a princess's mansion for her in the capital."
"Not to mention your family, even if you bring dozens more people, we can still accommodate you."
Lu Tao looked at Liu San Niang beside her in surprise, and Liu San Niang blurted out, "They're even building a princess's mansion for us?"
Empress Li nodded with a charming smile, "Yes."
She discovered that Sweetie's family seemed completely unaware of how important those high-yield rice varieties were to Daqi.