Chapter 641 Tea
Yang Shu's business is not limited to the "tea" stall of the imperial merchant. He directly or indirectly controls no less than fifty shops of all sizes in the imperial city. If the officials hadn't made too much noise, Yang Shu could have bought up one-third of the shops in the imperial city.
In addition, the "tea" business of Huangshang mainly includes tea, so the best and most high-end tea house in the imperial city is Yang Shu's industry.
Unlike others who like to open their teahouses on Junhou Street to do business for high officials and dignitaries, Yang Shu's teahouses are located in a remote south corner of the city. A dense bamboo forest serves as a barrier to separate the hustle and bustle of the market outside, and there are bamboo pavilions and small buildings inside. , accompanied by a masking circle to ensure the privacy and tranquility of every guest.
The name of the teahouse is: Bu Er.
Tea was produced in the south of the Jingjiu Dynasty, and there were many famous teas, but the most expensive tea was not produced in the Jingjiu Dynasty, but from a wild tea called "Tea Island" in the Treasure Sea. Call it: Bihaichao.
The flavor of Bihaichao is very special, it belongs to the top tea but has a sweet aftertaste that other teas do not have. The most important point is that Bi Haichao is not only tea, but also a kind of Chinese medicine, which can be used as pill. When the tea is brewed, it has a very good calming effect on monks, and long-term drinking can even improve the sensitivity of the soul and the toughness of the meridians.
Therefore, for one tael of tea leaves and ten taels of gold, Bi Haichao was such a daunting price. Moreover, there is no market for the price, and it is rare for ordinary people who claim to be high-class to meet, let alone drink.
Of course, huge profits belong to huge profits, and there are also gimmicks in it. Because although Bi Haichao is indeed a Chinese medicine, it is actually not widely used, and there are only a few kinds of elixirs that can use it.
But the taste is for sure, and the area of the tea island is very small, and the output of Bi Haichao on it is very low. It only produces a total of 20 catties throughout the year. Excluding the three to five catties of tribute, it is strange that the rest is not sold at a sky-high price. up.
Of all the teahouses in the entire imperial city, only "Fuer" can drink Bihaichao here. Of course, if you want to drink Bihaichao, you need to prepare money first, and then depend on your luck, you can drink it only if you are lucky.
However, not many people in the imperial city knew that the "Bu Er" Tea House was owned by Yang Shu. But many people have guessed the "tea" of the imperial merchants, but there are also very few who know that the actual controller of the "tea" of the imperial merchants is Yang Shu.
Bai Changqing belongs to the latter group. He knows the name of "Bu Er" tea house, and he has even been here a few times. He guessed that the background of this tea house must be not small. Maybe it was founded by the imperial merchant "Tea", but he didn't know that the Seventh Prince was actually behind it. Yang Shu.
Bai Changqing was invited to taste tea today. The person who invited him was his former teacher, the former Hubu Zuoshilang who had been working in the countryside for many years.
When Bai Changqing was still in the local area before, she relied on this teacher's contacts to climb up step by step. His own ability is inseparable, and at the same time, the teacher's blessing has really given him a lot of favor.
Fortunately, the teacher is also cultivated, now he is ninety-five years old, and he is in good health. Every year, Bai Changqing would come to visit and listen to teachings. But it is rare to be invited by the teacher.
Bai Changqing can be declined when others invite him, he can use himself as a "Gu family" as an excuse, or let others think that he is "fear of internal affairs". However, Bai Changqing still couldn't refuse the teacher's invitation.
But when Bai Changqing was led by his attendants to a forest pavilion in the innermost part of the tea house, he knew that the teacher would not come today. Because this is said to be the best "wing room" of the "Fu Er" tea house, the teacher has been serving for a long time, so it is impossible for him to have such a big face.
Unexpected, but also reasonable. Bai Changqing was also prepared for this accident. Knowing that sometimes people can't help themselves, the teacher may also have a last resort.
But Bai Changqing didn't leave, but sat down with peace of mind, he wondered who put so much effort into wanting to see him.
What's more, on the tea table in the pavilion is a unique-looking teapot, blue, with a sticker on it that says "bi".
Bai Changqing likes to drink tea and knows more about tea, so after sitting down, he recognized the origin of the teapot on the table at first sight.
"Bi Haichao?" There was a trace of joy in doubt, and a little puzzlement.
This kind of tea is not something that rich people can buy. It is said that one or two teas are ten taels of gold, but even if the price is ten times higher, you may not be able to buy it, after all, there are too few of this kind of tea. Even Bai Changqing, the official residence minister, was only lucky enough to drink it once in Ye Lansheng's residence, just a small teaspoon, a cup.
But now. A jar?
Bai Changqing was a little unbelievable. He reached out to pick up the tea pot and weighed it. It was really not empty. When he opened the lid, he was a little surprised. There was really more than half a pot of tea in the pot. Bi Haichao! Who is so proud?
"I heard that Master Bai is unparalleled in tea art. I wonder if this king has the honor to see it?"
Just as Bai Changqing was surprised, someone from outside the forest came in, and the voice came first.
Turning her head to look, Bai Changqing was even more surprised, but she quickly stood up and bowed her hands: "Bai Changqing has seen His Highness Lingwang."
The person who came was naturally the Seventh Prince Yang Shu. The guest Qing under his school happened to be able to find Bai Changqing's teacher, and then "knowing it with love" 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 Hubu Shangshu to have neither the city nor the patience. Whether things can be accomplished after that depends on how Yang Shu handles it.
"Hehe, Mr. Bai doesn't need to be too polite. Please sit down." Yang Shu was dressed in ordinary clothes, but all of his clothes revealed extravagance, which was very different from his usual dressing style.
Sitting opposite the tea table, Yang Shu started to light up the small stove on the table with a smile, using fruit wood, and then put a pot of spring water on the stove to burn.
"Will Master Bai be willing to show his hand?"
Bai Changqing also smiled, and said: "Your Highness, as long as you don't dislike your minister's craftsmanship." He said that he was not polite, and began to hold the tea set on the table, and his movements were smooth and beautiful. As for the so-called tea art, it has already started at this time, and every movement is exquisite. Those who understand it will understand it naturally, and those who don't understand it will just watch the fun.
Yang Shu made money from tea, so he was naturally knowledgeable about tea. Judging by Bai Changqing's actions, it was indeed an old tea pot as rumored.
"It's the first time to make Bihaichao. I don't know how to handle the heat. Please give me your advice, Your Highness."
Yang Shu nodded, and took a sip of the brewed tea before taking a serious look at it, and said, "Very good! Sure enough, the skill is excellent."
Yang Shu really understood, and unlike other princes, he was able to bend down to flatter the people below, and his methods were so clever that he rarely missed.
Sure enough, even Bai Changqing and his like could hardly resist the compliments and flattery of a prince, the smile on his face was no longer cramped as it was before, and became much more natural.