Chapter 68

In the midst of cherry blossoms dancing in the wind, Misaki opened the old diary and read the words of the promise written there.

After this year's tea competition, which ended with Lu Fan's victory, the Ye family's eight consecutive terms as the top tea merchants finally came to an end, with the title passing to a new owner. However, after this year's competition, people not only remembered the young tea master Lu Fan but also began to talk about Ye Yu, who had never shown his face. To the public, it seemed that the Ye family's tea tradition had not declined but was instead sweeping in a new form.

After the tea competition, the discerning could see that the internal struggle within the Ye family had already begun. Although Ye Mengxin had expelled Ye Yu from the family years ago, citing that he was not a descendant of the Ye family, this was seen by outsiders as merely a means for Ye Mengxin to seize control of the family business. Now, with the tea master sent by Ye Yu competing against Ye Mengxin in the tea competition, a commercial battle in the tea industry seemed inevitable.

Therefore, the tea shop owners were not thinking about whose tea was more fragrant but were instead considering which side to support in the upcoming business war. When the competition ended, Lu Fan announced to everyone that Ye Yu was opening a tea shop, which was a declaration of war. This would signal that Ye Yu, standing behind Lu Fan, was about to enter and operate in the tea business.

This news, while surprising, was also reasonable. After all, the family business that should have belonged to Ye Yu had been seized by his uncle. Anyone in his position would not have given up so easily. However, if he wanted to settle the old grudges, the best way would be to defeat his opponent in the business world and forcibly take back what was rightfully his!

Although many did not have high hopes for Ye Yu, given that the Ye family had held the top position in the tea industry for many years, it would not be easy to replace and completely defeat them. However, some believed that it was not impossible. In terms of financial strength, Ye Yu was now on par with Ye Mengxin, with the only difference being the industries they were involved in.

However, after this year's tea competition, the situation might change. At the competition, whether it was the famous tea, tea skills, or the novel purple-black tea ware, all would become symbols of Ye Yu's entry into the tea industry. This would suggest that the tribute tea of Chuzhou might soon have a new famous tea to replace the Ye family's Longtuan Shengxue. It would also mean that Ye Mengxin's tea would no longer dominate the market, which could be a good thing for the tea shop owners.

After returning from the tea competition, Ye Mengxin sensed the impending trouble and, to consolidate his position as the leader in the tea industry, hosted a grand banquet to invite all the tea merchants and offered discounts to win their support. His intention was to nip Ye Yu's entry into the tea business in the bud. In Ye Mengxin's view, with his commercial status in Chuzhou, who would side with Ye Yu?

After the tea competition, everyone had their own thoughts. Although most tea merchants followed Ye Mengxin, a few medium-sized tea merchants remained neutral, planning to offend neither side. Everyone could see Ye Yu's unique qualities; in just over two years, his momentum was unstoppable like an arrow from a bow. No one could guarantee that he would not surpass Ye Mengxin in the tea industry, so the best stance was neutrality.

Longshan Temple remained unusually quiet. Whenever Ye Yu had free time, he would visit Longshan Temple to play chess with Master Yuantong, as the tranquility of the mountain temple and the sound of the morning and evening bells helped calm his restless heart. Over the past two years, he seemed to handle things with ease, but the suppressed restlessness in his heart was known to no one. Business was not his forte, so although his journey had been smooth, the mental and physical toll was immense.

Since the incident at Longshan Temple where he confronted Lu Kun, Ye Yu and Master Yuantong had become close friends. Whenever he had free time, Ye Yu would play chess with Master Yuantong. Listening to Zen teachings and savoring the mountain tea was the best way to reduce his restlessness. At this moment in the Zen courtyard, Ye Yu was playing chess and drinking tea with Master Yuantong when Lu Fan's arrival interrupted their session.

"Lu Fan, you haven't disappointed me!" Ye Yu said softly, a look of satisfaction on his face.

Lu Fan, however, became serious and said earnestly, "I dare not take credit. If it weren't for your preparation of the finest tea and tea ware, I wouldn't have stood out!"

Ye Yu felt uncomfortable with Lu Fan calling him "benefactor" and said, "Call me 'boss' from now on. By the way, how is the tea shop preparation going?"

"It will be completed soon, but I've heard that Ye Mengxin has already made some moves. I'm afraid..."

Lu Fan's concern made Ye Yu smile. "Don't worry about it. I've already anticipated his tricks. He's trying to block my path to prevent me from challenging his position as the top tea merchant. But he's wrong; I don't plan to take that path!"

"Boss, what do you mean?" Lu Fan was initially puzzled but then suddenly understood. "Boss, you're brilliant! I'm impressed!"

"Thank you. I've already sent people to negotiate with the Huizhou government to buy the land at the foot of Mount Huang. Since you come from a tea-making family, I assume you have expertise in tea cultivation. From now on, the planting and harvesting of tea trees will be your responsibility, Master Lu!"

"Thank you, Boss, for entrusting me with this important task. I will do my best to repay your kindness!"

"No need for that. Just do your best. For me, and for yourself!"

Lu Fan, deeply grateful, said solemnly, "Boss, rest assured. I will help you defeat the Ye family's tea business!"

"Is that your wish?" Ye Yu paused his game, turned to look at Lu Fan, and asked seriously.

Ye Yu's sudden question made Lu Fan hesitate. Through Ye Yu's eyes, he saw a rare intensity. At that moment, he understood what his boss truly wanted. Calming his mind, he said, "I understand! But I don't know what to name the new tea. Please advise, Boss!"

"Call it Maofeng. Go and get to work!"

"Lu Fan takes his leave!"

After Lu Fan left the Zen courtyard, Ye Yu bowed to Master Yuantong and apologized, "I'm sorry, the mundane affairs have disturbed our session. I apologize!"

Master Yuantong, sitting like a mountain, always wore a smile. He gently stroked his prayer beads and said, "Amitabha, young sir, you seem to have a lot of anger! Everything has a cause and effect. Why be so attached?"

"Oh? Master, you can see the anger in me?" Ye Yu looked at Master Yuantong with interest, finding him humorous, like a laughing Buddha.

Master Yuantong chuckled and pointed to the chessboard with his thick finger. "Your attacks are fierce and well-measured. The chessboard reveals one's character!"

Ye Yu's expression changed as he looked at the black and white pieces, then smiled. "Master, you have keen insight. I still have much to learn..."

"Your hidden anger is deep. If you don't control it, it may harm you in the future. This is my sincere advice. Please consider it carefully."

"Excess is as bad as deficiency. But life is unpredictable. A sharp sword can hurt others and oneself. But rest assured, Master, I can control it."

Master Yuantong's advice was deeply appreciated by Ye Yu, but he then changed the subject. "Master, you were once a man of the world. You know that a man of integrity has his principles. The concept of cause and effect, to me, is self-deception. For example, if someone does evil and is sent to hell, who can see it? Why not resolve it in this life?"

"Ha! It seems you don't believe in cause and effect..." Master Yuantong was surprised by Ye Yu's response but still smiled kindly.

Believe in cause and effect? Although Ye Yu was not a staunch atheist, he did not believe in cause and effect. He said calmly, "Please forgive my frankness. Is the so-called justice of heaven truly just? Master, you and Brother Li's father were once generals under Marshal Yue. Marshal Yue's death at Fengbo Pavilion was a great injustice. Although he was exonerated sixteen years later, what good did it do? Can the dead be brought back?"

"All I see is the corrupt official Qin Hui, who wielded power all his life and died of old age. Is this the so-called cause and effect? Exoneration? Posthumous honors? Do the dead know?"

Mentioning the past, Master Yuantong's smile froze. He seemed to recall the battles of the past, and his small eyes sparkled with intensity. His thick left hand trembled as he stroked his prayer beads, making a faint creaking sound.

Seeing Master Yuantong's tense expression, Ye Yu comforted him, "As a junior, I only know that a thousand years is too long. I strive for the present. At least I won't regret it!"

Master Yuantong's expression gradually calmed, and he sighed, placing his hands together in prayer. "It seems that after thirty years in the Buddhist order, I still can't erase the anger in my heart. Although your words are extreme, they are not without reason. I still hope you will take care of yourself."

Seeing that neither could convince the other, Ye Yu could only smile awkwardly. They finished the remaining chess game, and it was nearly evening. Ye Yu then bid farewell to Master Yuantong and left.

As he left the temple in his wheelchair, a young monk ran out. "Sir Ye, please wait!"

"Little monk, what is it?" Ye Yu placed his hands together and bowed to the young monk.

The young monk returned the bow, recited "Amitabha," and presented a bundle. "Sir Ye, this is something the abbot asked me to give you."

"Oh?"

"May you have a safe journey!" Before Ye Yu could say anything, the young monk bowed and returned to the temple.

Ye Yu watched the young monk's retreating back and shook his head. He then looked at the bundle in his hands. What was inside? Out of curiosity, he opened it.

To his surprise, inside were two bound books and a black jacket...

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