Chapter 20

In the midst of the clear mountain stream, which flowed gently and was clean and refreshing, there was even a patch of wild bamboo, and several peach trees, the tips of whose buds were already turning red, suggesting that with a bit more warmth, they would soon bloom. The rest of the area was shaded by lush trees, and the sunlight of the late spring afternoon could only find its way through the needle-like gaps between the leaves, landing on people's clothes. Birds, whose names were unknown, darted through the forest, their ethereal chirping occasionally breaking the silence, as if they were discussing the unexpected visitors below. Walking amidst the grass and trees, a narrow path wound its way through, leading to a secluded and tranquil place, much like a hidden paradise. Last night, a cool drizzle had passed, and now the surrounding air, filled with the fresh scent of plants, was invigorating.

Yan Shigu praised, "Qi Xian has found such a wonderful place, with greenery surrounding and clear water flowing. It must have taken some effort."

Upon receiving the praise from the headmaster, Xu Qixian immediately smiled and said respectfully, "This is a place I discovered by chance. When I have free time, I come here to read, undisturbed. This morning, Xia Shidi asked me if there was a quiet and secluded place on the back mountain, so I brought him here."

"Jing Shi, why did you make me come over? Where is the rule that a teacher is led around by a student? I was planning to rest for a while, but you disturbed my nap. If you can give a good reason, fine; if not, I'll have to give you a beating for your master!" Several teachers from the academy had been invited by Xia Hongsheng, and they couldn't refuse. The young man had first gone to the headmaster, and it was unknown how he had persuaded the headmaster to agree to come to the back mountain in the middle of the day. Since the headmaster was coming, they couldn't stay away. One of the teachers, who had been taking an afternoon nap, was also called up, and now, with a heart full of annoyance, he said to Xia Hongsheng.

Xia Hongsheng ignored the threat from the academy teachers and said with a smile, "Please don't worry, gentlemen. We are almost there. Let me keep you in suspense for a bit, and I promise you won't be disappointed."

Yan Shigu said nothing, but walked slowly through the forest. He was quite curious about what Xia Hongsheng would do. This young man, though small, was full of strange ideas, always sparking others' curiosity. Since the back mountain was not steep, he decided to treat it as a leisurely walk.

Following the mountain stream, they turned past a bamboo grove. They saw the stream meandering around a flat area on the hillside, where a large green stone was placed by the stream, surrounded by several smaller stones, forming a seat. Liu Fang stood respectfully beside it, a small stove at his feet, with steam rising from the copper pot. On the large green stone, a set of ancient tea ware was arranged.

"Ha ha, Master Yan, I boldly asked you for tea leaves the other day. I have now processed them using the green tea method. After processing, the tea leaves have a fire taste, which needs to be aired for a few days to dissipate. Today, I bring them to you, Master Yan, my master, and all the other teachers." Xia Hongsheng bowed respectfully and then raised his hand, "Please, gentlemen, take your seats."

The academy teachers looked around, seeing the clear stream and the swaying tree shadows, a truly serene place. Using a large green stone as a table and smaller stones as seats, it complemented the surrounding natural scenery, making it even more extraordinary.

"Hongsheng has a good mind. This place and its arrangement have a rustic charm. A few green stones and a tea set create a sense of being beyond the world," one of the teachers said, stroking his beard, clearly satisfied with the serene environment.

Yan Shigu sat down beside the green stone and turned to Liu Fang, who was supporting him, and said with a smile, "I didn't see you all afternoon, but you ended up here. I'm curious, how did that young man persuade you?"

Liu Fang replied with a smile, "I couldn't resist the enthusiastic calls of 'Brother Liu'! Master Xia values me, so I must return the favor. But I must admit, I'm a bit greedy. Thinking of the delicious food from a few days ago, I thought maybe I could get another meal, so I was lured here."

Yan Shigu laughed heartily, and the other teachers also burst into laughter. Someone asked, "What delicious food? We didn't know about it!"

"That day, you didn't come. At Jing Shi's house, I learned that one should not judge things by their appearance. One must try them to know the truth. If I hadn't tasted it myself, who would have thought that the pork, which everyone despises, could be so delicious? I especially liked the braised pork, which was soft, not greasy, and melted in the mouth, leaving a lingering aroma." Yan Shigu looked as if he was still savoring the taste. Indeed, braised pork is tender and fragrant, making it especially suitable for older people.

"Don't mention it, don't mention it. I thought it was some delicacy, but it turns out to be that despised thing." An old teacher waved his hands, "Let's have Jing Shi quickly brew the tea. He talks well, but we don't know how it tastes."

Yan Shigu didn't argue, just nodded at Xia Hongsheng with a smile.

"Gentlemen, after the tea leaves are processed, they don't need to be boiled. Just use boiling water to steep them. The water shouldn't be too hot; let it cool for a bit after boiling. The method of steeping is to put the tea leaves directly in the cup, not in the pot. You can observe the leaves as they unfurl." As he spoke, Xia Hongsheng poured boiling water from the stove into the cups, then used a small brush to clean the inside and outside of the cups, pouring the water into a wooden bucket. He then picked up a tightly sealed wooden box from the ground, opened it gently, and inside were the processed green tea leaves, green and curled, resembling fine needles, with fine white hairs clearly visible. Xia Hongsheng's smile never wavered as he gently took a small amount of tea leaves from the box, and the needle-like leaves slipped through his fingers into the cup.

A small amount in each cup, and soon, the bottoms of five or six cups were filled with green needles.

Xia Hongsheng lifted the kettle again, pouring a little water into each cup. Gradually, the curled needles began to unfurl, and the fragrance that had been sealed in the buds began to spread with the warmth of the hot water. A light, lingering tea aroma filled the air, and everyone around was captivated. Xu Qixian, wide-eyed, sniffed the air like a hound, while the academy teachers, surrounded by the tea aroma, looked lost in thought. Xia Hongsheng quickly signaled to Xu Qixian, who, seeing Xia Hongsheng wink, remembered something and quickly retreated into the bamboo grove. Soon, a serene melody of the guqin echoed from the bamboo grove, harmonizing with the sounds of nature. Xia Hongsheng, with a gentle smile, lifted the kettle high, letting the water pour down, and with a light wrist movement, poured the water repeatedly three times, the green leaves dancing like fish in the water, unpredictable and graceful.

"Gentlemen, this pouring technique is called 'Phoenix Three Nods.' It not only serves the purpose of brewing tea but also demonstrates the elegance of the brewer and the traditional Chinese etiquette. The three nods are like a bow to the guests, showing respect, and also respect for the tea." Xia Hongsheng explained as he brewed the tea.

The guests around him looked enlightened, then lowered their heads to examine the tea cups Liu Fang had placed before them. The tea was a light green, like the water of a mountain pool, with delicate needles floating on the surface or moving up and down in the tea, slowly unfurling. The tea aroma, carried by the steam, became more intense and inviting.

Yan Shigu was the first to lift his cup, observing the needles as they unfurled in the cup, like young leaves slowly emerging from their buds in spring. He took a small sip, and the initial bitterness and slight astringency made him frown, but before his doubts could clear, the bitterness and astringency disappeared, leaving a refreshing and intoxicating sweetness and fragrance. The other teachers also tasted the tea, their eyebrows lifting in surprise and delight.

"Wonderful! Wonderful!... No ginger, no salt, no pepper, I never thought the true taste of tea could be so wonderful!"

The continuous sound of the bamboo and the gentle melody of the guqin, accompanied by the gurgling stream, created a serene and idyllic scene. The music and tea aroma enveloped everyone, making them feel as if they were resting in an ancient temple, enjoying the gentle breeze and the distant sounds of a shepherd's song, a feeling of peace and contentment.

"Does the serenity of the mountain and the fragrance of the tea make this trip worthwhile, gentlemen?" Xia Hongsheng asked with a smile.

"Ha ha, I am convinced. This trip was worth it," the teacher who had spoken earlier said, stroking his beard. "Jing Shi, I have many tea leaves at home. I want you to process them using this green tea method. I won't take advantage of you; if you have any requests, just let me know."

"Since that's the case, I'll boldly ask. Who in Luanzhou doesn't know that Master Liu's calligraphy is unparalleled? I would be honored if Master Liu could write two pieces for me, with his signature," Xia Hongsheng said, bowing respectfully.

Master Liu laughed and said, "Very well, a few words, I will do it."

With Master Liu leading the way, the other teachers also asked Xia Hongsheng to process their tea leaves. Xia Hongsheng accepted all requests, asking one for a piece of calligraphy, another for a painting, and even Master Yan, who offered to exchange three pieces of calligraphy for ten pounds of processed tea, to be sent to Chang'an, "to make those old fellows envious"!

Xia Hongsheng was extremely excited. The fan bone was ready, and once the paper was attached, he could ask these teachers to write and paint on it. Just imagine, a fan with a personal inscription from Master Yan, how valuable it would be and what a great promotional effect it would have!

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