Chapter 313: The Regent's Carriage

The shop assistant, having seen a lot, quickly restrained his surprised expression.

"Honored guest, you are indeed an expert; I will now find three different grades of Fu tea, please have the tea master personally brew it; how do you two think of this arrangement?"

An Qinghe nodded, "Sure, sure, then find us a seat on the second floor."

Gu Xixi, however, raised her hand to signal An Qinghe not to rush, and smiled at the shop assistant: "Brewing tea takes more effort than steeping; we still want to try three kinds, it wouldn't be good to monopolize the tea master on the second floor."

"Otherwise, let's just take a private room on the third floor; also, bring some medium-grade Green Snail Spring from those years, let us try it."

An Qinghe looked at Gu Xixi in surprise.

They merely came to scout the situation and broaden their horizons; after drinking tea, they didn't intend to buy anyone else's Fu tea.

How come Xixi not only wants a private room, but also wants to drink other tea?

The third-floor private room naturally has a minimum charge; even if guests only drink tea and eat snacks, the tea shop still makes a decent profit.

The shop assistant made a sale, yet remained neither humble nor arrogant, smiling and courteously making way: "I'll take you two to the private room to rest, then make other arrangements."

The private room was indeed arranged extremely elegantly.

This place was originally provided by some old regular customers of the tea shop; the furniture and furnishings are all excellent.

On the wall hang paintings and calligraphy, all related to tea; beside the gauze window is a crystal cave; below, a lotus-green fine porcelain large vat keeps several koi. Additionally, there are various green plants and flowers.

Opposite the guest seats, behind the crystal bead curtain is a long tea table, with all tools complete; this is where the tea master brews tea.

The shop assistant said "please wait a moment," then withdrew first.

An Qinghe turned his head to watch the door close, the figure receding, then he voiced his inner confusion.

On the table were served roasted aromatic ginkgo nuts.

Gu Xixi picked up a peeled one, saying, "Since we've come, we must experience this place's most expensive private room."

"Anyway, after having snacks here, we won't need dinner today; it's not wasteful."

An Qinghe suddenly realized, "Exactly! This is knowing oneself and knowing the other."

"Just now, when I came up, I also glanced several times at the tea room on the second floor."

"There are really not few guests, but each tea seat is spaced farther apart, separated by bamboo blinds; just this alone sets it apart from ordinary street-side tea houses."

"Not to mention the private room we're sitting in."

"With a tea master personally brewing, plus this environment, these expensive furnishings, it's no wonder even the cheapest set of snacks costs twelve taels of silver."

"Are we eating snacks? We're eating everything this place offers!"

Gu Xixi smiled, "I knew it; as long as I bring you, the trip won't be in vain."

Before entering Dongshi, they had looked at tea houses along the way; prices varied.

For more ordinary establishments, one tael of silver could buy a pot of medium-grade tea.

Not long after, the snacks were served first.

Crystal bamboo shoot tripe small steamed dumplings, chicken broth dried tofu, flaky pastry red bean roll, honey-glazed tea-flavored tofu; total four kinds, two sweet, two savory, none are heaping on the plate.

After the server left, An Qinghe said, "This palm-sized plate only has a little bit in the middle."

"Never mind selling for twelve taels of silver; even if it were priced like in the northwest, just looking at this amount would make customers flip the table."

The northwest's folk customs are bold and unrestrained, reflected in food as well—mostly large plates and bowls, even sometimes served in basins.

Gu Xixi saw these snacks and also felt somewhat helpless.

"After all, this isn't a place dedicated to meals; a restaurant shouldn't be like this."

An Qinghe nodded in agreement, "Staying at that inn is still okay; although it's a bit pricey, I've also heard that rice is expensive in the capital; spending a little more to fill our stomachs is fine."

Fortunately, the taste of these delicate snacks is not bad.

The tea master brought three kinds of Fu tea and two kinds of Green Snail Spring.

The flavor of Green Snail Spring is relatively light; we'll start with it.

Then comes Fu tea, from lowest price to medium price, finally drinking the highest grade.

Gu Xixi and An Qinghe exchanged a glance; each already had a rough idea in mind.

An Qinghe rose and bowed to the tea master with clasped hands; the tea master also rose to return the salute.

The tea ceremony is a refined affair; every gesture naturally revolves around the two characters "elegant and graceful."

An Qinghe said, "We'll have two more cups and then leave; thank you for your trouble, you may go rest first."

The tea master performed another salute; while tidying the tea table, Gu Xixi raised a hand and pointed: "Please weigh out two taels of this Green Snail Spring for me; I'll settle the bill later downstairs."

The tea master smiled and agreed, filling the tea pot on the guest table before withdrawing.

An Qinghe was again puzzled, whispering, "We ourselves brought tea leaves; why do we need to buy more?"

"Even if you want to drink, we could go to another small tea shop to buy; there's no need to insist on being here."

What An Qinghe said is not wrong.

What place is Dongshi? Land prices are far higher than elsewhere, and the taxes paid to the imperial court are also greater.

Moreover, this tea shop is located in the most conspicuous spot on the main street, and its premises are large.

Compared to small tea shops elsewhere, its cost can be much higher.

Gu Xixi, however, smiled and said, "No problem; it's my first time coming to Dongshi, I want to bring a gift for Brother Zi Chu."

"He is in the crucial period of reviewing and preparing for exams; green tea can clear the mind and refresh, which is just right."

Although An Qinghe felt a bit jealous, he also knew that, for scholars of the Great Undertaking Dynasty, the spring imperial examination is a matter of utmost importance.

Thus he hummed, "Fine, considering he's taking the civil service exam."

"However, you've already spent money buying tea leaves for him; later, when you help him buy food, you must collect payment upon returning!"

Gu Xixi laughed helplessly, "Okay, okay, okay, thank you; you're so helpful, worrying about my money."

Arriving at the downstairs counter, Gu Xixi paid the bill all at once.

Earlier, that shop assistant presented the packaged Green Snail Spring with both hands; it wasn't the usual oil paper wrap, but a tea canister carved from bamboo root.

The jar retained the shape of bamboo roots, finely polished, exuding an ancient, simple elegance.

The front also features a relief of wind sweeping over crabapple blossoms, perfectly suited to the spring scene.

Gu Xixi took it and casually praised, "What an elegant tea jar, thank you."

The attendant stood behind the counter, smiling, "As long as the esteemed guest is satisfied, welcome to visit Shunyi Tea House anytime."

After leaving the tea house, An Qinghe looked back at the two characters "Shunyi" on the signboard, puzzled, "I don't know why, but the shopkeeper seems certain we'll come back again."

Gu Xixi didn't care, "Just a businessman."

She paused, the corner of her mouth lifting in a smile, "But I actually have the intention to do business with him."

An Qinghe turned to Gu Xixi, excitedly said, "You've noticed too, right? Although our goods still can't match his top-grade ones, compared to medium quality they are more than sufficient."

Gu Xixi nodded, gazing ahead at the horizon, her eyes deep and distant, "There's plenty to be done in the future."

"But just looking at one shop isn't enough; we need to look at more."

An Qinghe's spirits high, "We also need to visit Chaguan and tea lounges of different grades to understand the tastes of the capital's people."

The two bought what Jiang Mingyuan wanted to eat, and just after walking out of Dongshi not far, they saw a wide carriage approaching.

Even without a ceremonial guard clearing the way, passersby voluntarily stepped aside.

Seeing this, Gu Xixi hastily pulled An Qinghe to the roadside to hide.

Having just found a spot and steadied themselves, they heard two nearby scholars excitedly discussing:

"Is that the Regent Prince's carriage?"