Chapter 5, Master An Yuan Tang (Part 2)

Holding Yan Qing's small hand, Zheng Shi'an's mood suddenly eased considerably

Yan Qingming understood!

Near Xingyang, the scenery of Huancui Valley is particularly beautiful

Just act like a fool!

Yan Qing was somewhat surprised

Zheng Shi'an savored tea for a while and conversed with Zheng Yanqing, feeling much more at ease.

Oh, so-so

Oh!

Zheng Yanqing smiled and stood up, saying, "Then I will go brew some tea. Grandfather will be back soon, and it will be just in time to relieve his fatigue"

Zheng Shian felt unhappy because he had to relinquish the power in his hands. It is understandable; since the change of era, Zheng Shian has been in control of all matters concerning Anyuantang. Although there are Zheng Renji and Miss Cui, in reality, he is only second to one person. Suddenly handing over such great authority must be uncomfortable for him. Moreover, he cannot oppose Zheng Dashi.

Yan Qing was a bit anxious upon hearing this, "How can that be? Duo Duo cannot go over; who will guide me in mastering the Dragon Subduing Skill?"

He is concerned that the second master is in a bad mood, so he is preparing to let the second master take over the affairs of Anyuantang

After Zheng Shi'an smiled, his mood seemed to brighten considerably

Second Master

Yan Qing no longer inquired, his gaze fixed on the tea kettle

Yan Qing, please do not discuss this matter with anyone for the time being, including Xu Ma and Duo Duo. The second master is expected to return in about ten days. Once I have completed the handover with him, we will prepare to set off... However, it is indeed strange that when the Han Wang submitted a memorial at the beginning of the year to strengthen the defenses of Taiyuan, the second master wrote back saying that he was quite happy over there with the Han Wang.

Although Duoduo appears quite aloof and speaks in a somewhat sharp and caustic manner, she actually has a good heart

Today, the art of tea has been refined to a remarkable degree; not only does Zheng Shi'an enjoy it, but even Zheng Dashi sometimes asks him to brew tea.

Yan Qingke clearly felt that Zheng Shian was burdened with numerous concerns

He was granted the title of Grand General, served as the chief defender of Jiangling, and oversaw military affairs in fifteen provinces. At that time, the Lianshan Anyuantang branch was also at the height of its prosperity. Zheng Ding was also appointed as the Minor Minister of the Guard due to his merits, and after his death, he was posthumously awarded the title of Equivalent to the Three Excellencies.

Zheng Rongye later died in battle, while Zheng Wei achieved great success and fame

He has been in the Zheng family for five years and has not had much contact with Zheng Dashi. However, in the past few months, Zheng Dashi suddenly asked him to brew tea a few times, and each time he brewed tea, Zheng Dashi either read a book or closed his eyes to rest, not saying a word to Yan Qing.

How is it related to oneself

He hurriedly walked down the porch, approached Zheng Shi'an, and said, "Grandfather, Old Wang, who sells water, mentioned that he found a spring of milk in Huancui Valley. I had Xu Ma leave two buckets behind, preparing to make a bowl of longevity soup for you... Grandfather, please come and sit."

Oh?

Celebration of Words

Are you going to Luoyang

Zheng Shi'an smiled slightly, "The young master has naturally been promoted."

Jian Yanqing displayed a look of surprise, and Zheng Shi'an couldn't help but laugh

Zheng Shian forced a smile and said, "Yingqing, don't rush to serve it. Grandpa is not thirsty today"

When Yan Qing placed the teapot on the stove to boil water, Zheng Shi'an returned

The grandfather and grandson chatted for a while longer, and the meal was also ready on Xu Ma's side

No wonder that two months ago, Zheng Dashi asked me to brew tea myself

Worries

Grandfather, is there something happening at home today

But the smile quickly faded, and he said softly: "Today, the master told me that the second master is coming back!"

Grandfather, you seem very tired

Grandfather, you are back very early today

I noticed that my grandfather was in a bad mood. Xu Ma said that when one is feeling down, it is best to talk to someone, as it can help alleviate worries

In Anyuantang, he is considered a person of real power. Due to his association with the Sui prince Yang Liang, he has been away from home for many years. Zheng Yanqing is aware of this person's existence but has never met Zheng Chang. Upon hearing that Zheng Chang is returning, Yanqing does not find it surprising.

Zheng Yanqing slowly poured the reserved water he had previously ladled out into the tea kettle to stop it from boiling, and soon he saw the kettle releasing a bloom of tea, filling the air with a pleasant aroma

Of course, Yan Qing is merely an audience member and rarely speaks

When fish-eye-like bubbles appear on the surface of the water in the tea kettle, Zheng Yanqing took a handful of salt and added it to the kettle. In the tea ceremony, this is referred to as "one boil." The amount of salt used directly affects the flavor of the tea, so there are considerable nuances to consider during this stage.

What is this position of the Cao Yuan in Luoyang? Has it been a promotion or a demotion? Grandfather, if you go to Luoyang, what should I do?

A small stove was moved out into the corridor, and soon a fire was kindled.

When Zheng Shi'an got up, he murmured softly.

Zheng Yanqing asked in confusion: "Isn't the eldest son in Chang'an? Why would he want to take an official position in Luoyang for no reason?"

Zheng Dashi's ancestors were descendants of the sixth branch of the Zheng family from Xingyang, specifically Zheng Lianshan. Lianshan was renowned for his bravery, and his grandson Zheng Xianhu was also a well-known figure of the time. Zheng Xianhu's son, Zheng Wei, surrendered to the Liang Dynasty during the Northern Wei period, and later returned at the end of the Wei. As the Northern Wei split, Zheng Wei raised an army in support of the Western Wei, and many members of the Zheng clan followed him, including Zheng Ding and Zheng Rongye, who were originally servants of Lianshan but were incorporated into the family tree due to their merits, thus becoming members of the Zheng clan.

Zheng Yanqing was not unfamiliar with this title. In fact, he had known for a long time that in Anyuantang, there was another presence alongside the two old masters of books.

The Sui people are particularly particular about charcoal fire and water when it comes to drinking tea

In the teapot, the tea is boiling, and bubbles are splashing.

Zheng Shian leaned against the corridor pillar, listening to Yan Qing's inquiry, a satisfied smile appearing on his face, "Fortunately, it can't be considered tiring."

Luoyang is under the jurisdiction of the Henan Governor, and the position of Dongcao Clerk is ranked higher than similar positions in other regions, classified as a fifth-rank official. The eldest son, in less than five years, has advanced from an eighth-rank Assistant Clerk to his current fifth-rank position, which can be considered a promising future... As for you, the reason the master has asked me to go to Luoyang to assist the eldest son is largely due to your influence.

In previous generations, people enjoyed drinking tea, primarily using boiling water for brewing. However, during the Sui Dynasty, the predominant method of tea preparation was through boiling the tea leaves.

Duo Duo got up and said, "I am going to do the laundry now... Little Scholar, you shouldn't overthink things; it's better to stay grounded."

I ? ''

The eldest son naturally refers to Zheng Renji.

Zheng Yanqing quickly stood up to greet. Having lived in this era for five years, he had gradually become accustomed to his identity

What do you think of Luoyang

What?

The master said that the second master seems to have offended the Han Wang in Taiyuan and has been dismissed from his official position

Yet the spring of milk is hard to find; sometimes, a glimpse of the spring of milk is worth a fortune

While adjusting the temperature of the furnace, Zheng Yanqing used a tea grinder to crush the tea cakes that had been dried the previous day into a fine, uniform powder. One should not underestimate the skill involved in grinding tea; it requires ample patience and a consistent application of force. The tea powder must be subjected to even pressure to preserve its flavor. In the beginning, Yanqing spent a full three months learning the art of tea grinding.

Zheng Dashi enjoys drinking tea, and as a result, Zheng Shi'an has also developed a taste for it. After a long day of work, coming home to enjoy a bowl of tea brewed by Zheng Yanqing is undoubtedly a source of happiness. The "Hundred Longevity Soup" mentioned by Zheng Yanqing is indeed a type of tea soup.

From feeling awkward at the beginning to now being accustomed to it, Zheng Yanqing no longer feels embarrassed

Zheng Shi'an couldn't help but laugh and said: "You are still so young, what use is there in saying that... staring at the fire, it's about to boil again!"

Do not be careless... Also, once you arrive in Luoyang, make sure not to reveal any flaws in front of the eldest son

At the age of four, Yan Qing began to learn the method of brewing tea

Yan Qing silently poured a bowl of tea from the teapot and placed it in front of Zheng Shi'an

Then what about Xu Ma and Duo Duo

After the New Year, when the eldest son has settled down in Luoyang, it is time to find a tutor for the young master. The master has been considering a companion for the young master and, after much thought, believes you are the most suitable choice. Furthermore, the young mistress is expecting and will also need care.

Zheng Shian enjoyed drinking tea, but his method of tea drinking was quite different from that of later generations

At this time, the Tea Sage Lu Yu had not yet been born, and the quality of water in the world had not yet been assessed. However, those who enjoyed tea and were skilled in its consumption still classified water into several grades. Among them, mountain spring water was the best, followed by river water, and well water was the least desirable. Among mountain waters,乳泉 (milk spring) and gentle streams were considered the finest. Wealthy families often used mountain spring water for brewing tea, which led to the emergence of a unique profession: water sellers

The master also mentioned that the eldest son might be appointed as the Eastern Cangyuan of Luoyang after the New Year, so he wants me to go over and assist a bit

He appears to be somewhat unhappy, with a chubby face that looks so gloomy it seems almost ready to drip with water

The meaning of this ... ... master is to have them stay in the ancestral home

It turns out that it is not solely for the purpose of drinking tea; it is, in fact, also a form of consideration

I think it was said too harshly just now, so I spoke up to offer comfort

It was precisely this sentence that suddenly brought a strange thought to Yan Qing's mind: Did Zheng Chang have another purpose in returning with the books this time

He was pouring the soup, and with a slight tremor of his hand, the soup flowers immediately dispersed. It is important to note that these soup flowers are the essence of brewing tea and are quite significant. If the soup flowers disperse, it means that this pot of tea may be ruined. Fortunately, the tea kettle had already been removed from the stove, and Zheng Yanqing only disturbed the soup flowers while pouring. Even so, he still felt puzzled.

He sat down on the porch, watching Zheng Yanqing boil water

The "Second Master" mentioned by Zheng Shian refers to Zheng Ding's son, Zheng Chang

Zheng Shian's sudden question took Zheng Yanqing by surprise

What is so strange about someone returning to their own home

Zheng Shian smiled again, "Rest assured, I have spoken with the master, and when the time comes, I will take Xu Ma and the others along... However, once we arrive in Luoyang, they can only stay in the outer residence and are not allowed to work in the inner residence. Yan Qing, how is your Dragon Subduing skill coming along?"

To be a servant, perhaps the saddest aspect is this feeling of being unable to control one's own fate

As for the background of this second master, it must be traced back to the ancestors of Zheng Dashi

As the water in the teapot began to bubble like a gushing spring, Yan Qing scooped out a ladle of water for later use. He then picked up a bamboo whisk and stirred the water, pouring the tea powder into the center of the whirlpool. In an instant, the water foam surged, flowing over the teapot and producing a sizzling sound. The courtyard was instantly filled with a rich aroma of tea, prompting Zheng Shi'an to take a deep breath, further easing his mood.

The young master has gradually grown up, and in recent years, he has been constantly on the move with the eldest son, without any peace.

Zheng Yanqing put on a pose of a little adult and innocently asked

Zheng Shian is very satisfied with this grandson he adopted halfway. However, he sometimes feels that Yan Qing's temperament is too cold and detached, unlike children of the same age. Every time he talks to him, it always feels as if he is conversing with someone of the same age.