Chapter 8, Tea Utensils

The Fang family is a prominent household in Yangzhou, and unlike the newly wealthy salt merchants who are in-laws, the Fang family is a genuine scholarly lineage, with ancestors who have even served as cabinet ministers. Indeed, the Fang Ge Lao, whom the Qin family is preparing to curry favor with, is the grandfather of this Fang Hao. Therefore, the items that Fang Hao personally came to collect are naturally of high quality. This tea set is also an antique, and what is particularly special about it is that it was originally broken but has been exquisitely repaired by a craftsman. It was originally a set of snow-white tea ware, but the craftsman employed a remarkably skillful repair technique, transforming the broken parts into a winding plum branch of an old plum tree, adorned with red gems shaped like blooming plum flowers, making it extremely exquisite. This tea set is also an antique, and what is particularly special about it is that it was originally broken but has been exquisitely repaired by a craftsman. It was originally a set of snow-white tea ware, but the craftsman employed a remarkably skillful repair technique, transforming the broken parts into a winding plum branch of an old plum tree, adorned with red gems shaped like blooming plum flowers, making it extremely exquisite.

"Come, let me take a look at it," Li Zhao said while taking care of her younger sister. Although she was dressed in men's clothing, she was still a woman, so she suggested, "Let’s go upstairs to talk." This antique shop, due to its refined business, had a tea room for elegant conversations.

Qin Fengyi, due to her loose lips, revealed the matter of listening to a courtesan play the pipa, which displeased her father. In order to appease him, Qin Fengyi thought to quickly take care of the tasks her father had assigned, hoping to make the old man happy, and thus rode directly to the antique shop.

Qin Fengyi looked up and smiled, "Oh, isn't this Brother Fang."

This is truly a case of a scholar encountering a soldier. The shopkeeper, being a businessman, smiled and said, "Since the young master does not prefer the simple and elegant, I also have something festive here." He instructed his assistant to fetch a set of red porcelain tea utensils.

Qin Fengyi's face turned pale with fright, and she hurriedly said, "No, no, no, I do not drink tea, I must take my leave!" Saying this, she quickly made her escape.

The next day, when Fang Hao calmed down and returned to the antique shop to buy the tea set, he learned that the tea set had been purchased by Qin Fengyi. Fang Hao immediately realized that he had fallen for Qin Fengyi's trick! The anger he felt was intense; not to mention fighting with Qin Fengyi, if she had still been present, he would have surely strangled her!

Qin Fengyi was speaking with the shopkeeper when two individuals, a master and a servant, entered from outside. Upon entering, they immediately asked, "Shopkeeper Li, has the item I requested arrived?"

Go away! Fang Hao has always been most annoyed by Qin Fengyi. He came to collect something and unexpectedly ran into this guy, who just won't stop chattering.

Li Jing lightly nudged his elder brother with his elbow and gave him a knowing glance. Li Zhao then noticed Qin Fengyi, who was idly wandering around the shop. It was indeed a leisurely stroll, akin to wandering the streets. Since his sister had taken a liking to the beauty of Qin Fengyi, although Li Zhao felt that the Qin family's status was somewhat lowly, he could not disregard his sister's wishes while she was present. Thus, he approached to greet her, saying, "Earlier, I saw you riding past Qiongyu Tower, and I was astonished by your celestial appearance. If you do not mind our brother's lack of refinement, would you care to come upstairs for a cup of tea?"

Brother Fang shot a glare at Qin Fengyi, saying, "It's pointless to explain anything to a foolish ox like you." It was this young man who could fall asleep even while listening to the enchanting pipa played by Miss Miao Miao!

"Nonsense, who likes this color? It's utterly unattractive. Bring out a few nice sets!" Qin Fengyi said, "This thing, regardless of the dynasty, if I'm giving a gift, you need to get me something festive. What is this? It's plain to the extreme! Look, when people are celebrating, who doesn't wear bright red and purple? Who would wear plain clothes? It's a shame you still do business and don't understand this basic principle?" Then, Qin Fengyi shot a disdainful glance, clearly doubting the taste of the shopkeeper.

Upon seeing this, Qin Fengyi's expression softened slightly. She tapped the tea set with her folding fan and said, "The color is indeed nice, but the quality is not as good as this set of snow blue porcelain."

The shopkeeper smiled and said, "Well then, shall we take a look at the jewels?"

The shopkeeper took out a set of snow blue teapot and teacups. The porcelain had a delicate luster, indicating that although it was not of the highest quality, it was still of above-average grade. However, although Qin Fengyi was not very old and had limited exposure to the world, even with the years spent in dreams, his perspective remained quite ordinary. Nevertheless, the Qin family was wealthy and had seen many fine things, so Qin Fengyi did not think much of this set of teapot and teacups. He curled his lips and said, "What is this? It's all pale blue and white. The porcelain is good, but look at this color; it’s almost indistinguishable from the mourning clothes worn by those in mourning."

Qin Fengyi's words infuriated Fang Hao, turning his face pale with anger. He immediately rolled up his sleeves and had a fight with Qin Fengyi. As a result, both of them ended up with bruised faces. Fang Hao, so enraged that he didn't even buy the tea set, stormed home. Watching him walk away from the street corner, Qin Fengyi tidied herself up a bit and then returned to the antique shop, addressing the scowling shopkeeper, "How much for that tea set? Wrap it up for me."

Qin Fengyi felt a surge of joy within, secretly thinking how clever she was, as she had managed to find out the preferences of Old Man Fang. Since the Li family could send a pot, she could do the same; after all, it was just a pot. Qin Fengyi swaggered up to the shopkeeper and asked, "Excuse me, do you have any tea brewing utensils that are more impressive? No need for purple clay or anything like that." What is purple clay worth! She would send something even better than purple clay!

To discuss the grievances between Qin Fengyi and Fang Hao, there is much to say

Indeed. Old Master Qin felt gratified, "She is even more perceptive than your mother. When I mentioned Minister Fang, your mother asked who that was. In our Yangzhou city, there are only a few ministers, and it can only be this one.

Then, upon returning home, Qin Fengyi suddenly remembered that he, he, he still does not have a wife. Moreover, he vowed never to marry Li Jing! Oh dear, why did he buy this porcelain? What a waste of money! Then, while applying medicine to his face, Qin Fengyi recalled: Ah, his family is going to send a gift to the elder of the Fang family. He had a fight with Fang Hao today, but Fang Hao also hit him, leaving him nearly disfigured!

"This is truly nonsense. Who can produce something identical? I bought double, just to make a pair, which is auspicious. " Qin Fengyi hummed, "Ah Hao, do you really want this broken item that has been pieced together? You see, aren't you mocking Miss Miao Miao for not being perfect?" It is indeed amusing that Fang Hao fell head over heels for Miss Miao Miao from the Wan Hua Building, only to find that on her first night, she was bought for a hefty sum by the young master of the Luo family involved in the grain transport. It must be said that while the Fang family is of noble lineage, they cannot compare to large merchants like the salt transport in terms of wealth. Fang Hao fell head over heels for Miss Miao Miao from the Wan Hua Building, only to find that on her first night, she was bought for a hefty sum by the young master of the Luo family involved in the grain transport. It must be said that while the Fang family is of noble lineage, they cannot compare to large merchants like the salt transport in terms of wealth.

The shopkeeper, seeing that the young master had chosen according to his heart's desire, smiled and said, "Indeed, the young master has a discerning eye"

Seeing Fang Hao's expression brighten, Qin Fengyi changed her tone and said, "However, although it looks good, Ah Hao, as the esteemed young master of the Fang family, how could you buy something broken? Giving a broken porcelain as a gift is not auspicious, is it?"

Become

Ah, my young master, although this porcelain has been repaired, it depends on who did the repair. This technique is the craftsmanship of the master Zhao Dongyi from the previous dynasty. Young master, Master Zhao became famous for his restoration of porcelain, and even small countries from distant lands traveled thousands of miles to seek a piece of porcelain that Master Zhao had repaired. If it wasn't restored, they wouldn't want it. Therefore, at that time, some porcelain was intentionally broken after firing and then restored, precisely for that uniqueness. Young master, Master Zhao became famous for his restoration of porcelain, and even small countries from distant lands traveled thousands of miles to seek a piece of porcelain that Master Zhao had repaired. If it wasn't restored, they wouldn't want it. Therefore, at that time, some porcelain was intentionally broken after firing and then restored, precisely for that uniqueness. Look at this quality, this luster, in all of Yangzhou, if you can find a second piece, this one, I will not take a single cent. Surprisingly, it was not Fang Hao who was anxious, but rather Manager Li, thinking about what kind of wind Qin Phoenix was blowing, as this was disrupting my business.

This tea set is called "The Shopkeeper Says" and is quite remarkable. It is a set of underglaze red porcelain, especially with a hint of red blooming on the top of the teapot. Young Master Qin said to the shopkeeper, "Do you see? This pot is entirely snow white, with just a touch of red on top. From a distance, it looks like a longevity peach, how auspicious it is. When you sell things, you must sell these auspicious items."

Qin Fengyi walked out of the antique shop holding this set of tea utensils, feeling quite pleased with himself. He thought to himself: such shabby items, he does not like at all. Things like this, although they look good, are ultimately repaired after being broken. However, even though he does not like them, he remembers that his wife really enjoys this kind of thing, so buying a set could certainly please her.

Logically, his wife in the dream was quite close to the Fang family, yet Qin Fengyi could not recall what Elder Fang particularly liked. Thus, dreams are merely dreams, not accurate at all

vulgar

The shopkeeper found it quite strange, saying that this young master Qin must not understand, as he lacks some discernment. If one were to say he does understand, then the words he utters could infuriate a person!

The shopkeeper was also somewhat at a loss, only able to say, "Today, I do not know what is the reason for Young Master Qin's behavior; I have heard that it is usually not like this." He was not very familiar with Phoenix either

Qin Fengyi was quite reluctant to deliver gifts to the Fang family, saying, "What is there to send? Last year, the third son of the Fang family's southern courtyard mocked me for not understanding the pipa played by a courtesan, saying it was like playing to a cow. Bah! What nonsense! There are many who play the pipa well in this world; does it have to be a courtesan's performance that is considered good? I think the old man performing at Qiongyu Tower plays the pipa quite well!"

Qin Fengyi waved her hand and said, "When I buy things, you treat me to tea. Why didn't you invite me when I first came? You are so snobbish."

Qin Fengyi's first visit to the antique shop, both in his dreams and in reality, left him unable to discern the quality of the items. The key issue was that he could not decide what to buy. Since Qin Fengyi had a well-known reputation in Yangzhou, even though he did not recognize the shopkeeper of the antique store, the shopkeeper recognized him. Knowing the Qin family was wealthy, the shopkeeper personally came out to greet him, "Young Master Qin, would you like to take a look at the calligraphy and paintings?"

Qin Fengyi stubbornly refused to leave, and he stretched his neck to see what Fang Hao had bought, so that he could criticize him from head to toe

Qin Fengyi felt that she had become half a good person, and moreover, due to her recent involvement in business with her father, although she still did not understand much about business matters, at least she had not gone out to cause trouble. With such a well-behaved demeanor, Qin Fengyi's reputation in both the residence and the shop had improved significantly

The shopkeeper also smiled and said, "Young master, you truly have a keen eye"

Alas! Qin Fengyi regretted it as soon as he realized he had let something slip; his father's face darkened. Qin Fengyi quickly said, "So it's just sending a gift to Elder Fang, right? Fine, Father, I understand. Scholars appreciate elegant items; I will go to the antique shop to find some good things. It's settled then!" With that, he dashed off, leaving Old Master Qin both angry and amused, muttering, "This brat." That was that.

Qin Fengyi would know, not because he is more informed than his mother, but mainly because he had just scared his dream wife half to death, how could he forget about the Fang family? This Fang family is one of the most prominent households in Yangzhou. His dream wife has the surname Li, which has nothing to do with the surname Fang. However, his dream brother-in-law is quite remarkable, as he is actually a disciple of this Fang elder. Oh dear, he is just a salt merchant's son, and in his dream, he married a wife from a wealthy family. At first, it was a fleeting joy, but later, he was truly bullied from head to toe by this woman! The various miseries are something Qin Fengyi is reluctant to recall, and he is extremely grateful that it was all just a dream.

The shopkeeper was angry because Qin Fengyi had disrupted his business. Upon hearing this, he felt somewhat relieved but still said, "Young master, if you don't mind that this is broken, how can I present it as a gift? It is inauspicious!"

Hey!

Even with the picky aesthetic of Young Master Qin, one must say that this tea set is quite good. He immediately remarked, "It is both elegant and vibrant, quite good indeed."

Qin Fengyi waved her hand and said, "I don't understand."

The shopkeeper, feeling unlucky, quickly said, "Children speak without restraint, children speak without restraint." He then explained to Young Master Qin, "This is a fine piece from the renowned Southern Yue official kiln of the previous dynasty. My young master, look at this color, how elegant it is; scholars particularly favor this hue."

I said you are foolish, if there is business, why not seize the opportunity? With your attitude, you will never become wealthy in your lifetime

Do you have any discernment? This item is so exquisite, yet you want to send it to the Wanhualou. It's a shame that you consider yourself a connoisseur. If you go through with this, I will inform Lord Zhao. This antique shop is owned by the great talent of Yangzhou, Lord Zhao, and the shopkeeper manages the business on his behalf. As for the relationship between Lord Zhao and Qin Fengyi, Lord Zhao has even personally painted and gifted works to her. Upon hearing Qin Fengyi's words, the shopkeeper could only sigh, realizing that while it would be inappropriate for such a refined item to enter the Wanhualou, it would also be a case of a precious pearl being cast into the dark if it were to enter the Qin family's nouveau riche household.

The shopkeeper, having a clear understanding, said, "There is a set of tea utensils from the previous dynasty's official kiln, in quite good condition. Would the young master like to take a look?"

Li Zhao smiled, having seen the purple clay teapot, and without having tea in this shop, he left with the teapot and his sister

"Good day, good day." Qin Fengyi looked up and down at "Brother Fang" with a glance, then swiftly opened his folding fan, striking a pose like a proud phoenix, his expression was exceedingly unpleasant, "What is it this time, Brother Fang? What good things are you trying to show off?"

Qin Fengyi's rambling has completely strayed from the topic. Old Master Qin, upon hearing his son's complaints, said, "I told you long ago not to go to that lowly place, when was that, huh!"

The one called "Brother Fang" also smiled and approached Qin Fengyi to greet her, "What a coincidence, I heard you were ill a few days ago, but it seems you are quite well now?" Such calamities truly seem destined to last for a thousand years

"Young Master, you should be more virtuous with your words in the future," the shopkeeper shook his head and said, "This was originally arranged by Young Master Fang, and I am not sure if he will come back to make a purchase. At this moment, it is indeed difficult for me to sell it to you, Young Master."

No, then Manager Li took out another set of tea utensils

Upon receiving such praise from Qin Fengyi, Fang Hao's expression immediately brightened.

Qin Fengyi asked, "Is it the official from the Fang family in Ge Lao Alley?"

What is there to be confused about? Isn't it just money! Qin Fengyi slapped the fan onto "Brother Fang's" shoulder, recalling her mother's earlier teachings. She cleared her throat lightly and imitated her mother's tone, saying, "I say, Ah Hao—" Brother Fang's original name is Fang Hao. Qin Fengyi elongated her words, "That Miao Miao, once used, is enough. I don't think it's that great. Why can't you forget her? It's not easy for our parents to earn money; buying something to show filial piety to them is one thing. Our parents are indifferent, running to Baihua Tower day and night, Ah Hao, this is not appropriate—" It was this kid who, after merely listening to a pipa, accidentally fell asleep and was laughed at for being a foolish ox!

Li Zhao considered himself not to be an unpleasant person, yet it was the first time he encountered someone who feared him like a ghost. Seeing that the face of his sister had turned pale, Li Zhao said to the shopkeeper of the antique store, "I have heard that Young Master Phoenix has quite a reputation, and I intended to befriend him, yet it seems I have frightened Young Master Phoenix instead."

The shopkeeper was not afraid of Young Master Qin's scrutiny, as it was the buyers who were picky. In the end, Young Master Qin grew tired of his selections, went out to Lion Tower for lunch, and returned to continue his examination, leaving all the shop assistants exhausted and dizzy. Finally, Young Master Qin managed to choose a complete set of tea utensils.

The shopkeeper was at a loss whether to laugh or cry, "As soon as you arrived, you were busy picking things out. I just wanted to invite you, but your young master would still say I am being a killjoy, wouldn't he?"

Qin Fengyi was troubled about the gift for the Fang family when suddenly he heard someone speaking. He turned around and was nearly frightened to faint. He, he, he, he saw his dream brother-in-law and his dream wife, both looking at him with smiles on their faces, talking to him.

Moreover, as Qin Fengyi has become so understanding, while Mr. Qin feels gratified, he also intends to train his son a little. Taking a moment, Mr. Qin mentioned the matter of the Minister Fang returning to his hometown, saying, "Although our family is not an official family, we are also a well-known gentry family in Yangzhou. Since the Minister is returning home, if the opportunity arises, we should pay our respects. Therefore, you should choose a gift for the Minister, regardless of the price, as long as you find it appropriate."

As soon as the two left, Qin Fengyi came back the next day in a furtive manner, inquiring with the shopkeeper about what they had purchased. The shopkeeper replied, "They ordered a set of purple clay teapots, saying it was a gift for their elder."

Qin Fengyi spotted a set that she found appealing, inquired about the price, and promptly instructed the servant to settle the bill, displaying great decisiveness. The shopkeeper ordered the staff to wrap up the tea set and invited Qin Fengyi to go upstairs for tea.

The shopkeeper took a glance and understood that this young master had not yet decided what to buy. For customers who are uncertain about their purchases, the shopkeeper refrained from hovering nearby, as such customers often just wanted to browse casually. He greeted the two newcomers with a smile and approached them, saying, "Young Master Li, the purple clay teapot you ordered has arrived"