After watching the entire tea competition tournament, everyone felt it ended too soon.
So tea could be made into paintings, and there were actually so many varieties of tea in the world…
It was nearly evening by the time the tea competition at Chun Bu Wan finally concluded.
In the end, a Tea Maiden named Jiu'er emerged victorious, becoming this year's Tea Champion of Gusu's Chun Bu Wan.
Over the next year, Jiu'er's appearance fee for each tea-brewing session would reach a hundred taels, and she could brew tea whenever she pleased—or refuse if she disliked someone…
Most importantly, Jiu'er would have one opportunity to fulfill a wish through Chun Bu Wan, but that is a story for later.
After the lively festivities, the patrons of Chun Bu Wan reluctantly departed.
Alas, the Princess Consort of Prince Ning didn't come; only the Heir Apparent and the Young Master attended. The madams and young ladies who had hoped for a chance to pay their respects were left disappointed.
The young gentlemen and Provincial Graduates, however, did not leave so quickly.
They enthusiastically discussed the thrilling tea competition they had just witnessed, occasionally interjecting their own insights.
Su Xiaosheng also joined in the conversation.
During the competition, Su Xiaosheng had shared his views and even composed a poem on the spot praising Jiu'er's skill, allowing everyone to appreciate the talent of the newly minted Jieyuan.
Su Xiaosheng felt his poem was quite good and should have caught the attention of the patrons upstairs.
However…
As the crowd at Chun Bu Wan gradually thinned, Su Xiaosheng grew increasingly anxious.
If he missed this opportunity, meeting Prince Ning's Son again would truly depend on luck.
Yet… so far, the esteemed guests on the third floor showed no intention of coming out to meet everyone.
Su Xiaosheng absentmindedly responded to the small talk from those around him, while his peripheral attention remained fixed on the third floor.
Finally, there was movement upstairs.
"The Heir Apparent invites all the young gentlemen and Provincial Graduates to come upstairs for tea," a servant announced as he descended.
The young gentlemen and Provincial Graduates, who had been waiting for so long, finally breathed a sigh of relief.
At least they would get to meet the main guest of honor; even if they only had a sip of tea, the trip would not have been in vain.
As the group ascended to the third floor and entered the largest private room, Su Xiaosheng felt a momentary flutter in his heart.
The room was spacious, and upon entering, a refreshing fragrance greeted them.
The interior was extravagantly decorated, with every piece of furniture—chairs, tables, couches, and side tables—exquisitely crafted.
Seated on the couch by the window were Prince Ning's Son and the Young Master.
Beside them, two rows of six small tea tables were arranged, where three Tea Maidens and three Tea Gentlemen were already brewing tea.
Meanwhile, Jiu'er, the newly crowned Tea Champion, was preparing tea at Prince Ning's Son's table.
Twelfth Master had already gone to the adjacent room and was not present.
"Greetings to the Heir Apparent and the Second Young Master," Su Xiaosheng said, joining the others in a bow.
The Heir Apparent smiled and gestured for everyone to sit down.
He was very amiable, greeting each person individually without overlooking anyone.
However, he did not show any particular interest in anyone.
Su Xiaosheng felt a twinge of disappointment.
He had assumed the Heir Apparent would be someone who valued talent and would regard him with special favor…
"This must be Su Jieyuan! I've long heard of your reputation!" Xiao Ruolin suddenly said, smiling warmly at Su Xiaosheng.
Su Xiaosheng was taken aback and quickly rose to bow again.
"Indeed, it is I."
Having been briefed by Twelfth Master about Su Xiaosheng, Xiao Ruolin conducted himself with perfect decorum.
"In next year's Metropolitan Examination and Palace Examination, Su Jieyuan is sure to bring glory to Jiangnan by taking the top spot."
Su Xiaosheng quickly bowed to indicate he would do his best, but Dayu was full of talented individuals, and there was always someone better…
"Su Jieyuan's jade pendant is quite fine—this is top-quality mutton-fat white jade, isn't it! I see the jade's texture is delicate, lustrous and pure, white yet warm and smooth—it's a fine piece! This jade is worth a fortune. They say jade reflects its owner; Su Jieyuan must be like this jade—gentle, courteous, unassuming, and quietly self-assured." Xiao Ruolin interrupted Su Xiaosheng.
Upon hearing Xiao Ruolin's words, everyone immediately turned their gaze to Su Xiaosheng. They all knew his family background. A person who could only study with the support of the Ye Family actually possessed such a fine piece of jade. However, why hadn't Su Xiaosheng prepared a decent set of clothes to receive guests? Look at the hem of his robe—it was already faded and frayed.
"Second Young Master has a keen eye. This jade… was given by my late mother, passed down from our ancestors," Su Xiaosheng said softly.
Only then did everyone understand. Oh, so it's a family heirloom—no wonder! They had thought, if he had bought it, he should have first bought two sets of well-fitting clothes!
The Heir Apparent and Xiao Ruolin also nodded repeatedly. This Su Xiaosheng was quite shrewd. On one hand, he dressed plainly, making everyone think he was just a poor scholar who only knew how to study, downplaying the impression of him being sponsored. On the other hand, he wore an ancient jade worth a fortune and claimed it was a family heirloom. This was to tell everyone that his family had once been prosperous and had its own heritage. Now, relying on the Ye Family for survival was merely a necessity…
What the Heir Apparent thought was unknown, but Xiao Ruolin knew that in his Twelfth Brother's eyes, Su Xiaosheng was likely an ungrateful wretch. The Ye Family had supported him, treating him almost as well as their own young masters. Yet, on such an occasion, he showed up dressed like this. Wasn't this implying that the Ye Family hadn't treated him well, merely providing him with food and shelter?
Moreover, Xiao Ruolin had his own opinion. Su Xiaosheng was simply too proud for his own good. Having a jade worth a fortune but not pawning it to improve his life, instead keeping it hidden—what was that if not excessive pride?
Seeing Xiao Ruolin smiling at him, Su Xiaosheng felt relieved. His mother was right—such attire truly highlighted his character. Not being dazzled by wealth and status—this was the scholar's integrity.
"Su Jieyuan is well-read; your family must have quite a collection of books," someone immediately chimed in.
"Not too bad. When my mother came to Gusu, she brought the most books with her," Su Xiaosheng promptly replied.
"Indeed! Although Brother Su's family has declined, its heritage remains. Would it be convenient for us to visit?" a fellow Provincial Graduate asked with a smile.
Everyone exchanged knowing glances. They all knew Su Xiaosheng was the Ye Family's future grandson-in-law and still lived in their residence!
"In a few days! By then, my mother and I should have moved out. At that time, I will surely invite all my classmates and you gentlemen for a simple drink," Su Xiaosheng quickly said.
Upon hearing this, Xiao Ruolin immediately slapped his thigh. "Excellent! Su Jieyuan is moving? Then I, this young master, will definitely send a grand gift."
Su Xiaosheng bowed in acknowledgment. This should count as having made connections with the Heir Apparent's side. The jade pendant his mother spent fifteen hundred taels of silver on had indeed come in handy. Thinking of this, Su Xiaosheng instinctively touched the mutton-fat white jade at his waist.