The Country Maiden: Fields and Leisure
Chapter 929 - 927: Appraisal

Chapter 929: Chapter 927: Appraisal

Zhu Haoran’s eyes flickered as he went along with the Imperial Doctor Du’s words: "Old Du, today we haven’t seen your closed-door disciple, but surely you ought to let us witness the disciple’s filial offerings?"

To be honest, if not for maintaining appearances, he wouldn’t have bothered coming to today’s dragon boat race at all.

Just yesterday, he tentatively asked Lv Wenguang, the County Magistrate of Jing County, about some matters, but what could a newly appointed County Magistrate know about things from decades ago?

Sitting here is nothing but a waste of time, not to mention that although the Changqing Academy in Jing County is famous, today’s companions are all timid and speaking as if they were cut from the same mold, which is simply too boring.

Moreover, he still held doubts about Song Chongjin in his heart, so when he heard the Imperial Physician’s words, he took the opportunity to make a request.

Generally speaking, one can infer a person’s character and ways of conduct through the gifts they present.

Imperial Physician Du nodded, and the servant who had been delivering messages immediately stepped aside and gestured for Xiao Wu to come forward.

Xiao Wu had never seen such a scene before. It was no surprise that there were noble patrons from the capital present. He dared not raise his head and naturally did not notice the servant’s gesture.

The servant attending nearby gently nudged Xiao Wu and whispered, "Hurry up, the esteemed guests are calling you!"

Only then did Xiao Wu stumble forward with difficulty, managing to steady himself, and cautiously stepped forward, standing beside the Imperial Physician, presenting the food box.

Someone naturally took the food box, opened it, and inside were steaming hot, but otherwise commonplace-looking snacks, such as white sugar cakes, mung bean cakes, and several small green dumplings, resting on a white porcelain plate, appearing quite refreshing.

Besides the snacks on top, there was also a small kraft paper package at the bottom of the food box, which immediately drew everyone’s attention.

"What’s in this paper package?" Governor Chen lifted his chin.

Xiao Wu shivered, unable to speak. Imperial Physician Du smiled, took the package, weighed it, and said, "It’s just a little tea my apprentice brought me, fearing I wouldn’t get used to the local brew."

As he spoke, he was about to tuck it into his robe.

Governor Chen’s eyes brightened as they all knew about the Imperial Physician’s fondness for tea. That’s why today, he had brought out the finest tea leaves that had been offered up under his jurisdiction to entertain the Imperial Physician.

Unexpectedly, seeing how tastelessly the Imperial Physician drank it, it became apparent that tea did not appeal to him.

At the time, he was puzzled, as it was extremely good tea, not much inferior to tribute grade, and even he only had half a jin of it.

He even thought that if the Imperial Physician liked it, he might have to reluctantly part with two liang, but unexpectedly, the Imperial Physician seemed dissatisfied.

Now seeing the Imperial Physician’s actions, along with the nervousness and joy on his face, Governor Chen, with his many years of official experience, was sure that the contents of this paper package were indeed exceptional, so much so that the Imperial Physician didn’t want to share it publicly.

With a shift of thought, Governor Chen stroked his beard and said, "What fine tea! Old Du, let us sample some as well?"

Imperial Physician Du quickly waved his hand: "It’s just some wild tea from the countryside, bitter and astringent. How could I dare present it to you esteemed gentlemen for drinking? It’s just the ignorance of the young maid treating it like a treasure and insisting on giving it to me, so I won’t take it out to embarrass myself! Here, have some food, have some food! These are all snacks personally made by my apprentice, crude as they are, there’s some rustic charm—"

With those words from Imperial Physician Du, Governor Chen was further convinced and exchanged a glance with Zhu Haoran.

Zhu Haoran spoke up: "Old Du, you say that, but anything sent as a filial gift by your disciple must be extraordinary. Aren’t you reluctant?"

At this point, Imperial Physician Du, feeling pained at heart, reluctantly took the kraft paper package out and tossed it onto the table: "I’m afraid of you all, so fine, today you get to have a taste too!"

He then ordered someone nearby to fetch clean cups and boiling water to brew the new tea.

Meanwhile, seeing Xiao Wu standing dumbly to the side, not daring to speak or even raise his head, he waved: "Alright, I’ve received the items. Go back and tell the young maid. The dragon boat race will start soon, so be cautious and take good care of her mistress. Wait until most people have dispersed before you leave to avoid getting separated in the crowds."

The Imperial Physician admonished, and Xiao Wu nodded.

Once the Imperial Physician finished speaking, Xiao Wu clearly repeated the message, albeit with a trembling voice, but without missing a single word.

Nearby, seeing the Imperial Physician’s apparent affection for this closed-door disciple, Governor Chen smiled and praised: "Old Du, your disciple’s servant here is quite sharp-witted, albeit a bit timid."

Seeing Governor Chen’s compliment, others followed suit with a few praises, and someone even slipped two handfuls of copper coins to Xiao Wu before escorting him away.

Xiao Wu, only after descending the stairs and standing downstairs for quite some time, awoke from his daze and sprinted towards Wang Yongzhu’s viewing platform.

Upstairs, a servant knowledgeable in tea brewing had already set up a small stove, currently boiling water, preheating the teapot and cups.

They then added fresh spring water and boiled it until pearly bubbles emerged.

The tea leaves from the kraft paper package had already been opened, releasing a faint yet delightful tea fragrance.

This immediately invigorated both Governor Chen and Zhu Haoran, who, as tea aficionados themselves, had tasted numerous renowned teas, but never encountered this sort of crisp tea aroma before.

Upon closer inspection, the tea leaves were green, their shape small and akin to sparrow tongues, exuding a lasting, gentle fragrance.

Judging by the tea leaves’ appearance and scent alone, it was clear this tea was extraordinary, no wonder the Imperial Physician wanted to keep it hidden.

The tea leaves were placed in white porcelain teacups, with a small amount of water poured first to moisten them. As soon as the water touched the leaves, the aroma immediately spread.

After about half a minute, water was added until the cups were roughly seventy percent full.

Seated at the table, only seven or eight people were present, each receiving a cup. The tea soup was emerald green, appearing like jade when juxtaposed with the white porcelain cups.

Governor Chen and Zhu Haoran first took their cups, inhaling the tea fragrance before taking a small sip, savoring the lingering flavor and long-lasting sweetness.

For a moment, the whole table was silent, with everyone closing their eyes to appreciate the aftertaste of the tea.

After a while, Zhu Haoran quietly sighed, "Indeed, excellent tea!"

Governor Chen, however, had already grabbed the remaining half package of tea leaves with thick-skinned insistence: "Old Du, I’ll take this remaining bit back to savor carefully."

Imperial Physician Du’s eyes bulged: "Dream on! There’s only this little bit, and you’re shameless enough to take it? Give it back quickly!"

"Old Du, I’ll exchange half a jin of Maojian for it!" Governor Chen offered generously, not intending to return it.

"Never mind half a jin, even a whole jin wouldn’t do. This was a present from my disciple, and it’s very limited. Today I let you all try some, so be content!" The Imperial Physician remained unmoved, knowing everyone owned Maojian. In the past, he thought Maojian was excellent, but having tasted this cloud and mist tea, all other teas seemed lacking by comparison.