Chapter 276 The Handsome Tea Master
The tea master election at Chunbuwan Teahouse was just as lively.
Although the "Tea Queen of Spring Never Ends" is only selected once a year, the event is just as lively as the "Ten Thousand Flowers Pavilion."
Why?
Because the most popular courtesan at Wan Hua Lou is always a woman, and most of the people who visit Wan Hua Lou are men, it's rare for women to go there.
Even if women go, most of them are dressed as men to join in the fun.
But the selection of tea masters at Chunbuwan is different. Chunbuwan has both tea ladies and tea gentlemen who brew tea for guests.
It wasn't just the men who frequented Chunbuwan; ladies and young women from various families also often came to Chunbuwan for tea.
Therefore, comparatively speaking, the election for the "Spring Never Ends Tea King" seems to be more lively.
...
On the day of the tea champion election, the entrance of Chun Bu Wan Tea House was bustling with activity from early morning, with carriages from all over the street almost blocking it.
The ladies and young women from various families arrived at the teahouse early.
We all know each other pretty well, so this is a good opportunity to get to know each other better and maybe even meet some of the kids in our families.
Before 9:45 AM, the seats were already packed.
The nobles from each family would subconsciously look towards the best private room.
They already knew last night that the three distinguished guests from the capital had not only attended the courtesan selection at Wanhua Tower, but had also booked a private room at Chunbuwan.
No one dared to speak loudly, only whispering among themselves, and those who were far apart communicated with their eyes.
Soon, the window of the private room opened, and Princess Shou Kang's face appeared beside the window. Everyone quickly stood up to prepare to pay their respects.
"No need for formalities! I'm just here to join in the fun, please make yourselves at home!" Princess Shou Kang smiled, then leaned against the window to watch the tea ladies and gentlemen perform the tea ceremony.
Song Zhimian and Princess Yongxin sat on either side of her.
Upon hearing this, the people below quickly sat down again.
Xia Yuanheng and his mother, who were sitting in the front seats, also saw Princess Shoukang.
Xia Yuanheng's mother spoke to Xia Yuanheng in a low voice.
“A generous gift was sent yesterday, and Her Highness the Princess’s people accepted it, but said nothing.”
I heard that among those accompanying the princess were a fourth-rank female official from the palace and Princess Yongxin, the granddaughter of the Duke of Han.
My son, it would be best if you could make friends with him.
"Mother has already inquired and found out that Princess Yongxin is still unmarried!" Xia Yuanheng's mother said softly.
Xia Yuanheng almost rolled his eyes.
Princess Yongxin is unmarried? Everyone in Dayu knows that, why would you need to ask?
How could he not know what his mother was thinking? Wasn't she just hoping to climb the social ladder by marrying into the Korean royal family?
He didn't even consider his own family's situation. The Duke of Han's family was a powerful clan, and the Duke of Han still controlled the capital's guards. How could he possibly be interested in a merchant's son like him?
Even though his uncle was the former educational commissioner of Jiangnan and his elder uncle was a general in the Pingnan Army, he was still not qualified.
With his abilities... haha, he'd be lucky to even be a gigolo!
Xia Yuanheng didn't want to make things difficult for himself.
Even if Princess Yongxin were blind and took a liking to him, he wouldn't be willing.
After all, his favorite days are spent visiting brothels and teahouses, indulging in nightly revelry.
"Mother, we must recognize our place!" Xia Yuanheng snorted.
Xia Yuanheng's mother sighed and said nothing more.
They brought back so many concubines, but none of them could bear children. This is simply a sin!
...
The tea competition began soon, and the first person to step up was a woman in her mid-twenties.
Everyone recognized him at a glance – wasn't this the former Tea Queen from Spring Festival Gala?
I heard she's from Hangzhou and has been working as a tea lady at Chun Bu Wan (a popular Chinese variety show), earning quite a bit over the years.
Everyone was wondering if this Mrs. Wu could win the title of Tea Queen again.
Wu Niangzi's technique was skillful; whether it was a teacup or a teapot, they were as obedient as grandchildren in her hands.
Her smooth and skillful tea-making left everyone dazzled. As expected of Yangzhou's top tea lady, her exceptional tea-making skills have earned her enough to buy houses and land in Yangzhou.
After Madam Wu demonstrated her tea-making skills, everyone cheered.
Madam Wu remained calm, knowing full well that she was merely a warm-up act; the real show was yet to come!
She just needs to be a good tea lady; she's already financially secure enough.
...
One after another, tea ladies and tea gentlemen took to the stage to demonstrate their skills.
Song Zhimian discovered that all the tea ladies at Chunbuwan were beautiful and had a refined demeanor.
The tea masters were all handsome and refined, with a natural air of elegance in their every move.
"Tsk tsk tsk! These tea gentlemen are much better than the noodle makers I've been looking for!"
"None of the male concubines I've chosen can brew such fine tea!" Princess Shou Kang exclaimed as she looked at the tea.
"Then after the tea ceremony competition, I'll have those tea gentlemen brew tea for you."
"If you really like it, it wouldn't be difficult to bring it back to the capital, given your status," Princess Yongxin said immediately.
Princess Shou Kang chuckled.
"Forget it! It's not easy for anyone! All they want to do as tea servers in teahouses is earn more money, right?"
I'd better not add to the chaos.
"Being my male consort isn't so easy," Princess Shou Kang laughed.
Song Zhimian remained silent, simply looking at the crowd below.
She discovered that at the Chunbuwan Teahouse in Yangzhou, the tea master seemed to be more popular.
No matter which tea master came out, almost every lady and young woman's eyes lit up, and even the most shy ones would steal a few more glances.
Song Zhimian couldn't help but sigh, "Male beauty... actually has a bigger market!"
No wonder the male prostitutes in Yangzhou are just as popular as the brothels!
Princess Yongxin said that there are quite a few female customers at the brothels in Yangzhou, and I heard that they are all female owners who come out to do business!
Those female bosses are just as extravagant with money as the men; they'll spend lavishly on handsome men...
Song Zhimian was lost in thought when Princess Yongxin suddenly exclaimed softly beside her.
"What a handsome young man!"
Song Zhimian was taken aback. She glanced at Princess Shou Kang again, and sure enough, Princess Shou Kang had also sat up straight.
Song Zhimian quickly looked down as well, and after just one glance, she nodded repeatedly.
He was indeed a handsome tea gentleman. Although he was dressed in the same clothes as the other tea gentlemen, his overall demeanor... was as if he had stepped out of a painting.
He didn't say a word, but slowly walked to the tea table that the tea boy had prepared, and then gently bowed to the guests.
The ladies below all stared intently at the tea master.
"Young Master Lang, eighteen years old, has studied tea ceremony for ten years, and is from Hangzhou," the tea boy introduced briefly.
Everyone stared intently at this young master Lang.
Xia Yuanheng, who was sitting in the front, changed his expression...
How can they look so alike...?
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