White tea legend

Chapter 275 Extra : Lu Yuming gets married
On the ancient southeast coast, there is a mountain range shrouded in clouds and mist. This is the hometown of white tea and also the legendary holy place where Taimu Goddess attained enlightenment and became an immortal.

Every spring, when the first ray of sunlight shines through the clouds and onto the white tea mother tree called "Green Snow Bud" next to Hongxue Cave, the whole village is immersed in a solemn and sacred atmosphere.

This year, Lu Yuming, a tea merchant from Wanghaili, was chosen as the chief priest. He will lead the villagers in the annual Taimu Festival.

In the early morning, when it was still light, Lu Yuming got up early and put on a blue robe that represented nobility, and a red belt around his waist, which symbolized auspiciousness and joy. He carefully arranged his appearance in front of the mirror, knowing that he had a great responsibility today and that he had to appear in front of the villagers in the most perfect state to show the highest respect to the Great Mother Goddess.

As the morning mist gradually dissipated, villagers came out of their homes one after another, men, women, young and old, everyone dressed in festive attire, their faces filled with piety and anticipation.

The children curiously tugged at the adults' clothes and asked questions about the festival, while the elders patiently answered their questions one by one, reminding them to behave with the utmost respect.

The team gathered at the entrance of the village. Lu Yuming stood at the front of the team, holding a dragon-headed cane carved with exquisite patterns, which was a symbol of his identity as the chief priest.

He took a deep breath and slowly raised his cane, which was the signal to start. Then the sound of gongs and drums began, melodious and sonorous, accompanied by the low and rhythmic prayers of the villagers, and the team slowly moved forward.

Along the way, the villagers scattered flower petals and chanted something, praying that the tea trees would thrive this year, praying that the village would receive the protection of the Great Mother Goddess, and that every household would be happy and well.

The children were flying kites nearby. The colorful kites were flying in the blue sky and white clouds, as if they were conveying their innocent wishes.

When you arrive at Hongxue Cave, the vibrant white tea mother tree - "Green Snow Bud" comes into view.

Lu Yuming was the first to kneel down, clasping his hands together, and the rest of the villagers followed suit. The whole scene was solemn and peaceful. Lu Yuming took three incense sticks from the waiter and respectfully inserted them into the incense burner under the tree, then presented a bunch of fresh tea leaves and a variety of fruits and vegetables, which was a tribute to the Great Mother Goddess and a thank you for the gift of nature.

Then, he stood up and faced the crowd, and began to read the sacrificial text, his voice sonorous and powerful, every word clearly audible. In the sacrificial text, he not only expressed his admiration for the Great Mother Goddess, but also talked about the benefits that white tea has brought to Changxi County, as well as his determination to protect nature and cherish resources. The villagers bowed their heads and listened, their hearts full of resonance.

After the reading, Lu Yuming bowed again, and the villagers prayed in unison, hoping that the Great Mother Goddess could hear their voices and bless them to have a better life.

With the last gong and drum beat, the ceremony came to an end. People wished each other well, with satisfied and happy smiles on their faces, believing that under the protection of the Great Mother Goddess, their future would be brighter.

……

The ceremony came to an end and people dispersed, leaving Lu Yuming sitting alone under the white tea mother tree.

Lu Yuming took out the tea set that had been prepared long ago, brewed himself a pot of fragrant white tea, and sipped it quietly. His heart drifted to the distant past along with the fragrance of the tea.

He is an orphan, without a father or a mother, and grew up with his fellow tea-making brothers.

When he was young, he was naughty by nature and was always skeptical about the stories about the White Tea Fairy circulating in the village.

According to the story, the White Tea Fairy will descend under the "Green Snow Buds" when the spring tea sprouts, and use her magical power to protect the tea garden from pests and natural disasters. She will also help in times of danger, but only those with pure hearts can receive her blessing.

It was an evening in late spring and early summer. Lu Yuming was chasing butterflies in the tea garden. He lost his way unknowingly and wandered into the mountains by mistake.

When he realized he was lost, it was already dark all around him, and the roar of wild animals could be heard in the silent forest. The boy was filled with fear, and he began to run desperately, hoping to find his way home. However, the night fell, making his efforts in vain.

Just when he was about to despair, a soft light appeared in front of him. In that light, a woman in a white and green gradient dress stood quietly, her face was gentle, and she held a lantern that emitted a soft light in her hand. The woman smiled at Lu Yuming, and her voice was as pleasant as a clear spring in the mountains: "Child, come with me."

Lu Yuming did not hesitate at all. He believed that the woman in front of him was the legendary White Tea Fairy.

They passed through the tea forests until they came to the "Green Snow Buds". The fairy motioned him to sit down, and then she gently stroked the tea leaves and sang an unknown tune in a low voice. Soon, every leaf in the tea garden seemed to emit a warm light, and the whole tea garden was shrouded in a layer of light mist.

"Feel the power of the earth with your heart, it will guide you." The fairy's voice echoed in the air, and then she turned into a wisp of breeze and disappeared into the night.

When Lu Yuming woke up, it was already the next morning. He found himself lying on his bed at home, not tired at all. He hurried to the tea garden and found that the "Green Snow Buds" were still standing tall in the same place as last night, the surrounding tea trees were more lush, and the whole tea garden was filled with a refreshing atmosphere.

From then on, Lu Yuming seemed like a different person. He began to study the tea ceremony seriously, worked hard to cultivate his homeland, respected every fellow villager, and every spring he would sit quietly under the "Green Snow Buds" and brew a pot of good tea to commemorate that mysterious night and the White Tea Fairy who saved him from danger.

Although, Lu Yuming couldn't be sure whether he really saw the White Tea Fairy or it was just a coincidental dream.

After he became an adult, Lu Yuming became a famous tea merchant in Wanghai. With the recommendation of his senior brothers and sisters, he became the president of Changxi Tea Merchants Association and led Changxi white tea to open up overseas markets. No matter how turbulent the tea industry in the Li Dynasty was, the tea people in Changxi lived a more prosperous life because of the foreign teas that came from across the ocean.

"If you have immortality in your heart, you will naturally attain enlightenment."

Lu Yuming said to himself.

Over the years, no matter what difficulties he encountered in his career or family, he would climb Mount Taimu alone, come to Hongxue Cave, and sit next to the white tea mother tree "Green Snow Bud". He would find peace in his heart and all the difficulties would be easily solved.

"Although you are just a tea plant, I have already regarded you as my mother in my heart." Lu Yuming raised the teacup in his hand towards the white tea tree.

Not only him, but the people of Wanghaili and Changxi County all regard this tea as their mother.

This tea solves the problems of food, clothing, housing and transportation for many people.

"Thank you, Baicha."

The white tea tree sways in the wind, like an elegant dancer showing off her dancing posture. Her leaves swing gently, and the sunlight shines on her, giving her a golden halo, making her look more noble and mysterious.

Her roots are deeply rooted in the soil, tough and tenacious, standing firm no matter the wind or rain.

"Green Snow Bud, mother tree of white tea. I will be leaving Wanghaili for a while to deliver a batch of tea to a country in the East China Sea. I don't know how long it will take for me to come back. I won't be able to see you for a long time. Please take care of yourself."

Lu Yuming stood up, bowed deeply to the white tea tree, picked up the tea sets on the ground, and slowly walked down the mountain, leaving the white tea tree with the back of an adult.

Her children have grown up, become independent and have become local celebrities.

On the white tea tree, a drop of dew drips from the tip of the tea leaf, like a teardrop.

A blue light descended from the sky, and the Great Mother Goddess appeared next to the white tea tree.

"Bai Cha, you don't have to worry about Lu Yuming. Although there will be storms when he goes overseas, I will protect him secretly and ensure that his business is prosperous and he returns safely." The voice of the Great Mother was as gentle and powerful as the waves.

Today, Taimu Niangniang has long become a sea god on the coast of the East China Sea, protecting the peace of the East China Sea with her boundless magic power. After Baicha heard what Taimu Niangniang said, the heavy stone in her heart finally fell to the ground. She swayed slightly in the wind, as if she was deeply grateful to Taimu Niangniang.

The Great Mother smiled and nodded, her figure gradually disappeared into the blue light, as if she had become part of the ocean. The white tea mother tree knew that with the protection of the Great Mother, Lu Yuming would be safe on this trip.

Lu Yuming's overseas business went very smoothly. With his extraordinary wisdom and courage, he overcame various difficulties and won the trust and respect of local merchants. His business was booming and his wealth was accumulating. Lu Yuming was having a smooth journey, but a sudden storm broke the peace on the sea. The strong wind and huge waves swept in, and Lu Yuming's ship was tottering in the wind and waves. Just when everyone was in despair, a blue light broke through the sky, and Taimu Niangniang appeared again.

She waved the magic weapon in her hand, and the wind and waves calmed down immediately. Lu Yuming's boat sailed steadily through the dangerous area and finally arrived at the destination safely. The people on the boat were all amazed at the magical power of the Great Mother Goddess and knelt down to thank her.

……

……

"He's back?" Bai Chashu asked Great Mother Goddess beside Hongxue Cave.

The great-grandmother nodded with a smile: "He also brought back a blonde girl with blue eyes. It's a pity that he has no parents to arrange a wedding for him."

The white tea tree remained silent.

……

……

Heaven, Tea Palace.

Lu Yu's daily life is full of mystery, yet peaceful and harmonious.

In the morning, when the first rays of sunlight shine into the Tea Palace, Lu Yu will wake up from his meditation. He slowly walks out of the inner room and comes to the back garden of the Tea Palace. There is a green tea garden here, where various rare teas are planted. Lu Yu will pick tea leaves himself, and then return to the tea-making room in the palace to start his daily routine - making tea.

Lu Yu had extremely high requirements for tea making, and every step had to be precise. He first placed the picked tea leaves in a ventilated place to dry, and then fried them in a special pot. During the frying process, he would adjust the heat and strength according to the characteristics of the tea leaves and changes in the weather to ensure that the aroma and taste of the tea leaves could be perfectly preserved.

Besides making tea, Lu Yu would study various tea ceremony classics and ancient books in the study room of the Tea Palace. He knew that the tea ceremony was not just about brewing and tasting tea, but also about an attitude and thinking. Therefore, he would continue to learn, think and practice to improve his tea ceremony skills.

In the evening, Lu Yu would walk out of the Tea Palace to enjoy the beauty of the heaven. He would brew a pot of tea that he made himself and taste it quietly. The fragrance of the tea seemed to be able to wash away all the distractions in his mind and make his heart more peaceful.

At night, Lu Yu would meditate in the quiet room of the Tea God Palace. He would immerse his mind in the fragrance of tea and blend with the spiritual energy between heaven and earth.

As the chief tea god of the six realms, Lu Yu knew the importance of the tea industry in the human world. Whenever the tea industry in the human world encountered difficulties, such as natural disasters and pests, quality decline or market slump, people would worship the tea god and pray for the protection of the gods.

Lu Yu would use his great powers to give guidance to tea growers on earth, or directly perform miracles to help solve problems.

On this day, Lu Yu had just gone to the human world to deal with a tea matter. He returned to the Tea God Palace exhausted both physically and mentally, and entered into a state of meditation to rest.

As soon as I closed my eyes, I dreamed of the white tea tree on the top of Mount Taimu, next to Hongxue Cave.

Lu Yu hadn't dreamed of this white tea tree for a long time.

This time, Lu Yu once again dreamed of the mother tree of white tea known as "Green Snow Bud" and saw it transform into a woman in white and green gradient clothes.

In the past, in his dreams, Lu Yu could only see her back but not her true face. Whenever he saw her turning around, the dream would disappear and he would wake up from it.

In his dream that day, Lu Yu stepped into a mysterious place surrounded by mist and verdant green. The path under his feet seemed to be paved with millions of tea leaves, soft and light with every step. The air was filled with a faint tea fragrance, fresh and refreshing.

He looked up and saw the magnificent peak of Taimu Mountain, with clouds and mist entwined in between, like a flowing landscape painting. Next to the Nahong Snow Cave, the mother white tea tree known as the "Green Snow Bud" stood quietly, with lush branches and leaves and crystal clear tea buds, as if covered with green snow.

Lu Yu approached step by step, with an inexplicable emotion in his heart. At this time, the mother white tea tree slowly transformed into a woman. She was wearing a white and green gradient dress, like the first touch of green in the tea garden, fresh and refined. Her hair was like ink, her eyebrows were like distant mountains, and her every frown and smile seemed to contain the power of growth of all things.

Lu Yu stared at her, his eyes clear as water.

"I hope you are well, my old friend." The woman bowed towards Lu Yu.

"Tea tree?"

Bai Cha nodded.

"Chashuer, why did you call me here?"

"In the southeast of the human world, at the foot of Mount Taimu, in Wanghai, Changxi County, there is a tea man named Lu Yuming. He is getting married soon, but has no parents to worship. I wonder if the tea god can condescend to me and play the role of his parents to support him at his wedding."

It was an unreasonable request, and if it were someone else, Lu Yu would definitely refuse it.

But Lu Yu nodded and agreed to Cha Shuer's request.

……

……

On this day, the streets of Wanghaili were filled with joy because of a special wedding.

The groom is Lu Yuming, the president of the local tea merchants association, and the bride is a blonde, blue-eyed exotic girl who traveled across the ocean and brought with her different cultures and customs.

The encounter between the two was like a bizarre plot in a storybook, full of romance and fate. During a trip to a foreign land, Lu Yuming saved a foreign girl who fell into the sea during a storm. She followed Lu Yuming's ship back to Changxi County, and learned tea art and enjoyed life with Lu Yuming.

On the wedding day, Changxi County was bustling with activity. Tea people and tea farmers came to congratulate, and the wedding hall was filled with white silver needles with the words "Fu Tea" and "Double Happiness" written on them. The fragrance of tea filled the air, and people were laughing and having fun.

A pair of parents sat down, their faces filled with happy smiles. Lu Yuming and his blond wife, dressed in wedding clothes, followed the wedding customs of Wanghaili. They bowed to heaven and earth to thank them for their gifts; bowed to their parents to thank them for their upbringing; and bowed to each other, promising to support each other and grow old together.

Where did that couple come from?

Everyone in Changxi knows that President Lu has been an orphan since childhood and grew up with Changxi's famous tea merchant Zhou Lang, Yao Siniang of the "Ancient Imperial Forest", Zhuo Laosan and his wife, and others.

The present pair of parents must be the elders that Zhou Lang, Yao Siniang, Zhuo Laosan and others "borrowed" from somewhere in order to make President Lu's wedding more lively and complete, right?

This couple is so pleasing to the eyes that the guests attending the wedding couldn't help but take a few more glances at them.

The mother was elegantly dressed and as beautiful as a fairy; the father looked exactly like the tea god worshipped in the tea garden. The groom Lu Yuming's eyebrows and eyes were indescribably similar to these two.

The “borrowed” parents are like real ones.