White tea legend

Chapter 276 Extra : The Tea Making Family "Gu Yulin"
The sunlight shines through the treetops into a quiet tea garden.

A little mixed-race girl, with Oriental black hair and deep Western blue eyes, is concentrating on the tea-making process.

Drying and withering, which are easy steps for experienced tea makers, become extremely difficult for her.

The little girl frowned anxiously: "Ah, failed again! Why can't I always control the drying time? If this continues, this batch of tea will be wasted."

Master Zhuo smiled kindly and approached the little girl: "Don't be anxious, child. Making tea is like learning any art. It requires patience and carefulness. You are too anxious, so you can't grasp the right measure."

The little girl's eyes were filled with tears. "But Grandpa, I have tried so hard, why is it still not working? I don't want such good tea to be ruined by me."

Master Zhuo stroked the tea leaves and said calmly, "Do you know? Each tea leaf has its own life. They slowly wither in the sun, just like dancing. What you need to do is to feel their rhythm, not to control them."

The little girl wiped her tears and asked curiously: "Feel their rhythm? How can I do it?"

Master Zhuo demonstrated: "Look, you have to touch them gently and listen to their voices carefully. When they go from wet to slightly dry and the edges start to curl, that's them telling you it's time to move on to the next step."

The little girl carefully observed the changes in the tea leaves: "I understand, Grandpa. Isn't it just like when we listen to music, we should follow the melody instead of rushing to the end?"

Master Zhuo nodded and smiled: "Yes, you understand it very well. Making tea is like a slow dance. You and the tea leaves are dance partners. You need to guide and cooperate with each other."

The little girl cheered herself up and started trying: Then I will try again, this time I will feel them with my heart, instead of controlling them by force.

As time went by, the little girl gradually found her feel. She learned how to gently turn the tea leaves in the sun so that each leaf was evenly exposed to the warm sunlight. She learned how to sense the moisture of the tea leaves and knew when to let them rest and when to continue drying them.

The little girl ran around excitedly: "Grandpa, look! I think I did it! The tea leaves look different this time."

Master Zhuo nodded with satisfaction: "Yes, child, you did it. This is the tacit understanding between you and this tea garden, and it is the result of your patience and carefulness."

The little girl hugged her grandfather, her eyes sparkling: "Thank you, Grandpa, I understand. Whether it is making tea or doing anything else, I must learn to feel with my heart and treat it with love."

Master Zhuo looked at his granddaughter with emotion: "Yes, child. This is not only a respect for tea, but also a love for life. Your tea will become different because of your kindness."

When the little girl finally made her first cup of Baihao Yinzhen dry tea in her life, Master Zhuo took her little hand and came to the Zhuo family ancestral hall.

Their ancestors are worshipped there.

The tablet reads: The spirit tablets of Zhuo Laosan and Yao Si Niangzi.

This is the founder of the "Gu Yulin" white tea family.

Now that it has been passed down to Master Zhuo's generation, it is already the late Qing Dynasty and the early Republic of China.

The next generation will be Mr. Zhuo’s granddaughter: Jingqiu.

Jingqiu offered the Baihao Silver Needle that she had made herself in front of the spirit tablets of Zhuo Laosan and Yao Siniang, clasped her hands together, and knelt down devoutly.

In Wanghai, Jingqiu's mixed-race appearance always attracts people's attention. That's because Jingqiu has the genes of the Lu family, and the Lu family's ancestors once had a mistress who was a blonde and blue-eyed exotic girl.

The Lu family and the Zhuo family got married many generations ago, and the genes for blond hair and blue eyes were also passed on to the Zhuo family.

"Grandpa, you are going abroad soon, can you take Jingqiu with you?"

Jingqiu stared at Master Zhuo with her blue eyes.

Master Zhuo wore a black melon-shaped hat, a soft blue robe with exquisite embroidery, a silk belt with a jade pendant around his waist, and a amiable smile on his face. He said to his granddaughter Jingqiu, "Jingqiu is still young. Grandpa went abroad to send our Baihao Yinzhen to participate in the exhibition. Grandpa will be back after finishing his business. Jingqiu should be a good boy at home and learn the white tea making skills of our 'Gu Yulin' and pass it on. In the future, our 'Gu Yulin' tea shop will be handed over to Jingqiu to manage."

Jingqiu smiled confidently: "Don't worry, Grandpa. Jingqiu is waiting for you to come back home."

Mr. Zhuo accompanied Mr. Wu, the boss of Wu Jinji Tea Shop in the provincial capital, to send Baihao Yinzhen tea to a foreign country to participate in the World Expo.

Time: 1915.

The situation in China is complex and changeable.

However, Chinese tea people still escort Chinese tea to exhibitions abroad. What courage they have.

In such a turbulent era, the cooperation between Mr. Zhuo and Mr. Wu was a powerful combination. They knew that the World Expo was a great opportunity to showcase the charm of Chinese tea. In order to ensure that Baihao Yinzhen could stand out at the Expo, they made careful preparations.

Firstly, in terms of tea selection, they personally select the best quality Baihao Yinzhen tea to ensure that every tea leaf is in the best condition. These tea leaves have been strictly processed and screened, and each leaf is full of natural aroma and taste. Secondly, in terms of packaging design, they also strive to reflect the unique charm and noble quality of Chinese tea culture to attract the attention of international judges and audiences.

Each tea box has a red label with the words "Fucha" on it.

After the preparations were completed, Mr. Zhuo and Mr. Wu faced the challenge of escorting the tea safely to the United States. The sailing conditions at that time were far worse than today, and there were various unpredictable risks along the way. The two old men were not afraid of difficulties and personally supervised the transportation process to ensure that the tea arrived in San Francisco in the best condition.

During the weeks-long voyage, they remain vigilant about the condition of the tea, ensuring that humidity and temperature remain ideal to avoid deterioration of the tea's quality during transportation.

After arriving in San Francisco, Master Zhuo and Boss Wu immediately set about setting up their exhibition booth. They carefully arranged the tea leaves, and each display tried to convey the unique beauty and flavor of Baihao Yinzhen. During the expo, their booth attracted the attention of countless visitors, many of whom were attracted by this magical drink from the far east.

After tasting the Baihao Yinzhen, the jury was full of praise for its unique taste and elegant aroma. In the fierce competition, Baihao Yinzhen won the gold medal for its excellent quality and unique flavor.

When the host announced the result, the whole audience burst into applause, and Mr. Zhuo and Boss Wu were so excited that they burst into tears. They held the trophy tightly in their hands, as if they couldn't believe that all this was true.

Master Zhuo's eyes were moist and his voice was trembling: "Boss Wu, we really did it! This gold cup is not only a recognition of our Baihao Yinzhen, but also an affirmation of Chinese tea culture!"

Boss Wu smiled and patted Master Zhuo on the shoulder excitedly: "Yes, Master Zhuo, at this moment, all the efforts are worth it! Our Baihao Yinzhen tea has been recognized by the world, which is the greatest encouragement to Chinese tea people!" Master Zhuo nodded and said with great emotion: "After so many years of hard work, from carefully cultivating tea trees to meticulous picking and strict screening, we have devoted all our efforts to every step. This success is the best reward for our ingenuity."

Boss Wu looked to the future with a determined look in his eyes: "Master Zhuo, we cannot be satisfied with the status quo. After we go back, we must continue to improve the quality of tea and let more people taste the deliciousness of Baihao Yinzhen."

Master Zhuo smiled and was full of expectation: "That's right, Boss Wu. We should take this success as a new starting point, continue to explore and innovate, and let Chinese tea culture shine more brightly on the world stage."

Boss Wu raised his glass to celebrate his victory: "Master Zhuo, let's drink to our success!"

Master Zhuo raised his glass in response, his eyes gleaming with hope: "Cheers! May the fragrance of our Baihao Yinzhen spread far and wide, and may our motherland prosper!"

The prosperity of the motherland seemed like an unattainable dream to Mr. Zhuo and Boss Wu in 1915. The country was in turmoil and the people were suffering. They didn't know where hope lay.

As a tea lover, having a good tea business is a dream that is within reach.

Boss Wu said to Master Zhuo, "But white tea is a niche tea after all, with low production. If it weren't for the support of Master Zhuo and the tea farmers in Wanghai, how could Wu Jinji expand its business to Europe? Now that Baihao Yinzhen has won the gold medal, the tea company has more and more overseas orders. We would like to ask for more support from Gu Yulin in the future."

"We have been working together for so many years and have become old friends. Don't worry, Boss Wu. We will make long-term plans after we return to China."

"I still have to go to the organizing committee to handle the award formalities. Master Zhuo, please wait here for me. I'll be back soon."

Boss Wu went to go through the formalities of collecting the award. Mr. Zhuo saw a crowd of people making noise at the other end of the exhibition hall and wondered what was going on.

Curiosity prompted Mr. Zhuo to take a closer look. It turned out that a foreigner named John was suffering from toothache, and people around him were trying to help him relieve the pain.

Upon seeing this, Mr. Zhuo took off the kettle from his waist and handed it over.

The torment of toothache made John not think too much, he took the kettle, raised his head and drank it all. The taste of tea soup was sweet and pleasant, with a light tea fragrance, John felt unprecedented comfort and relaxation.

A few minutes later, John was surprised to find that his toothache had been significantly relieved. He excitedly expressed his gratitude to Master Zhuo, and the people around him were also amazed at this miraculous effect. The news quickly spread in the exhibition hall, and more and more people came to consult and try this unique treatment method.

"I wonder what the gentleman gave me to drink?" John asked Master Zhuo in broken Chinese.

"White needles stewed with rock sugar."

Master Zhuo proudly solved the mystery.

It’s the Baihao Yinzhen tea from China that just won the gold medal.

Mr. Zhuo's good deed not only relieved John's toothache, but also caused a "White Needle Fever" at the Expo. People came to his booth to learn about and buy this magical tea. The booths of Mr. Zhuo and Boss Wu were crowded with people, and business was booming.

But Mr. Zhuo did not realize that his good deeds were also sowing disaster for himself.

Before returning home, Master Zhuo and Boss Wu seized this rare opportunity to go abroad and visited San Francisco, where they saw a scene that was completely different from that in China:

In 1915, the streets of San Francisco were lively and full of vitality. Mr. Zhuo and Mr. Wu strolled through the bustling city center, and before their eyes was a colorful picture of the times. The towering cable cars slowly climbed along the hillside tracks, making a unique jingle sound, which made people feel the unique charm of this city. Horse-drawn carriages and cars passed by on the wide streets, showing the characteristics of the era of alternation between the old and the new.

On the roadside, newly opened cafes and traditional bars are adjacent, with melodious jazz music coming from inside. Street performers perform impromptu performances on the sidewalk, attracting pedestrians to stop and watch. In the distance, ships shuttle back and forth on the water of the bay, and seagulls circle in the air, making sharp cries.

The two walked through the bustling market, where stalls were filled with goods from all over the world. They tasted local specialties and felt the unique cultural atmosphere of San Francisco.

Finally, I felt satisfied and returned to the hotel, packed my luggage and prepared to return home.

However, the hotel waiter gave Mr. Zhuo an invitation, and Mr. Zhuo was confused as to who invited him.

Because only Mr. Zhuo was invited, it was inconvenient for Boss Wu to pass, so Mr. Zhuo had to follow the car that came to pick him up and leave the hotel.

Mr. Zhuo followed the waiter's lead with doubts and came to an exquisite and elegant restaurant. As soon as he entered the restaurant, he saw John sitting at a carefully decorated table, smiling and waving at him.

John warmly welcomed Master Zhuo, and after exchanging pleasantries, they sat down to eat. The table was filled with exquisite dishes, and Master Zhuo tasted the food, but secretly guessed John's true intentions.

Sure enough, after the meal, John slowly got to the point. He praised Mr. Zhuo's Baihao Yinzhen for its outstanding performance at the Expo, and proposed that Mr. Zhuo stay in the United States to grow white tea and expand the white tea business to America. John promised to provide financial and resource support, hoping to cooperate with Mr. Zhuo to jointly develop the North American market.

"Mr. Zhuo, I heard that your white tea making skills are unrivaled in the world?"

"You're too kind. As a tea lover, growing and making tea is my duty. Besides, there are always better places to go. In China, there are too many tea lovers like me."

"Master Zhuo, I have a suggestion: I heard that since the last century, European nobles have regarded drinking white tea as a fashion. Now that the Baihao Silver Needle you developed has won the gold medal and has gained a reputation in America, you should not go back. Stay here to grow and make white tea. Let's cooperate and expand the white tea business in Europe and the United States. I guarantee that you will make a fortune."

"Thank you for your kindness, but I'm sorry I can't agree to it."

"Oh my god! Are you stupid for not making money?"

"The local environment and climate nurture the local customs. Chinese tea is grown in China, so it has the taste of tea." Master Zhuo smiled calmly and planned to take his leave.

John tried to persuade him to stay again: "But China is not peaceful right now, there are wars everywhere..."

"So I have to go back. My mother was robbed, and as a child, I only cared about escaping without caring about my mother's life or death. This is not the style of us Chinese."

Mr. Zhuo bowed to John and said goodbye.

John's face darkened.

(End of this chapter)