Tang Dynasty: Starting at Xuanwu Gate, this prince is better off not being one.

The atmosphere immediately relaxed. Not only Li Yu, but also the other playboys who were standing honestly to the side breathed a sigh of relief.

None of them were clear about the two gentlemen's purpose. They only knew that they were being harassed by these two great scholars, and that Li Yu would lose face if he was not careful.

The scene before them suddenly changed drastically, surprising everyone, but they all relaxed at the same time...

.........

"Young man, tell me, how did you come up with this tea-frying technique?" Yan Shigu poured himself another cup, took a sip, and then asked Li Yu.

Hearing the old man ask this, Li Yu's heart sank.

Oh no! I didn't even have time to make this up myself.

After thinking for a long time, he replied, "Sir, as you know, I studied under Master Sun, so I have some knowledge of pharmacology. Therefore, I came up with this method of drinking tea based on the descriptions of tea in medical books."

Lies came out of his mouth so easily that even Li Yu himself felt guilty. He wondered if Sun Simiao would give him a good scolding if he found out about his shameless behavior.

The two old men had no idea how guilty Li Yu felt; instead, they were quite curious about his words: "Young man, according to you, does this tea have some kind of health benefits?"

Speaking of this, Li Yu perked up, not forgetting to criticize his tea, and began to boast, "I'm not exaggerating, but those teas full of spices, although they can be refreshing, are bitter and astringent, so most people add honey to them. Therefore, this kind of tea, especially for the elderly, can cause diabetes (high blood sugar) if they drink too much."

"On the contrary, the young man's stir-fried tea, compared to the tea you drank before, not only has a refreshing effect but also cleanses the intestines and stomach, which is remarkably effective for older people!"

After saying that, Li Yu poured a full cup for Kong Yingda and Yan Shigu and personally served it to them.

This time, the two men did not refuse. They smiled and accepted the tea, staring intently at Li Yu: "Kid, you've been bragging here for so long, you must know why we two old folks are here. Don't you have any ideas? Tell me, don't worry, this old man won't drink your tea for nothing today."

"Has that kid said anything yet?"

Seeing that the old gentleman had made it clear, Li Yu changed his playful attitude and said seriously, "Although I respect the sages, I am not willing to let them monopolize the glory. As the saying goes, 'Talented people emerge in every generation, each leading the way for hundreds of years,' I have always regarded this as my guiding principle."

"What a fine 'each reigning supreme for centuries'! Kid, just for that phrase, tell me! What do you want us two old men to do?"

Upon hearing the two old men's agreement, Li Yu could no longer contain his excitement. He bowed deeply and said, "I am deeply grateful for your guidance, gentlemen. However, I also have a method for brewing tea, and I would be grateful if you could help me spread it around!"

"What kind of tea-making method makes you perform such a grand ceremony?" the two asked Li Yu curiously.

"I'll demonstrate for you two now." After saying that, Li Yu ordered someone to bring over another set of tea utensils.

He rinsed each tea set with boiling water, then took out some tea leaves and put them into the pot, before pouring in boiling water and quickly pouring it out.

After emptying the water, Li Yu poured in another pot of boiling water, and soon the aroma of tea wafted out of the pot.

Afterwards, Li Yu demonstrated the proper way to drink tea according to the customs of later generations to everyone, and then put down the tea set and looked at the two gentlemen.

The two gentlemen took a sip of the tea Li Yu had just brewed and found that the taste hadn't changed much, so they asked Li Yu, "How is this different from the tea you brewed before?"

"Sir, this method of brewing tea serves four purposes: first, to clean the utensils and warm the cups; second, to awaken the tea and remove dust; third, to control the strength and avoid bitterness; and fourth, to observe tea etiquette and harmonize the flavor, striving for a balanced sweetness and bitterness that is safe to drink regularly. Whether for health or etiquette, it aligns with the principles of moderation." Li Yu explained after recalling the knowledge about tea he had previously memorized.

"Fine, since that's how it is, then I'll help you this time. Just don't act so rashly again in the future. If it weren't for the fact that you're Master Sun's disciple, do you think the two of us would have come to fight here..."

.........

After seeing the two old men off, Li Yu was overjoyed.

I had long planned to pass down this pretentious brewing method to future generations. Firstly, it would silence any dissent and prevent me from gaining a reputation for tarnishing the tea culture. Secondly, it would also be a good opportunity to promote the tea.

Now that these two great Confucian scholars can spread the word, the effect will be far better!

"What are you thinking about?" Li Chengqian interrupted Li Yu's get-rich-quick dreams without any mercy, "By the way, what brings these two of you here today? I don't understand what you're saying."

Li Yu glanced at Li Chengqian and then explained the purpose of the old gentlemen's visit.

"I see! Little Fish, you got a good scolding today!" Li Chengqian said admiringly.

"What do you mean by being scolded!" Li Yu curled his lip and said, "This is called being given a pointer!"

Everyone looked on with disdain at Li Yu's shameless behavior.

"Alright!" Li Yu said, "We need to get down to business!"

After saying that, he took the lead and walked out of the mansion.

.........

The East Market differed from the West Market. Although the two markets ran parallel, the East Market was almost entirely frequented by upper-class individuals such as royalty, nobles, officials from the capital, and gentry.

Li Yu had been to the West Market. Although the shops were lined up one after another, the goods were displayed in a dazzling array, and the people were of all colors and kinds, coming and going in all sorts of ways, it was far inferior to the East Market in terms of elegance and tranquility.

This is also closely related to its proximity to the palace, so those who come to the East Market to spend money are almost all rich suckers.

That's why Li Yu chose to open his shop in the East Market.

These are the people he wants; otherwise, these wines, costing thirty strings of cash per jar, would hardly sell for anything in the West Market.

We visited several shops selected by Li Chengqian and his two companions, and overall they were all quite good.

After agonizing over it for a long time, Li Yu chose the one closest to the center.

The shopkeeper, surnamed Yu, was a very sensible man. When he saw Li Yu and his companions enter, he bowed deeply to each of them and then respectfully led them to the inner hall.

"Old Yu, you're from the palace, aren't you?" Li Yu looked the shopkeeper up and down, feeling like he'd seen him somewhere before.

Upon closer inspection, he discovered that the middle-aged man had no beard. After racking his brains for a while, he suddenly remembered that he was the eunuch who had entered the Taiji Palace to inform Li Yuan that day.

Upon hearing Li Yu's inquiry, Manager Yu bowed and replied, "Your Highness, I am a palace attendant. This shop was previously bestowed upon Prince Qin by His Majesty, so the palace sent me here to manage it."

"Alright!" Li Yu waved his hand, ordering two servants to carry in a wooden box. He said to the shopkeeper, "Here is 3000 taels of silver. Give it to the King of Qin."

After saying that, Li Yu took out ten taels of silver from his pocket and tossed it to Manager Yu, saying, "As for these ten taels, they are your hard-earned money."

.........