I run a training class in Shu Han

Chapter 122 Using Tea Instead of Wine

After the court session ended, the officials left the main hall one after another, filled with doubt.

Originally, the discussion was about how to solve the paper shortage problem, but unexpectedly, it turned out to be about starting a paper mill.

Not only did they make paper, but they also sought out papermaking techniques that were almost lost, such as "Cai Hou Paper" and "Zuo Bo Paper".

But this wasn't too difficult, since many papermaking craftsmen in Luoyang had been displaced by the war and were scattered among the people. As long as you put in some effort, you could always find some clues.

If all else fails, papermakers can be hired at high prices from the Central Plains region to make paper.

But now things are different. The imperial court not only wants to research papermaking itself, but also to innovate by using bamboo, which artisans have never tried before, to make paper. This is truly unbelievable.

Although Liu Shan often did things that surprised people, his actions of making paper from bamboo and summoning Taoist priests to join the papermaking class were really too bizarre.

"Prime Minister, this..."

A group of officials from the Prime Minister's office surrounded Zhuge Liang, for perhaps only he could fathom the Emperor's intentions at this moment.

Zhuge Liang shook his head, harboring doubts, yet still choosing to believe in this young emperor.

"Please stop asking questions and just do as His Majesty commands!"

After leaving the main hall, Liu Shan went straight to his study and recorded the memories that had just flashed through his mind, to be used for training craftsmen in the future.

After he finished, he stretched and rubbed his still throbbing temples.

Wang Gui brought over a cup of tea and then massaged Liu Shan's back.

"Your Majesty, it will soon be noon. Which concubine's palace shall we dine at?"

As Liu Shan drank his tea, he thought of the empress in the harem.

"Has it been a long time since I last visited the Empress?"

"Your Majesty, it has been almost half a month."

"Then let's go to Jiaofang Palace." Liu Shan stood up and instructed, "Take along whatever I had the kitchen prepare, so the Empress can have a taste."

In the springtime imperial palace, flowers bloom in profusion, and a warm breeze brings joy to the mind and body.

Liu Shan was preoccupied with papermaking and had no interest in appreciating the scenery along the way. He walked hurriedly and soon arrived outside the Jiaofang Palace.

Lady Zhang had been waiting outside the palace with her maids for some time. When she saw Liu Shan arrive, she quickly bowed and greeted him.

"Your Majesty, I pay my respects."

"Your Majesty, there's no need for such formalities. Please come inside with me to speak."

Liu Shan had not seen Lady Zhang for a long time. Now, Lady Zhang had a cool and elegant appearance, full of charm, and was very endearing.

"I have been busy with state affairs lately and have not been able to visit the Jiaofang Palace. Is Yun'er doing well?"

"Thank you for your concern, my lord. I am fine." Madam Zhang smiled gently, her gaze tender, showing no anger at Liu Shan's exclusive favor towards Consort Wang.

"It's almost noon, Yun'er, prepare lunch for your husband."

Zhang instructed her maid to prepare lunch, while she herself brewed tea and served the meal.

"Yun'er, are you enjoying this tea?"

"This tea has a clear and mellow aroma, and the tea soup is bright. This must be the true taste of tea. Nowadays, Yun'er can no longer drink those teas with ginger and scallions added."

"Yun'er, drink as much as you want. If you're not full, I'll have someone bring you more."

Upon hearing this, Zhang shook her head and said, "Husband, I've heard that the production of this tea is extremely limited. Apart from the Prime Minister, none of the other officials in the court have received any reward. Moreover, if you want to use tea to open up the Jiangnan market, I dare not be greedy."

"What's the big deal? Do you think I can't even afford this much tea?"

"It's not that my husband can't afford it, Yun'er just hopes that this tea can be used where it's needed."

"Yun'er, rest assured, Zongyu has already opened up the tea trade route in Eastern Wu, and the memorial was delivered to me yesterday."

Upon hearing this, Zhang beamed with joy.

"Lord Zong is indeed a pillar of the court, living up to the trust placed in him."

Once the tea trade route is established, it means that the imperial court will have another stable source of income.

"Yun'er, do you know how Zongyu mastered the art of tea?"

With nothing else to do, Liu Shan chatted with Zhang Shi.

It is said that Zong Yu brought new tea and a woman who knew the art of tea to Eastern Wu to pay his respects to Prime Minister Gu Yong.

The tea-making skills of those women were all personally taught by Liu Shan.

The techniques of warming the cup, shaking the dry tea to release its aroma, swirling the water, and skimming the foam, once put into practice, opened the eyes of the literati of Eastern Wu.

I never knew there were so many tricks to brewing tea.

However, the most important thing is the flavor of the tea itself.

The literati of Eastern Wu were used to drinking tea that used seasonings to mask the bitterness of the tea itself. Faced with this refreshing and fragrant new tea without any astringency, they immediately felt refreshed and agreed to promote this special tea in Jiangnan.

Upon hearing this, Zhang chuckled.

"The new tea my husband makes is so delicious that even I, a woman deep in the palace, find it wonderful, let alone them."

Liu Shan said, "I am never worried about whether the new tea can open up trade routes in Jiangnan. What I want is for this new tea to become a unique brand culture."

brand?

culture?

Zhang had never heard of this modern term before, so Liu Shan patiently explained, "If you want to sell this new tea at a high price, it must have something unique about it; that's what's called brand culture. Otherwise, in their eyes, it's just tea that tastes good."

After thinking for a moment, Zhang suddenly realized, "Yun'er understands. Just like Shu brocade, it can only be found in Yizhou, so we can set the price for it."

"That makes perfect sense. Shu brocade is made from the unique silk threads, dyeing techniques, and weaving craftsmanship of Yizhou, which embody the culture of Yizhou. The same goes for tea; I want to package it with culture."

At this point, Liu Shan deliberately kept everyone in suspense, asking, "Yun'er, do you know how I endowed this tea with a special cultural significance?"

Zhang shook her head and said, "Aside from the place of origin and variety, Yun'er can't think of anything else."

"Hehe, some cultures are historical cultures, while others are given by people."

Liu Shan's seemingly profound words only fueled Zhang's curiosity, and she tugged at his sleeve, pleading, "Husband, please tell Yun'er about it."

When a woman acts coquettishly, Liu Shan's heart itches, let alone with such a beautiful wife. He quickly said, "Gu Yong is not only an important figure in the Gu family of Wu County, one of the four major families in Jiangdong, but he also studied under Cai Yong and is the current prime minister, holding the highest position in the court. He is the foremost scholar in Jiangnan."

"But he was not good at drinking and was taciturn, but his words were always accurate. Sun Quan often enjoyed drinking and having fun with his ministers, and everyone was afraid that he would see them lose their composure after drinking. Therefore, they often lamented, 'Gu Gong is sitting here, which prevents us from enjoying ourselves.'"

After hearing this, Zhang said she could understand the situation of Sun Quan and others.

A person who doesn't like drinking but is good at making sure their words come true will make others think twice before speaking.

Sun Quan was hosting a banquet for his officials, and Gu Yong, as the prime minister, could not refuse to attend. However, if he did attend, he would inevitably be offered a toast, putting him in a real dilemma.

"I have Zongyu deliver a message to him, and he will surely be able to extricate himself unscathed."

"What are you saying?"

"I instructed Zongyu to tell him that if someone offers a toast at the next banquet, he should offer tea instead of wine. This way, he will not offend anyone and will also demonstrate his integrity as a leader of scholars."

Use tea instead of alcohol.

After silently repeating it to herself a few times, Zhang's face lit up with joy.

"With these words, it will surely become a beautiful story. My husband, you are truly a divine being."

Liu Shan was so flattered that he almost blurted out, "Basic stuff, don't be silly."

"With this unique cultural background, tea from Yizhou is not cheap."

Zhang said, "Since this tea is so expensive, Your Majesty should send it to Jiangnan to exchange for money and replenish the national treasury, rather than using it to reward Yun'er."

Liu Shan flicked her nose with his finger and said softly, "Yun'er, you're so silly. Whether this tea is good or not is not up to Eastern Wu to decide."

"If I say this is good tea, then it is good tea; what others say doesn't count."