plumnovel Chapter 58 Ancient Articles
Chapter 58 Ancient Articles
"What arrogance!" Du Shenyan took the three rolls of hemp paper, a sneer playing on his lips.
Upon seeing the two words "The Classic of Tea" prominently displayed at the beginning of the book, I was immediately filled with anger.
"Good heavens, you actually dared to use the character '经' (jing, meaning classic text) in a name? Do you think you're a saint?!"
"Also, you deliberately omitted a horizontal stroke from the character '荼' throughout the entire text, didn't you?"
"I'll see what you're capable of, daring to be so arrogant!"
Read it aloud in front of everyone.
"Tea is a thing, but tea drinking is a way. I obtained a recipe left by an immortal, and after personally exploring its essence, I wrote this down."
"It covers the origin of tea, tea utensils, tea making, tea vessels, tea brewing, tea drinking, tea-related matters, tea production, and a brief overview of tea, totaling three volumes, nine chapters, and a thousand words..."
The sound gradually faded.
I had only read the beginning when I could already sense the surging momentum of what was to come, and I unconsciously swallowed.
An expert can tell a lot just by looking at their work; someone who writes regularly can sense the aura of words.
If one has rugged hills and valleys in their heart, they will begin by describing the view of distant mountains; if one has boundless oceans in their heart, they will begin by depicting the rushing of great rivers.
Only those who are old-fashioned and have limited knowledge would meticulously craft every word and try to force parallelisms, delaying getting to the point.
Lu Jun begins by providing a nine-chapter outline, covering everything from the most important to the most trivial, with a clear order and extremely detailed content!
The origin of tea, the utensils of tea, the making of tea, the vessels of tea... Nine chapters and a thousand words, truly encompassing everything!
At that time, nobles, eminent monks, famous Taoists, officials, scholars, merchants, and laborers all loved to drink tea. If they obtained a general treatise on tea, they would treasure it as if they had found a priceless gem!
No wonder they dared to name it "The Classic of Tea"...
Du Shenyan's gaze swept over the three volumes of voluminous text, his heart skipped a beat, and blood rushed to his face.
"Brother Bijian, why don't you continue reading!" Su Weidao was an impatient person and urged him repeatedly.
He simply stepped forward, took the second and third volumes from his hands, and began to read them himself.
Chen Zi'ang couldn't wait any longer, so he snatched the third volume from Su Weidao's hands and went to the window to study it carefully.
Du Shenyan then continued reading:
"Tea is a fine tree of the South, growing to one or two feet, or even tens of feet tall..."
"Wild ones are the best, garden ones are next; on sunny cliffs and in shady forests, purple ones are the best, green ones are next; bamboo shoots are the best, buds are next; curled leaves are the best, unfurled leaves are next; those from shady mountain slopes and valleys are not worth picking..."
"Tea, in its use, has an extremely cold nature; as a beverage, it is most suitable for those who are refined in conduct and frugal in virtue..."
"If you experience thirst, stuffiness, headache, dry eyes, weakness in your limbs, or general discomfort, take four or five sips; they will rival the effects of ambrosia and nectar..."
This is the first article in "The Origin of Tea," which discusses the growing environment, properties, and uses of tea.
Because tea had a huge impact on the economy and life after the mid-Tang Dynasty, it has always been a subject of study, and Lu Jun has read many works on it.
The Classic of Tea was naturally included, and after a while, I became quite familiar with the entire text.
Although I don't remember everything and I added some parts myself, the common sense and methods are still the original content.
At this moment, Du Shenyan's voice became softer again.
Having been famous for nearly thirty years, he has naturally written essays and notes, and knows the highlights of articles on different topics.
For a monograph on diet to dare to delve into this topic so thoroughly, Lu Jun's research is so meticulous and her knowledge so extensive that it is truly unfathomable!
I thought he was just lucky, that he stumbled upon a lost recipe and learned some minor skills, but I never expected...
Upon hearing this, Li Qiao slowly nodded: "As expected of the Medicine King's legacy, the text describes the properties and uses of tea in great detail. It would be impossible to write such a thing without profound knowledge!"
He also joined in, discussing Du Shenyan's second and third essays, "Tea Utensils" and "Tea Making."
"Tea Utensils" discusses various tea utensils such as the steamer, pestle, compass, tray, and saddle, and can be used as a textbook.
"The Making of Tea" tells the story of the tea-making process, from picking and steaming to making compressed tea and stir-frying tea, which is extremely rare.
Steamed tea and compressed tea are fine, but stir-fried tea is still a closely guarded secret, and to this day, no one outside the palace has learned it properly...
Because iron woks were not yet widely used, the chefs in taverns and teahouses were not familiar with the techniques of frying tea and could only learn by trial and error.
They couldn't possibly try to extract information from the palace, nor did they know that it was Lu Jun who created it, so they had no way of finding out the technique.
And this article... actually mentions it!
Li Qiao and Du Shenyan exclaimed simultaneously, "A tea-frying method! Lu Shiyi is actually going to reveal it publicly?"
Du Shenyan, who had originally intended to find fault with the article, completely forgot about that and only wanted to read through its contents as quickly as possible.
Upon hearing Li and Du's words, the others immediately shouted, "Hurry up and look, then exchange!"
So, the seven people were divided into three groups—
Li Qiao and Du Shenyan were paired up;
Su Weidao, Shen Quanqi, and Song Zhiwen form a group;
Chen Zi'ang and Cui Shi formed another pair.
Everyone held their breath, watching and silently memorizing.
The following chapters discuss tea utensils, the process of brewing tea, the techniques of whisking and steeping tea, the history of tea drinking, tea-producing regions, etiquette for various occasions, and so on.
For a time, the scholars were as if drinking fine wine, silently intoxicated by the experience, and no one spoke for a long time.
They took turns reading the entire text.
Su Weidao sighed, "Given the current prevalence of tea drinking, this article could easily be sold for money, yet Lu Shiyi chose to publish it publicly. Truly, this demonstrates the integrity of a renowned scholar!"
Li Qiao said, "Given Lu Shiyi's broad knowledge, I'm afraid he could only have recorded less than ten percent of the prescriptions left by the Medicine King."
Song Zhiwen said, "The writing is clear and concise, without elaborate language; it is enough to be passed down for ten thousand generations, serving as a model for all under heaven to learn from and study!"
Shen Quanqi said, "Tea was originally a beverage, but after Chu Yu summarized and generalized it, it will surely become a profound art in the future!"
Chen Zi'ang clicked his tongue and said, "I admire Lu Shiyi's dedication. He studies the principles of tea as if they were classic texts."
He bowed deeply to Lu Jun again:
"When Shi Yi took the imperial examination, I was unable to attend and hear his profound discussions. Now, seeing his extensive knowledge, rigorous scholarship, and exquisite writing, my regret has only increased."
"I've heard that the essays on the lost matters are even more exquisite, and the Empress Dowager treasures them like precious gems. They must be masterpieces of all time."
"It's a pity the Empress Dowager kept the scroll sealed; it must have contained secrets, and I'll never hear about it..."
A deep regret was evident on his face.
Cui Shi finally admitted in admiration, "I now realize that Brother Chu Yu's knowledge far surpasses mine..."
"Good!" Du Shenyan suddenly shouted.
She stepped forward, grabbed Lu Jun's collar, and pulled him towards her seat: "This seat is for you!"
"You're right. Writing a few poems that you think are well-written will only get you praise among your fellow poets."
"Your article is substantial and worthy of being described as 'speaking of the ways of the world' and 'personally practicing and remembering the essentials'!"
"It will surely be passed down through the ages, cherished and studied by people of all walks of life, from princes and generals to scholars, farmers, and peddlers. I am ashamed to admit my inferiority!"
"Chu Yu asked me to write the preface, which is to benefit me and allow me to become famous for all time. I want to thank you!"
Yes, Lu Jun did indeed have that intention.
In terms of actual literary talent, I am far inferior to the other party; the provocation was merely a ploy to provoke him.
It's not a big deal for a talented person to feel unappreciated, dissatisfied with their early success, and vent their frustrations.
The fact that Du Shenyan was able to raise a descendant like the Sage of Poetry shows that his family had a very upright character and he was by no means a petty person.
If I can help, I will.
Li Qiao, Su Weidao, and the others finally realized what was going on, thinking to themselves, "Oh dear, how come I didn't think of that when writing prefaces and postscripts, I could include my name on them!"
"Ahem, actually, an article doesn't necessarily have only one preface..." Su Weidao stroked his long beard.
Li Qiao cursed inwardly, "That old scoundrel has some nerve. He actually asked to write a preface just to make a name for himself in history."
He said sternly, "They've already said they specifically requested Brother Bijian to write the preface, so why are you arguing about it... I am the oldest, so it's only right that I write the postscript."
Su Weidao glared at him: "You write your postscript, I'll write my preface, we won't interfere with each other!"
Shen Quanqi and Song Zhiwen smiled and said, "I can also compose a poem and attach it at the end."
The former pulled Lu Jun close: "I've recently taken a liking to tea and have written a few short poems. I'll read them to you now..."
Song Zhiwen interrupted, "He's a disciple of the Emperor; showing him the respect due to a disciple is just a formality. What are you pretending for!"
Inside the private room, a chaotic commotion immediately erupted.
Chen Ziang stood aside with a smile, not going forward, watching the commotion with his arms crossed.
Lu Jun bowed deeply and said:
"I have only elaborated on the prescriptions left by the Medicine King and made some minor adjustments; I have not made any significant contribution."
"It is an honor for me to have been appreciated by so many senior scholars who are willing to write prefaces and postscripts for my writings. I have no reason to refuse."
"Once your great works are completed, I will host a banquet at my humble abode. I would be honored if you would grace me with your presence."
Hearing that they could all write prefaces and postscripts, everyone was overjoyed: "We must pay our respects to your esteemed residence and join in this great literary event."
Du Shenyan patted Lu Jun on the shoulder:
"Lu Lang, I finally understand why you've been given such an important position."
"When I was young, I was even more arrogant than you. I thought I came from a prestigious family and that my writing was unparalleled, but I was always envied and had a hard time finding good friends. To this day, I only have these few close friends."
"Only after meeting Lu Lang did I realize that one can be arrogant, but one should be arrogant when one should be, and not be arrogant when one should not be."
"I have read your peony poems many times. They do contain some insightful lines, but I always feel they don't deserve your sudden fame."
"Now I realize that one should go with the flow. Fame rises with the wind, not by feigning arrogance."
"Although you are young, you know how to treat people better than I do. I wish to become your friend despite the age difference!"
Without saying a word, he bowed to Lu Jun.
"Senior, you mustn't..." Lu Jun quickly bowed in return.
Just as he was about to kowtow a few more times to return the courtesy, Du Shenyan stopped him, saying, "I said we should be friends as equals, so we should be friends as equals!"
Although he considered Lu Jun a friend, he still spoke arrogantly and did not allow others to refute him.
"Haha, you're at a disadvantage if you try to befriend Chu Yu on equal footing with me," Li Qiao said with a smile.
Du Shenyan was taken aback: "What do you mean? I treat him as an equal, and aren't you also an equal?"
Li Qiao said, "I have a niece who is beautiful and gentle. Seeing someone like Chu Yu, I really can't help but want to act as a matchmaker and take advantage of you."
Du Shenyan's eyes widened: "Outrageous! I also have a daughter, and the Du family of Jingzhao is no less than the Li family of Zhaojun!"
"Ahem, Chu Yu, don't mind them!" Shen Quanqi came over and pulled Lu Jun aside.
Lu Jun smiled and said, "Thank you for helping me out of that predicament, Master."
Shen Quanqi said with a smile:
"They are all northern gentry, so don't bother with them. The Lu family of Wu County and my Shen family of Wuxing are the ones who are fellow townsmen."
"My Yunniang is about your age, she is quite beautiful, and she is a perfect match for you."
Lu Jun exclaimed in surprise, "When I visited your residence last time, I heard she was only nine years old..."
Shen Quanqi nodded: "That's right, you're only eighteen, there's no rush to get married, waiting a few years is just right!"
Lu Jun: "..."
The scholars were in a chaotic mess again; they had come to drink tea and chat, but hadn't drunk a drop for a long time.
Lu Jun made an excuse to go to the toilet and came out to catch her breath. She saw Cui Shi also walking out of the private room with a smile.
Fearing he might propose marriage again, he immediately asked about the important matter: "Regarding my brother's land assignment, who was responsible for this, Mr. Winter Official?"
Cui Shi replied, "Actually, I'm not sure, but my father said that the man is very close to the Vice Minister of the Ministry of War."
Lu Jun was taken aback: "Li Zhaode?"