4 Questioning the Hear (2/2)
”Well done. It's been hard on you, Old Tian!”
The mountain roads went a long way, and any normal person would have found them difficult to navigate, much less travel on them with such a heavy load.
”The Yellow Fruits have ripened. Wait here. I'll go fetch them.”
Fang Yuan beamed.
”Sigh…”
What should have been elation on Old Tian's features was instead a look of hesitation. Old Tian then began grinding his teeth.
”Err...there is something you must know, Young Master. I don't think we can trade anymore.”
”Oh?”
Fang Yuan raised his eyebrows slightly.
”But Old Tian, were you not pleased with the herbs you received the last time? Or did you find my prices too extortionate? These matters are all up for discussion.”
”No no no! The herbs and spices cultivated by Master Wenxin are undeniably top grade. As for you, Young Master, even the herbs on the highest mountains or in thickest forests cannot compare to the ones you gave me in terms of their richness in quality. It's just that…”
Old Tian flailed his arms.
”In any case, it won't work out anymore!”
”Alright then!”
Having tested Old Tian, Fang Yuan had gained a rough idea of what was going on.
He let out a grin.
”If that's the case, then let us at least clear our inventory this time round. Have a seat Old Tian. It's getting late. Why not stay for a meal and some tea before you leave?”
”A meal?!”
Old Tian gulped. He could almost smell the fragrance of the Crystal Rice he had dug into the last time he visited. The uncertainty he had felt previously was overcome by his inner glutton.
”If Young Master would kindly spare two rice buns, this old man would be ever so grateful…”
Old Tian showed no more signs of leaving. It was as if his legs were rooted into the ground. Fang Yuan suppressed a giggle.
In the world beyond the valley, Crystal Rice was a superior grain that only affluent families could afford. The Crystal Rice crop cultivated by Fang Yuan was even better in quality. Old Tian only had one serving the last time and was already spellbound. He had even requested for some seeds, but it did not take a genius to figure out what happened to his crop.
”You are too courteous, Old Tian. Your visits to the valley are rare occasions, and I like to think that I am a decent host.”
Fang Yuan smiled as he entered his hut, and before long, a rich aroma filled the air.
Old Tian craned his name and sniffed with all his might. His look of intense eagerness made him look even more monkeyish. It was a hilarious sight.
”Do put up with this simple meal!”
Fang Yuan reappeared from the hut with a wooden tray laden with two bowls of Crystal Rice and two more food dishes.
One of the dishes was a freshly picked cucumber, rinsed in spring water and served in slices. They looked like exquisitely carved pieces of jade.
The other dish was pickled beans. The fragrance of the dish wafted into Old Tian's nose and made his stomach grumble in response.
”Excellent! Marvellous!”
Of course, the star of the show was the pearl-like granules of Crystal Rice in the wooden bowls. Their aroma, mixed in with the fragrance of the pickled beans, had Old Tian enthralled.
Old Tian decided to help himself and descended into the rice bowls with relish, letting out grunts of satisfaction at intervals.
Like a raging storm, Old Tian had polished off three large bowls of Crystal Rice and the two dishes. He then seemed to realise that his behaviour was unseemly, and gave a rueful grin.
”Young Master, your culinary skills are legendary. None of the dishes served at the most expensive banquets in the city can compare to the ones you cook!”
”Come come, have some tea!”
Fang Yuan calmly served Old Tian a cup of tea with a look of indifference.
This was a cup of Questioning Heart Tea, but it was not prepared via the Meditative Tea Ceremony. Fang Yuan had long planned to use it on someone so that he could observe its effects for himself. It was just as well that Old Tian had turned up.
”Smells good!”
Although not brewed according to the proper procedures, but the tea was clear and had a pleasant scent. It was the perfect post-meal beverage. Old Tian's hands were trembling as he fetched the cup over.
”I've never seen a finer breed of tea in my life. Is this a new variety cultivated by Young Master?”
Fang Yuan merely smiled in reply and said nothing. Old Tian dared not ask further and without further ado, emptied the cup in one fell swoop.
Kaboom!
As the tea flowed down his throat, Old Tian felt as though a great waterfall had descended into his body and purified his heart and soul. There was also a rush into his brain that triggered vivid images of his life thus far - his childhood poverty, the struggle of his youth, the hardships of his current days. Old Tian could not help but feel a wave of immense sadness, and tears flowed down his cheeks in steady streams.
Fang Yuan observed the interesting changes of expression taking place on Old Tian's face with glee.
”Young Master, I am guilty!!”
Old Tian suddenly began to bawl unrestrainedly and fell to his knees.
”Master Wenxin saved my life, and yet I let myself be bribed into destroying your source of income. I deserve death!”
”Ahh…”
Fang Yuan was taken aback at the potency of the Questioning Heart Tea.
He peered carefully at Old Tian and shook his head.
”That's right. Without the Meditative Tea Ceremony, the Tea cannot boost one's magical ability...Otherwise, Old Tian would not be in this state!”