After a while, Henry Brooks saw that it was about time, swept the tea into the third pan, and continued, “The last pan, also called the ‘ripe pan,’ mainly serves to further refine the tea strips. The temperature is even lower than the second green pan, about 130–150°C. At this point, the leaves are already quite soft. Stir-frying a few times with the tea broom, the leaves will drill into the bamboo branches inside the handle, which helps with shaping. With a slight shake, the leaves scatter back into the pan. Fry until the strips are tight and fine, emitting a tea fragrance. When about thirty to forty percent dry, you can take them out, cool them, and seal them in a jar.”

“Everyone take turns to try. If you don’t understand, just ask.”

Henry Brooks looked at the group, his eyes full of encouragement.

Chapter 14: The Wealth Plan

Afternoon.

Henry Brooks saw that everyone had learned, brought a jar of finished tea back to the study, brewed a pot, and the familiar taste and fragrance brought a wave of emotion—how hard it was just to have a cup of tea.

“Uncle.” Paul Rogers hurried over.

“Come, have a cup of tea.” Henry Brooks poured a cup.

Paul Rogers was truly parched, picked it up and gulped it down. The unfamiliar taste, the refreshing fragrance, and the subtle lingering sweetness surprised him: “Uncle, what kind of tea is this?”

“You… you drink like a cow, no sense of enjoyment at all. First you should look, then smell, then taste—sip slowly, savor the flavor. You should know, a cup of tea, a life… Forget it, you wouldn’t understand such things. Just tell me, does it taste good?”

“Not much flavor, a bit light, but with a fresh aroma. Still, it moistens the mouth and quenches thirst. Pour me another cup to try.” Paul Rogers looked curiously at the teapot.

Henry Brooks took a big cup, filled it to the brim, and pushed it over with a smile: “Forget it, someone like you is suited to gulping it down. You can’t appreciate the subtleties.”

“You really know me, uncle.” Paul Rogers grinned, picked up the big cup, and downed it in a few gulps. Instantly, he felt clear and refreshed all over; the fullness and greasiness from the meal vanished. He became interested and said, “It’s a very unique taste, feels great to drink. Give me another cup.”

For a martial arts fanatic, expecting him to say something refined like “taste it, sweet and smooth, the lingering fragrance remains in the mouth,” let alone recite poetry such as “one bowl moistens the throat, two bowls dispel loneliness, three bowls search the dried-up bowels, only five thousand scrolls of books. Four bowls bring a light sweat, all life’s injustices dissipate through the pores. Five bowls cleanse the flesh and bones, six bowls connect to the spirit. Seven bowls is too much, only a cool breeze rises under the arms,” is out of the question.

Henry Brooks poured another big cup, and after Paul Rogers finished drinking, asked, “How much do you think this tea is worth?”

Paul Rogers thought for a moment and said seriously, “This tea is very special. It seems to help with digestion, smooth the breath, and quench thirst. A cup is worth at least a hundred wen.”

Henry Brooks breathed a sigh of relief. If Paul Rogers could accept it and value it at a hundred wen, others would likely feel the same. The tea was a success, but it couldn’t be sold directly yet. Changing people’s eating and drinking habits isn’t easy; new things need time and opportunity to be introduced. There’s no rushing it.

“By the way, uncle, I almost forgot the main thing. There’s a new group of Baiqi Si outside the residence, led by the eldest of the Cheng family. I asked, and they said Minister Li submitted a memorial, suggesting His Majesty strengthen security in the area.”

“Li Xiaogong, Baiqi Si?” Henry Brooks was a bit surprised, but soon understood the deeper meaning. Li Xiaogong did this to protect the treasured sword from being stolen or robbed, so he could win it at the public auction. As for Baiqi Si, they are the elite of the Xuanjia Army, Li Er’s ace personal troops. Why would they be sent here?

If it was just for safety, the city guards would suffice—no need to dispatch Baiqi Si. Could it be that Li Er had a pang of conscience? Or did he realize my value and want to win me over?

Soon, Henry Brooks thought of another possibility—to ensure the treasured sword is not lost!

Paul Rogers added worriedly, “There’s one more thing. The Crown Prince came in person to question us, but was forcefully turned away at the door by Baiqi Si. He left looking very upset. I’m afraid he’ll hold a grudge. What should we do? He’s the heir, the future emperor. If he punishes us then, what will we do?”

“No worries, just let things take their course,” Henry Brooks comforted him, not concerned at all. Just a self-destructive, useless crown prince—he’ll rebel in a few years and die on the way to exile in Qianzhou.

“But—?” Paul Rogers didn’t know the course of history and was quite worried.

“I have a task for you. Back in the day, there were many loyal and righteous men who followed your father. Pick some trustworthy ones and contact them in secret. I’m planning to do some business and need reliable people.”

Paul Rogers’s expression changed, and he reminded, “That’s a lowly trade. Aren’t you afraid?”

Among the four classes—scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants—merchants rank last and have low status. For a dignified Duke of Yi, a Tang noble, to go into business would be looked down upon and could bring endless trouble. Of course, Henry Brooks understood the risks, but he wasn’t afraid. He smiled, “No worries. When the time comes, just find a reliable person to act as the front. I’ll stay behind the scenes. Which high official in court doesn’t do this? Who doesn’t have some industry at home?”

“True. How many do you need?” Paul Rogers felt relieved when he heard Henry Brooks wouldn’t be directly involved.

“The more the better. Make contact first and be ready at any time,” Henry Brooks instructed seriously. People might be a burden to others in the Tang, but to Henry Brooks, they were the best resource for making money.

“Understood. If there’s nothing else, I’ll go patrol.” Paul Rogers got up and left.