A Dream of Splendor Episode 16 Recap
> A Dream of Splendor Recap
Since Half-Covered Face became popular in Tokyo, the business of nearby large and small tea houses has become increasingly sluggish, forcing them to imitate Half-Covered Face. But in the end, it was merely a clumsy imitation, only copying the appearance without understanding the essence. So, when Zhao Pan'er and Sun Sanniang tasted these tea treats, they both found the taste unpleasant. In fact, Zhao Pan'er had long anticipated the current situation.
After all, in welcoming guests and doing business, there will always be competition among peers. However, she did not react as strongly as Song Yinzhang; she even felt it was a blessing in disguise. Although good wine needs no bush, if they wanted more people to understand the benefits of Half-Covered Face, they still needed to show how they were different from other tea houses. The imitation goods in Teatang Lane could even serve as promotion.
As for the pipa musicians in Teatang Lane, Zhao Pan'er also thought of a countermeasure. The next day, Half-Covered Face held an event to give back to old customers, where they could go upstairs to listen to music without buying tea treats. At first, the performer was Susu Niang from Teatang Lane. Everyone heard something different, and then it was Song Yinzhang. The two played the 'Mingfei Tune' together, and the superiority was immediately clear.
As expected, Susu Niang, who had been devoted to the pipa her whole life, realized she was not as skilled. In front of everyone, she asked to become Song Yinzhang's disciple and offered to stay at Half-Covered Face. The customers suddenly realized the difference in skill between the two and felt that the performance today was extremely brilliant. At the same time, Manager Hu of Qingming Fang heard the news and was furious.
He immediately brought people to cause trouble, stating directly that the twenty-seven tea houses in Teatang Lane would not serve customers of Half-Covered Face and demanded that everyone make a choice. Those present were scholars and gentlemen, naturally hoping that everything could be discussed and relationships eased. Unexpectedly, Manager Hu was aggressive and spoke rudely. His purpose was to make her retreat due to difficulty and voluntarily close down. Zhao Pan'er had never feared powerful figures.
She stated that Half-Covered Face had been registered and paid fees in the Tokyo tea trade long ago. If today's matter did not end well, even if she had to sacrifice her business, she would sue at the yamen to seek justice. Manager Hu was so angry he was speechless, directly cursing Zhao Pan'er for being malicious. Sun Sanniang retorted that they were going too far in their bullying.
Considering that Zhao Pan'er had just opened a shop in Tokyo and her business was so large, there must be powerful figures behind her who could not be offended. Manager Hu was caught in a dilemma and simply suggested a tea competition. If Half-Covered Face won, they would pour tea and apologize and never speak ill of Half-Covered Face again. Zhao Pan'er accepted Manager Hu's challenge. Everyone gathered around to witness this rare tea competition skill.
Du Changfeng was chasing truant students when he accidentally heard about the tea competition between Teatang Lane and Half-Covered Face. He also went to watch out of curiosity. Unfortunately, he had lost his glasses, so he asked the students to describe the process to him.
In the subsequent preparations for the tea competition, Manager Hu deliberately showed off royal tribute tea, natural spring water, and the golden grinder passed down by the Tea Immortal Lu Tong, to demonstrate that his tea products were superior. In contrast, Half-Covered Face only used rainwater, a copper grinder, and previously unheard-of pre-rain tea, making everyone present feel it was slightly inferior. However, Zhao Pan'er didn't care. She slowly stood up and danced around the table.
Her graceful posture attracted attention. Coincidentally, Gu Qianfan was passing by. He stood at the entrance and looked inside, becoming entranced. Manager Hu disliked Zhao Pan'er's brothel-like demeanor, but Du Changfeng couldn't help but retort, leaving him speechless. When it came to the tea whisking stage, Zhao Pan'er and Manager Hu each relied on their skills, and it was subsequently judged a tie.
Next was the crucial 'biting the cup', which refers to the color of the tea liquid, water marks, and tea flavor. It meant not only competing in tea but also in flavor, and even in color and foam. The victory was mainly decided by the color of the tea liquid and the 'biting' of the tea foam against the cup. Manager Hu's tea color was excellent, and the characters on the tea foam were clearly visible.
Looking at Zhao Pan'er's tea foam which gradually dispersed, it was clear the outcome was decided. Just as several gentlemen were about to announce the winner of this round, Zhao Pan'er asked everyone to wait a moment. As soon as she finished speaking, the tea foam magically formed a picture, which was 'Tea Hundred Plays', a performance art using tea. The gentlemen were amazed and ruled that Zhao Pan'er had won. The final round was tasting the tea flavor.
Teatang Lane and Half-Covered Face each had their strengths, but Manager Hu's tea left a lingering fragrance, while Zhao Pan'er's was unique. Although Zhao Pan'er won the tea competition, she remained graceful and spoke very appropriately, which convinced Manager Hu. He decided not to make things difficult for Half-Covered Face in the future and welcomed Zhao Pan'er to visit Teatang Lane anytime.
After Manager Hu left, Zhao Pan'er prepared tea treats and drinks for everyone, also as a way to express gratitude for their support. Du Changfeng fumbled his way forward and accidentally tripped on the threshold, almost falling. Sun Sanniang tried to reach out to catch him, but unfortunately, it was too late. He fell directly onto Sun Sanniang's feet, scattering white powder from head to face. It was this splash of flour that caused those present to laugh and tease.
Sun Sanniang did not see Du Changfeng's appearance and apparently forgot that he was Ouyang Xu's classmate. Instead, she thanked him for speaking out righteously today. Similarly, Du Changfeng felt that Sun Sanniang was gentle and virtuous. He picked up his glasses and looked, only seeing her back at most, and couldn't help but feel moved.
