A husband found in the village? I bought a regent for a penny!

Chapter 414 A Moment of Youthful Madness

It was Madam Song who opened the door.

She was dressed in simple everyday clothes, her hair was neatly combed and tied up in a bun with a silver hairpin.

With a gentle smile, she said, "Miss Gu has arrived."

Gu Xixi bowed and addressed her as "Master's wife".

Such a form of address signifies closeness or intimacy.

Madam Song's smile deepened, and she said warmly, "Don't stand outside, come in quickly."

I visited Pinlanju again.

It retains its tranquil and rustic style, but the traces of habitation everywhere add a touch of warmth and life to the place.

The orchids on the ground are growing well, showing that they have been carefully cared for by their owner.

As Madam Song led the guests, she said, "I've heard that Miss Xixi is an expert in the art of tea."

"My husband recently acquired some pearl orchid tea, and today is the first time he's opened it. He's waiting for Miss Xixi to enjoy the tea with him."

Madam Song subtly changed her address to "Miss Xixi," which was also a way of responding to Gu Xixi.

Gu Xixi laughed, "Those kids were just bragging for me, weren't they?"

"I just grow some tea trees and love drinking tea, so I figured out how to make some tea myself."

"But in the end, I'm just a farmer, ignorant of the three arts, so how could I dare to claim expertise in the tea ceremony?"

"I just hope I won't ruin the gentleman's fine tea later."

Madam Song chuckled softly, "The young lady is truly witty."

"If someone can grow and process tea themselves, how could they not understand the taste of tea?"

Old Master Song Qingshan has three things he loves dearly.

Numerous students, noble orchids, and the delicate fragrance of tea.

When Gu Xixi designed Pinlan Residence, she specially set aside a space in the study as a tea room.

A wooden platform was built on the ground and covered with straw mats.

You can sit on the floor while drinking tea.

The water on the small charcoal stove had already boiled.

Mr. Song personally rose to greet the guests, bowing respectfully.

Gu Xixi returned the greeting, saying, "I am honored to have been invited by you and your wife to come and disturb you."

Mr. Song gestured for him to sit down.

He turned around and knelt down behind the tea table.

Madam Song smiled at Gu Xixi, took her hand, and walked over.

The two men took their seats opposite Mr. Song.

I watched as he opened a jar of tea and used a bamboo tea scoop to dispense the appropriate amount of tea leaves.

Pearl Orchid Tea, as its name suggests, is made from green tea leaves that are scented multiple times with strings of pearl orchid buds.

Compared to common osmanthus and jasmine teas, pearl orchid tea has a subtle aroma that is not strong or overpowering.

Only upon close inspection can one perceive the delicate, subtle fragrance of the flowers.

Gu Xixi held a conical black-glazed Jian ware teacup, her eyebrows relaxed amidst the fragrant steam of tea.

"Good tea."

"Ordinary flower teas rarely use pre-rain tea as the tea base because of the seasonality of the flowers."

“The wild pearl orchids in Lingnan happen to bud in early spring, truly a combination of favorable timing and location.”

Mr. Song looked up and said, "This can of tea was indeed brought from Lingnan by one of my students."

"Mr. Gu took a small sip and then revealed the origin of the tea, yet he humbly claimed to be ignorant of the art of tea?"

Gu Xixi smiled and put down her teacup, saying earnestly, "The art of tea is profound and requires skill."

"I really don't know anything about tea ceremony. At most, I just have a sweet tooth and love to drink tea, so I've developed a rather picky palate."

"If I had to say what I know, it's just that I've benefited from farming and have a better understanding of plants."

Madam Song wholeheartedly agreed, saying, "Both flowers and tea are plants."

"In my opinion, we should be like Miss Xixi, drinking whatever we like, and as long as it suits our taste, it is good tea."

"If you have to use the word 'elegance' to describe every cup of tea you drink, it will really be exhausting."

Mr. Song laughed, "Does Madam think I have too many rules about drinking tea?"

Madam Song pursed her lips, "I didn't say that."

"Anyway, I don't care about you, and you shouldn't bother me."

"You can talk about your tea ceremony, I'll just enjoy my cup of fragrant tea all to myself!"

He then picked up the remaining half-cup of tea and drank it all in one gulp.

So interesting, Gu Xixi couldn't help but smile knowingly.

Then look at Mr. Song gazing at his beloved wife, smiling and shaking his head. His expression shows helplessness, but even more so, doting affection.

She was making trouble and he was laughing.

Such interaction between an elderly couple is truly rare.

Gu Xixi was somewhat lost in thought, the image of Mu Nanzhao's gaze as he looked at her flashing through her mind.

Mr. Song slowly poured hot water into the teapot, speaking as the water flowed:

"When I first arrived at Huachidu Village, I made a request to Boss Gu."

"How did it go after Boss Gu returned from Beijing?"

As he spoke, he looked up and stared directly at Gu Xixi, "I'll just ask directly."

Madam Song frowned, her tone carrying a subtle reminder, "Qingshan!"

She glanced at Gu Xixi, and deliberately smiled to smooth things over, "It was agreed that Miss Xixi would come for tea and a chat."

"You've only had three cups of tea, and you're already saying all this!"

Song Qingshan had initially asked Gu Xixi if he could meet the Regent.

After observing Gu Xixi's behavior and thinking about it carefully, Madam Song also felt that her husband was being a bit too demanding.

Even if the regent had once fallen on hard times and lived in seclusion in Huachidu Village.

Even though the Regent had personally written a letter inviting Song Qingshan to serve as a village school teacher.

However, times have changed. Not to mention that the Regent's Palace is now a world above the clouds, unattainable.

The regent was far away in the capital and was busy with many affairs of state, so he was in contact with important people and events every day.

How easy is it to see him?

Madam Song was worried that Gu Xixi might not be able to see the Regent himself in the capital this time.

Wouldn't it be embarrassing for Gu Xixi to bring this up in person now?

However, Mr. Song still didn't react, clearly determined to get an answer.

Madam Song glared at him secretly, wanting to say something more.

Gu Xixi smiled and said, "I promised you something, sir. No matter what the outcome is, I should visit you to give you my report."

Mr. and Mrs. Song watched Gu Xixi quietly.

She said, "I can let you see him. However, he cannot leave Beijing for the Northwest for the time being."

"But I can help you send a letter to the capital and present it directly to the Regent's Palace."

Gu Xixi spoke calmly and confidently.

Because of her previous encounter at Pinlanju, she still had too many uncertainties about Mu Nanzhao.

Therefore, she cannot make any promises to Song Qingshan without his consent.

But now that their relationship has progressed further, her state of mind is naturally very different from before.

Moreover, Song Qingshan was originally the teacher chosen by Mu Nanzhao.

Gu Xixi was confident she could make the decision regarding such a small matter as introducing him to Mu Nanzhao.

Mr. Song was stunned by Gu Xixi's words.

He threw down the wooden spoon, his eyes burning with fervor, yet also filled with disbelief.

"Is it really possible?"

"Does this old man truly have the chance to meet Lord Mu in person? And even the opportunity to correspond with him?"

Gu Xixi smiled and said, "Of course..."

Before he could finish speaking, Mr. Song suddenly stood up.

He walked to one side and paced back and forth quickly, muttering to himself:

"No, no, Lord Mu is very busy. How can I let him waste his energy replying to his letter?"

"But... if I could receive guidance from Lord Mu and exchange a few words with him through writing, I would have no regrets in this life..."

Now it was Gu Xixi's turn to be surprised.

Her smile froze, and she looked at Madam Song questioningly.

Madam Song seemed unsurprised, saying, "I'm getting old, and I'm acting like a young man, chasing after the people I admire."

"Please excuse my poor appearance, Miss Xixi."

Gu Xixi suddenly realized that Mr. Song's behavior seemed somewhat familiar.

Stanning celebrities?!