"Your elder's command, I dare not refuse. Since Uncle-Grandfather has given his order, please forgive my impertinence, Your Highnesses!"
This was a golden opportunity to make a good impression. Han Mo immediately cupped his hands towards Han Jiayan.
"Speaking of which, this is true. We're taking advantage of Uncle's generosity!"
Seeing Han Mo roll up his sleeves and sit down, Prince Yun, Zhao Kai, said with a smile.
"Hahaha, we are family, why bother with such formalities? Shu'er, go see why your mother hasn't arrived yet? These Your Highnesses have been waiting here for quite some time, why is she so late?"
Han Shu was about to say something, but before he could, Han Jiayan directly sent him away. kanshuwu.net
"Yes!"
Since his father had spoken, even if Han Shu was extremely unwilling, he could only retreat aside for now.
Seeing the troublemaker leave, Han Mo finally relaxed. He washed his hands in the basin beside him and picked up the tools in front of him.
Although he hadn't encountered these things before, looking at the utensils, he could vaguely guess what they were for.
He knew a little about the "Dou Cha" (tea competition) of the Song Dynasty. While he wasn't an expert, he was sure he could use these tools to boil some sugar water.
He picked out the largest kettle, cleaned it, and then specifically scooped a kettle of clear water from a specially made water barrel.
"This is mountain spring water specially brought from the mountains outside the city. Your Highnesses must savor it!"
In the Song Dynasty's "Dou Cha," it wasn't just the tea that mattered, but also the water used to brew it.
Among all waters, mountain spring water was the best. Next were live waters from rivers and lakes, and well water was the lowest grade!
As a fan of "Dou Cha," the water Han Jiayan used for brewing tea was always spring water brought by his family from outside the city every morning.
Listening to them chat about all sorts of things, Han Mo had no intention of joining in.
Both ginger and brown sugar had strong flavors. Regardless of whether it was mountain spring water or river water, as long as it was boiled with these ingredients, the taste would be similar.
While they were chatting, the water in the kettle finally boiled. Han Mo used the bamboo tongs beside him to pick up a piece of brown sugar and then rolled up his sleeves to put it into the teapot.
As the boiling water was poured in, the piece of brown sugar dissolved directly.
Immediately after, a thick scent of ginger and brown sugar water spread out. Seeing the eager princes, Han Mo almost burst out laughing inwardly.
These were truly unsophisticated people. In his past life, drinking brown sugar water would warrant such a grand display. If he weren't considered insane and sent to a mental hospital, it would be a miracle.
"Your Highnesses, please!"
As Han Mo spoke, he directly poured the brown sugar water from the kettle into the teacups beside him and made a gesture of invitation to them.
"Please!"
Han Jiayan was the first to pick up a cup. After sniffing it, he made a gesture of invitation to the princes.
Seeing his intoxicated expression, Han Mo almost couldn't hold back his laughter.
Was it really necessary to be so impressed by drinking brown sugar water?
However, it couldn't be blamed on them. Emperor Huizong of Song was extremely fond of "Dou Cha," and as the saying goes, when the superior has a preference, the subordinate will follow.
These princes had been influenced by tea culture since childhood. Whether it was the gesture of holding the cup or the action of drinking tea, each of them was impeccable.
Especially Prince Yun, Zhao Kai, his infatuated expression made Han Mo pinch his thigh hard to suppress his laughter.
"Indeed, it is an ultimate delicacy. After drinking it, I feel completely at ease. The chill I felt on the road has all dissipated!"
After drinking the last drop of water in his cup, Prince Yun, Zhao Kai, was the first to praise it.
"Your Highness is too kind!"
Han Mo quickly stood up, cupped his hands towards Zhao Kai, his smile exceedingly bright.
This was a perfect endorsement. Although he couldn't get Emperor Huizong to be a test subject, with his most favored son vouching for it, the price of this item should be fine!
"What do Your Highnesses think?"
Han Jiayan looked directly at the remaining princes.
"Indeed, it is an ultimate delicacy. Uncle's clan truly has many talented individuals!"
"That's right, that's right. The Han family of Xiangzhou is truly as renowned as they say!"
Seeing the proud expression on Han Jiayan's face, the princes also obligingly offered their praises.
"This item is excellent, but after drinking it today, what will we do in the future?"
Seeing everyone begin to praise it, Prince Yun, Zhao Kai, said to Han Mo with a half-joking tone.
"Hahaha, if Your Highness likes it, this is a trivial matter. I'll leave half of these here, and you can take the rest with you."
Han Jiayan said as he patted the box beside him.
"I say, Uncle, you can't show favoritism! We seven brothers came together, and you only gave Brother Three one portion. What about the rest of us?"
"Hahaha, Brother Eighteen, you're making things difficult for Uncle!"
Zhao Gou smiled, then his gaze directly fell upon Han Mo beside him.
He was truly curious about how this young man's mind worked.
How could he come up with something like this!
"Hahaha, Your Highness is right. There's no need to trouble a second person for this. I say, Mo-ge'er, this is a mess you've stirred up yourself, and you have to clean it up!"
Han Jiayan said as he looked at Han Mo.
"It's rare that Your Highnesses like it so much. Actually, this matter is indeed my fault. How about this, I'll send a portion to each of Your Highnesses' residences later. What do you think?"
Han Mo was not foolish, and he naturally understood that this was a good opportunity Han Jiayan was giving him.
Having been forced to accept that token today, he was now branded with Prince Yun, Zhao Kai's mark.
At this moment, no matter what, there was still a Crown Prince living in the Eastern Palace!
It was better to seize this opportunity to fish in troubled waters!
"This is excellent. This is a token from my residence. Mo-ge'er, you are welcome to visit anytime you are free!"
After hearing Han Jiayan, Prince Shu, Zhao Shu, also took out a token from his sleeve.
Seeing Zhao Shu make a move, the other princes followed suit, each taking out their own tokens from their sleeves.
"Thank you for Your Highnesses' favor. Since that is the case, I will not be modest! When I visit your residences another day, please bear with me!"
As Han Mo spoke, he smiled at Prince Shu, Zhao Shu, and then cupped his hands in a bow to the princes, showing no sign of timidity at all.
This confident demeanor truly made Han Jiayan appreciate him even more.
Compared to his own son, Han Mo's performance today was neither humble nor arrogant, and it was truly outstanding!
Even in the presence of the princes, he did not disgrace the prestige of the Han family of Xiangzhou!
However, Han Jiayan also revealed a meaningful smile for Zhao Shu's assistance today.
The handling of the situation itself was remarkable, but this final move, the trick of seizing the opportunity, was executed with extreme skill, effortlessly defusing Zhao Kai's previous offensive.
It seemed that none of these princes were simple individuals!