The stove for the tea-roasting pan was designed with a steep incline: the front fire door was set low, while the rear workstation was raised, typically at an angle of thirty degrees, though some went as steep as forty-five. The height of the stove and the even distribution of heat within the pan were the primary technical considerations. In the end, it was Li Tieshuan, Li Genfu, and Li Genxi who stood there, taking turns to gesture and test the ergonomics until they finalized the height.
Lin Zezu taught the art of tea roasting to Li Tieshuan’s family. Li Tieshuan was moved to tears on the spot. The master had already agreed to provide the silver for Li Genshou to purchase tools, for which the Li family was already deeply grateful; now, to be entrusted with this trade secret as well—how could he not be moved? With his wife working up on the mountain picking tea leaves, the entire process, starting from how to lay the bricks for the stove, was taught without the slightest reservation. Truly, the Li family must have accumulated merit over eight lifetimes to encounter such a master.
Li Tieshuan’s gratitude mirrored that of Li Tiezhu, which left Lin Zezu feeling deeply touched; he mused that he was, perhaps, a capitalist with a conscience. In truth, in every industry, both ancient and modern, the actual producers reap the smallest share of the total profits. However, even if the Li family were to earn silver in the future, if they lacked someone capable of truly shouldering the …
Chapter 27