Ling Mohan said casually, his gaze still sweeping the tea house. The tea house was quite elegant, and the investment made was evident from its decor alone. It seemed the owner behind this tea house was either very wealthy or of noble status.
"Guest, please wait, I'll bring it right up."
The waiter carefully noted it down, replied respectfully, and then bowed and left.
Subsequently, Lu Shi and the other disguised individuals entered the tea house one by one, each taking a seat. Lu Shi was the closest to Ling Mohan, facilitating their communication.
"Guest, here is your tea, and some refreshments. This plate of side dishes is complimentary for our patrons. Please enjoy your tea, and call for me if you need anything."
After delivering the tea and pastries, the waiter quickly retreated to attend to other guests.
Ling Mohan picked up his teacup and took a sip, immediately recognizing the tea as a tribute tea from Jiangnan, recently presented to the court.
For a tea house located in the common market to possess such a prestigious tribute tea was indeed an astonishing matter, indicating that the owner behind the tea house was no ordinary person.
This further piqued Ling Mohan's curiosity. Since he was here today, he was determined to uncover the true identity of this grand proprietor, lest his visit be in vain.
Ling Mohan's gaze shifted to Lu Shi, signaling him with his eyes to commence the plan.
Having followed Ling Mohan for many years, Lu Shi had become adept at discerning his master's intentions. A single glance was enough for Lu Shi to understand Ling Mohan's purpose.
He immediately began to act according to Ling Mohan's wishes. Lu Shi grasped his teacup, drained the tea within, and then deliberately smashed the cup onto the floor. Following this, he swept the teapot and dishes onto the ground, stopping just short of overturning the table. The loud commotion immediately drew the attention of the other patrons in the tea house.
The waiter, hearing the noise, rushed over. He was momentarily surprised by the scene but quickly regained his composure.
After all, he was no stranger to the service industry and had encountered unruly patrons before; he was accustomed to such incidents.
"Esteemed guest, is there something unsatisfactory? If the tea or refreshments do not suit your palate, I shall replace them immediately."
Lu Shi's expression was one of disdain, his demeanor resembling that of a rogue or a ruffian looking to cause trouble: "Such a grand tea house as this dares to sell counterfeit tea! This tea is not Zhuyeqing; it is clearly the worst, most inferior grade of tea. You dare to pass off inferior goods as premium!"
"This is right under the Emperor's nose, and your tea house commits such acts, trying to swindle and deceive people, even me! Today, I will smash this tea house to vent my righteous anger!"
As his words fell, another tremendous crash ensued. Lu Shi, deeply immersed in his role, directly overturned the table. Now, all the patrons in the tea house turned their gaze towards him, murmuring and pointing.
"Esteemed guest, please speak reasonably. The tables in the tea house are made of huanghuali, which are very expensive. If you damage one by accident, you will have to pay for it..."
"What, you think I can't afford such a thing? The bowls I eat with are made of gold and silver, and the floors in my home are paved with jade. How could I not afford your table!"
Lu Shi was skilled at boasting, completely forgetting that he was currently disguised as an ordinary commoner.
The snobbish waiter, upon hearing Lu Shi's nonsensical ramblings, immediately his face darkened, and his expression towards Lu Shi turned decidedly unfriendly.
After all this commotion, he had thought it was merely a troublemaker, but unexpectedly, he was now dealing with someone who seemed utterly unhinged.
The waiter, no longer wanting to waste words with Lu Shi, waved his hand towards the entrance. A few burly men then entered, approaching Lu Shi directly. The height difference was significant, forcing the one-meter-eight Lu Shi to look up at the burly men who were nearly two meters tall.
In comparison, his imposing presence instantly diminished. Lu Shi lost his previous arrogance; facing such formidable individuals, even with his superior martial arts skills, he would be no match for them.
Ling Mohan seized the opportunity while Lu Shi was engaged with the brawny men. All eyes were focused on Lu Shi, and even the waiters guarding the second-floor staircase had gone to join the spectacle. Ling Mohan took this chance to hurry towards the second floor.
From the moment he stepped through the tea house's entrance, he had noticed the second-floor area. Waiters continuously patrolled the stairwell, making it exceedingly difficult for any patron to ascend.
He had long wished to investigate the second floor, and now that Lu Shi had drawn everyone's attention, he could take this chance to see what lay upstairs.
Lu Shi swallowed as he looked at the man towering over him, his previous arrogance gone. He slowly placed the teacup back into his hand.
Clearly, the situation was no longer conducive to causing trouble; it was better to remain docile.
Seeing Lu Shi's subdued demeanor, the waiter, being astute, signaled his subordinates to stand down and cease intimidating Lu Shi.
"Guest, your tea has spilled, and the pastries have fallen to the ground. I shall prepare another pot of fine tea for you and bring you another plate of pastries as an apology. All your expenses here today will be complimentary."
The waiter was also quite savvy in business. Since the proprietor's absence, he had been the sole one managing the establishment, which was truly exhausting.
When faced with troublemakers, if they were receptive to reason, the situation could be easily resolved. However, encountering someone as stubborn and unreasonable as Lu Shi, resorting to force was the most effective solution. As you can see, he has now settled down.
"My apologies to all the esteemed guests for disturbing your pleasant evening. I shall offer everyone another plate of pastries as an apology."
The patrons, who had been anticipating further drama, immediately shifted their focus back as they heard about the complimentary pastries, eagerly awaiting their arrival.
As the waiter carried the pastries to where Ling Mohan had been seated, he found the spot empty, not a soul in sight. Glancing at the few copper coins left on the table, he became even more perplexed.
Neither of the two plates of pastries had been touched; he had only drunk two cups of tea. Such an unusual guest was a first for him. In the blink of an eye, the person had vanished.