TFBOYS Wang Yuan: Mist in the Flower Courtyard

In the third month, as the weather grew warmer and the first spring tea came onto the market in small quantities, business at Taoran Teahouse once again began to bustle.

Taoran Teahouse was the finest teahouse in the imperial capital. High officials, nobles, scholars, and refined guests often gathered in this elegant, three-story building, whether to discuss government and business, compose poetry, or simply steal a leisurely half-day. The first floor was frequented mostly by scholars and passing merchants, who talked about everything from family affairs to matters of state. The higher the floor, the more distinguished the guests. Young aristocratic dandies liked to gather on the second floor, where they could enjoy tea as well as admire beautiful performers singing and dancing or demonstrating the art of tea. The third floor was reserved for high-ranking and powerful officials to talk in secret and take a quiet break.