"Jiujiu has arrived, come and sit close, there’s still time before the banquet, keep me company and chat. Bi Xiang, quickly brew a cup of the newly tribute Nanyuan Imperial Tea for Jiujiu to taste." The Empress Dowager was very happy to see her grandson and granddaughter-in-law arrive and teased her grandson, "Momo, wherever Jiujiu goes, you follow. Could it be that you’re afraid I, me, will snatch Jiujiu away?"
Long Xuanmo nodded seriously, "Grandson indeed fears Royal Grandmother might snatch Ah Jiu away, hence he trailed behind earnestly, yet Royal Grandmother only asked Ah Jiu to taste the new tea, completely forgetting about her grandson."
With a reproachful glance at Long Xuanmo, Yang Mengchen’s cheeks blushed slightly as she took her seat next to the Empress Dowager.
With captivating eyes and a coquettish blush on her powdered face, Long Xuanmo felt a burning desire, his gaze was filled with undisguised passion.
Seeing the loving couple, the Empress Dowager felt both delighted and relieved, "Bi Cui, go brew another cup of tea, so Momo won’t accuse me, me, of playing favorites, haha."
Bi Cui respectfully acknowledged and departed.
"While Royal Grandmother spoils Ah Jiu, don’t forget about your grandson; he naturally won’t mind if you, me, play favorites," Long Xuanmo requested.
Yang Mengchen, with her head lowered, pondered to herself.
She remembered how cold and domineering Wende was at first, but he had now turned shamelessly thick-skinned. Had she not known Wende to some extent, she would hardly believe it.
The grandson had borne too many responsibilities, keeping his distance from everyone since he was sensible, but seeing him like this now filled the Empress Dowager with joy.
Soon, Bi Xiang and Bi Cui came in with two cups of tea and respectfully served them to Yang Mengchen and Long Xuanmo.
Lifting the crystal-clear white jade tea cup, Yang Mengchen took a delicate sniff, inhaled deeply, then elegantly sipped a bit before exhaling a long breath.
In her previous life, she owned a large tea garden that produced only the finest teas, and she had tasted many famous ones, yet none were as delicious as this Nanyuan Imperial Tea.
"The fragrance is elegant and full-bodied, the liquor bright and clear, refreshing and smooth to drink with a lasting and distant aftertaste, truly the pinnacle of teas!"
Hearing Yang Mengchen’s words of praise and seeing her enjoyment as if she was drinking the elixir of Mother Wang, the Empress Dowager couldn’t stop smiling.
"Royal Grandmother, please remember to pack two ounces of this tea after the dinner, so your grandson can take it back and enjoy it leisurely," Long Xuanmo directly requested.
The annual production of Nanyuan Imperial Tea was very limited, therefore, it was only offered as tribute to the emperor, who then distributed it as rewards to others, of course not forgetting the Empress Dowager who was allotted the most next to the emperor, simply because she loved tea the most.
The Empress Dowager pretended to be upset, "Didn’t your father give you three ounces? Why are you still thinking about snatching my, me, good tea?"
"Three ounces are not enough," Long Xuanmo defended confidently, "Ah Jiu likes this Nanyuan Imperial Tea, naturally, the more the better."
Knowing Ah Jiu’s fondness, he should have secured more earlier. Later, he would ask his father and mother, so as to ensure Ah Jiu could enjoy the tea until next year’s new harvest arrives.
"It’s all because our granddaughter-in-law has a sweet tooth. Please, Royal Grandmother, don’t blame the Prince. In due time, when the new tea from Qinghe Prefecture is ready, the Prince and the granddaughter-in-law will surely present the finest tea leaves as filial piety to Royal Grandmother, and she will also specially prepare several kinds of floral and herbal teas for you, me," Yang Mengchen cooed as she clung to the Empress Dowager’s arm.
The Empress Dowager beamed with joy, "I, me, know our Jiujiu is the most filial, Momo, you must learn well from Jiujiu."
When at the Yang family, Jiujiu always thought of her whenever there was good tea, especially those floral and herbal teas personally crafted by her, which she very much enjoyed.
"Royal Grandmother’s teachings are right," said Long Xuanmo sincerely, yet he stole tender and amused glances at his beloved wife.
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