The Empress Dowager was very fond of this granddaughter-in-law. With the beloved grandson also interceding, she instructed Sister Chu to pack four taels of tea leaves and send them to the Prince Mansion.
"Mother, what interesting anecdotes have Momo and Jiujiu shared? From quite a distance, I heard Mother’s laughter—share it with your son as well," said the Emperor as he strode in, clad in a bright yellow dragon robe, followed by the formally dressed Empress and the Grand Prince, among others.
Yang Mengchen and Long Xuanmo rose to offer their greetings and pay respects.
With a nod, the Emperor sat down on the main seat to the right of the Empress Dowager, while Bi Xiang and Bi Cui hastily served tea to everyone.
With hearty laughter, the Empress Dowager said, "Jiujiu is filial, expressing a wish to specially prepare floral tea and medicinal tea for me. Prince, you might not know, but the floral tea that Jiujiu makes is refreshing and delightful, while the medicinal tea is fortifying and invigorating. Not to say that it can’t be found on the market, but even if it could, it would be extremely costly."
This statement, reaching the Emperor’s ears, hinted at boasting and made him envious and somewhat dispirited. Naturally, he promptly requested some for himself.
"Jiujiu, you are My Auspicious Princess and also My daughter-in-law. Don’t forget Me when you are honoring your Royal Grandmother; don’t be uneven in your attentions," said the Emperor.
Long Xuanmo was not pleased, "Your son and Ah Jiu have just married, and Ah Jiu also has to manage the affairs of the Prince Mansion; she does not have the leisure."
The Emperor couldn’t help but frown deeply upon hearing this.
That ungrateful rascal, always protecting his wife and totally disregarding his father.
"It’s not impossible for Prince to want Jiujiu’s personally crafted floral and medicinal teas." Before the Emperor could say anything, the Empress Dowager slowly said, "However, Jiujiu is swamped with duties, and her energy is limited. Preparing tea leaves is time-consuming and strenuous. We can’t let Jiujiu labor in vain, can we? I exchanged my precious Nanyuan Imperial Tea for it, so Prince cannot be an exception either."
Yang Mengchen’s eyelids drooped slightly, and a faint smile graced his lips. He felt moved and warmed by the Empress Dowager’s affection and care.
"Mother has thought everything through. Sun Chuanmao, pack half a pound of the Nanyuan Imperial Tea and send it to the daughter-in-law of Momo later," said the Emperor, nodding repeatedly.
Sun Chuanmao respectfully agreed, secretly marveling to himself.
Princess Chen is indeed a treasure, cherished not only by Prince Chen but also tenderly cared for by the Emperor and the Empress Dowager. This favor is unparalleled under the heavens.
While he was contemplating, he heard the Empress laughingly say, "It’s rare for Jiujiu to enjoy the Nanyuan Imperial Tea. There are still three taels left at Mother’s place. Remember to take it with you after the banquet to savor slowly."
Ever since the Empress started using the Pills crafted by Jiujiu, not only did her sleep improve, but her skin became increasingly delicate and fair, naturally rosy without the need for rouge. If she keeps drinking the floral tea and medicinal tea gifted by Jiujiu, along with taking the Nourishing Pills, she seems to be growing younger. Even the Emperor has noticed... All this is thanks to Jiujiu’s efforts.
"Song Ming, make sure to deliver the Nanyuan Imperial Tea to Chen Prince Mansion later," said the Grand Prince. He knew long ago that Yang Mengchen loved tasting teas and was proficient in the art of tea. Having received tribute tea, he wanted to give it to her, but he had been busy with their wedding and hadn’t had the chance. Now that it came up, he instructed his attendant.
Yang Mengchen curtsied, "Jiujiu thanks Father Emperor, Royal Grandmother, Mother and Imperial Uncle for their generous love." Not for the tribute tea, but for the affection of the elders.
"They have gained many fine things from you ordinarily. It’s only right that they give you some tea leaves now; there’s no need for thanks," Long Xuanmo helped his beloved wife to her feet.
The Emperor’s face darkened, and pointing at Long Xuanmo he said to everyone, "Look, this is the classic case of forgetting others once one has a wife."
"Ah Jiu is your son’s wife; of course, your son must protect Ah Jiu," Long Xuanmo replied, unfazed and without a change of color in his face.
Looking at his son acting like a doting husband, the Emperor wasn’t sure whether to be angry or to laugh. Just then, Min Ruochen and Min Ruomeng joined in the commotion, "Third Uncle is right, our Third Aunt is the finest person in the world. We must support our Third Aunt!"
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com