The next day, Han Wenzheng, a Grand Secretary of the Wenyuan Pavilion, asked the Emperor for a day off.
Zhao Changheng didn't say much and approved it readily.
After breakfast, He Youyou and Ali sat around the stove in the warm pavilion, brewing tea.
Outside, the wind was biting cold, but inside, it was warm and cozy.
They asked the kitchen to prepare some chestnuts and peanuts, which they then placed on an iron rack and roasted over charcoal.
This iron frame was personally designed by the Second Prince Zhao Wenqi. On the round iron frame, two cat ears were specially made with wire.
Sunlight streamed through the window lattice and into the warm room.
As time went by, the water in the teapot gradually boiled, the tea soup kept bubbling, and wisps of steam rose up, forming a hazy mist that spread out.
The aroma of tea filled the air, captivating all who tasted it.
Ah Li looked at He Youyou with a hint of nervousness in her eyes.
He Youyou returned his smile with a reassuring one.
"Enjoy your tea and don't overthink it."
The crystal-clear tea soup, with its captivating amber color, seemed to come alive as it flowed gracefully from the teapot.
Accompanied by the pleasant gurgling sound, each drop of tea carries its unique fragrance and flavor, intertwining and blending to form a wonderful and harmonious melody.
He Youyou pushed the teacup in front of Ali.
Ahri reached out, picked up the teacup, brought it to her lips, and opened her mouth to drink.
Just then, a series of light yet clear footsteps suddenly echoed through the previously silent courtyard. The sound seemed to break the surrounding tranquility, growing closer and closer, each step carrying a strange sense of urgency.
A moment later, the gatekeeper's voice rang out from outside the door.
"My lord, mistress, there is an envoy from the Wuhuan Kingdom outside."
He Youyou paused as she poured the tea, exchanging a glance with Ali.
"They've arrived." She put down the teapot. "Let's go greet them."
Ah Li followed He Youyou closely as they left the room and went to the front yard.
Several people walked in through the hanging flower gate in the front yard.
Wearing a thick black fur coat, Chakchin strode forward with steady and powerful steps, each step carrying an unstoppable momentum.
His deep, sharp eyes, like those of a hawk, were fixed on He Youyou under the eaves, as if she were his prey.
He Youyou remained calm, her heart unmoved, and watched the person approach more and more with composure.
Ahri is still young.
Seeing the other party's imposing manner and gaze, he couldn't help but take two steps forward to protect He Youyou.
He first clasped his hands in greeting to Chakchin and said, "Your Excellency's presence at my humble abode is an honor. I apologize for not being able to greet you properly."
Chakchin still didn't look at him, nor did he take his pleasantries to heart.
Ahri shifted her feet slightly, placing one foot in front of the other in a T-shape, adopting a defensive stance.
Suddenly, a smile appeared on Chakchin's stern face, making him look much gentler.
"Is Mrs. Han waiting for me?"
He Youyou met his gaze and smiled slightly, "Your Excellency is a guest from afar, please come in and have a cup of tea."
"Then I'll have to bother you."
"Didn't you come here today specifically to bother me?"
As she spoke, He Youyou took a step back, gesturing for him to come in.
Ahri also took a step to the side.
Chaka Chin's large, thick fur coat whistled through the air as he walked.
As he walked past Ahri, he casually flicked his hand to the left, which happened to brush against Ahri.
After that flick, Chakchin suddenly stopped in his tracks.
He let out a soft "Eh."
He didn't even glance at Ah Li the moment he entered.
At this moment, he suddenly turned his head and looked Ahri up and down completely.
Ahri stood still, her expression unchanged, and calmly withdrew her hand from the blocking position.
A hint of appreciation appeared in Chakchin's eyes.
"Unexpectedly, the scholar from the Central Plains, who looks so frail, is actually quite skilled."
The Wuhuan Kingdom was a place that relied on force to fight for its living space.
The men there compete with strength and courage.
He admired the culture and economy of the Central Plains.
However, he has always held men from the Central Plains, especially scholars, in contempt and looked down upon them.
There is plenty of ink, but not enough strength.
He had intended to embarrass Ahri with that move, but he hadn't expected that Ahri would be blocked by him.
interesting.
He couldn't help but praise again: "The children raised by Madam Han are so outstanding, which makes me even more impressed. A woman like you is truly wasting her talents as a widow."
As he spoke, he gave her another deep look, without any attempt to hide it, and stepped into the warm pavilion.
He Youyou followed them inside.
Ah Li was worried, so she followed him inside.
Chakchin's entourage lined up in two rows, standing guard on either side of the entrance.
He Youyou and Cha Keqin sat facing each other.
Chakchin didn't stand on ceremony, taking off his fur coat and casually draping it over the back of the chair.
He leaned back lazily in the chair, squinting as he savored the aroma of tea in the warm room.
"The tea from the Central Plains is good tea, I like it."
He Youyou poured tea and placed the teacup in front of him.
"If Your Majesty likes it, then please drink more. In two months, the spring tea from Jiangnan will be ready. At that time, I will have the Youruitang caravan arrange for fast horses to deliver it to Wuhuan as soon as possible so that Your Majesty can enjoy the tea."
Chakchin took a sip of tea, his eyes lowered, his gaze fixed on the tea: "Madam Han has made quite a bit of money from my Wuhuan Kingdom these past two years."
He Youyou smiled and said, "It's a win-win situation for everyone, and the King doesn't lose out either. Our caravan has also helped the Wuhuan Kingdom sell a lot of good goods, and with the commercial taxes, the King has made quite a bit of money."
Chakchin held his teacup and looked straight at her: "The tea from the Central Plains is good, but the women are even better."
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