Chapter 117: Keeping Watch

Chapter 117

Keeping Watch

The next day, He Shangbian arrived at the mansion after finishing his morning lessons. He followed the maid along the corridor to the main hall, but even before he went into the room, he could hear voices from inside. Upon entering, he saw that Kang Wang was already there. When Kang Wang noticed him, he greeted him cheerfully.

“Oh, Teacher He! I was just about to ask the Lady Boss about the Mo Cha Fen I bought. It seems that the staff at my palace haven’t quite mastered the brewing process yet. Luckily, I ran into Young Miss Nie Ying, so I thought I’d ask her for a little guidance.”

He Shangbian bowed in respect to Kang Wang before sitting down on the right side, as Kang Wang was sitting at the main seat. Today, Mu Rongying was set to demonstrate tea brewing and had already set up the tea stove. He Shangbian then addressed her with a bow.

“I’ll have to disturb you, Yong Miss Nie.”

Mu Rongying nodded politely, her hands resting on her lap. She sat quietly for a moment to gather her focus before beginning to brew the tea. Every movement she made was graceful and fluid, and both men watched in quiet admiration. Once the tea was ready, she presented the first cup to Kang Wang. After he had finished drinking, she prepared another cup. Throughout this time, there was silence, as all understood that tea ceremony was not merely about tasting the tea but experiencing the calm and serenity of being one with nature. Only after He Shangbian received his cup from Mu Rongying and drank did the quiet linger for a while longer.

“What do you think, Teacher He?”

Mu Rongying asked him first. Kang Wang, upon hearing this, furrowed his brows slightly—why didn’t she ask him that when he drank the tea?

“It’s excellent,”

He Shangbian replied tersely. He felt the atmosphere was much more solemn today with Kang Wang present. Previously, he had started to feel more at ease with Mu Rongying and had considered engaging in casual conversation beyond tea ceremony matters. However, with Kang Wang here, that was out of the question.

“Do you have any questions after watching the demonstration, Teacher He? Would you like to try brewing the tea yourself?”

Mu Rongying offered. He Shangbian nodded in agreement.

“I would appreciate your guidance, Young Miss Nie.”

Mu Rongying swapped places with him, while Kang Wang observed quietly. Teacher He, feeling honored that Kang Wang was present, took extra care in his attempt. He mimicked Mu Rongying’s technique closely but was still a bit stiff in his movements. Being his first time, he was understandably nervous and accidentally poured too much hot water.

This tea wasn’t meant for Kang Wang as it was just a practice round. He Shangbian handed the cup to Mu Rongying, who tilted her head slightly before offering a kind comment.

“The steps are correct, Teacher He. You just need to adjust the water amount a little, and it should be perfect.”

After a few more attempts, He Shangbian managed to brew the tea to a satisfactory level. Seeing him receive praise from Mu Rongying, Kang Wang interjected.

“I wonder if Young Miss Nie would allow me to try brewing as well?”

Mu Rongying couldn’t refuse, and He Shangbian quickly made room for Kang Wang, retreating to sit on the other side.

Though Kang Wang usually carried himself with elegance, today he seemed oddly clumsy. His slender hands fumbled awkwardly with the bamboo ladle, and he misjudged the amount of tea to use. Mu Rongying, noticing his struggle, couldn’t help but offer guidance.

“Your Highness, you’ve added too much Mo Cha Fen.”

Kang Wang looked up at her with an embarrassed expression.

“I’m hopeless when it comes to tea brewing. I must look foolish in front of you all.”

Mu Rongying was surprised. Normally, Kang Wang was not one to be clumsy or inept at anything. Why was he acting so out of character today? He Shangbian quickly offered words of encouragement.

“Not at all, not at all. Your Highness is just trying for the first time. Naturally, it will take some getting used to.”

“Sigh...It’s fine. If I keep practicing, I’ll only waste more of your time...”

“Please, Your Highness, do not worry. You are not wasting our time at all...”

As someone who taught etiquette and ceremony, He Shangbian began to realize the dynamics of the situation. If he stayed and continued brewing tea competently, it would create an uncomfortable comparison with Kang Wang, who was struggling. Reflecting on the proper hierarchy of elders and juniors, He Shangbian decided it was best to excuse himself.

“I’ve just remembered that I have a meeting with the headmaster. I should take my leave for today, Your Highness.”

Kang Wang nodded in acknowledgment, and He Shangbian turned to Mu Rongying.

“Thank you, Young Miss Nie, for your time. I still have a few more questions, and I will send someone to arrange another meeting.”

Mu Rongying smiled politely. 

“Please, Teacher He, there’s no need for formality. If Nie Ying can be of any help, I would be happy to assist.”

Kang Wang glanced at Mu Rongying’s gentle smile, his brows furrowing slightly. However, when he turned to speak to He Shangbian, his expression softened once again, becoming as warm and polite as the spring breeze like before.

“Teacher He, you are truly eager to learn. I’m sure what you ask Young Miss Nie must be fascinating. Would it be possible for me to join in next time as well?”

Admiring Kang Wang already, He Shangbian could hardly refuse, so he quickly agreed. After he left, the room fell into a brief silence. The maids, including Chunmei, sat quietly by the door. Mu Rongying lifted her gaze toward Kang Wang and asked softly.

“Your Highness, would you like to continue practicing tea brewing? I can prepare a fresh set of cups.”

Kang Wang let out a quiet hum of acknowledgment. Mu Rongying moved closer to refill the kettle and arrange the utensils again. Kang Wang couldn’t help but glance at her pale, delicate fingers and slender wrist peeking from her sleeve. As she lifted the kettle’s lid, the rising steam created a misty veil, making her beautiful face appear vague, as if shrouded in a mist. He couldn’t help but think that she was like an illusion—a fox spirit sent to enchant men. When she looked up, she saw him staring at her with an intense, unreadable gaze.

Startled and embarrassed, Mu Rongying quickly averted her eyes and returned to her seat. After a short wait, the water in the kettle began to boil again, and the steam filled the room, adding warmth to the atmosphere. Mu Rongying reminded him.

“The water is boiling, Your Highness.”

Kang Wang used the bamboo ladle to pour hot water over the tea cup, rinsing them before discarding the water. He then scooped out Mo Cha Fen from the container, poured in the hot water, and stirred the tea until it became clear green with an evenly frothed. The fragrant aroma filled the room. He slid the cup of tea toward her, his voice gentle.

“Have a taste.”

Mu Rongying took the cup and sipped the tea. By now, she had realized that Kang Wang had only been pretending earlier. Now that He Shangbian was gone, Kang Wang’s tea brewing was flawless, with no mistakes at all. The color and aroma of the tea were identical to her own. She set the cup down and remarked.

“Your Highness’s tea brewing is excellent. I’m sure the questions Teacher He had could already be answered by you...”

Her implication was that Kang Wang didn’t need to attend the next session. Kang Wang smiled slightly and replied.

“Yingying, do you really not know why I come?”

His tone sounded teasing, and by now she could guess his true intentions.

“Yingying is grateful for Your Highness’s kindness. Please rest assured, Your Highness, I am merely following Sister Nie Shuang’s instructions, and I have no improper thoughts regarding Teacher He.”

“Even so, you cannot control the thoughts of others. Huangjing City may be small or large depending on how you look at it. If rumors spread, it will inevitably tarnish your reputation.”

“Yingying will be careful,”

She replied obediently, feeling a deep sense of gratitude. Kang Wang was such a considerate man, taking the trouble to stay with her to prevent her name from being sullied.

Since that grand tea ceremony, a trend had emerged among the upper class. Tea brewing sets became as essential as the Four Treasures of the Study, and many young misses wanted to learn the art of tea brewing. Invitations poured into the Nie family, with people either requesting or offering to hire Mu Rongying to teach them. At the academy, He Shangbian not only had to instruct his students but also offer a tea ceremony course to the general public, bringing significant revenue to the institution. The headmaster was elated, and it seemed the next year would bring more students than their rival academies in nearby cities.

Nie Shuang flipped through the invitations in her hand, teasing Mu Rongying.

“You really don’t plan to attend even one of these events? Several of these families have rather eligible young men, all of whom are at the age to marry.”

Mu Rongying shook her head.

“I’m not interested in those things. Soon, you will be going to the capital, and I only want to focus on managing the business well.”

“I’ve heard recently that His Highness has been visiting the tea house frequently?”

Out of nowhere, Nie Shuang changed the subject, catching Mu Rongying off guard and making her blush.

“His Highness simply enjoys the atmosphere of the Xiangyun Tea House.”

Nie Shuang smiled knowingly. Lately, Mu Rongying and Chunmei had been helping Wang Dongpo manage the tea house, attracting even more scholars to visit. When Kang Wang heard about this, he ’coincidentally’ became a regular guest at the tea house, visiting nearly every day. Each time, Mu Rongying would be the one serving him tea. He would have petitions brought in, reviewing documents while sipping tea as if he were in his own office. By the time he left in the afternoon, all the young masters had already gone.It’s this way now—who knew how Mu Rongying, a little lamb, would survive Kang Wang once Nie Shuang moved to the capital!