Chapter 138: When Flowers Bloom

Chapter 138

When Flowers Bloom

Once the lady bosses had left, the scholars from the academy began arriving later in the morning. The bosses, who had been waiting out front, only entered the tea house once the scholars were all seated. Teacher He Shangbian was among those attending, hoping to catch a glimpse of Young Miss Nie, but she had already assigned Wang Dongpo to manage the event and left with Chunmei in a carriage.

He Shangbian felt quite disappointed that he didn’t get to see Young Miss Nie, and the other scholars seemed to feel the same. Nonetheless, Wang Dongpo did an excellent job introducing the new product. He explained the benefits of the tea and how its value would increase over time if properly stored. Initially, the scholars raised their eyebrows in disbelief, questioning how aged tea wouldn’t spoil or deteriorate. Scholars, who have studied extensively, often question everything. Wang Dongpo then explained further.

“The tea you are about to taste has been fermented for nearly a year and a half. Please try it and judge for yourselves whether it is spoiled or deteriorated.”

The maids came out to pour the tea, which was dark, almost black. A strong fragrance filled the air and wafted into their noses. Some scholars furrowed their brows slightly, skeptical of the tea’s dark color, thinking it might be spoiled. However, they took a small sip nonetheless. The tea was more bitter and astringent than any they had tasted before, but it had a rich fragrance and left a refreshing sensation in the throat. Some even found they preferred this stronger tea over the lighter flavors of Lü Cui and Hong Bao.

"If you have to stay up late studying, this tea will help you stay alert and awake. For more details on its other benefits, please refer to the brochure,"

Wang Dongpo added, seeing how well the new tea was being received. The headmaster himself tasted the tea and praised Wang Dongpo warmly.

"Xiangyun Tea House truly deserves its reputation as the center of tea culture in Huangjing. In all my years, I’ve never had the chance to taste such a variety of teas as I have here. People from other cities may not be fortunate enough to experience the diverse flavors we do. On behalf of the Huangjing Academy, I offer my sincere thanks to the Lady Boss and Manager Wang."

Wang Dongpo felt honored by the headmaster’s words.

"All credit goes to the Lady Boss. Thank you, Headmaster. I will be sure to relay your kind words to her,"

Wang Dongpo responded humbly. Being well-acquainted with the scholars, everything ran smoothly.

Meanwhile, Mu Rongying did not return to her mansion. Instead, she headed to Kang Wang’s palace. Kang Wang had been a benefactor of Xiangyun Tea House, and although she hadn’t invited him to the product launch, she couldn’t overlook him. Her plan was to personally deliver the new tea to him. It had been over a month since they last met, and she felt an unease she couldn’t quite shake. Her hands, clasped on her lap, were tightly gripped. Chunmei, noticing her anxiety, could only watch with concern. She wasn’t sure what had transpired between the two during their last meeting, but Kang Wang had not visited her young miss since.

When someone reported to Kang Wang that Young Miss Nie had come to visit, he couldn’t believe his ears. Wasn’t today the product launch? At this time, she should be at the tea house. Glancing at the water clock, it was still late morning, and it should be the turn of the scholars from the academy. Kang Wang felt an overwhelming sense of joy, though he restrained himself, afraid of being disappointed. Perhaps she was only stopping by because of urgent business. With an indifferent expression, he gave orders to his servant.

"Let her in."

He received her in the study, maintaining a formal atmosphere. Before long, Mu Rongying gracefully entered, dressed in a pink gown, radiant like a blooming flower in spring. Kang Wang pretended to put down his brush and greeted her in a soft voice.

"Young Miss Nie."

Seeing his demeanor, Mu Rongying’s heart sank, but she gathered her courage and spoke.

"Greetings, Your Highness. Today is the product launch, so I’ve brought the Bi Yu tea to present to you."

"Oh."

Kang Wang responded, unsure of what else to say. The atmosphere between them grew awkward. Mu Rongying took the tea box from Chunmei and stepped forward to present it at the front of the study table. Kang Wang’s attendant started to step forward to accept it, but Kang Wang signaled with his eyes to stop him and then stood up.

"Thank you. What makes this tea special?"

Hearing his question, Mu Rongying raised her head to answer.

"This tea has many health benefits, Your Highness. It is good for the heart and stomach and helps reduce fat and nourish the blood. It would be good for Your Highness to drink more of it."

When talking about the product, her shyness seemed to vanish, and she spoke fluently. Seeing her adorable demeanor, Kang Wang smiled secretly.

"I heard this tea is for women?"

Kang Wang pretended to ask, seizing the opportunity to see if there was a reason why only women were invited to the event. Unaware of his intent, Mu Rongying explained straightforwardly.

"This tea is suitable for both men and women, but I thought that women might be more interested in the health and beauty benefits of the tea. Women also tend to care for others. If the lady bosses have access to this product, they will likely extend its benefits to their families. They naturally want their husbands and children to be healthy as well. So, if the matriarch of the house decides to drink this tea, it’s likely that the rest of the family will follow suit."

Kang Wang admired her reasoning.

"Did you come up with this strategy yourself?"

Mu Rongying smiled shyly and replied.

"It’s all thanks to Sister Nie Shuang’s teachings, Your Highness. She always says that in sales, you must first decide who your target audience is, then plan the strategy accordingly. Sister Nie Shuang has sold to the bosses many times before, and I thought they might have reached a point of saturation. I was concerned that inviting them again might not offer anything new, which is another reason I decided to invite their wives instead."

Upon hearing her explanation, Kang Wang felt relieved. At least, she didn’t seem to be avoiding him intentionally. Judging by her proud expression, today’s product launch was undoubtedly a success. As Mu Rongying enthusiastically explained the details, her bright eyes sparkled, and her cheeks flushed with excitement. It was clear that engaging in business brought her to life. Seeing her so full of joy made Kang Wang happy as well. A capable woman like her, if confined to the palace, would be a tragic waste. He still wished to see that radiant smile of hers.

Mu Rongying noticed Kang Wang listening intently, his gaze warm and tender. Suddenly, she felt a bit shy. A moment ago, she had been so thrilled to see him and to hear him speak kindly that she had babbled on about so many things. Had she forgotten how coldly she had rejected him numerous times before? Yet, Kang Wang remained so kind. It made her want to abandon everything and throw herself into his arms.

"Your Highness is working. I mustn’t take up your time..."

She excused herself in a flustered manner, but Kang Wang interrupted.

"I’ve worked long enough. I should rest my eyes for a moment. Have them brew the tea you’ve brought so I can taste it."

Since Kang Wang had requested it, she had no choice but to stay. Kang Wang led her to the pavilion in the garden, and soon, a servant brought over the tea brewing set. Mu Rongying glanced at him curiously—Bi Yu tea only required hot water, so why bring a full set of equipment?

"It’s rare for the famous Young Miss Nie to visit. I’ve heard that the tea ceremony, where one can taste tea prepared by you, requires reservations booked until the end of the year. I hardly have the time for such things. Would you mind preparing some tea for me here?"

Mu Rongying agreed happily. Kang Wang’s demeanor was polite but not distant, and spending this quiet time together filled her with joy. With just a glance, they understood each other’s feelings, yet Kang Wang could never fully step into her world, and she had no desire to live in his. But this small moment together was enough for her.As Mu Rongying prepared the tea, Kang Wang watched her closely, both of them smiling subtly. They savored the fleeting happiness between them. Strangely, even the sound of boiling water seemed melodious when they were together. She didn’t expect anything from him, and he didn’t dream of a future with her. It was a relationship without attachments but deeply connected. It seemed Kang Wang had finally understood: love couldn’t be forced to stop, just as flowers couldn’t be stopped from blooming. In this most beautiful moment of youth, he simply wanted to admire it with her before the inevitable fading of time.