Chapter 170: Confronting

Chapter 170

Confronting

That night, Kang Wang still visited Mu Rongying. Seeing the concern on his face, she asked,

"Is something troubling you, Your Highness?"

Kang Wang set down the scroll in his hand and met her gaze.

"My father has arrived in Huangjing. My mother and your cousin, Mu Qiuxiang, have come with him. Father mentioned he has some questions about the Xiangyun Tea House, and I’m worried it might cause trouble for you. Are you close to Mu Qiuxiang?"

Mu Rongying furrowed her brows slightly, her beautiful face deep in thought. Whenever the Mu family was involved, it always made her uneasy.

"She’s only a few months older than me. Though we grew up together, we were never particularly close. I don’t know much about her personality, but I’ve never heard anything bad about her."

"And what if she sees you and reveals everything?"

Mu Rongying smiled confidently.

"All the children of the Mu family are taught to prioritize the family’s honor. Exposing my secret would only harm her as well. What benefit would she gain from doing so?"

Mu Rongying paused briefly before adding,

"What I’m more worried about is your mother. If she finds out about us..."

Kang Wang pulled her into an embrace, speaking soothingly.

"Yingying, if my mother finds out...then so be it. I’ve already made up my mind that I won’t let you go. Nothing else matters to me."

Mu Rongying hugged him back, her heart filled with sweetness. As long as she could have moments like these with him, she had no regrets. That night, the young lovers held each other tightly, their hearts brimming with love, long into the night.

At dawn, Kang Wang awoke but lingered with the beautiful woman in his arms. He gently kissed her brows, eyes, and cheeks. Mu Rongying, still half-asleep, snuggled deeper into his embrace for warmth and mumbled without opening her eyes,

"Your Highness, don’t you have to go greet His Majesty today?"

Kang Wang stroked her bare back.

"Mm, today Father is likely visiting the tea house. I’ve heard that the new Xiangyun Tea House in the capital was honored with a royal plaque, personally inscribed by him. He even attended the grand opening. He must be very fond of Xiangyun’s tea. That’s probably why he came all this way. It’s best that you don’t go to the tea house today and stay out of the trouble."

Mu Rongying opened her eyes and looked up at him, her voice still drowsy.

"If that’s the case, it’s all the more reason for me to go. If His Majesty comes to the tea house and doesn’t meet the owner, wouldn’t that make him more suspicious? Besides, he may have traveled here specifically to witness the famous tea ceremony. Please don’t worry, Your Highness. Yingying will stay in the back room, and unless summoned, I won’t let anyone see me."

"Then it’s up to you, Yingying. Whatever happens, I’ll bear the consequences."

He kissed her deeply before rising to dress. Mu Rongying watched him, her face flushing as she admired his handsome, well-proportioned body. When he noticed her expression, he laughed, amused. He teased her for a while longer, embracing and kissing her before finally departing.

After leaving the Nie family mansion, Kang Wang headed straight to the guest palace. By the time he arrived, the Emperor and Xian Fei were having breakfast. Having rested well, both looked refreshed and lively. When they saw him, they invited him to join them at the table. It was rare for the three of them—father, mother, and son—to be together in such an intimate setting, so the atmosphere was warm and pleasant. After finishing their meal, the Emperor spoke to his son.

"I heard that you participated in a tea ceremony with Venerable Lin Kong and General Song, is that right?"

"Yes, Father. At the time, Lady Boss organized a New Year’s Dharma Sermon for good fortune, inviting students and teachers from the academy to discuss Dharma. The tea ceremony was used as a way to connect with tranquility. Everything on that day went perfectly."

After hearing that, the Emperor was intrigued.

"I attended the opening of the new branch in the capital, and the tea ceremony there was indeed serene and beautiful, just as you said. It made me wonder how it would be to witness it in person here."

"The teachers at the academy are very skilled in tea ceremonies now. If you’re interested..."

The Emperor interrupted with a laugh.

"Why would I want to drink tea with those old, stiff scholars? I’ve heard that it was the younger sister of the Lady Boss who performed the tea ceremony that day. Now that we’re in Huangjing, I intend to visit Xiangyun Tea House and, if possible, sample some of her tea myself."

Kang Wang smiled, but inwardly he felt a sense of disappointment that he couldn’t divert his father’s attention. If he objected too strongly, it would only arouse suspicion, so he offered a suggestion to delay the visit.

"In that case, I will have the tea house close tomorrow to prepare especially for your visit, Father."

"There’s no need for that, Wuqian. We’re traveling incognito. We’re simply visiting a tea house; there’s no need for a grand reception. I plan to visit the place today. If you have other matters to attend to, go ahead. I’m contended with having Xian Fei and Mu Zhao Yi with me."

Hearing this made Kang Wang even more uneasy.

"I don’t have any pressing matters. I’ve been away for many years and haven’t had the chance to show my filial duty. Now that both you and Mother have come all the way to Huangjing, it’s a good opportunity for me to personally attend to you."

The Emperor and Xian Fei, pleased with his words, didn’t protest further. Xian Fei took the chance to ask about her son’s life, just as she was about to bring up the topic of marriage when the eunuch outside announced,

"Mu Zhao Yi requests an audience, Your Majesty."

As soon as Mu Zhao Yi entered, the atmosphere in the room shifted. She curtsied with grace, her manner full of artful charm. The Emperor’s face lit up at the sight of the young beauty. Once she was seated, he spoke.

"Today, we are going to visit the famous Xiangyun Tea House. Would you like to go and taste the Mo Cha Fen you enjoy so much?"

Mu Zhao Yi’s eyes widened, her expression adorably enthusiastic. Xian Fei cast a disdainful glance at her but remained outwardly calm.

"Really? Your Majesty is so kind. Otherwise, I’d never have the chance to travel so far just to taste tea in Huangjing. I’m overjoyed, Your Majesty."

Kang Wang noticed his mother’s expressionless face and felt a pang of sympathy for her. Even in her presence, her husband flirted with a woman young enough to be his daughter. He could only imagine the bitterness she must be feeling inside.

When the Emperor arrived at the tea house, Mu Rongying was reviewing the stock inventory. With the new branch now open, Da Shi had to work even harder. Sales had tripled, and Xiangyun Tea House purchased all the tea that met quality standards from the local tea plantations, offering a good price. This had greatly improved the livelihood of the tea farmers, which in turn had boosted trade in the town.

Wang Dongpo entered Mu Rongying’s private office, looking troubled.

"Kang Wang has arrived, and the Emperor and Xian Fei are with him. There’s also another consort, someone I haven’t seen before, but I heard His Majesty call her Mu Zhao Yi. I’ve had someone direct them to the special room."

"Thank you for informing me in person, Manager Wang. I will go out to greet them,"

Mu Rongying replied calmly, showing no signs of worry. Wang Dongpo, on the other hand, expressed concern.

"Young Miss Mu! That Mu Zhao Yi might be from your family. Aren’t you afraid she’ll expose you?"

"Thank you for your concern, Manager Wang. But I can’t run from this forever. It’s better to confront it with composure and calm. Whatever happens, will happen."With that, she gracefully left the room, her demeanor steady and unshaken.