Chapter 171: Mu Zhao Yi

Chapter 171

Mu Zhao Yi

When Mu Rongying entered the room, the conversation came to an abrupt halt, and an awkward silence filled the air. Each person reacted differently—Kang Wang looked at her with concern, the Emperor was struck by her beauty, Xian Fei observed her with a scrutinizing gaze, while Mu Zhao Yi couldn’t hide the surprise in her eyes.

"Nie Ying pays respect to everyone."

Her sweet voice brought everyone to their senses. The Emperor smiled, clearly pleased.

"You must be the younger sister of General Song’s wife, correct?"

Since the Emperor did not wish to reveal his true identity, Mu Rongying played along.

"Yes, sir. I am Nie Ying, the caretaker of this tea house."

Mu Zhao Yi, having recovered from her initial shock, began to think. She had heard that Mu Rongying had become a concubine of a powerful man in Huangjing City, yet here she was, appearing as Young Miss Nie. Though the Nie family was merely a wealthy merchant family, Mu Zhao Yi had no intention of making any bold moves. The Lady Boss was General Song’s wife, and her connections with Princess An Le were strong. Offending her could result in trouble, so Mu Zhao Yi decided to bide her time.

"I’ve just arrived from the capital as a guest of Kang Wang. I had the opportunity to attend one of those popular tea ceremonies and was curious to see it for myself. I’ve heard that Young Miss Nie is highly skilled and has even taught teachers from the academy,"

The Emperor said, admiring Mu Rongying.

"I was simply fortunate to study the art of tea brewing earlier than most. My skills are far from extraordinary. Each tea master has their own style. Nie Ying wouldn’t dare claim to be better than anyone else,"

Mu Rongying replied humbly. Xian Fei, noticing the young woman’s exquisite beauty, cast a glance at her son. With such extraordinary looks, how could any man overlook her? Yet Kang Wang merely lowered his gaze, not staring at her with the same fascination as his father. This unusual behavior made his mother suspicious. How could any man not admire such beauty?

"Young Miss Nie, you are both beautiful and talented. It would be a great honor to witness your tea-brewing skills,"

Xian Fei said gently. Kang Wang glanced at his mother but couldn’t decipher her thoughts.

"You flatter me, Furen. As guests of Kang Wang, I will do my utmost to provide the best service."

With that, the servants brought in the tea brewing set. Mu Rongying bowed slightly before taking her seat in front of the tea brewing set, focusing her mind.

Her movements were graceful and elegant. She handled the ladle and teacup with expert precision. Her natural beauty was already captivating, but the fluidity of her motions made her even more mesmerizing. Even Xian Fei, a woman herself, couldn’t help but be enchanted by her. She was a woman who had a natural charm that transcended formalities, giving her a unique appeal.

Since the Emperor had not revealed his true identity, it was Kang Wang who held the highest status among those present. As a result, Mu Rongying prepared the first cup of tea for him. Kang Wang calmly lifted the cup to study it and drank, his composed and regal demeanor captivating those who watched. Mu Zhao Yi, still young, couldn’t help but admire the handsome man like Kang Wang. If possible, which woman wouldn’t want to marry a man like Kang Wang?

As soon as Kang Wang set his teacup down, Mu Rongying began preparing another round of Mo Cha Fen and gracefully presented it to the Emperor. As she approached, he observed her slender hands and delicate wrists holding the teacup with care. Beyond her beautiful features, her skin was smooth and radiant. The Emperor had seen many beautiful women in his life, but aside from Nie Shuang, this woman rivaled them all in beauty—a fitting comparison for sisters.

Xian Fei could easily interpret the look in her husband’s eyes. However, having lived in the inner palace for so long and having seen her husband favor many concubines, it no longer affected her. Only Mu Zhao Yi, in that moment, felt completely overshadowed by Mu Rongying. Her beauty and skill were truly unparalleled among the daughters of the Mu family. Mu Rongying had always been a dark shadow in Mu Zhao Yi’s mind—like the moon in the sky that she dared not compare herself to. Even now, despite being a royal consort, Mu Zhao Yi found herself unable to mask her surprise and unease, while Mu Rongying, in contrast, showed no signs of fear.

The Emperor sipped the tea, closing his eyes in enjoyment. When he opened them again, he spoke,

"This is excellent tea, and the skill in its preparation is superb! Though I didn’t attend the tea ceremony everyone speaks of, I can now understand why it became legendary."

Mu Rongying simply bowed her head respectfully and retrieved the empty cup. She then prepared tea for Xian Fei with great care, rhythmically whisking the tea until a delicate foam formed on the surface. Xian Fei took the cup and sipped. At first, she had silently mocked her husband for being so easily taken by a beautiful woman, praising her tea-brewing abilities. After all, tea was just tea—how could it taste any different just from being brewed in hot water? But as the tea passed down her throat, even Xian Fei, who was used to the finest luxuries, had to admit that the Mo Cha Fen she tasted now was unlike any she had ever had in the palace. The temperature was perfect, the foam was silky on the tongue, and the aroma filled her senses. After setting the empty cup down, she glanced at the young woman again with newfound respect.

"Young Miss Nie’s skills are truly extraordinary. I’ve had Mo Cha Fen many times, but none has ever tasted like this or given me such a refined experience."

Mu Rongying smiled and bowed again. She then prepared the last cup for Mu Zhao Yi, who had been silently watching her.

Mu Zhao Yi thought that, apart from her, no one in this room knew about the true identity of Mu Rongying. She couldn’t fathom how Mu Rongying had risen to the status of Young Miss Nie. On the other hand, she was also envious that Mu Rongying still excelled in everything. How had she managed to achieve such success in a distant city like Huangjing? Moreover, Mu Rongying looked even more radiant and beautiful now than she had back in the Mu family manor. She clearly lived well in this city. Didn’t the elders claim she had become a mere concubine of low rank?

Although the Emperor had not revealed his identity, she had arrived with Kang Wang, making her status higher than that of Young Miss Nie, the daughter of a merchant. Feeling superior, Mu Zhao Yi accepted the teacup with an air of arrogance, flaunting her long nail guards and luxurious jewelry, which clashed with the simplicity of the tea ceremony. Her mind was preoccupied with how her movements might appear to the two men in the room, hoping to look graceful in their eyes. Yet, her small behavior did not go unnoticed and instead made her seem shallow and boastful, showing that she lacked a true understanding of the essence of the tea ceremony.

Mu Rongying took back the teacup as Chunmei, kneeling by the door, noticed her mistress’s glance and signaled the maid to bring in refreshments and a tea set. Mu Rongying gracefully poured tea for everyone and spoke softly,

"Xiangyun Tea House is just a small, humble establishment. There’s not much entertainment here besides peace and quiet, and perhaps the sound of a zither. If Your Highness and our esteemed guests don’t mind, Nie Ying would be honored to perform a piece."

Kang Wang had no objections, and the Emperor, stroking his beard with a bright smile, couldn’t take his eyes off her.

"Excellent! Excellent!"

As the hostess, Mu Rongying couldn’t allow the atmosphere to become dull. She had a structured plan for hosting her guests with perfect timing. However, Mu Zhao Yi, who already envied her, felt that Mu Rongying was using this opportunity to showcase her talents. She wondered, with contempt, whether Mu Rongying was trying to impress the Emperor or Kang Wang.

By now, she must be regretting it. Does she really think she can compete with me?!

Unaware of her cousin’s thoughts, Mu Rongying began to play the zither, her fingers moving fluidly, producing a melodious sound. The guests present were no strangers to hearing performances by the finest musicians in the imperial orchestra, yet even they had to admit that her skills were truly exceptional.

When she finished, the Emperor clapped his hands.

"Merchant Nie Ran is truly fortunate. Both of his daughters are incredibly talented! Nie Shuang excels in business, while Young Miss Nie shines in the arts."

Mu Rongying bowed her head, preparing to excuse herself, but Mu Zhao Yi, smiling brightly, interjected,

"Young Miss Nie is both beautiful and talented. Surely many young men in Huangjing must be vying for her hand."

Mu Rongying smiled faintly.

"I’m simply helping my sister manage the business. I wouldn’t know about such matters."

Her response was polite and appropriate, without a hint of offense. Yet, Kang Wang could not remain silent.

"Young Miss Nie is not yet married. Mu Yi Niang, it’s rather inappropriate to make such remarks,"

Kang Wang said coldly. Being addressed as Yi Niang deeply embarrassed Mu Zhao Yi. Although she held the esteemed position of imperial consort, in terms of rank, she was still a concubine, far beneath Xian Fei who was the first-tier consort. She forced a smile and laughed to cover her discomfort.

"I merely asked as we are of a similar age, as one would ask a sister. If I’ve displeased Your Highness, I humbly apologize."

Her words caught Xian Fei’s attention. Ordinarily, Wuqian didn’t concern himself with the affairs of others. She cast a glance at Mu Rongying, who remained calmly seated, her eyes downcast.

"Young Miss Nie, do you have a betrothed? You’re certainly of the age to marry,"

Xian Fei asked subtly. If Nie Ying already had a betrothed, she must have been overthinking about this young woman and her son.

"Nie Ying is still focused on helping my sister manage the tea house. Marriage is not something I’ve given much thought to."Upon hearing the young woman’s reply, Xian Fei immediately cast a glance at her son.