Chapter 43: Kang Wang

Chapter 43

Kang Wang

While she was giving birth, Wang Dongpo took charge of managing the tea house. He had a beautiful face and refined, palace-bred demeanor, combined with his meticulous nature. The maids, disciplined like palace maids, contrasted sharply with the untrained workers at the Chun Shui Shop. As a result, the Xiangyun Tea House gained a reputation for being exceptionally high-class in the eyes of its patrons.

The moment a guest stepped inside, they were treated like royalty!

These days, anyone wanting to enjoy tea at Xiangyun Tea House had to make a reservation first, as the tea house was always packed. It had quickly become a symbol of Huangjing City! Officials and merchants from distant cities would often be hosted there to experience the famed Lü Cui tea, although they were only allowed to purchase two boxes per visit!

Of course, if someone found a way to have others buy for them or made several trips, no one would stop them. Nie Shuang had set this rule only to create an aura of exclusivity! After all, who would refuse money when offered?

At this time of year, river prawns were plump and abundant. A’Yi, who had gone to the market, bought a large batch and returned, also bringing gossip that Chun Shui Shop was boasting that the royal palace would soon place a large tea order with them, hinting at the futility of Xiangyun’s quality. They claimed that, despite how good the tea might be, producing only two hundred jin per year meant Xiangyun would never be able to meet the demands of the royal order. Nie Shuang heard this and simply smiled, instructing A’Yi to find out how large the order was. Since moving to Huangjing City, A’Yi had continued to act as her ears and eyes, regularly going to the market to gather information on how people were speaking of Xiangyun Tea House and to monitor the movements of Chun Shui Shop.

As Nie Shuang tasted the plump prawns, she thought of her favorite dish, Long Jing Xia Ren or Dragon Well Shrimp, and decided to introduce it as a seasonal special at Xiangyun Tea House. During this time, tea leaves were just starting to sprout, tender and perfect for cooking. When paired with fresh river prawns, the taste would be exquisite. The tea house’s skilled chef, familiar with local ingredients, gave the dish a unique flavor that could not be found elsewhere.

On the first day the sign went up, Dragon Well Shrimp sold out completely. The chef had to inform the village that Xiangyun Tea House was willing to buy extra-large river prawns at a premium price, which led villagers to prioritize delivering their best prawns to the tea house before selling the rest at the market. The dish’s sweet, firm texture, paired with the tender tea leaves, left everyone who tasted it wanting more.

Most restaurants employed male chefs, leaving many talented female chefs without opportunities to showcase their skills. Once Dragon Well Shrimp became a hit, several restaurants tried to poach the chef from Xiangyun. But she refused all offers, no matter how much they offered.

"If it weren’t for the Lady Boss, I wouldn’t be where I am today,"

She refused. Soon, it became widely known that no staff member at Xiangyun Tea House, regardless of their position, could be lured away.

Nie Shuang had not yet returned to work at the tea house. Although there was a private room for her, Xiangyun Tea House could not be disturbed by the sound of a crying infant!? No matter what, she had to maintain that tranquility, which was the tea house’s key selling point. One day, she received a guest at her mansion instead.

Kang Wang!

Nie Shuang had someone escort him to the pavilion. Once she was properly dressed, she went out to greet him. Today, Kang Wang was dressed in a simple azure outfit, a gentle smile on his face. When he saw her, he greeted her warmly.

"Lady Boss, I apologize for intruding."

Nie Shuang bowed respectfully and asked about his business, knowing that he wouldn’t have come in person unless it was something important.

"The last time I bought twenty jin of your Lü Cui tea and sent it to the palace, the royal palace has now informed me that they would like to order a large quantity every year. But I hear that you only produce two hundred jin a year?"

"That won’t be a problem, Your Highness. I can allocate a portion from the tea house, and there are other varieties of tea that can serve as substitutes. To be able to supply tea to the royal palace is a great honor for my small tea house."

As she had mentioned before, she could get as much Lü Cui tea as she wanted. Claiming that only two hundred jin were available was just a strategy to make the tea seem rare. However, she decided to allocate only one hundred jin to the palace to avoid raising suspicion. After thinking for a moment, she turned to give an order to Xiao San. A short while later, Xiao San returned with an elegantly designed red and gold paper box.

"This is Hong Bao (Ruby Red) red tea, Your Highness. I had intended to release it during the Qixi Festival[1], but since I am honored by your visit today, I would like to present this to you."

A smile tugged at the corner of Kang Wang’s lips. This woman was an exceptional saleswoman. She had just secured a deal to supply the royal court with Lü Cui tea, and now she was already offering him a new product. And as for calling her mansion humble—well, even his palace might not be as grand as hers. Was she a goddess of wealth? Since moving to Huangjing City, she had amassed an incredible fortune.

"The gift I offer is small, I hope you won’t reject it, Your Highness."

Kang Wang gestured for his attendant to receive the gift, then added,

"Since you haven’t officially launched it yet, I’ll wait for your invitation before purchasing any."

Nie Shuang’s eyes widened. Was he suggesting he would personally attend the launch of her new product again? Her heart leaped with joy. The last time Kang Wang had visited for just a cup of tea, her Lü Cui tea had sold out in no time, and she had even secured a contract with the royal palace. If he attended this time, she would ensure to prepare a grand reception. If possible, she would prepare a lot of advertising in advance. She could already imagine the piles of money flowing in. Smiling at him genuinely, it was the kind of smile she only showed when she anticipated a hefty profit.

Kang Wang, noticing that radiant smile, was momentarily stunned. He quickly lowered his gaze, his cheeks suspiciously flushed. Nie Shuang, lost in her excitement, didn’t notice.

"Your Highness is truly kind. If there is anything I can assist with, I am more than happy to do so."

"Mm,"

Kang Wang responded with a low hum in his throat, lifting the tea to his lips with grace. Today, the tea she served was the familiar fragrant and rich green tea, Lü Cui. For a brief moment, Kang Wang felt a desire to sit in this serene pavilion, sipping the exquisite tea and engaging in lighthearted conversation with her. It was strange—though she was a merchant, she conversed with him so comfortably, without a hint of nervousness or fear.

"At Xiangyun Tea House, we currently have Dragon Well Shrimp, a seasonal dish available only this month. In early spring, the shrimps are plump and the tea leaves are tender, suitable with fragrant tea, sipping while watching the stream. If Your Highness honors us with a visit, simply send words in advance, and I will personally welcome you at the tea house,"

Nie Shuang offered generously. A VIP customer like Kang Wang was one she had to maintain well. Every time he visited her tea house, it brought in tens of thousands of taels. A person of his stature, no amount of money could secure, yet here he was, gracing her establishment without charging a fee. How fortunate she was!

Kang Wang discreetly observed the charming Lady Boss. Though he was curious about her background, politeness kept him from asking directly. Her demeanor was far from ordinary. While their conversations were pleasant, she never revealed much about herself, instead talking about Huangjing City or praising his governance of the city for its peace and prosperity. But he didn’t care to hear about that—he wanted to know more about her! What about her husband!? Since she had moved here, she had never once mentioned him.

Sensing it was time, Kang Wang excused himself to leave. Seeing that she had talked so much her throat was dry and sipping multiple cups of tea, he felt a bit sympathetic. The longer he stayed, the more it seemed she would tire herself out. Nie Shuang was secretly relieved when he announced his departure, but she still pretended to regret it.

"Conversing with Your Highness has been such a pleasure. If Your Highness ever wishes to enjoy tea again, please feel free to visit."

Kang Wang smiled at the invitation.

"I wouldn’t want to impose on the Lady Boss!"

The implication was that he would come again! Nie Shuang raised her eyebrows in surprise, her expression momentarily flustered as their eyes met unexpectedly. Kang Wang, amused by her reaction, laughed before walking away.

So adorable...He thought to himself.

[1] The Qixi Festival is a Chinese festival celebrating the annual meeting of Zhinü and Niulang in Chinese mythology. The festival is celebrated on the seventh day of the seventh lunisolar month on the Chinese lunisolar calendar.