Chapter 44: Horses for Tea

Chapter 44

Horses for Tea

After Kang Wang had left, Nie Shuang suddenly remembered something.

Oh no, she had forgotten to ask about Chun Sui Shop’s tea. Despite all the boasting that the royal court had contacted them, why had Kang Wang placed an order with her instead? Never mind. She would ask him next time they met.

Meanwhile, Kang Wang was listening to his attendant report the findings from an investigation he had ordered.

Pfffffttttt.

Kang Wang spat out his tea in shock.

“What?! Three children?!”

“Yes, Your Highness. It appears she recently finished her confinement. She gave birth to triplets: two boys and one girl,”

The attendant confirmed. Kang Wang had ordered a discreet investigation into this Lady Boss, but apart from the fact that people referred to her as the Lady Boss, no one seemed to know her real name. It was common for the wives of business owners to be called Lady Boss, but usually, they were referred to by their husband’s surname. For example, if the husband’s surname was Wang, his wife would be known as Lady Boss Wang. No one was known simply as Lady Boss like this woman, and when people mentioned that title, everyone in the city knew they were talking about her.

How could Kang Wang not be shocked? He had been observing her for so long, yet he never suspected she was pregnant. Even at the grand opening of her tea house, he hadn’t noticed a thing.

H..How could someone so petite possibly carry triplets...?

“And her husband?”

Kang Wang pressed on, feeling a strange sense of disappointment.

“No one has ever mentioned him, Your Highness. None of the staff at the tea house seem to know. As for the pale young man who manages the place, no matter how we ask, he remains tight-lipped.”

Kang Wang began to wonder. If she never mentioned her husband, was it possible she was divorced or perhaps widowed? If that were the case, there was still a chance for him. But his mother would never approve. Setting aside the issue of their different social classes—he was royalty, she a merchant—she had already been married once and now had triplets. The path forward seemed incredibly difficult.

Yet, her smile was so beautiful...

Kang Wang sighed deeply, like a man lovesick and heartbroken.

Never mind...his feelings had already taken root. What could he do now but move forward? He had first seen her by chance in front of her tea house, while he was heading back to his palace, and since then, he found himself looking for her every time he passed by.

At twenty four years old, Kang Wang had yet to marry, largely because his mother, Xian Fei[1], had been searching for a bride with a suitable background. She herself came from a powerful family, and everything she had achieved was through her abilities. Having given birth to a son as distinguished as Kang Wang, her expectations for him were exceedingly high.

Two days later, Kang Wang visited Xiangyun Tea House. Nie Shuang left her children in the care of the wet nurses and Xiao Tong. The triplets were growing quickly—what had once been tiny babies resembling kittens were now plump, chubby little darlings, as white and soft as dough. As she left, they cried and fussed, making quite a scene, and Nie Shuang couldn’t help but feel a little sorry for Xiao Tong and the wet nurses. She welcomed Kang Wang in one of the private rooms, sliding open the doors to reveal a view of the treetops and the river in mid-morning. As he had come to enjoy the seasonal Dragon Well Shrimp, he had planned his visit close to noon.

Today, Nie Shuang wore a soft yellow dress adorned with a simple white Hetian jade hairpin, giving her a gentle and elegant appearance that perfectly matched the serene atmosphere of the room. Her movements were agile and captivating as she poured tea for Kang Wang, offering it with a warm smile.

"Please, Your Highness, enjoy the tea."

He smiled and took the cup, brushing his fingertips against her hand as if unintentionally, and even she didn’t seem to notice. Today, she had prepared Hong Bao red tea for him. Looking down at the deep red liquid, he spoke softly,

"This tea isn’t supposed to be available yet, is it? Why bring it out so soon?"

Nie Shuang responded with a bright smile.

"For Your Highness, of course, I would offer only the best. This red tea takes longer to produce, resulting in a richer flavor and vibrant color. I wonder if it pleases Your Highness?"

"Lü Chui tea is light green and fresh, like the scent of spring. Hong Bao tea, with its deep red and bold color, are as fiery as autumn. Each brings its own unique charm."

Nie Shuang listened intently to him describing the taste of the teas, thinking that his words were so beautiful they could be used in an advertisement.

After a moment, a maid brought a small white porcelain bowl to the table. Nie Shuang opened the lid and placed it upside down, revealing three unsightly, cracked eggs. Kang Wang glanced at her with a surprised look. Seeing his expression, she explained with a smile.

"These are tea eggs, an appetizer. The tea’s color seeps into the egg, making them appear rather unappealing, but the taste is delicious. Allow me to peel one for you, Your Highness."

After washing her hands in a basin and drying them with a clean white cloth, Nie Shuang rolled up her sleeves, revealing her slender wrist adorned with a fine jade bracelet. Her delicate wrist caught Kang Wang’s attention, and he found himself staring, captivated. Realizing what he was doing, he quickly averted his gaze. She placed the warm, tea-stained egg in his bowl, and Kang Wang elegantly picked it up with chopsticks. Even the way he ate was mesmerizing.

With one bite, the fragrance of the tea and the aroma of the hot boiled egg filled his senses, making the dish unexpectedly delightful. Perhaps it was because he rarely ate such simple food, but the taste felt particularly satisfying. In no time, Kang Wang had finished the egg, and Nie Shuang placed another freshly peeled one in his bowl.

"There are only three dishes today. Would you like to have more? I hope Your Highness doesn’t mind. Xiangyun Tea House doesn’t normally serve food, so our selection is limited."

She said apologetically as she peeled the last egg. As the maid saw that the appetizer was about to be finished, she prepared to bring out the main dishes. Kang Wang smiled and replied,

"I’m just one person, how much could I possibly eat? Besides, don’t just sit there and watch. Join me."

Nie Shuang didn’t refuse. Sharing a meal with a business associate was a common practice, after all. Sitting and serving him would have been more unusual. The meal consisted of Dragon Well Shrimp, herb-grilled fish, and a bamboo shoot soup—everything made from fresh, seasonal ingredients. Each bite carried a natural sweetness, and before he realized it, Kang Wang had cleaned every plate in front of him.

He cleared his throat in embarrassment when he realized what he had done, while Nie Shuang simply smiled in satisfaction. Seeing him enjoying the meal made her pleased, as it felt like a small way to repay him for all the help he had given her. Moreover, she had a question she wanted to ask him today.

"Your Highness, I heard that the Chun Shui Shop received a large order of tea from the palace, is that true?"

"Well...it’s not exactly from the royal palace. Right now, the situation at the border is quite dire. Many warhorses have died, most of which were bred here in our Da Ye, but they aren’t suited for the northern climate. Therefore, we need to purchase horses from the Xi Region. However, the royal treasury doesn’t have enough funds. The Minister of Finance proposed bartering tea for horses since the Xi Region demands large quantities of tea. The Minister of Finance is somewhat familiar with the Ding family from his visits to Huangjing and knows they monopolize the tea trade here, so he inquired about purchasing tea from them."

"Oh,"

Nie Shuang nodded in understanding. The horse trade wasn’t a secret, so he could share it with her. Now that she knew the full story, she smiled.It’s better to let the Ding family gloat for now. After all, the one who laughed last, laughed the loudest...