Not far away, Xiao Huayong frowned upon hearing this. He never knew Xiao Wenxi harbored such feelings toward him!
"The County Princess has discerning eyes." Xiao Wenxi smiled candidly. "I did steal some tea-making techniques from Your Highness. Wenxi has only met Your Highness twice—we are not close. If there is any connection, it would merely be that of cousins."
Shen Xihe did not get the answer she wanted, though her expression remained neutral as she gave a slight nod.
Yet Xiao Wenxi's heart was turbulent. She had been silently observing Xiao Huayong for three years. Three years ago, she had already discovered his true nature—his extraordinary talent capable of shaping the world and his power to control situations at will.
He enjoyed brewing tea but never prepared it for others. Even His Majesty and the Empress Dowager had never tasted tea personally brewed by him.
Yet he had brewed tea for Zhaoning County Princess—and judging by the County Princess's tone, not just once, but every single time.
That man who seemed to dwell on a divine altar, untouched by worldly dust, now carried a trace of mortal warmth—but it had nothing to do with her.
"Eldest Young Master." Just then, a maid's greeting came from outside.
Shen Xihe turned and indeed saw Xiao Fuxing—or rather, Xiao Huayong disguised as Xiao Fuxing.
Princess Ruyang, unaware that Xiao Huayong would visit today, failed to recognize this wasn't her actual son. She smiled affectionately without rising, but Xiao Wenxi appeared momentarily stunned, mechanically standing up only when her maid tugged her sleeve.
She finally collected herself and performed a curtsy: "Brother."
"County Princess." He first paid respects to the Princess, then exchanged greetings with Shen Xihe, before giving Xiao Wenxi a tepid acknowledgment.
His aloofness made the Princess glance between them before suddenly understanding. However, she showed no sign of realization, instead casually remarking, "Have you two siblings had a disagreement?"
"It was my fault—I asked Brother for something he treasures." Xiao Wenxi answered first.
Xiao Huayong responded coolly, "You know my temperament. What I value cannot be coveted."
Xiao Wenxi's fair face paled slightly: "Yes, Wenxi understands."
In the gentle breeze, a faint, familiar scent of Duojialuo drifted past. Shen Xihe observed the reactions of the Princess and Xiao Wenxi. Could this be the real Xiao Fuxing?
Unable to bear the tension, Princess Ruyang interjected, "The tea is ready. Your brother has always doted on you, but you must learn propriety. Do not anger him in the future."
"I understand." Xiao Wenxi forced a smile and complied, then began serving the tea.
Shen Xihe remained silent. The family of three showed no hint of discord—so it had always been Xiao Fuxing impersonating Hua Fuhai and others.
She didn't believe anyone could impersonate another so perfectly that even their closest relatives couldn't detect it.
Nor did she think someone would dare to impersonate another so brazenly that everyone around them would know—even seamlessly assisting in the performance.
When Xiao Wenxi served tea to Shen Xihe, the aroma was rich yet not overwhelming: "Did you use fragrant spices to blend the tea, Lady Xiao?"
Tea preparation often involves seasonings like salt, pepper powder, or ginger.
"Please taste it, County Princess." Xiao Wenxi smiled without directly answering.
After sipping, Shen Xihe found the tea's original fragrance well-preserved, yet enhanced by a unique, additional aroma—particularly suitable for women but less ideal for men.
Xiao Huayong tasted it and slightly furrowed his brows: "The tea's aroma has been muddied."
"Women prioritize flavor in tea, while men emphasize purity," Shen Xihe unexpectedly defended Xiao Wenxi. "Thank you for the tea, Lady Xiao."Receiving recognition, Xiao Wenxi was pleased and answered the previous question: "This tea was not blended with fragrant spices during brewing. Instead, it was dried together with fragrant spices during the roasting process, allowing the tea cakes to absorb the aroma before being ground into powder."
"So that's how it is. Lady Xiao's ingenuity is remarkable. Zhaoning will try this method upon returning," Shen Xihe said with a smile.
After realizing Xiao Wenxi's feelings toward him, Xiao Huayong had grown uncomfortable. Seeing that Shen Xihe remained oblivious and her earlier probing wasn't due to displeasure but mere curiosity made him even more unsettled. Witnessing their cheerful conversation, he couldn't resist finding fault: "The tea water hasn't reached the third boil. The astringency remains unremoved."
Tea brewing involves three stages of boiling: the first boil resembles fish eyes with faint sounds—the tea is undrinkable as its flavor hasn't emerged; the second boil shows bubbling springs along the edges—the tea remains unpleasant with bitter and astringent notes; the third boil involves rolling waves—this is the ideal time to drink, yielding sweetness, smoothness, and fragrance. Beyond the third boil, the water becomes over-boiled and harmful to health.
"Brother's guidance is most appreciated. I will be more careful in the future," Xiao Wenxi replied with bowed head.
Shen Xihe took another sip. In truth, the tea's slight astringency was barely noticeable unless one deliberately sought it out. The water had nearly reached the third boil, and she wondered why Xiao Fuxing was being so critical.
Moreover, Shen Xihe disapproved of his behavior. Xiao Wenxi was his full sister—if she had shortcomings, he shouldn't point them out in front of guests. If Shen Yungan acted this way, she would ignore him for a month.
But this was another family's affair, and as an outsider, it wasn't her place to comment. Having achieved her purpose, and feeling that Xiao Fuxing's presence was both obstructive and dampening the mood, Shen Xihe didn't wish to stay long. After sitting briefly, she declined Princess Ruyang's repeated attempts to make her stay and took her leave.
The moment Shen Xihe departed, Xiao Huayong's expression shifted. Wearing Xiao Fuxing's appearance, his eyes turned cold: "Cousin, for Aunt's sake, I shall let this pass today. Do not let it happen again."
Though this seemed a warning to Xiao Wenxi, it was equally a reprimand to Princess Ruyang, who had extended the invitation to Shen Xihe.
"Your Highness, forgive this old woman's impertinence," Princess Ruyang said, preparing to kneel in apology.
Xiao Huayong swiftly supported her. "Aunt, I treat Cousin no differently than I treat A'xing. Since Cousin has taken your surname, she has grown closer to me. As she approaches marriageable age, perhaps you should seek a suitable husband for her. Once the mourning period ends, they may wed."
Xiao Wenxi was already seventeen, but having recently lost her father, she must observe three years of mourning. By the end of this period, she would be twenty—considered advanced in age even in this dynasty. Without early arrangements, finding a good match later would prove difficult.
Upon hearing this, Xiao Wenxi abruptly looked up, her eyes reddening. Biting her lip, she seemed lost in thought. As Xiao Huayong turned to leave, she blocked his path: "Though untalented, might I request Your Highness to act as matchmaker? Your discernment is sharpest in judging character."
"I can indeed judge character, but I cannot determine whether yours is good or ill-intentioned," Xiao Huayong retorted, his gaze icy. "With Aunt and A'xing here, I would never let you marry a scoundrel. But with impure motives, how could I allow you to harm a worthy man?"
Without another glance at Xiao Wenxi, Xiao Huayong strode away.
Xiao Wenxi collapsed to the floor, tears falling like broken pearls: "I only wanted to see her... just once. Why does that make my motives impure?""Sister, you should not have deliberately brought out the same tea set as His Highness, trying to make the Princess misunderstand." Xiao Fuxing sighed softly.
He knew where his sister had gone wrong, and also understood why His Highness was so angry—likely because the Princess had clearly recognized the tea set yet showed not a trace of jealousy.
So it turned out that His Highness was still nursing an unrequited love.
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