Glory

Shen Hui's decision to have his wife host the banquet was because Madam Shen was exceptionally skilled in social graces and conversation.

Once everyone was seated, Madam Shen began introducing the dishes, not only explaining their flavors and preparation methods with expertise but also vividly recounting their origins and associated legends. Despite there being only four people at the table, she single-handedly created a lively atmosphere.

On her side, Ye Yaming served dishes to Princess Yu Ning and Qi Furen, while also exchanging witty remarks with Madam Shen.

The banquet's atmosphere finally eased.

Princess Yu Ning had spoken earlier to support Ye Yaming and subtly admonish Qi Furen, not truly intending to sever ties with her.

Seeing Qi Furen's expression finally relax, the princess pointed to a dish and instructed her maid, "Qi Furen enjoys this—place it before her."

Qi Furen, flustered by the honor, quickly stood to express her gratitude.

Princess Yu Ning gestured for her to sit and said, "My tone was too harsh earlier—I apologize. But I spoke out of genuine concern for Yaming. I hope you don't resent my interference in how you manage your niece-in-law."

"Not at all, not at all," Qi Furen hurriedly replied.

Realizing her response sounded stiff, as if she were still upset, she quickly added, "I understand Your Highness truly cares for Yaming. For Guanyi to receive your patronage is a blessing. As her aunt, I could only be delighted—I wouldn't dare think otherwise."

"Good. Now, let's eat. Madam Shen's banquet is both delicious and exquisite—we must savor it properly," Princess Yu Ning declared.

Despite repeated attempts to make them stay, Princess Yu Ning and her party returned to the capital the following day.

Upon her return, the princess went to the palace and presented the Tieguanyin tea that Ye Yaming had specially entrusted her to bring to Emperor Chu Sheng.

"You're the one who remembers your elder brother, Yu Ning," Chu Sheng sighed with a smile. "People say the emperor has everything. Yet it's pitiable that I can't even get a satisfying cup of tea—who would believe it?"

As Ye Family's Tieguanyin was newly introduced and its production highly unstable, the Imperial Household Department dared not present it to him, fearing they might be unable to supply it later in the year.

Since it wasn't classified as Tribute Tea, they couldn't hold the Ye Family accountable if supplies ran short, leaving them to bear the emperor's wrath alone.

Chu Sheng understood their concerns. He was no tyrant who prioritized personal preferences over others' welfare. After receiving two jin of Tieguanyin from Princess Yu Ning the previous year, he had quietly enjoyed it without fanfare and hadn't requested more this year.

He trusted that if the tea became available, his younger sister would think of him.

"It can't be helped," Princess Yu Ning explained. "This Tieguanyin was processed by Yaming last year. She told me it must be made from tea varieties unique to Minzhou—the leaves from Lin'an simply don't yield the same flavor."

"Minzhou is so distant, and she's pregnant while still needing to personally oversee the production of Lin'an's Dragon Well Tribute Tea. She's stretched too thin. If this tea was presented last year and you developed a liking for it, but this year's batch fell short due to the tea master's skill, wouldn't that endanger many? Thus, neither the Ye Family nor the Imperial Household Department dared bring it to you. Only I would eagerly share such treasures with you, undeterred by potential repercussions.""Yes, yes, you're absolutely right, little sister." Chu Chang said with a beaming smile. "Coincidentally, the palace has recently acquired some Yun brocade. You can take it back with you later—keep most of it for yourself, and deliver the smaller portion to Madam Lu on my behalf."

"Many thanks, Imperial Brother." Princess Yu Ning rose and performed a formal bow.

After sitting back down, she wore an expression of hesitation, clearly wanting to say something but holding back.

Chu Chang asked curiously, "What's troubling you that you're being so hesitant?"

This sister of his, born of the Empress and full sister to the Crown Prince, had been doted on since childhood. She married an ideal husband, saw her brother smoothly ascend the throne as Emperor, and had never suffered any grievances in her life—she was the epitome of freedom and unrestrained spirit.

This upbringing forged her straightforward and candid character—she spoke her mind without much reservation, making her current hesitance quite rare.

"It's nothing, nothing." Princess Yu Ning quickly replied. "I wanted to ask if Ye Jia could become an Imperial merchant. I'm not trying to interfere in state affairs—this is just casual conversation between siblings. If you find it inappropriate, just pretend I never mentioned it. It's mainly because I feel distressed seeing Yaming, heavily pregnant, going up the mountain to make tea while still being targeted by others."

She then recounted how tea merchants in Lin'an City had used various underhanded methods to steal tea formulas, forcing Ye Jia to sell them. She also mentioned how Wang Kuan and others had recently joined forces to try and climb up by stepping on Ye Jia.

"Last year, I told you about Yaming dreaming of how to make tea. Outsiders say she's the reincarnation of the Tea God, and I believe that—Master Zhineng is also firmly convinced. Otherwise, how do you explain her knowing so much at such a young age, capable of making any type of tea?"

"The reincarnation of the Tea God is an auspicious sign for the nation, a blessing from heaven reflecting your virtuous rule, Imperial Brother—a harbinger of prosperous times. For such a person, we should protect her so that every petty troublemaker doesn't bully her and offend the deities."

She stood up and bowed to Chu Chang. "I overstep my bounds with this bold suggestion. If it's inappropriate, please forgive me, Imperial Brother."

Chu Chang quickly gestured for her to rise, sighing, "No need for such formality, Imperial Sister. You've always been the most discreet. If you didn't feel this matter could harm the state or myself, you wouldn't have brought it up."

The reason he treated this sister with particular favor wasn't just because they shared both parents, but also because Princess Yu Ning never interfered in political matters.

Yet when he faced truly important issues, she would step forward to protect her Imperial Brother—something that warmed the heart of Chu Chang, who was accustomed to deceit and couldn't fully trust even his wife and sons.

After Princess Yu Ning sat down again, he said, "What you mention isn't difficult. I've tasted this year's Tribute Tea—it's even better than last year's. I was already planning to reward Ye Jia. However, mere rewards don't equate to granting them the status of Imperial merchant. You must understand that Imperial merchant is a title reserved for businesses participating in major court transactions."

"Nevertheless, the court signed a contract with Ye Jia last year, and this year they'll be supplying large quantities of Dark Tea to the court. Once the Dark Tea is delivered, I'll issue an edict designating Ye Jia as Imperial merchants—the kind with official rank that can be hereditary."

This had been Chu Chang's original intention.

Setting aside rumors about being the Tea God's reincarnation, just considering that Ye Yaming was Lu Guanyi's wife and would soon become Princess Yu Ning's daughter-in-law through marriage to Lu Zhongyong, Chu Chang would naturally show preferential treatment to Ye Jia.Lu Zhongyong commanded several hundred thousand troops, and Chu Chang didn't trust anyone else to lead them. Fortunately, Lu Zhongyong wasn't overly ambitious, so since Chu Chang had no intention of replacing him, he had to win his loyalty.

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