TPITWOHEF

Chapter 170

The Ji sisters were the precious granddaughters of Ji Duan, the Prime Minister of Chu State. Ji Duan had always raised his granddaughters as if they were boys.

From a young age, the two sisters studied with tutors, receiving the same education as boys would.

Chu State was wealthier than Jing Country, with more developed agriculture and commerce. The Ji sisters grew up in luxury, tasting all kinds of delicacies.

They didn't find milk tea particularly special. "Yuan, Grandfather said we shouldn't overindulge no matter how delicious something is. We must be grateful for what we have. Swallow what's in your mouth before you speak."

"You've had sheep's milk and cow's milk from the grasslands at home before."

Chu State had many peddlers who traded with the grasslands.

While others couldn't get sheep's milk, they had it so often at the Prime Minister's residence in Chu State that they were tired of it.

Even their maids had tasted it plenty of times and didn't find it special anymore.

"The fine Longjing tea at home is far more beautiful and clear than this tea." The two sisters felt Yuan was too excitable when going out. "We have rice porridge with rouge powder at home too..."

But as she said this, Ji Xiayue, the elder sister, noticed that the maid Yuan hadn't listened to a word. Her bamboo cup, which was originally nine-tenths full, was now less than half full.

"..."

The Ji sisters could only helplessly pull the little maid aside. "If Nanny Li saw you behaving like this at home, she would definitely scold you—"

But they didn't finish their sentence. After all, they were still young, and curiosity got the better of them. They carefully took a small sip from their own bamboo cups.

Afraid of the gamey taste, they didn't dare drink much, thinking the flavor might be strange.

But with just one sip, the doubt, hesitation, and confusion in their eyes were replaced by sparkling satisfaction!

"Young ladies, quick, try the little sesame balls inside~"

The soft white balls, rolled into tiny spheres, were something Ji Xiayue had never imagined would appear in a tea soup.

Yet they fit so perfectly. With a slight bite, the thin layer of snow-white glutinous rice skin broke, releasing a fine, pitch-black sesame filling from inside.

Sweet, soft, and warm, with a fragrant oiliness, they could be eaten one after another even on their own.

But after two or three, they became slightly cloying. At this moment, the mellow, clear tea fragrance would wash over the palate, completely eliminating any possibility of sweetness overload, leaving only a faint aroma and milky taste on the tongue.

"...It's actually quite good." The Ji sisters tasted their own and then tried each other's.

"This milk tea is so amazing, it seems to go well with everything. The taro balls are chewy, the honey balls are sweet and soft, the Acacia confusa seeds are tender, the Job's tears are soft yet have texture, and the rice with rouge powder is just the right level of smoothness," Ji Qiuyue discovered after careful tasting.

"This milk tea is not simple. It will likely become a popular business on every street corner soon."

It was easy to make, the ingredients weren't complicated, and the sweet, soft taste was suitable for both toothless elderly and children.

"Even if it were introduced in Chu State, it would do good business."

How did the Jing Country court come up with such a novel food?