The Dandy's Duchess

Chapter 183: Entering the Hall (5)

Rongjing carefully watched Yun Qianyue's expression, noting the slight look of melancholy that seemed to touch her face. His eyes flashed thoughtfully as he glanced at the tea in his hand, a sense of unease lingering in his mind.

"Where is Yunwu Ridge?" Yun Qianyue asked after a long silence.

"It's in the Cloud Mist Mountains, a hundred miles from here," Rongjing explained, pouring himself another cup of tea and savoring it.

"What's it like? Have you been there?" she continued, curiosity in her voice.

"The mountain is incredibly tall, shrouded in mist throughout the year. Many rare medicinal herbs grow there, but wild beasts are also frequent. If you're not careful, one misstep can lead to a fall off a cliff. Few people dare to tread there." Rongjing's tone was soft, almost as if he was painting the scene for her.

Yun Qianyue nodded thoughtfully, her gaze falling back to her cup of tea. The tea leaves were tightly curled, verdant in color, emitting a rich fragrance and a robust taste. Grown in the mist, there was no doubt this was indeed Maofeng tea. She found herself lost in thought, remembering that her love for this tea stemmed from someone dear to her. That person also cherished Maofeng tea, and they would pick it together during the harvest season whenever they had time off. But one mission had taken him away, never to return, leaving her to drink enough for two since then. She had hoped that coming to this world would sever all ties with the past. But here, against all odds, she had found Maofeng tea. Some people, it seemed, were meant to stay in her heart forever. No matter where her soul went, they would remain a part of her. She sighed softly.

Rongjing watched her intently, hearing the faint sigh, and gently asked, "What person or memory would make you sigh like this?"

Was she that transparent? Yun Qianyue's face cleared, and her usual carefree look returned as she lounged across the table, rolling her eyes at him dismissively. "Who or what could possibly make me sigh, hmm?"

Rongjing studied her for a moment, then let the subject drop without a word.

Yun Qianyue took another sip of tea, savoring the taste as she murmured, "Spring tea is bright green, initially bitter but turns sweet. Summer tea is more astringent, with a darker color. Autumn tea, picked after the white dew, has its own flavor. Since this tea was picked between late spring and early summer, it has bitterness, sweetness, and a hint of astringency."

"Miss Qianyue truly knows her tea! This was indeed picked just over a month ago," came the delighted voice of the old physician from outside, filled with pleasant surprise as if he'd found a kindred spirit. "I have a few other teas here; I wonder if Miss Qianyue might recognize them too?"

"Is that you, Physician Lao? Sure, bring them here; I'll have a look," Yun Qianyue called, smiling toward the open window where she could see the old man's eager face.

"Right away!" he responded cheerfully and hurried off.

Rongjing sipped his tea in silence, his long lashes casting shadows over his eyes as he appeared lost in thought.

Yun Qianyue also fell silent, gently swirling her teacup. The tea leaves circled the cup, forming rings of deep green ripples—a pleasing sight.

Before long, Physician Lao returned, carefully carrying several delicate boxes, which he placed on the table with a look of hopeful anticipation.

Yun Qianyue set down her cup and opened each box, examining their contents one by one. After inspecting all the boxes, she met the old physician's expectant gaze and, with some reluctance, shook her head. "I don't recognize any of these. I only know this one type of tea."

The old man's face fell instantly, all hope dashed.

Rongjing chuckled, lifting his gaze to the physician. "Did you really think she'd know everything? If she knew everything, would she need to be forced to study? She just happened to stumble upon this one by sheer luck."

The old physician's face brightened at once as he nodded vigorously, beaming again. "For Miss Qianyue to recognize even one type is impressive enough. Most ladies wouldn't know even that much." Grinning, he gathered up the boxes and left.

"Rongjing! Must you speak so crudely? You're supposed to be a refined gentleman, yet you speak of 'sheer luck' as if it's something unsavory!" Yun Qianyue chided, feigning an air of seriousness. She couldn't admit she did recognize those other teas but hadn't liked them enough to mention it. After all, she had just wanted to see if teas from her old world existed here.

"You're the legitimate daughter of Prince Yun's Mansion—such a noblewoman. Aren't you also speaking crudely?" Rongjing raised an eyebrow.

"How can I be compared to you?" Yun Qianyue sniffed disdainfully.

Just then, the smell of food wafted in. She inhaled deeply, a look of satisfaction on her face. "Ah, I smell hibiscus fish stew!"

"Did you catch the scent of silver too?" Rongjing said, looking at her with a leisurely smile. "Last night, Grandpa Yun sent me some money—your meal expenses. Seeing the sizable amount, I had this hibiscus fish stew made for you. It should last you a few days. Grandpa Yun said if it's not enough, I could always ask for more, and I agreed."

"You—" Yun Qianyue stared at him, pointing accusingly, words failing her.

At that moment, a voice called from outside, "Heir, lunch is ready!"

"Bring it in," Rongjing instructed.

Sure enough, the first dish was hibiscus fish stew. Seeing it, Yun Qianyue forgot everything about the old man's silver. After all, it wasn't her own money. She'd never inherit the estate of Prince Yun's Mansion anyway, so if anyone should be heartbroken, it would be Yun Muhan. Feeling perfectly justified, she began eating the fish with relish.

Rongjing glanced at her and smiled, then picked up his own chopsticks.

They ate in silence, a fragrant aroma filling the room.

After the meal, Yun Qianyue sprawled on Rongjing's soft couch, lying there like a boneless cat, too comfortable to move. Just as she was about to close her eyes, she heard Rongjing call out to someone outside, "Bingquan, take Miss Qianyue to my study."

"Yes, Heir!" answered the young attendant.

"No, I want to sleep," Yun Qianyue groaned, shaking her head at Rongjing.

"Would you like to have hibiscus fish stew again tomorrow? If not, then by all means, take a nap," Rongjing said, watching her.

She'd just had it today—she could go a day without it. She shook her head. "No, I don't want it."

"I meant tomorrow as in from now on. Hibiscus fish stew is only made by one chef under my employ. Are you sure you want to sleep instead of going to the study?" He raised an eyebrow.