Chapter 380 - 380: She Has It

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

A few young people pointed at the carriage.

“They are outsiders. Judging by their attire, they are either rich or noble. Ordinary families couldn’t own this. And those two horses look like thoroughbreds. They must have a significant background to pull a carriage like that.”

“How about inviting them for a cup of tea?”

“Let’s not. They are all older; let’s not bother them. Better be honest.”

“What’s the harm? Friends come from all corners of the world.

The carriage was stopped. They thought it was troublemakers, but it was an invitation. The emperor was happier now.

They gladly accepted the invitation, and the carriage stopped in front of a tea house called Qiong Pavilion. They didn’t bother tying the horses to the hitching post; Dong Zhao and Dracaena automatically rested there.

They didn’t need to worry about someone stealing the carriage; no one could take it away.

Following the invitees to a private room on the second floor, several young men greeted them with a bow.

“Welcome to Luzhou!”

The emperor glanced at these young men. “Are you all locals?”

“Yes, we are the Five Young Masters of Luzhou and the top five scholars in the imperial examination.”

“Not bad. Looking at the five of you, I believe you will soon have a place in the capital.”

They introduced themselves, and when it came to their turn, the emperor introduced himself as Mr. Huang, the empress as Madam Rong, Qiao Mai as Madam Qiao, and Yuan Jiaqi as Mr. Yuan.

After the introductions, they took their seats. A man poured tea for them.

“Come, try this. It’s our famous tribute tea in Luzhou and was sent to the palace every year.”

The emperor picked up the tea, but he found it rather mundane. How could he say he didn’t like this tribute tea? He drank the tea given by his in-law; other teas couldn’t compare.

What’s the point of drinking tea on a hot day?

After a sip, they placed the teacups on the table. The five scholars looked puzzled. “Is this tea not good? This is the most expensive tea in the teahouse.”

The emperor casually said, “We usually drink one type of tea. We’re used to it, so others don’t appeal to us.”

“Oh, brother, what tea is it? Can we have a taste?”

The emperor looked at Qiao Mai apologetically. “She has it.”

Qiao Mai glanced at him and took a tea bag from her sleeve. “Take it to brew a pot. Everyone can have a taste.”

Since she was the elder, her words weren’t impolite.

One of the Five Young Masters took the tea bag and immediately had a servant bring a teapot and a pot of boiling water.

When they opened the tea bag, they deeply inhaled the aroma. The fragrance of the tea was exquisite.

Pouring the tea leaves into the teapot and adding boiling water, they all stared at it without saying a word. It seemed they were all tea connoisseurs.

When the tea was poured, the room was filled with its fragrance.

Qiao Mai smiled. “Try it. We’re used to it, so it doesn’t seem special.”

The Five Young Masters were eager. After tasting a sip, they expressed their satisfaction. “Excellent tea. I never thought such good tea existed in the world.”

“It’s alright, but it would be even better if the weather were cooler. This tea would be more enjoyable.”

“We don’t have ice here. Ice from the north would turn into water by the time it arrived. ”

“I have it.”

Qiao Mai took a small wooden box from below, filled with small square ice cubes. She took the teapot and poured the ice into it.

“Try this tea. This is a genuine chilled tea.”

The Five Young Masters were astonished at her skill. Who was this person who could bring out ice?

They couldn’t help but size them up again.

“This… this… You brought ice?”

“Yes.”

“Your ice?”

“Don’t ask too much. Just taste the cold tea.”

Being able to drink a pot of ice-cold tea in the South is something even the wealthy can’t achieve. Unexpectedly, they enjoyed good tea and also savored the refreshing taste of ice.

The young men became even more curious about their identities, and one of them extended an invitation to the group.

“Brothers and sisters, my family is hosting a Golden Autumn banquet tomorrow. If you don’t mind, please come and join the festivities.”

As he spoke, he took an invitation card from his pocket and respectfully placed it before the emperor.

The emperor looked at the luxurious invitation card, which had “Rong Mansion” written on it. His brows furrowed slightly, and he discreetly glanced at the empress.

Then he put the invitation away. “Alright, we’ll come by tomorrow.”

“If you have nothing to do after breakfast, you can come over early.”

“Mr. Rong, what’s the relationship between your family and the Rong family in the capital?” “That’s our main family. We are a branch of the Rong family.”

“I see.”

The empress also scrutinized the young man. There was no resemblance since they were from a branch.

After sitting for a while, they excused themselves and left the teahouse as the rain subsided.

The Five Young Masters watched them from upstairs, feeling that these people were beyond noble and worthy of friendship.

In the carriage, the emperor looked at the empress. “Rui’er, is this your Rong family?”

“Your Majesty, I rarely visit even my main family, let alone these branches. If they behave themselves, it’s fine. If they misuse my name for mischief, you can take action.”

“I am assured with your words.”

Qiao Mai and Yuan Jiaqi exchanged a glance without making a sound. The rain had stopped by noon, but they didn’t leave the carriage. Instead, they ordered some snacks, had them delivered to the carriage, and continued strolling.

“Should we prepare some gifts for the banquet tomorrow?”

“No one goes empty-handed when visiting someone’s house.”

The emperor looked at Qiao Mai. “How about you prepare, dear in-law?” “Why? You looted Magistrate Wu’s house. What good things they wouldn’t have?”

“It’s inconvenient to bring them on the road. Everything has been sent back. You’re good at magic tricks, right? Just a little flick of your fingers and good things will come out.”

“Hmph, they seem to like ice. How about sending a cart of ice tomorrow?” The group couldn’t help but burst into laughter.

“That’s fine. After all, even the sight of ice is rare in such a hot place, let alone tasting it.”

“All right, it’s settled then. A cart of ice is not worth much, but it looks good.

When giving gifts, it’s important to touch people’s hearts.”

“Haha.”

The next day, the weather was excellent. The Rong Mansion was bustling early in the morning, with the main gate wide open and servants going in and out.

The emperor and his party did not arrive early. After breakfast, they wandered around Luzhou City.

The sun was high, and they hired a carriage with wooden boxes on top, constantly dripping water on one side.

Anyone passing by the carriage felt a refreshing coolness.

They got off the carriage at the Rong Mansion’s entrance, looking at the grand gate. The group exchanged knowing glances.

The emperor held the invitation and entered. There was a table on one side of the gate, and the emperor placed the invitation on it. Yuan Jiaqi told the accountant.

“A cart of ice blocks, twenty boxes.”

“What? A cart of ice blocks? Where? Where?”

“On the carriage outside. You can get someone to unload them.”

Some guests who came to offer gifts heard about someone sending a cart of ice blocks for the first time. They all ran outside. The steward brought servants to the carriage and opened the box. A rush of cool air came out.

“How do we arrange this? We don’t have an ice cellar. Let’s temporarily put them in a cool room. I’ll go inform the master.” A cart full of ice blocks left the Rong family in chaos.

Some people were jealous.

“It’s just a cart of ice. What’s the big deal?”

Qiao Mai gave the person a cold look. “Can you bring a cart yourself?”

This was something no amount of money could buy. Just now, that guy was only showing off his mouth.

When the Rong family heard about someone sending a cart of ice blocks, they all happily ran out. Old Master Rong couldn’t care less about the people sending the ice; he immediately arranged.

“Send three boxes to the Old Madam, three boxes to the Madam, and one box to each of the young misses and masters’ rooms. The rest goes to the kitchen..”