From his hiding place, Xiao Huayong frowned – he had never known Xiao Wenxi harbored such feelings for him!

“The Princess is quite perceptive,” Xiao Wenxi smiled openly. “I merely learned some tea-making from His Highness. I’ve only met His Highness twice and am not close to him. If there’s any connection, it’s only as cousins.”

Though Shen Xihe hadn’t gotten the answer she wanted, she merely nodded slightly without showing it.

Xiao Wenxi’s heart was far from calm. She had quietly observed Xiao Huayong for three years, knowing his true face since then, aware of his talents in governance and ability to influence events.

He enjoyed brewing tea but never did so for others – even the Emperor and Empress Dowager had never tasted his personally brewed tea.

Yet he brewed tea for Princess Zhaoning, and by her words, not just once but seemingly every time.

That man who seemed above worldly matters on his divine pedestal had shown a human side, but not for her.

“Young Master,” at this moment, a maid outside curtsied.

Shen Xihe turned her head to see Xiao Guoxing – Xiao Huayong disguised as Xiao Guoxing.

Princess Ruyang, not expecting Xiao Huayong today, didn’t realize this wasn’t her son. She smiled warmly without rising, while Xiao Wenxi stood somewhat dazedly until her maid tugged at her sleeve.

She then came to her senses and curtsied: “Brother.”

“Princess.” He first greeted the Princess Royal, then Shen Xihe, before responding coolly to Xiao Wenxi.

His coldness made the Princess Royal glance between them before suddenly understanding, though she didn’t show it, instead saying naturally: “Are the siblings quarreling?”

“It’s my fault, I asked my brother for something he values,” Xiao Wenxi answered first.

Xiao Huayong then said: “You know my nature – what I cherish is not for coveting.”

Xiao Wenxi’s pretty face paled slightly: “Yes, Wenxi understands.”

In the breeze, a faint familiar scent of tagara wafted past. Observing Princess Ruyang and Xiao Wenxi’s reactions, Shen Xihe wondered if this was the real Xiao Guoxing.

Princess Ruyang, unable to bear it, said: “The tea is ready. Your brother has always doted on you, but you must know your limits. Don’t upset him in the future.”

“I understand,” Xiao Wenxi forced a smile and began pouring tea.

Shen Xihe remained silent. This family of three showed no discord, so perhaps it had always been Xiao Guoxing impersonating Hua Fuhai and others.

She didn’t believe someone could impersonate another person so well that even close family couldn’t tell the difference.

Even less likely that someone would dare impersonate another person so boldly that those around them would know and play along smoothly.

When Xiao Wenxi’s tea reached Shen Xihe’s hands, its fragrance was strong yet gentle: “Did Lady Xiao use spices in the tea?”

Tea brewing often uses seasonings like salt, pepper powder, and fresh ginger.

“Please try it, Princess,” Xiao Wenxi smiled without answering.

After tasting, Shen Xihe found the tea’s original fragrance fully preserved but with a unique additional aroma, very suitable for women but not quite right for men.

Xiao Huayong’s brows furrowed after drinking: “The tea’s fragrance is muddied.”

“Ladies drink tea for taste; gentlemen drink tea for character,” Shen Xihe spoke up for Xiao Wenxi. “Thank you for the tea, Lady Xiao.”

Pleased at the approval, Xiao Wenxi answered the earlier question: “This tea wasn’t seasoned during brewing, but rather roasted with spices, allowing the tea cakes to absorb the fragrance before being ground into powder.”

“I see. Lady Xiao’s creativity is admirable. I’ll try this at home,” Shen Xihe smiled.

Having realized Xiao Wenxi’s feelings for him, Xiao Huayong was quite uncomfortable. Seeing Shen Xihe hadn’t noticed, that her earlier probing wasn’t from jealousy but mere curiosity, made him even more displeased.

Now seeing them chatting pleasantly, he couldn’t help finding fault: “The water hasn’t reached three boils, the astringency remains.”

Tea brewing had three boiling stages: first boil like fish eyes, slightly bubbling – tea undrinkable then, flavor not released; second boil with spring-like pearls at the edges – tea still bitter then; third boil with surging waves – best for drinking, smooth and fragrant.

After three boils, brewing must stop – old water being harmful to health.

“Brother’s guidance is correct, I’ll be more careful in the future,” Xiao Wenxi lowered her head.

Shen Xihe took another sip. The tea’s astringency was barely noticeable – it was nearly at three boils. She didn’t understand why Xiao Guoxing was being so critical.

Moreover, Shen Xihe didn’t approve of his behavior. Xiao Wenxi was his full sister – if she had shortcomings, they shouldn’t be pointed out in front of guests. If Shen Yunan treated her like this, she wouldn’t speak to him for a month.

But this was another family’s business, not her place to comment. Having achieved her purpose, and finding Xiao Guoxing’s presence somewhat irritating and dampening, she didn’t want to stay long. After sitting briefly, she declined the Princess Royal’s repeated invitations and left.

As soon as Shen Xihe left, Xiao Huayong’s expression changed. Still wearing Xiao Guoxing’s face, his eyes turned cold: “Cousin, today I won’t hold this against you for Aunt’s sake, but don’t let it happen again.”

These words seemed to warn Xiao Wenxi but also served to reproach Princess Ruyang since she had sent the invitation to Shen Xihe.

“Your Highness, forgive me. This old one was presumptuous,” Princess Ruyang moved to kneel in apology.

Xiao Huayong quickly supported her: “Aunt, I treat cousin and Axing equally. Cousin now bears your surname, making us even closer. Cousin is getting older – Aunt, perhaps you should find her a husband soon. Once the mourning period ends, she can marry.”

Xiao Wenxi was already seventeen, but having just lost her father, she had three years of mourning. After mourning, she’d be twenty – quite old for marriage in their dynasty. If they didn’t seek early, it might be hard to find a good match later.

Hearing this, Xiao Wenxi raised her head suddenly, eyes reddening, biting her lip in uncertain thought. As Xiao Huayong was about to leave, she blocked his path: “Though unworthy, might Wenxi ask Your Highness to act as a matchmaker? Your Highness sees clearly, best able to judge good from bad.”

“I can indeed judge good from bad, but I don’t know which you are,” Xiao Huayong’s eyes glinted coldly. “With Aunt and Axing here, I wouldn’t let you marry a beast. But with your impure thoughts, how could I let you harm a good man?”

With that, Xiao Huayong left without another glance at Xiao Wenxi.

Xiao Wenxi collapsed to the ground, tears falling like broken strings of pearls: “I just wanted to see her, to see her once. How did that become impure thoughts?”

“Sister, you shouldn’t have deliberately used tea implements like His Highness’s, trying to make the Princess misunderstand,” Xiao Guoxing sighed softly.

He knew where his sister had erred and also knew His Highness’s anger likely stemmed from the Princess recognizing the tea implements yet showing no jealousy.

So, His Highness’s love was still unrequited.