Not long after, Laifu returned, "The Emperor is coming. Please have the two of you move to the main hall. Her Majesty doesn't know why His Majesty would come at this time."
The Old Madam nodded, "Thank you, Eunuch, for leading the way. This old woman will bring her granddaughter to pay respects to His Majesty and Her Majesty."
Qi Zhenzhen secretly pondered her luck. According to Madam Gao, the Emperor was a very disciplined person and generally did not visit the inner palace during the day. Why had she run into this situation?
In the main hall of Huaqing Palace, Emperor Chongwen and Consort An were seated on a soft couch by the window, with fresh fruits and delicate pastries on a low table.
"Your Majesty, please taste if my tea-making skills have improved?" Consort An said with a charming smile.
Her voice was not delicate or sweet, but rather had a hearty quality to it.
Qi Zhenzhen was not surprised. Consort An hailed from the Duke Huguo's estate, and every generation of Dukes Huguo were military men. Therefore, both men and women in the Duke Huguo line practiced martial arts. It was heard that Consort An had practiced martial arts since childhood and was quite skilled. People like her tended to be forthright; it would be unusual if her voice were delicate. Da Feng Novel Network.
"Why did you think of having Nian's future wife come to the palace?" Emperor Chongwen asked, taking a sip of tea.
"It wasn't I who called her," Consort An said, her phoenix eyes narrowing slightly. "I merely sent a teaching嬷嬷 to the Marquis's estate to instruct the second Miss of the Qi family in etiquette."
Emperor Chongwen looked at Consort An's mischievous gaze and sighed, "You are something else!"
The Old Madam led Qi Zhenzhen forward to bow to Emperor Chongwen and Consort An.
"Please rise, Old Madam. Yuanbao, fetch seats," Emperor Chongwen said.
Soon, someone brought over soft embroidered stools. Qi Zhenzhen helped the Old Madam to sit and stood obediently beside her, hands by her sides, head slightly bowed. Madam Gao had repeatedly instructed her not to look directly at the masters in the palace.
"I heard Zhenzhen's tea artistry is superb. Both His Majesty and I are fond of tea. Do we have the honor of tasting a cup of tea brewed by Zhenzhen?" Consort An spoke unhurriedly.
Qi Zhenzhen stepped forward and curtsied, "If His Majesty and Her Majesty wish it, then of course."
Consort An's request meant she was fully aware of matters concerning Qi Zhenzhen. Feigning modesty would be inappropriate; it was best to accept openly.
The palace attendants soon brought out all the necessary implements.
Qi Zhenzhen's expression was serene. She lit incense, purified her hands, and began step by step.
Consort An was a tea connoisseur who had studied under a tea master since childhood and was skilled in brewing tea, thus she was very familiar with the steps and movements of tea preparation.
Qi Zhenzhen's every move was like flowing water, a pleasure to behold. Even more remarkable was the composed demeanor she carried at such a young age. Consort An felt that even a legitimate daughter might not possess such grace.
Upon completing the set, Qi Zhenzhen presented the tea to Emperor Chongwen and Consort An with both hands.
The tea served to the masters in the palace was already of the highest quality, with a rich aroma and a lingering aftertaste. This meant that even without excellent tea-making skills, the tea would still be good.
Emperor Chongwen narrowed his eyes and took a sip, savoring it slowly. The tea's aroma remained rich, and upon careful tasting, the fragrance seemed to have layers, progressing from light to strong, building up to evoke admiration.
"Your skill is much better than mine," Consort An said faintly. "It seems the rumors were not exaggerated. Zhenzhen's tea-making skills are indeed more impressive than many masters. After tasting Zhenzhen's tea today, I fear I won't be accustomed to tea brewed by others. Your Majesty, what do you say? Shall I keep Zhenzhen by my side to brew tea exclusively?"