NFBE Chapter 167 The Emperor's Suspicion Arises
Chapter 167 The Emperor's Suspicion Arises
"Your Majesty, what I said is absolutely true, without a single falsehood. Your Majesty can rest assured and try the method I described." Su Nuannuan stood respectfully and nodded slightly in reply.
Not long after, a palace maid carefully carried in a delicate tray with a jug of milk that emitted a faint fragrance.
Following Su Nuannuan's instructions, the Empress gently picked up the milk jug and slowly poured it into the cup of black tea that was originally as black as ink.
In an instant, a wondrous transformation occurred—the inky black tea and the pure white milk blended together, gradually mixing into a captivating brownish-red hue. A faint, almost imperceptible milky aroma wafted up, arousing immediate curiosity.
The Empress gracefully picked up the small teacup, parted her lips slightly, and took a small sip. However, her face remained calm and composed, without the slightest ripple, before she gently placed the teacup back on the table.
"Your Majesty, the taste of this black tea is quite unique after adding milk. However, I am not used to this combination, so I don't find it very palatable," the Empress said softly to the Emperor with a smile.
At this moment, Zhang Wang, the envoy from the Southern Stone Kingdom, was secretly surprised. He had originally been looking forward to seeing the people of the Azure Kingdom make a fool of themselves because they didn't know how to appreciate this precious ink tea, but the current situation was far beyond his expectations.
Looking at the exceptionally intelligent woman before him who had devised such an ingenious way of drinking tea, he couldn't help but smile with admiration: "I truly never expected that milk could be added to this black tea. Your Highness is truly ingenious." As he spoke, he smiled and cast an admiring glance at Su Nuannuan.
Su Nuannuan inwardly snorted, but her delicate face still wore a sweet smile as she said in a sweet voice, "Envoy Zhang, it was purely by accident that I was able to taste such a delicious drink today! If it weren't for our little princess's mischievous act of pouring milk into this black tea, I'm afraid I would never have known that black tea and milk could taste so good together." In just a few words, she cleverly explained the reason for the incident while subtly attributing the credit to the little princess's unintentional act.
Upon hearing this, Zhang Wang naturally understood Su Nuannuan's implied meaning. He quickly turned around and praised the little princess with a beaming smile: "The little princess is truly exceptionally intelligent! This unintentional action has resulted in a delicious drink."
The emperor, who had been silently observing everyone's reactions from his seat above, couldn't help but burst into laughter. His hearty and loud laughter echoed throughout the entire palace. Clearly, the emperor was quite pleased with this amusing interlude.
However, Consort Qing, sitting to the side, frowned slightly. Her previously relaxed brows furrowed, revealing a hint of displeasure. She thought to herself: This Su Nuannuan knows how to talk. She easily diverted everyone's attention to the little princess and even won the Emperor's favor.
At this moment, the Empress Dowager smiled and extended her hand, beckoning to the little princess, "Little Yao'er, come here quickly, come to your grandmother."
Upon hearing this, Canglan Jingyao first looked up at her mother, Su Nuannuan. Su Nuannuan smiled and nodded slightly, indicating her agreement.
So, Canglan Jingyao happily took off with her small, cute legs and ran towards the Empress Dowager's seat like a lively little rabbit.
Upon reaching the Empress Dowager, Canglan Jingyao raised her delicate, porcelain-like face and sweetly called out, "Grandmother~" Then, she turned around and sweetly called out to the Empress, who was sitting to the side, "Mother~" Her childish voice was so endearing that it brought joy to everyone who heard it.
At this moment, the Emperor, sitting upright on the dragon throne, slowly placed the exquisite teacup in his hand on the table beside him. His deep and sharp eyes looked directly at Zhang Wang, who was standing below him, and he asked in a calm but inquisitive tone, "I wonder how Envoy Zhang intends to conduct trade with my Canglan Kingdom regarding this ink tea?"
Zhang Wang quickly stepped forward, bowed, and respectfully replied, "Your Majesty, I wish to offer all the ink tea I brought with me to Your Majesty."
However, to Zhang Wang's utter surprise, the Azure King bluntly refused, saying, "I appreciate your kind offer, but to be honest, I really can't get used to the unique taste of this ink tea." After saying this, the Emperor shook his head slightly, clearly indicating his refusal.
Faced with the Azure King's frank and straightforward response, Zhang Wang was taken aback and momentarily at a loss for words. The words he had prepared suddenly stuck in his throat, and he was at a loss for how to continue the conversation.
Just as the scene fell into a brief silence, a clear and melodious female voice suddenly broke the tranquility.
Everyone looked in the direction of the voice and saw that Su Nuannuan had stood up. She first gave the Emperor a graceful bow, and then said with a smile and utmost respect, "Your Majesty, I really love this ink tea. How about having Envoy Zhang sell all the ink tea he has to me?"
Before Su Nuannuan could finish speaking, Zhang Wang hurriedly interjected, "Since Your Highness is so fond of this ink tea, then all the ink tea I brought this time shall be given to Your Highness without taking a single penny." As he spoke, Zhang Wang's face was full of fawning smiles, and he cupped his hands to Su Nuannuan to show his respect.
At this moment, the Emperor first took a deep look at Consort Zhuang—Su Nuannuan, and then shifted his gaze to Zhang Wang below. His eyes seemed to hold a profound meaning, but it was difficult for others to fathom what he was thinking at this moment.
The Duke of Zhenguo glanced worriedly at the Emperor, who sat high on his throne and was scrutinizing everything with a critical eye. Then he turned his gaze to his daughter, who was standing on his seat, and sighed silently in despair.
The Emperor's actions clearly indicate that he is suspicious of his daughter!
Couldn't Su Nuannuan see it? Actually, she knew perfectly well what was going on, but even so, she still chose to do it.
For no other reason than that, while this black coffee wasn't exactly delicious, it was still palatable. Back in her previous life, she had a deep love for coffee and had tasted countless brands of black coffee. Now, in this completely unfamiliar time and space, to have the chance to encounter it like this, how could she possibly let it slip by? Occasionally sipping a cup was certainly a unique enjoyment.
"Since my beloved consort is so fond of this item, then I shall bestow upon her all the ink tea that Envoy Zhang presented this time," the Emperor said with a smile, seemingly generous.
"Your Majesty, I am very grateful for your great favor." Upon hearing this, Su Nuannuan was overjoyed and quickly curtsied respectfully, responding with delight.
And so, all the ink tea that originally belonged to Zhang Wang ended up in Su Nuannuan's pocket in the blink of an eye.
Seeing this, someone couldn't help but mutter to themselves, "Consort Zhuang really does accept everyone who comes her way..."