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The lake glistened, reflecting an undulating glow on one's facial features. On a rosewood table, a lilac sleeve embedded with dark silver patterns of a dragon brushed past the surface, revealing long and narrow fingers that gently picked up a teapot.
”This maple leaf tea is a specialty of the Shuang Mountain in Wuji, and their trees are found on cliffs. The leaves stay green even after enduring the frost season and do not sink in water. Boiling it three times using the water of the Jade Lake in Min Mountain, will be able to extract its clear, delicate and rich fragrance… Please have a taste.”
The opaque tea in the white jade teacup reflected the impeccable smile of the host. He sat casually in the boat, and gently pushed the cup of tea over. A servant who was waiting by his side took the cup and walked down a few steps to a spot that was exactly half a foot away from the guest, before raising it high above his head.
It was a complete royal etiquette filled with the utmost respect.
The guest sitting on the left similarly raised their long and narrow fingers to pick up the teacup. Covering the mouth with sleeves, the guest took a sip and put it down right after, chuckling, ”It is indeed good. Light and amazing, the aftertaste still lingers in my mouth. This tea truly captures the essence of the art of tea brewing. If I wasn't a follower of Buddhism, I would have been reluctant to part with such a beautiful taste.”
She looked up and sat on her seat with a smile. There was a hint of sadness in her eyes, but that faded in an instant, as though it had never appeared before.
Princess Lotus sat prim and proper on the seat, just like a graceful lotus.
”You came from far away. Was it a smooth journey?” the host, who could only be Zhangsun Wuji, asked earnestly. ”It was my lack of manners that I didn't make arrangements for the Ministry of Rites to receive you.”
”I was touring around the continent, visiting the famous ancient temples. Wuji is merely a stopover,” Lotus smiled. ”I dare not trouble the Ministry of your noble nation. That was thoughtful of you, Crown Prince.”
”Even so, you do not have many bodyguards, and your safety is at risk,” replied Zhangsun Wuji, as he meticulously washed the teapot with boiling water. Gently drawing circular motions on the warm cups, he said, ”Though Wuji is pretty civilized under our rule, it is inevitable that there will be thieves or kidnappers appearing on the streets. While it is a relief that you arrived safely after a long journey with so few bodyguards, it is quite worrisome.”
”As a follower of Buddhism, I naturally have the protection of the deities to fend off all the evil spirits,” Lotus lightly chanted Buddhist scriptures, placing her palms together.
Behind her, Ming Ruo blinked her eyes in confusion. She could not fully understand why the Princess did not mention, or ask for rewards, for Tie Cheng who escorted her here, as she had promised. However, she chose to purse her lips - the Princess was always right.
Zhangsun Wuji glanced at Princess Lotus. Still smiling, he gently spoke, ”Are you here to return the diagram of Xuanji?”
Princess Lotus trembled.
There was suddenly an awkward silence in the air. Though the sound of the bamboo flute still continued, it seemed very far away in the minds of those occupied in their thoughts.
”You must have been joking,” replied Lotus, as she looked down. ”Why would I be in charge of keeping the diagram? You should ask my father for it.”
Zhangsun Wuji smiled without speaking a word. He leaned back and glanced at the crystal-clear water, his fingers lightly rapping on the rosewood table, making sharps sounds of ”knock, knock, knock”.
With every knock, Princess Lotus's complexion turned a few shades paler. She bit her lips and grudgingly looked at Zhangsun Wuji, who did not avoid her gaze and looked back at her with all smiles until she lowered her eyelids once again.
”It is our nation's honor to have your presence here in Wuji. A few days ago, I met the divine monk, Master Kongshan, who mentioned that he would like to meet you and scrutinize Buddhist scriptures together.” Zhangsun Wuji thought for a moment and mentioned, ”The inn at Cang Mountain is very close to Huayan Monastery, where Master Kongshan lives. I'll let the Ministry of Rites arrange for your accommodation at the inn. How about that?”
”I will follow your arrangements,” said Lotus as she slightly curtseyed. A smile was still plastered on her face, but her eyes expressed disappointment.
”Shouldn't the Princess be arranged to live in the Palace?” Ming Ruo suddenly interrupted. ”She dearly misses the Empress.”
”Ming Ruo, talk no more! Is this where you should speak?” Lotus slanted her head and reprimanded her servant before she turned towards Zhangsun Wuji. ”My servant has been spoiled, so she doesn't know her manners. I ask for your forgiveness, Crown Prince.”
”No worries,” Zhangsun Wuji smiled. But he spoke no more.
”It's just that…” Princess Lotus said charmingly as her eyes sparkled. ”After years of not meeting Her Highness, I do really miss her. I hope that if you are free, you can allow me to make a visit.”
”Of course,” Zhangsun Wuji spoke without any emotion. ”In these few years, the Empress became quite well-versed with Buddhism. She will be thrilled that you're here, but she has been meditating recently and has instructed me that she will not receive anyone. I dare not disobey Her Highness's will. However, since Buddhism is very particular about fate, and both you are Buddhists, I believe that your sincerity will touch Heavens, and fate will allow both of you to meet.”
”That will be good,” Lotus ended that topic, before raising her teacup gracefully. ”Your reputation as a filial son is respected by everyone in the Five Regions Content. I will substitute alcohol with tea and give you a toast.”
”I dare not deserve that praise,” said Zhangsun Wuji as he gently raised his teacup in her direction.
The pair of royals, who showcased splendid grace in their speech and no fault in their manners, smiled at each other.
The formalities continued in the boat. Meanwhile, in the outskirts of town, Tie Cheng departed with his team of guards. He looked back at the city through the cloud of ashes and sand and spat on the ground.
”She doesn't want us to send her in. Perfect!”