Chapter 7: Unique Insight (Part 1)

  Yan Dai led the four people back to her own small courtyard, still sitting in the inner hall. On the other side, Cai Lian had already received the news and hurriedly brewed tea to bring over. When Xiao Chengyan saw the tea being brought over, she quickly picked up the teacup, lifted the lid, took a look, and saw that it was just ordinary green tea. She couldn't help but laugh and say: "It turns out we were too ruthless in our actions, and actually plundered all of sister's 'Three Friends of Winter' tea. It's really unfair to sister!"

  Yan Dai smiled slightly and said in a warm voice, "Sister, you're being too serious! That tea isn't particularly precious, it's just that the kneading technique is too complicated. Out of ten times, sometimes not even once will succeed, which can be quite frustrating. If sister is interested, I happen to have the kneading method for that tea right here, and I'd be happy to give it to you. Who knows, maybe sister will get lucky and succeed on the first try!"

  Xiao Chengxian did not expect her to be so generous, and after being stunned for a moment, she said with some embarrassment: "This... isn't good, is it?"

  Yuandai was so generous, let alone Xiao Chengxian, even Ling Yuancheng and others couldn't help but show a look of surprise. Those "Three Friends of Winter" tea, all four had tasted it before. In recent days in the capital, the four had also brought out the tea given by Yuandai to entertain noble guests, and those who drank the tea were all praising it, calling it the best among floral teas.

  Those who can be treated as honored guests by four people will not be unknown. In fact, it is not easy to get a compliment from these people. It can even be said that if you can get their praise, this tea is qualified to be a tribute even if it is just a gift.

  In today's world, if something can qualify as a tribute, it doesn't matter whether it's in an ordinary person's home or a wealthy one, it's enough to take a step into the heavens and rise to fame from then on.

  Xiao Chengye couldn't help but let out a light cough and called out, "Yan'er!" His tone was full of restraint.

  For Yuandai's magnanimity, Lingyuanching felt astonished, but at this time, if he spoke out, it would be difficult to avoid losing his identity. Therefore, he also only looked at Yuandai with a different color in his eyes and did not speak. Ba Liyi's face on the side also showed a hint of surprise.

  Yuan Dai, however, seemed to be unaware of it and smiled: "To tell the truth, sister, I've loved listening to legendary stories and novels since childhood. As a woman, it's not very convenient for me to go out, so I asked someone to buy some books for me to read, regardless of whether they're new or old. The recipe for making tea was actually hidden in an old book that I bought recently, I found it interesting, so I tried it, and surprisingly, it succeeded on the third try!"

  As soon as this was said, everyone suddenly realized.

  Xiao Chengxiu lowered her head and thought for a moment before smiling and saying: "Since sister is willing to trust me, I shouldn't decline either!"

  These words were spoken with profound meaning, and Ling Yuanqing and others unconsciously raised an eyebrow, exchanging a glance, but no one spoke. The three of them knew that Xiao Chengyan had intentionally taken this prescription to help Yuandai, and although Xiao Chengyan wanted to stop him, now that Xiao Chengyan had already said so much, how could he speak again?

  Yuan Dai, who was sitting beside Xiao Chengxian, couldn't help but secretly smile wryly when she heard this. She had handed over the refining method of "Sui Han San You" only in the hope that these people would no longer work on her, but now it seemed to have backfired.

  Under the rapid change of mind, Yuandai suddenly understood that she had lost her composure in this matter. For a moment, she couldn't think it through thoroughly, and someone like Xiao Chengyan wouldn't easily take advantage of others. This time, she made an unguarded move and suffered a complete defeat.

  It's come to this, and she can't take back what she's said. She sighs inwardly, but smiles on the surface: "Sister, you've misunderstood me! This prescription was something I unintentionally obtained. When I first got it, I had intended to return it. But after having someone test it, I found out that it didn't belong to the bookstore owner. Although I shamelessly kept it for myself, in my heart I didn't want to profit from it. The reason I tried making it was just to amuse myself!"

  Xiao Chengyan's face suddenly showed a few shades of embarrassment, and she smiled: "So that's it! My sister is indeed a thoughtful person, but I thought too much, ashamed! Ashamed!"

  Xiao Cheng Ye's heart relaxed slightly upon hearing this, but the next moment, he couldn't help but take a deep look at Yuan Dai. Bai Li Yi sat in his chair as usual, with little expression on his face.

  Yan Dai smiled and said: "Sister, you're being too serious. If you really want to say it that way, it would only make me seem too pedantic!"

  Just as they were talking, Wenping had already brought two young maids with trays over from outside. The trays were filled with four-color pastries and covered cups. After placing the pastries and cups on the tables beside them, she said: "Honored guests, please help yourselves!" Then Wenping stepped forward lightly and stood still beside Yuanyuan.

  Yan Dai smiled and raised her hand, saying to Xiao Zhengyan: "Sister, if you're interested, try this newly made osmanthus cake! The skills of the maid by my side may not be as good as the chefs in your mansion, but in this separate courtyard, she is also one of the best!"

  Xiao Cheng smiled and responded with a "Just want to try!" She said, then picked up the silver fork on one side, forked a piece of osmanthus cake, and put it in her mouth. This taste was soft and glutinous, sweet and fragrant, and the flavor was just right. She couldn't help but nod and praise: "Really delicious, no wonder my sister also praised it highly!"

  After eating a piece of osmanthus cake, Xiao Chengyan took out several covered bowls again. When she lifted the lid and looked inside, she saw that it was almond tea. As soon as the lid was opened, the fragrance filled her nostrils. Taking a sip, the flavor was also excellent.

  After everyone had finished their afternoon tea, Xiao Chengyan smiled and pulled Yuande's hand, saying: "Little sister, here, although the garden is small, there are many famous chrysanthemum varieties inside. I don't know if little sister would like to accompany me for a walk and digest our food?"

  Yuandai smiled and responded, then apologized to Ling Yuancheng and others before walking out of the small hall with Xiao Chengyan side by side. The two walked slowly along the way, pointing at the surrounding flowers and trees, chatting and laughing, their words were quite congenial. This garden was not very big, after walking for a while, they had already covered more than half of it. Just as they reached the top of the artificial hill, Xiao Chengyan suddenly stopped in her tracks. Seeing her stop, Yuandai naturally also came to a halt.

  Xiao Cheng Yan suddenly looked up at Yu Dai and said, "Everyone says that you are ordinary and unremarkable, but I always feel that you are not an ordinary person!"

  After being slightly startled, Yuandai lost her smile and shook her head: "Sister's exaggerated praise, I dare not accept it at all!"

  Xiao Chengxiu gently shook her head: "But sister is too modest! To be honest, when I first met you last time, I felt that you were not ordinary, but I didn't pay much attention to it. Today, seeing you again, I can see the extraordinary place of sister!"

  Xiao Chengxian was the eldest daughter of the Xiao family, and those who could interact with her were not ordinary people. Therefore, her vision was not ordinary either. On the Double Ninth Festival, she originally went out with Xiao Chengyan and Baili Yi, but coincidentally met Ling Yuqing on the way. Although the Xiao and Ling families had not been married for two generations, due to the relationship between Mrs. Xiao and the two families, they still maintained a close relationship.

  Now that we've met at Miaofeng Mountain, it's only natural that we shouldn't be like strangers, so let's travel together. As it happens, when descending the mountain, one of Xiao Chengyan's personal maids accidentally sprained her ankle, and everyone had to stop by this Ling family's villa to rest for a moment.

  At first glance, Yuandai seemed to be a woman of elegance and refinement, with every gesture and movement exuding a sense of poise and dignity. Although she was born out of wedlock, there was nothing about her that hinted at the usual awkwardness or inferiority complex often associated with women in her situation. The maid's arrival with a pot of "Three Friends of Winter" tea did spark some curiosity within her, but it only added to her interest in Yuandai and made her want to learn more about this enigmatic woman.

  After returning to the capital, she learned about Yuandai's experiences from Xiao Chengye's mouth, which made her even more interested. As for the determination to interact with each other, in fact, most of it was still pity for Yuandai. She was born into a noble family, but her personality was somewhat stubborn, and what she hated most in her life were those who relied on their power to bully others. The more Xiao Chengye advised her not to get involved, the more determined she became.