Inside Qingluo Pavilion, the floor was paved with jade tiles, exuding an ancient, weighty charm.

Carved window lattices let in faint, serene light, while ink paintings on the walls flowed with poetic grace.

Sandalwood tables and chairs, exquisitely elegant and neatly arranged, filled the air with a delicate fragrance—a tranquil space imbued with refined taste.

Princess Pingyang’s gaze was soon captivated by a poem on the wall.

“A fine rain and slanting wind bring the dawn’s chill, faint smoke and sparse willows enchant the sunny shore. Entering the Huai, Qingluo’s waters gradually spread boundless.”

Instantly, she felt the poem’s evocative imagery, and couldn’t help but recite the lower stanza aloud.

“Snow-froth and milky blooms float in the noon cup, knotweed shoots and bamboo sprouts grace the spring platter. The truest flavor in this world is pure joy.”

Princess Pingyang’s eyes glazed over, lost in the words for a long moment before she snapped back to herself.

Turning to the handsome young man beside her, who smiled warmly, she asked.

“Did you write this poem too?”

“Indeed, your humble servant did!” Xia Chen nodded without hesitation. Showing off at a literary gathering was dull—displaying his talents privately to a figure of influence, reaping tangible benefits, was far more rewarding.

“I love this poem. For someone so young to possess such depth—impressive! No wonder the capital buzzes with talk of your poetic gifts. Truly, a seed of scholarship!”

“Your Highness flatters me. The verse comes naturally from the heavens, stumbled upon by a deft hand. I merely got lucky—a fleeting spark of inspiration!”

Xia Chen smiled as he spoke, guiding Princess Pingyang further inside.

“Your Highness, look here. I had someone procure a material from the Celestial Master’s Mansion, crafted by an alchemist. It resembles glass but is far sturdier. From outside, you can’t see in—but from within, the view outward is clear!”

Xia Chen pointed to a massive floor-to-ceiling window, explaining its features.

“What a clever idea! Standing here, gazing out from on high, you can see half the capital. Only the Elder Celestial Master’s Stargazing Tower could outshine this in all of Dawu!”

Princess Pingyang stepped to the vast window, peering down at the bustling streets below, then far into the distance where the imperial palace loomed. She smiled.

“Naturally, it can’t compare to the Elder Celestial Master’s!”

Xia Chen chuckled, then turned to Shen Xueyan at his side.

“Fetch my tea leaves!”

“Yes!”

Shen Xueyan, silent until now, clasped his hands and swiftly left the courtyard.

“What tea is so mysterious? Could it be the signature of your Heavenly Residence?”

Princess Pingyang’s enchanting eyes fixed on Xia Chen with a playful chide.

“This tea isn’t for sale at the Heavenly Residence. Were it not for Your Highness’s visit today, I wouldn’t have brought it out!”

Xia Chen gestured for Princess Pingyang to sit. Xu Xingchen and the others waited at the door, leaving only Xia Chen, Princess Pingyang, and her white-clad maid in the room.

“Then I’m truly honored!”

Princess Pingyang smiled, her eyes calm. Whether it was the wine the Heavenly Residence boasted or Xia Chen’s personal tea, she held little real interest. Her enthusiasm stemmed not from the offerings, but from the man himself.

She’d tasted the world’s finest wines and teas—could Xia Chen’s surpass the imperial vintages and brews of the palace?

Soon, Shen Xueyan returned with a small jade jar of tea leaves.

“Go tend to the guests coming in!”

Xia Chen instructed Shen Xueyan softly, opting to host personally.

Shen Xueyan nodded and withdrew, joined by the others to assist with the growing throng of dignitaries arriving.

Xia Chen lit a charcoal fire himself, brewing the tea. He’d deliberately studied the art of tea—hardly a master, but proficient enough. Paired with his striking looks, the process was a visual delight.

Princess Pingyang sat across from him, quietly observing his movements. Her gaze first lingered on his jade-pale, art-like fingers, then drifted irresistibly to his flawless face.

Refined features, deep eyes, rosy lips, and pearly teeth—she studied him silently. The room was still, save for the faint crackle of burning charcoal and the trickle of water.

To Princess Pingyang, Xia Chen today seemed even more handsome than he had at White Moon Tower.

Perhaps it was the closer proximity—or the absence of that day’s fierce aura.

For a moment, she was entranced…

Until a rich tea fragrance jolted her awake.

“What’s this?”

Only then did she notice the tea in Xia Chen’s teaware—crystal-clear, almost glowing. Each leaf in the cup shimmered like an emerald, brimming with life. For an instant, it felt as though the cup held not tea, but an entire springtime!

“What tea is this?”

“Jade Immortal Tea!” Xia Chen remained focused on his brewing, answering her calmly.

This tea came from his trial of the system’s lottery function—ten jin drawn for 50 Contention Shards, originally called Jade Tea!

At ten jin for just 20 Contention Shards in the store, Xia Chen had technically lost 30 shards on the draw.

But in the long run, it wasn’t a true loss. Items drawn or purchased from the system store became permanently available in his “cart”—no longer bound by stock limits, ready for repurchase anytime.

“Your Highness, please!”

With an artful flourish, Xia Chen poured her a cup.

Even before tasting it, Princess Pingyang felt a wave of serenity wash over her, her body lightening.

She stared intently at the leaves—each a vivid jade green. The aroma alone stirred the qi within her.

Lifting the cup, she brought it to her sensual red lips.

The verdant liquid flowed into her mouth. She took a delicate sip, then instinctively licked her glossy lips with her soft tongue, savoring it.

Such unladylike behavior—especially before a man—was unheard of for her. Yet today, it was all unconscious.

“This tea… it strengthens the body’s qi and calms the mind. I feel warm all over—so soothing!”

“Your Highness’s senses are spot on. This tea aids cultivation—especially for sorcerers, warming their spirit. It quiets the mind, sharpens thought beyond the usual. But its marvel lies in its vitality—like the burgeoning force of spring. It heals hidden injuries, and with long-term use, slows aging, preserves beauty, and maintains youth!”

Xia Chen explained slowly with a smile, and as he spoke, Princess Pingyang’s eyes across from him grew ever brighter.

“No wonder you call it immortal tea! Slowing aging, preserving beauty, and sustaining youth—truly miraculous effects. How much of this tea do you have?”

Her eyes sparkled, her body leaning forward unconsciously. A faint fragrance wafted toward him, her gaze swaying with allure—like autumn waters, tempting one to hold and cherish her!