"Cheng er' has been busy lately and not visiting the palace much. What keeps you occupied? Occasionally, come and see me, and see the Emperor too. Don't spend all your time in the mansion. When you move into the palace to accompany me, you can paint and play the zither as you wish. There's no rush." The Empress Dowager seemed to chat casually but hinted at something.
"You know Cheng er's temperament best, royal grandmother." Mo Liancheng avoided the topic with a light response.
"I understand your temperament too well, which is why I'm worried for you. I believe you won't disappoint me, right?"
"Is royal grandmother trying to pressure me?"
"Cheng er, are you deliberately trying to make me unhappy today?" The Empress Dowager frowned slightly.
"Royal grandmother, the tea has cooled. Why not have a sip and then discuss matters slowly?" Mo Liancheng pointed to the tea cup beside the Empress Dowager, deliberately changing the subject.
Seeing Mo Liancheng's diversion, the Empress Dowager's expression finally softened a bit. She glanced at Qu Tan'er, who was sitting quietly beside her. "Why isn't the Eighth Princess speaking?"
"I dare not disturb." Qu Tan'er was startled and quickly responded. Then, she remained silent, lowering her eyes, avoiding direct eye contact with the Empress Dowager. She felt the old lady's gaze was not very friendly. She couldn't provoke her for now, it was better to keep a low profile. Otherwise, she might not even understand how she died when the time came.
"Since you dare not, then this old woman will let you speak. Speak up."
"Yes." Qu Tan'er responded softly.
"How many tea leaves are in this cup of tea?" The Empress Dowager asked, looking at the teacup in her hand, seemingly pondering.
Qu Tan'er was stunned, her lips twitching. She wanted to speak, but the words were swallowed back. Who wouldn't doubt if they heard such a ridiculous and childish question? Otherwise, was the Empress Dowager talking to herself? What if she said something wrong?
"Eighth Princess." The Empress Dowager squinted slightly, sweeping her gaze over Qu Tan'er.
"Yes, royal grandmother... um, there should be..." Qu Tan'er hesitated, realizing she was actually being asked. However, how many tea leaves were in the tea? Who would treat her as a divine being, knowing everything? But it was obvious the old lady was intentionally trying to make things difficult for her. No matter what she answered, the Empress Dowager would find fault.
"Then, what about the tea?" The Empress Dowager continued, not in a hurry but persisting with the questions.
"Royal grandmother, the tea you brewed is beyond my comprehension."
"How about you casually guess? Even if you're wrong, I won't blame you. But the questions I ask, you must answer."
"Yes." Qu Tan'er glanced slightly in the direction of Mo Liancheng. She thought he might help her out, but this man was leisurely sipping his tea, looking indifferent. It seemed like there was no hope. So, she calmly replied, "Royal grandmother, in your teacup, there should be..." The number of tea leaves should be the number of tea leaves.
"Royal grandmother, who brewed this tea?"
Unexpectedly, as Qu Tan'er spoke halfway, Mo Liancheng suddenly interjected, as if deliberately interrupting her. He was casually rotating the teacup in his hand, and his phoenix eyes looked at the Empress Dowager with a faint smile.
"What, Cheng er, don't you like this tea?" The Empress Dowager asked.
"It's not that I don't like it; it's just different from usual."
~Thank You for Reading, Please Comment Below~
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