Not understanding why the water used for making tea had to be distinguished by source and temperature, and why the type of teapot was so important, made her feel alienated. These details felt ill-fit for someone raised on wild game in the mountains.
But now, she could sit here and appreciate the Crown Prince's graceful ceremonial tea-making. She understood the purpose of each step, and what each subsequent movement would be.
A clear cup of tea sat before her, and Su Xinyi collected her drifting thoughts. Holding the cup by its rim with one hand and its base with the other, she took a small sip before saying with a smile, "Thank you for the tea, Your Highness."
Yan Junchu looked away from her hand supporting the teacup, took a sip of his own tea, and replied, "It's just a cup of tea, Sixth Missy. No need to be so formal."
Su Xinyi thought to herself, who else in the world, aside from the Emperor and Empress, presumed to be anything but polite to the Crown Prince?
