Raising a Tea King at Home

Three days later.

As evening approached, a carriage stopped before General Ning's residence. Lifting the curtain revealed Ning Taiyi's aged face and hunched back.

Servants hurried out, intending to help him. Just then, a delicate and lovely face peeked out from the carriage.

The Young Lady took Ning Taiyi's arm and said sweetly, "Uncle Ning, please be careful."

She alighted from the carriage and carefully helped Ning Taiyi down.

Ning Taiyi glanced at the Young Lady beside him, sighing inwardly.

The Young Lady beside him was the third daughter of Great General Qin's mansion, Qin Yi'er. These three daughters were naturally legitimate, not illegitimate. Furthermore, she had another identity: the fiancée of the Top Scholar who once sought to kill the two Ning brothers.

Ning Taiyi was an old fox; he understood perfectly why Qin Yi'er was here.

But he couldn't refuse.

Before relations completely broke down, everyone had to abide by the rules and reason.

What were the rules?

It meant that if you owed someone a favor, and they came to you, you had to repay it properly.

Back then, he had waited outside General Qin's mansion for over a month to find a way out for the Ning family.

At that time, Steward Zhao had treated him with great consideration, never chasing him away. After Madam Zhao returned, she had even helped arrange the "marriage between Ning Xuan and Qin Jin'er." Now, Madam Zhao wasn't using this marriage to pressure them, saying things like "we need to uphold the engagement." This was already showing considerable respect.

Although the Ning family had gained some traction, they were still insignificant compared to Great General Qin's mansion.

If someone treated you this way and you didn't know your place, it would be like refusing a toast only to be forced to drink a forfeit – not understanding the rules.

Moreover, Qin Yi'er hadn't mentioned anything about an alliance this time.

After Ning Taiyi brought Qin Yi'er into the main hall, he directly ordered, "Call General Ning back."

The servant left.

Soon, Ning Xuan returned.

Others couldn't make him move no matter how they pulled or cajoled, but his father's single sentence brought him back.

Upon his return, he immediately saw the beauty beside his father.

She was petite, pretty, and charming, the type like Xiao Jie.

Ning Taiyi was about to introduce her, but the beauty curtsied and said, "This humble one is Qin Yi'er, third daughter of the Qin family. I pay my respects to General Ning.

I have come uninvited today, truly anxious to find my mother. Unexpectedly, I encountered malevolent spirits on my journey, and all my accompanying guards perished. Fortunately, heaven has shown mercy, allowing me to escape and arrive here.

I dare to disturb you today, and earnestly request that the General allow me to stay for a few days. Once my family sends someone to fetch me, I shall express my profound gratitude."

Ning Xuan was taken aback.

Beside him, Ning Taiyi said, "Xuan'er, why aren't you making arrangements?"

"Yes."

Without any further words, Ning Xuan intended to arrange this troublesome guest in a distant manor of the Ning estate.

Ning Taiyi knew his son's thoughts well, but Qin Yi'er had already done her groundwork. He said helplessly, "Xuan'er, Miss Qin the Third encountered evil spirits and is naturally fearful. You should probably arrange for her to stay near your own quarters. With you around, she won't be afraid of any demons or monsters."

Ning Xuan's expression remained calm, like still water, and he replied, "Understood, Father."

Ning Taiyi added, "Don't go to the opposite side tonight either. Reveling in debauchery, what kind of behavior is that!"

As he spoke, he heavily tapped his cane, coughed violently, his graying temples trembling, and the wrinkles around his old eyes deepened by several pronounced lines.

Compared to a few months ago, Ning Taiyi had visibly aged even more.

Ning Xuan suddenly looked at Qin Yi'er and asked, "Miss Qin the Third, does the Qin mansion have any methods for prolonging life and preserving youth?"

He had actually asked Yaozhen Immortal Aunt about this before, and her answer was negative.

Now, if he asked the third daughter of the Qin family and she nodded in agreement, he might reconsider his plans.

His father had given birth to him and raised him, and had poured all his efforts into paving the way for him.

This kindness was enough for him to go against his original intentions. As long as his father could live a few more years, he wouldn't mind getting involved in the conflict between the old and new generals.

Before Qin Yi'er could answer, Ning Taiyi said, "Xuan'er, forget the Qin mansion; there is no such thing in this world."

He didn't say the rest.

But Ning Xuan understood.

This was the price of gathering the Dragon Qi of a region and becoming a high-ranking official.

Even the Son of Heaven was like this, let alone a Prefect below him.

Qin Yi'er slightly curtsied and said softly, "Uncle Ning, while the Qin mansion has no methods for extending life and preserving youth, my mother has always personally led people to gather rare medicinal herbs from the mountains and wilderness. Once we are reunited, I will surely send someone to deliver them to express my filial piety and respect for elders."

Ning Taiyi smiled, "Miss the Third is thoughtful."

Immediately, he added, "Xuan'er, Miss the Third has had a frightening journey and is weary from travel. Hurry and make the arrangements."

Ning Xuan didn't move. Instead, he looked at Qin Yi'er seriously and said earnestly, "Miss Qin the Third, if there are any methods for prolonging life and preserving youth, I, Ning Xuan, would be eternally grateful."

"If such a method existed, I would have presented it to His Majesty long ago to earn merit. General Ning, there truly isn't one."

Ning Xuan nodded, then walked out the door and called, "Xiao Jie, arrange lodging for the Third Young Lady."

More than half a month later.

Qin Yi'er was admiring flowers in a pavilion near Ning Xuan's main residence.

The flowers were beautiful, but the person was even more so.

Today, Qin Yi'er was flawless.

She wore no makeup, but perhaps due to a lifetime of immersion in the finest arts of music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, coupled with the prestige and opulence of the Great General's mansion, her aura was naturally refined.

At this moment, a previous scene flashed through her mind.

Madam Zhao had said, "Ning Xuan has the demeanor of a tiger and wolf, and is incredibly lustful. Moreover, the General's vital energy is abundant, and his desires are far stronger than those of ordinary people."

After speaking, Madam Zhao looked at her daughter in the carriage and added, "You must use gentleness to overcome him."

Then, Madam Zhao ruled out the infatuated type, reasoning that Ning Xuan had seen countless women, and infatuation would not only fail to please him but would actually annoy him.

Next, Madam Zhao also ruled out the straightforward and bold type, reasoning that such women were a bit like tomboys, and Ning Xuan, having seen so many women, would hardly be moved by a tomboy.

However, even those with superb "tea art" skills weren't quite suitable. Ning Xuan had seen too many women, and he was decisive and resolute, making him difficult to fool.

After much deliberation, Madam Zhao's gaze fell upon Qin Yi'er.

This was not only because Qin Yi'er was one of the most skilled in "tea art" among the Qin family's daughters, but also because she was the fiancée of Ning family's sworn enemy.

The matter with the Top Scholar had never been resolved, it was merely smoothed over.

But the Ning family could never forget what the Top Scholar had done.

It was something that had nearly led to the Ning family's destruction.

It could even be said to be a deep-seated hatred.

Given this, Qin Yi'er naturally possessed an inherent "charm," a "charm of revenge." If she were to lie beneath him, crying and begging for mercy, wouldn't that also be a form of revenge, a kind of satisfaction?

The General was already full of vitality. If he were stimulated at a crucial moment, it would naturally ignite.

And as long as he touched Qin Yi'er, he would have to marry her.

A young General with an extraordinary future, and a Top Scholar who still needed to rely on her Qin family – Madam Zhao was naturally very willing to let the latter become the former's stepping stone.

At this moment, Qin Yi'er was quietly fiddling with a golden mortar and pestle, grinding wood fragrance, occasionally placing it on a scale to measure it, in order to concoct a mixed fragrance that could relax the body and mind while also stimulating desire.

This mixed fragrance was called "Cloud Soothing." The name was given by Madam Zhao.

"Lying high on a white cloud pillow, the mystic maiden arrives from the edge of the sky. Waving her hand, she scatters jade-like petals, a thousand peaks entering her embrace."

This poem symbolized the effect of this incense: it would make one feel as if floating and soaring to the clouds, playfully stealing the immortal maiden's sachet, and laughing as she embraced snow-capped peaks, playing a jade flute.

For ordinary people, this incense would induce intoxication, but for the General, it was just right.

In other words, this substance was only beneficial to General Ning.

A moment later, a faint fragrance began to waft around Qin Yi'er.

She condensed the mixed fragrance further, picked a small amount, and lit it nearby. Then, she glanced at the sky.

She had made an appointment with General Ning.

General Ning had to come, because he wanted her to leave as soon as possible more than anyone else. These past few days, General Ning had been avoiding her as much as possible.

She had no choice but to leak some information: that the Qin family would soon send someone to escort her back, but this matter needed to be discussed with Ning Xuan.

And today, she would stake everything on one decisive battle.

As soon as the General arrived, she would, under the influence of "Cloud Soothing," undo her robes and say, "In the past, Lord Huang, in Manfeng Mountain, set a trap to harm the General and Ugly Slave, nearly causing catastrophic disaster. Such deep enmity, I am willing to atone with my own body, to repay past transgressions."

Lord Huang was that Top Scholar.

Qin Yi'er would mention this matter, ignite Ning Xuan's rage, then shed her clothes. With the help of this incense, it would be foolproof.

Even if Ning Xuan exercised extreme restraint and did not touch her, with her clothes off and her body exposed, she could still argue her case.

With these thoughts swirling, Qin Yi'er was fully prepared.

In the distance, footsteps could already be heard.

A young figure emerged from the Full Moon Gate.

Qin Yi'er was about to greet him when she saw a petite young lady following behind the young man.

She recognized this young lady.

Xiao Jie.

After Ning Xuan sat down, Xiao Jie stood behind him. No matter how Qin Yi'er signaled or hinted, Xiao Jie refused to leave, until Qin Yi'er reluctantly said, "General, would you mind asking Miss Xiao Jie to step aside for a moment?"

Ning Xuan then said, "Xiao Jie, you may go."

But there was no response.

"Xiao Jie?"

He turned his head to look.

He saw the fair-skinned Xiao Jie twisting her body, biting her red lips, her eyes filled with boundless tenderness, wet like apricots lightly moistened by spring rain.

"General, I'm hot."

"General. I. I'm so hot."

Xiao Jie tugged at her clothes, revealing her fair skin, and sat down on Ning Xuan's lap. She hooked her arms around his neck and, as if no one else were present, began to seek pleasure.

Qin Yi'er was completely stunned.

How could this little maidservant have beaten her to what she was about to do?

"General. I. I can't anymore."

"General!"

Xiao Jie transformed into a white swan, her snow-white neck arched, her breath coming in hot bursts as she began to moan.

Ning Xuan was also agitated. He then looked at Qin Yi'er opposite him with a look of apology and said, "My apologies, Third Miss."

After speaking, he carried Xiao Jie back to his room under Qin Yi'er's still bewildered gaze.

After a night of passion.

Xiao Jie, exhausted, poked the General's brow and said, "You need to pay me more."

Ning Xuan smiled and said, "You're still the capable one. You saw through what that Third Miss wanted to do at a glance."

Xiao Jie giggled, and as she laughed, she said, "Remember to pay me more."

The next day.

In the garden.

Qin Yi'er was contemplating her strategy.

She lightly sniffed a drooping branch, but her thoughts were drifting far away.

She had already identified her enemy within the inner residence.

That enemy was Xiao Jie.

If it weren't for the maidservant named Xiao Jie causing trouble yesterday, she would have succeeded.

Afterward, when the General, exuding a lewd aura, reappeared to discuss matters with her, he had already changed locations, and all her preparations naturally failed.

In the past, Madam Zhao waited for Ning Taiyi for over a month, so she would only stay for over a month, never forming any additional attachments or obligations.

She only had this much time to complete her mission.

Now, time was running out.

No matter what, she had to find a way to get rid of this maidservant and try again.

Of course, she couldn't kill anyone here, so she intended to use her proud tea-making skills to make the enemy leave.

She had observed Xiao Jie's daily routine; as long as she was still in the General's mansion, she would pass by here at this time every day.

She was waiting.

She had already devised a strategy.

After waiting for the time it takes an incense stick to burn, Xiao Jie indeed arrived.

"Greetings, Third Miss," Xiao Jie said with a graceful bow, then hurried to move forward.

Qin Yi'er called out, "Stop."

Xiao Jie stopped and asked, "Does Third Miss have any instructions?"

Qin Yi'er stared at her. Hearing footsteps approaching nearby, she suddenly raised her hand and slapped herself hard.

The sound of the slap was crisp and clear!

The next moment.

Xiao Jie fell to the ground as if by reflex. She skillfully pressed her right hand against her cheek, leaving five clear marks on her snow-white face.

Qin Yi'er was stunned again.

And in that moment of stunned silence, Xiao Jie began to wail loudly, crying, "Forgive me, Third Miss, it's all my fault, it's all my fault, sob sob sob."

Footsteps approached from outside; it was a sturdy maidservant from the mansion.

Seeing the scene and noticing the swollen marks on Xiao Jie's face, the sturdy maidservant immediately came forward and shouted, "Sister Jie, what's wrong?"

Xiao Jie pulled on the maidservant.

The maidservant looked at the Third Miss standing on the other side with extreme fear, instantly understood something, her legs went weak, and she hurriedly knelt down, saying, "Third Miss, Third Miss."

Xiao Jie, covering her face, said, "Third Miss, please spare this servant. I am of humble status; please do not hold it against me."

There were also guards outside. Seeing this scene, they hurried to find General Ning.

Qin Yi'er finally reacted.

She had been set up.

No.

To be precise, it wasn't that she was being framed, but rather that she had set a trap. However, this maid named Xiao Jie was faster than her, so she used her trap to turn the tables.

Qin Yi'er was furious.

She glanced around and began to wait for Ning Xuan.

Ning Xuan had already sensed the situation in his own manor. Before the guards could even rush to report, he had already appeared.

Qin Yi'er hurried over, bowed gracefully, and said mournfully, "General, please allow me to explain. Today, the weather was fine and the sun was shining. I was leisurely admiring flowers in the garden. At that time, this maid named Xiao Jie rushed over from who knows where. Before I could even ask her anything, she raised her hand and slapped herself hard. Then, she repeatedly begged for mercy, saying, 'Forgive this servant.' I was utterly bewildered, not understanding the reason for her actions. I hope the General will investigate this matter thoroughly and get to the bottom of it."

Xiao Jie cried, her face streaming with tears, and covered her face as she said, "It's all my fault, it's not the Third Young Lady's fault. It's all my fault, please punish me, General."

Ning Xuan's face immediately turned green.

He squatted beside Xiao Jie.

Xiao Jie threw herself into his arms and cried even harder, "I know the Third Young Lady is noble and has a high status. I only beg the Third Young Lady not to take her anger out on the General. It's all my fault, punish me instead. Wuwuwu."

Ning Xuan hugged Xiao Jie tightly, then looked at Qin Yi'er and said calmly, "Third Young Lady, I apologize for the poor hospitality. I hope you can forgive us."

Xiao Jie quickly grabbed Ning Xuan's hand, then bravely wiped away her tears, like a small flower that had endured a storm but still stood tall and trembling on the ground.

She said softly, "General, it's alright, I don't hurt."

Qin Yi'er was about to explain.

Xiao Jie interrupted her at the perfect moment and said again, "I don't hurt."

Ning Xuan's expression grew even more ashen.

Qin Yi'er's composure shattered. Her face contorted, and she uttered, "Good! Good! Good! Truly excellent!

General Ning, are you keeping a 'tea queen' in your inner chambers to fend off all intruders?

The General truly has great skill. With fierce warriors guarding the borders outside and a maid suppressing the inner chambers, I concede! I concede!!"

Half a month later, carriages and horses arrived at General Qin's manor to pick up the Third Young Lady, Qin Yi'er.

After the carriage left Wangyue Prefecture, Steward Zhao, who was personally driving, simply said to those behind him, "Ning Xuan requested to dismiss a prefecture's worth of land. His Majesty approved. Now his jurisdiction has expanded from two prefectures to Wangyue Prefecture alone."

In the carriage, Qin Yi'er, who had been looking like a defeated rooster, suddenly her eyes lit up.

"Uncle, is that true?"

Steward Zhao's plump face broke into a smile. "It happened earlier. The First Madam understood you wouldn't succeed when she found out."

"A General of one prefecture?" Qin Yi'er's delicate face showed a hint of mockery. This smile helped her regain some face. The corners of her lips curled upwards, and her dejected expression quickly returned to composure. She then remarked, "In an era of great contention, you dare not contend. When the wind blows, you dare not soar to the heavens. What kind of General are you?"

Steward Zhao smiled and said nothing more.

He could tell that his niece's trip to Wangyue Prefecture had not gone smoothly. It couldn't be said that she had been bullied, because if she had truly been bullied, his niece would have exploded long ago.

Steward Zhao was somewhat curious about what his niece had actually encountered, but he didn't feel the need to ask.

Seeing her comment like this now, he simply took it as her venting and let it be.

As for him, he actually admired that young General quite a bit.

In the past, he had stood with two swords in hand, and his advance had made the guards of the General's manor hastily grip their weapons. He had also resolved the demon plague in Ping'an Prefecture and retreated unharmed. He was truly not simple.

This current move of "requesting dismissal" seemed to have lost its fighting spirit, but when combined with what was happening in this land, it was actually the right decision.

However, it was merely the right decision.

Now, demon plagues were like fire spreading across the wilderness, igniting everywhere. Retreating might secure temporary peace, but a single prefecture's worth of land was still like a "clever cook unable to cook without rice."

He had also heard of His Majesty's "Divine General Plan." This plan was indeed a rare opportunity for small families with "the foundation of only one prefect's term" to rise.

Ning Xuan should have seized it properly.

But he refused.

His Majesty also agreed, because while Generals were rare, there were still many Generals even if only one out of tens or hundreds of thousands of people became one. Moreover, with the development of the demon plague, there would only be more and more Generals and Demon-Plague Warriors in the future.

His Majesty agreed because His Majesty did not lack talent.

A General who could wield demonic power but hadn't even entered the ranks, and who dared not fight, would soon be eliminated.

Thinking of this, he tilted his head slightly and smiled to comfort his niece, "Since you arrived at Wangyue Prefecture, quite a few things have happened. You didn't succeed this time, and it's not you who should be regretful, but Ning Xuan. He failed to seize the opportunity when the wave was just starting to rise."

Qin Yi'er nodded, then suddenly seemed to remember something and said fiercely, "Uncle, when you go back, find someone to investigate a maid named Xiao Jie who is by Ning Xuan's side."

Steward Zhao was stunned for a moment, but it was a simple matter, so he agreed, "Alright."

"His Majesty has agreed to your request for dismissal. The new Tiger Tally will be sent soon, and that Tiger Tally will only possess the power of one prefecture," Yaozhen Celestial Master said very calmly. At the same time, he placed a pill refined from a 'Stealing Incense Rat' on Ning Xuan's desk and added, "This pill can still be used to refine the Dragon Fire of one prefecture. Any higher level won't work!"

Ning Xuan took the pill and examined it carefully in the sunlight.

The aroma emanating from the pill made him feel refreshed and relaxed. He felt a sense of ease because he had heard Yaozhen Celestial Master say, "The one who takes the pill and the pill itself must not have too great a disparity. If they are similar, then success is all but assured."

Thus, he could first summon the Heavenly Demon Scroll of the 'Stealing Incense Rat' to elevate his spirit above that of the 'Stealing Incense Rat,' and then take the 'Stealing Incense Rat' pill.

At this moment, Yaozhen Celestial Master said again, "His Majesty has also issued a secret decree."

Ning Xuan turned his head and said, "Understood."

"But I haven't told you what the secret decree is yet," Yaozhen Celestial Master said curiously.

Ning Xuan said, "What secret decree?"

Yaozhen Celestial Master said, "His Majesty said that he knows you wish to avoid misfortune and seek good fortune, so it's good to keep a low profile for a while, as long as you don't slack off on your cultivation. For now, His Majesty himself has written 'Unranked' on your assessment scroll."

Ning Xuan was stunned.

He. Should have already reached the second rank.

His external information could be displayed as first rank.

"Hiding a bit, revealing a bit" was the way to last.

Revealing too much would certainly require him to strive and make it difficult to cope when facing great risks; but hiding too much would also attract unnecessary trouble.

After thinking for a moment, he cautiously said, "Immortal Aunt, do you think it's possible to have His Majesty change my rank back?"

Yaozhen Celestial Master: ???

She snorted, and her mood, which had improved due to His Majesty's secret decree, worsened.

She flicked her sleeve and left.

Ning Xuan stood in place, his hands clenched slightly.

These arms. They didn't have scales yet.

But soon.

The Ning family had finally emerged from the original turbulent and dangerous situation, and he had time to develop slowly, enjoy himself slowly, and expand slowly.