The Lone Goose Neither Drinks nor Pecks

And the tea did indeed resemble trees on distant mountains after a light rain, tender green and fresh. The impression it gave was wonderfully invigorating.

"Excellent tea," Yu Qianzhi praised after tasting it.

"How does it compare to the Jade Snow Little Green Snail you mentioned, Lord Yu?"

Yu Qianzhi compared them inwardly and was about to offer his assessment when a servant entered and leaned close to whisper a few words into Yang Ancheng's ear.

Yang Ancheng's smile froze. His hand trembled, spilling some of the tea he had only just tasted.

A few drops of scalding tea splashed onto his hand, but Yang Ancheng paid them no heed. Barely suppressing his astonishment, he cupped his hands toward Yu Qianzhi. "Lord Yu, something urgent has come up. I'm afraid I can no longer enjoy tea with you today."

"We can always do so another day. Since you have urgent business, Lord Yang, I won't intrude any longer." Yu Qianzhi set his porcelain bowl on the table and rose to take his leave.

Only after he had gone outside and boarded the ox cart waiting at the gates of Yang Manor did Yu Qianzhi let out a soft sigh.

With his keen hearing, he had caught every word, even though the servant had whispered into Yang Ancheng's ear. Yu Qianzhi sighed and told the driver up front, "Go straight home!"

As the cart rolled along, Yu Qianzhi's face darkened, his heart clenched into a knot, and his fingers began trembling despite himself. Others might not know, but he knew perfectly well: when Su Ziji had brought that letter to Capital City, he had intended to seek his help. Yet he had refused him—not merely refused, but also given him hints and warnings.

*At the time, I didn't want Su Ziji