Chapter 54: A Proposal Wrapped in Silk
The sun had barely risen when a refined carriage rolled into the village, its dark lacquered frame gleaming with delicate gold filigree. Villagers peeked out from behind doorways, whispering in awe.
Su Yanyue was kneading dough when the knock came at her gate.
"Miss Su?" a young maid called politely. "Our Madam would like to speak with you."
Yanyue wiped her hands and opened the gate.
A woman stepped forward—elegant in posture, with a serene face framed by silver-streaked hair. Her robes were simple, but the silk spoke of wealth, and the slight scent of aged cedar clung to her like incense.
"I am Madam Wei, owner of Baihe Embroidery Pavilion," she said with a soft smile. "I've heard of your food, your teas… and your triplets."
Yanyue blinked. "Ah… You've heard about them too?"
"Hard not to," the older woman said dryly. "Apparently one of them tried to sell a steamed bun in exchange for a peach blossom hairpin."
Yanyue sighed. "That sounds about right."
Madam Wei chuckled, but her eyes were sharp. "I came because I have a proposition. May we speak inside?"
Over tea and sesame snacks, Madam Wei explained: "My embroidery house will be rebuilt soon. We've received a surge of orders from Qinghe Town nobles, but I have few skilled hands left. I can teach new girls, but it'll take time. I want to expand my storefront—and I want your food and tea to be part of it."
Yanyue's brow furrowed. "You want to sell meals in an embroidery shop?"
"Not meals. An experience," Madam Wei said, her tone growing warmer. "Ladies spend hours in my shop choosing designs. They chatter, sip tea, nibble snacks. Until the fire, I offered plum wine and plain crackers. But your tea—your red date and chrysanthemum blend—it's healing. Your buns, your desserts—they comfort."
Yanyue sat back. "So you want a joint business?"
"In part. I will handle the front, you provide a set menu. I can pay in coin or thread. But the real benefit…" She leaned forward slightly. "You will be known by the wealthiest women in the region. Your name will spread faster than any market stall could hope for."
For a long moment, Yanyue was quiet. She thought of her tiny kitchen, her budding reputation, the villagers who now waited eagerly for her weekly treats. She thought of the triplets helping her make dumplings, of Yu Shiming silently fixing shelves behind her at night.
This was a step toward a bigger world. A door cracked open—not pushed, but inviting.
She met Madam Wei's gaze. "I accept. But only if I maintain full control of what I serve, and how. Quality is non-negotiable."
"Of course," Madam Wei said, looking pleased. "You are no one's servant. Only a rising phoenix."
As they shook hands, Su Zhi peeked around the corner.
"Are you our new customer?" he asked hopefully. "Do you like pickled eggs?"
Madam Wei blinked, then smiled. "I think I will enjoy working with all of you."
---Would you like Chapter 55 to focus on Su Yanyue preparing for the new launch—with comedy from the triplets as they try to design "fancy menu name