Chapter 56: Blossoms and Boiling Teapots
The grand opening of Madam Wei's refurbished embroidery pavilion in Qinghe Town was a sight to behold.
Delicate silk banners in shades of rose and jade fluttered in the breeze. Lanterns bobbed gently above the courtyard, while refined women in brocade robes lingered at the entrance, their fans fluttering with curiosity.
But today, it wasn't embroidery that stole the spotlight—it was the scent of Su Yanyue's tea.
A small stall to the right of the shop bore her name in graceful calligraphy:
"Su's Garden Teas & Delicacies"
Inside were four tables draped in pale green linen, each arranged with fine porcelain teacups and wooden trays displaying beautifully plated snacks—Winter's Kiss, Blossoms of Spring, Silken Serenity, and the others.
Su Yanyue, dressed in a simple but elegant orchid-colored ruqun, moved with calm grace, her long figure tall and slender, her waist narrow enough to draw quiet envy from noblewomen nearby. Her glossy black hair was swept up with a single hairpin—humble, yet striking.
"Miss Su, another pot of Moonlit Harmony!" called Madam Wei from the main chamber, waving a fan covered in preorders.
Yanyue gave a quick nod. Behind her, Yu Shiming was already steeping another pot, his tall figure commanding even in plain robes. He moved with fluid ease, his handsome features earning him more than one lingering glance.
The triplets, dressed in tiny matching vests embroidered with "Little Stewards," were stationed near the front gate. Their job: "Greeting and taste promotion."
"Welcome, noble lady!" Su Lin announced to a young heiress. "Would you like a sample of Blossoms of Spring? Made with real peach blossoms and no frog legs—guaranteed!"
"Frog legs?" the lady blinked in horror.
Su Rui shoved his brother aside, whispering, "That's not how you market!"
He turned to the lady with a toothy grin. "My lady, this tart will make your heart flutter like a bird in spring!"
"Much better," Su Zhi praised with a sage nod.
Inside the shop, noblewomen chatted eagerly about how refreshing the tea was and how delicate the sweets tasted. Some scribbled down names of the snacks to brag to friends later. One even offered to host a poetry tea gathering themed after "Moonlit Harmony."
But back in the village…
"She's got what now? A tea corner in a silk shop?" Old Aunt Liu asked for the fifth time, squinting suspiciously.
"It's true," Farmer Li said, gnawing on a stalk of grass. "My niece saw it with her own eyes. Said the snacks cost two coppers each!"
Auntie Yang scoffed. "Two coppers? For a bun? I hope it sings to you before you bite it!"
Yet, despite the teasing, pride glimmered beneath the sarcasm. Villagers gathered at Su Yanyue's gate that evening to ask about the opening.
"Did the nobles really like it?"
"Did your tea make someone cry again?"
"Will you still sell to us?"
Su Yanyue smiled, ladling out warm chrysanthemum tea. "Always."
The triplets strutted around with inflated pride.
"We were the stars, you know," Su Zhi said solemnly.
"We convinced a lady not to buy from another stall by glaring at her," added Su Rui.
"She dropped her fan and left!" Su Lin nodded.
Yu Shiming just shook his head in amusement.
Business was blossoming, reputation was growing—and yet, Su Yanyue knew this was only the beginning.