Chapter 59: Chaos on the Road and Confused Admirers
Su Yanyue's carriage was simple but steady, hired from the village head's cousin—who insisted it was "just broken in, not broken down."
Yu Shiming rode on horseback beside her, silent as ever, while the triplets sat squashed together inside the cart with a small crate labeled "Emergency Snacks."
They had insisted on accompanying her, despite her protests.
"Mother, how can your most loyal fans not attend your first grand appearance?" Su Rui declared.
"What if you faint and need backup tea?" Su Lin added, stuffing dried plums into his pouch.
"We've also brought smoke bombs," Su Zhi whispered proudly.
Yanyue ignored that last comment, choosing peace—if only temporarily.
As the cart rattled down the dusty road toward Qinghe Town, her thoughts alternated between tea recipes, presentation, and a slight anxious flutter in her chest.
It wasn't fear exactly—it was the weight of stepping into a world that wasn't hers before.
They passed green hills, grazing oxen, and small stone bridges. All was going well—until the cart made a concerning wheezing sound.
Then came the thud.
Then silence.
Then a wheel rolled gently off into the ditch like a defeated soldier.
"Oh," Yanyue muttered.
Yu Shiming rode up, dismounted, and examined the axle. "Splintered. We'll have to stop and fix it."
"Wonderful," she muttered.
The triplets leapt out of the cart, already treating the roadside like a battlefield.
"I'll scout for bandits!" Su Zhi said, climbing a tree.
"I'll guard the snacks!" Su Lin shouted, mouth full of jerky.
"I'll pretend to be injured to earn sympathy from passing merchants," Su Rui offered helpfully.
Yanyue groaned and sat on a nearby rock.
Just as she was contemplating whether fate was teasing her, the sound of trotting hooves approached.
A glittering, well-decorated carriage came into view, flanked by guards in plum-colored robes.
The crest on the door was one she vaguely recognized—one of Qinghe's minor noble houses.
From within, a young man with neatly tied hair and a handsome but slightly bored expression peeked out.
Then he saw her.
And blinked.
Twice.
Yu Shiming immediately stepped in front of her.
The nobleman raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. "I say, is that not the famed village tea artisan everyone's been talking about? Miss Su?"
Yanyue stood slowly, brushing dust from her sleeves. "I suppose that's me."
"Ah, fate!" The nobleman looked positively delighted. "I'm Gong Haoran, third son of the Marquis of Plumwood. I've heard rumors about your teas. How marvelous to meet you in person."
He leaned slightly from the carriage, eyes twinkling. "Would you care to ride with me to Qinghe?"
"No thank you," Yu Shiming replied flatly.
"I wasn't talking to—"
"She declines," he said again, stepping even closer.
Su Yanyue sighed and waved both men off. "It's kind of you to offer, Young Master Gong, but I'll manage. We're nearly done with repairs."
From the trees, Su Zhi yelled, "She has a protector! And three feral sons!"
The nobleman paused, glanced at the triplets peeking menacingly from the bushes, and wisely decided not to argue.
"Well, then," Gong Haoran said with a grin. "I'll see you at the festival, Miss Su. I look forward to it."
As his carriage rolled away, Yanyue muttered, "Why do all nobles speak in riddles and silk?"
Yu Shiming simply said, "He's too nosy."
The wheel was finally fixed, and they continued their journey—if slightly rattled and moderately annoyed.
Qinghe Town awaited.
And if the roadside was any sign of things to come, Su Yanyue knew this would not be just a tea competition… it would be an eventful dance with both leaves and politics.