Chapter 62: Sips of Tea and Shadows of Power
The private salon within Plum Courtyard Pavilion was lit by soft lanterns shaped like lotus flowers, their golden light shimmering over polished wooden floors and delicate scroll paintings. Cushions of silk were arranged in a crescent around a low jade-inlaid table, already set with the finest porcelain and three steaming pots of exotic tea.
Su Yanyue adjusted the sash of her pale lavender dress as she stepped into the room. Her hair had been brushed and pinned with a plum blossom hairpin—simple, but it accented her features and luminous skin beautifully.
Lady Wen Qingyue greeted her with an approving smile. "Miss Su, welcome."
Around the table sat seven other noble ladies, each radiating a quiet authority. Their robes were embroidered with symbols of rank—phoenixes, cranes, plum blossoms. But it wasn't just wealth they wore—it was clout.
Su Yanyue bowed gracefully. "Thank you for the invitation, Lady Wen."
"You've caused quite the stir," Lady Wen said with a warm chuckle. "Half the merchants in town are asking where they can buy your tea already."
Yanyue smiled lightly. "I'm just fortunate to be learning and trying."
Her humble words only intrigued the ladies more.
They poured tea and began light conversation, asking about her methods, her sourcing, and her future plans. Yanyue spoke calmly and intelligently, earning more than one nod of respect.
At the far end of the room, one figure remained quieter than the rest.
He wore a scholar's robe of muted navy, and while the others addressed him only as "Lord Yan," there was a notable air of deference toward him.
He watched Su Yanyue closely—not inappropriately, but with the focused gaze of someone accustomed to court and cunning.
Lady Wen, catching his interest, offered a soft smile. "Lord Yan is known for his refined palate and impeccable judgment in all things tea. Quite the honor to impress him."
Lord Yan raised his teacup. "Miss Su, your blend is curious—delicate, but firm. As if it reflects the hand that prepared it."
Yanyue blinked. "I... suppose tea does mirror the brewer's intent."
He smiled faintly. "Indeed. That is why some cups soothe, and others sting."
A few ladies chuckled at the subtle remark, but Yanyue remained calm. "Then I'll strive to brew only what comforts and connects."
Lord Yan gave a slow nod. Approval—not easily earned—lingered in his eyes.
The rest of the evening passed in elegant chatter, wine-red fruits and honeyed lotus cakes passed around. Su Yanyue answered questions on medicinal herbs, how she trained her palette, and even gently hinted at her plans for a tea-and-sweets storefront.
"Qinghe could use a place like that," Lady Wen remarked. "Not just trade—but charm."
Before the night ended, Lady Wen took Yanyue aside.
"There will be people watching you, Yanyue. For better or worse. If you ever need assistance… know that my doors remain open."
Yanyue bowed. "I am grateful, my lady."
Outside, the cool night breeze brushed her face as she stepped out.
Waiting at the steps was Yu Shiming, arms crossed, leaning casually against the pillar. Moonlight washed over his chiseled jaw and dark eyes.
"Did they offer to marry you off to a prince?" he asked with mock seriousness.
Yanyue rolled her eyes. "Just a salon. No one proposed a royal decree."
"The night's not over."
She snorted a laugh.
Behind them, in the shadows of a carriage, Lord Yan's voice floated softly to his steward.
"Look into her background."
"But she's a commoner, my lord."
Lord Yan sipped the last of her tea. "I doubt it."
---Would you like Chapter 63 to follow Yanyue back to her inn, where she receives unexpected news—and the triplets have invented a new 'business venture' involving rental duducksd