Chapter 34: The Capital's Curiosity
It was a quiet morning in Peach Blossom Village—until a tall, elegant carriage rolled in, its lacquered body shining under the early sun, drawn by two dappled horses and flanked by attendants in neat blue livery.
Naturally, the triplets were the first to spot it.
"Emergency meeting!" Su Lin shouted, dragging his brothers behind the shed.
"Big carriage," Su Rui whispered. "Definitely fancy."
"Maybe a noble?" Su Zhi guessed.
"Or someone looking for Phoenix Blend: Imperial Edition," Su Lin grinned.
Meanwhile, Su Yanyue was tending to her drying herbs outside her shop when the village erupted in murmurs. Her neighbor, Aunt Zhao, rushed over with wide eyes.
"Yanyue, someone from the capital just asked for directions to your tea shop!"
Yanyue blinked. "The capital?"
She barely had time to brush off her sleeves when the carriage stopped in front of her courtyard. From it stepped a poised woman dressed in light plum silk, with silver hairpins in the shape of falling ginkgo leaves. She looked to be in her early thirties, her bearing calm, graceful—and unmistakably noble.
The woman stepped forward with a small smile. "Are you Miss Su Yanyue, the maker of the tea known as Phoenix Blend?"
Yanyue bowed politely. "Yes, I am. May I ask your name, honored guest?"
"I am Ji Qinglan, steward of the Lady Yi household," the woman said gently. "My young miss recently received a gift box of your tea from a cousin who visited Qinghe Town. She now refuses to drink anything else."
Yanyue blinked. "That's... flattering."
Ji Qinglan smiled. "It's troublesome. She claims it helps her sleep and eases her headaches. Whether it's true or not, she sent me to inquire if larger orders may be made directly."
"Of course," Yanyue said, recovering quickly. "I've just begun proper packaging, and I've tested shipping options to nearby towns. Deliveries to the capital may take longer, but it's possible."
Ji Qinglan raised a brow, visibly impressed by Yanyue's professionalism. "How soon could you prepare an order for ten gift sets—each distinct?"
Yanyue's thoughts spun. Ten? Distinct? That was a noble's version of a "small sample."
"I'll need a few days to prepare the unique blends," she said. "But yes, I can manage that."
"Good," Ji Qinglan replied. "My lady will pay handsomely. She's already told her circle she's discovered something 'authentic and luxurious'—and nobles love being first."
Behind her, the triplets were crouched under a bush, whispering loudly.
"Do nobles really call it 'authentic and luxurious'?"
"I bet we could sell her Phoenix-themed hair oil too."
"Or branded teacups!"
Ji Qinglan turned, spotting them immediately. "Are these yours?"
Yanyue coughed lightly. "My... nephews."
Su Rui stood tall. "We're in charge of expansion."
Ji Qinglan gave a soft, amused smile. "They're very... entrepreneurial."
Yanyue smiled wryly. "That's one word for it."
---
After the steward left, promising to send a servant in three days with payment and packing instructions, Yanyue finally sat down.
Yu Shiming arrived not long after, carrying fresh firewood.
"Did I see a noble's carriage out front?" he asked casually.
"You did," she replied, sipping tea. "And we now have customers from the capital."
He raised a brow, impressed. "That's fast."
She gave a long sigh, somewhere between excitement and worry. "Too fast, maybe."
He sat beside her on the steps. "You'll handle it. You always do."
She glanced sideways at him, warmth flickering in her chest. "And if I don't?"
He smiled. "Then I'll help."