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Chapter 38: Praise From the Capital
Far from the quiet hills of Peach Blossom Village, the grand Ruan estate stood in the heart of the capital—its gates gilded, its gardens fragrant with early summer blooms.
In a finely furnished sitting room, adorned with porcelain vases and calligraphy scrolls, Madam Ruan sat beside a low lacquered table. A tray of freshly arrived tea samples had just been presented to her by her steward.
"Miss Su's delivery has arrived, Madam," he said with a respectful bow.
Madam Ruan, a graceful woman in her forties with a discerning gaze and a reputation for impeccable taste, took the topmost box and carefully undid the silk wrapping. A gentle, floral aroma wafted through the air.
She raised a brow in appreciation. "Delicate but not weak… promising."
At her signal, a servant poured the first blend—Tranquil Bloom—into an elegantly curved cup. The pale amber liquid shimmered in the sunlight.
One sip—and Madam Ruan stilled.
"…There's a balance to this," she murmured. "The osmanthus soothes, the jasmine uplifts, and that mint... subtle, but refreshing." She took another sip, eyes narrowing in pleased surprise. "This is not merely tea. It's comfort."
The steward waited silently as she sampled the remaining blends—one for clarity of mind, one for strengthening the body, and a rare floral-ginseng mix that left her momentarily speechless.
"Whoever this Miss Su is," she said finally, setting down her cup, "she is not ordinary."
"She claims to be a tea artisan from a small village near Qinghe Town," the steward replied, "but she included detailed descriptions for each blend, along with steeping times. No excessive praise. Just quiet confidence."
Madam Ruan's eyes lit with interest. "Modesty and talent. An increasingly rare combination."
She tapped the lacquered table thoughtfully. "Have a letter of thanks prepared. And include my personal seal for future correspondence. I want to be her sole noble patron—for now."
"Yes, Madam."
"And inform my sister," she added with a smile. "Didn't she say she's been plagued by headaches lately? One cup of Tranquil Bloom, and she'll owe me a favor."
—
Later that day, in a private study in the capital, the steward delivered the sealed note addressed to Miss Su Yanyue.
Inside it read:
> To Miss Su,
Your craftsmanship exceeded my expectations. Each blend brought not only flavor but harmony. I find myself intrigued, not just by your tea—but by your refinement.
You are welcome to continue this partnership with my household.
—Ruan Meiyun
She included a lacquered tag bearing her personal emblem—a token only given to highly valued artisans.
—
Back in Peach Blossom Village, a pigeon arrived the following morning, carrying that very note.
Yanyue read the contents in silence, her expression calm… but the tiniest upward twitch of her lips betrayed her excitement.
"She likes it," she said softly, brushing her thumb over the signature.
Yu Shiming looked up from peeling vegetables. "The noble lady?"
"She wants to continue working with me."
"That's good."
There was a pause.
"She also called it harmonious. That's… a compliment I haven't heard in a long time."
He smiled at her. "Because that's what your tea is."
Su Lin peeked over her shoulder. "Did she send sweets too?"
"No," Yanyue replied, laughing.
"But she sent status!" Su Rui grinned. "Which is sweeter than sweets!"
The triplets promptly broke into a cheer, chanting: "Tea! Tea! Victory tea!"
Yanyue couldn't help but laugh. The capital might be far, but its voice had reached her door.
And it whispered of bigger things to come.