Chapter 39: A Gentleman from the Capital
The afternoon sun warmed the thatched rooftops of Peach Blossom Village, casting golden light across the bustling courtyard of Su Yanyue's home. The scent of freshly brewed tea and honey cakes drifted lazily through the air, while Su Lin and Su Rui argued over whose drawing of a phoenix was more "authentic."
Just as Su Zhi proudly declared he'd drawn a "tea-powered phoenix that breathed steam," a knock sounded at the gate.
Yanyue stepped out from under the plum tree, brushing flour from her hands. "We're not taking walk-ins today," she called out automatically.
But the knock came again—firm, deliberate, and polite.
Yu Shiming, who had just returned with a basket of mushrooms, gave her a cautious look. "I'll check."
He opened the gate slightly… and blinked.
A man stood there, dressed in dark traveling robes of fine fabric, dusted with road dirt. He wasn't ostentatious, but the cut of his clothes, the gold-threaded sash, and the quiet air of authority around him hinted at wealth—and habitually restrained power.
"I am looking for Miss Su Yanyue," the man said, voice calm but crisp. "I was told she is the one responsible for the recent tea blends received in the capital by Madam Ruan."
Yanyue stepped forward, cautious but composed. "I'm Su Yanyue. May I ask who you are?"
The man bowed slightly. "I am Lu Wenjin, steward to Lord Su Wenyuan of the Southern Marquis Estate."
At his words, time seemed to still.
Yanyue's breath caught faintly, though she had no idea why. The name Su Wenyuan sounded familiar… as if spoken once in a dream.
Yu Shiming, who knew better than to trust coincidences, subtly moved to stand a bit closer to her.
"What brings you here, Steward Lu?" she asked.
He pulled a scroll from his sleeve and presented it with both hands. "My lord's wife—Lady Yun—was visiting Madam Ruan when she tasted your Chrysanthemum Red Date blend. She's recently recovered from illness and swore your tea eased her fatigue. She insists on meeting the artisan behind it. I was sent to invite you to the capital."
Yanyue was stunned. "Meet her?"
"Yes," Lu Wenjin nodded. "She is… insistent."
From behind, the triplets peeked around the courtyard wall.
"Did someone say the capital?" Su Lin whispered.
"Is he here to recruit Auntie into a noble family?" Su Rui gasped.
"Or is he a secret prince in disguise?" Su Zhi hissed.
Yanyue cleared her throat, ignoring the peanut gallery.
"I'm honored by Lady Yun's interest," she said carefully. "But I run my business here. I don't usually travel far."
Lu Wenjin gave her a knowing look. "Then perhaps the Lady might come here."
Yanyue blinked. "Here? To Peach Blossom Village?"
"She is quite… determined," the steward said with a wry smile.
From the shadows, Yu Shiming's gaze lingered on the Su crest embroidered into the steward's sash. He didn't miss the implications.
Su? From the Southern Marquis Estate?
Was it mere coincidence… or fate creeping closer?
As Lu Wenjin prepared to leave, promising a return message within the week, Yanyue found herself watching him go with a strange tug in her chest.
She had never heard of Lady Yun.
And yet… something in the name Su Wenyuan stirred a memory not her own.