Chapter 19: Teahouse Whispers and an Unexpected Offer
The late afternoon sun painted the village in golden hues as Su Yanyue returned home, arms filled with cloth bundles and small jars from the market. The triplets trailed behind her like ducks in a row, each holding something they insisted was important—dried fruit, toy swords, and a slightly squashed meat bun.
Yu Shiming was already in the courtyard, repairing a broken stool with quiet focus. The sleeves of his robe were rolled up, revealing forearms dusted with wood shavings.
Su Yanyue paused at the gate. For a moment, the sight of the steady man surrounded by playful children made something in her chest warm.
Peaceful.
Too peaceful.
She shook the feeling off and headed inside.
Just as she was setting down the jars, a knock came at the courtyard gate.
"Who is it now?" Su Lin grumbled, chewing on his snack.
Yanyue wiped her hands and opened the gate.
A middle-aged man in silk robes bowed politely. His face was unfamiliar, but the embroidery on his sleeves spoke of wealth.
"Miss Su," he said, voice smooth. "I've heard of your healing skills and sharp business sense. I come with a proposition."
Su Yanyue's brows rose. "I'm not accepting students."
The man chuckled. "No, no. I represent Madam Lu, owner of the 'Willow Breeze' teahouse in Qinghe Town."
"I've never heard of it."
"Small now, yes. But she hopes to expand. Word of your herbal teas and tonics reached her ears—especially the cooling mint and plum blend you made for the county magistrate's wife. Madam Lu wishes to partner with you."
Yanyue narrowed her eyes. "Partner how?"
"She'd like to sell your teas and medicinal pastries in her teahouse—under your name. You'd provide recipes and monthly stock; she handles the serving and promotion. A portion of profits would go to you."
A legitimate business partnership… It was tempting.
She didn't reply immediately.
The man sensed her hesitation. "Think of it—her clients are wealthier, well-connected. If your products gain popularity there, other towns will follow. You could build a brand."
Su Lin piped up from behind her. "Does that mean more snacks for us?"
"No," Yanyue said, waving him off. "Go play."
She turned back to the messenger. "Tell Madam Lu I want three days. If she agrees to a trial batch and honest accounts, I'll consider it."
"Very fair, Miss Su." He bowed again. "She will be pleased."
After he left, Yanyue stood quietly in the doorway, thoughts churning.
Yu Shiming approached, arms crossed loosely. "You're tempted."
"It's a good opportunity," she admitted.
"Then take it. Just be cautious."
She looked up at him. "You trust me that much?"
"I trust your judgment." He paused. "And I'll be nearby if someone tries to cheat you."
Yanyue chuckled. "You're starting to sound like a guard dog."
"I take that as a compliment."
That night, after putting the boys to bed and finishing a fresh batch of plum-mint tea, Yanyue sat beneath the moonlight and watched the flickering shadows dance along the courtyard walls.
She never planned to stay in this world. Not really.
But now…
She had roots beginning to form—shallow, perhaps, but real.
And with this new business offer, those roots might grow deeper.
She would rise. On her terms.
And if this teahouse deal turned into something more, so be it.