Chapter 24: Rumors, Envy, and a Little Pride
The sun had barely risen, but the village was already buzzing.
Su Yanyue, unknowingly or not, had become the talk of every courtyard and well. Word of her business success had reached even the elders who rarely left their homes and the gossipy aunties who made news spread faster than wildfire.
"Did you hear? That tea-selling girl Su Yanyue's name is in the town!"
"I heard she's working with the biggest teahouse!"
"Bah, probably just some clever packaging. Tea is tea."
"She's beautiful and talented. Young Master Yu's living like an immortal these days."
That last part came from Widow Ma, whose voice always seemed louder when she was envious. Her scowl deepened each time she spotted Yanyue passing with her basket or sharing a quiet meal with Yu Shiming and the triplets.
"I don't trust her. She appeared out of nowhere. No family, no background, but look at her now—wearing better robes and walking like a noblewoman."
Her friend grunted. "And those boys of hers! Always running around like little foxes."
But not all voices carried bitterness.
"Did you taste the dried plum tea she gave the healer? My joints stopped hurting after two cups."
"My daughter wants to learn from her. Said she wants to make her own money."
"She fixed my little one's rash with nothing but soaked herbs and honey. That girl's got skill."
Down by the river, a group of young wives gathered to soak vegetables, chatting eagerly.
"I wish I could go to Qinghe and see her name in the shop myself!"
"She should teach us how to dry fruit like that. I'll even give her our biggest clay pot!"
"Do you think she'll host a class? I'd pay with eggs!"
Su Yanyue, returning from the forest with a bundle of wild ginger, passed by the women and caught the tail end of their chatter. She blinked, then paused, hearing her own name.
One of the women noticed her and turned, cheeks flushing slightly. "Oh! Miss Su, we… we were just admiring your work."
Yanyue smiled. "No need to whisper. I'm flattered."
They beamed, clearly relieved. "We're proud, you know. That one of our own's done so well."
"…One of your own?" she asked softly.
"Of course! You live here, you share the land, your boys terrorize the chickens—you're ours now."
She couldn't help it—she laughed, the kind that warmed her chest.
---
Later that evening, Su Yanyue sat on the porch, peeling dried orange peels for her next blend. The triplets played nearby, using feathers and mud to create what they claimed was "chicken armor."
Yu Shiming returned from chopping wood and sat beside her, watching her work in silence for a moment.
"Your fame's causing trouble."
"Trouble?"
"Half the village wants to apprentice under you. The other half is… jealous."
She nodded. "I expected that. People fear what they don't understand—and what rises too fast."
He leaned back on one elbow. "But they'll learn. You're not just rising. You're taking everyone with you."
She looked at him, surprised. "That's the plan."
"Then start small. Let them help. Dry herbs. Wrap bundles. Share a little."
"And earn a lot more in return," she finished, eyes gleaming.
He smirked. "Exactly."
---
By moonlight, Su Yanyue began writing notes for her next tea workshop.
One idea, one skill, one village—she was determined to lift them all together.
And perhaps, in doing so, quiet the whispers… or turn them into applause.
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