Chapter 26: The Man in the Green Robe
The midday sun warmed the rooftops of Peach Blossom Village, casting long golden rays over courtyards and clay pots. Su Yanyue was arranging bundles of dried chrysanthemum and mint on a newly built wooden rack outside her home. The triplets sat nearby, unusually quiet—mostly because their mouths were full of candied chestnuts.
Everything was peaceful.
Until a dust-covered carriage pulled into the village with a creaking halt.
Villagers paused, craning their necks. Outsiders rarely came through this sleepy corner of the world. And certainly not ones wearing robes embroidered with golden clouds.
The carriage door opened, and out stepped a man in his early thirties, tall and refined, dressed in deep green robes with a traveling cloak slung over one shoulder. He had a paper fan tucked at his waist, fine boots, and an air that immediately set off both curiosity and suspicion.
Yu Shiming, who had just returned from the hills with firewood, narrowed his eyes subtly.
The man glanced around and then spoke with a smile that was too smooth to be entirely trustworthy.
"Pardon my sudden arrival. I am Liu Yuan, a tea connoisseur from the capital. I've come in search of the famed 'Village Phoenix Tea.'"
That name hadn't officially been coined by anyone—but somehow, it had already begun circulating in town thanks to Madam Lu's dramatic flair.
Su Yanyue, standing straight and composed, stepped forward. "I'm Su Yanyue. I prepare the tea."
Liu Yuan's gaze brightened. "So it is true. The woman behind the blends is as striking as her tea."
Yu Shiming's brow twitched.
"May I?" Liu Yuan asked, gesturing to the samples on her table.
She nodded coolly. "Please."
He picked up a packet, sniffed, then smiled. "This aroma is clean… nostalgic. Balanced. Did you blend this with snow chrysanthemum and wild licorice?"
Yanyue blinked in surprise. "Yes."
He looked pleased. "Very few can achieve this harmony without overpowering the notes."
The triplets watched him like three tiny hawks. Su Lin leaned toward Su Zhi. "He's too smooth. I don't like him."
Su Rui muttered, "He's talking like he wants to marry Auntie and buy all her tea."
Liu Yuan, unaware of the murmured threat assessment, continued. "I represent a merchant guild in the capital. We specialize in rare teas and health blends. Your name has reached further than you may realize, Miss Su."
"Oh?" she said, cautious.
"I'd like to offer a commission deal. You blend. We supply. You earn a share of profits—far greater than anything you'll get here."
The villagers nearby gasped.
Yu Shiming, silent until now, stepped forward and spoke before Yanyue could reply.
"She's doing just fine on her own."
Liu Yuan turned politely. "And you are…?"
"Her housemate. And business partner."
The two men held each other's gaze just a little too long.
Su Yanyue gently cleared her throat. "I appreciate your offer, Master Liu. But I'm not ready to expand to that level yet."
His smile didn't waver. "Of course. I'll be in Qinghe Town for a few days. Should you change your mind, I'd be honored to discuss terms further."
He bowed gracefully and returned to his carriage.
As soon as it vanished down the path, the triplets exploded.
"He was trying to impress you!"
"He wore perfume!"
"He wanted to steal our tea business!"
Su Yanyue laughed softly. "He came with an offer, not a sword."
Yu Shiming crossed his arms. "Sometimes offers are sharper than blades."
She looked at him, curious.
"Are you worried?" she asked, teasing.
He didn't answer, but his gaze lingered on her—gentle, guarded, and far too deep.
"No," he said at last. "Just watchful."