Chapter 36: The Capital Order Begins
For the first time since arriving in Peach Blossom Village, Su Yanyue closed the front gate to visitors.
A handwritten sign hung from a wooden peg:
"Busy with tea orders. Please return tomorrow. Thank you!"
Inside, her courtyard was a flurry of focused activity. Bowls of dried herbs and flower petals lined the long wooden table under the eaves, their colors vibrant and fragrant. Tea leaves were sorted by origin and roast, labeled in neat brush calligraphy. Everything had to be perfect.
This wasn't a market stall sale. This was an order from the capital.
"Osmanthus blend—check," Yanyue murmured, her hands moving with practiced ease. "Jujube and chrysanthemum—steeping correctly. Now for the floral-ginseng mix…"
In the corner, Su Lin peeked over a crate of empty canisters. "Are we allowed to help yet?"
"No," Yanyue replied firmly.
"But we have small hands!" Su Zhi protested. "We're perfect for delicate work!"
Su Rui nodded solemnly. "We're tea-flavor experts. You always say we have sharp tongues."
Yanyue gave them a dry look. "You used your sharp tongues to tell Uncle Zhang that his tea tasted like boiled hay."
The boys exchanged proud grins.
Still, seeing their enthusiasm, she relented a little. "Fine. You can help me sort the packaging ribbons by color—not mix the teas."
They saluted dramatically and began sorting with exaggerated care. Su Rui tied two ribbons into a bow and placed it on Su Zhi's head. "Phoenix Blend, prince edition."
Su Zhi stuck his tongue out. "Better than dried-radish blend!"
Yanyue smiled to herself and turned back to her task. Each blend required precision, both in flavor and intent. For a noblewoman's gift set, appearance was as important as taste.
She had selected bamboo containers polished to a soft sheen, each with a painted flower motif and sealed with a waxed lid. She added a thin cloth band and a handwritten description of each blend's benefit.
For example:
Tranquil Bloom – A calming tea with osmanthus, jasmine, and wild mint. Aids restful sleep and eases stress.
By late afternoon, she had completed six of the ten sets. She took a deep breath and stepped back to admire her work.
That's when Yu Shiming arrived, carrying a basket of mountain honey and a jar of candied plums.
"Thought you could use a break," he said, setting the basket down. "And something sweet."
Yanyue gave him a tired but grateful smile. "You read minds now?"
He shrugged modestly. "Only yours."
Her cheeks tinged pink.
Before she could reply, the triplets ran in with tangled ribbons and an alarming quantity of glitter—which Su Lin swore "would add a magical sparkle."
"No glitter on the packaging!" Yanyue yelped, grabbing the nearest tea box just in time.
Su Rui held up his hands. "We call it the 'deluxe sparkle edition!'"
Yu Shiming chuckled. "Maybe not for nobles, boys. Let's save that for Auntie Zhao's birthday."
Later that evening, Yanyue sat beside the brazier, sipping a test cup of her final blend. It was warm, smooth, and subtly floral—just as she intended. The capital would have no reason to complain.
She glanced at the stack of beautifully arranged boxes. Ten gift sets, unique and handcrafted. Each a piece of her hard work, her pride, her second chance.
And beside her, Yu Shiming quietly replaced the firewood, while the triplets practiced bowing and saying, "Welcome, dear noble guest!"
It was chaos. But it was her chaos.
And it was starting to feel like a home.