Chapter 74: The Fragrance That Draws Trouble
The morning sun broke over Qinghe Town like a golden fan unfurling, casting warm light across the bustling market square. Lanterns swayed gently overhead, and the smell of fresh pastries, herbs, and dried meats filled the air.
Su Yanyue stood before her stall, brushing invisible specks of dust from the table for the third time. The Phoenix Fragrance banner fluttered above, elegant and serene, much like her.
"You've cleaned that spot four times," Yu Shiming said as he tightened the rope supporting their display rack.
"I'm nervous."
"You'll be fine."
"You're always calm. What if—"
"I've tested your tea. I'd go to war over it."
Yanyue blinked, half-flattered, half-shocked. "That's a bit dramatic."
He tilted his head slightly. "So is your tea."
Before she could reply, the triplets appeared in a flurry of whispers and suspiciously empty hands.
"Rui just made a customer cry," Su Zhi reported with pride.
"I did not!" Rui huffed. "I said her tea was weak. That's constructive."
"She ran off sobbing," Su Lin added helpfully.
Yanyue massaged her temples. "Boys. No more market critiques."
"Yes, General Mama," they chorused, saluting dramatically.
Within the hour, their stall drew attention like honey drew bees. Curious passersby stopped, sniffed the elegant tea blends, and soon enough, the delicate taste won them over.
"This aroma… like spring rain in the mountains!"
"Did you grow these herbs yourself?"
"Buy two tins! One for your mother!"
Coins clinked, and praise flowed.
But then came a sharp voice, loud enough to slice through the pleasant chatter.
"Well, well, what's all this? A village girl playing tea merchant?"
Everyone turned.
A woman in crimson silk robes sauntered over, her painted lips curled in amusement. Behind her trailed two maids holding fans and a young man with far too much cologne.
Su Yanyue smiled politely. "Good morning."
"Chun Yu Pavilion doesn't take kindly to imitation," the woman said coolly, glancing at the Phoenix Fragrance tins. "You've even copied the floral scent."
"I've never heard of Chun Yu Pavilion," Yanyue replied calmly. "But tea leaves don't belong to anyone."
"Oh? And do flowery names and pretty faces not count as marketing theft now?" the woman sneered.
Yu Shiming stepped forward, gaze sharp. "If you're here to sample tea, please do. If not, move along."
The woman's eyes flickered to him—then widened slightly. "And who is this?"
"My helper," Yanyue said lightly.
The woman smirked, clearly not buying it, but sensing the watching crowd, she straightened. "We'll see how long this stall lasts. Good luck… little phoenix."
As she flounced away, Su Rui muttered, "Why do all villains wear red?"
"To stand out when they run away crying," Su Lin whispered.
Yanyue suppressed a grin and turned back to her customers.
By midday, they had sold more than half their stock. Children carried small pouches of herbal sweets, and an older woman had declared Yanyue's tea "better than the palace brew."
And yet, behind her smile, Yanyue remained thoughtful.
Trouble had arrived early—but she wasn't afraid. She hadn't come this far to back down over words and silk robes.
Yu Shiming stood beside her quietly, eyes scanning the crowd, hand casually near his hidden blade.
The Phoenix had landed.
Now, it was time to soar.