The river was quiet at this hour, its surface carrying only the faintest ripples where the breeze skimmed past. Lantern light from the pavilion spilled across the water, turning the ripples into molten gold. The bridge leading there was narrow, made of smooth planks that creaked softly under each step.
Lin Xun walked at an even pace, Shen Lan beside him, the basket of prepared teas balanced against his hip. He had brewed at gatherings before, but this was the Circle's river pavilion, a place where every step, every word, every drop poured was measured. The scent of jasmine drifted from somewhere ahead, light yet lingering, like a welcome that did not need to be spoken aloud.
They reached the pavilion's threshold, the polished wood reflecting the lanterns above. Elder Zhao sat at the far end, his hands folded over a small clay cup, eyes half-closed as if tasting the air. Beside him was Mistress Wen, her robes a deep violet, her gaze fixed not on the guests but on the steam curling from the pot before her. Two other members of the Circle were present, strangers to Lin Xun, though their postures spoke of long familiarity with the place.
"Lin Xun," Elder Zhao said without raising his voice. "You have brought what we asked?"
Lin Xun stepped forward and placed the basket on the low table, opening it to reveal three jars. Each was wrapped in plain cloth, tied with twine, without the slightest ornamentation. "As requested, three leaves of different character. One for clarity, one for warmth, one for strength."
Mistress Wen's eyes flicked toward the jars. "You did not bring the sunless leaves."
Lin Xun shook his head. "They were not requested."
A small smile ghosted across her lips, though whether it was approval or amusement, he could not tell.
They gestured for him to take the central seat at the long table. Shen Lan stood slightly behind him, near the railing where she could watch both the guests and the river beyond. The lantern light softened her expression, though her eyes never truly relaxed.
Lin Xun began by unwrapping the first jar. Inside, the leaves were pale green, long and twisted, with a faint frost along the edges. They gave off a scent that was both crisp and sweet, like new snow melting over spring grass. He placed them in the warmed pot, poured in water just shy of boiling, and let the leaves unfurl.
The steam rose slowly, carrying with it a freshness that filled the pavilion. One of the strangers inhaled deeply, closing his eyes.
"This leaf grows on the high ridges near Stone Hollow," Lin Xun said quietly, not raising his eyes from the pot. "It gathers the night frost and the first light of dawn. The brew will clear the mind, though only if one drinks it while at peace."
He poured into the first set of cups, offering them with both hands. The Circle members took their time tasting, letting the warmth fill their mouths before swallowing. Elder Zhao's eyes opened fully, the faintest hint of approval in their depths.
"You balance heat and patience well," he said. "Continue."
Lin Xun nodded and set the first pot aside, reaching for the second jar. These leaves were darker, nearly black, rolled tightly into small pearls. They released a deep, earthy scent even before touching the water.
"This is from the lowland groves beyond East Bridge," he explained. "The soil there is rich from river silt, and the trees drink heavy rains. It yields a brew that steadies the body and warms the blood."
As the pearls opened, the color deepened to amber. The steam curled thicker now, mingling with the lantern smoke, and the air in the pavilion grew warmer. Mistress Wen cupped her hands around her drink for a long moment before taking the first sip.
"It is a tea for winter nights," she said at last. "One could speak through the whole night with such warmth in their veins."
The final jar was the smallest, sealed with a plain wooden stopper. When Lin Xun opened it, the aroma was faint at first, then deepened with each breath, carrying a quiet strength. The leaves were long and slender, silver along the edges, and when placed in the pot they turned the water a soft gold.
"This leaf comes from a grove hidden by the western hills," Lin Xun said. "It grows where sunlight reaches only in the morning, and the rest of the day it rests in shade. It strengthens without haste, and its power is not felt in the first cup, but in the hours that follow."
The guests drank in silence. Outside, a heron drifted past on the river's surface, its wings barely stirring the water. The pavilion seemed to hold its breath.
When Elder Zhao set down his cup, the sound was barely more than a tap, but it drew all eyes. "Lin Xun, the Circle does not invite lightly. Tonight you have shown skill, but more importantly, restraint. Many bring their strongest leaves at first, seeking to impress. You brought what was asked, no more, no less."
Mistress Wen's gaze lingered on him. "There are those in the city who would pay greatly to know what you hold back."
Lin Xun met her eyes calmly. "I would rather they taste what I choose to serve."
Her smile this time was unmistakable.
The gathering eased after that, conversation turning to the changes in the market and the shifting demands of the larger sects. Shen Lan moved closer, her hand brushing lightly against the table's edge, a quiet reminder that they were guests, not friends.
By the time the lanterns burned low, the river's surface had turned from gold to silver beneath the moonlight. The Circle members took their leave in pairs, their footsteps fading along the bridge.
Elder Zhao paused before departing. "Three days from now, a guest from the Northern Peaks will arrive. He is… particular. You may wish to prepare something uncommon."
Lin Xun inclined his head. "I will be ready."
When they were alone, Shen Lan let out a quiet breath. "They were testing you."
"I know." He began packing the jars, careful with each one. "But not for the reason they think."
They left the pavilion together, the wooden bridge whispering under their steps. The river moved silently below, carrying the reflections of lanterns downstream, toward places unseen.
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