Chapter 82: Banquet of Thorns
The soft melodies of a guzheng floated through the hall, lending an elegant backdrop to the feast. Servants glided between tables, refilling cups and presenting new dishes with practiced grace. Yet the warmth of lanternlight couldn't soften the cold undercurrents swirling through every conversation.
Su Yanyue listened carefully as the marquis raised his cup and toasted the gathered guests. His words were smooth, praising peace, prosperity, and loyalty, but each phrase seemed to carry a hidden blade.
She kept her head lowered in polite deference, but when her eyes lifted, they met Yu Shiming's dark gaze. His reassuring nod gave her the courage to keep her composure, though her heart pounded with each subtle probe from the nobles.
Across the table, Madam He's voice rang clear. "Miss Su, since you are so skilled in business, perhaps you can help settle something. Some say the merchants of Qinghe Town are growing too bold, challenging the authority of noble families. What do you think?"
Gasps rose among the ladies at her audacity. Yanyue felt every eye lock onto her.
Yu Shiming's jaw tightened, but he remained silent, letting her choose her words.
Yanyue set down her chopsticks, posture straight, voice calm. "I think merchants who act with integrity bring prosperity to everyone—noble or commoner. But those who exploit others will eventually fall, regardless of their status."
The marquis's eyes glinted with something like approval; Madam He's lips thinned.
A ripple of quiet laughter passed among some officials, but the mirth was brittle. Yanyue could tell: many saw her words as naive, a challenge to the status quo. Yet others looked thoughtful, eyes flickering with newfound respect—or calculation.
"Miss Su," Wei Ling interjected smoothly, swirling his wine. "A kind philosophy. But in reality, few can stand alone without powerful allies. Don't you think you might be…overconfident?"
Before Yanyue could answer, Yu Shiming spoke, his voice low and deadly calm. "Overconfidence? Or courage? Sometimes, they are the same. And those with courage can change everything."
Silence fell. Even the musicians hesitated, their notes stuttering before resuming.
The marquis's gaze shifted between them, measuring. Then he smiled faintly, lifting his cup. "Well said, Sir Yu. Qinghe could use more with such spirit."
The tense air relaxed by a thread, but Yanyue's shoulders remained stiff. She forced herself to eat, aware every bite could be a test, every pause an opportunity for attack.
When a servant tripped and nearly spilled soup into her lap, Yu Shiming's hand shot out, steadying the tray before it could tip. His eyes burned with cold fury as he met the servant's panicked gaze. "Be careful," he warned softly, each word like steel.
Madam He laughed lightly, but the sound was brittle. "Accidents do happen in busy houses."
The marquis's face remained inscrutable. "Indeed. But let us not spoil the evening. Miss Su, would you care to tell us more about your tea? I hear it has captured the hearts of many in Qinghe."
Yanyue inhaled slowly, recognizing the shift: a chance to reclaim the conversation—or a trap.
She nodded, clearing her throat. "I would be honored. My tea blends combine wild mountain leaves with gentle flowers. I hope they bring warmth to every home, no matter their rank."
A few of the noblewomen leaned forward, genuinely curious; others whispered behind fans.
As the banquet continued, Yanyue realized each word she spoke was like stepping on thin ice—one misstep, and she'd plunge into frigid waters.
But when she stole a glance at Yu Shiming, his steady gaze and subtle nod reminded her: she was not alone.