Chapter 83: Veins of Poison, Words of Honey
The banquet wound on, a carefully orchestrated dance of flattery and veiled threats. Though laughter filled the hall, there was an icy edge beneath every word. Su Yanyue smiled where appropriate, offered polite responses, and drank cautiously—though each sip tasted more like strategy than tea.
Madam He leaned forward, resting her delicate hand on her cheek as she smiled. "Miss Su, you seem quite accomplished for someone from such humble origins. You must have had…unusual guidance?"
Yanyue's eyes narrowed, just slightly. "Hardship can be a ruthless but effective teacher, Madam."
The ladies around her tittered. Wei Ling's fan fluttered in his hand, hiding a smirk. "So modest. Though, I hear your tea shop in Qinghe is attracting a great deal of…unwanted attention. Are you not concerned about stepping on the wrong toes?"
Yu Shiming's voice rang out, cold and precise. "If toes are in the way, perhaps they shouldn't be standing where they don't belong."
That silenced them.
The marquis, who had been silently enjoying his wine, chuckled then, low and smooth. "Sir Yu has always had a sharp tongue. Reminds me of his youth. Tell me, Miss Su, would you consider supplying the estate with your tea blend? Our guests might enjoy something more…refreshing."
A moment of silence.
Yanyue straightened, heart thudding. This was a double-edged offer. On the surface, it was an opportunity. Beneath, a leash.
She met the marquis's eyes and smiled gracefully. "It would be an honor, Marquis. I hope it pleases your distinguished guests."
"Excellent," he said, but his eyes betrayed nothing.
From the side, a eunuch stepped forward and whispered something into the marquis's ear. His brows twitched slightly, but he waved the man away and turned to Yu Shiming.
"There's a matter in the outer estate that requires a skilled hand. Sir Yu, would you accompany my steward to investigate?"
Yu Shiming rose without hesitation. "As you command."
Yanyue's heart sank as he left her side. Alone now, she felt like prey among circling hawks.
No sooner had Yu Shiming exited the hall than Madam He stood, gliding over to Yanyue with the air of a predator disguised as a hostess. "Come, Miss Su. A young woman like you shouldn't spend your evening seated. Let us walk in the courtyard. The moon is lovely tonight."
With no polite way to refuse, Yanyue stood and followed, acutely aware of Wei Ling trailing behind them like a shadow.
The marquis's private courtyard was quiet, bathed in silver moonlight, its paths lined with fragrant plum blossoms and looming pines. It was beautiful—and eerily empty.
Madam He turned to her, smile gone. "You are clever. Too clever, perhaps. If you value your shop… and your future… I suggest you remember your place."
Wei Ling chuckled softly behind her. "We wouldn't want your little tea shop to burn down accidentally, would we?"
Su Yanyue's eyes burned with anger, but her voice remained ice. "Threatening a guest under the moonlight? How poetic. But if anything happens to my shop, everyone in Qinghe will know whose hand lit the fire."
Madam He's lips curled. "Let's hope it doesn't come to that."
Yanyue bowed politely. "Then we understand each other."
She turned and walked away, spine straight, heart hammering. Behind her, Wei Ling muttered, "She's a dangerous one."
Madam He's voice drifted like wind. "Which is why we'll deal with her soon."