Chapter 89: The Whisper Beneath the Calm
The early morning mist wrapped the village in soft silver, the air still and cool as Su Yanyue stepped into her courtyard, stretching her arms above her head. The scent of roasted grains and steamed buns drifted from the kitchen, and birds chirped lazily above the thatched rooftops.
For a brief moment, all was perfect.
Yu Lei tugged at her sleeve. "Aunt Yue, can I be your official tea tester today?"
"Only if you promise not to sneak ten cups like last time," she said, chuckling as she tied her outer robe.
The triplets bustled with energy, running around the tea house like miniature soldiers with important tasks. Yu Jin was inspecting the ledgers with a frown far too serious for a three-year-old. Yu Rui arranged the storefront display with fresh bundles of scented tea. Yu Lei had armed himself with a small feather duster, fiercely swatting at nonexistent dust.
Su Yanyue moved inside the shop, hands steady as she checked jars, labels, and recent orders. The tea house had flourished in her absence—thanks largely to the triplets and the villagers' loyalty—but a faint unease tickled the back of her mind.
"Boss Su." A low voice interrupted her thoughts.
She turned to see Mr. Cao, one of her tea merchants from Qinghe Town, standing just inside the threshold. His face was pinched and pale, his fingers twisting the edge of his sleeve.
"You're early," she greeted, offering him a cup of fresh brew. "Business trouble?"
He nodded, glancing around nervously before leaning closer. "I heard something in town yesterday. Some high-ranking people have started asking about your tea house. Not in the friendly, curious way either."
Su Yanyue's brows furrowed. "Did they say why?"
"No. Just… probing questions. About where you came from. Who funds you. If you have any noble patrons."
A chill passed down her spine, though her expression remained calm. She hadn't used her real name when she first arrived, but whispers had a way of circling back, especially now that her tea was becoming popular across towns.
"Did they mention a name?" she asked.
"No. Just—be careful, Miss Su." He placed a sealed letter on the table. "A friend of mine in Qinghe passed this along. Said someone's sniffing too close to secrets."
She accepted it with a nod, slipping it inside her sleeve.
Just as Mr. Cao stepped out, Yu Shiming entered silently from the side gate, his eyes narrowing at the retreating man. "He came early."
"He brought news." She explained quickly, watching his gaze harden as she summarized the conversation.
Yu Shiming crossed his arms. "It begins."
"I can handle a few questions," she replied, lips quirking with defiance.
He didn't smile. "You're not just a tea seller anymore. You're turning heads."
She looked down at the boys, still busy impressing their tiny followers. "And I have more than just myself to protect."
"I know," he said quietly. "That's why I'll be watching."
As he turned and walked back toward the training yard, Su Yanyue watched his retreating figure—calm and steady, like a silent mountain.
The village still buzzed with peace and laughter, but now the wind carried something else too: a warning. The world outside was beginning to take notice.