Chapter 3: Tea and Tactics

The morning sun had not yet fully risen when Duchess Liuyue Ming began her day, the soft light filtering into her private chambers. The space was meticulously organized, every item in its place, reflecting the order she imposed upon both her surroundings and her life.

Liuyue Ming moved with practiced grace, her slender frame clad in a flowing robe of deep emerald silk that shimmered subtly in the light. The robe, embroidered with intricate patterns of silver thread, accentuated her tall, poised figure. Her long, jet-black hair was gathered in an elegant knot at the nape of her neck, secured with a jade pin. Each of her movements was deliberate, exuding a quiet authority.

She approached a small table set near the window, where a delicate porcelain tea set awaited her. She reached for a jar filled with hand-picked tea leaves, each one selected for its specific properties. These leaves were more than just a drink; they were an integral part of her cultivation routine.

With measured movements, she poured hot water over the leaves, her hands tracing an almost ritualistic pattern as she did so. The wide sleeves of her robe slipped gracefully down her wrists, revealing slender, delicate hands that belied the strength and precision with which she controlled her Qi. As the steam rose, she closed her eyes and focused her mind, feeling her Qi circulate gently within her. The process of brewing the tea was a form of meditation, each step designed to align her energy. Once the tea was ready, she poured it into a small cup and took a slow sip. The warmth spread through her, enhancing the steady flow of Qi and sharpening her focus for the day ahead.

A soft knock on the door interrupted her thoughts. "Enter," she called, her voice calm and measured.

The door opened to reveal Mei, one of her most trusted servants. Mei was a petite woman with a kind face, her movements always quick and efficient. She entered, bowing respectfully before stepping forward with a bundle of scrolls in her hands.

"Good morning, Your Grace," Mei said softly, her tone warm yet formal. "These reports have just arrived from the newly fortified villages."

Liuyue Ming nodded, acknowledging Mei’s presence. "Thank you, Mei. How is your father’s health? I trust he is recovering well?"

Mei smiled, clearly touched by the inquiry. "Yes, Your Grace, he’s doing much better. The herbal remedies you recommended have been very effective."

"I’m glad to hear it. Make sure he continues the treatment until he’s fully recovered."

"Of course, Your Grace," Mei replied, bowing once more before placing the scrolls on the table beside the tea set.

Liuyue Ming picked up the first scroll, unfurling it carefully. As she read through the reports, her eyes narrowed slightly. The skirmishes near the Crescent Wall were becoming increasingly frequent, and there was a troubling consistency in the details—each report mentioned that the demon attacks seemed organized, as if they were testing the defenses systematically.

There was a deliberate strategy behind them, something more coordinated than the occasional group of demons that managed to slip past the Wall.

She set her current scroll aside and reached for a particular report, her expression growing more serious. This report, from Greenbrook, was from Quartermaster Liang Shen. His report was as thorough as always, detailing the village’s progress in fortification and the morale of the troops. But it was his observations about the skirmishes and his suggestions for alchemical pill production that caught her attention.

There was something in his proposal that warranted deeper consideration, and she knew she would need to refine his ideas further to ensure the duchy’s resources were used most effectively.

Moving to her alchemical workshop, Liuyue Ming considered Liang Shen’s proposed pills. Her workshop, like the rest of her chambers, was a space of order and precision. Shelves lined the walls, filled with jars of rare ingredients, each labeled in her precise handwriting. The air was filled with the subtle scent of herbs and minerals, a testament to the countless hours she had spent perfecting her craft.

She didn’t need to refine the pills herself—not today. But she knew exactly how it should be done. Her knowledge of alchemy allowed her to evaluate the feasibility of Liang Shen’s proposals with an expert eye. She mentally cataloged the duchy’s available resources, considering the capacity of the alchemists under her command, herself included. She considered the specific cultivation methods of some of the high-ranking soldiers she had dispatched, adjusting the distribution plan to ensure the pills would best complement their cultivation practices.

Liang Shen’s suggestions were sound, but she identified a few areas for improvement. The proposed quantities of certain ingredients were too high, considering their rarity. Adjusting the formula slightly would ensure that the duchy’s resources were used efficiently without compromising the effectiveness of the pills. She also noted that a different combination of herbs might enhance the mental clarity pills, making them more potent for the soldiers who needed them most.

Satisfied with her adjustments, she made a few notes to discuss with her advisors. Liang Shen’s proposal was excellent, but with these refinements, it would be even better.

Before heading to the war room, Liuyue Ming made her way through the city streets, her route naturally leading her through the bustling market square. The air was cool as she stepped out of her chambers, and the city was alive with activity as people went about their daily routines.

As she moved through the market square, she noticed a group of soldiers marching in formation, their armor gleaming in the early light. Leading them was her younger brother, Liuyue Jin, who was on his way back to the garrison with his troops after their morning drills. He was clad in the dark armor of the duchy’s elite, the insignia of their family crest gleaming on his chest. His stance was upright, his expression serious as he guided the soldiers through the busy square.

Liuyue Ming approached him as the soldiers continued on their path toward the garrison. Jin noticed her and immediately stepped forward, bowing with military precision. As he did, the soldiers around him straightened and gave her a unified military salute, their respect for the Duchess clear in their disciplined movements. “Sister,” Jin greeted, his voice formal, yet carrying the warmth of familial respect. “I didn’t expect to see you out this morning.”

Stolen novel; please report.

Ming smiled softly, her eyes briefly following the soldiers before returning to her brother. “I needed to clear my mind before the day’s work,” she replied. “I see you’ve been busy as well.”

Jin nodded, glancing back at his troops. “Just finished the morning drills. It’s important they remain sharp, especially with the increased activity near the Crescent Wall.”

There was a brief silence between them, filled with unspoken thoughts. Ming knew her brother was always pushing himself, striving to meet the expectations placed upon him. His dedication was unwavering, but she also sensed the weight of the comparisons that had always been drawn between them.

“You’ve grown into your role well. But don’t push yourself too hard.”

Jin bowed his head slightly, acknowledging her words. “I will remember that.”

Satisfied, Ming withdrew her hand and nodded toward the direction of the garrison. “Carry on with your duties. I have matters to attend to, but I trust you to keep the city safe.”

“Of course, Your Grace,” Jin responded, straightening up. “You can count on me.”

As Ming continued her walk through the market, something caught her eye—a small, unassuming stall tucked away in a quieter corner of the square. The merchant behind it was an older man, his face weathered by years of travel. The assortment of goods displayed on the makeshift table was eclectic, to say the least, with odd trinkets, peculiar herbs, and small vials filled with unknown liquids. But what truly drew Ming’s attention was the collection of small, intricately designed tea tins stacked neatly at one end of the table.

The merchant noticed her gaze and smiled broadly. “Good morning, Your Grace! You seem like someone who knows her teas. Perhaps you’d care to sample some of my blends?”

Ming’s eyes lit up with genuine excitement as she approached the stall. “Oh, I do love a good tea. What do you have here?” She leaned in closer, already inspecting the various tins with a look of eager curiosity.

“Well, well,” the merchant chuckled, delighted by her enthusiasm. “You’ve come to the right place. I’ve gathered these blends from all corners of the world. Each one has a unique story and flavor.”

Ming’s hand hovered over a tin with intricate floral engravings. “This one looks interesting. What can you tell me about it?”

“That one,” the merchant began, his voice full of pride, “is a delicate blend from the southern isles. It has a light, floral taste with a hint of sweetness. Perfect for a calm afternoon.”

Ming nodded thoughtfully, but her eyes had already darted to another tin, this one adorned with bold, swirling patterns. “And this one?”

“Ah, a more robust flavor,” the merchant said, lifting the tin and opening it to release a rich, aromatic scent. “It’s known for its invigorating properties. Some say it’s the perfect brew for sharpening the mind and revitalizing the spirit.”

Ming inhaled the aroma deeply, a pleased smile spreading across her face. “Oh, this smells wonderful! I can almost feel the energy from it. You know, I’ve tried countless blends, but I’m always on the lookout for something new. There’s nothing like finding a tea that surprises you.”

The merchant grinned, clearly enjoying her enthusiasm. “You’re quite the connoisseur, Your Grace. I have a feeling this one might just become your new favorite.”

Ming chuckled softly. “We’ll see about that. I’m very particular about my tea, you know.” She leaned in closer, as if sharing a secret. “I even brew it in a very specific way to enhance my Qi circulation. It’s practically an art form.”

The merchant’s eyes widened slightly, impressed by her dedication. “Now that is something I’d love to learn. Perhaps you could share your technique with me one day?”

Ming laughed lightly. “Perhaps, but only if this tea lives up to its promise.” She took another whiff of the aroma, clearly savoring the moment. “Yes, I’ll take this one. How much?”

“For a fellow tea enthusiast like yourself,” the merchant said warmly, “I’ll give you a fair price. And I’ll throw in a small sample of another blend I think you might enjoy.”

Ming’s eyes sparkled with delight as she handed over the coins. “Thank you. I’m looking forward to trying it. There’s something so satisfying about discovering a new tea.”

The merchant bowed slightly as he handed over the tin, along with the small sample. “It’s been a pleasure, Your Grace. I hope this tea brings you many moments of joy.”

As Ming continued on her way, she walked with a light, happy spring in her step. The simple joy of discovering a new tea had lifted her spirits, adding a touch of brightness to her morning.

When she returned to her chambers, Liuyue Ming couldn’t resist the urge to try out the new tea. She quickly set about brewing it with the same care and precision she applied to all her teas. The aroma that filled the room was rich and invigorating, just as the merchant had promised.

Once the tea was ready, she carefully poured it into a set of cups, each one crafted from fine porcelain. With a small smile, she picked up the tray and made her way to the war room, where her advisors were already gathered, waiting for her.

As she entered, the advisors, all seasoned and respected elders, stood and bowed in unison. Ming acknowledged their bows with a nod, then personally set the tray of tea on the table. “Please, try this new blend I’ve acquired. I think you’ll find it quite refreshing.”

The advisors exchanged amused glances—this was not the first time their Duchess had insisted on serving tea herself. It was a small quirk of hers that they had grown accustomed to, and one that they secretly enjoyed. They each took a cup, murmuring their thanks as they sipped the fragrant brew.

As the meeting began, the tea seemed to work its subtle magic, the warm, invigorating flavor sharpening their focus. Liuyue Ming presented her refined version of Liang Shen’s proposal, explaining the adjustments she had made to the pill formulas and the distribution plan.

One of the elder advisors, Master Chen, who was particularly attuned to the nuances of alchemy, took a thoughtful sip of tea before speaking. “Your Grace, your adjustments are astute, especially regarding the distribution of resources. However, may I suggest one further improvement?”

Ming raised an eyebrow, inviting him to continue.

“There is a rare herb known as ‘Spirit Vein Blossom’ that we have in limited supply. It has the unique property of enhancing the absorption rate of other ingredients in a pill. If we incorporate a small amount into the mental clarity pills, it could significantly boost their effectiveness without requiring large quantities of the other rare ingredients.”

Liuyue Ming considered this, her mind already calculating the potential benefits. “An excellent suggestion, Master Chen. I hadn’t thought of that. We’ll adjust the formula accordingly.”

The rest of the meeting proceeded smoothly, with each advisor contributing their expertise. By the time they concluded, the plan for pill production and distribution was more refined, and she felt satisfied by the progress made during the day.

Back in her private chambers, Liuyue Ming sat at her desk, a fresh sheet of parchment before her. She dipped her brush into ink and began to write a note to Liang Shen. The strokes were fluid, each character precisely formed.

To Quartermaster Liang Shen,

I have reviewed your recent proposal regarding the production and distribution of alchemical pills for the newly fortified villages near the Crescent Wall. Your suggestions are both thorough and insightful, demonstrating a deep understanding of the needs of our soldiers.

However, based on my knowledge of the duchy’s resources and the capacity of our alchemists, I have made a few adjustments to your plan. These changes will ensure that our resources are used as efficiently as possible while maintaining the effectiveness of the pills. I trust you will find these modifications acceptable.

I appreciate your continued dedication to the duchy’s defense and your strategic contributions to our preparations. Your efforts have not gone unnoticed, and I look forward to your future reports.

Yours in service,

Duchess Liuyue Ming

She set the brush aside, letting the ink dry before carefully folding the parchment. The note would be sent with her personal seal, a mark of her approval and acknowledgment.

With the note prepared, she handed it to a servant for delivery, then returned to her work. The duchy would be prepared for whatever came next, and Liuyue Ming would ensure that every detail was in place.