The dining porch opened over the sea. Wind moved the hanging lamps while servants set down fish, rice, and bowls of greens. A row of blue glass cups stood at each place. The liquid inside was clear, with a faint green shine when it caught the light.
Qinghe did not sit. “Before anyone drinks, may I see the full recipe?”
Healer Seli came forward. She carried a narrow ingredient strip, written in blue ink. Three herbs were listed, along with a small amount of mineral salt.
“The tea is for long ward watches,” she said. “It calms the mind and helps keep qi steady.”
Qinghe read the strip twice. “The earlier list I saw did not include the salt.”
Seli looked toward the serving clerk. “It was on the kitchen copy. Perhaps the first version was incomplete.”
“Then the record should be corrected before anyone takes it.”
The clerk picked up his brush. Qinghe asked him to add the salt and its amount. He paused, waiting for Muo’s approval. The patriarch gestured for him to proceed.
