Chapter 28 A quiet woman's fragrance is better left unblocked than unleashed; let's start afresh...

Deng Jie's passion for incense making began in her teenage years. It wasn't for profit; it was purely out of interest.

However, the incense-making process is complicated, the materials are precious and hard to come by, and coupled with her limited energy, the output is naturally limited.

Back when she was at home, she only made it for her own sister-in-law. After being praised so much, her brother and sister-in-law would also encourage her to add the homemade perfume powder to the New Year's gifts for various shops in Wancheng.

Ever since Guo Jia became ill and took many medicines, she would make an extra batch of balm just for her husband.

Upon arriving in Xuchang, because of Xun Yu and Guo Jia's relationship, she specially left behind a fine incense to thank the Lord for his usual care.

Since she herself was not very good at makeup, her treasured face powder became a convenient tool for "madam diplomacy," such as when she returned a gift to Bian for teaching, or as when Mi visited her last time.

Therefore, her hobby was not known to the general public in Xudu City.

Mi Zhu had some complaints about Deng Jie because his gift was rejected.

While walking around the city, I happened to hear that the incense shops had been doing poorly recently, with a large amount of incense powder left unsold.

However, in the eyes of these incense shop owners, if incense powder could be guaranteed to be of high quality, it should sell well before the Shangsi Festival.

Mi Zhu's heart stirred, and he seized the opportunity to interject: "I've heard that the wife of the Military Advisor is quite skilled at making incense; it's all top-quality, but unfortunately, it's never circulated among the common people..."

However, if the incense powder could leverage the influence of the High Priestess, the problem of unsold stock shouldn't be too difficult to solve, right?

The saying goes, "The speaker may not have meant anything by it, but the listener may have taken it to heart." This news caused quite a stir among the incense shop owners.

Previously, the silversmiths and tailors of the Li family in the West Market had gained a lot of attention with their "same style as the Lady of the Imperial Academy" brand, and their products were very popular. Guo Jia and his wife had never come out to clarify their relationship. Now they thought that they might be able to ride this wave of popularity as well.

Before long, those unsold perfume powders were indeed repackaged and transformed into "the same product as the Lady of the Imperial Sacrifices".

Various incense shops put up this sign, which actually led to a surge in sales.

However, with inferior products mixed in with genuine ones, many users experienced skin redness, swelling, and itching. Even those who went to Deng Jie's free clinic didn't dare to speak openly about it, leading to rumors circulating in the city that were defaming Deng Jie's reputation.

"That Lady Deng, the head of the Imperial Academy, appears to be dedicated to providing free medical care and does not covet luxury, but in reality, she is the owner of the largest incense shop in the city!"

The finest incense she made herself circulated privately only among noblewomen and was extremely rare, costing a fortune.

However, they allow inferior face powders that cause skin damage and are disgusting to be sold on the market, making money off the people with their dirty deeds!

"This so-called free clinic is nothing but a self-serving attempt to gain fame and recognition!"

At first, Deng Jie did not realize it and continued to provide free medical services as usual. It was not until one day a woman who did not recognize her came and blurted out "Madam of the Imperial Academy" that she was jolted awake and realized what was going on.

Only after that did she gradually hear more unvarnished rumors.

Hearing the foul language, Deng Jie felt a chill run through her body. The immense sense of injustice and absurdity weighed heavily on her heart like a boulder.

However, she felt that this matter should not involve Guo Jia, so she wanted to resolve it in her own way.

"Speaking of which, why have you been so diligent lately, making incense every day?" Guo Jia was curious. He had been watching his wife busy in the front and back yards for several days in a row, completely unlike her usual leisurely state of mind.

"Nothing, nothing. I was just thinking...doing more."

Guo Jia noticed something was off about her, but couldn't figure out what was going on, so he didn't press her further.

However, they didn't expect that the rumors would eventually reach the inner courtyard of the Sikong Mansion.

Upon hearing these rumors, Bian became increasingly suspicious.

The Deng family did indeed send exquisite incense powder as gifts, but it was not a "regular tribute" as rumored, let alone the claim that they were the "owner of the largest incense shop in Xuchang City" who used poison to amass wealth, which is simply outrageous.

She planned to personally visit the Guo residence to investigate the situation, partly as a way of offering reassurance and guidance.

When she arrived that day, she happened to see Huai Niang decocting medicine by the stove.

Today was an official business day, and Guo Jia was not at home. Bian Shi was wondering who this medicine bowl was for when Huai Niang saw Bian Shi arrive and quickly got up to greet her.

"Where is your wife?" Bian asked, peering inside. Deng Jie was nowhere to be seen in the front yard.

"Reporting to Madam, my lady... has fallen ill." Huai Niang, with a worried expression, led Bian Shi inside to visit her.

Deng Jie, who was usually full of energy, looked haggard with dull eyes and a pale face. He leaned listlessly against the couch, and Bian Shi couldn't help but feel sorry for him.

"How did you become so ill..." Madam Bian stepped closer and touched her icy hand. "Fengxiao, didn't you know?"

"His wife fell ill after the chief priest left; I just helped her down..."

Huai Niang explained from behind, and then brought over the medicine, which Bian Shi accepted upon seeing it.

"Is it because of those unfounded rumors outside?" Bian asked, ladling out a bowl of soup to hand it to her.

Deng Jie leaned back on the couch, shook his head, and sighed softly: "I was thinking... to make more, so that everyone could see what my incense is really like..."

When Bian saw the setup on the table in the front yard from outside the door, her doubts about coming here were completely dispelled, and a hint of reproach arose in her voice: "How could you be so foolish? No matter how much you make, how many people can share it with?"

In such a vast city as Xuchang, your efforts alone are but a drop in the ocean.

Besides, if you distribute the incense privately, everyone who knows you will know it's a good product. But to distribute it to the neighbors for no reason..."

She paused, then said meaningfully, "If this were seen by someone with ulterior motives, wouldn't it make you look even more guilty, like you're only trying to win people over with petty favors?"

Her words were like a thunderbolt to Deng Jie, a profound realization that struck him like a thunderbolt.

It turns out that the harder I try, the worse things get...

A feeling of injustice welled up inside me, and tears inevitably streamed down my face.

Seeing how pitiful she looked, Bian wiped away her tears with her handkerchief and comforted her.

Just then, A-Yu's voice came from outside the door: "Madam Xun, wife of Chen Cao Yuan, has come to visit!"

But Xun Wei stormed in carrying a wooden box. He was taken aback when he saw the sickly Deng Jie and Bian Shi sitting there, and his anger subsided.

"Madam Bian."

She bowed, then walked closer to the bedside. "I told you you wouldn't do such a thing, yet you let the rumors run rampant?"

Upon hearing this, Deng Jie cried even harder, blaming himself in despair.

Bian tried desperately to smooth things over, and Xun Wei finally softened his tone, "You shouldn't have fallen into such an obvious trap."

"A trap?" Deng Jie wiped his nose and asked blankly.

"I have been paying attention to the rumors circulating these days, and I have found that their speed of spread and their venomous intent are by no means accidental. They are deliberately designed to ruin your reputation!"

The more eager you are to explain yourself, the more you play into their hands!

"But... what should I do?"

"I thought you were clever, but how come you can't understand this?" Xun Wei curled his lip. "You should start from scratch..."

"Say yes!"

Xun Wei was speaking when he was interrupted by Guo Jia's hurried voice.

He stepped into the room and was taken aback when he saw the ladies in the room. After a slight bow, he walked over to Deng Jie's bedside, gently took her hand, and asked her a question.

“You’ve come all too often…” Xun Wei glanced at him and snorted softly.

Lady Bian recounted their conversation to Guo Jia, who then looked at Xun Wei's displeased expression, stood up and bowed, saying, "Lady Xun is right."

He then turned to the other two and said, “It’s better to guide than to block. Let’s start afresh and open an incense shop openly and honestly, and put up the name of Shuoyi in a grand manner, so that everyone can see the real ‘Incense of the Lady of the Imperial Sacrifices’. Wouldn’t this rumor be dispelled on its own?”

Xun Wei nodded and added, "That's right. You don't need to do everything yourself. Just hire some reliable people, and you can oversee the production."

Incense is also divided into superior, medium, and inferior grades, and priced according to the grade, so that everyone can buy it and benefit the people.

Furthermore, we can earn some profit to purchase medicines for your free clinic. Wouldn't that be killing two birds with one stone?

With a few gentle words of guidance from the two, Deng Jie suddenly understood, his previous gloom dissipated, and his eyes finally cleared.

"That's very good."

"If my sister can't find a suitable replacement right away, my inner courtyard can provide a few careful maids to fill in temporarily," Lady Bian said, clapping her hands in approval.

"If Lady Bian can produce someone, she should naturally receive a share of the profits!" Guo Jia seized the opportunity to reassure Lady Bian, which made her even more excited.

“Keep these inferior goods and keep an eye on them yourself…” Xun Wei opened the wooden box he had brought, “I can send two people from my household to fill in for them later.”

"No way!" Guo Jia raised his hand to refuse. "If Madam Xun's family sends anyone, my family's mess will only offend your Chen Changwen's ears!"

"What if I don't tell him?" Xun Wei scoffed.

"You won't do it either!" Guo Jia firmly objected.

"That's good. Sister, take care of yourself and get well soon so you can build the incense shop with Fengxiao!" Seeing that things were finally settled, Madam Bian felt relieved.

After thanking the two men, Guo Jia and his wife began to discuss the matter seriously.

When Guan Yu returned to his residence, a somber air hung between his brows.

He had also heard rumors about Deng Jie.

Although he scorned Guo Jia, he secretly felt that such vicious words should not be used to slander a woman.

Just as they were passing through the front hall, they overheard Mi Zhu discussing with Liu Bei: "...Although this matter has implicated the Deng family, it will not be difficult for me to help Guo Jia in the near future, thus sowing discord between the two of them."

"But it did cause harm to innocent civilians..." Liu Bei said with a guilty tone.

“But those are not major epidemics, and they are not contagious…” Mi Zhu continued to reassure them.

"Zizhong!" Guan Yu couldn't bear to listen anymore. He hadn't expected this matter to originate from his own family. A feeling of anger and shame welled up within him. "Brother, you must not let this matter spread any further. It will damage our reputation for benevolence and righteousness!"

"General Yun Chang, you are mistaken. We are currently living under someone else's roof and will ultimately be of little use."

Not to mention their fierce defense of our lord, even we ourselves are constantly hindered.

"Innocent women and children should not be implicated!"

Zizhong also knows that we are currently living under someone else's roof, and this is only a temporary measure. We shouldn't cause trouble for our elder brother; we should keep a low profile!

Guan Yu glared and continued to explain the situation, "There are many spies in Xuchang. Even if you are careful to hide, you can't guarantee you won't be implicated. The Imperial Secretariat is under the watchful eye of Guo Jia."

If he were to use the school administration to investigate because of the Deng family's involvement..."

These words reminded Liu Bei, who pondered for a moment and said, "What Yun Chang said is very true."

"Zizhong, let this matter end here. We must not commit any more unjust acts."

Mi Zhu knew Liu Bei's temperament. Although he spoke earnestly, his decision was not to be changed, so he could only bow and retreat: "My lord is right, and General Yun Chang is right. I will stop here."

Guo Jia found a suitable villa in the West Market for Deng Jie and set up an incense shop there.

Guo Jia was usually busy, so Xun Wei took the initiative to get involved in the planning of the incense shop, taking care of many details for Deng Jie. Deng Jie was pleasantly surprised and said to himself, "Even though my family are merchants, I am not as meticulous as Shen Ge."

Xun Wei comforted her, saying, "You should take care of yourself first."

Besides, your temperament is more suited to be a doctor, and now you also have Xiangniang, so you don't need to worry about so many trivial matters and add to your troubles."

As expected, Lady Bian sent a reliable maid, and Xun Wei also invited an old incense craftsman from the Xun family to oversee and provide guidance.

Once Deng Jie's depression had subsided and his spirits had recovered, he discussed grade formulas with the old incense craftsman and provided guidance on the incense-condensing process.

At the entrance of Xiangfang, a simple wooden sign reading "Jingnufang" hangs high.

This was the name Guo Jia gave to the incense shop, echoing Deng Jie's nickname and highlighting the characteristics of women's incense, which Deng Jie liked very much.

On the opening day, the store prominently displayed "Supervised by the Deng Family," with the materials, processes, and prices clearly listed, ensuring honesty and fair dealing for all customers.

As Yifang began to get back on track, and with the retreat of Mi Zhu's influence, the high-quality Jingnufang perfume powder gradually earned Deng Jie back his reputation, and also forced other perfume shops to actively improve their own formulas.

When those who had previously suffered from inferior perfumes saw and experienced the genuine "Sacrificial Lady" products firsthand, those malicious rumors finally melted away like snow under the scorching sun.

Even more unexpectedly, in order to ensure the stability and quality of the source of spices, Deng Jie adopted Xun Wei's suggestion and purchased a sunny slope in the southern suburbs of Xudu to plan the planting of raw materials and herbs needed for incense making.

This false accusation incident unexpectedly spawned a small industry chain.

As the seasons change, the flower field grows increasingly lush and vibrant, providing Jingnufang with a stable supply of raw materials and boosting the livelihoods of surrounding tenant farmers, pickers, and incense makers.