Before Madam Xin could speak, Song Xizhi spoke first. Not only was she not angry, but there was also a hint of amusement in her eyes as she looked at He Yunce.
"Yes, you've come to join in the fun, so I've come to watch the fun too."
Song Xizhi's words made He Yunze even more certain that Song Xizhi still harbored ill intentions towards him. He took a step back defensively, but his face showed more confidence.
"What a joke! I'm not here to join in the fun. Ruo'an can develop incense, and what she develops is a unique and unparalleled product. I will be the most eye-catching person here."
He glanced at Song Xizhi again halfway through his sentence. Looking at her beautiful face, anyone who didn't know her would really think she was a talented woman with a kind heart and gentle mind.
When He Yunze recalled her past actions, he felt that she was all show and no substance.
"The incense that Ruo'an developed is beyond the comprehension of someone like you who can't appreciate fragrances and can only parrot what others say. You don't really think that the cheap incense you bought from outside can win anyone's praise, do you?"
Upon hearing this, Song Xizhi's smile widened: "Then I'll see what kind of praise my uncle can earn from others."
He Yunze found Song Xizhi's smile both irritating and utterly inexplicable.
He wanted to persuade her to go back again, but then someone from the Prince of Xiu's faction called to him from the shadows.
So he could only solemnly advise Song Xizhi: "Even if you don't go back, never bring shame to the Marquis's mansion, and always remember to be careful with your words and actions!"
After saying this, He Yunze hurriedly left.
Watching his departing figure, Madam Xin turned to look at Song Xizhi, feeling utterly bewildered.
She couldn't help but roll her eyes: "Are there really such nonsensical people in the world? I find them annoying just looking at them, and I don't know how you can laugh."
Upon hearing this, Song Xizhi laughed even more heartily: "I find him funny; just thinking about it makes me laugh."
Madam Xin, holding Song Xizhi's arm, seemed to have thought of something. She patted her hand and whispered in her ear, "This is clearly your shop, yet he still wants to kick you out."
"Why don't I talk to the shopkeeper and ask him to kick He Yunce out?"
Song Xizhi stopped her, saying, "If you're opening a shop to do business, don't turn away customers."
If he leaves, who will take over the show?
Madam Xin opened her mouth, wanting to continue speaking, but before she could speak, someone called her from the side.
"Auntie, why are you standing outside the door?"
The speaker was Madam Xin's nephew, named Liang Cunning, who was also the founder of the Huaijia School.
He was wearing a light blue long robe, with fair skin, round cheeks, big eyes, and a bit of baby fat, and he looked very refined.
Behind him followed many equally refined scholars and students, all seemingly from the same school of thought, their faces radiating youthful vigor, each bowing respectfully to Madam Xin.
After saying this, Liang Cunning looked at Song Xizhi beside Madam Xin, her eyes lighting up: "Aunt, may I ask who this is?"
Looking into his bright eyes, Madam Xin smiled and shook her head: "This is the eldest daughter-in-law of the Marquis of Anding's mansion, and she is my confidante."
The small flame in Liang Cunning's eyes went out with a bang, but he still politely called out, "Mrs. He, please come in as well."
Song Xizhi smiled and nodded at him.
The feeling was quite strange. It was clearly her own shop, but no one knew it. Even the incense they flocked to was something she had developed herself, yet she was acting like an outsider.
Pinxianglou has a circular structure with upturned eaves extending outwards from the roof, while the highest points on all four sides are designed with openwork to facilitate air circulation.
Sunlight streamed in, highlighting the building's grandeur and magnificence, while the sunlight shone on the wafting incense, creating a sacred atmosphere.
There is a huge incense burner in the very center of the building, with surprising patterns carved on it. Exquisite soft couches are arranged around the incense burner, and small incense burners are placed one by one next to the couches.
Apart from a huge space on the first floor that can accommodate a hundred people to enjoy the fragrance together, the other floors are all small private rooms that can accommodate people with different needs to appreciate, savor, and discuss matters.
As soon as everyone entered, they were stunned by the magnificent decorations inside. Everyone held their breath and watched as the wisps of incense gradually rose from the incense burner. The sunlight clearly illuminated its patterns, making it look like a traditional Chinese ink painting.
Even Song Xizhi was slightly surprised.
She turned her head incredulously, winked at Madam Xin, and whispered in her ear, "Did you arrange this?"
Madam Xin proudly raised her head and lowered her voice, whispering to Song Xizhi, "All the arrangements were my ideas."
After everyone finally came to their senses, they took a deep breath and smelled the wisps of incense rising from the incense burner.
Upon smelling the faint fragrance of melons and fruits, everyone's tense expressions relaxed, and a hint of intoxication appeared on their faces.
Then they heard a loud voice coming from behind them. They turned around and saw the person who had come.
The young man, dressed in a brocade crimson robe, wearing a purple-gold crown, with a jade pendant at his waist, and radiating light and color, and holding a folding fan in his hand, stepped lightly into the entrance of the Fragrant Pavilion.
King Xiu was also by his side.
The young man in the purple robe in front of me looked dashing and debonair, with a pair of peach blossom eyes that seemed to hold tender affection.
He stopped in front of the huge incense burner on the first floor, scanned everyone present, and lingered briefly on the outstandingly good-looking people for a few seconds, his eyes shining.
He then put his hands on his hips, took a deep breath, and looked completely satisfied.
"This is the signature product of Pinxianglou? It's truly remarkable that it can turn something rotten into something magical, transforming strong incense into a refreshing fruity aroma!"
Upon hearing this, Song Xizhi knew that this person knew quite a bit about incense.
The man before me must be the dashing and debonair young imperial uncle, Prince Ning.
Sure enough, upon hearing his words, everyone reacted and bowed to him and the Prince Xiu behind him to greet him.
Prince Ning simply smiled nonchalantly, revealing his gleaming white teeth: "Everyone, please don't be shy. Feel free to compose poems and enjoy the incense. I never expected to find such a wonderful place after returning to the capital. It's truly an eye-opener!"
Standing beside Prince Ning, Prince Xiu and He Yunze both breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this, and were also somewhat smug, feeling that the prized possession of Pinxianglou was really nothing special.
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