"Since everyone is so interested, I'll try it. Please bring the tools, General Tai." Ancient rouge could be used for both lipstick and facial makeup. There were generally two types: one made from silk cotton dipped in red and blue flower juice, known as cotton rouge; the other processed into small, thin petals, known as golden flower rouge. Both types of rouge could be dried in the shade to create a thick, smooth ointment.
"Miss, I read in Dream of the Red Chamber that the filtered and clarified red and blue flower juice is added with flower dew and steamed into a paste."
"That's right. Put it in a box and hold the rouge petals between your lips when using it. The color will naturally adhere to your lips. Compared to applying cream rouge directly to the lips, it will create a more gradient effect. In ancient times, fancy lip makeup played a special role in women's social life, similar to wearing hairpins. The lipstick was applied in different ways according to different moods."
Ji Nianqin coughed several times, but the prince still didn't come up. He seemed to have drunk too much and was shaking his head.
"Boss, hurry up, I can't hold on for much longer."
Ji Nianqin shouted loudly, and everyone's attention was focused on her.
"Miss, can you show me how the ancients applied lipstick?"
"I'm afraid your lips are no longer needed. There's no point in revising them unless you erase them and repaint them. Well, the process of making lip balm is quite complex. It uses ingredients like ox marrow, comfrey, and other coloring materials, and finally, cloves and patchouli. During the Tang Dynasty, the craftsmanship was further refined, with fourteen different spices added, including sandalwood, musk, and tonka bean. So, I'll go back and make it again."
"No, no, they all praised the beautiful color of my finished mouth and the light fragrance. I wonder how many complicated processes it takes to make it."
"Yes, a good lip balm can be sold for a thousand gold coins."
"That's so interesting, young lady. You actually call this lip balm? Is it just for women? Can my husband apply some?"
"I think your husband's mouth is allergic to something. It's so swollen, like a sausage. Actually, men have been fond of makeup and lip balm since the Wei and Jin Dynasties. In the Tang Dynasty, the emperor would bestow facial and lip balm on every New Year's Day. To make it easier for men to use, nude lip balm was later developed. Just like the one Taizong is wearing now."
"You're such a trendy little brother? Even I didn't notice you were wearing makeup. Husband, learn from others and wipe the saliva off your mouth quickly."
The bride was holding the groom's arm. The hairpin on the groom's head was still covered in blood. Ji Nianqin was shocked when she saw it and muttered to herself.
"No wonder Sixth Prince and his advisors didn't dare come. That was a hairpin, not a weapon."
"Whoosh whoosh!"
Ji Nianqin jumped up and took all the hairpins on the groom's head into her own hands. The bride noticed this and hurriedly took them back from Ji Nianqin.
"Miss, didn't you say you would give it to me? I'll go home and study this carefully. Maybe I can even get acupuncture for my husband."
"Absolutely not. To those who know how to do it, it's a beautiful ornament. To those who don't, it can become a sharp weapon to harm others. I will definitely teach the Sixth Vice President and the Advisor well when I return. I have something else to do, so I'll take my leave now."
Ji Nianqin took her mother and prepared to slip away quickly. She stuck all the hairpins into her waistband, looking like the brightest guy on the street.
"Ah! Catch them quickly! My husband is really bleeding..."
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