Chapter 76 Chapter 76 Purification, Incense Making
This winter, the court had a much easier time dealing with the snow than last year. Some people not only sealed the windows of their homes but also installed pens for their livestock. Even those reluctant to spend money on livestock brought them inside during the heavy snow.
As a result, not only were the people spared from the snowstorm, but more livestock also survived compared to previous years.
The world was at peace, and the court's only concern was to ensure the stability of the people's lives. Therefore, as soon as reports of snowfall arrived from various regions, the court erupted in praise and relief. Because there were no major incidents, the shifts were all dismissed early.
Qin Jingyao once again declined Fu Zhirong's invitation and boarded the carriage. Upon returning to the mansion, as soon as he stepped out of the carriage, the butler stepped forward to report on the day's events. He then handed the food box to Tongze, pausing to bow his head in farewell.
As usual, he changed his clothes to shed the cold, then personally carried the food box and went into her yard to look for her. He had heard about her sudden burst of tears before he even saw her.
Lan Nongnong was reclining on a soft couch, her upper body propped up on a table, one hand holding a pen and drawing on paper. She didn't even raise her head when she heard the noise. Only when a shadow fell beside her did she stop writing and look up, but first she glanced out the window at the sky. Then she turned her head and smiled at him.
"Why are you back so early today?"
Her eyes accidentally caught sight of the food box in his hand, and her nose twitched subconsciously. Suddenly, her eyes lit up, and she exclaimed in surprise, "It's candied sweet potato mash!"
Eating too many sweet potatoes would cause heartburn, and since they were fried in oil, she was weak now, so Qin Jingyao hadn't allowed her to eat too much. Now that her cold had recurred and her stomach was even more fragile, she shouldn't have eaten such oily foods.
But when I got up this morning, I saw that she was so soft and delicate. I remembered that she was still murmuring in her dream that she wanted to eat when she fell asleep, so my heart softened and I asked the housekeeper to ask the kitchen to make some.
It can be seen that she was thinking about it very hard, and her nose was also very sensitive, so she could smell the scent before opening the lid.
Qin Jingyao sat down beside her, handed the food box to the maid, and personally took out the snacks and a bowl of soup to help her digest the greasiness. She immediately put down her pen, scooped a spoonful of food into her mouth, and then narrowed her eyes, looking extremely satisfied.
He couldn't help but smile, his smile full of doting: "This thing is difficult to digest, eat it slowly."
As he finished speaking, he casually took the papers she had written and drawn on. One piece contained her original puzzle design, while the other contained some strange characters. He stared at them for a moment, but without asking any questions, he simply gently returned the paper to its place.
His palm then dropped to the back of her languid waist, massaging it with practiced movements. He spoke casually, "What's so special about that Jinglian that it makes you cry?"
Lan Nongnong did not respond immediately. She carefully picked up the pure lotus that had slipped from her lap onto the couch and handed it to him. She raised her chin slightly to signal him to take a closer look. After swallowing the food in her throat, she leaned on the table with her left elbow, lightly touched her forehead with her slender fingers, and asked in a flash of her eyes,
"Such a transparent and fragile appearance, looking at it is like seeing a flower that was picked before it could bloom. How can it not make people pity and cry?"
Qin Jingyao lowered his eyes to examine the pure lotus in his palm, and nodded, "Compared to jade, it is indeed more clear and transparent, and has a unique charm. However, it will become cold after touching it for a long time, and it can never compare to the warm and smooth feeling of jade."
He extended his arm and placed Jinglian on the couch opposite him, then turned and smiled. "If Mingli has found its way into thousands of homes, saving countless people from the bitter cold of winter, it truly lives up to your saying, 'A national treasure, a universally praised treasure.'"
Lan Nongnong had already picked up the spoon and started eating slowly. Hearing this, she chuckled and glanced at him. Her eyes clearly said, "You have good taste."
The small cup was only slightly larger than a teacup and was shaped like a lotus. It was less than half full and was gone in no time.
Although she was still unsatisfied, she knew it wasn't the right time to consume more. After finishing the digestive soup, she sighed comfortably and leaned against his shoulder, saying lazily, "I'm going to go to the Mingli Workshop the day after tomorrow to see if I can produce another color. This time it's a gradient, so I think a solid color would be easy to achieve. With the quality of glass, solid-color utensils produced from it will surely be as beautiful as a dream..."
Her eyes lit up as she spoke, and she added, "Well, I need to think of something else to burn. This thing is comparable to jade, but the price is worlds apart. Even if it burns, I won't feel bad."
Qin Jingyao glanced over his shoulder, and after a few breaths, he suddenly raised his arm to hold her shoulders and pulled her into his arms. He lowered his eyes and saw that she was lying in a comfortable position, looking very relaxed.
He ran his fingers through her hair, his voice soft, "You're still cold, and the workshop is filled with smoke and heat. Just tell them what you want, why bother setting foot here in person?"
However, the woman in his arms just closed her eyes and chuckled, saying he didn't understand the fun. "The feeling of wonder and awe at the moment something takes shape is completely different from the feeling of holding the finished product directly. I absolutely must go and see it for myself."
Lan Nongnong suddenly opened her eyes and looked up at him: "Why did you buy so many properties under my name? And they all make a fortune every day. Suddenly knowing that I have become rich, I have lost my original desire to show my talents."
This ordinary scene of snuggling and whispering is as beautiful as a dream.
Qin Jingyao's Adam's apple moved slightly, and he laughed, "Everyone hopes to get rich overnight, but why is it that after you actually became rich, you are filled with more worries?"
Lan Nongnong continued to sigh and shake her head, as if to say he didn't understand the true meaning. She yawned lazily and snuggled closer to him, her voice gradually becoming unclear: "Tomorrow I will try out the crown and clothes, as well as the etiquette of being conferred..."
Before he could finish his words, he had already fallen asleep.
Qin Jingyao lowered his eyes to gaze at her sleeping face, his fingertips gently stroking her forehead. After a long moment, a very soft, doting sigh echoed in the silent room.
---
The crown and gown were originally made to suit her usual measurements, but the medication she'd taken over the past few days had reduced her appetite, so she'd lost some weight and felt a bit loose. Fortunately, a formal gown like this didn't need to be too tight, so Lan Nongnong instructed them not to alter it, but to keep it carefully.
As for the conferment ceremony, the rituals were not complex. The core consisted of a rhythmic pace, proper kneeling posture, and the recitation of a set verse of thanks. The rest was overseen by a ceremonial officer, with a female usher on hand to provide guidance.
Ultimately, all you need to do is keep calm and memorize the procedures to handle the situation with ease.
Lan Nongnong had a good memory and memorized it after listening to it twice. Under his guidance, she went through the process roughly. Apart from her slightly awkward movements, she made no mistakes.
However, her physical condition was still weak, and after only one practice, she already looked tired. Qin Jingyao saw this and felt pain in his heart, and immediately stopped her from practicing in a stern voice. After all, the enthronement ceremony was still a few days away, and he had already made arrangements at the palace, so her current condition was sufficient for handling the situation.
Lan Nongnong naturally put her health first and rested without hesitation.
-
On the day they agreed to go to the workshop, Lan Nongnong had already felt better, but Qin Jingyao was still worried. Before leaving, he woke her up, not caring how much she heard through her sleepy eyes, and repeatedly told her not to go near the kiln, not to eat anything foreign as her spleen and stomach were weak, not to stay too long, and to return home immediately after leaving the workshop.
Seeing her frowning and waving her hands impatiently, he finally couldn't bear to disturb her sweet dream any longer, so he tucked in the corners of the quilt for her and tiptoed out of the bedroom.
He then sternly warned the maids not to make any mistakes or they would be severely punished. Still worried, he left Jiangting with him as a guard before leaving the house.
Although Lan Nongnong had no intention of being extravagant, she still had everything she needed for a mistress's trip, including carriages, horses, maids, and attendants. By the time Chen Mo left, the group had already reached a grand scale.
-
Although the Shangshu Ling Mansion had already sent a message to inform the time of his wife's arrival, Zhao Changping and everyone in the workshop still got busy before dawn.
The road dozens of feet away was swept spotlessly clean, and the workshop's door, threshold, courtyard wall and ground were swept repeatedly, and even reflected light from a distance.
Everyone had specially cut new cloth to make clothes, and with about half an hour left before the appointed time, they had already gathered at the intersection to wait. Although standing in the snow, their hearts were burning with passion and they did not feel the cold at all.
This workshop was always dusty and dirty, and had never received a distinguished guest. Zhao Changping, fearing he might neglect the work, was inspecting and giving instructions repeatedly when he suddenly saw a carriage approaching.
"Hurry, hurry! Cheer up!"
Zhao Changping gave urgent orders while his men kept straightening their clothes.
"Dong, Dongjia, my legs are weak..."
Craftsmen spent most of their lives surrounded by dirt and gravel, their tongues clumsy, and the most distinguished person they had ever met was their boss. The wives of high-ranking officials were like clouds in the sky to them, so how could such humble commoners as them possibly see them?
The previous excitement turned into fear and retreat when the time came. They hunched their shoulders and lowered their heads to hide behind others, wishing they could burrow into the sand like ostriches.
Zhao Changping didn't reprimand them when he saw their plight. In fact, he himself was so nervous that his calves were cramping, but it was all due to excitement! He had no time to appease them at this moment, because the guards who were clearing the way were already in sight!
He quickly put on a smile and approached. Before he could speak, he saw a sturdy young man in a blue and black suit, with a token tied at his waist, riding his horse towards him. He held his head high, his gaze blazing. It was Jiang Ting, the leader of this mission. He glanced at the crowd, pausing especially at the cowering craftsmen. Then, in a deep voice, he said, "It's cold here. Madam, please drive directly into the workshop and stop. Please return to the courtyard to greet me."
After he finished speaking, he gave a light scold and turned his horse back to the caravan.
Seeing the carriage approaching, Zhao Changping knew it was impossible for the host to be absent when a distinguished guest arrived. He didn't even bother to tidy up his appearance and hurriedly told everyone to hurry back.
Fortunately, none of the group was obese, and they finally arrived before the carriage stopped. However, their carefully groomed clothes were already in disarray, and everyone was panting heavily.
After the guards scattered and stood in silence, the servants bowed their heads in waiting, and the step stools were properly placed, the carriage door slowly opened, and the maids in the mansion were seen with dignified manners, bowing their heads respectfully to greet him.
Under such pressure, no one dared to even raise their heads, their gazes fixed on the spot, and they only saw a snow-white skirt fluttering to the ground.
For a moment, even breathing was cautious, fearing that foul breath would taint the noble lady. The servants in the back row had already knelt in fear, and even Zhao Changping was filled with panic. He had forgotten the rehearsed etiquette when he bowed deeply. His voice trembled as he said, "I, Zhao Changping, bring the craftsmen of the workshop to greet you, Madam! Your condescension is truly an honor to our humble home..."
The craftsman behind him was even more incoherent: "I, a humble man, pay my respects to the madam. I have brought honor to my humble home--"
"No need to be so polite, everyone please stand up quickly."
Lan Nongnong was caught off guard by such a scene and instinctively bent down to help. The attendants moved swiftly, supporting her on both sides before she could even bend down. Meanwhile, the kneeling craftsmen were also promptly helped up by the attendants.
Zhao Changping, with his keen eyes and keen mind, had discerned that this nobleman was not one to boss people around. To avoid spoiling his pleasure, he hurried forward, raised his arm to offer him a hand, and with his other hand, quietly waved away the craftsman who had been about to introduce him.
"Thank you, Madam, for your consideration. I hope you will forgive me for my impoliteness. Please rest in the hall for a while."
Lan Nongnong paused briefly, realizing that she had disturbed everyone by mobilizing so many people. She simply dispensed with the formalities and got straight to the point, "I have important matters to attend to and cannot stay any longer. Mr. Zhao, there's no need to be polite. Just take me to the workshop and have a look."
The mention of their trade visibly relaxed the craftsmen's expressions, and smiles appeared between their brows. Zhao Changping, however, sighed inwardly, thinking that his previous misconduct had ruined his wife's mood. But he still kept a smile on his face, turned around and led the way, while cautiously reporting the business plan.
"...I've already chosen a shop in the city. I'll personally take my people there to manage it after the spring. By then, Mingli's business will cover the entire state. Madam, I've been favored by you and will do my best to live up to your high hopes and expectations!"
Lan Nongnong was wrapped in a thick cloak, her hood covering her temples and her face mask obscuring her face. Her voice was low and hazy as she moved around. "I heard that Mr. Zhao's business has only been going on for two years, but they've already opened stores in several cities and are planning to expand again this spring. Can they keep up the manpower and goods?"
Although her voice was hazy, the concern in her words was genuine. Zhao Changping heard no doubt in her voice and replied with a smile, "Don't worry, Madam. We have about a hundred workers in our workshop, so we can still support ourselves for now. Besides, Mingli is the only one of its kind in the world. Not only is our business booming, but we have also won a good reputation among the people through word of mouth."
"The people of Zhifang City are all looking forward to the shop opening soon so they can use such fine goods themselves. As soon as the recruitment notice was posted, countless craftsmen and assistants rushed to apply. I will select the best and hire the best, so there will be no shortage of manpower."
After saying this, he quickly added, "Madam, there's no need to worry about the secret of the formula. Right now, this recipe is known only to me, and all the craftsmen in the workshop have signed a secret agreement that's been filed with the government. As long as other glass workshops can't figure out the formula for bright glass, even if there are thousands of people working on it, there's absolutely no risk of the secret being leaked."
Lan Nongnong nodded slightly and just told him to be careful about what he did.
The several-foot-long journey was completed before they could exchange a single word. As soon as they entered the gate, they peered through the circular hole in the stone screen to see workers in thick coats working in groups of two or three, lifting glass onto carts covered in thick cotton mattresses. Each cart held about five or six sheets, and once they were properly positioned, they were pushed in sequence toward the four- to five-foot-wide opening in the courtyard wall directly ahead.
At the same time, more empty trucks filed in from the other side of the gate. The only sounds in the courtyard were the footsteps of workers and the calls of those moving goods. Behind the wall, the clamor of shouting, loading trucks, counting goods, and issuing reminders could be heard faintly.
Although I haven't seen it in person, I can imagine how bustling the scene is over there.
Because the east gate of the freight yard faces the west gate of the workshop, and there are guards on duty at the corners to prevent prying eyes, although freight is constantly coming and going, this side of the workshop remains quiet and peaceful.
Lan Nongnong stopped and watched for a moment before following him to another path. Suddenly, she asked, "I think the road surface for transporting goods seems different?"
Zhao Changping's eyes widened in surprise upon hearing this, but he still didn't dare look her in the face. He simply rolled up his sleeves, raised his thumbs up and gave her a nod, his tone sounding particularly flattering due to the exaggerated flattery: "Madam, you really have a keen eye! You saw the key to the workshop at a glance. I really admire you!"
After saying this, Fang calmed down and replied respectfully, "It's common knowledge that glass is fragile and must be kept away from bumps and collisions. The roads are difficult to navigate, and long-distance transportation inevitably results in damage. However, I felt that at least before it leaves the workshop, everyone should know that this glass is intact. Therefore, I've specially paid someone to polish it repeatedly, creating a smooth, dedicated path within the workshop, completely separate from the road used to transport the stone and sand."
As they spoke, they had already crossed the corridor and arrived at another brown wooden door. Several guards stood guard at every three or five steps in front of the courtyard, clearly a confidential area of the workshop.
Seeing how cautious he was, Lan Nongnong only left Biyu, Qingluo and Jiangting with him, and the rest waited outside the courtyard.
As soon as he entered, the gate closed behind him. Wei Jiangting glanced back, then quickly looked around before following closely.
Arriving at this point, the craftsmen bowed politely and went into the side rooms. When they came out again, they had all changed into slightly worn dark blue sleeved coats of the same color and walked directly to their respective furnaces to inspect the apprentices' work.
Glassmaking requires high temperatures, so the courtyard's roof is completely sealed with glass. Several blazing furnaces are located here, and the temperature is much higher than in the mansion. Even Lan Nongnong, who is always afraid of cold, can feel the temperature difference, let alone others with normal body temperature.
Seeing that everyone in her entourage had begun to wipe their sweat, Lan Nongnong took off the hood of her cloak and handed it to the two maids, saying softly, "You go wait by the door."
Jade and Green Luo were startled when they heard this. With only the two of them by her side, how could they leave their master alone just because they were afraid of the heat? They both shook their heads firmly.
Seeing their insistence, Lan Nongnong said no more. She had seen videos of glassmaking traditions before, but the equipment they depicted was far beyond the reach of modern technology. Crushing, filtering, and shaping the glass were all done manually these days.
Perhaps because I've come here for a special inspection today, the doors of all the courtyards are open. I guess they usually work behind closed doors to protect the secret recipe.
Lan Nongnong also noticed that this workshop had already implemented an assembly line operation. This not only added a layer of confidentiality but also improved production efficiency. No wonder it was developing so rapidly.
It is true that human wisdom always bursts out in difficult situations.
She didn't enter the kiln room. Because of the clamor in the workshop, she had to raise her voice. "Boss Zhao, since you've already produced that pink and white gradient pure lotus, have you also produced other gradient colors, or pure colors of comparable clarity?"
Zhao Changping wiped the sweat off his face with his sleeve and replied respectfully, "Madam, I, along with the craftsmen, have considered your suggestion and have even tried firing it several times. However, our craft is not yet fully developed and requires constant refinement. I apologize for failing your trust, Madam. Please forgive me."
Lan Nongnong had anticipated that he was about to bow, so she raised her hand to stop him. "Boss Zhao, you're too serious. Every fine product that comes out must have gone through a thousand trials and tribulations. It's me who's ignorant of this and made rash comments."
Before he could panic, he took out a roll of blueprints from his sleeve and handed it to him: "I have drawn a few small items and would like to ask Mr. Zhao to make them. I wonder if you can do it?"
Zhao Changping hurriedly wiped the sweat from his palms on his sleeves before carefully unfolding the blueprint. His eyes lit up as he stared at it, mesmerized.
He originally built his fortune on the art of glazing, and despite his booming business over the past two years, he never gave up on this skill. Having suffered betrayal before, he no longer wanted to be the boss fooled by his subordinates, so he devoted himself to his studies. While his hands-on skills might not be as good as those of other craftsmen, his understanding of the art was far greater than anyone else's.
The depiction on the paper wasn't the elaborate artifact he'd imagined; it was even rather ordinary. Cups, teacups, and saucers, similar in form to those sold on the market, perhaps even simpler. Yet, it was precisely this seemingly ordinary design that ignited a burning light in his eyes, nearly burning through the paper.
Lan Nongnong understood why he was so excited. Although glass had become commonplace in people's homes, it was like a layer of window paper that had not been broken. Although it was thin and fragile, no one had thought of breaking it. In other words, people's understanding of glass at the time was still at the superficial level of letting light in and blocking wind.
With just a little guidance, you can quickly explore its uses.
Zhao Changping snapped back to his senses, realizing he had neglected the noble lady. He hurried forward and apologized profusely. Fortunately, the lady was magnanimous and didn't take it seriously. The heat in the courtyard made him afraid that his sweat might stain the blueprint, so he held it with a handkerchief and held it in front of the lady from a distance, carefully asking, "Excuse me, madam, what is this?"
Lan Nongnong looked in the direction of his finger and saw that it was the glass bottle cap. She said, "This is used as a seal. You can refer to the sealing principle of wine jars. It must be able to preserve it for a long time and prevent moisture and leakage. You don't have to stick to the pattern I drew, just meet your requirements."
This remark was like a revelation, and Zhao Changping's mind suddenly became clear. He immediately nodded in agreement. Seeing her so understanding, he couldn't help but ask, "Madam, may I print and sell the drawings you have on this paper?"
Lan Nongnong smiled. "Of course. Since I have some profit from this workshop, I will do my best to help."
"Thank you, ma'am! Thank you, ma'am! I will definitely make a lot of money for you!"
Zhao Changping was so happy that he was incoherent. He held the paper in both hands and thanked the man repeatedly.
Lan Nongnong had already finished her general inspection and didn't want to stay any longer. In the short time it had taken, Biyu, Jiangting, and the others' clothes were already soaked with sweat.
Although Zhao Changping wished he could not immediately start the furnace for trial production, he also knew the seriousness of the matter. Seeing that she seemed to be about to leave, he took the initiative to inform her, "It is extremely hot here. Madam, you must not stay for long. If you have any instructions, just summon me in person or send someone to pass them on. I will do my utmost to serve you, madam!"
Lan Nongnong nodded slightly, and on the way back, she casually mentioned, "I've noticed that the process of firing the glaze creates quite a lot of smoke and dust. As the saying goes, illness comes from the mouth. If that dust or sparks are inhaled into the nose and throat, or splashed into the eyes, it can be very harmful. Has Mr. Zhao prepared any protective gear?"
Zhao Changping was stunned when he heard this. He didn't expect that she, a person in the clouds, could understand the hardships of people on the earth. His heart suddenly felt sad and his smile froze for a moment.
This has always been the way glass is fired. People have always focused on protecting their hands and feet to prevent burns. Although their mouths, noses, and eyes may feel uncomfortable, they are used to it and never think too much about it.
"To be honest, Madam, ever since I've been in this business, I've seen craftsmen only take precautions against burns. I was so foolish that I didn't even notice this. Thankfully, Madam, you've pointed it out to me today! I'll start preparing protective gear right away. If these craftsmen can avoid illness, they'll be grateful to you, Madam!"
Lan Nongnong felt relieved when she saw that he understood immediately and wasn't being perfunctory. She didn't respond to his flattery. As she walked out, she looked at the freshly-burned glass that kept being carried out and said casually, "I see this glass is transparent and doesn't obstruct vision. Wouldn't it be perfect to make it into a blindfold?"
Before she finished her words, she heard a crisp cracking sound from inside the alley. She couldn't help but wonder, "You just said this thing was made of stone, so why is it so fragile? Could it be that the stone I used to grind it wasn't hard enough?"
The moment he stepped out of the courtyard, his cloak was lightly thrown back onto his shoulders. Lan Nongnong, feeling like she was showing off her skills before an expert, gave him a faint smile: "I'm not familiar with this. I just mentioned it casually. Mr. Zhao, don't take it to heart."
After a pause, he continued, "The objects it will be used to hold will be quite precious. It would be best if the bottle could be made thicker to prevent damage from falling."
Seeing that she seemed lost in thought, he told her not to see him off. The carriage left the workshop and headed to the doll shop on Chang Street. Now, "Caichunju" had been renamed "Doll Shop," and with a steady stream of customers, it had firmly established itself in Beijing.
Fortunately, Wen Niang's sister was magnanimous and did not take her previous intentional alienation seriously. After a frank conversation, the two finally reconciled their past grudges.
After politely declining the invitation to lunch, Lan Nongnong returned to the mansion. The moment she stepped out of the carriage, her legs were almost numb. She was helped to the soft couch and rested for a while. After a bath and fumigation, she gradually began to feel better. Yifang also went back to ask Biyu and the others to change clothes and rest. The two maids, not daring to disobey, instructed the other maids to come and wait before leaving.
Although he had only been out for half a day and had not been tired, after lunch and taking the medicine, fatigue came over him like a tide, and he could no longer resist it. He was still reclining on the couch, the scroll in his hand having already slipped onto the carpet beside the couch.
-
The next morning, the doorman delivered the glass bottles. He said it was a message from Mr. Zhao, saying that he would make a batch of thick-walled bottles that would be shatter-proof for his wife.
Lan Nongnong took them and examined them. Each one was exactly as drawn on the drawing, half a finger long and two fingers wide. The corks fitted tightly, making a soft "pop" sound when pulled out. The seal was surprisingly comparable to that of a red wine bottle. However, the thickness and texture of the bottle walls varied, so their actual preservation effectiveness remained to be verified.
Before the enthronement ceremony, Lan Nongnong did not leave the house again. She requisitioned a courtyard, made some utensils she wanted, and spent all day studying the technique of purifying flower juice, which she called "making incense."
Fortunately, the flowers and trees in the mansion were lush and flourishing. Even though she destroyed them with her cruel hands, the garden was still full of colorful flowers.
The scent of the purified flower juice was extremely strong, but after bathing and changing clothes, the aftertaste turned into a refreshing and pleasant fragrance that was refreshing. Therefore, during these days, not only was she surrounded by the fragrance of flowers, but also Biyu and other attendants, and even the entire mansion was filled with intoxicating fragrance.
Even Qin Jingyao's clothes were stained with the fragrance. Every day, as he went to court and back on duty, he attracted the attention of his colleagues. Everyone secretly speculated that this Lord Ling must have indulged himself to be stained with such a lingering fragrance.
If he had not looked his usual self, handled government affairs as usual, and gone straight home after finishing his shift, one would have suspected that he was indulging in the pleasures of the world.
Qin Jingyao had indeed been immersed in love affairs recently. Whenever the situation became critical, he would hold her lips and whisper to her, telling her anecdotes about his colleagues gossiping about him because he was scented with women.
Hearing her unable to hold back her laughter, he buried his head in her cheek, seeking pleasure in the rich fragrance that seemed to have permeated her bones and blood.
Especially after the initial rest, the feeling of whispering in her ear while enjoying the subtle fragrance and refreshing texture of the bed is indescribable.
He had originally thought she was just messing around, but he hadn't expected such a pleasant surprise. Having tasted the sweetness of it, he not only ordered people to search for rare, non-toxic flowers that weren't available in the mansion for her to use, but he also created fertile land in the mansion specifically for growing flowers.
The mansion was often enclosed by glazed windows, allowing the fragrance of flowers to linger throughout the room. Whenever the windows were opened, the fragrance would rush out, spreading far and wide, allowing neighboring mansions and passers-by to smell this olfactory feast.
Some brave souls even went to the gatehouse to inquire what kind of exotic flower and fragrance was causing this.
During this time, Lan Nongnong drew several more bottle designs and sent them to the workshop for firing. She selected the bottles with the most mellow fragrance, packed them in a beautiful manner, and sent them with floral notes to her aunts, Prince Ren's residence, Fu's residence, and Wen Niang's residence, not forgetting Biyu and others around her.
Although the longest shelf life of this glass bottle has yet to be verified, Lan Nongnong already has a rough idea.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
