Chapter 273 Sandalwood Incense
Jiang Mi was unaware of Huo Ran's situation. She hadn't slept all night, spending her time researching how to make men's soap and what kind of scents men would like.
Jiang Mi wasn't a man, and she didn't know much about men. Even though she had three older brothers, she didn't know how they felt about the scent. But the sandalwood-like scent wasn't too sweet, so perhaps older people and monks could use it.
Jiang Mi doesn't intend to sell this product only to women; the more people who can use it, the more money she can make.
"Ink painting, what flavor do you think men would like?"
Mo Hua, who was almost asleep with Jiang Mi, tilted her head and replied, "I think they probably like the scent too, right? The scents you made before were all very nice, much better than those cheap cosmetics. If women used them, men would definitely like them."
Jiang Mi said helplessly, "You little rascal, you're so young but you know so much. What do you mean by 'scents that men like'? You're talking nonsense. I'm planning to make some soaps for men. I'm asking you a serious question. How can I possibly marry you off like this?"
Mo Hua was embarrassed. She scratched the back of her head and said with a red face, "That's because Miss didn't explain clearly. I didn't hear clearly either. Please don't laugh at me, Miss. How would I know what scents men like? My family is very poor. We can't even afford soap, let alone scented soap. I'm the only one who's lucky. Since following Miss, I've enjoyed a blessing I've never experienced in several lifetimes."
Jiang Mi sighed. Asking this silly girl wouldn't get her any answers.
"What do you think of sandalwood?" Jiang Mi voiced her thoughts. "I think a lot of people would like this scent, as well as some other woody fragrances. By the way, do you know what kind of incense rich people like to use?"
Mo Hua thought for a moment and shook his head: "I have never served in the homes of any important people, but I have heard people say that some wealthy families have very special tastes. Sometimes it is not that they like the thing itself, but rather that the thing is rare or hard to obtain, which gives them a sense of curiosity. The more unattainable something is, the more they want to have it."
Jiang Mi nodded: "So, when it comes to dealing with them, it's not just about making the best and most expensive products, but also about offering them at a lower price? Is that what you mean?"
Mo Hua nodded: "Yes, isn't that how the Liu family is? The goods they supply to the palace are things that people outside can't buy even if they have money. They say they can only produce a small amount, and they only send them to the palace a few times a year. Some concubines don't even need them. They have to be favored by the emperor and have a certain position. Otherwise, they can only watch longingly."
Seeing her serious little face, Jiang Mi said with a smile, "You haven't been to many places, but you know a lot. You must have heard a lot of gossip, right? What you said makes a lot of sense. Okay, go to sleep now, look how sleepy you are."
Mo Hua shook her head and patted her face hard: "No, Miss hasn't slept yet, how can I sleep? I have to stay with Miss and watch what she does. Don't worry, I won't steal anything. With my brain, even if you taught me, I might not be able to learn it."
Jiang Mi wasn't actually afraid of her learning, since she herself intended to teach them. She just saw that she was so sleepy that she wanted her to go and rest.
"Alright, I've never cared about these rules, as you know. If you're sleepy, just go to sleep. I'll do what I'm doing."
After speaking, Jiang Mi focused on her work, ignoring Mo Hua beside her. A moment later, she heard soft snoring coming from the side. She shook her head indulgently and continued with her task.
After several failures throughout the night, she finally succeeded in making one before dawn. Since it was a man's item, she didn't make it too delicate or pretty, but rather very simple, with a simple yet very calm feel, which should be the first choice for many men. She also chose black.
"Is it ready, Miss?" As soon as Siqin entered, she saw Jiang Mi yawning. In front of her was a black, square object with a sandalwood scent that brought a sense of peace.
"Look,"
Would a man even use something made like this?
Siqin walked over and almost tripped over Mo Hua. She shook her head helplessly: "This girl, she secretly fell asleep again during her night shift. Miss, you didn't even wake her up. You spoil her too much. You've really spoiled her."
Jiang Mi looked exhausted: "It's okay, let her be. She stayed up very late with me last night, until the wee hours of the morning. She really couldn't stay up any longer."
Siqin only muttered a few words. Since her mistress didn't seem to mind, she didn't pay any more attention. She walked over and glanced at the soap. She said with delight, "Don't even mention men, I like it too. Some women like it cute, some like it glamorous, but I like it simple and elegant like this. I think it's not just men who like it, but many women will like it too."
Jiang Mi thinks so too.
"I plan to make some products that are more suitable for ordinary people. I'm thinking of some more novel ones that will be priced higher and sold to high-ranking officials and dignitaries. However, the quantity of these will be smaller."
"Sure, why don't you take this out and try selling it first?"
Jiang Mi thought for a moment and shook her head: "Let's not do it yet. It would be good enough if we could keep those girls in line. We can't expect too much at the beginning. Besides, I'm the only one making these soaps now. I sold a lot yesterday. I still have to work overtime. I need to find some people to help, but I don't know who would be suitable."
"You need loyal people. If your business is doing well, there will definitely be people who are envious and want to know your secret recipe. If everyone can make it, it will be harder to make money."
Jiang Mi naturally took this into consideration, which is why she hadn't asked anyone to do it. Just like brewing peach blossom wine, she had to keep the most crucial step in the hands of her own people. Even if someone sold the secret recipe, it would be impossible to make it exactly the same as Yue Shangshao's.
"Let me think about it first. If you have any reliable people, please introduce them to me. I trust you."
Siqin thought for a moment and said, "I do know a very honest and kind person. She is my neighbor and she is very good to me. I think she used to make soap in her younger years, but she returned home to do business so that her son could go to school."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
