NOVEL NEXT Chapter 21: Chapter 21: Setting Up Shop
After dinner, Xiao Cao couldn't stop savoring the taste of the fish balls. She felt as though she'd never had anything quite so delicious. Watching Lady Jiang's calm and collected demeanor, a spark of admiration flickered in her simple heart.
Madam is amazing!
Though Xiao Cao didn't dare say it aloud, this silent admiration would only grow with time, eventually becoming an everyday truth she could casually utter without a second thought.
Jiang Huaiyu, keenly aware of Xiao Cao's desire to handle all the cleanup, decided not to rob her of the task. After all, if she stepped in, the girl might have a fit of anxiety.
"Once you're done, come to the East Wing. We'll get everything organized tonight," Jiang Huaiyu instructed before heading off.
She had ordered a series of apothecary cabinets for the East Wing, lining them up against the wall. Her plan was to store the pre-prepared herbs she'd purchased earlier, labeling each compartment for easy access. Whether it was for crafting fragrances or making bath powders, these medicinal ingredients would be essential.
It wasn't long before Xiao Cao joined her, diligently helping with the arrangements. The girl's nimble fingers and careful attention ensured every packet of herbs was emptied into its designated slot, and she even cut out the herb names from their labels, pasting them neatly onto the cabinets. Though she couldn't read, her meticulousness ensured not a single error.
Looking at the now-tidy room, Jiang Huaiyu nodded in satisfaction. "Tomorrow, once the flower materials arrive, I can start making some bath powders. After that, we'll render the beef tallow."
Jiang Huaiyu had initially intended to buy some cow fat for rendering into oil. Unlike pork fat, untreated beef tallow carried a strong, unpleasant odor. But once deodorized, it would be a valuable ingredient. Despite its unappealing smell, beef fat was cheap because no one wanted it, making it an ideal raw material.
However, she decided to prioritize comfort first. She'd make the bath powder before tackling the smelly task of rendering tallow—no point stinking up her body and home prematurely.
"Bath powder?" Xiao Cao asked hesitantly. She instantly regretted her curiosity. Madam's calm elegance was like that of an ethereal fairy, a woman capable of crafting the most exquisite fish balls she'd ever tasted. It was natural for her to have knowledge beyond Xiao Cao's comprehension. What if her questions irritated the lady?
Jiang Huaiyu, however, was unbothered. "Bath powder is a magical thing that will leave your skin soft, smooth, and smelling wonderful. You'll see soon enough!"
With a cryptic smile, Jiang Huaiyu left it at that. Xiao Cao nodded obediently, deciding that whatever it was, it must be extraordinary.
By the next morning, two large sacks of flower petals and some tree resin were delivered from the apothecary. The shop assistant beamed as he carried the materials inside, delighted with the few extra coins Madam Jiang tipped him.
Now, Jiang Huaiyu could finally begin her work.
She entrusted Xiao Cao with watching over Sugar Bun, her baby, while she focused on grinding various materials: dried peach blossoms, plum petals, red lotus flowers, medicinal powders, pearl powder, jade flakes, and ground green beans. The ingredients, nearly twenty in total, were painstakingly sifted, mixed, and milled into a fine, fragrant blend. After hours of meticulous effort, she finally filled a small porcelain jar with her creation.
"Xiao Cao, bring Sugar Bun here," Jiang Huaiyu called, holding up the jar triumphantly.
It was afternoon by the time she finished, but her excitement outweighed her hunger. She passed the baby to her helper and handed Xiao Cao a small spoon and the jar.
"Let's try it out," Jiang Huaiyu said with a smile, leading the way to the courtyard well.
Xiao Cao looked at the powder with a mix of curiosity and skepticism. "How do I use this, Madam?"
"Just mix a little with water, apply it to your face, and massage gently. Leave it on for about five minutes, then rinse off."
Following instructions, Xiao Cao carefully scooped a bit of powder and mixed it with water. The moment it touched her face, a refreshing, sweet fragrance surrounded her. Her eyes widened in surprise.
The scent was unlike anything she'd encountered before—neither entirely floral nor herbal, but a delightful harmony of both.
Five minutes later, she splashed her face with cool water, and when she looked up, Jiang Huaiyu's eyes sparkled with delight.
The bath powder had worked wonders. Xiao Cao's previously sallow, slightly rough complexion now glowed with newfound radiance, her skin smooth and supple. A faint, elegant fragrance lingered around her.
"Tomorrow, we'll head to the West District and set up a stall to sell this," Jiang Huaiyu announced with a confident smile.
Xiao Cao touched her cheeks in awe and nodded enthusiastically.
The next morning, after obtaining the necessary permit for setting up a street stall, Jiang Huaiyu chose a bustling spot in the West District. Flanked by shops selling clothing and jewelry, her simple setup stood out.
She dressed plainly in a moon-white dress embroidered with modest winter-creeper patterns, but her natural elegance drew more attention than the fanciest gowns ever could.
On her stall, she displayed three large porcelain jars and several smaller ones. A sign reading "Bath Powder" offered a brief description of its benefits, but despite the foot traffic, no one approached.
Jiang Huaiyu realized that her pricing—80 wen for a small jar—might be deterring potential buyers. But she also knew she needed a way to pique people's interest.
Leaving Xiao Cao to watch the stall, she purchased two bowls from a nearby wonton vendor and placed hot coals in one. Over the coals, she sprinkled a spoonful of bath powder into the second bowl.
The heat activated the powder's fragrance, releasing a soft, alluring scent that wafted through the street.
Before long, curious glances turned into intrigued steps, and passersby began to gather. The scent wasn't overwhelming; it was subtle and inviting, a gentle call to explore its source.
A woman, her attire simple but refined with hidden gold embroidery, approached first. Her demeanor carried the air of someone accustomed to commanding attention.
"How much for this perfume powder?" she asked directly.
Jiang Huaiyu smiled serenely. "It's not perfume powder, Madam. This is a bath powder—80 wen per jar."
"Bath powder?" The woman arched a brow.
"It's used for cleansing your skin—face or hands. It leaves the skin smooth, radiant, and lightly fragrant."
Intrigued, the woman picked up a jar, and her maid handed over two silver beads as payment. "If it's as effective as you say, I'll be back."
As the woman's carriage departed, more customers approached, their curiosity overcoming hesitation. Some bought a jar to try; others lingered, marveling at Jiang Huaiyu's luminous complexion as living proof of the product's effectiveness.
By day's end, seven jars were sold—a promising start to her venture. Though modest, the sales earned her five qian of silver after costs, marking the beginning of something remarkable.