NOVEL NEXT Chapter 22: Chapter 22: Another Encounter
Over the next few days, Jiang Huaiyu's bath powder continued to gain popularity. Women drawn by their innate love for beauty were captivated by the delightful fragrance. When they saw the radiant complexions of Jiang Huaiyu and Xiao Cao, they couldn't help but buy a jar, wondering if it could help them achieve the same glow.
One jar led to another, and before long, her stock of three jars sold out completely. After deducting costs for herbs, flowers, and other materials, she managed to earn two taels of silver that day—a profit that would make any merchant envious.
As the sun began to set, Jiang Huaiyu decided to pack up early to ensure her safety on the walk home. She sent Xiao Cao ahead to start dinner while she cradled Sugar Bun in her arms, leisurely strolling back. On the way, she bought some braised meat to pair with a simple dish of boiled greens for their meal.
When she returned, Xiao Cao quickly took Sugar Bun from her, allowing Jiang Huaiyu to rest. After dinner, Sugar Bun, full and content, stared at his mother with bright, sparkling eyes. Jiang Huaiyu couldn't help but laugh at his adorable expression. She called Xiao Cao over.
"Starting tonight, I'll read The Thousand Character Classic to you both. Sugar Bun isn't the only one who needs to learn. We humans are always learning. How about I teach you to read and write, Xiao Cao?"
Xiao Cao was overwhelmed, nodding furiously like a chicken pecking at grain.
In Dayun, literacy was a privilege, a mark of respect and status. Back in her village near the border, Xiao Cao remembered how even learning a single character required offering a teacher expensive gifts. And now, not only had Lady Jiang saved her life, but she was also willing to teach her to read. Xiao Cao's heart swelled with gratitude, and tears prickled in her eyes.
As Jiang Huaiyu's gentle voice recited the lines of the classic, the eastern wing of the house gradually lit with candlelight as she resumed her work making bath powder.
Over the next week, Jiang Huaiyu's bath powder garnered even more attention. Previously, most people had only used water to wash their faces. For those with oilier skin, residue would often build up, leaving them with dull, sallow complexions.
But the first day someone used the bath powder, they were amazed by how cloudy the water became—proof of its deep cleansing power. After rinsing their faces, their skin appeared visibly brighter and refreshed. Though the effect was temporary, with continuous use, their friends and family began to notice a real difference.
"Your face looks brighter."
"What's that lovely scent on you?"
Word spread quickly, and soon, women across the city flocked to Jiang Huaiyu's stall. In a culture where women had the freedom to gather and socialize, missing out on the latest trend was tantamount to losing face.
The surge of customers was so intense that Jiang Huaiyu stood frozen for three whole seconds, watching the chaos unfold. Women vied to buy her powder, and some who missed out stomped away in frustration. At one point, someone even shouted they'd pay a tael of silver for a single jar if it wasn't sold out.
By the end of the day, Jiang Huaiyu had sold out so quickly she finished early. After neatly storing her table and chairs in the cosmetics shop that let her rent space, she noticed the shopkeeper looking hesitant to speak. Smiling politely, she thanked him and left.
Unbeknownst to her, in a corner booth of a nearby restaurant, Princess He Linglong sat with a regal, sword-like man. The man's sharp demeanor was as piercing as a blade, radiating an aura that demanded respect. A jeweled curtain rustled as Linglong's maid, Ruyi, entered and curtsied.
"Your Highness, the bath powder stall was swarmed with people today. By the time I got there, it was all sold out," Ruyi reported, her tone tinged with frustration.
"Sold out again?" Linglong raised an eyebrow in mild surprise before laughing lightly. "It's fine. Go earlier tomorrow to secure some. I quite like using it."
"A bath powder?" The man across from her spoke, his voice cold yet resonant.
"It's just a little novelty item," Linglong replied with a shrug. "But it works well enough. My skin feels clean and smooth, and the scent is pleasant."
"Interesting that even my sister is taken with such trifles," he teased, though his words carried a hint of amusement.
Linglong gave him a pointed look. "Third Brother, shouldn't you be more concerned about your long-lost wife? It's been over a year since she disappeared, and all you've done is station yourself at the border."
"She left on her own. What's the point in searching for her? We've only met once—it's hardly a loss. If anything, her 'missing' status is convenient. She serves as the perfect shield against political troubles."
His detached tone made it clear he didn't care about his missing bride.
Linglong sighed. "You're as cold as steel. No one could warm you even if they tried."
The two siblings changed the topic, discussing border politics as they shared their meal.
Back at home, Jiang Huaiyu poured her finished bath powder into jars, stifling a yawn as she checked Xiao Cao's handwriting practice. Satisfied with the girl's progress, she retired for the night, ready to sell another batch the following morning.
The next day, Jiang Huaiyu's fame brought a new challenge. Just as she set up her stall, a group of ragged-looking thugs sauntered over, surrounding her table with smug grins.
"What do you want?" Jiang Huaiyu asked, meeting their gaze without fear. Her tone was firm, and her brow furrowed slightly.
The leader smirked, clearly taken aback by her confidence. "You set up shop here without asking me first? Well, let's call it a tribute. Hand over all your goods!"
He gestured for his men to grab the jars.
As they moved to act, a sudden gust of wind brushed past Jiang Huaiyu, lifting strands of her hair. Before she could react, the thugs were knocked to the ground, groaning in pain.
Standing among them was a familiar figure, his casual stance belying his lethal precision.
"Who dares bully such a delicate little flower?" Qin Ziqin drawled, a blade of grass clenched between his teeth. He strolled leisurely toward the stall, his smile as sharp as the sheathed sword he'd used to incapacitate the men.
The women nearby clutched their handkerchiefs, blushing at the sight of such a handsome rescuer.
"Thank you, Qin Gongzi, for saving me," Jiang Huaiyu said evenly, her tone polite but firm. "However, I need to finish my business. Shall we catch up later?"
"Of course," Qin Ziqin replied with a smirk. "I've reserved a private booth at the restaurant across the street. Once you're done, come by to discuss how you plan to repay my kindness."
His words dripped with teasing innuendo, though Jiang Huaiyu saw right through his act. Suppressing the urge to roll her eyes, she returned to her customers, leaving the thugs sprawled on the ground.