Chapter 16

Concern leads to chaos, the heart subtly stirred.

Fortunately, it was still dark when they returned, and there weren't many people on the road. After dropping Shimei off at her place, Bai She returned to his own residence.

Shimei and Zan Yue comforted Red Ye inside the house, cursing the treacherous man repeatedly. Red Ye couldn't help but cry. Exhausted from the night's events, Shimei, Red Ye, and Zan Yue, who had prayed to Buddha all night, all fell asleep together.

When they woke up, it was already midday. Shimei felt something fluffy brushing her face. She reached out and heard a sweet "meow."

Opening her eyes, she saw Little Fuzi lying beside her, its chubby butt and wagging tail in her face. Shimei blinked and saw Red Ye awake too, holding a ribbon and playing with Little Fuzi.

Little Fuzi, with its butt up and back arched, was trying to catch the ribbon with its chubby paw.

Shimei and Red Ye looked at each other and couldn't help but laugh.

As they were laughing, they heard a yawn from beside them. Turning, they saw Zan Yue had also woken up and was watching them.

The three of them exchanged glances and then continued to laugh together.

At that moment, from the next room, Xiao Xiang Er’s voice came softly, “You’re all still laughing? Aren’t you hungry?”

“Hungry!” Hong Ye immediately exclaimed, “I want to eat meat!”

"I want to eat too!" Zan Yu nodded eagerly. "I'm craving something spicy and also feel like drinking!"

Shi Mei sat up, suggesting, "Shall we go out to eat?"

"Yes! How about going to Fulai Residence?" Xiaohui beamed. "Their stuffed duck is delicious."

"Really?" Hongye was excited. "I can't wait to try it!"

"And they have osmanthus wine too!" Xiaohui added while getting dressed. "Let's take a carriage, book a private room, and enjoy a leisurely meal!"

"Great idea!" Shi Mei and the others, feeling hungry, were ready for a feast.

Now free of worries, the three sisters just wanted to spend quality time together and have fun.

When Zhong Bo heard that they planned to go out, he nodded. "Perfect timing. They're whitewashing the store at the gate today. It's going to be noisy with lots of laborers around. Go out and enjoy yourselves. The store should be ready to open in a few days."

Before leaving, a messenger from the palace arrived with a box of colorful bead flowers from the Empress Dowager. Everyone selected some to adorn themselves beautifully. They boarded the carriage from the back gate, with Xiaoxizi driving and two plainclothes guards following, heading to Fulai Residence.

By that time, the meal hour had passed, and Fuli Residence wasn't very busy. Zhong Bo had sent word ahead to reserve a private room and had the dishes prepared.

The carriage stopped outside Fulai Residence. Shi Mei, carrying Xiaofuzi, along with Zan Yu and Hongye, ascended to their room while Xiaohui went to check on the kitchen's preparations.

Seated in the private room with a street-facing window, they could observe the bustling street outside. The room was served with fruit cups and flower tea snacks, with faint sounds of opera drifting in from the main hall, creating a refined atmosphere.

After sitting down, Xiaohui returned, announcing the arrival of delicious dishes soon, and started preparing flower tea for the ladies.

Shi Mei and her companions discussed future plans, acknowledging that living off savings was unsustainable. They needed to manage the business of their fragrance house effectively.

The Xiang Fen Residence was divided into an outer shop and an inner shop, with each of the three women taking charge based on their strengths.

Shimei, skilled in crafting fragrances, was in charge of the fragrance workshop in the inner shop. Red Ye, with her bold and capable nature, managed the outer shop. Zan Yue, known for her cleverness and artistic talents, was responsible for making the fragrance powders look attractive for sale.

"Sister Mei, this kind of fragrance business is quite unprecedented," Xiang'er voiced her concerns.

Shimei revealed the silver incense burner she always carried with her, saying confidently, "It's precisely because nobody has done it before that it will sell well."

"Customers will gradually increase," Zan Yue added optimistically. "These are all quality products. We just need to let more people know about them."

"That's easy to handle," Red Ye chimed in. "We can spread the word; I know how to do that."

Shimei opened a small box, using a silver spoon to pick out some dried flowers and pieces of wood, then poured out some powder from a small bottle.

"What's this, Sister Mei?" Zan Yue inquired curiously.

"It's called 'Nourishing Qi and Strengthening Spleen Fragrance'," Shimei explained as she lit the mixture. "It's made with cinnamon, poria, atractylodes, licorice, wood powder, and pine resin, mixed with some petals of narcissus flowers."

Breathing in the fragrance, Red Ye felt its elegant and refreshing scent, which also carried a hint of cool licorice. Her hunger seemed to subside.

"This incense is good for nourishing the spleen and stomach," Shimei explained. "Lighting it before meals can lessen the feeling of hunger. This way, you can enjoy your meal without rushing and truly savor the flavors. Plus, it prevents overeating and the resulting digestive issues."

"What a wonderful product!" Red Ye agreed enthusiastically. "These are things that every household can use. Every lady would love this. Will it be expensive?"

"Not at all," Shimei reassured her. "The ingredients are quite inexpensive. A small amount can last for ten to fifteen days."

"This is a great idea!" Red Ye clapped her hands. "All the ladies will surely want to buy it. It's much more refined than crude incense sticks. Let's also make some ornately carved incense burners, small enough to fit in the palm. Zan Yue can make them look beautiful for the ladies to enjoy."

"I love that idea!" Zan Yue agreed. "In no time, every lady in the capital will want one!"

"Great idea!" Xiang'er chuckled. "Drawing flowers or engraving the lady's name on it would be charming. If lost and found by a young master, it might even spark a romantic story."

Her remark had all three women laughing heartily.

The plan was set. The trio decided to establish a small pottery kiln behind the Xiang Fen Residence and hire craftsmen to make the incense burners. They also planned to seek woodcarvers for sandalwood carving. In summary, they had enough tasks to keep them busy for two months.

As they chatted and laughed, the dishes arrived. Fu Lai Ju's duck was exceptionally well-made. Along with eight hot and eight cold dishes, the four young women enjoyed their meal with osmanthus wine, their chatter and laughter merging harmoniously with the light-hearted atmosphere of the eatery.

While eating, there was a knock on the door.

Xiang'er answered it to find Xiao Xi. He whispered something in her ear.

Nodding, Xiang'er closed the door and returned, telling Shimei, "Sister Mei, Xiao Xi said that the scholar-official Fan Bin is entertaining guests next door. Hearing the princess is here, he wishes to cover the cost of our meal."

Shimei frowned, asking, "Does he mean he wants to pay for our dinner?"

Xiang'er nodded, muttering, "That sounds like what he meant. So pompous."

"What position does a 'scholar-official' hold?" Red Ye, unfamiliar with these terms, inquired.

Shimei wasn't entirely sure either.

"A 'scholar-official' is a fancy title," Zan Yue explained. "In the previous dynasty, they were called Feng Ge Scholar-Officials or Zhongshu Scholar-Officials. Now, it's more of an honorary position, mainly overseeing local textile production, often held by wealthy individuals seeking a prestigious title."

"Oh?" Shimei found this information intriguing.

"I've heard of this Fan Bin before," continued Zan Yue. "He's from the weaving families of Suzhou Prefecture, extremely wealthy, with connections in the palace and among nobles and ministers."

"Why would he offer to pay for our meal?" Red Ye wondered.

"It's probably not just about the meal," Zan Yue said with a smile. "Such opportunities to mingle with princesses aren't common, after all."

Red Ye nodded in understanding, looking towards Shimei.

Shimei instructed Xiang'er, "Please tell Xiao Xi to convey our thanks for his kind gesture. However, it's not appropriate for someone else to pay when I'm hosting friends."

"Alright." Xiang'er hurried off and soon returned, reporting, "Sister Mei, the manager said Fan Bin has already settled our bill and even ordered extra dishes for us."

Shimei frowned slightly, "I see."

"Unwarranted generosity often hides an agenda," Red Ye cautioned. "We should be wary."

Shimei nodded thoughtfully.

"Can't even have a peaceful meal!" Xiang'er exclaimed. "I'll tell Xiao Xi to return the money. In the future, if anyone else tries this, we'll turn them away!"

Shimei waved her hand dismissively, smiling, "That won't do."

Zan Yue also agreed, "In the imperial city, even a falling plaque hits a person of substance. We shouldn't offend him needlessly. After all, Fan Bin is a significant figure in Suzhou's textile industry. If we ever start trading, he could be helpful. Suzhou's embroidery is a prized commodity."

"Zan Yue," Red Ye couldn't help but marvel, "You're really astute!"

"Indeed," Shimei agreed.

Zan Yue almost laughed, glancing at them, "I had to be cunning since childhood to fend for myself and deal with a bunch of ruthless concubines fighting over my father's favor. I honed these skills back then!"

Everyone expressed both admiration and sympathy.

Shimei inquired, "What do you suggest we do?"

After a moment's thought, Zan Yue advised, "It depends on what you think, but I believe it's good to make more friends. People in business are rarely fools."

Shimei nodded and instructed Xiang'er, "Get the best jar of osmanthus wine from the manager and deliver it personally to Fan Bin. In front of his friends, express our gratitude for his hospitality. Let him know that our fragrance shop will be opening soon and he’s welcome to visit with his friends."

Xiang'er nodded in understanding, and Shimei reminded her, "Be polite."

"Don't worry, Sister Mei, I know what to do!" Xiang'er left to carry out the task and returned shortly, beaming with joy.

"How did it go?" asked Shimei.

"It went really well. His friends, who seemed to be businessmen, were very appreciative and promised to visit soon. They thanked me for the wine on behalf of the princess," Xiang'er reported, sitting down at the table. "Fan Bin is quite young and seems well-mannered, not the type to be untrustworthy."

Shimei nodded thoughtfully.

After finishing their meal, they descended the stairs to see several carriages parked outside. Without paying much attention, they got into their carriage and headed to the bustling western city market, known for its wide variety of goods.

As they strolled through the market, Xiang'er suddenly tugged at Shimei's sleeve, "Look, Sister Mei, isn't that Luan Jing'er and Ming Fu ahead?"

Shimei glanced ahead and saw Luan Jing'er and Ming Fu approaching.

"Hmph," Zan Yue scoffed, pretending not to notice them and continued examining paintings at a nearby stall.

Luan Jing'er seemed hesitant to pass by them but Ming Fu gave her a reassuring look as if to say, "Don't worry."

The two approached directly.

Shimei, still holding Xiao Fuzi, greeted them with a smile and continued browsing with Zan Yue.

As they were browsing...

Suddenly, "Meow," Xiaofuzi, intrigued by something, wriggled out of Shi Mei's arms, leaped to the floor, and scampered away.

"Xiao Fuzi!" Shimei called out, rushing after him, only to find him sitting and looking up at something in front of the shop.

Shimei approached, puzzled, and saw a person emerging from the shop, halting in front of Xiao Fuzi in his snow-white boots.

Xiao Fuzi, wagging its tail, meowed at the man.

Shimei looked up in surprise, recognizing the man as Baishi, and realized Xiao Fuzi was already familiar with him.

Baishi paused, locking eyes with the cat, as if trying to recall where he had seen this chubby feline before.

There they stood, a man and a cat, staring at each other in front of the shop, prompting Shimei to chuckle. Baishi looked up, noticing her, and then remembered that Xiao Fuzi belonged to Shimei.

Gently grasping Xiao Fuzi by the scruff of its neck, Baishi handed the cat over to Shimei.

Accepting Xiao Fuzi, Shimei asked with a smile, "Are you shopping here?" Glancing behind Baishi, her expression suddenly changed. The shop behind him bore no signboard, only a bare doorframe with a small black placard adorned with a pink camellia.

Zan Yue and Hong Ye exchanged glances, recognizing it as a 'flower board' indicating the name of a courtesan residing inside – essentially a private brothel.

Noticing Shimei's sudden change of expression, Baishi asked, "What's wrong?"

Holding Xiao Fuzi, Shimei turned and walked away quickly.

Xiaohui quickly ran after the cat, shooting a fierce glare at Bai She before leaving.

Baishi stood, baffled by the situation.

Ming Fu chuckled loudly, mockingly saying, "Ah, I thought she found a wealthy suitor so quickly, but it seems she's no different than those courtesans."

Ming Fu's biting remark made Baishi frown slightly. He turned back, his gaze falling on the placard, and suddenly he burst into a wry smile, understanding the misunderstanding.

Red Ye, enraged by Ming Fu's comment, stepped forward to retaliate, but Zan Yue quickly intervened, urging, "Hey, Hong Ye."

Confused about Zan Yue's intervention, Hong Ye saw her suddenly become agitated, insisting, "We can't hit her, let's talk this out..."

Meanwhile, Zan Yue winked at Hong Ye.

Hong Ye paused momentarily, then stepped forward. Zan Yue discreetly stepped back, accidentally stepping on Ming Fu's toe, and quickly turned to slap her...

A sharp "slap" sound echoed as Zan Yue's hand accurately struck Ming Fu's cheek.

Hong Ye was taken aback.

Zan Yue quickly apologized, "Oh no, Your Highness, it was an accident, I was just trying to stop the fight."

Mingfu, gritting her teeth and on the verge of an outburst, heard Zan Yu say, "Hey, compared to the whipping I endured in the royal mansion, you got off easy, my lady. Please don't tell His Highness about this; I'm scared."

Mingfu's face turned beet red, and she had no choice but to swallow her anger in silence. Everyone knew she had fallen out of favor with the Prince, and since she wronged Zan Yu first, she couldn't retaliate even when hit back.

Seeing a crowd gathering, Luan Jingyi, worried about escalating the situation, quickly pulled Mingfu away.

Hongye looked back and glared at the two, then turned to Zan Yu and remarked, "You really handled that well."

Zan Yue raised an eyebrow, "She had no right to hit you, but when I hit her, she doesn't dare to fight back! I've wanted to do that for a long time!"

While speaking, they turned to find Baishi had already disappeared.

Annoyed, Hong Ye said to Zan Yue, "Let's go see what's going on!" Rushing into the brothel, they were instantly dumbfounded by what they saw inside.