Chapter 107 Plum Blossom Pure Balm

Chapter 107 Plum Blossom Pure Balm

The high-proof liquor used to extract the aromatic substances was distilled by Qiu Huanian using traditional methods. Although it was not pure alcohol, its alcohol concentration was much higher than that of ordinary liquor in the Yu Dynasty.

This Plum Blossom Balm was Qiu Huanian's most expensive product in terms of ingredients, so he didn't hesitate to set a high price, specifically aimed at the upper-class scholars' wallets.

It is often said that all occupations are inferior, only studying is superior. Those who have studied to the upper echelons, except for eccentric individuals like Du Yunse's mentor, the great scholar Wen Huiyang, who couldn't keep money and enjoyed traveling in poverty, are all wealthier than one another.

In fact, after changing the flowers ten times, the fat mixture saturated with the fragrance of plum blossoms could already serve as a balm. However, Qiu Huanian felt that applying pure animal oil directly to the skin was too greasy, so he decided to take a few more steps.

By soaking the fat mixture in high-proof liquor for ten days, the aromatic substances originally dissolved in the oil would be extracted into the alcohol, while the oil would turn into clumps of milky white flocculent, resembling the oddly shaped stalactites in caves.

Filtering the contents of the jar yielded the original version of Plum Blossom Fragrance. Heating the liquid to evaporate the alcohol would produce pure Plum Blossom Essence, each drop containing the boundless fragrance of plum blossoms.

In summer, selling fragrance might be worth a try, but in winter, making solid balm was still better.

Qiu Huanian mixed Plum Blossom Essence, tea oil, and beeswax in a certain proportion, heated them until the raw materials melted, and stirred them evenly. Then, he poured the mixture into specially ordered wide-mouthed small porcelain jars, slightly larger than a copper coin.

The jars were coated with beautiful red glaze, and the lids were engraved with the emblem of "Qiu's Six Staples." From the lid to the body of the jar, a beautiful cotton paper label with the words "Plum Blossom Pure Balm" was affixed. Next to the calligraphy personally written by Du Yunse were a few small plum blossoms, perfectly complementing the theme.

The first batch of Plum Blossom Pure Balm handmade by Qiu Huanian yielded twenty-four jars, taking more than twenty days to complete. By the time he finished, the plum blossoms on the estate were in full bloom, and it was almost December.

Qiu Huanian's first test subject was naturally Du Yunse.

Du Yunse calculated the day Qiu Huanian's balm would be ready and, on that day, cleared his schedule in advance. He dressed casually and read in the warm study, where a smokeless silver charcoal stove was burning.

Qiu Huanian entered with the balm. Du Yunse was reading a crucial passage, his brows slightly furrowed, his deep eyes focused on the book. From his smooth forehead to his straight nose, down to his sharp jawline and sexy Adam's apple, a smooth and expressive line was traced.

After entering, Qiu Huanian gently knocked on the door.

Du Yunse's eyelashes fluttered, and he looked up, the chill in his expression melting away, instantly returning from his reverie to the present.

"Why didn't you go out today? Did I disturb your reading?"

Du Yunse stood up and approached, "It's fine. I was waiting for you today."

Qiu Huanian raised an eyebrow and smiled, "Waiting for me? I think you just want to trick me into giving you my balm."

"Didn't Brother Hua already bring it himself?"

Qiu Huanian picked up a small jar of balm and squinted as he looked Du Yunse up and down.

"Where should I apply it?"

"What's the difference?"

Qiu Huanian spoke with conviction, "As the ancient saying goes, 'From afar, I know it's not snow, for there is a hidden fragrance.' The fragrance of plum blossoms lies in their purity and subtlety. Where one applies it should also be considered."

"Applied to the inner wrist, it naturally disperses with every movement, a subtle fragrance wafting from the sleeves; applied to the neck, it drifts into the nose when passing by, a delicate fragrance lingering in the air."

"Applied to the chest..."

Qiu Huanan didn't continue, looking at Du Yunse with a meaningful smile.

A glimmer of amusement flashed in Du Yunse's eyes as he played along, "What does applying it to the chest mean?"

Qiu Huanan looked around to ensure no one was nearby, then suddenly reached out and pulled open Du Yunse's collar, revealing a small patch of fair skin.

He dipped his index and middle fingers into the balm, swirling them a few times, and applied it to that specific area.

Suddenly, Qiu Huanian was drawn into Du Yunse's arms, his arm still lifted, his cheek pressed tightly against Du Yunse's chest.

The delicate fragrance of plum blossoms and Du Yunse's own warm scent lingered at the tip of his nose, so close it was almost palpable.

Du Yunse's ambiguous voice came from above, "Brother Hua, you still haven't answered my question."

Qiu Huanian blinked, his face red as he whispered, "If applied to the chest, it naturally becomes a warm and soft fragrance—"

"Only I can detect it."

Du Yunse lifted Qiu Huanian by his waist, took a few steps, and set him on the desk. Qiu Huanian instinctively swallowed, while Du Yunse's voice remained calm.

"It seems applying it to the chest isn't ideal. If no one else can detect it, wouldn't it be wasted?"

As he spoke, he carefully untied Qiu Huanian's sash, folded it neatly, and placed it on a nearby book.

Qiu Huanian tensed his back, still feigning innocence, "You're right. I was hoping you'd help me promote it. If others can't smell it—mmph—"

Qiu Huanian shivered as Du Yunse's large, calloused hand slipped into his inner robe, touching his sensitive waist. The rough texture of the calluses sent shivers through his body.

"Why doesn't Brother Hua continue?"

The instigator asked as he started to remove the last pieces of clothing from the young lad, whose face was flushed and eyes glistening.

"..."

Qiu Huanian clenched his teeth, then suddenly lunged forward, wrapping his limbs around Du Yunse.

The study echoed with hurried footsteps as items on the desk were hastily moved aside. The silver charcoal in the brazier radiated warmth, and in the enclosed room, the scent of plum blossoms became increasingly rich and warm.

...

Qiu's Six Staples had launched new products again. The previously empty shelves now displayed something, though it wasn't for sale.

A striking painting of plum blossoms in the snow adorned the shelf, with a line of small characters written beside it:

—"Plum Blossom Clear Balm, derived from the jade-like essence and icy core of the noble plum, enhancing the gentleman's elegance."

Was Qiu's Six Staples finally releasing floral products again?

After the news spread from the shop, the noblewomen, deprived of floral scents since the osmanthus flowers faded, were immediately intrigued, sending people to inquire.

Even in the south, where the perfume industry was well-developed, there was no technique to directly extract plum blossoms for floral essence or balm. At most, other fragrances were used to mimic the plum blossom scent, always falling slightly short.

This Plum Blossom Clear Balm from Qiu's Six Staples claimed to be made from the jade-like essence and icy core of plum blossoms, but was it truly derived entirely from plum blossoms?

If it was true, Lady Qishu behind Qiu's Six Staples must be truly remarkable!

No matter how curious the customers who loved Qiu's Six Staples' previous floral essences and clear extracts were, the shopkeepers and clerks strictly followed Qiu Huanian's orders, refusing to reveal any information about the Plum Blossom Clear Balm. The empty shelves remained adorned only with the painting, with no products in sight.

The more they concealed, the more curious people became, spreading the news far and wide.

A few days later, when the highly anticipated Plum Blossom Clear Balm had already become famous in Xiangping Prefecture, Du Yunse received an invitation to a grand plum blossom viewing and poetry gathering.

In the warm and spacious room, the stove burned fiercely, and outside the window, a forest of red and white plum blossoms bloomed brilliantly. The literati of Xiangping Prefecture admired the plum blossoms, drank wine, and composed masterful poems, which were then sung by performers with fragrant breath, accompanied by the pipa.

Whether judged by the quality of the poems or the status of the poets, Du Yunse, the newly crowned top scholar, was undoubtedly hailed as the poetry champion.

Du Yunse stood up, elegantly toasting and congratulating his fellow attendees. Everyone noticed the perfectly balanced plum blossom fragrance that emanated from him.

An official, having drunk a bit too much, laughed with a tipsy grin, "How do the plum blossoms in the garden know who among us has the highest poetic talent, showing such favor to Du Jieyuan that he alone is blessed with such a delightful plum fragrance?"

Upon hearing his words, everyone chuckled kindly, offering congratulations and playful teasing.

Du Yunse calmly replied, "It’s not the plum blossoms favoring me, but my husband’s doing."

Someone was momentarily stunned, then quickly realized, "Could it be the plum blossom fragrance from Qiu's Six Staples?"

Qiu's Six Staples, run by Lady Qishu, was quite famous in Xiangping Prefecture.

Many at the table recalled the elusive plum blossom fragrance that they had been hearing about daily from their siblings, wives, and mothers.

"It’s said that Qiu's Six Staples only has a painting of plum blossoms hanging in the shop, and the fragrance hasn’t been put on sale yet."

"Du Jieyuan is the only one in all of Xiangping Prefecture to have tried it first, truly 'husband’s favor' indeed."

"What a brilliant idea to capture the icy essence and jade-like purity of the plum blossom. This serene fragrance is almost indistinguishable from plum blossoms, without a trace of artificial scent. It’s the perfect fragrance for a scholar!"

In ancient times, regardless of gender, those who could afford it loved to use incense, such as various precious fragrances like agarwood, sandalwood, dragon's blood, and musk. Men used them just as much as women and young men.

But fragrances made from roses and other flowers were often criticized for being too powdery, and if a man used them, he’d surely be labeled as frivolous and reckless.

However, the plum blossom fragrance on Du Yunse was just right—subtle and refined, complementing the plum forest outside, and paired with the widely praised plum blossom poem, it was the height of sophistication!

Looking back at that poem now, Du Jieyuan was not so much appreciating the plum blossoms as he was writing about the plum fragrance!

The name of the plum blossom fragrance, along with today's poem, will spread. It’s sure to spark desire among scholars and noble ladies alike.

"Du Jieyuan, when will this plum blossom fragrance be available for purchase?"

"Yes, yes, when exactly will it be sold? Considering we've shared wine and poetry today, Du Jieyuan, could you arrange for the shop to sell us a few jars ahead of time?"

...

From officials to famous scholars, they all came forward to inquire about the plum blossom fragrance with Du Yunse.

And Du Yunse, from start to finish, said that the matter was decided by his husband, and he couldn’t make any promises on his own.

Those at the table could only leave regretfully, joining the crowd eager to learn more about the plum blossom fragrance, and quickly spreading the events of the poetry gathering. Now, not only the noble ladies but also the scholars were eagerly anticipating, wanting to emulate the elegance of the Jieyuan.

Qiu Huanian received a wave of requests for the plum blossom fragrance, even catching the attention of Min Taikang, the headmaster of Qingfeng Academy, and Su Xinbai, who was increasingly burdened and in seclusion for pregnancy.

Things were developing as planned, and Qiu Huanian still hadn’t said when the fragrance would be sold, only sending a wave of the plum blossom fragrance to influential individuals who could help spread the word, such as Min Taikang, the headmaster of Qingfeng Academy, Su Yi, the Left Administration Commissioner, Si Jing, the prefect, and Feng Mingjun, the educational commissioner.

As for Su Xinbai, Qiu Huanian chose a sunny day to visit the Zhu residence, personally delivering the fragrance and catching up with his good friend.

By December, less than a month from the New Year, wealthy households like the Zhu family had already begun preparations.

This year, the noble lady of the house was pregnant for the first time, and the managers of the Zhu residence were overjoyed, handing out bonuses several times, and as the year-end approached, they rewarded a month's salary, making all the servants jubilant.

Qiu Huanian walked through the Zhu residence with familiarity, and along the way, servants sweeping beams, pasting window decorations, and hanging lanterns all paused their tasks, greeting him with smiling faces, the air buzzing with holiday cheer.

Qiu Huanian passed by the courtyards that used to belong to the second branch of the Zhu family, found them empty, was momentarily stunned, then continued forward.

Upon meeting Su Xinbai, Qiu Huanian waved the fragrance in front of him, then handed it to Dian Mo.

"Although nothing harmful has been added, you are pregnant after all, for safety's sake, just smell it a bit, and use it after the child is born."

Su Xinbai squinted, somewhat displeased, much like when Qiu Huanian teased Nai Shuang with a fish but didn’t let her have it.

Dian Mo thought Qiu Huanian's words made sense, "I'll apply a little on my wrist, let Su Xinbai smell it, and then I'll wash it off. There are only two months left until the due date, I dare not take any risks."

Su Xinbai knew both of them were right, so he just gave a soft hum.

Su Xinbai's belly was now so big that it made Qiu Huanian somewhat fearful. Although Zhu Jingcheng provided the best care in every way, Su Xinbai still endured a lot, with some swelling in his body and a listless expression.

Several wet nurses, midwives, and experienced caretakers had long been prepared, all staying in the courtyard on standby. Everything was ready, just waiting for the baby to arrive.

"Still not feeling hungry?"

Su Xinbai shook his head, "Originally, I couldn't eat anything, but a few days ago I tried the smoked fish newly sold in your shop, and it was quite good, so I managed to eat a bit more porridge."

Su Xinbai had tried almost every kind of food that flies in the sky, runs on the ground, and swims in the water, but in the end, it was a simple smoked fish that did the trick.

Dian Mo laughed, "Originally, the midwife’s assistant bought some for himself to eat, but when Su Xinbai caught a whiff of it, he suddenly had an appetite. Now someone goes to Qiu's Six Staples early every day to buy smoked fish for him."

Qiu Huanian couldn't help but laugh, "If I had known that smoked fish could solve the problem, I would have sent it to you earlier, and you would’ve suffered less."

Su Xinbai hummed in agreement, but said nothing. However, when Qiu Huanian reached out to touch his belly again, he did not swat away his hand.

Qiu Huanian's hand rested lightly on the bulging belly, not daring to use any force, feeling the faint pulse of life beneath the skin.

"...Life is truly miraculous."

Su Xinbai looked at him, "How is it miraculous?"

Qiu Huanian smiled and shook his head, "Seeing you go through so much, I'm a bit worried, in the future..."

Su Xinbai understood his meaning, hesitated for a moment, and then said in a low voice, "If it weren't for Jingcheng, I wouldn't want to endure this hardship, but now, although it seems very hard, when I think that this is our child, I—"

Su Xinbai paused, unable to continue. If it weren't for wanting to comfort Qiu Huanian, he wouldn't have said a word.

"In short, whether it’s worth the hardship depends on whose child it is, and how much you want this child. You..."

Su Xinbai stopped speaking, he saw Qiu Huanian's gaze turn towards the door.

Su Xinbai instinctively turned his head and saw Zhu Jingcheng standing by the outer door, waiting to warm up, not knowing how long he had been standing there or how much he had heard.