Chapter Thirteen: The Tide-Viewing Garden

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Wang Siyi admired, “He is indeed devoted, still thinking of you after all this time! Most likely trying to concoct a fragrant ointment to please you.”

Wang Siyi’s family background was not as distinguished as Gu Xirou’s. Her father was merely a scholar of modest rank, at best a family of literary refinement, and she had no aspirations of marrying into a prestigious clan like Gu Xirou. She envied how Jiang Han treated Gu Xirou.

Upon hearing this, Gu Xirou couldn’t help but smile faintly. Although she did not like Jiang Han, knowing that the man she had broken off her engagement with was still trying every possible way to make fragrant ointments to win her favor gave her a sense of pride.

“Honestly, even if he manages to make fragrant ointments, so what? Can his ointments compare to the Yin family’s? Besides, has he ever succeeded in any business venture?”

Wang Siyi replied, “Actually, Young Master Jiang is quite sincere and devoted to you.”

Gu Xirou interrupted her, “Just the other day, I met with Yin Rong. As expected, Young Master Yin is elegant and brilliant.”

She shook her head with a hint of sarcasm, “Compared to Young Master Yin, Jiang Han is worlds apart—like clouds and mud.”

“I, Gu Xirou, am fond of literary grace and refined elegance, a man capable of building an achievement, not a mediocre, honest fellow.”

“I only hope that after marriage, I can enjoy the moonlit nights and recite poetry, not spend my days tending to a husband who accomplishes nothing, cooking his meals.”

Wang Siyi felt that her friend’s expectations might be somewhat idealistic, but considering her choice, it was not wrong.

The Yin family’s fragrant ointment business was extensive; even princesses and consorts in the imperial palace ordered from the Mianxiang Workshop. The Yin family’s second branch held a high-ranking official position in the court...

As for Yin Rong himself, he was already a successful candidate in the imperial examinations, and even without proceeding to the highest degree, he had opportunities to become an official.

In terms of literary talent and family background, Jiang Han could not compare to Young Master Yin.

A smile appeared on Gu Xirou’s face. “By the way, do you know about the literary gathering at Cuiyun Garden? I heard it was hosted by a great figure, and even the renowned scholar Zhongli You was invited.”

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Wang Siyi nodded, “Of course I know. That gathering attracted many talents! The greatest scholars in Luoyang all attended. It is said to be hosted by an influential person from the imperial palace, intended to foster friendship through literature. It was quite lively.”

Gu Xirou said, “Young Master Yin has already found out where the great scholar lives and plans to take me to visit Zhongli You. He asked me to bring some poems and verses. If I can gain the scholar’s favor, perhaps my works will be included in the Grand Yu Anthology.”

The thought filled her with joy, a smile creeping up her lips.

The Gu family was also of scholarly heritage, so she naturally knew how to compose poetry and lyrics. If this time her poems could be appreciated by the great scholar Zhongli You and, by chance, published in the Grand Yu Anthology, there would be no doubt she would become the top female talent in Luoyang.

Since its founding, very few women’s poems have been included in the Grand Yu Anthology, and those who have made it were renowned talented women in their regions.

Upon hearing this, Wang Siyi looked admiring and praised, “Xirou, if you become the number one female talent in Luoyang, don’t forget me.”

Gu Xirou proudly responded, “Of course not. How could I forget you? We will go together then.”

Wang Siyi happily said, “Thank you, Xirou, you’re so kind.”

...

In the past few days, all the necessary preparations were nearly complete. The three hundred taels of silver earned from selling poems had mostly been spent, mainly on glass bottles and liquor.

Fortunately, the results were quite good; the first batch of perfume was bottled in over three hundred containers.

Though the number seemed small, if all were sold, Jiang Han could make a modest profit.

Jiang Han considered that to expand further, he would need to hire more people and order additional distillation equipment.

After some thought, Jiang Han went to Cuiyun Garden again to inquire about the residence of Zhongli You, only to learn that Zhongli You no longer lived there but had moved to Wangchao Cottage by Yunmeng Lake.

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“Thank you for the information.”

The next day, Jiang Han brought several bottles of perfume and headed to Wangchao Cottage.

Yunmeng Lake was not far from Cuiyun Garden, and Wangchao Cottage consisted of two bamboo houses built by the lakeside.

From a distance, Jiang Han gazed at Yunmeng Lake, sunlight shimmering on the rippling water, occasional fish leaping through white waves, and waterfowl searching for food along the shore.

“Hmm, this place... must be great for fishing! I have business today; I’ll come back another day to fish here.”

Before he reached Wangchao Cottage, a man stopped him. “Young master, may I ask your business?”

“Is the great scholar Zhongli You present? I am Jiang Han, seeking an audience with him. Please inform him.” Jiang Han replied.

The man glanced at Jiang Han with some impatience, “Wait here.”

After a brief moment, the man returned eagerly, his demeanor now completely changed, smiling brightly. “Young Master Jiang, Lord Zhongli requests your presence.”

As Jiang Han followed him into Wangchao Cottage, three figures appeared not far away, approaching the cottage as well.