Chapter Twenty-Five: The Conversation

A sudden downpour at dusk had left the air bitingly cold. Beneath a waning moon and heavy clouds, a gentle breeze stirred.

In an elegant study within the Yin family manor, Yin Qianzhou, the head of the Yin household, sat at a tea table, idly turning a cricket cage in his hands. Though a merchant by trade, he favored the attire of a scholar, dressed in a sky-blue Confucian robe of exquisite fabric. Seated across from him were his third brother, Yin Lianheng, a registrar at the Jingzhao Prefecture, and his eldest son, Yin Rong. A porcelain bottle sat prominently on the table.

"This fragrant dew—is it truly the work of that Jiang Han? Are you certain there’s no mistake?" Yin Qianzhou asked.

"I’ve had people look into it. It is indeed that lad’s creation, though whether he had his father’s help is unclear," Yin Lianheng paused, then continued, "The product is excellent. The fragrance is richer and more natural than our scented balms, and it is far more convenient to use. It is likely not inferior to our 'Purple Cotton Fragrance.' In just these past two days, his shop has earned at least a thousand taels of silver. I estimate his costs are quite low. However, given the small scale of his shop, his output is limited and does not yet pose a threat to our business."

Yin Qianzhou placed the cricket cage on the tea tray and picked up the porcelain bottle. He pulled the wooden stopper and took a whiff; with his years of experience in trade, he immediately recognized the immense commercial potential.

His eyes darkened. "If he intends to expand, he will eventually threaten our 'Purple Cotton Fragrance.' How did he come to know Zhongli You?"

Yin Lianheng replied, "Jiang Zhensheng once visited Zhongli You, and the three poems of 'Longing' that have been circulating recently are also said to be written by him. Perhaps it was these three poems that allowed Jiang Han to gain Zhongli You's acquaintance."

"So, it was merely through poetry," Yin Qianzhou mused.

Yin Rong interjected, "I once visited Zhongli You and saw Jiang Han walking beside him, laughing and chatting. But in my view, those three poems could not possibly be the work of Jiang Han. Think about it: if Jiang Han possessed such talent, how could he have become the laughingstock of Yunyang County?"

Yin Qianzhou nodded. "Those poems were likely written by Jiang Zhensheng, who simply gifted the literary fame to Jiang Han. It serves two purposes: first, to secure a reputation, and second, to use Zhongli You to promote this 'Fragrant Dew.' Jiang Zhensheng is quite calculating."

Yin Qianzhou set the bottle down and asked, "What was the outcome of the literary gathering at Cuiyun Pavilion?"

Yin Lianheng pondered. "According to news from my second brother, the gathering was hosted by the Ninth Princess herself. Beyond just feigning interest in the arts, she seems to be using the event to scout for a consort. If it were any other princess, it might not matter, but this Ninth Princess is the full sister of the current Crown Prince and is deeply favored. As such, many talented scholars from Luoyang have flocked here. The great scholar Gu Qingqiu even brought his disciple, Yuan Bin, to Yunyang. But for now, the Ninth Princess seems particularly fond of those three poems of 'Longing'."

Yin Qianzhou muttered, "The boy has truly struck gold. Since he has caught the eye of so many, we cannot simply use force to obtain the formula."

Yin Rong sneered, "A hollow vessel is a hollow vessel; he cannot fool everyone forever. As long as Jiang Han is forced to compose on the spot, his flaws will be exposed. I intend to have the Yunyang Poetry Society hold a gathering during the Qingming Festival and invite him. We shall expose his true colors during the event! Once Zhongli You and the Ninth Princess see through him, we will no longer have to tread carefully."

Yin Qianzhou nodded after a moment’s thought. "That will do. The Ninth Princess is the Empress’s own daughter. If you can expose Jiang Han at the gathering and win her favor, it will be of great benefit to our family."

Yin Rong hesitated. "Father, isn't the second uncle working for the Third Prince?"

Yin Qianzhou said coldly, "One does not put all their eggs in one basket. Do your best in this matter, but the primary goal remains the formula for the Fragrant Dew. If we obtain it, our Cotton Fragrance Workshop will monopolize the market. If we don’t, our balms will certainly be threatened."

"I understand, Father."

"Aside from that, send men to investigate the source of the materials he uses to make the dew."

"I know what to do."

...

In a private chamber at Cuiyun Pavilion, Princess Qin Yunmian rested her chin on her hands, gazing at the moonlight. "His fragrant dew is truly wonderful. My fourth sister loves it, and the eldest daughters of the Ning and Zhong households are also obsessed. He really is quite the businessman! And those three poems written for the flowers are also exquisite... but... why didn't he accept my investment that day?"

Meng Hongshang, who was busy devouring food at the table, wiped the grease from her mouth. "Tell me, is there a possibility that he just didn't understand what you were asking for?"

Qin Yunmian blinked. "He didn't understand?"

Meng Hongshang continued, "Even though I wasn't there, I can guess from your description that he likely misunderstood. If he wants to expand his business, fresh flowers are the key, and there aren't many large flower plantations in Yunyang County."

Qin Yunmian’s eyes crinkled into crescents. "My father gave me a fief. I can have them plant flowers there, and the problem will be solved. I can also build a workshop... or I could change my approach: I could lease the land to him and become his manager."

Meng Hongshang curled her lip. "Your Highness, nothing is even settled yet, and you're already this invested. But is it just because of a few poems that you like him? I mean, are you perhaps just projecting an idealized image of him in your heart because of his work?"

Qin Yunmian sighed softly. "Actually, I don't like him just because of those poems. At most, it's just a little bit of interest. But compared to those noble heirs, he is already far superior. Rather than choosing a noble I don't care for, I would rather make my own decision."

Meng Hongshang felt that Qin Yunmian was being quite determined. Even if Jiang Han were good at business, how could he compare to the sons of nobles? But, upon reflection, this man had hidden his talent for over a decade, only to reveal it all at once—and that revelation had stunned so many with the Fragrant Dew. That was something those pampered heirs could never achieve.

"If you really want to make him a consort, it will inevitably lead to gossip. After all, he is currently just a merchant. You wouldn't want him to be the subject of such talk, would you?" Meng Hongshang’s eyes darted around.

"You're right. I intend to ask the great scholar Zhongli to take him as a disciple," Qin Yunmian whispered, then frowned. "But the great scholar said that Jiang Han’s poetic talent is not inferior to his own, and he wishes to treat him as an equal..."

Meng Hongshang chuckled. "Then have him find someone else to study under. For instance, what if you had him join the Xian Sect?"

Qin Yunmian stared at her, wide-eyed. "You want to take him as your disciple?"

"The number one swordsman of the Great Yu, head of the Xian Sect. What? Do I not have the qualifications?" Meng Hongshang replied.