Mudan’s words silenced the group. Cheng Meiniang fanned herself and laughed lightly, “Sister He, your wish to let everyone see flowers is truly grand. However, I believe people are born into different classes, as are flowers. Whether one can afford to grow them or not is predetermined. Still, I’d like to visit your garden when it’s ready. If it’s truly beautiful, I might even rent it for a party. Even if you don’t want to charge more, I won’t let you lose money.”
Xue Niang exclaimed, “Sister Meiniang, don’t forget what you said today!”
Cheng Meiniang smiled, “I always keep my word and don’t like to bully people needlessly. Those who know me understand I’m fair. If the garden is well-built, I’ll be the first customer to hold a spring banquet there. Whether you’re doing this to support yourself or to fulfill a dream, refusing to rely on others shows spirit.” She glanced at Qi Yuzhu.
Qi Yuzhu frustrated that no one supported her views on Mudan’s lower status, grew increasingly upset, unable to understand her misstep.
Lady Nineteen observed silently, examining her ivory fan as if it held a flower.
Xue Niang blinked, “Does that mean I’m useless?”
Cheng Meiniang gently pinched her cheek, “No, you’re very useful. At least you make people happy when they see you, instead of wanting to cry.”
Realizing Cheng Meiniang was mocking her makeup, Qi Yuzhu looked even more miserable, almost ready to leave. A kind girl beside her whispered some comforting words, slightly improving her mood.
Mudan, unsure of Cheng Meiniang’s identity or her reasons for targeting Qi Yuzhu, didn’t get her hopes up about future garden rentals. Still, she tentatively invited everyone, “When the garden is ready, I’ll invite you all to visit if you’re free.”
This time, no one objected. They all said, “You don’t know where we live, so have Xue Niang notify us. If we’re free, we’ll come.”
Xue Niang suddenly remembered why she had brought these people to Mudan. She tugged at Mudan’s sleeve, “Sister He, tell us about the lotus fragrance! You said there were other methods too, right? Share them with us all.” She whispered in Mudan’s ear, “After you gave me that fragrance last time, no one dared tease me anymore. Today, you must impress them! Ah, you’re wearing plum blossom fragrance today, it smells wonderful. Share this recipe only with me, so I can brag to them, okay?”
Amused by Xue Niang’s words, Mudan agreed and whispered a few words in her ear.
Qi Yuzhu coughed lightly, “Xue Niang, how inconsiderate. Sister He’s family runs a perfume shop. These fragrances must be trade secrets for profit. How could she easily share them with us? Don’t force her.”
Using shared interests to bridge gaps was a proven method. Mudan said, “Sister Yuzhu, don’t worry. Although we have a perfume shop, we don’t sell finished fragrances. I know a bit about perfume-making because my second brother enjoys it. I don’t know much, but I can exchange what I know with you all. If you like my methods, you can ask my second brother at our shop. He knows more and better techniques.”
Lady Nineteen spoke first, “I have a fragrance recipe from the palace that I can share.”
Mudan smiled and explained the lotus fragrance method: “One Liang of cloves, one liang of sandalwood, one liang of spikenard, half a liang of patchouli, half a liang of peony bark; two fens of fennel, lightly roasted. Grind all into powder, add a little musk, mix well, dip thin paper in it, and wrap in new cloth to wear close to the skin. You can add a bit of borneol, but avoid heat. The more you sweat, the more fragrant it becomes, perfect for hot weather.”
Lady Nineteen shared, “This one was taught to me by the late Princess Ning. Two liangs of agarwood were cut into pieces, wrapped in silk, and suspended in a pot. Soak in honey water and simmer for a day. Then take two liang of sandalwood, soak in clear tea overnight, and roast until the sandalwood scent is gone. Two qian of borneol, two qian of musk, one qian of ambergris, one qian of niter, grind into fine powder, mix with refined honey, store for a month, then add more borneol and musk, roll into balls, and use for incense as usual.”
Xue Niang cleared her throat and proudly shared the plum blossom fragrance recipe she had just learned from Mudan: “Two qian of cloves, one qian each of patchouli and sandalwood, five fens of lightly roasted fennel, five fens of costus root, one and a half qian each of spikenard and angelica dahurica, a little borneol, and musk, all chopped. Choose plum buds on a clear, windless, snowless day, tie them with silk thread in the evening to prevent blooming, and pick them with the stem before sunrise the next day. Mix with the fragrance ingredients, dry in the shade, and carry with you. It’s delightfully charming!”
A few other girls shared some common recipes, which didn’t attract much attention. Seeing the situation, Qi Yuzhu hurriedly shared Madam Pei’s secret deer antler cream recipe for beauty: “Two liang of deer antler cream, one liang each of Sichuan lovage rhizome, asarum, ampelopsis root, atractylodes, typhonium rhizome, asparagus root (cored), angelica dahurica, and apricot kernel. Grind into powder, mix with cow’s milk, and simmer in a silver pot until it becomes a paste. Apply a layer before bed, and wash off in the morning. It whitens and smoothens the skin effectively.”
Cheng Meiniang smiled, “We’re all refined ladies, but I can’t remember all this. Why don’t I ask for a brush and ink to write it down? Then we can each have a copy, wouldn’t that be better?” Without waiting for others’ opinions, she called for her maid to ask Li Manniang’s steward for writing materials. She then began writing on Shu’s paper.
Seeing her handwriting, Mudan smiled slightly, realizing Cheng Meiniang was indirectly showcasing her calligraphy skills. Qi Yuzhu, in love with Li Xing, saw all women as rivals and inadvertently provoked others to show off. Xue Niang, innocent and charming, with a high-ranking father, could lighten the mood well. Lady Nineteen, of noble birth, effortlessly displayed her refinement and connection to Princess Ning. Cheng Meiniang was bold and talented. These potential daughters-in-law chosen by Madam Cui for Li Xing were indeed impressive, each with their strengths. In Mudan’s view, Madam Cui likely favored Lady Nineteen.
While the noble ladies competed to stand out and secure a good marriage, Mudan was simply trying to network and promote her business. Realizing this was a win-win situation, Mudan genuinely appreciated and praised each person’s strengths. As a result, while not extremely close, everyone’s attitude towards her was positive. They all expressed interest in visiting the He family’s perfume shop and Mudan’s new garden when completed.
Only Qi Yuzhu, aware of Li Xing’s interest in Mudan, felt increasingly bitter, thinking Mudan had gone too far. From then on, she regarded Mudan with extreme suspicion.
When Madam Cui heard that Mudan had promoted the He family’s perfumes and her yet-to-open peony garden to these ladies, she angrily said, “This child doesn’t miss any opportunity to make money. Doesn’t she realize that if these people tell their families that our relatives only know how to do business, how will that look?” She then ordered someone to invite everyone to the banquet, ending the awkward situation.
The two groups were seated separately. Only Xue Niang, with Madam Dou’s permission, clung to Mudan like an octopus. She whispered in Mudan’s ear, “Do you know why these people came today?”
Mudan shook her head.
Xue Niang whispered, “I’ll tell you. They heard that the Emperor intends to make Prince Ning the Left Vice Director of the Department of State Affairs, and your cousin might get a good position. That’s why they came. Do you understand now?”
This was a signal that Prince Ning had a promising future, which would benefit the Li family. That’s why a girl from the Qinghe Wu clan was present. Mudan nodded, smiling at Xue Niang, wondering if Madam Dou had the same intention.
Seeing Mudan’s smile, Xue Niang blushed, “Don’t smile like that! I’m not here for that reason. I came because my mother is friends with Madam Li. If I had that intention, wouldn’t I be trying to please the hosts like them? Would I be here chatting idly with you?”
Seeing her red face, Mudan quickly apologized, “Yes, I was wrong to smile. I won’t smile anymore.” She then put on a serious face.
Xue Niang couldn’t help but laugh, reaching out to pinch Mudan’s cheek, “You look awful!”
After laughing for a while, Xue Niang leaned on Mudan’s shoulder and whispered, “Sister He, you don’t know me. Unless it’s that person, I wouldn’t bother trying to please anyone like they do. Otherwise, I find it tedious.”
Mudan smiled, “If you don’t like it, of course you’ll be reluctant to do anything.”
Xue Niang sighed heavily, “But sometimes, even if you’re willing to do something for someone, even if you just want to see them once more, you don’t get the chance.”
Mudan pinched her cheek, “You sound so serious. Does the little girl have something on her mind?”
Xue Niang remained silent, drinking her wine in one gulp. She turned to Mudan with a pleading smile, “Sister He, can I go to your estate with you tomorrow to play?”
Mudan replied, “I’m not going to the estate tomorrow. In a while, when I start planting flowers, I’ll stay there for some time. I’ll invite you then, okay?”