Chapter 24: The Arrival of Wang Siyi

By all rights, Jiang Han opening a perfume shop in Yunyang County should have been like tossing a small stone into a river—hardly causing any ripples.

Yet, within just two days, Anxiang Dew had become wildly popular in Yunyang County.

This was not merely due to the exquisite fragrance of Anxiang Dew, but also because Zhongli You himself had personally visited the shop to show support, and the couplet displayed at the entrance was written in his own hand.

On top of that, several splendid carriages had arrived at the alley that day.

Naturally, this sparked much discussion. Although ordinary people could not afford Anxiang Dew, the high price and Zhongli You’s endorsement quickly spread its fame, even reaching Luoyang City.

At first, the noble ladies and talented scholars sneered at Anxiang Dew. How could a humble perfume cost more than the renowned Mianxiang Workshop’s fragrant ointments?

Mianxiang Workshop offered two types of ointments: Purple Cotton Fragrance and Warm Soft Jade. Purple Cotton Fragrance, the high-end product, sold for twelve taels of silver per jar and was affordable only to noblewomen and palace members. Warm Soft Jade was aimed at ordinary ladies of good families, priced at two taels per jar.

Yet, a small bottle of Anxiang Dew cost five taels of silver—three taels more expensive than Warm Soft Jade. Bottled in colored glass, its price even rivaled Purple Cotton Fragrance, despite the latter containing a larger quantity.

However, after the first person used Anxiang Dew at a literary gathering, the others were instantly captivated.

Anxiang Dew truly smelled divine!

Natural, enduring.

It lived up to its name!

On the second day of business, people from Luoyang City arrived in carriages to purchase Anxiang Dew; those who disembarked were either wealthy or noble.

Originally, Jiang Han thought the product’s audience would primarily be young women, but to his surprise, more men than women came to buy.

Indeed, when it comes to flamboyance, men take the lead.

Business was so brisk that the first batch of perfume sold out. Jiang Han had to both produce more and run the shop, overwhelmed to the point that he had to call in his second sister to help.

Jiang Qingyan was stunned watching the daily silver flow in.

She had thought the first day’s success was due to Zhongli You’s influence. With Jiang Han’s steep pricing, she assumed few would continue buying. After all, who was foolish enough to spend several taels of silver on a small bottle of perfume?

Yet, she found there were plenty of wealthy fools in this world.

Watching Jiang Han’s perfume-making process in the courtyard, she couldn’t quite understand it but guessed the production costs were not high—the main expense was the liquor.

Subtracting costs, each bottle priced at ten taels of silver yielded a profit of at least eight taels.

A windfall!

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On the very first night of Anxiang Dew’s opening, Jiang Zhensheng heard the news. He was initially angry—his son was using the words “Anxiang,” implying a connection to the Anxiang Academy.

But upon learning that Zhongli You had personally supported the shop and that business was booming, Jiang Zhensheng fell into deep silence, filled with suspicion.

Was this still his worthless son?

Or had some wandering spirit possessed him?

“One shouldn’t speak of ghosts and spirits. Stop imagining nonsense!” he chided himself.

Meanwhile, Jiang Han was busier than ever, flustered and overwhelmed. Though his second sister helped, he couldn’t stay in the shop all day and had to hire two assistants.

Also, he needed to hurry the distillation of the strong liquor promised to Zhongli You.

Though the great scholar had retired from office, his status in literary circles remained high, and he likely wielded influence at court. It was essential to maintain good relations.

Ideally, they would become close friends across generations, so that if Jiang Han ever needed help, this esteemed gentleman could assist him.

Then there was the wealthy young lady—the small rich miss—who last time mentioned wanting to invest in his business. Jiang Han hadn’t understood at first, but upon reflection, she wanted to buy a stake in Anxiang Dew.

He would need to find time to discuss the investment.

There was much to handle; no need to rush.

That day, Jiang Han bought some books at the bookstore and, on returning, saw a woman standing hesitantly in front of the shop.

It was Wang Siy.

He knew her, at least.

“Master Jiang,” Wang Siy said, surprised to see him. She noticed he seemed like a changed man—not in appearance, but in demeanor.

No longer timid and unable to meet others’ gaze, he now carried himself openly, his eyes shining with a captivating spirit.

Since Gu Xirou’s broken engagement, Jiang Han appeared to have grown for the better. The thought flashed through Wang Siy’s mind.

“Miss Wang, are you here to buy some perfume? Please come right in.”

“Your Anxiang Dew is quite expensive. Since we know each other, could you offer me a discount?”

“Of course, I’ll give you a tenfold discount.”

Jiang Han stepped into the courtyard, and Wang Siy followed, scanning the crowded space, catching a faint fragrance.

“Master Jiang, your Anxiang Dew is truly popular. Many daughters of dukes come to buy it; the supply can’t keep up with demand! You’ve been so kind to Xirou to make perfume for her.”

Jiang Han raised an eyebrow. “When was this perfume ever made for her?”

“Isn’t it? You and Xirou grew up together, childhood sweethearts. I thought you made it for her,” Wang Siy feigned surprise, probing.

“You’re reading too much into it. I just want to make money,” Jiang Han replied.

“Make money?” Wang Siy smiled slightly. “And after that?”

“After making money, naturally I’ll buy a big mansion, marry several concubines, listen to music every day, fish, and visit the pleasure quarters,” Jiang Han said.

Wang Siy was momentarily stunned, then smiled wryly.

“Master Jiang, you’re truly a different man from before… You wouldn’t have so easily given up on Xirou in the past.”

“People change. Just because she broke off the engagement, am I supposed to cling to her like a fool? Isn’t that degrading? Besides, aren’t there plenty of beautiful girls in the world?” Jiang Han waved dismissively.

Wang Siy toyed with a strand of hair, thoughts stirring within her.

Since Gu Xirou’s broken engagement, Jiang Han had truly transformed, almost unrecognizable. Or perhaps no one had really known him before.

Such a young man, talented, savvy in business, with close ties to the great scholar Zhongli You!

With Zhongli’s backing and the overwhelming demand for Anxiang Dew, it was only a matter of time before he rivaled Mianxiang Workshop, or even surpassed it.

If the three verses of “Long Yearning” were also written by Jiang Han, his literary talent might even surpass Yin Rong.

Xirou may have misjudged him, but this could be Wang Siy’s opportunity.

“Master Jiang, you really are charming and handsome. I admit I misjudged you… How about selling me a bottle of this perfume at a cheaper price?” Wang Siy proposed.

Jiang Han waved his hand. “This perfume is not easy to make, but since you’re a friend, I’ll give you a discount… nine-tenths of the price.”

“Master Jiang, you’re so stingy!” Wang Siy laughed, placing nine taels of silver on the table.