Ch 116: A Household Name
Ziqing, beaming, skipped into the room, her steps light as she went straight to Meng Qingjiao: “Madam, I have good news! The Ningxiang Pavilion west of the city, due to a shortage of goods supply, has been closed for business.”
Meng Qingjiao, upon hearing this, a flash of unrestrained delight crossed her eyes, the corners of her mouth curving slightly, her tone laced with a hint of disdain: “Is that so? Meng Tingyue is truly foolish, closing her shop at this crucial moment, wasting Princess Luo Jia’s careful planning.”
Seeing this, Ziqing added fuel to the fire, gazing at her Madam with adoration: “Madam is still so wise. Yesterday, at the Perfume Tasting Banquet, Madam attended with the Ningxiang Pills, and for a time, those Madams and Noble Ladies vied for them, orders pouring in like a tide.”
“Our artisans worked day and night, overtime to produce new goods, only to have them swept away in less than a day.”
“I just inquired carefully, and yesterday alone, our shop earned one thousand taels of silver—more than the other shops in the mansion have earned in half a year.”
Meng Qingjiao, upon hearing this, her delight intensified: “Excellent! Immediately arrange for this one thousand taels of silver to be used entirely for the production of Ningxiang Pills.”
“Also, change the strategy of those shops in the mansion with mediocre revenue, and have them sell the Ningxiang Pills.”
“Yes, Madam,” Ziqing readily agreed, and with light steps, she retreated.
Meng Qingjiao watched her leave, slowly sipping her fragrant tea.
After taking two sips of the tea, a hint of fastidiousness briefly crossed her brows, then she slowly put down her cup.
“Someone, quickly prepare some top-quality bird’s nest soup for This Palace.”
…
Meanwhile, Meng Tingyue was in her room studying the Ningxiang Pills sold by Ningxiang Residence.
At that moment, Yan Hong quietly entered the room, her steps light, stopping slowly beside Meng Tingyue.
Lowering her voice, she softly reported: “Just as the Crown Princess predicted, that frequent visitor from the West Garden has been lingering around the North Garden recently, sometimes softly singing and reciting poems outside the North Garden gate. This action has caused several curious girls within the North Garden to peek out.”
“The guards of the North Garden stopped the visitor from the West Garden, but did not stop the girls of the North Garden. Several girls could not hold back, and actively approached him to talk.”
“Which beauty is it?” Meng Tingyue’s face remained calm, still carefully grinding the herbal medicine, as if asking about a trivial matter.
“It is Miss Qiao.”
Upon hearing this name, Meng Tingyue’s movements unintentionally slowed, a thoughtful smile curving her lips: “Oh, Qiao Lige?”
If she remembered correctly, Qiao Lige’s initial target was the Crown Prince. Why has she changed her target?
“Since she lost face in front of the Crown Prince, has Qiao Lige made any moves?”
Yan Hong respectfully replied, “Since then, she has been much more restrained, and has not made any further moves.”
Meng Tingyue, upon hearing this, her eyes flickered, thoughtfully: “That’s strange. She can actually be so quiet…”
After a moment, she spoke again, her voice tinged with inquiry: “Has Qiao Lige gone to see Zheng Steward again?”
Yan Hong shook her head: “No.”
“What about Erquan? Has there been any news from him?” Meng Tingyue asked again, her tone a little urgent.
A few days ago, she had ordered Qingdian to find out about Erquan, hoping to learn something about the Chen Family, but was told that Erquan had been sent out by Zheng Steward to purchase goods.
Yan Hong quickly responded: “I have sent someone to investigate, and now we have some clues.”
“Good,” Meng Tingyue nodded slightly, raising her finger slightly, “Keep an eye on the West Garden and North Garden. Report to This Palace immediately if anything happens.”
Yan Hong responded and slowly retreated.
After Yan Hong’s figure disappeared behind the door, Meng Tingyue softly called out, and Qingdian, waiting outside the door, entered, her steps light.
“How is the buzz you were ordered to create for Ningxiang Residence in the city going?”
Qingdian, demure and respectful, replied: “Reporting to the Crown Princess, I have followed your orders, sending people to spread the good name of Ningxiang Residence throughout every corner of Jingdu.”
“Now, whether it is an elderly person with white hair in an alleyway, or a young child on the street, they are all familiar with Ningxiang Residence. Its reputation is well-known throughout the households.”
“As for Ningxiang Residence’s goods, they are extremely popular and in high demand.”
Meng Tingyue, upon hearing this, a satisfied smile curved her lips, and she softly instructed: “If that’s the case, then there’s no need to promote Ningxiang Residence any further.”
“Pass the order, let those who are spreading the reputation conceal their tracks, and give them a generous amount of silver, letting them quietly leave Jingdu, the farther the better.”
Qingdian responded in agreement.
Meng Tingyue said: “Send another team of people to secretly spread the news in front of Meng Mansion and Prince Qing’s Mansion, saying that the shop is owned by Princess Qing, and is now making a lot of money.”
She had carefully examined the Ningxiang Paste. Although she hadn’t completely analyzed its formula, knowing that it contained a fragrance that caused skin itching was enough.
I hope Meng Qingjiao likes this carefully prepared gift.
Qingdian softly said: “Those artisans who are specifically responsible for making the Ningxiang Paste, upon learning that the shop has temporarily closed due to a shortage of Ningxiang Paste, have all expressed their willingness to work overtime to quickly make up for this shortage.”
“The shopkeeper heard this and sent someone here to hear your instructions, Crown Princess.”
Meng Tingyue shook her head slightly, her expression firm and unwavering: “Tell them to follow the usual pace and not rush.”
“If anyone works overtime without authorization, once discovered, have them find another job.”
“This Palace does not keep those who disobey the rules.”
Qingdian bowed slightly and lightly retreated.
Meng Tingyue set aside the Ningxiang Pills, picked up the basket of herbs beside them, and began to study a new scented ointment.
—
Imperial Palace
The officials finished court.
Mr. Meng had just come down the steps when a colleague approached him.
“Mr. Meng, you truly have virtuous daughters. You are very fortunate!”
Mr. Meng, upon hearing this, frowned slightly and politely bowed, “Master Zhou, what do you mean? I hope you will enlighten me.”
Master Zhou, upon seeing this, a look of surprise flashed in his eyes, “Mr. Meng does not yet know?”
Seeing Mr. Meng’s sincere confusion, Master Zhou slowly explained, “Mr. Meng, have you heard of the recently famous Ningxiang Residence in the South of the City?”
Mr. Meng nodded, his expression thoughtful, “I have heard of it.”
“That shop is opened by Princess Qing, and the goods in the shop are in high demand.”
Master Zhou gently stroked his meticulously groomed beard, his eyes shining with envy.
