After Gong Xiaohua and a few others left the Hundred Flowers Building, the Princess of Runan Palace arrived at Gao Daren's location.
"Uncle, congratulations on bringing back a beautiful woman," she said.
Gao Daren looked at his niece dressed in men's clothing and immediately changed his expression, showing a mix of doting and helplessness. He said, "Miaomiao, you sneaked out without telling your mother again, didn't you? You are such a naughty girl."
Miaomiao was the pet name of the Princess of Runan Palace, used only by those close to her. Others referred to her as the Jianan Principality Princess, bestowed by the current Liang King.
The Jianan Principality Princess walked up to Gao Daren and hooked her arm around his, acting coquettishly. She said, "Hmph, my mother keeps an eye on me every day. But you, Uncle, are much better. You can't tell on me to my mother."
"You, it's getting late. I will have someone escort you back," Gao Daren replied.
"Uncle, I'll go back later. But first, tell me, who helped you write that poem? It's really good, even better than the poems in Shangguan City," Miaomiao inquired.
"It was someone you don't know. Well, hurry back now," Gao Daren responded.
"Uncle~ I'm curious. Please tell me," she insisted.
"It was a young man, someone who looks quite good. Speaking of which, I just remembered that your mother has been worrying about your marriage. If I make him a county official, relying on the connections between your Runan Palace and my contacts in the capital, he can secure a decent position and barely be worthy of you," Gao Daren said.
He completely ignored the fact that the other person already had a beloved, thinking that even if the person were married, he could still make them divorce.
As soon as the topic of marriage came up, the Princess of Runan Palace immediately thought of the handsome man she had seen tonight. She blushed and said shyly, "I don't want that. I already have someone in my heart."
"Oh? Someone already? Do I know him?" Gao Daren asked.
"You don't know him. I just met him today," she replied.
"Cough, cough. You like someone after just meeting them once? Do you even know what kind of person he is? You say you like him," Gao Daren was surprised by her words. He was really worried. His niece had been too well-protected and had never seen the dark side of human nature. She only liked good-looking people without considering their character.
In the end, it was up to them, the elders, to worry about the consequences.
"I've grown up, and I have never seen a man more handsome than him. Besides, with my family background and the Emperor's favor towards me, as long as we are together, he won't dare to treat me poorly," she confidently stated.
"Alright, alright. Bring him to me someday," Gao Daren agreed.
"Okay. Then I won't bother you anymore. Tomorrow is the Fragrance Collection Pavilion's Fragrance Competition. Uncle, don't be late," she reminded him.
"I know. Go now," Gao Daren said.
After the Jianan Principality Princess left, Yin Yue was brought to Gao Daren's private room.
Gao Daren grabbed Yin Yue's hair, causing her pain, and she cried out, "Ah!"
"All these years, under my protection, have you forgotten your identity?" He stared at Yin Yue with deep, gloomy eyes, making her feel a fear she had never experienced before.
"Sir, I haven't, I haven't," Yin Yue pleaded.
"Haven't? Let me tell you, today's events are meant to make you understand that no matter how you struggle, you will ultimately fall into the palm of my hand," he declared.
"Sir, I dare not. I will never dare again," Yin Yue begged.
"This is the first time, and if there's another time, don't blame me for being heartless." She had overestimated herself. In this clearly stratified world, she could never escape the grasp of the privileged. Since that's the case, why not strive for her own greatest benefit? So she immediately approached Lord Gao with what she considered her most beautiful smile.
"Yes, my lord. From now on, I will always remember my place and wholeheartedly serve you."
Overnight, the song "Phoenix Seeks Phoenix" spread throughout the Liang Capital City, and the person skilled in composing music turned it into a melody, which began to be widely played the next day.
Some sang passionately about Lord Gao's deep affection for Yin Yue, to the point of being tear-jerking.
Others speculated that the poem was written by someone else for their loved one.
Regardless of the rumors, countless women loved this melody, hoping that someone like the author of this poem would wholeheartedly love them.
The next day, at the Fragrance Collection Pavilion.
Today, Qin Chuyuan, Lord Shi, and Gong Xiaohua came to the Fragrance Collection Pavilion. The Crown Prince had other matters to attend to.
Their main purpose today was to examine the fragrances. Since they came to Liang Capital City under the guise of fragrance merchants, they needed to be thorough in their actions to avoid any hidden investigations. Therefore, Lord Shi had explored the fragrance market yesterday using the name of a fragrance merchant, and now they couldn't avoid attending the Fragrance Competition.
The three of them arrived at the Fragrance Collection Pavilion, where the rich aroma greeted them as soon as they entered. At this moment, the pavilion was already crowded with people.
On the first floor were various finished fragrances produced in the capital city, available for the major merchants to view. If they found any they liked, they could purchase them at the Fragrance Collection Pavilion.
"There are so many types of fragrances in this Fragrance Collection Pavilion. Some of the high-quality ones I haven't even seen in our city of Ye. I should buy some exclusively for the ladies of my family later," Lord Shi said while looking around.
Then he was attracted by the price of a fragrance, stopping in his tracks and asking in confusion, "What is this Ambergris? One tael of fragrance actually costs one tael of gold. It's so expensive. I wonder what it's made of and how it smells when burned?"
Gong Xiaohua, standing nearby, looked at the small piece of white stone on the display table in front of Lord Shi. Wasn't this Dragon's Blood? So she explained, "This Ambergris is also called Dragon's Blood. It's actually the secretion of the sperm whale. Since it can't digest the beaks of squids and octopuses, it forms a solid in its intestines and then regurgitates it. Newly regurgitated Dragon's Blood is black and soft, but after being washed by sunlight, air, and seawater for years, it becomes hard and loses its color, releasing its fragrance."
Gong Xiaohua explained, and curious onlookers gathered around to listen.
Many people were seeing this Ambergris fragrance for the first time and didn't know what it smelled like.
As more and more people gathered,
"What is this secretion?" someone asked.
"Feces."
"Ugh, that's too disgusting."
"Don't be fooled by its animal feces appearance; it is actually a rare and precious medicinal material. Wearing Dragon's Saliva has certain effects in treating sore throat, coughing, asthma, and headaches. It can also help relieve pain and be used to treat abdominal pain, chest discomfort, and injuries from falls. However, it is not recommended for pregnant women to use Dragon's Saliva or Musk, as it may lead to miscarriage."
"Is it really as good as you say?"
"I speak the truth, but whether you believe it or not is up to you."
"If that's the case, I'd like to buy some to take back." Lord Shi said, believing General Gong's words.
"Dragon's Saliva is classified into four categories: inferior, medium, superior, and top-grade. Inferior Dragon's Saliva has a dreadful rotting smell and is not fragrant. Some are almost odorless and difficult to identify. Medium-grade Dragon's Saliva has a subtle sweet earthy aroma and a hint of sea salt. Superior Dragon's Saliva has a slightly sweet amber fragrance and a pleasant woody scent. Top-grade Dragon's Saliva is highly variable, with the most common being a rich and intense combination of amber sweetness, woody fragrance, fruity aroma, and a blend of various floral scents."
"This pale gray amber is a top-grade piece; I'll buy some." General Gong said to Lord Shi.
Clap, clap, clap! Applause resounded from outside the crowd, and the people parted to make way for a noble lady dressed in exquisite brocade. She had an elegant and cold temperament, surrounded by maids and servants.
"Greetings to Consort Munan." The people in the surrounding crowd bowed one by one upon seeing her.
Consort Munan approached Gong Xiaohua, a young girl in a dark red brocade dress with a black waistband tied around her waist. She had straight and generous sword-like eyebrows, fair skin like snow, sparkling eyes, white teeth, and a touch of charm amidst her heroic aura. She was truly captivating.
Standing beside her was a young man dressed in sky-blue attire, standing quietly with an elegant and handsome appearance, resembling a green cypress or bamboo in a mountain stream. The man seemed to have a protective aura towards the woman, making them a perfect match.
"Greetings, Your Highness, Consort Munan." Qin Chuyuan, Gong Xiaohua, and Lord Shi greeted her.
"No need for formalities."
"Young lady, you are truly knowledgeable. This gray amber is a recent addition to my Fragrance Collection Pavilion, but I didn't expect its scent to have already spread outside."
"You flatter me, Your Highness. I have only read some miscellaneous books and heard about it."
"I see. Are you all also spice merchants here to participate in the Fragrance Competition?"
"We are spice merchants from out of town, engaged in small-scale businesses. We are simply here to join in the festivities." Qin Chuyuan explained.
"Would you be kind enough to join me upstairs for a cup of tea?"
"We humbly accept your invitation."
Consort Munan turned and without saying a word, led the way with her maidservants towards the upper floor.
The three of them exchanged glances, surprised by Consort Munan's cold demeanor. They followed behind her and ascended to the second floor.
