TSWRLM -Chapter 278 One Qian of Incense, Ten Taels of Gold

Chun Xi had the servants prepare a fresh pot of good tea.

Before the tea was even served, Lanshu entered the front hall.

In their previous meetings, Lanshu had always dressed plainly, looking gentle and scholarly. Today, however, he wore a white brocade robe embroidered with numerous flowers, and his makeup was subtly different from usual.

Chun Xi wasn’t skilled at discerning makeup, so she couldn’t pinpoint exactly what was different—only that Lanshu’s entire aura had changed. Especially his eyes—they were sharp and sly, like a cunning fox spirit.

Although she was curious about Madam Yao’s situation, Chun Xi couldn’t help but glance at him a few more times.

No wonder Lanshu could manage Wu You Pavilion; even if he couldn’t compare to the Prince Consort, his presence was far more captivating.

“May I come unannounced? I hope I haven’t troubled you, Madam,” Lanshu said politely as soon as he stopped.

Chun Xi quickly shook her head. “You haven’t troubled me. Please, sit down, Young Master.”

Being closer, Chun Xi noticed a peculiar fragrance emanating from him.

It wasn’t strong, but it was delightfully pleasant, uplifting the spirit. Combined with his attire, it added a bewitching charm.

He came personally to deliver news, and yet he seemed dressed like a guest bringing offerings.

Chun Xi found it odd, but since there was important business, she held her tongue.

Once seated, Lanshu reported what he had learned about Madam Yao.

Madam Yao was twelve years younger than Qingyuan Hou. He was her first and only patron; after knowing her for only three months, he redeemed her freedom and bought a small house in the west of the city to keep her.

Initially, Qingyuan Hou only visited occasionally, but over time, he stayed longer.

After living together for less than two years, he started seeking doctors for her, hoping to have a child.

Youth fades quickly. Although Qingyuan Hou had redeemed her, he never gave her a title. It was only natural for Madam Yao to want a child as a kind of security. Yet women in the courtesan world were often forcibly sterilized, so the fact she hadn’t had a child all these years wasn’t unusual.

“Over the years, she’s lived like an ordinary wife with the Hou. Aside from going out to buy groceries and doing some sewing to supplement the household, her most frequent outings are to the clinic. A doctor surnamed Li prescribes her medicine the most. He’s a widower. If the child in her womb isn’t the Hou’s, he’s the most likely suspect. He sees many patients daily but has no relatives or close contacts in Han Capital, and recently hasn’t been associating with anyone.”

Chun Xi had originally assumed Madam Yao had been instructed by someone to create a stir in the Hou residence. After hearing Lanshu, it seemed she had overthought it.

If Madam Yao’s goal was simply to have a child for security or status, Chun Xi didn’t necessarily need to expose her.

After all, with the Hou residence now under a new matron, things could become much easier for Chun Xi.

While thinking this, she asked Lanshu about the price of the information.

Lanshu’s eyes curved. “The Pavilion Master personally investigated. He said that Madam is a friend of Young Madam Xiao, so it wasn’t difficult. He only charged the previous one hundred taels; that’s sufficient.”

Lanshu was merely delivering the message; Chun Xi had no choice but to accept it without consulting Xiao Yechen about pricing.

After delivering the news, Lanshu was about to leave, and the fragrance from him wafted again. Chun Xi couldn’t resist asking, “Young Master, what is that scent?”

Adjusting his sleeves, Lanshu raised an eyebrow. “You like it, Madam?”

“It smells very pleasant and seems invigorating. Does it have some kind of refreshing effect?”

Recently, Chun Xi had been unusually sleepy, no matter how much she rested. This fragrance actually made her feel alert.

Seeing her interest, Lanshu’s smile deepened. “This is the new Soul-Stealing Incense from Wu You Pavilion. One of its ingredients is extremely rare, so the price is very high—ten taels of gold for just one qian.”

“…”

Ten taels of gold for a single qian? That’s basically robbery.

Chun Xi drew a sharp breath, ashamed of having even thought of buying some.

Indeed, luxury comes easily after frugality—she had only enjoyed a few good days and already dared to think of buying something from Wu You Pavilion.

After her shock, Chun Xi forced a polite smile. “Hearing that price, it seems the fragrance isn’t so special after all.”

Not only did the scent seem ordinary now, but even Lanshu’s bewitching aura dissipated.

This wasn’t a fox spirit—it was a gold-devouring beast!

Chun Xi openly admitted she couldn’t afford it, and Lanshu didn’t insist, bowing and leaving.

That night, Shen Qingyuan returned home. Chun Xi first told him about Madam Yao.

“I want to observe first. If Madam Yao only wants a child for status, she won’t trouble me. I plan not to expose her for now. What do you think, husband?”

Shen Qingyuan nodded. “The Hou residence is too idle. Let them fight among themselves—it’s good.”

Chun Xi took it as praise for herself, smiling appreciatively, then yawned widely.

Shen Qingyuan immediately said, “You’re tired. Rest early. I have a bit of work in the study later.”

Recently, he had accompanied Chun Xi to bed early; if he said he had work, it must be important.

Chun Xi nodded and handed him his cloak. “It’s chilly at night. Don’t stay up too long, husband. Have A-Li light the fire first.”

“Alright.”

Shen Qingyuan then carried her to bed.

Reluctant to let him leave, Chun Xi clung to his neck, making conversation. “Today, Young Master Lanshu personally delivered the news. He has a very pleasant scent—refreshing, really. I wanted to buy a little. Husband, can you guess how much it costs?”

“How much?”

“Try guessing.”

Chun Xi teased. Shen Qingyuan guessed boldly, “One hundred taels?”

“All of Wu You Pavilion’s clients are nobles. You can guess higher.”

“Two hundred taels?”

Shaking his hand, Chun Xi raised her voice, “One qian of this incense sells for ten taels of gold! Ten taels of gold just to smell it! These rich people really do make money too easily.”

After speaking, she let go of Shen Qingyuan and wrapped herself in the blanket.

She would never be such a foolish spender in her life.

As she thought this, Shen Qingyuan’s voice reached her. “What kind of incense is it?”

His tone was serious.

Chun Xi didn’t know that the true master of Wu You Pavilion was the Crown Prince. Shen Qingyuan, however, understood. The Crown Prince had instructed Xiao Yechen to manage Wu You Pavilion to monitor noble families, not to make profit.

Selling one qian of incense for ten taels of gold seemed out of character for the Crown Prince.

“I haven’t seen it myself, but it smells refreshing. Lanshu said one of the ingredients is very rare, so that’s why it’s expensive,” Chun Xi replied honestly, then added worriedly, “Husband, even though you’re a favored official of the Censorate, don’t forget your principles. Be a good official, and indulge your wife in moderation. Never fall into extravagance and indulgence.”

Chun Xi’s tone was extremely serious. Shen Qingyuan laughed. “Alright, Madam. I will remember your teachings and stay vigilant.”

Chun Xi leaned over and kissed him. “Alright, now go handle your business.”

The next day at court, Shen Qingyuan first went to see the Crown Prince.

The Crown Prince indeed didn’t know about the incense. However, he had no concept of money and didn’t think one qian of incense costing ten taels of gold was too expensive. He smiled, “I know you care for Madam. Tomorrow, I’ll have some sent to her myself.”