Chapter 115: The Zhou Family’s Incense Balls Become a Sensation

The news that Minister Zhong was planning to take a concubine had been spreading like wildfire for half a month. But just last night, word got out that Minister Zhong and his wife had reconciled.

It was said that Minister Zhong had dismissed all the young maidservants in his household, giving them silver as compensation and sending them away. He only kept a few older, more experienced maids for household duties.

Madam Zhong was overjoyed and quickly shared the news with General Han.

In the following days, Minister Zhong and his wife were inseparable, becoming the envy of all the noblewomen in the capital.

In the households of high-ranking officials, it was common for men to have multiple wives and concubines.

It was rare to see a man as devoted to a single wife as Minister Zhong was now.

A group of noblewomen gathered, discussing the matter with admiration.

“I remember Minister Zhong was planning to take a concubine not long ago. How did he suddenly become so affectionate with his wife?”

The one who spoke was the second daughter of Minister Wu. She was married to a third-rank official in the capital, whose household already had three or four concubines. Hearing about Madam Zhong’s situation, she couldn’t help but feel a tinge of jealousy.

Another noblewoman covered her mouth with her sleeve and giggled. “Perhaps Madam Zhong has some secret method for keeping her husband in line, making Minister Zhong change his mind.”

At this, the ladies eagerly chimed in. “What exactly is this secret method? Can we also ask her for advice?”

Minister Wu’s second daughter perked up, clearly interested, but she was too embarrassed to ask outright. Instead, she scoffed, “Secret method? I bet she used some kind of trick to make Minister Zhong abandon the idea of taking a concubine.”

Just then, someone interjected, “I don’t think there’s any secret at all. Madam Zhong and Minister Zhong always had a deep bond. They probably just had a misunderstanding, and now that it’s been cleared up, their love has naturally rekindled.”

Hearing this, the noblewomen’s excitement deflated, replaced with disappointment.

At that moment, another person spoke up. “But I did hear something interesting—apparently, Madam Zhong recently bought a type of incense ball called Spring Essence from the Zhou family’s incense shop. Ever since she started using it, she and Minister Zhong have been spending every night together.”

Upon hearing this, the noblewomen blushed.

One of the more daring ladies chuckled and said, “Could it be that the incense actually had an effect?”

“Who knows? No one has confirmed that it was the incense. But we could all give it a try—if it works, great! And even if it doesn’t, at least the fragrance is pleasant, so it wouldn’t be a waste.” The speaker laughed.

This woman was actually Han Yan’er’s close friend. She had married before Han Yan’er and frequently socialized with the noblewomen of the capital.

Han Yan’er, knowing that she would be attending the Wu family’s flower-viewing banquet, had specifically asked her to mention the incense in conversation.

As expected, it worked perfectly.

Though none of the noblewomen openly admitted their thoughts, once they returned home, they all sent their maids to buy incense from the Zhou family’s shop.

Especially Minister Wu’s second daughter—she bought five boxes in one go.

That very night, she lit Chun Yi Nong. She wasn’t sure if it was just a coincidence, but her usually cold and distant husband actually spent the night in her room. Not only that, but he also whispered many sweet and affectionate words to her.

The two of them were busy the entire night.

The next day, Miss Wu Er brought the incense to her elder sister, Noble Consort Wu.

Recently, the Emperor had grown cold toward Noble Consort Wu due to his infatuation with Concubine Ru, who had just entered the palace. This had left Noble Consort Wu deeply troubled.

Miss Wu Er purposely presented the Chun Yi Nong incense to her sister. “Your Highness, take a look at this.”

Noble Consort Wu, still feeling weak from a recent miscarriage, glanced down at the small box in her sister’s hands with disdain. “Where did you get this worthless trinket?”

Miss Wu Er opened the box, took out an incense ball, and handed it to her with a smile. “Your Highness, this is no ordinary trinket. This incense can make a man return to your side.”

“Make a man return to me?” Noble Consort Wu scoffed, clearly skeptical. She lowered her gaze, admiring the rouge on her nails. “Sister, you mustn’t let yourself be fooled by charlatans.”

Miss Wu Er carefully placed the incense ball back into the box and lowered her head slightly, revealing a shy smile. “Your Highness, I burned this incense last night, and my husband was so reluctant to leave in the morning.”

Noble Consort Wu was stunned. “Is that true? I heard he hadn’t visited your chambers in a long time.”

Miss Wu Er nodded. “It’s true. If you don’t believe me, see for yourself.”

Saying this, she tugged at the collar of her dress, revealing a cluster of kiss marks on her neck.

Noble Consort Wu’s eyes widened as she immediately straightened her posture. With newfound seriousness, she asked, “Are you certain this is because of the incense?”

Miss Wu Er adjusted her collar back into place, smiling confidently. “Yes, it’s all because of the incense.”

At once, Noble Consort Wu’s interest was piqued. She took the very box she had just scorned into her hands and brought it close, inhaling the fragrance of the incense ball. “It does smell quite pleasant. I will try it tonight.”

Miss Wu Er beamed. “Your Highness, despite everything that happened last time, His Majesty did not punish you. That proves he still has feelings for you. He’s only infatuated with Concubine Ru because she’s new. Once you use this incense, he will surely return to your side.”

Hearing this, Noble Consort Wu felt an undeniable sense of joy. She picked up an incense ball, smelling it over and over. “If this truly works, then nothing could be better.”

Miss Wu Er was in a hurry to return home, so she didn’t linger after delivering the incense. She slowly rose, bowed, and left Noble Consort Wu’s palace.

As soon as Noble Consort Wu saw her sister leave, she immediately ordered her maid to light the incense. She then sent another maid to summon the Emperor.

That night, just as she had hoped, the Emperor came.