Chapter 43: The Scented Dew Sells Well

Madam Zhou quickly called out, “Who cares if they’ve gained enlightenment or not? Just pick up the eggs first!”

“Got it!” Zhou Zhao responded enthusiastically, hurrying to collect the eggs with her.

In no time, the mother and son had gathered a full basket of chicken and duck eggs.

By the time Du Wanchun came outside, Madam Zhou had already placed all the eggs into a bamboo basket.

Walking closer to take a look, she smiled and asked, “Mother, since we’re delivering radishes to the Fang residence today, should we bring some eggs along as well?”

Not long after their last visit to the Fang household, the Fang family had specifically sent Aunt He over with a message, asking them to deliver more radishes.

And so, early in the morning, Du Wanchun had already begun preparing for the delivery.

Madam Zhou beamed and said, “Of course! We can’t eat all these eggs ourselves, so we might as well exchange them for some copper coins.”

After washing her face and finishing breakfast, Du Wanchun carefully packed two freshly made bottles of scented dew and some incense cones into the cart.

Just as she was about to fetch the eggs and radishes, Zhou Ruizhen and his two younger brothers had already taken the initiative, loading everything onto the cart ahead of her.

Despite his past leg injury, Zhou Ruizhen was remarkably strong. He could lift with one hand what most people needed two hands to carry.

Du Wanchun couldn’t help but suspect that her husband might have other hidden talents.

Once everything was packed and ready, she and Zhou Ruizhen set off toward Cheng’an County in their horse-drawn cart.

This time, Madam Zhou, Zhou Zhao, and Zhou Feng stayed behind at home.

Madam Zhou needed to watch over the scented dew distillation process, while Zhou Zhao and Zhou Feng were responsible for tending to their land.

Everyone in the family had a role to play—no one was idle.

Despite the hardships, the Zhou brothers had never turned to laziness. They had once known wealth but had since fallen into poverty, yet they remained hardworking and resilient.

They never shied away from hard labor.

Watching Zhou Zhao leave the house with a hoe slung over his shoulder, Madam Zhou felt a pang of sorrow in her heart.

He had once lived a life where he never needed to lift a finger for anything, yet now he had learned to farm and sustain himself.

She couldn’t tell if this was a blessing or a misfortune.

As the saying goes, wealth cannot corrupt, and poverty cannot shake one’s resolve.

Madam Zhou thought to herself—perhaps this was exactly what it meant.

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Meanwhile, at the Fang Residence in Cheng’an County

Madam Fang was originally from the capital, making her a person of considerable status. Many local nobles and officials in Cheng’an County, who had never been exposed to high society, sought to win her favor.

Among them was Madam Li, the wife of the county magistrate, who often visited Madam Fang in an attempt to curry favor.

It was Madam Li who had brought the radishes from Du Wanchun’s family to Madam Fang last time.

Today, a group of noblewomen had gathered at the Fang residence to admire the flowers in the garden.

Among them was Miss Zheng, the younger sister of Prefect Zheng from Qingzhou Prefecture.

As they strolled through the garden, Miss Zheng suddenly caught a rich floral fragrance lingering in the air around Madam Fang.

She couldn’t help but exclaim in surprise, “Madam Fang, you smell wonderful! What fragrance are you wearing? It’s absolutely delightful!”

Hearing the compliment, Madam Fang was pleased. She gracefully lifted her sleeve and waved it gently, smiling as she replied, “It’s a newly purchased rose-scented dew. Not only does it have a lovely aroma, but it also has calming and sleep-enhancing effects.”

Some time ago, Master Fang had been struggling with insomnia. However, after spending the night in Madam Fang’s room and inhaling the fragrance of the scented dew, he slept exceptionally well.

When he woke up this morning, he even remarked that he only felt truly at ease sleeping by her side and declared that from now on, he would sleep in her room every night.

Despite his age, Master Fang still had two concubines who had accompanied him back to his hometown.

For a long time, he had not spent the night in Madam Fang’s room. Now, hearing him say such words, she was overjoyed.

At that moment, she felt as if this scented dew was a blessing.

The other noblewomen, seeing how effective the scented dew was, eagerly inquired, “Madam Fang, where did you buy this fragrance?”

Madam Fang smiled and replied, “It’s quite a coincidence. I bought it from a young woman who delivers radishes to my estate.”

“A farm girl?” Madam Li, who stood nearby, wrinkled her nose in disdain. “Those farm girls work in the fields all day, covered in dirt. Can something made by them even be used?”

Madam Fang’s expression instantly cooled. Though she maintained a polite smile, her voice carried a firm edge. “That’s not true at all. Farm girls earn their living through their own craftsmanship, which is nothing to look down upon. The products they create are just as good as those from the prestigious perfumeries in the capital—if not better.”

Hearing that this scented dew could rival the finest products from the capital, the other women grew even more curious.

Many of them had never been to the capital and only knew of its grandeur and luxury from word of mouth. Now, the idea that they could obtain something even better without having to travel excited them greatly.

“Madam Fang, does that young woman still sell the scented dew?” Miss Zheng, the younger sister of the renowned Prefect Zheng, was the first to ask. “My eldest brother has been struggling with insomnia lately. I’d love to buy some for him.”

Prefect Zheng was an influential figure, far above the social standing of the women present.

Although these ladies were all from wealthy and powerful families, none could quite compare to the Zheng family.

Madam Fang smiled warmly. “She’ll be delivering radishes to us today. When she arrives, I’ll ask her for you.”

Miss Zheng beamed with delight and curtsied respectfully. “Thank you, Madam Fang.”

The other women quickly joined in, eager to purchase some for themselves.

Only Madam Li remained sullen, her face still filled with contempt.

Not long after, Du Wanchun arrived at the Fang residence’s back gate, bringing the radishes and scented dew with her.

This time, it was Steward Liu who answered the door.

With a welcoming smile, Steward Liu said, “Miss, please wait a moment. Our madam has something she wishes to discuss with you.”

Du Wanchun responded with a pleasant smile, “Of course. Thank you, Steward Liu.”

Steward Liu turned and went back inside. Before long, Madam Fang arrived, accompanied by a group of noblewomen.

“Madam, we’ve brought your radishes,” Du Wanchun greeted with a respectful bow.

Madam Fang immediately stepped forward with a smile. “Miss, do you have any more of that scented dew you sold me last time?”