Chapter 95: Someone from the Lu Family Is Still Alive

Zhou Feng nodded. “That’s right. Especially the rose dew and osmanthus dew. As for sandalwood, agarwood, and the imperial dragon musk, they are definitely the same. Even the blended incense used in pearwood canopy beds would have some similarities.”

Du Wanchun took out a bottle of mint dew made by Madam Zhou from her sleeve and said slowly, “If we can create something like this, a type of blended incense that your Lu family never made before, wouldn’t we be able to surpass them?”

“Of course,” Zhou Feng affirmed without hesitation.

Du Wanchun smiled. “Alright, I’ll discuss it with Mother later and work on blending some new fragrances. If they turn out well, you can take them to the capital to sell.”

Zhou Feng immediately grinned. “Alright, Sister-in-law.”

Saying that, he took out a jade Ruyi lock from his robe. “Sister-in-law, I read in my brother’s letter that you are expecting a child, so I specially brought this Ruyi lock as a gift for my little nephew.”

The Ruyi lock was made of jade, small and exquisite, with an elegant design.

Du Wanchun quickly stood up and thanked him. “Thank you, Second Brother.”

As she spoke, she noticed Zhou Feng’s slightly flushed face and couldn’t resist teasing him. “Second Brother, you’re not young anymore. In another year or two, it’ll be time for you to marry.”

Zhou Feng immediately lowered his head. “Sister-in-law is joking. It’s still too early for me.”

Du Wanchun held the Ruyi lock in her hands and examined it carefully. “If you meet a suitable young lady, remember to tell me and Mother. We’ll start preparing your betrothal gifts early.”

Hearing this, Zhou Feng’s face turned even redder. The usually cold and reserved young man now showed a rare hint of shyness.

Coincidentally, at that moment, a distinguished guest arrived at the Zhou family’s shop.

As soon as Miss Han entered, she purchased thirty taels worth of incense, making for an auspicious start to the business.

The Liu family’s daughter-in-law recorded the sale while calling toward the back room. “Wanchun, Brother Zhou, we have a distinguished guest.”

Hearing this, Du Wanchun quickly walked to the entrance, pushed open the door, and stepped into the outer shop. “Which esteemed guest?”

The Liu family’s daughter-in-law pointed toward Han Yan’er inside the shop. “That young lady.”

Han Yan’er had a heroic air about her, but her delicate features were strikingly beautiful. She carried herself with an aura of confidence and vigor, yet there was a playful liveliness in her demeanor.

She looked to be around fifteen or sixteen years old, about the same age as Zhou Feng.

With one glance, Du Wanchun could tell she was from a wealthy or noble family. She approached and asked, “Miss, do you need any more incense?”

Han Yan’er’s clear eyes glanced toward the inner room. “Is Shopkeeper Zhou at home?”

Inside, Zhou Feng froze upon hearing her voice. He immediately grabbed Zhou Ruiyuan’s sleeve and whispered urgently, “Big Brother, Miss Han is here.”

Zhou Ruiyuan frowned. “Why is she here?”

Zhou Feng said seriously, “She discovered the Yuan family’s ill intentions and followed me all the way to Qingzhou Prefecture. I never expected her to follow me here to Cheng’an County.”

Zhou Ruiyuan immediately grabbed him and said, “You mustn’t let her see me or Mother. She has seen us once before in the palace.”

Unlike Zhou Feng, Zhou Ruiyuan and Madam Zhou’s appearances hadn’t changed much over the past three years. Anyone who had seen them in the capital would likely recognize them.

Zhou Feng’s expression turned anxious. “Big Brother, why don’t you hide under the table for now? I’ll go outside and send her away.”

Zhou Ruiyuan nodded slightly.

Just as Zhou Feng turned to leave, Du Wanchun had already intercepted Han Yan’er. “Miss, Shopkeeper Zhou just returned, but he left again shortly after. He’s probably on his way home now. Why don’t you wait a bit? I’ll let him know you’re looking for him when he gets back.”

Han Yan’er’s face fell with disappointment. She quickly replied, “Forget it, don’t tell him. I only came to buy some incense. I’ll leave as soon as I’m done.”

With that, she turned and hurried away.

Du Wanchun watched her departing figure, a faint smile in her eyes.

Zhou Feng stepped out from the room. “Sister-in-law, has she left?”

Du Wanchun nodded. “She’s from the capital, isn’t she?”

Zhou Feng replied, “Yes, she’s the daughter of General Han.”

Du Wanchun continued gazing in the direction Han Yan’er had left and asked, “Who is General Han?”

Zhou Feng explained slowly, “He is a newly favored noble at the emperor’s side. Back then, he served in Guanzhong alongside my uncle. They were good friends. However, when our Lu family fell into misfortune, he was stationed outside the pass.”

Upon hearing this, Du Wanchun’s eyes lit up slightly. This meant that not only was Miss Han trustworthy, but she was also an influential ally.

After leaving Cheng’an County in disappointment, Han Yan’er returned to the residence of Governor Zheng.

This time, she came to inform Governor Zheng about the Yuan family’s actions.

Governor Zheng was furious upon hearing the news. “That Yuan family is completely lawless! They even dare to commit murder in broad daylight!”

Han Yan’er nodded. “Who do they think they are, Uncle Zheng? If only the Empress and the Crown Prince were still alive, they would surely drive that Consort Wu out of the palace. Let’s see if the Yuan and Wu families would still dare to be so arrogant then.”

Governor Zheng let out a deep sigh. “This is fate. As long as a wicked woman like Consort Wu remains, the nation will not know peace, and the people will continue to suffer. Will our Xuan Yue Kingdom really fall like this?”

Han Yan’er shook her head. “No, it won’t. My father once told me—someone from the Lu family is still alive.”