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What mattered most was that the capital was indeed bustling with activity.
Every street corner was adorned with various taverns, eateries, food stalls, and even peddlers selling all sorts of snacks.
Song Jingyun found himself salivating more than usual today.
Despite his cravings for food, the priority was to help his wife purchase some necessities.
Having traveled hundreds of miles from home to the capital, many of their belongings had been used up during the journey, and with little time for personal care due to the rush.
In the current early spring chill of the capital, the brisk spring wind could be harsh on hair and skin.
His wife was meticulous about details in her daily life and he couldn’t let her feel neglected in these aspects.
Moreover…
He could now be considered a man of means!
It was essential to buy something for his wife!
“If the lady is looking to purchase those two items, she has come to the right place at Qingli Pavilion.” The round-faced male attendant beamed, “The osmanthus oil at Qingli Pavilion is of superior quality compared to what you find in ordinary shops. It is rich in texture, excellent for hair care without being greasy, with a delicate fragrance that suits elegant individuals like the lady. The price is fair as well, at just seven taels of silver per bottle.”
Could he have discerned that Song Jingyun was a student returning from the capital to participate in the Spring Examinations?
Since they entered the shop, they were considered customers. The male attendant promptly ushered Song Jingyun and Jiang Mixia to the side, wearing a smile, “What can I assist you with, esteemed guests?”
Jiang Mixia couldn’t help but admire the keen-eyed and attentive male attendant and nodded in agreement with his words.
Jiang Mixia’s eyes crinkled with a smile as she walked out alongside Song Jingyun.
However, considering that Song Jingyun had achieved top marks in several consecutive exams, received numerous rewards in the county, and had accumulated wealth through various poetry gatherings, she dismissed the idea of buying anything herself, letting Song Jingyun proceed.
“Here…”
Qingli Pavilion primarily catered to male clientele, offering various rouge, fine powders, face creams, powders for washing hands and face, as well as a variety of incenses.
Since the business focused on men, the majority of customers were men or women from modest backgrounds, accompanied by personal maids or servants. Couples like Song Jingyun and Jiang Mixia were also quite common.
“Just some osmanthus oil for hair and a cream for skincare will do,” Jiang Mixia smiled.
Song Jingyun unconsciously raised his chin and led Jiang Mixia straight into Qingli Pavilion, known for having the best rouge and face powder as recommended by the attendants in Splendorous Garden.
Observing the grand and spacious entrance of Qingli Pavilion and the carriages parked outside, Jiang Mixia began to form an idea about the level of luxury here, instinctively considering suggesting to Song Jingyun to check out an ordinary shop nearby.
It was only right for a wife to spend her husband’s money, after all.
The male attendant paused, smiling, “With the lady’s delicate and fair skin, using face powder will enhance your beauty. Since your husband is here for the exams, it would be appropriate for you to engage in some social interactions and using some face powder will add a touch of elegance.”
“As for the skincare cream, we have an exclusive product at Qingli Pavilion called Pearl Cream, which not only moisturizes and hydrates the skin but also has whitening properties. This exceptional cream, enriched with pearl powder, will leave your skin as smooth as a peeled egg. A jar of Pearl Cream costs just ten taels of silver and lasts for several months, making it a worthwhile investment.”