Chapter 291: Favorability

Old Madam Zhao cast a cold glance over, fixing her gaze on Tang Haoyue. She spoke displeasedly, “Old Madam Su is unwell. What’s inappropriate about Su girl coming over as her granddaughter?”

Tang Haoyue was momentarily stifled, her expression turning somewhat unsightly. Her fingertips dug into her palm as she barely managed to steady her emotions, not daring to reveal anything that might offend Old Madam Zhao.

She chuckled awkwardly and said, “Old Madam, that’s not what I meant.”

Her eyes drooped slightly, and a hint of grievance appeared on her face. “I just haven’t seen Wanwan for a long time. I was concerned about her and asked an extra question.”

Old Madam Zhao had long seen through Tang Haoyue’s tricks. In the end, she spared her some dignity and said nothing more.

County Princess Lin’an gritted her teeth in secret, furious at Tang Haoyue for being more of a liability than an asset!

The atmosphere in the room became delicate and subtle.

Everyone present was shrewd—after all, in the deep inner courtyards, whose mind wasn’t full of twists and turns?

Tang Haoyue’s intentions and methods were too clumsy—anyone with a discerning eye could see that she was trying to embarrass Su Wan.

Unfortunately, she lacked the awareness to notice Old Madam Zhao’s affection for Su Wan.

Su Wan observed Tang Haoyue for a moment, having gained a clear understanding of her. Seizing the right moment to break the awkward silence, she smiled faintly and said, “Thank you for your concern, Miss Tang. I am doing well.”

Tang Haoyue’s face stiffened, the corners of her lips twitching a few times, but she said nothing more. She keenly sensed the sympathetic or pitying gazes from those around her, making her complexion turn even paler.

The hand resting on Tang Nuan’s arm tightened forcefully, her fingers digging into Tang Nuan’s flesh. The pain made Tang Nuan’s face scrunch up, and she shifted her arm uncomfortably. However, Tang Haoyue only gripped harder, as if she wanted to tear off the flesh beneath her fingers.

Tang Nuan’s eyes welled up with tears from the pain, but she dared not move again. She lowered her head, afraid that others would notice.

Su Wan caught sight of the mist in Tang Nuan’s eyes and sharply noticed Tang Haoyue’s out-of-control grip on Tang Nuan’s arm, venting her frustration. Yet, Tang Nuan did not struggle, as if she were accustomed to such treatment.

Su Wan furrowed her brows tightly, about to say something to help Tang Nuan, repaying the favor for her earlier warning.

At that moment, someone spoke up, deliberately praising Su Wan: “Young lady Su, I heard that you are Master Huiren’s disciple and possess extraordinary medical skills. You’re the renowned divine doctor everyone in the capital talks about with great interest.

Not only are you skilled in treating illnesses, but you’re also highly knowledgeable about skincare for women. Is it true that you are the owner behind the newly opened Yan Zhi Pavilion?”

Su Wan followed the voice and saw a charming young married woman who looked unfamiliar to her. She responded politely, “Yes, that’s me.”

Old Madam Zhao recognized her and chuckled, “Wenying, today is my birthday banquet, yet you still can’t forget about those powders and cosmetics.”

“Old Madam, this is my only indulgence. You also know that the products from Yan Zhi Pavilion are nearly impossible to obtain, no matter the price.” Wenying replied to Old Madam Zhao before turning to Su Wan with a radiant smile. “When I first learned that you were the owner, I was quite surprised. I truly didn’t expect it.”

Su Wan immediately realized who this woman was—the youngest daughter-in-law of the Grand Secretary of the Inner Cabinet, someone aligned with the Regent’s faction. Naturally, her ties with the Zhao family were close.

“I simply enjoy experimenting with these things, so I decided to open a shop,” Su Wan said with a genuine smile in her eyes, one that came from the heart.

Wenying warmly said to Su Wan, “The cosmetics from Yan Zhi Pavilion are wonderful, especially the Red Jade Cream. The fine lines on my face have disappeared, and my skin has become fairer and more delicate.

Unfortunately, I was only able to buy one jar. Once I used it up, it became incredibly difficult to purchase again—I’m still waiting in line for my turn.”

“After asking around, I finally learned that you’re the true owner of Yan Zhi Pavilion. I was even thinking of visiting you someday to see if you could make an exception and let me buy it in advance.”

She complained about how difficult it was to get Red Jade Cream, then asked, “It’s been a while since the shop released new products. When will there be new scented balms or hair pomades?”

How could Su Wan not understand what she was implying?

Wenying was indeed trying to curry favor with her. The Red Jade Cream was excellent, but given Wenying’s status, it shouldn’t have come to this extent.

“I was away from the capital for some time and neglected the shop’s affairs. If any new products are released, I will send some to you,” Su Wan said.

Seeing the delight on Wenying’s face, Su Wan was secretly surprised—was she truly this passionate about skincare products? With a slight curve to her lips, she added, “When I return later, I’ll send you a few jars of Red Jade Cream.”

“I won’t stand on ceremony then!” Wenying readily agreed.

The other madams and young ladies were astonished upon hearing this, as if they hadn’t expected that Yan Zhi Pavilion was truly owned by Su Wan.

They openly scrutinized Su Wan, clearly tempted to ask her for special treatment like Wenying did. However, bringing it up in front of so many people felt beneath their dignity.

But the products sold at Yan Zhi Pavilion were truly tempting, making them envious.

The cosmetics sold in other shops all contained lead powder. While wearing delicate makeup during the day looked beautiful, by night, after removing the makeup, their skin would appear dull—a consequence of prolonged lead powder use.

Ever since Yan Zhi Pavilion opened in the capital six months ago, it took less than a month for business to boom. Its products were in such high demand that supply could barely keep up.

At first, everyone bought Yan Zhi Pavilion’s cosmetics and skincare balms out of curiosity. But to their surprise, not only did their dull and sallow complexions improve, even their spots and wrinkles faded, leaving their skin glowing with radiance.

Once they had experienced the benefits of Yan Zhi Pavilion’s products, they all wanted more. However, by then, purchasing them required waiting in line. When it was a customer’s turn, the shop would send the items directly to their residence.

Some people, unwilling to wait in line, would pay exorbitant prices to buy the products from others, causing the prices to skyrocket.

Sensing a business opportunity, some began placing large orders with Yan Zhi Pavilion, only to resell them at a profit. This made it even harder for those who truly needed the products to get their hands on them.

A woman’s desire for beauty was innate. Those who had previously regarded Su Wan with indifference now had a complete change in attitude—their eyes lit up as they looked at her.

Su Wan felt like a piece of succulent meat at this moment—everyone wanted a bite.

Seeing her speechless and slightly uncomfortable expression, Old Madam Zhao couldn’t help but chuckle. “You have no idea—everyone in the capital is talking about Yan Zhi Pavilion. Countless people are eager to befriend the owner behind it.”

“I’m just a merchant, nothing particularly remarkable,” Su Wan replied modestly. Ever since returning to the capital, she had been occupied with household matters, completely acting as a hands-off owner. She hadn’t taken the time to look into it, but she knew that whether it was the medical hall, Yan Zhi Pavilion, or the restaurant, all of them were highly profitable, raking in money nonstop.

Calling it a fortune rolling in daily wouldn’t be an exaggeration—at this point, she was practically overflowing with wealth.

However, the impact wasn’t as exaggerated as Old Madam Zhao made it seem.

Old Madam Zhao leaned in and whispered in her ear, “Women beautify themselves for the ones they admire.”

Su Wan immediately understood. Looking at the ladies dressed exquisitely, their gazes toward her filled with warmth, she realized she had underestimated her own influence.

There was still some time before the banquet began, and some people grew restless. They started approaching Su Wan, trying to get close to her, showering her with praise—complimenting her exceptional medical skills and flawless skin—while eagerly seeking her advice on health and skincare. Some even asked her to check their pulse for general well-being.

Once someone took the lead, the young ladies quickly followed suit, surrounding Su Wan in an instant.

The noble madams also wanted to join in, but they maintained their dignified composure—though their hearts had already drifted over. A few of them exchanged glances, and from each other’s eyes, they all saw the same thought: Arrange a flower appreciation banquet and invite Su Wan to attend!

Meanwhile, the County Princess Lin’an found herself left out. Watching how everyone’s attitude toward Su Wan had changed—how she was now the center of attention, surrounded like the moon among stars—jealousy gnawed at her like venom, twisting her expression into something almost unrecognizable.