novelraw Chapter 1259: 1258: Hongxiu Tianxiang
Chapter 1259: 1258: Hongxiu Tianxiang
Chapter 1259: Chapter 1258: Hongxiu Tianxiang
Song Chongjin, holding Wang Yongzhu, poured out his reflections of the past two days.
Finally, he said: “Speaking of which, today Lord Qin mentioned the matter of being assigned away. Although I was initially surprised upon hearing it, on the way back, I slowly understood. Not to mention the Emperor’s will is hard to defy, even if his true intentions are unknown, perhaps at the Qi family’s place of exile, there may be some clues to explore the truth of the past.”
“Moreover, temporarily leaving the Capital City is good, it coincidentally disentangles us from Song Hong’s plans and schemes. It’s just that the place of exile is harsh, and I can’t bear the thought of you suffering along with me—”
Wang Yongzhu smiled: “How much worse could it be? You and I were both born and raised in the countryside, we’re not the pampered young masters and ladies of the city. What’s more, even if we go to the place of exile, we’ll still be Imperial Court Officials; it’s not as if we’ll have to work the fields to make a living, right?”
“At most, it will be just like in Jing County, where we bring along a few people, or hire a few servants locally, and it will actually be more peaceful.”
“You needn’t say more; I’m definitely going with you. Staying in this Capital City is meaningless. Being cooped up in this mansion every day, watching this little patch of land, seeing people fight like jealous chickens over trivial things, what’s the fun in that?”
“And then, there’s always this bunch following you, nagging every day about what can’t be done and what’s not proper, suffocating a person!”
“Once we’re outside, with heaven high and the Emperor far, life will be free and easy! But as for my mother, she’s getting old and can’t bear the hardships with us anymore. Besides, she’s found relatives now, so it’s better to leave her in the Capital City to enjoy a few days of peace.”
Hearing Wang Yongzhu’s words, Song Chongjin was speechless and just hugged her tightly for a long moment before saying, “Yongzhu, thank you—”
“We need not say thank you between us—” Wang Yongzhu covered Song Chongjin’s mouth. Seeing him sober up, she sighed in relief; otherwise, she might have had to resort to drastic measures.
What to do when her husband was straying? A beating would do! If one beating didn’t work, three meals of beatings a day would!
After this conversation, the couple’s hearts grew closer.
Once Song Chongjin set his mindset right, he first found out that the Qi family’s place of exile was called Chicheng, a key northern frontier town.
It was somewhat distant from the border, about two hundred miles away, surrounded by hills on three sides, with scarce land and little grain production.
Outside Chicheng County, the Imperial Court had two horse farms dedicated to raising mules and horses.
Though mules and horses couldn’t run as fast as fine horses, they had greater endurance and could bear heavy loads, making them important tools for transporting grain and military supplies.
The local people of Chicheng mostly made their living by raising mules and horses.
With this knowledge, Song Chongjin formally took office. As a Hanlin Reviewer, newly entering the Hanlin Academy, his supervisors assigned him tasks such as sorting old books and copying documents.
Song Chongjin accepted without complaint and took these tasks willingly, spending his days in the Hanlin Academy’s library, neither complaining of hardship nor fatigue.
Initially in the Hanlin Academy, aside from occasionally exchanging a few words with the newly crowned Top Scholar Xie Lang and Gu Zikai, his colleagues seemed unwilling to engage with him.
Song Chongjin initially thought this was typical and paid it no mind until Gu Zikai occasionally noticed and became indignant, ready to argue with others about the perceived exclusion.
It was only then that Song Chongjin realized his status as the Heir of Duke of Weiguo likely led his Hanlin colleagues to believe he entered the Hanlin Academy through the Duke of Weiguo’s influence.
Scholars were inclined to pride and likely felt they were not of the same path as someone of Song Chongjin’s noble status, choosing to maintain a respectful distance.
Once he understood this, Song Chongjin didn’t take it to heart; if Qin Bohan’s news was accurate, he was supposed to stay in the Hanlin Academy for only a few months anyway, so why should he mind?
Besides, the tasks assigned by his supervisor suited his interests perfectly. The Hanlin Academy held numerous books, including old documents from various regions that didn’t involve secrets.
He diligently searched and organized the documents and books related to Chicheng, gradually forming an impression of the place.
His consistent diligence, being the first to arrive and the last to leave, never complaining or shirking work, gained notice.
No matter when seen, he was always working earnestly, showing no trace of the arrogance typically associated with the Duke’s Heir.
With time, reflecting on his background, others came to see him as a reserved but genuine personality, gradually accepting him.
Occasionally, colleagues invited him for tea and conversation during their leisure, significantly improving their relations.
Song Chongjin attended his duties methodically every day, diligently reporting for work without negligence.
Meanwhile, after the Gu family’s recognition ceremony ended, within a couple of days, Ninth Master Lee sent an invitation; his Rouge Shop “Hongxiu Tianxiang” was about to open.
This endeavor had been brewing for so long, with the ladies of the Capital City’s high society long anticipating the products of Hongxiu Tianxiang.
The name “Hongxiu Tianxiang” was chosen when Ninth Master Lee, borrowing an opportunity when Wang Yongzhu visited the Gu family, insisted on having her come up with a pleasing name.
If Wang Yongzhu refused, he said they might as well call it “Pearl Powder Pavilion.”
Wang Yongzhu was speechless—was he out to antagonize her? The laziness displayed by Ninth Master Lee was unparalleled.
Previously, when tasked with naming the tea leaves, he came up with “Pearl Tea.”
Now, opening a rouge shop, he proposed “Pearl Glow Pavilion.”
Come the day they wanted to open a pastry shop, would it be called “Pearl Foods”?
What a terrible team player!
In vain, she had wanted a more sophisticated name for the rouge shop, perhaps something like Chanel? Dior? Lancome? Tudor?
But the people of this time wouldn’t understand the reference!
Ultimately, she honestly pondered for a long time and came up with this name; she had initially considered others like “National Beauty” or “Eternal Youth,” but they were all rejected.
This name was finally approved.
Ninth Master Lee, pleased with the name, cheerfully ordered the plaque to be crafted grandly, preferably with shining gold, almost blinding.
Only to be glared back down by Wang Yongzhu—who would come to a high-end brand if it resembled flashy gold?
Once more, opting for subtle refinement, using a rosewood base, with the plaque preferably bearing the calligraphy of Consort De herself, aiming to project elegance and nobility.
It had to be elegant, noble, high-end!
In any case, it should be tasteful at first glance.
Despite everything she said, Ninth Master Lee just nodded with a smile and promptly instructed others to get it done.
After long discussions, once matters were settled, Ninth Master Lee took his leave.
Stepping out, his attendant Zhao Cai couldn’t resist asking: “Ninth Master, what the Heir’s Wife said earlier wasn’t much different from what you instructed at home, was it? Especially about the plaque—we already prepared a rosewood one with ‘Hidden Pearl Pavilion’ inscribed, so why did you ask her for a name?”
“And didn’t we prepare another one in golden nanmu, with gold lacquer? Who uses such plaques for a rouge shop? Only currency exchanges have those, right? Did you mix things up?”
Ninth Master Lee’s upturned smile stiffened, and he kicked Zhao Cai lightly: “Shut up! The Heir’s Wife said it should be ‘Hongxiu Tianxiang,’ so ‘Hongxiu Tianxiang’ it is! The prepared plaque should be shelved; send it to my room instead. Also, instruct them to find a fine piece of rosewood quickly, for tomorrow I’ll personally request Consort De for the inscription.”
Saying this, he promptly proceeded, leaving Zhao Cai rubbing his leg, puzzled but impressed, as he followed along.