Since its opening, Xuanzi Fang's business has been booming.
Although it doesn't have daily long queues outside like Xiyuan Xianwei, customers constantly flow in and out. The high unit price of the soaps means it earns over one hundred taels of silver daily.
Courtesans and performers from several nearby pleasure houses have sent their accompanying male attendants to buy the fragrant soaps, saying their clients like the scent.
Then there are wealthy merchant families like the Sheng family. They are naturally the most eager to follow trends and certainly wouldn't miss out on a novelty like fragrant soap.
When such families buy fragrant soap, they don't just use it themselves. With the festive season approaching, every household is preparing New Year gifts.
The fragrant soaps are beautifully shaped, nicely packaged, and many people have never heard of them, making them a very presentable gift.
Furthermore, their price is not much different from high-quality silk flowers, so they're not considered too expensive. Many families specifically come to purchase full sets of the fragrant soaps to add to their festive gifts for other families' gers and young ladies.
As a result, many female members of prominent families in the capital have received fragrant soaps as festive gifts.
This fragrant soap was a novelty. Those who received it as a gift naturally found it rare and began discussing it over tea and after meals.
Gradually, the reputation of the fragrant soap spread among the prominent families in the capital. Xuanzi Fang's name was thoroughly established in the capital.
Taking advantage of the peak season for purchasing New Year gifts before the year's end, Xuanzi Fang's business boomed even further. Shen Xuan was raking in money, busy counting his earnings daily at home.
As the New Year approached, he received several more invitations from Xianzhu Jinning. However, he was too busy lately and couldn't spare the time, so he could only politely decline with written replies.
Unexpectedly, after declining several times, one afternoon, while Shen Xuan was busy in the back of Xuanzi Fang, Xianzhu Jinning herself appeared at the doorstep looking for him.
Shen Xuan was startled. He hadn't expected Jin Shiyue to directly come to his shop. He wondered when the princess found out that Xuanzi Fang was his property and quickly invited her into the shop's back courtyard.
It turned out that Jin Shiyue had received a festive gift a few days ago. Upon opening it, it was a set of fragrant soaps, identical to the one Shen Xuan had previously given him.
This gift was presented by a merchant family with some dealings with the prince's manor. Jin Shiyue inquired and learned that these fragrant soaps were sold by Xuanzi Fang, a recently opened shop on Zhijin Street.
Xuanzi Fang specialized in selling fragrant soaps, having opened just over a month ago.
Jin Shiyue initially thought Shen Xuan's gift was also bought from Xuanzi Fang, but when he calculated the time, he realized that its opening date was more than half a month after Shen Xuan had given him the gift.
Xianzhu Jinning found this matter quite peculiar and brought it up with Princess Consort Jinning.
After listening, the Princess Consort thought carefully for a moment before saying to Jin Shiyue, "This shop called Xuanzi Fang should be opened by this Shen Ger himself."
*Shen Xuan could actually open this fragrant soap shop himself?* Jin Shiyue was both surprised and amazed, finding it somewhat unbelievable.
However, connecting the name "Xuanzi Fang" with Shen Xuan's name, he then felt it was almost certainly true.
At this point, Princess Consort Jinning added, "Last time you invited this Shen Ger over, I observed his conduct. He was elegant and polite, speaking with appropriate deference, far superior to many of the capital's noble ladies. Even if he independently opened this fragrant soap shop, it's not entirely unexpected."
"Furthermore, although you had an unpleasant incident with him at the Ye family's hunting ground last time, he saved your life without holding a grudge. Such character is worth cultivating a deep friendship with."
"Yue'er, don't look down on him just because of his humble background. You have been pampered by your father and me since childhood, and your temperament has indeed been spoiled somewhat."
"Your flamboyant personality has already caused you significant trouble with Qian Ruofang. If you don't change, who knows what hardships you might suffer outside. This Shen Ger, however, is calm and composed, very complementary to you. You might as well invite him to visit our home more often and interact with him frequently."
Prince Jinning and Emperor Wu were not full siblings. Most of Emperor Wu's other brothers had been sent to remote fiefdoms in Dajin. However, Prince Jinning, by acting discreetly and with Princess Consort Jinning's assistance, had always maintained his proper conduct, remaining in the capital as a stable prince.
Princess Consort Jinning came from a distinguished family, being the daughter of the former Old Imperial Uncle Lu, with exceptional talent. She was specifically betrothed to Prince Jinning by the late emperor.
After marrying into the prince's manor, Prince Jinning held her in great respect. For over twenty years, he had no concubines or personal maids, only her as his legitimate wife. Their conjugal affection was deep, and they had one son and one *ger*, showing her to be a woman of considerable wisdom.
Although Jin Shiyue had a flamboyant personality outside, he was very obedient to his mother at home.
He immediately said, "I've already sent many invitations to Shen Xuan, but he always says he's busy and can't come. How can you say I look down on his background?"
"Fine, since he's busy running that shop, he probably doesn't have time. I'll just go find him myself."
"That works too," Princess Consort Jinning nodded upon hearing this.
She knew her child best. Although Jin Shiyue had a strong temper, one good quality was that he wasn't petty.
Seeing his actions, she felt he had already recognized Shen Xuan's character and genuinely wished to interact with him. Taking the initiative wouldn't be a bad thing.
Thus, today, there was the scene of Jin Shiyue directly arriving at Xuanzi Fang's entrance.
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Shen Xuan welcomed him into the back courtyard and offered him fine tea. Jin Shiyue didn't drink the tea but thoroughly explored Xuanzi Fang. After seeing many un-molded soaps, he said, "So this shop really is yours! No wonder you didn't have time when I sent you invitations."
"You, a *ger*, appear unassuming, yet you're capable of everything. I can't help but admire you!"
After saying that, Jin Shiyue waved his hand, beckoning his attendant, and said he wanted to buy twenty sets of soaps from Xuanzi Fang.
"Why are you buying so much soap at once?" Shen Xuan quickly asked. "If the set I gave you last time is finished, I can send you and the Princess Consort another set. Why go to such expense?"
Jin Shiyue replied, "One thing is one thing. You're running a business, not a charity. I can't just take them for free."
"Besides, the New Year is coming soon, and many relatives and external guests will be visiting. I was wondering what kind of return gifts to buy this year, but now with these fragrant soaps, it saves a lot of trouble. It's just that your soap is a bit too cheap; it won't be enough as a gift on its own, so I'll have to add some silk fabrics and flowers."
Shen Xuan heard his lavish talk and thought, *A dying camel is still bigger than a horse.* The Prince Jinning's manor might seem low-key, but even their New Year gifts were far wealthier than ordinary households!
So, he no longer stopped Jin Shiyue but had someone lead Jin Shiyue's attendant to package twenty sets of soaps.
After finishing his purchases, Jin Shiyue finally felt refreshed. He glanced at Zhijin Street outside and said, "This Zhijin Street is much livelier than Linlang Street. There are so many delicious foods and fun things to do."
"I heard there's a snack shop on this street called Xianyuan Flavor Opera Troupe, selling fried chicken and a snack called 'red oil skewers,' both very delicious. How about we buy some to try now?"
Shen Xuan found this amusing. He hadn't expected Jin Shiyue to want to eat food from his own shop, even when visiting Zhijin Street.
Seeing Jin Shiyue tell his attendant to go buy some, Shen Xuan didn't say much.
After a while, the attendant returned empty-handed and cautiously said to Jin Shiyue, "Princess, when I went, there was a very long queue outside the shop. By the time it was my turn, everything was sold out."
"How come it's sold out just when you get there? You're useless!" Jin Shiyue was displeased and scolded his attendant.
Shen Xuan saw that the attendant was only thirteen or fourteen years old. After being reprimanded by Jin Shiyue, his eyes were already red.
It was just past *shen-shi* (3-5 PM). With the New Year approaching, Xianyuan Flavor Opera Troupe's business had become even better, and it indeed closed very early every day.
Seeing Jin Shiyue about to lose his temper with the attendant, and feeling pity for the attendant, Shen Xuan took over the conversation. "How about this? You come to my residence later, and I'll cook you a meal to try."
"You can cook?" Jin Shiyue's attention was immediately drawn to Shen Xuan.
"I used to cook for myself in the countryside, so of course, I can cook, and quite deliciously too," Shen Xuan told him.
Jin Shiyue thought about it and realized it made sense that Shen Xuan would have cooked for himself before. He was also curious about his cooking skills, so he agreed.
So, Shen Xuan left the shop early today and took Jin Shiyue to the Shen residence.
Anyway, the few servants at Xuanzi Fang were already well-versed in their tasks, so he didn't need to supervise them constantly, which was very convenient.
This was Jin Shiyue's first visit to the Shen residence. Upon arriving at its entrance, he realized that while the Shen residence wasn't large, its location was excellent.
After all, it was a mansion bestowed by the palace. The Yangliu Lane in the East City's three streets was surrounded by official residences, making it very safe and quiet.
After entering the courtyard, Shen Xuan led him to the back courtyard. He then called Suyan and Suyue to serve good fruits and tea to Jin Shiyue, while he himself washed his hands, changed clothes, and went to the kitchen to cook.
Although Shen Xuan hadn't cooked personally for a long time, his skills were ingrained; he hadn't lost his touch, and all his culinary abilities were still there.
He first made a sweet and sour mandarin fish. Then, he specifically took out the previously prepared spices to make a fried chicken and a dish called spicy skewers.
Afterward, Shen Xuan instructed Cook Huang to stir-fry two green vegetables and add a clear soup. Then he had Jinzhi and Jin Gui serve the dishes to Jin Shiyue.
As he returned to the room, he heard Jin Shiyue pointing at the fried chicken on the table and asking, "How is this chicken so fragrant? Was it made by you or your cook? I've never seen it before!"
Shen Xuan smiled and said, "Weren't you eager to eat Xiyuan Xianwei's fried chicken? This is it."
Then he pointed to the spicy skewers nearby and said, "These are spicy skewers, also Xiyuan Xianwei's specialty. They're spicy, though. I don't know if you're used to the taste. Would you like to try?"
Jin Shiyue was stunned for a moment, then blinked and said, "How can your household make Xiyuan Xianwei's specialty dishes? Is that shop yours too?"
Shen Xuan smiled and said nothing, but the expression on his face already tacitly confirmed it.
Jin Shiyue then stated with certainty, "So it's true! Xiyuan Xianwei is yours too! How can you be so capable?"
After he finished speaking, he immediately tasted the fried chicken. He found the skin crispy and delicious, and the meat tender and juicy – a truly exceptional taste.
Then he ate the spicy skewers. Though spicy, they were incredibly fragrant. Finally, after eating the sweet and sour mandarin fish, he sighed, "Ah, now it seems that if we disregard background, you and The Shizi are quite a good match."
Shen Xuan felt speechless upon hearing this, thinking that Jin Shiyue truly didn't know how to speak, no wonder he offended people everywhere.
He deliberately raised an eyebrow and said, "Although my background is a bit humble, I know more things than The Shizi. How am I not worthy of him?"
Jin Shiyue then said, "You don't understand The Shizi. He's not just of noble status, he knows so many things! Among the unmarried men in the capital, who can surpass his talent and learning?"
"His calligraphy is excellent, and his poetry at court banquets has received direct praise from His Majesty. He's also very famous in the Imperial Academy. His policy essays are well-written and often circulated among scholars by the teachers."
"Most of the young masters from these aristocratic families in the capital don't enjoy studying. They secure official positions through their family connections, often as inherited sinecures. But Young Master, last year, he ranked first in the capital in the autumn provincial examination, passing on his first attempt. The upcoming spring imperial examination is for selecting gongshi (tribute scholars), and with his talent, he'll likely pass that on the first try too."
"Furthermore, he has been learning martial arts and equestrian skills from his maternal uncle in the Ye family since he was young. At every banquet and event, he's never outdone by Ye Chen on the polo field."
"If there's anything he's not as good at as you, it's probably running shops and earning money," Jin Shiyue mused. "But the Ye family has been prominent officials for three dynasties, with a deep financial foundation. When Young Master's birth mother was favored in the Ye family, she brought half of the family's assets with her to the Marquis's residence when she married."
"Now that she has passed away and Young Master is her only child, these properties are naturally all under his name. There are more than ten farmlands just in the capital's suburbs, not to mention countless other shops, gold, and silver."
"Precisely because of this, which young lady or ger in the capital wouldn't want to marry him? Not to mention his unparalleled good looks!"
Jin Shiyue was originally an admirer of Xue Fenglin. Although he wasn't competing with Shen Xuan anymore, hearing Shen Xuan question Xue Fenglin's abilities immediately turned him into The Shizi's fervent admirer, showering him with praise.
Hearing this, Shen Xuan immediately thought of the money box Xue Fenglin had given him last time. The box indeed contained a thick stack of land deeds and property deeds, which Xue Fenglin had insisted he keep, making Shen Xuan quite uneasy.
At the same time, he thought to himself: 'Xue Fenglin is indeed wealthy. With the family assets he possesses, as long as he doesn't commit a grave mistake leading to confiscation and extermination, he could lie at home and squander money like water, and likely wouldn't run out even in his next life.'
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