Because of Jin Feng, the Qing family had reaped rich rewards in recent months, both on the battlefield and in court. Apart from Qing Huai’s two elder brothers and the Duke of Qing’s primary wife, everyone else in the family held Jin Feng in high regard.
This included Consort Qing in the palace.
Jin Feng had only asked Qing Mulang to deliver the soap to the palace in order to build its reputation in the capital.
Yet Consort Qing exceeded all expectations.
“Just come to me directly!”
With those words, Jin Feng effectively gained an imperial sword of authority.
That very night, Consort Qing sent word to the Duke of Qing, who then informed Iron Hammer.
“Excellent, with His Majesty’s promise, we no longer need to worry in the capital.”
Luo Lan clapped excitedly. “Brother Iron Hammer, that shop we saw today is close to Xing’an Ward, with heavy foot traffic. Let’s take it.”
“That shop costs nine thousand taels of silver. Shouldn’t we consult the master and Madam Xiao Bei first?”
Iron Hammer hesitated.
Over the past few days, Luo Lan, Iron Hammer, and Han Feng had been scouring the capital with their men, searching for suitable shops and residences.
All three approved of the shop Luo Lan mentioned. Its only drawback was the price.
Even County Lieutenant Zhao, after a lifetime of scraping together wealth and mortgaging his house, had only amassed nine thousand taels.
In Bianjing, teeming with powerful clans, this was no small sum.
“Consort Qing’s message has arrived. Soon the soap’s fame will spread through the capital. Even riding day and night, a round trip to Xihe Bay takes over half a month. There is no time to seek instructions.”
Luo Lan decided swiftly. “The letter from the master and Madam Xiao Bei said that in such cases, I may decide. Do as I say. Tomorrow we secure the shop. If problems arise later, I will bear the punishment from the master and Madam Xiao Bei.”
“Very well.”
Iron Hammer and Han Feng exchanged glances, then nodded reluctantly.
Before departure, Jin Feng and Tang Xiaobei had indeed instructed them to follow Luo Lan’s lead on shop selection.
Seeing their worried expressions, Luo Lan smiled and explained. “Brother Iron Hammer, Brother Han, this shop is expensive, but for good reason.
First, it was formerly an inn. It has street-front shops, plus over two mu of courtyard and many guest rooms behind. We need not find separate quarters for the escort agency. Everyone can settle in the courtyard, ensuring the chamber of commerce’s safety.
Second, it is closest to Xing’an Ward, where high officials and nobles gather. Noble ladies shop there. They are the soap’s main customers.
It is also not far from Wude Ward, home to military families. They are the primary buyers of black knives.
Truthfully, waiting longer might lower the price further, but we cannot afford the delay.
If Consort Qing builds the soap’s reputation yet we fail to open the shop, this trip to the capital will be a complete failure. Finding such an opportunity again will be difficult.”
Iron Hammer and Han Feng both nodded slightly.
“The master says time is money. I find that very true!”
Luo Lan continued. “If we open the shop here, I guarantee we will recover the cost within six months!”
“Six months to earn nine thousand taels?”
Iron Hammer and Han Feng looked doubtful.
“Whether soap or black knives, both are unique in Great Kang. Once famous, sales are assured!”
Luo Lan said confidently. “The capital has no shortage of wealthy lords. Six months at most. If things go well, perhaps three or four months!”
“I am a rough man, Iron Hammer. I know nothing of business. Since you say so, Sister Luo Lan, I follow you!”
Iron Hammer pulled a small cloth bundle from his chest, took out a stack of banknotes. “The master gave me these before we left. Ten thousand taels in total. All yours!”
“Good!” Luo Lan nodded, took the notes, and quickly planned their use in her mind.
Buying the shop alone cost nine thousand taels. Adding renovations, ten thousand was tight.
Luo Lan was decisive. That evening she made the decision. Early next morning she found the inn’s owner.
She knew this put her at a disadvantage in negotiations, but she had no choice.
Han Feng had inquired overnight. The owner faced urgent matters. The price was not inflated. At most, it could drop a few hundred taels.
Missing the opening window and delaying soap sales would cost far more than a few hundred taels.
The owner also needed quick cash. They agreed instantly. That morning they completed the paperwork at the government office.
That afternoon, Luo Lan hired craftsmen at high rates. Using the Jinyuan Commandery Jinchuan Chamber of Commerce as a model, she began transforming the inn.
While Luo Lan worked feverishly, Consort Qing was equally busy.
The soap sent to the palace was specially made by Wan Niang and Guan Xiaorou. The fragrance was rich and lasting. The entire Changping Palace filled with a faint plum blossom scent.
Chen Ji not only loved the aroma, but also the poems on the soap boxes. As emperor, however, he could not directly ask a consort for gifts.
Consort Qing saw through his thoughts yet pretended ignorance, never mentioning giving soap to the emperor.
For the next few days, Chen Ji visited daily and stayed overnight.
Such favour was rare in the rear palace, except for a few especially favoured consorts.
Consorts from political marriages often saw the emperor only a few times a year, if at all.
Consort Qing, previously unremarkable, suddenly became the palace’s star.
Many consorts visited daily, hoping to “bump into” the emperor or learn the secret of her sudden rise.
Even the empress stopped by, claiming she was passing.
Word spreads. Consort Qing knew a few bars of soap could not truly bind the emperor. When the time felt right, during the empress’s visit, she presented a set of soap to win her favour.
She then gifted some to close or favoured concubines.
The emperor’s rear palace set trends among capital noblewomen. After receiving soap, the concubines naturally sent one or two bars to their families to show off.
In fragrance-scarce Great Kang, women loved soap. No special promotion was needed. Its fame spread smoothly through the capital.
To Luo Lan’s surprise, because Chen Ji mentioned Jin Feng’s poetry several times in recent court sessions, soap became not only popular among noblewomen, but also extremely sought-after in scholarly circles.
If Great Kang had a trending list, it would surely top it.
Not only did powerful families and noblewomen inquire where to buy soap, scholars scoured the city for the boxes.
