That day, no one knew what Tang Xiao Bei said in the prefect’s mansion, but many people noticed that from that day on, the prefect’s wife would call groups of officials’ wives or wealthy families’ wives for no reason, showing off a new treasure called soap.
It was said that bathing with soap not only cleans thoroughly, but also leaves a lingering fragrance on the body, and long-term use can make the skin fair and tender.
In short, more and more wives began to inquire where soap could be bought.
“Miss Xiao Bei, you are truly capable. The brothers keeping watch reported back that dozens of wives have visited the prefect’s mansion these past few days.”
Da Liu said delightedly: “When we start selling, our soap will definitely not be short of buyers.”
“This is not my capability, but the prefect’s wife giving face.” Tang Xiao Bei said with a smile.
That day, after exchanging just a few words with the prefect and his wife, Tang Xiao Bei realised that the prefect’s wife did not like that tigress niece, and her words revealed dissatisfaction with the tigress using the prefect’s power to strut about.
Tang Xiao Bei immediately changed strategy, taking the wife’s route, focusing on the prefect’s wife.
From the prefect’s wife’s words, Tang Xiao Bei keenly perceived that the prefect was indeed as she guessed, not intending to do anything to Jin Feng, just feeling he had lost face.
Confirming this, Tang Xiao Bei solemnly apologised to the prefect.
The prefect was getting on in years, due to retire to his hometown in a few years, seeing his wife like Tang Xiao Bei and her coming with gifts to give him a way out, he naturally took the opportunity to step down.
Over the next two days, Tang Xiao Bei visited the prefect’s wife several times more, bringing small gifts.
She had specially learned in the brothel how to speak to make people happy, and in just a few days, she coaxed the once bereaved prefect’s wife into high spirits, later even wanting to recognise Tang Xiao Bei as a adopted daughter, but Tang Xiao Bei refused citing her lowly background fearing it would trouble the prefect’s career.
The prefect’s wife could only regretfully give up, but she recommended soap even more earnestly.
“Miss Xiao Bei, the prefect’s wife wanted to recognise you as her adopted daughter, why didn’t you agree?”
Da Liu asked curiously: “This is a great opportunity many would beg for.”
“Then let it go to others.”
Tang Xiao Bei smiled but did not explain, instead asking: “How is Fengyue Workshop?”
“As you thought, many girls are asking through people where soap is sold.”
Da Liu said with a beaming smile.
These past few days, Fengyue Workshop had another rumour.
It was said that after Tang Xiao Bei gave soap to her two good sisters in Chunfeng Tower, those two sisters met generous patrons that very day, who had stayed in Chunfeng Tower for several days, infatuated with their body fragrance and smooth skin.
Those who patronised Ting Jie and Xiao Ru were naturally the people Tang Xiao Bei had Da Liu arrange.
She felt quite helpless about this.
If she didn’t arrange, the madam wouldn’t let her two sisters idle.
“Brother Da Liu, buy some pastries and fruits, let’s go to Chunfeng Tower.”
Even understanding in her heart, Tang Xiao Bei still felt some guilt towards the two sisters.
This time going to Chunfeng Tower, Tang Xiao Bei received the highest courtesy from all the girls.
But Tang Xiao Bei knew they were all after the soap, so she brushed them off casually and slipped into Ting Jie’s room.
As for Huzi lingering in the room, Liu Tie had sent someone ahead to call him away.
As soon as Tang Xiao Bei entered, Xiao Ru got the news and came too.
“Two sisters, you’ve been put through trouble these days.”
Tang Xiao Bei bowed to the two.
“Xiao Bei, what are you saying? If you didn’t arrange people for us, would Mum let us idle?”
Ting Jie said: “Young Brother Huzi is so gentle, doesn’t torment, much better than those pot-bellied old men.”
“Yes, yes, Brother Da Jiang is strong and gentle too, he even said he’ll save money to redeem me later.”
Xiao Ru said blushing: “If that day really comes, Xiao Bei, I can go back to Xihe Bay with you. Brother Da Jiang says it’s great there, Mr Jin opened a textile factory, women can earn money to support themselves, sometimes earning more than men.”
“Huzi told me about the textile factory too.” Ting Jie showed longing in her eyes: “Never thought such a place exists, Huzi says Mr Jin never looks down on women, if a man hits a woman in the village, Mr Jin scolds those men. Xiao Bei, is it true?”
“It’s true.” Tang Xiao Bei nodded: “Mr Jin is the best man under heaven.”
“The best man under heaven, and he fell into your hands?”
Xiao Ru winked lewdly at Tang Xiao Bei: “Granny Chen and Granny Zhang were the best at bedchamber arts in Chunfeng Tower ten years ago, you learned all their skills, you must use them, can’t let such a good man slip away.”
“Don’t talk nonsense, Xiao Bei is still a virgin.”
Ting Jie slapped Xiao Ru disapprovingly.
“What’s wrong with being a virgin, she knows more than both of us combined, this hard-learned skill must be used.”
Xiao Ru laughed: “Xiao Bei, I don’t know if you’re deliberately teasing Mr Jin, but I advise you not to overplay, a good man like Mr Jin is rare in a century, be proactive when needed, with your skills, no man can escape.”
Tang Xiao Bei was made flushed and heart racing by the two, her heart involuntarily stirred.
“Should I be more proactive when I go back? But what about sister?”
Thinking this, Tang Xiao Bei felt irritated, venting by hugging Xiao Ru and rubbing: “I’ll make you talk nonsense, make you shameless…”
Xiao Ru naturally wouldn’t take a loss, immediately counterattacking.
In the end, somehow Ting Jie was pulled into the fray too.
Tired from playing, the three lay side by side on the bed.
“Ting Jie, Xiao Ru, rest assured, once I earn money, I’ll arrange people to redeem you right away.”
Tang Xiao Bei hugged one with each arm: “But this can’t let Mum Zhou know, otherwise she definitely won’t let you go.”
“Xiao Bei, how can we let you redeem us?”
Ting Jie propped herself up, shaking her head.
“What you and I between us?”
Tang Xiao Bei said: “Besides, I’ll redeem you, once free, come back to Xihe Bay with me to spin thread, earn money to repay me.”
Hearing this, both fell silent.
After a while, Xiao Ru also propped up, seriously: “Xiao Bei, thank you, if I can get out, I’d spin thread for you this lifetime to repay, willingly.”
No one wants to stay in a brothel forever, even a sliver of hope, they’d grasp with all might.
“What, you want to owe me a lifetime?” Tang Xiao Bei rolled her eyes at Xiao Ru: “Go find your Brother Da Jiang!”
“You dare mock me?”
The three of them were at it again.
“By the way Xiao Bei, these days many people asked me through me if there’s more soap, they’re willing to pay, even Mum Zhou’s maid asked once.”
Ting Jie asked: “How should I reply to them?”
