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墨書 Inktalez
Thunder rumbled, yet the rain did not fall. In the dark forest, two people moved quickly, one in front of the other. Another clap of thunder echoed, and the person behind seemed to panic and stepped on something, letting out a low cry as they fell to the ground.
"Shengzi, what happened?"
Hearing the low call from behind, Chang Tai also stopped. Illuminated by the flash of lightning that cut through the treetops, both were surprised to see that what had tripped Shengzi was actually a skeleton.
Thanks to Madam Liu's promotion, business at Ruyi Workshop was booming. Not only were the Madam Sisters who selected Rouge coming one after another, but people seeking beauty secrets also came in droves. They had been busy since morning and only got a brief moment to catch their breath around noon. Now, only Madam Liu remained in Ruyi Workshop.
"Thanks to the lady's efforts, my back is about to break from all this work," Xing Ruyi said while rubbing her sore waist and taking out a newly arrived Rouge from the counter.
It was an oval-shaped box with a plain white base, lightly sketched with ink that looked like a child's random doodle at first glance. Upon closer inspection, it revealed a pattern of a Fox Demon.
"What a special box; I imagine the Rouge inside must be different as well," Madam Liu said as she sipped her tea, holding the box in her palm and examining it closely. "Isn't this design depicting a Fox Demon?"
"Only the lady's keen eye could discern that; if it were anyone else, they might think it was just a child's scribble," Xing Ruyi replied as she opened the box. A delicate fragrance wafted out, distinct from any Rouge she had seen or used before.
"This Rouge is called Fox Demon. It differs from traditional methods of making Rouge; not only does it add color but also moisturizes the skin. If you don't mind, you can take it home and try it out. If it works well for you, you can help promote our Ruyi Workshop," Xing Ruyi suggested.
"Ruyi's calculations are indeed clever," Madam Liu remarked, casting a brief glance at Xing Ruyi filled with joy. "I'll take this box of Fox Demon Rouge, but I must pay for it with double silver coins. However, let me make this clear: if it doesn't work well, I will demand a refund."
"Madam, that's not necessary. Since Fox Demon has brought this box of Rouge out for you, it's a gift. If I were to accept your double silver coins for it, that would be quite rude," Xing Ruyi insisted as she gently pushed Madam Liu's hand back.
"That doesn't seem right; if my Master finds out, I'll surely be scolded," Madam Liu said with a troubled expression as she placed the Rouge box on the table. "If Ruyi insists on not accepting payment, then I can only reluctantly leave this box here."
"What is the lady doing?" Xing Ruyi furrowed her brows, but as her thoughts shifted, her tightly knitted brows relaxed. "How about this: let this box of Rouge be a trial gift from Ruyi Workshop to the lady. If the lady finds it good, then you can pay Silver; if not, then it's on the lady. The Fox Demon wouldn't dare to refuse. After all, it's a new product, and you can consider it as helping out. If Mr. Liu asks about it, the Fox Demon will explain for you. I believe Mr. Liu isn't unreasonable, right, madam?"
With this statement, Madam Liu smiled brightly and naturally couldn't refuse any longer.
"Since Ruyi has said so, I will take this box of Rouge back to try it out, just like what the young lady mentioned about a trial."
"Thank you, madam!" Xing Ruyi slightly lowered her head.
"If anyone should be thanking anyone, it should be me thanking you, Ruyi. Ever since I started using the products from your place, I feel like a different person. Not only does my makeup look much better, but even my skin has become much more hydrated after using what you prepared. It makes one feel delighted," Madam Liu said as she stepped forward and gently held Xing Ruyi's hand, pulling her to sit down together.
The two chatted casually for a while until somehow the conversation turned to Yan Niang and then from Yan Niang to Chang Tai, and from Chang Tai to Shengzi.
"You know that Shengzi girl from the yamen, right?"
"Of course I know her; she often walks with Brother Chang. She's quite clever despite her small stature," Xing Ruyi replied with a smile as she recalled how Shengzi would pass by the door wanting to greet them but hesitating to do so. "Madam mentioned her; could it be that Shengzi made a fool of herself in front of you?"
"Not exactly making a fool of herself; she's quite a good child and also a pitiful one," Madam Liu shook her head lightly. "When Shengzi's father was still alive, he often delivered medicinal herbs to our family. He was honest and always selected the best herbs, unlike some people who mix in rough goods. It's just a pity that good people have short lives; he fell ill with tuberculosis and passed away within two years. At that time, Shengzi was still just a child, about as tall as my thigh—four or five years old. Her mother was heartbroken and cried herself blind; everything relied on Shengzi to manage both inside and outside their home, making life very difficult. My husband remembered their old friendship and considered inviting Shengzi to help at Jishengtang so she could learn some skills for living and earn some double silver coins to support her family. But Shengzi is stubborn and firmly refused."
"How would Shengzi and her mother live?" Thinking of some experiences from her own childhood made Xing Ruyi's nose tingle with emotion.
"By gathering herbs," Madam Liu replied as she raised her chin slightly, revealing a hint of admiration in her eyes. "At that time, she had already learned about many herbs from her father. Although she only gathered common herbs that didn't sell for much, Shengzi worked hard and collected a lot, selling them at several pharmacies in town. Plus, she's clever and sweet-tongued; customers often took care of her. So by the end of the year, the double silver coins she earned were enough for them to get by. Later on, when she entered the yamen, life became even better for them—only..."
Madam Liu paused after letting out a long sigh and fell silent for a moment.
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