Two

The fragrance of incense wafts through the air

Having finished, I took some borneol and slowly stirred it over a gentle fire with fragrant chopsticks. Once the incense was burned into embers, I gathered some ash from the stove, added a layer of borneol on top, then added more incense, and finally added wax and kneaded in honey. After mixing it well, I burned it again. Only when the charcoal was extinguished and no smoke was produced did I cover the fire to put it out

In fact, there is no need to get close; stepping into the cabinet, one is immediately met with a strong aroma, a blend of various spices, indistinguishable in hierarchy, resulting not in fragrance, but in a medicinal scent

Time has a hint of mockery; if someone else were to ask, one would naturally say it is impossible. However, to respond this way to someone who knows one well is undoubtedly quite tactless. With a slight narrowing of the eyes and a smile, "If Your Highness requires it, I can certainly give it a try"

and use with caution

The man's voice was faint, so faint that it was almost impossible to discern the chilling aura of slaughter within it. Shaoguang raised her gaze with a complex mix of emotions, feeling the coldness emanating from him quietly spreading, aggressive enough to overshadow even the rich aroma of the incense.

Many people seem to have forgotten that on the day of the competition, it was Shaoguang who placed the fabric on the embroidery frame, prompting Zhong Yilan to challenge Yu Xizi. Not only the satin, but also various pieces of evidence were collected by the eunuchs at her request. However, the three people in the same room believed that someone had intentionally placed the materials on her embroidery frame, regretting the missed opportunity for promotion while also suspecting that she had been framed.

"Your Highness has forgotten, I am now in the inner court, and my status is far from what it used to be." Shaoguang said with a bitter smile

Yang Guang leaned his head closer, his gaze sweeping over her, settling on her profile, "You can try pouring it all in."

"You are truly becoming more and more domineering, not even allowing me to faint."

In the open hall, the flowers have already bloomed.

Your Highness has been waiting for a long time, please allow Miss Shao to follow this servant

The bright sunlight streamed in, and the woman by the window, adorned with fragrance, wore a simple white high-waisted long dress. The chest strap flowed gracefully, pure and untainted by a speck of dust. Her unadorned face appeared somewhat pale, not particularly beautiful, yet she possessed a pair of captivating black eyes.

However, I am... not as skilled as others," Shaoguang said, speaking sincerely.

The palace has always placed great emphasis on spices, particularly the Mingguang Palace. The Empress Dowager is a devout Buddhist and has a fondness for benzoin, resulting in the Mingguang Palace being filled with fragrant smoke all day long, resembling a temple. However, during the lifetime of the Empress, she detested the smell of smoke and fire, preferring a harmonious blend of various spices, where the fragrance is present without the visibility of smoke. When incense is burned, a gilded golden cone incense holder is used, with the fragrance complemented by honey, and it is simmered over a gentle fire, ensuring that the resulting ash is as white as snow.

You have broken the prince's Song Bai, yet you appear so aggrieved. Kneel properly for me, dare to feign fainting, and you will see!

To deliver the silk to Fengming Palace, Tao Zhi personally led the palace attendants there. Having learned from the previous lesson, the Department of Garments no longer dared to be careless, and all the selected attendants were elderly individuals, behaving with utmost caution

The guiding servant finished speaking and then submissively withdrew.

The imperial harem is a battlefield devoid of visible smoke, yet it is equally filled with blood and violence, with battles and killings. How many once proud and noble women have shone brightly in the harem, only to ultimately fall in the struggle for power, leaving them without a burial place? What a tragic and brutal experience that must have been, perhaps only the deceased truly know. Shaoguang lowered her eyes somewhat sadly, and after a moment, recalled a name that had not been mentioned for a long time—Su Youmin

Private summons occur frequently, but public summons have never happened. In a moment of hesitation, Ning Shuang put down the basket and said: "It can't be because you mistakenly took the wrong fabric that you are being blamed, right?"

This fragrance originally comes from the palace. When I was stationed at the border, I received many offerings from Jiangnan. Not long ago, I also visited Yangzhou and discovered incense of similar charm, yet the methods and principles are actually different. This is akin to the people in the palace; after leaving the palace, they also become different

I want you to win

As the light of youth lifted her gaze, her eyes reflected a somewhat complex expression as she looked over.

Extraordinary promotions are always a luxury that lowly maids can only hope for, much like a third-class maid dreaming of becoming a first-class one, or palace maids aspiring to be female officials. The palace attendants in the wardrobe department all feel that this is a tremendous blessing that has befallen them; compared to the newly designed palace garments and ornaments, the elevation in rank is undoubtedly a crucial step in planning a splendid future.

Dong Qingdian hurriedly opened a lightweight bamboo umbrella and held it over his head, saying, "The sun is so strong, Your Highness, why have you come out?"

The incense is delicately simmered. In the furnace, the incense ash resembles snow, with a small piece of incense cake emitting a faint fragrance above it

The wind blows, dispersing the fragrance of flowers

In the fleeting moment of silence, I softly asked, "Your Highness, what do you desire?"

The man gazed leisurely, with a profound meaning.

The maid navigated the winding flower path and directly led her to the outside of the bedroom. Although it was called a bedroom, it was far more magnificent than the quarters of the palace maids. Originally, the second courtyard housed a wardrobe keeper and two clothing attendants. After Fei Yi left the palace, Jin Se still resided in the original six interconnected rooms of Fu Xue Garden, and the spacious courtyard was only occupied by Zhong Yi Lan and Tao Zhi.

In the late spring season, the peach blossoms are in full bloom, with deep red clusters climbing on the branches. The fragrance of the flowers is rich, and from a distance, they appear like a floating red mist. The bedroom is nestled among the trees and flowers, with twelve windows wide open, allowing sunlight to pour into the hall without restraint. Through the green silk water curtain, the silk threads sway gently, and a subtle fragrance wafts through the air

Yang Liang opened his folding fan, a faint smile playing at the corners of his lips

Under the stone bridge, a maid was already waiting.

Having said that, he rose and walked to the Furong treasure rack, personally closing a window.

Upon hearing the words, Shaoguang smiled slightly and merely opened the ink brocade box to scoop out a small amount. The main ingredient is sweet pine nuts, and the use of musk is to prevent the fragrance of the sweet pine nuts from dissipating, so it should not be used in excess

The Linhua Palace has been idle for many years, yet the palace attendants clean it meticulously, and not a speck of dust has accumulated. However, the atmosphere feels cold and stagnant; although the warm sun shines brightly outside and the wind is gentle, it sweeps into the vast inner hall, as if tainted by the aura of warfare, becoming chillingly cold.

Having entered the palace not long ago, I have been tending to the flowers and trees, and have never seen the Han Wang. Naturally, I had never imagined that there could be such a handsome man in the world. It felt as if a celestial being from a painting had descended from the clouds, and for a moment, I forgot to pay my respects and was utterly mesmerized.

The multifaceted and harmonious benzoin resin, compared to ordinary benzoin, enhances the invigorating effects

"The person entrusted to Your Highness, could it be Su Shangong?" Shaoguang's lips curved slightly, a hint of a smile at the corners, "What ability do I possess that would make her think of me until now..."

Shaoguang looked at the hand reaching out to him, momentarily taken aback; after a brief pause, he remembered to extend the incense sticks in his hand.

Dong Qingdian reluctantly pouted, "Your Highness treasures this beauty the most. It was not easy to bring her in from outside the palace, yet she was broken by someone blind to her worth. How can I not punish her?" After murmuring this, she lowered her head to glance at the kneeling maid, "What are you standing there dazed for? His Highness has shown you kindness; why don't you hurry and express your gratitude?"

At this moment, there were several figures in the palace square, and faintly, a shimmering red light was floating. As one approached, it became clear that they were palace attendants from the wardrobe department holding newly made madder red satin fabric.

Time gathers in silence, "Zhong Si Yi."

The sun is shining brightly

Shaoguang gazed at the several wind lanterns hanging high in the Linhua Palace, their thick wisps of smoke drifting, vast like mist

Zhong Yilan sat in front of a low table adorned with a pattern of golden flowers on a pale background. The tea and snacks on the table had long since cooled and remained untouched. Since returning from the inner chamber, she had maintained her posture for quite some time, until the maid brought someone in, at which point she lifted her head and said languidly, "It is you!"

The man tapped with a fan and said, "You also know that the sun is strong"

Listening to the scolding while standing behind the screen, I hurriedly ran up, stealing a glance, and couldn't help but look again at that strikingly handsome crimson figure. In the jade hall, the flower branches drooped slightly, the petals trembled, and a bouquet of floral shadows was completely overshadowed by the stunningly beautiful man, so radiant that it was hard to look away. ... But ...? ... Clearly, he has a fondness for madder red, how could he then favor Song Bai?

Bring the incense chopsticks from the case inside

Just two simple and scattered words, in an instant, released those long-sealed memories. The past was suddenly unveiled. The so-called floral quality, officials from Yangzhou—those who retreated and hid away in the Jiangnan region were numerous, yet those who were exiled were few and far between... People from the palace are still people from the palace

She was once the chief confidante of the Morning Glow Palace, having once held the reins of the Imperial Household Department, commanding great influence. Among the female officials and servants, none could surpass her.

The light in the inner hall is ample. Behind a small sandalwood table, there stands a dark reddish-black screen inlaid with mother-of-pearl depicting mountains and waters. In front of a flat-topped black lacquer table with gold carvings, there is a poised and elegant silhouette. The owner of the silhouette stands with one hand resting behind, holding a gold hairpin entwined with a fragrant branch in the slender fingers of the other hand

A few people were chatting and laughing, when a moment later, a maid came in to announce: Zhong Yilan instructed Shaoguang to go to the embroidery hall

"When it comes to palace-style craftsmanship and embroidery skills, the women in this room are all experts in needlework, far surpassing you by a hundredfold." Zhong Yilan raised her lips, "But what I desire is not exquisite fabric arts, but the entire Sibao House. Such a golden opportunity must not be allowed to slip away, and I do not wish to see a second Yu Xizi by my side. You must win."

Burning incense is originally an act of elegance, yet once the Prince of Jin ignites the incense, it becomes solemn and dignified, with a majestic aura. The wisps of smoke gently emanating from the mouth of the qilin seem to pay tribute to the spirits of the departed

Zhong Yilan's attempt to promote the idea of the peach branch has fallen through

The screen trembled as she shrugged her shoulders, as if she were about to faint at any moment. In front of her stood a woman dressed in a green glazed silk palace gown, whose waist adorned with jingling ornaments indicated she was no ordinary palace maid. With elongated phoenix eyes, her long hair styled into a butterfly bun, and her brows and eyes imbued with spring, she was exceedingly charming and affectionate

Only by relying on a large tree can one enjoy the shade

The hour of the snake has passed, and the sunlight outside the courtyard is bright and clear

Zhong Yilan set down the ladle, her gaze fixed intently on Shaoguang's face

"Five days later, there will be another competition with the Si Bao Fang." Indeed, Zhong Yilan rubbed her sore calves, stretched her arms, then lifted the lid of the teacup, took a spoonful, and slowly chewed it after bringing it to her lips

The bright spring light casts over Langfang, where golden waves intertwine, shimmering with a touch of crushed gold. Beyond a bay in front lies Huxifang, to the north is Baoshi, and to the south is the inner hall of the Shangfu Bureau. Zhong Yilan's bedroom serves as the central axis, connecting the palace quarters and the Yeting Bureau. Across the stone bridge, one can see maids in floral blouses bustling by the lakeside.

Yang Guang waved his hand, signaling the palace maids to arrange the incense spoon and incense chopsticks one by one

Yang Guang raised his eyebrows slightly, looking at her with a faint smile, "Unfortunately, some people are destined to be remembered. What you refer to as a secure corner, is it a form of complacency or a temporary concealment of brilliance? Just be careful not to choose the wrong side."

"Zhong Siyi, Miss Shao has arrived"

She is an exception who managed to survive the struggles within the palace, yet she is still not comparable to you, as you not only have been preserved but have also returned to the palace affairs once again

As she turned her gaze again, the haze had already shattered upon that exquisite visage. The corners of her brows and eyes revealed a hint of indifference, yet she remained the same imposing and self-assured head of the garment department as before. Her lack of spirit was merely for the eyes of others; having received rewards and accolades, she was well aware that too many harbored envy. Before her ambitions could be realized, she understood the necessity of concealing her brilliance and biding her time.

Yang Guang twirled the incense chopsticks, his dark eyes momentarily frozen. After a moment, he suddenly gazed out the window, his expression becoming ancient and distant. "Shaoguang, do you know that long ago, this king was searching for something."

At noon, the courtyard was eerily quiet

Miss, this servant acknowledges her mistake

There is a fragrance that can bring tranquility to the chaotic and clarity to the drowsy. This spice is highly valued in the Jiangnan region, and before returning to the palace, I had heard that it had already reached the capital. Yang Guang gently touched the lid of the incense burner, where the delicate carvings were adorned with a faint aroma.

If she were to take the southern route back to the Embroidery Hall, she would not encounter anyone. Shaoguang raised her hand to shield herself from the bright light and saw a maid in front of her bowing respectfully, "Miss Shao, His Highness the Prince of Jin requests your presence"

If one wishes to emulate the benzoin of the Mingguang Palace, or even surpass it, the blended and harmonized fragrance produced should be of the highest quality. Shaoguang then picked up a piece of incense cake and placed it into the incense burner

The green plums and the fleeting moments exchanged a smile.

A maid had been waiting with her head raised for a long time on the Dan throne, and upon seeing the auspicious moment, she respectfully bowed.

Peach Branch let out a sigh, having just carried the fabric up the steps, when she was stopped by Dong Qingdian. "Your Highness does not like others entering the sleeping quarters, just leave it there," she said, then turned around and shot a glare, "Come here and help, you have no sense of awareness at all"

Indeed, that is the Empress Dowager's decree

What kind of materials does Your Highness require

Yang Liang lifted the glass water curtain and stepped over the threshold

The servant understands

Miss Shao, His Highness is waiting for you in the inner hall

The servant Tao Zhi has brought the crimson satin and carpet for His Highness, the Han Wang

Before coming here, I heard from the maid guiding me that the person in charge was lacking in spirit and feeling troubled. However, at this moment, looking at her, I do not perceive any sense of dejection or discouragement in her eyes

A hint of warmth surged in the depths of time.

Turmeric, with its rich and fragrant aroma, has a sweet yet cold nature. It is known to accumulate yin and can lead to blood stasis, and is traditionally prohibited for pregnant women and those suffering from long-term illnesses. If used continuously in a woman's boudoir, it may allow malevolent energies to infiltrate, resulting in a deficiency of both qi and blood. Over the years, this could lead to sudden collapse and death. This fragrance should not even touch the lips, as it would bring great misfortune.

Time moves forward as promised

Both families have a background in embroidery, and their skills are generally comparable, with the key difference lying in the craftsmanship. If someone were to assist from the sidelines, using means to eliminate certain obstacles, then... as her hand brushed against the flower branches, a hint of covetousness leaked from Zhong Yilan's eyes

The so-called exceptional promotion is merely an extraordinary measure in an extraordinary situation. She publicly exposed Yu Xizi's crime of embezzlement, while simultaneously revealing a scandal that was deeply hidden yet tacitly acknowledged within the palace. To avoid causing a major uproar, the best approach is to cover it up with something fresher. After all, opportunities for exceptional promotions are rare in the palace, and before long, the palace attendants will forget about Yu Xizi and Liu Ying. It is akin to having a new wound and no longer paying attention to an old scar. After all, opportunities for exceptional promotions are rare in the palace, and before long, the palace attendants will forget about Yu Xizi and Liu Ying. It is akin to having a new wound and no longer paying attention to an old scar.

Zhong Yilan is not in the embroidery hall

Meanwhile, looking at the entire Si Bao Fang, if there is someone under Yu Xizi who can take the lead, the initiative will still be firmly in hand. Surprisingly, the Si Zhang Fang and Si Shi Fang did not complain about their inability to attend. "Greed leads to trouble," Yan Jinxin advised Bai Bi, warning that with recent unpredictable incidents occurring frequently, it is best not to wade into murky waters again

The fragrance of osmanthus is delightful and can be used in small quantities as an incense for lanterns

As the hand holding the flower branch slipped, with a crisp snap, the freshly bloomed flower branch was forcefully broken.

Zhong Yilan stood with her back to the light, lost in thought as she stared at the flower petals crushed between her fingertips, remaining in that position for a long time. After a while, as if she had seen through something, her gaze suddenly deepened, as if she had fallen into another quagmire. "When you first entered the Department of Garments, you made a solemn promise to me that no one else in this palace could help me achieve my desires except for you. Now the opportunity is right before us; it is time for you to repay me. You must not let me down."

A hint of a smirk surfaced in the man's dark eyes. It is merely an internal affair, yet there are open conflicts and hidden schemes, with intrigues and power struggles; it is nothing more than stepping out of the fire pit only to jump into the water pit.

The warm breath exhaled upon the crown of the head, and the hand holding the fragrant cake paused momentarily. "This servant has also heard after entering the inner chamber, that the two fragrances have different effects, yet their scents are similar. The flavor of sweet fennel seeds is bitter and warm in nature, while turmeric..."

It is rare for Shaoguang to offer insights on the old tales of the palace. Yang Guang pressed his thin lips slightly together, furrowing his brows, and a profound meaning suddenly surfaced in his eyes. For a moment, it seemed that whether or not the incense could be harmonized was no longer important—turning around, Yang Guang walked to the side of the black lacquered table and personally lifted the lid of the incense burner.

Zhong Yilan smiled slightly and said, "If it relies on true skill, you naturally cannot succeed"

Time gracefully bowed and greeted, saying, "Your Highness, the Second Prince, peace be upon you." At that moment, the man at the desk turned around, and in an instant, the sunlight dispersed, casting a brilliant glow that illuminated his strikingly handsome profile, with deep black eyes and thin lips, a hint of an elusive smile at the corners of his mouth.

The delicate porcelain flower vase, surrounded by Wei Zi and Yao Huang, is adorned with several Zhao Fen standing gracefully, while a single Song Bai in the center resembles a fairy in the snow, exuding an ethereal charm. The side hall of Fengming Palace is piled high with various types of peonies, resembling a fairyland, with their exquisite petals and fragrant blooms captivating the senses. Amidst the scattered light and shadows, a man in a scarlet brocade robe stands with his hands clasped behind his back; as he turns his amber eyes, a radiant smile spills forth, illuminating the flowers and enchanting the scene.

The man's originally vibrant smile faded completely as it swept across the face of the palace maid. After a moment, he lowered his gaze and said淡淡地道: "Take it in!"

Snow fungus and lotus seed syrup, melts in the mouth, sweet and fragrant without being cloying. Unfortunately, it is too cold

"This prince has spent half a day; whatever has been caught is equally wasted. The taste is becoming increasingly peculiar." After speaking, Prince Jin slightly showed his impatience as he set down the incense spoon and made way for half a step in front of him

The people of Zhiqin Hall are not unaware of the intricacies of incense, but the palace today is no longer in the heyday of the noble families. Those in power have their preferences, and the entire palace must follow suit, fanning the flames and smoke.

"This servant remembers that Your Highness does not favor incense." Shaoguang subtly withdrew her gaze, then transitioned the topic very naturally, "Moreover, there are many in the palace who are well-versed in this matter. Since Your Highness has not returned to the palace for a long time, you may not know that the head of Mingguang Palace and Mama Lian from Fuxue Courtyard are actually quite proficient in incense burning. As for the tulip variety, this servant does not understand... yet there are those who do."

The warm, misty tobacco smoke wafted from the long corridor all the way to the eaves of the pavilion where the wind lanterns hung. Even from a distance, one could smell the peculiar fragrance of the sandalwood smoke.

Old friends

Having already ventured far into the world, how is it that you are now beginning to concern yourself with the heights of the temple?

Zhong Yilan's complexion was somewhat dark, and her gaze lacked a few degrees of aggressiveness, yet her makeup remained vibrant. The maid bowed and withdrew, opening the window and door wider, allowing light to pour in, prompting Zhong Yilan to raise her hand to shield her eyes.

Shaoguang looked up with a hint of astonishment

If one does not wish to take turmeric, is there a method to obtain the effects of turmeric instead

After listening to the instructions, Xiu'er returned to the courtyard and began to ask Qingmei to teach her some skills. Ning Shuang curled her lips and said, "Now you think of practicing? Isn't it a bit too late?" After saying this, she picked up the needle and thread that had not been used for a long time and began to ponder over them as if examining a face.

Your survival is on the minds of even those outside the palace, let alone the esteemed individuals within this grand court. Yang Guang watched as she slowly closed the lid of the incense burner, his dark eyes fixated on her delicate fingers.

Three days later, as Jin Xin had anticipated, Cui Pei led the heads of the three households to the Mingguang Palace to meet the Empress Dowager. The Empress Dowager, Lu Fangsu, was very pleased with Cui Pei's handling of the situation before it escalated. On the surface, she rewarded and praised Zhong Yilan, and instructed that another competition be held at the beginning of next month in the Si Yi and Si Bao rooms, open to all palace attendants. Whoever can emerge victorious in the competition will be promoted to the new head of the Si Bao room.

The shadows are hazy, and the hand of the rotating device atop the glazed tower is turning. The spherical rings are layered upon one another, as if imbued with shimmering water colors, casting a refreshing glow throughout the room. As the hand, which is gradually coming to a stop, begins to turn again, it smiles and shakes its head, saying: "I fear that... even if I were to succeed, it would be difficult to be appointed as the head of the treasury."

Your Highness is referring to the current royal incense of the Mingguang Palace

Zhong Siyi should not forget that female officials are not allowed to participate. Even if a palace maid excels, the appointment can still be rejected on the grounds of insufficient ability. This decision from above is merely to give Cui Shangfu a way out. When the time comes and there are no suitable candidates, and the storm has calmed, Yu Sibao will naturally be restored to his original position

The smoke wafted gently, casting a haze over that bright profile bathed in sunlight. The dark eyes were deep, with a lingering mist that never dissipated. Yang Guang's gaze was somewhat profound, "I have heard of a rare fragrance called 'Yujin'; how does it compare to sweet pine nuts?"

As the sunlight emerged from the courtyard, it took the path towards the lake bay, stepping on the long steps made of rattan, passing through the corridor. The red paint on the columns was freshly applied, giving off a pungent and astringent odor. The hazy sunlight filtered through the intricately carved windows, casting beams of light onto the water pavilion and the rattan boards.

Please take a seat

The dark eyes gazed over, containing a hint of a smile, seemingly profound, "Can it be adjusted?"

Behind the curtain, a deep and magnetic voice resonated. Shaoguang was momentarily taken aback, and after a brief pause, she noticed the incense box and incense sticks placed on the inkstone.

The smoke in the side hall is faint, unlike the swirling clouds filling the main hall. Stepping through the hall's door, there is no one on the brilliantly luxurious throne. A subtle fragrance rises from the incense burner, imperceptible as smoke; upon sniffing, it is the combination of duoheng and borneol, perfectly diluted by the suhexiang. A slightly chilly scent wafts through the colorful floral shadows, urging the myriad golden and silver trees atop the glazed tower base to bloom.

Yang Guang's cold gaze fell upon the incense ashes that had dissipated into smoke, "Before returning to the palace from Yangzhou, an old acquaintance entrusted this king to inquire about your well-being."

Lin Hua Palace, Zhi Qin Hall

At this moment, the screen has already been kneeling in front of the main hall of Fengming Palace for a long time. The sun overhead is very bright, making it difficult to open one's eyes, and the cheeks and ears are also starting to burn.

At this moment, the white peonies under the eaves have bloomed, pure white surpassing snow