A Good Country Wife

Liao Ruyan’s eyes lit up when she heard Lin Yue speak, unlike Lin Yue’s limited understanding, Liao Ruyan was an expert in this field. Moreover, having been researching essential oils for quite some time, she had already discovered some methods; she always felt there was an important step missing, which was why the oils she produced couldn’t truly be considered essential oils. They only bore some resemblance in form but were incomparable in essence. Now, with Lin Yue’s explanation, countless ideas were blossoming in her mind, eager to be tested in practice.

Lin Yue, knowing Liao Ruyan’s temperament well, had just agreed to incorporate fragrance creation into the Soap Making Room and had some things to give to Liao Ruyan. "Don’t rush, even if you want to start something, it won’t happen in just a moment. Wait for a bit; I have more items for you to take back with you."

Turning her head towards Lin Yue, Liao Ruyan watched as Lin Yue decided not to keep her in suspense. "The master brought back two large crates from the Western countries, filled with all sorts of spices and similar goods. I reckon you might find them useful. There are also gifts from the nobles in the Capital City. Go to the storeroom and take whatever you can use. It’s just sitting there anyway; just leave some for backup. I’ve seen them before; they are all valuable items. Not to mention what Zhao Erhu brought from the West, even those from donations in the Capital City include some sent from the palace, tribute from other countries, which you can’t normally buy outside. They will be perfect for your perfume making."

Liao Ruyan was even more delighted, or rather, thrilled, by this news. Today’s visit had been more than worthwhile; not only had she accomplished her task, but she had also obtained so many exquisite items. With these, she could quickly get the perfume and fragrance operation up and running.

While speaking, Lin Yue then instructed Xixi, "Xixi, take Manager Liao to the storeroom to choose the items, and have someone deliver everything she picks out to the Soap Making Room."

As Liao Ruyan and Xixi went to the storeroom, Musheng’s wife came over, reporting that most of the seeds Zhao Erhu had brought from Nanyang last time had germinated except for a few. Lin Yue recalled that there was still a box of various flower seeds left; she instructed Musheng’s wife to take it and plant the seeds if there was spare land available. They would need a variety of petals for making essential oils, and waiting for spring was still a long way off. Moreover, wildflowers were abundant in the countryside, and the more precious varieties were usually grown in the gardens of wealthy households. Delighted with another task from her mistress, Musheng’s wife gladly agreed.

Several matters had been addressed that morning, and by the time Musheng’s wife left, it was already close to noon. Zhao Erhu returned from outside, and Lin Yue went to welcome him, "You’re back? How did it go, did you manage to finish the errand? You smell like alcohol; have you been drinking at the village chief’s house again? It stinks to high heaven."

"You little minx sure make a fuss about everything. When did you become so picky? Complaining about your own husband’s stink, it’s just the scent of a man, not a stench. I think you’re the one who needs putting in your place for daring to complain about me. Wait until I deal with you tonight!" said Zhao Erhu playfully, blowing his breath in Lin Yue’s direction like a cheeky child. Lin Yue was both annoyed and slightly amused, thinking what a silly old man he was, behaving like a drunken fool, and somehow, his silly act was endearing. She wished she had a camera to capture his antics and show him how he behaved once he sobered up.

Seeing Zhao Erhu like this, Lin Yue didn’t want to argue with the drunken man; he was so tipsy that his speech was slurred and jumbled. Clearly, he had drunk a fair bit, which Lin Yue couldn’t believe he’d do lightly as Zhao Erhu could usually hold his liquor well. She wasn’t against him drinking, but she believed in moderation since excess alcohol could harm the body.