Chapter Fifty-Four: The Soap

No wonder Hu Xu and the other two were so shocked and showed such great respect.

Qin Xuan’s strategy with the soap and scented soap completely upended their traditional understanding of business.

Clearly, the products had the same effect, yet by adding a touch of fragrance and exquisite packaging, they could command exorbitant prices.

The most crucial aspect was that Qin Xuan’s approach was top-down.

Most merchants aimed to sell to as many people as possible to create a mass appeal.

But Qin Xuan took a different path, leveraging the unique social status of the royal family and nobility to highlight and elevate the value of the scented soap.

Once the scented soap became a genuine royal household item, the simpler version—the regular soap—could then be introduced, naturally drawing countless commoners eager to buy.

“Your Highness, forgive me for speaking boldly, but if you go into business, I fear all the wealth under heaven will belong to you alone.”

Mo Gu spoke sincerely.

He was born into a merchant family, with generations devoted to commerce. Though fortunes had fluctuated, he had always been proud of his business acumen.

Even facing Hu Xu and Huai Yun, he considered himself their equal.

Yet at this moment, Mo Gu felt that Qin Xuan was the true pinnacle of commercial genius, perhaps even the founding master of the craft.

“Your Highness, rest assured, we will complete the task,” Hu Xu said eagerly, unable to wait to begin, repeatedly pledging his commitment.

Qin Xuan did not stop them; after giving a few more instructions, the three hurried off as if they had found a treasure, each hastily making arrangements.

“Your Highness, the scented soaps have been promoted, but what about Beining City?” Zhuge Xuan asked curiously.

Qin Xuan smiled slightly and turned his gaze to Zhao Luoying. “This matter will have to trouble Luoying. There are many nobles within the city; you can go make acquaintances and take a proper rest for yourself.”

“Your Highness, I’m not good at that,” Zhao Luoying blushed immediately.

She had never liked the airs of noble ladies and pretended to be indifferent.

Qin Xuan couldn’t help but laugh. “Then forget it.”

After a pause, Qin Xuan added, “Strategist, inform Mr. Qiu to, on behalf of the Wangfu, send a piece of scented soap to the noble families who performed well in aiding the refugees.”

Upon hearing this, Zhuge Xuan’s eyes lit up in understanding. “Your Highness is indeed sharp-minded. I shall attend to it immediately.”

That day, eleven noble families in Beining City received commendations from the Prince of Chu’s mansion.

Qiu Xingzhi specially dispatched a drum and gong troupe to make a grand presentation.

Moreover, he placed the scented soaps in exquisite wooden boxes lined with golden velvet, making them appear especially noble and luxurious.

Onlookers, seeing these soaps that looked like jade but were not, like glass but were not, widened their eyes, guessing what these strange items could be.

“Master, what exactly are these gifts from the Prince of Chu? They smell quite fragrant!”

In the grand hall of Beining City’s most prominent family, the Liu household’s matron carefully admired the soap in the wooden box, full of curiosity.

The Liu family had lived in Beining for generations, engaged in the fur and livestock trade. Their ancestors had even produced a top scholar who once served as Minister of Rites.

Though the family had lost official status after that ancestor retired, their foundation remained strong, making them a local powerhouse.

“The officials said this is specially for bathing,” the Liu patriarch said, puzzled. What use was there in gifting bathing supplies?

But the matron brightened at once. “If it’s for bathing, I want to try it.”

“You’re crazy! This is the first time the Prince of Chu has bestowed gifts in Beining City. Even some officials don’t qualify. What if the Prince takes offense if you actually use it?” the patriarch refused immediately.

Yet the matron, knowing her role well, put on a stern face. “Since the Prince gave it, he surely expects us to use it. Otherwise, why would he bestow it?”

“Do you think Beining City is still ruled by greedy officials? Ever since the Prince arrived, our business has improved.”

“Look at those petty clerks who used to extort us—they wouldn’t dare accept bribes now.”

“Our Prince is like a living Bodhisattva. How could he possibly take back gifts he’s given?”

As she scolded, the matron carefully took the soap back to her room.

Soon, the household maids brought bowls of hot water.

“Wow, this soap feels so smooth and comfortable. And the fragrance seems even stronger,” the matron, a graceful woman with enduring charm, said. She knew well how to care for herself, but now she realized bathing could be such a pleasant and indulgent experience.

Unlike the usual soapberries, which stung the skin and smelled medicinal.

Similar scenes played out repeatedly in the noble households of Beining City. Once they tried the scented soap, none could refuse its appeal.

“Master, look how fair and tender my skin has become!” The Liu matron emerged refreshed, holding out her fair, slender arm, making the patriarch dizzy. “This soap really has this effect?”

“Oh dear, this soap isn’t very durable. I only used it for an hour, and it’s already smaller,” she complained, flicking her sleeve joyfully. “And the fragrance remains. Even my sleeve smells of flowers.”

Breathing in the intoxicating scent, the patriarch felt as if the woman he had known for decades had blossomed anew.

He instinctively said, “The people who came with the gifts said the Prince’s mansion bought these from a shop called Tianzhao Pavilion. If you like, I’ll have someone buy you another one tomorrow.”

“Really?” The matron became excited. “But one isn’t enough. Buy ten.”

“Do you need that many?” The patriarch was taken aback.

“I need one for bathing, one for washing hands, one for feet, one for hair. Besides, since it’s not very durable, better to have extras,” she said matter-of-factly.

The next day, at dawn, the Liu family steward was sent to Tianzhao Pavilion to purchase the scented soaps.

“Steward Liu, madam is quite impatient. Ordering us to buy that soap so early?” The steward’s servant, still drowsy, complained.

The steward slapped the servant’s head, scolding, “You complain about fetching things? That’s madam. Even the master wouldn’t dare offend her. I think you want to die.”

Yet the steward himself grumbled inwardly—after all, it was just a piece of soap. With money, how could it be hard to buy?

Suddenly, he stopped in his tracks, staring dumbfounded at the astonishing scene before him.

A large crowd had gathered outside the shop, all craning their necks in eager anticipation.

Beside the shop were rows of carriages, each carrying ladies from noble families rarely seen out.

“This… this… all to buy soap?”

The steward was stunned. “With this kind of scene, even with money, you might not be able to get any!”