A Concubine's Competitive Life in the Prince's Household-Chapter 123

Ye Qiushuang respectfully ushered Zhao Yang into the shop, while Shen Wei also stepped inside.

Zhao Yang went to try on makeup in a private room.

Meanwhile, Shen Wei took in the shop’s decor. The cosmetics were neatly arranged in sections by price, with mirrors placed on the shelves. Three female attendants were on hand to explain the features of each product and even offered complimentary makeup services.

Outside the shop, a designated "parking area" had been set up for carriages.

Shen Wei was quite pleased with the shop’s layout. Ye Qiushuang was truly a business genius, meticulously copying and improving every detail.

After a quick glance around, Shen Wei retreated to the shop’s tea room. Sipping her tea, she waited patiently for Zhao Yang to finish her makeup trial.

Outside, a passerby—likely one of Ye Qiushuang’s planted actors—asked loudly, "What’s this 'Jade Beauty Powder' everyone’s talking about? Is it really so good that even the princess came to try it?"

A well-trained attendant answered clearly, "Jade Beauty Powder is Qixiang Studio’s signature product. It’s finer than pearl powder, doesn’t cause redness, and stays on even when wet. It also has excellent coverage, hiding blemishes and scars completely."

The actor feigned surprise. "Really? How much for a box?"

The attendant replied, "Fifty taels of silver per box."

The crowd gasped. Fifty taels was far beyond what ordinary people could afford.

The attendant added, "The ingredients are rare, and production is difficult. We only sell thirty boxes a month. But we do have other affordable options..."

The attendant and the actor played off each other perfectly, controlling the scene with ease. Shen Wei took a sip of tea, envisioning "Jade Beauty Powder" as an exclusive luxury item for the nobility.

Once its reputation was established, she planned to release a cheaper, lower-quality version for common customers.

Lost in her dreams of a cosmetics empire, Shen Wei suddenly paused. Her gaze landed on a plain gray carriage parked a short distance away, its curtain drawn back to reveal an elderly man with a stern, gaunt face and graying hair.

He peered curiously toward Qixiang Studio.

Shen Wei set down her teacup, recognizing him instantly—it was Scholar Yang Xuanji. Yang was famously devoted to his wife, Mrs. Luo, showering her with the finest things, so his presence at a cosmetics shop was no surprise.

Yang’s interest was piqued, especially when he heard the attendant mention the powder’s "excellent coverage." His dull eyes suddenly brightened.

A plan instantly formed in Shen Wei’s mind.

Smiling to herself, she thought, Finally, a tutor for Shen Xiuming.

"Vivi, look at me!"

Zhao Yang emerged happily from the private room, her makeup freshly done by Ye Qiushuang using "Jade Beauty Powder" and styled in the capital’s latest pearl-inspired fashion.

The effect was stunning—Zhao Yang’s complexion was flawless, and the makeup stayed put even with exaggerated expressions.

Shen Wei praised sincerely, "Your Highness is radiant."

Beaming, Zhao Yang turned to Ye Qiushuang. "I’ll take two boxes. I’m visiting the palace later—one will be for Her Majesty."

Ye Qiushuang was overjoyed. If the empress herself endorsed the powder, fame was guaranteed. She carefully packaged two boxes in ornate cases and handed them to Zhao Yang’s maid, Yun'er.

Shen Wei added, "Shopkeeper Ye, I’d like another box as well."

Ye Qiushuang hesitated only briefly before obliging. As she handed it over, Shen Wei whispered, "For now, don’t sell Jade Beauty Powder to Yang Xuanji of Falling Moon Lake."

Ye Qiushuang nodded in understanding. "Understood."

Zhao Yang departed Qixiang Studio, her flawless makeup drawing gasps from onlookers. Her porcelain skin, free of blemishes and even hidden moles, was proof of the powder’s magic.

Seeing was believing—the crowd was astounded.

As Zhao Yang and Shen Wei rode off in their carriage, wealthy customers flooded the shop. But few could afford the powder on the spot.

Ye Qiushuang announced, "Only twenty-five boxes remain in stock, and they’re not yet delivered from the outskirts. Those interested may leave their names and addresses. We’ll notify you when they arrive."

Customers lined up to register.

One round-faced servant wrote: Qinghe, Yang Residence, East Suburbs of Falling Moon Lake.

Ye Qiushuang’s brows lifted—this must be the Yang household Shen Wei mentioned.

The servant slipped her a tael of silver, whispering, "Shopkeeper, I’m Qinghe. My master urgently needs the powder. Please notify us the moment it arrives."

Ye Qiushuang pushed the silver back, smiling politely. "No bribes. If stock permits, we’ll inform your household promptly."

Relieved, Qinghe hurried back to the carriage and reported to Yang Xuanji, "Master, we’re on the list! Once we get the powder, Madam won’t have to worry anymore!"

Yang Xuanji, rarely smiling, allowed himself a small one. "For her birthday next month, this will be the perfect gift. She’ll love it."

Mrs. Luo had a burn scar on her right cheek. Though she used cosmetics to hide it, the dark mark remained faintly visible, a source of deep insecurity.

Yang Xuanji stroked his beard contentedly. "Now, let’s stop by Wei Yan’s for her favorite pastries. If she doesn’t get them tonight, she’ll banish me to the study again."

Qinghe giggled. "Only Madam dares to kick you out, Master."

The carriage curtain fell, and the vehicle disappeared into the bustling streets of the capital.

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Princess Zhao Yang was the only princess of the Great Qing Kingdom, the darling of the emperor and empress. She set trends among noblewomen—her fashion and makeup were widely imitated.

Years ago, after waking from a drunken nap to find a plum blossom on her forehead, she invented the "Plum Blossom Makeup," adorning her face with delicate floral designs. Noblewomen swiftly copied the look, cementing her influence.

Now, news spread quickly: at Qixiang Studio, Princess Zhao Yang had discovered "Jade Beauty Powder"—a miracle product that evened skin tone, concealed flaws, and stayed put.

This content is taken from fгeewebnovёl.com.

The capital had no shortage of wealthy ladies, and soon, matrons and young misses alike sent servants to buy it.

After using the product, buyers found its effects truly remarkable. Word of mouth spread quickly, and Qixiang Studio's "Jade Beauty Powder" became so sought-after that supply could not meet demand, driving the market price to exorbitant heights—eventually becoming priceless.

A month later, Qixiang Studio released another thirty boxes of the Jade Beauty Powder, which sold out instantly.

At the same time, Shen Wei received a message from Ye Qiushuang: Elder Yang Xuanji of the Yang residence wished to meet the mastermind behind the rouge shop.