Chapter 123: Bestowing the Secret Recipe Once More

On the surface, all seemed calm and peaceful.

The students who came to the Prefect’s Mansion in Jingzhao would all be assigned official positions in the future.

It was only natural for officials to come and try to win their favor.

“You were the top scorer in the imperial examination this time. Your career is bound to rise steadily. Are you considering seeking another path?” a tall gentleman asked casually.

The political landscape at court was ever-changing, not something that could be altered overnight by anyone.

Since the imperial decree was not to be disobeyed, he would naturally serve as an official for the court.

“I have not considered it. I didn’t expect someone as upright and noble as you to take an interest in these factional disputes,” Han Qing said unexpectedly.

The man before him hurriedly shook his head.

“No, no, I just wanted to hear your thoughts,” he said, clearly unwilling to get involved.

Moreover, his position forbade him from siding with any faction.

“I only wish to be a man with a clear conscience—serving the people and working for the good of the realm,” Han Qing nodded.

As night fell, he left the Lin residence.

He preferred the comfort and freedom of his small villa to the grand household.

He loathed dealing with officials who fawned and flattered.

If it weren’t for matters concerning his fundamental interests, he would avoid any contact with such people.

After passing the imperial examination, the court granted them a month’s leave—ostensibly to attend to family affairs.

He had already arranged for his mother and wife to come to Luoyang at a suitable time.

In recent days, countless visitors had come to offer congratulations.

But there were also unwelcome guests.

Lin Fei had not appeared for some time.

Since the examinations ended, candidates from all over had started to leave the capital.

The burdens he carried were no longer as heavy.

He had resumed managing his mosquito coil business.

Though it was only spring, around April and May, when mosquito bites were not yet common, so his income was not particularly high.

However, the mosquito coil shop was a novelty, attracting many high officials and nobles.

Even some members of the imperial family took notice.

They had never seen such a thing before and were amazed to hear it could drive away mosquitoes indoors.

---

“After these busy days, why do you still find time to visit this remote place?” Han Qing asked suddenly.

It was not mockery; he was genuinely curious.

“Brother Han, I wanted to explain the matter from before. When I sold the secret formula for the mosquito coils to someone else, you must have been displeased. But I had already sensed his ambition back then. Only by this means could we lead them astray step by step.”

Oh?

This had already been explained in letters before. Why repeat it now?

“I did not take it to heart. Besides, those shops were opened under your name—you have a say in their operation.”

Han Qing shook his head.

“There’s no need for secrets between us. You didn’t come to see me about that, did you?”

Han Qing immediately saw through his thoughts.

Indeed.

“I had hoped the mosquito coil shops would flourish more in Luoyang, but fewer customers have come recently,” the man said.

“This is a seasonal product. Only in late spring and early summer, when mosquitoes are more prevalent, does it truly prove useful,” Han Qing replied nonchalantly.

“Should we close the shops for a few months then?” the man hesitated.

That wasn’t necessary.

Though they could stop selling mosquito coils for now, they could offer other products.

“Have you heard of the floral water from Beijun City?”

“I have some impression, but what does that have to do with us?”

He did not quite understand the implication.

“At this time of year, there are some insect bites, though not many mosquitoes. So instead of burning mosquito coils indoors, some people apply floral water to their skin to repel insects…”

Han Qing explained slowly.

The man listened and roughly understood that this was another potential source of income, though he was unsure whether people in Luoyang would accept it.

If the products were made but proved ineffective, they might lose a great deal of money.

“Do you have these products now?”

Han Qing slowly took some out.

They had been for his own use, but since the business could be expanded in Luoyang, it was a feasible strategy.

Some might doubt their effectiveness.

---

Lin Fei sniffed, detecting a strange scent.

But after using it, few mosquitoes appeared nearby.

It was far better than the previous methods.

Launching new products required customers willing to buy.

Simply talking about them casually would not suffice.

Thus, Lin Fei busied himself these days, seeking out people and promoting the floral water everywhere.

Few paid attention at first; most were merely curious and bought one or two bottles before leaving.

But the effect was indeed remarkable.

Within just a day or two, many customers had come to purchase it.

It also drew the attention of others.

Originally just a merchant’s enterprise, no one expected it to become entangled with certain officials.

Some naturally grew resentful.

Some had long disliked the censor and seized this opportunity to deliberately impeach him.

The emperor heard of it as well.

But Lin Fei defended himself with reason, asserting that this was a product for the people’s benefit, not merely for profit.

The emperor imposed no harsh punishment and rather wished to see the product himself, curious why it had stirred such official displeasure.

Lin Fei presented the floral water to the emperor and explained its use.

The entire royal family praised it highly.

They even inquired about the talented person who created it.

Recalling Han Qing’s repeated warnings not to reveal his identity, Lin Fei only vaguely mentioned some place names.

Later, the emperor, impressed by the talent, sent people to search for him.

But no news was ever found.

Meanwhile, the shop in Luoyang grew ever more prosperous, as Han Qing had directly handed over the floral water formula.

Lin Fei’s fortunes soared.

Several merchants looked upon him with envy.

Only one was puzzled.

He could not understand why Han Qing had so many secret formulas but chose to give them all away.