Li Ling and Redfish entered the workshop, but instead of the bustling activity common in the mortal world, they found it deserted and quiet.
After all, this was a sanctuary under Madam Zhao's control, not one of the mortal world's sweatshops. Madam Zhao had always been lenient with her subordinates and imposed no compulsory tasks. Naturally, everyone worked however comfortably and casually they pleased, so there was not even anyone keeping watch at the moment.
The sanctuary's surroundings were excellent, however. All manner of spirit materials and treasures lay casually piled about, with no concern that someone might steal or damage them.
Li Ling and Redfish looked around at leisure. Before long, they found a cabinet in an inner room packed with finished Skin-Smoothing Incense, Hand-Rubbing Incense, and similar products.
"This looks a little like cold cream..."
Li Ling unscrewed a small porcelain jar as white as jade and sniffed it, then poured out some snowy-white, lardlike cream and rubbed it onto his skin. An enchanting fragrance wafted out.
The fragrance was delicate and deep. As its subtle scent drifted about, it carried something reminiscent of roses.
Opening the other wide-mouthed jars revealed orchid, osmanthus, plum blossom, and lotus fragrances, each with a different texture.
The distinction between Skin-Smoothing Incense and Hand-Rubbing Incense was that the former nourished the skin, leaving it smooth, delicate, and supple, while the latter was generally applied to the hands and placed greater emphasis on evaporation and the atmosphere it created.
Redfish thoughtfully suggested, "Fellow Daoist Li, your wife would probably like these things. Why not take a few jars back for her to try?"
Li Ling said, "Then it would be rude of me to refuse."
The two then took some fragrant tea and returned to the private courtyard to brew it.
"The taste