Perfume

In an instant, a stream of profound, mysterious information flooded his mind, as though an inborn instinct had suddenly awakened.

His sense of smell became extraordinarily keen, instantly separating the mingled scents in the air: the faint, clean fragrance of soapberry on Qing Dai; the damp earth and fragrant greenery outside the window; even the distinct scents of hundreds of medicinal ingredients lingering in the Spirit Pivot Institute's storeroom. Each was clear and unmistakable, every layer distinct.

Countless details about the properties, combinations, extraction, and concentration of fragrances became second nature to him, as though he had immersed himself in this craft for decades.

Excellent!

Lu Changfeng praised it inwardly. This ability was far more powerful than its description suggested.

He could not only distinguish scents, but also trace their origins and determine how long they had lingered. This would undoubtedly become another formidable tool for finding people and catching criminals.

He gathered his thoughts, his goal clear-use the Spirit Pivot Institute's resources to first produce high-proof distilled liquor as a base and demonstration, then extract fragrant essential oils from flowers and attempt to make perfume.

He instructed Qing Dai, "I need some equipment and materials. Go prepare them at once."

He rattled off a list: copper vessels with excellent seals, tubing, large quantities of fresh petals-preferably jasmine and rose-and high-quality liquor.

Without a word of objection, Qing Dai immediately carried out his orders, efficiently assembling everything he needed and placing it in the secluded side room Lu Changfeng had specified.

Lu Changfeng set to work himself. Drawing on his understanding of physics and chemistry, along with his newfound precise grasp of scent molecules' properties, he constructed a simple distillation apparatus.

First, he heated and distilled the liquor, purifying it into high-proof alcohol suitable for both disinfection and a perfume base. Then he changed methods, heating the petals and using steam to carry off their fragrant essence. After collecting it through condensation, he blended it with the rectified alcohol in specific proportions and filtered it...

The entire process flowed like drifting clouds and running water, as though he had practiced it thousands of times. His control of the heat and timing was exquisite.

Several hours later, fragrance filled the side room.

Lu Changfeng now held several small, delicate porcelain bottles.

He picked up one and handed it to Qing Dai with a smile. "Give it a sniff."

Qing Dai obeyed, removing the stopper and gently inhaling.

An elegant, lively jasmine fragrance immediately greeted her, as though she stood in a jasmine garden just as the skies cleared after rain. Fresh, pure, and refreshing to the heart, it was far more concentrated and varied than the scent of ordinary sachets or incense cakes.

At last, a flicker of wonder broke through her cool gaze. "Sir, this is..."

"I call this 'Fragrance Dew.'"

Lu Changfeng smiled calmly, his plans already firmly in hand. "A drop on the wrist or the side of the neck will last for several hours. Whether walking, sitting, or lying down, you'll carry the fragrance with you. I can't give you this bottle, but it should spread soon enough. Be patient."

He carefully put away the remaining bottles of different perfumes, placing them in a brocade box alongside the high-proof distilled liquor intended for his demonstration. "Come. Request an audience with the Princess for me."

Next, he would show Princess Taiping that his worth extended far beyond medicine.

Noon.

The Fragrant Waterside Pavilion at the Princess's Residence.

Lotus leaves stretched toward the sky across the lake. Now and then, a colorful carp leaped from the water, stirring delicate ripples.

Inside the pavilion, Princess Taiping reclined on a cushioned couch, dressed in a double-layered, wide-skirted gown of begonia red. The red was rich and true, and paired with her face, its beauty was breathtaking.

Though nearing forty, she still looked barely twenty. Her skin gleamed like jade, her features were as exquisite as a painting, and an almost uncanny allure and majesty flowed around her-the result of bringing her mystical cultivation to full mastery. One dared not look directly at her, yet could not help becoming entranced.

Several delicate dishes rested on the small red sandalwood table before her, but she had barely touched them.

A man knelt before her couch.

He was around thirty, with handsome features. This was Gao Jian, the male favorite Princess Taiping currently favored highly, who held the office of Master of Ceremonies.

Lowering his voice, Gao Jian reported, "Your Highness, a secret report from the Plum Blossom Guards states that the Capital Prefecture discovered another desiccated corpse in an abandoned house south of the city last night. The condition matched the previous cases: vital blood drained dry, with a cinnabar mark between the brows... There is no doubt that the fiends of the Great Vehicle Sect are responsible. They have been gathering around the imperial city recently. I fear they have considerable ambitions... In addition, the Crescent Moon Hall under Wu Sansi has been making unusual moves. They have remained around Pingkang Ward, seemingly searching for something... The two may be connected."

As he spoke, he cautiously watched Princess Taiping's expression.

"When events stray from the ordinary, treachery must be lurking beneath them. Have your men keep a close watch. There must be no negligence!"

Her voice was quiet, yet carried an unquestionable air of ruthless resolve.

Feeling her focused attention, Gao Jian's heart warmed. He unconsciously leaned forward, softening his voice with a hint of flattery and probing. "Rest assured, Your Highness. I have already assigned additional men. I only fear this matter may have far-reaching implications, requiring Your Highness... to offer guidance from time to time."

He edged closer and closer, his gaze infatuated.

Just as the atmosphere began to grow intimate, light footsteps sounded outside the pavilion.

Jinghong, Princess Taiping's personal maid, entered soundlessly and bowed outside the curtain. "Your Highness, Lu Changfeng, the Spirit Pivot Institute's newly appointed Director of Medicine, seeks an audience. He says he has something novel to present to you."

"Lu Changfeng?"

Princess Taiping recalled Shen Jingwan's earlier report. First, he had established his authority by curing a stubborn illness with thunderous decisiveness; then he had rooted out a traitor and carried out a purge. Such a man was worlds apart from the humble physician who wandered the streets in their intelligence reports. Moreover, he understood yin-yang arts and seemingly possessed the ability to read minds and shift souls. Now he wished to present something novel...

Interesting.

The corners of her lips lifted slightly. "Let him in."

"Yes."

Jinghong withdrew from the pavilion.

Gao Jian keenly sensed the change in Princess Taiping's mood, and alarm bells rang in his mind!

He dared not show it. He merely lowered his head more respectfully, while keeping his peripheral vision fixed on the pavilion entrance.

Holding the brocade box, Lu Changfeng approached with steady steps and bowed. "Your servant, Lu Changfeng, pays his respects to the Princess."

"Rise."

Princess Taiping's voice was languid, with a trace of curiosity. "Director of Medicine Lu, you have only just taken office. Instead of familiarizing yourself with affairs at the Spirit Pivot Institute, what novel thing have you brought to offer This Palace?"

Lu Changfeng straightened and opened the brocade box, first taking out the jade bottle containing the high-proof distilled liquor.

"Your Highness, this is 'alcohol,' obtained through repeated purification using an ancient method. It is exceptionally pure and potent, capable of cleansing wounds and washing away filth. Its effects are remarkable."

He removed the stopper. An intensely strong scent of liquor, carrying a distinct, sharp bite, instantly spread through the room, overpowering even the floral fragrances.

Gao Jian could not help wrinkling his nose, inwardly disdainful. It's nothing but strong liquor, and he dares present it as a treasure?

Princess Taiping's gaze shifted slightly. With her broad experience, she immediately recognized that this "alcohol" was extraordinary. She nodded faintly. "It does have some merit. This may prove highly useful in both the military and medicine."

Fortunately, someone knows its worth.

Lu Changfeng smiled slightly, then took out the bottle of carefully prepared jasmine perfume. "This is called 'Fragrance Dew.' I made it by extracting the essence of flowers and blending it into this 'alcohol.'"

He gently dispensed a few drops.

A richly layered jasmine fragrance immediately spread like smoke and mist. Unlike the heaviness of ordinary sachets or the fleeting scent of incense, it was fresh and enduring, as though the essence of countless dew-kissed jasmine blossoms opening in a single instant had been concentrated within it. Fine threads of fragrance lingered without dispersing.

Even Princess Taiping, who had seen rare treasures from across the world, could not keep a flicker of genuine wonder from her eyes when faced with this fragrance that transcended its age.

She immediately sat upright and took a gentle breath, savoring the delicate scent that refreshed her heart. "What marvelous 'Fragrance Dew'! To capture a flower's fragrance so vividly and preserve it so long-it is like carrying blossoms wherever one goes. Director of Medicine Lu, your technique is truly novel and ingenious."

Beside her, Gao Jian's expression grew even uglier.

When he had presented a secret report concerning the capital's safety, the princess had merely issued calm instructions, showing little emotion. Yet Lu Changfeng had offered nothing more than clever trifles and won such obvious delight and praise!

"You flatter me, Your Highness."

Lu Changfeng drew a prepared roll of plain paper from his sleeve and presented it with both hands. "These are complete illustrated instructions for making Fragrance Dew, along with the method for distilling alcohol. I have also recorded seven other fragrance blends I devised, including the secluded depth of orchids, the cool purity of plum blossoms, and the clarity of lotus flowers. All can be made by this method. I wish to offer this secret formula to Your Highness."

At these words, not only did Gao Jian freeze, but even Jinghong, standing nearby, showed a flicker of surprise.

He was revealing the secret formula for such a remarkable creation without the slightest hesitation?

The wonder in Princess Taiping's eyes turned to scrutiny as she regarded Lu Changfeng with interest. "Oh? Master Lu, do you understand this item's value? What do you seek by offering it so readily?"

Princess Taiping was no sheltered soul untouched by worldly concerns. She understood that this alcohol could treat illness and save lives, while "perfume"... As a woman herself, she knew better than anyone how tempting an elegant, lasting fragrance would be to noblewomen.

Of these two creations, one could win soldiers' hearts and serve the people's welfare, while the other could draw in the women of powerful households.

They were worth a fortune!

Lu Changfeng met her gaze without flinching. "I seek nothing else, only that these things be put to their best use. If such techniques can be used for mass production, they can enrich your treasury and medical supplies within the residence, while providing unique gifts for Your Highness to cultivate ties with the powerful outside it. Those benefits far outweigh my keeping them for myself. As for me..."

He paused briefly, then stated his true aim. "I am devoted to medicine. I have heard that the Pivot of Heaven Pavilion holds many unique manuscripts and handwritten notes from physicians of former dynasties, and I long to study them. I ask only for Your Highness's permission to read there in my spare time, so that I may improve my skills."

He sought neither gold nor silver, neither rank nor power, but merely an opportunity to read.

Interesting...

Princess Taiping studied him for a moment, then suddenly gave a soft laugh, a hint of amusement in her voice. "Master Lu, you never cease to surprise This Palace."

She signaled Jinghong to accept the roll of secret formulas. A brief glance was enough to reveal its value.

"Granted."

Her red lips parted as she gave her promise. "From this day onward, Master Lu may use This Palace's written authorization to freely enter the medical archives of the Pivot of Heaven Pavilion and borrow its medical texts."

This was already an extraordinary favor.

Yet she shifted the subject slightly, her gaze resting on Lu Changfeng as though wondering how many more surprises this young man could offer. After a brief consideration, she made a decision that caused Gao Jian's pupils to contract sharply. "There is a Hundred Herbs Garden in the western grounds of the residence, planted with many rare spiritual herbs. Its surroundings are quiet and well suited to experimental work. Since Master Lu understands both medicine and ingenious crafts, you shall also serve as its steward. You may freely use the medicinal plants within it, and anything you require for your experiments need no longer pass through the Spirit Pivot Institute."

As she spoke, she unfastened a small purple jade token from her waist. The ancient seal-script character for "medicine" was engraved at its center.

"Jinghong, give this token to Master Lu."

She was not merely granting him an independent testing ground and a store of resources. She was placing in his hands a garden that belonged to her private estate and offered direct access to many rare treasures of heaven and earth!

This trust far exceeded the title of Director of Medicine alone.

Gao Jian's face paled!

He had coveted the Hundred Herbs Garden for a long time and repeatedly hinted to the princess that he wished to manage it for her, only to be politely refused each time. Now she had so easily given it to this newcomer, Lu Changfeng! And with it came the right to freely use its rare medicinal ingredients!

What has Lu Changfeng done to deserve this?!

Lu Changfeng was also startled, but then respectfully accepted the token. "I thank Your Highness for this generous gift. I will not betray your trust."

He understood that this was both an opportunity and a deeper whirlpool. He feared the herbs within that garden would not be so easy to get into his mouth...

Princess Taiping watched him accept the token with satisfaction and waved a hand. "You may go. Study diligently. This Palace looks forward to seeing further improvements in your medical skills."

"I take my leave."

Lu Changfeng bowed and withdrew from the pavilion.

The moment he left, Gao Jian could no longer restrain himself. "Your Highness, Lu Changfeng's origins are unclear. Entrusting the Hundred Herbs Garden to him-is that not..."

Princess Taiping gave him an indifferent glance, and Gao Jian instantly fell silent.

"I know what I am doing."

Her tone was cool. "You may leave as well. Put more effort into the matter of the Great Vehicle Sect." Then she began playing with the bottles of Fragrance Dew.

Gao Jian clenched his fists so tightly that his nails nearly dug into his flesh. He lowered his voice. "Yes. I take my leave..."

He slowly withdrew from the pavilion, then headed straight after Lu Changfeng.

"Jinghong."

"At your service."

"Have Zi Zhi keep a close watch on him. See which herbs he takes from the garden and what he does."

"Yes. Your Highness suspects..."

"It is not suspicion."

Princess Taiping lifted the jasmine perfume and examined it against the light. The liquid in the glass bottle refracted a crystalline gleam. Smiling, she said, "This Palace is merely curious. He offered such a generous gift, yet asked only to read medical books. Now that he has the garden token, how will he use it? Is he truly as... well-behaved as he claims?"