NOVPUBGu Zhi’s steps faltered. “Why do you ask?”
Shen Roujia looked up at Gu Zhi. “They both had that balm. There must be some connection.”
Gu Zhi nodded in agreement. “I never saw my mother enter the palace, but I heard she was skilled in embroidery and used to accompany the Empresses in their needlework.”
Hearing this, Shen Roujia felt her suspicions confirmed. “Alright, let’s see that perfumer first.”
She pointed ahead. “Jiao Jiao, keep your veil on.”
Shen Roujia noticed an old man leaning against the alley wall, half-awake.
Gu Zhi put on a mask and said, “Follow me.”
Gu Zhi approached the old man, who barely glanced up and asked, “Buying or selling?”
“Buying,” Gu Zhi replied firmly.
The old man looked at Shen Roujia. “And the lady?”
Gu Zhi intervened, “The same as me.” n𝚘𝚟𝚙u𝚋.co𝚖
The old man pulled out two bells and handed them to Gu Zhi.
Shen Roujia noticed the old man’s rough hands, resembling dry twigs, yet they moved with surprising steadiness.
Gu Zhi attached a bell to Shen Roujia’s waist and whispered, “Once inside, you must not speak. Remember, no talking.”
Shen Roujia nodded, glancing at the bell on her waist.
Gu Zhi held Shen Roujia’s hand tightly, guiding her through the alley. Shen Roujia felt safe under Gu Zhi’s care.
Gu Zhi seemed familiar with the place, likely having visited multiple times before. This time, she hoped to find the elusive perfumer.
Shen Roujia’s eyes wandered. The alley was bustling with people carrying large sacks, selling goods, and others browsing.
As they passed through the narrow alley, they emerged onto a busy street with small, low houses, each with a single window and a narrow side door.
Each door had a blank sign, their meaning unclear.
Before Shen Roujia could ask, a small window opened, illuminating a green lamp on the eaves.
The crowd grew, and the sounds of bells varied. Sellers approached those with bells, displaying their goods.
Most transactions were done with silver notes, while others bartered.
Green lamps lit up along both sides of the street as people moved.
Shen Roujia noticed Gu Zhi’s grip tighten, indicating she had found the perfumer.
Gu Zhi glanced at Shen Roujia, who nodded in understanding.
At the end of the street, Gu Zhi shook the bell and knocked on a small window.
A coughing sound came from inside, followed by the window opening and a mix of fragrances wafting out, some unpleasant.
Shen Roujia instinctively covered her nose and mouth.
