Chapter 114: The Imperial Plaque

Before long, the crowd shook off their stupor, terrified that a moment’s hesitation would cause them to miss out on such a golden opportunity.

"Young master, give me three bars of soap..."
"I’ll take two..."
"Ten! I want ten bars, young master—hurry and pack them up for me!"

The voices clamored over one another, keeping the shop assistant busy and delighted.

***

In the Zheng family shops across Chang'an—whether in the East Market or the West Market—this scene of frantic demand was not an isolated incident; it was replicated everywhere. On the streets, pedestrians and traveling merchants alike, having witnessed the miraculous effects of the soap, vied with one another to make a purchase.

Word spread from ten to a hundred, and from a hundred to a thousand. Through sheer word-of-mouth, the soap craze swept across the entire city of Chang'an in an instant.

At this moment, Li Yi remained unaware of how swiftly Zheng An had acted. In just a single morning, he had established the reputation of the soap throughout the city. Moreover, there was not a single merchant in all of Chang'an who could compete with him.

***

Inside the Li residence, Li Yi finished his morning Tai Chi and, attended by Yue'er, bathed and changed. He sat in his study, personally brewing the fresh tea he had roasted himself. Yue'er bustled about the room, beaming with joy.

Once the water boiled, Li Yi prepared two cups. He took one for himself and gestured to the other on the table. With a faint smile, he said, "Yue'er, try my handiwork."

"Hehe, thank you, young master." Yue'er thanked him with a shy smile. Imitating Li Yi, she picked up the teacup, gently blew on the surface, and took a small sip.

A sweet, mellow flavor flooded her throat, causing her large eyes to widen in surprise. She sat there, momentarily dazed. She looked from Li Yi to the tea in her hands, filled with disbelief.

She raised her right hand and fanned the air in front of her nose. Seeing this, Li Yi thought she had been scalded by the hot tea and shook his head with a laugh. "What is it? Did you burn your tongue?"

Only then did Yue'er snap out of her reverie. She shook her head and pouted, "No, young master, it’s the taste of the tea..."

"The taste? What about it?" Li Yi asked, confused. He took another sip himself, finding it quite good, and asked in surprise, "Is it not to your liking?"

"No, that's not it, young master." Yue'er hurriedly explained, her blue eyes blinking as she smiled with wonder. "I meant... the tea tastes much better than the tea we usually have."

"Uh... haha!" Li Yi froze, then burst into laughter. He had assumed he was the only one who couldn't stand the usual tea, but it seemed this silly girl felt the same. Was this what they called "like-minded masters and servants"?

"Since you like it, take some back to your room later," Li Yi said nonchalantly, gesturing to a large bag of tea leaves. "I have plenty here; I probably won't finish it anytime soon."

Yue'er hesitated, then shook her head firmly. "No, young master," she said with earnest gravity. "Being allowed to taste a cup is more than enough for me."

She grinned, her face glowing with happiness. Knowing how stubborn she could be, Li Yi didn't press the matter.

Just then, a servant ran to the threshold of the study. "Young master," he said, bowing respectfully, his voice laced with excitement. "People from the palace have arrived. I saw them carrying a large plaque, saying it is for you. The master has asked me to tell you to go to the main hall at once."

"A plaque?" Li Yi’s eyes lit up. Remembering, he laughed with delight. "I didn't expect the palace to move so quickly."

He set down his teacup, stood up, and commanded, "Let's go to the main hall."

"After you, young master," the servant said, beaming. Li Yi nodded and walked toward the hall, with the servant and Yue'er following closely behind, both wearing bright smiles.

In the main hall, Li Jing and the Chief Eunuch, Gao, sat on opposite sides of the room, chatting and sipping tea as they awaited Li Yi’s arrival.

When Li Yi appeared, he bowed slightly and said with a smile, "I was unaware of your arrival, Eunuch Gao. Please forgive my lack of a proper welcome."

Eunuch Gao shook his head with a smile and gestured dismissively. He turned to Li Jing and joked warmly, "Doctor Li is too modest. To be hosted by Lord Li himself and served such fine tea—I am already deeply honored. If you speak like that, you are simply embarrassing me."

Seeing the Chief Eunuch adopt such a humble stance while joking, Li Jing was quite pleased. However, he did not forget the standard courtesies of officialdom.

"What are you saying, Eunuch?" Li Jing laughed. "My third son can be a bit lacking in social graces at times; I hope you will overlook his faults."

"No, no, Lord Li, you are mistaken," Eunuch Gao replied, praising him. "Doctor Li is upright and honest, with the heart of the people at the center of his work. He possesses the same noble character as you, Lord Li—His Majesty himself holds the doctor in high regard!"

Eunuch Gao knew full well that Li Jing was merely being polite, but with Li Yi’s star rising and the Emperor’s favor clearly resting upon him, Gao knew that Li Yi’s future was limitless. Building a rapport with the Li household was a decision with only benefits and no drawbacks.

Naturally, Li Jing felt a flicker of pride upon hearing the praise. "You are too kind, Eunuch. Our humble house is not worthy of such words."

Seeing that it was time to proceed with the official business, Eunuch Gao signaled to his guards. "Bring in the plaque."

"Yes, Eunuch." The guards carried in a plaque covered by a red cloth, placing it gently before them.