My Sister Insisted on Swapping Marriages, and I Became a Marchioness Instead

Chapter 336: Chapter 336: Mutual Praise and Flattery

Prince Qi tentatively asked, ”This incense can calm one’s mind at night, inducing peaceful sleep, and during the day invigorate one’s spirit, enabling focus. Besides, it is said to regulate internal ailments and is rumored to be a medicinal incense handed down by Master Zi Yang.”

Qin Yuan exclaimed in wonder, ”Could this be true? Master Zi Yang is the founding ancestor of the Southern Sect of Daoism. Could it really be his incense recipe? That would indeed be an extraordinary incense, one of a kind, never heard of and never seen before.”

On her first visit to Ranxiang Inn, she heard that Prince Qi was searching for this extraordinary incense, aware it was directed at her, thus her words were flawless.

Prince Qi sighed, ”Indeed, this incense is quite remarkable. My mother obtained it from the late Empress Dowager back then, and it greatly benefited her health. These days, I’ve been unwell and hoped to find this incense to improve my condition but found it unavailable anywhere.”

Qin Yuan, hearing this, carefully observed Prince Qi’s expression and posture.

In the previous life, this prince, esteemed and beloved by the ministers, suddenly passed away a few years after the Crown Prince’s demise, shocking the world.

Perhaps the signs are already showing now?

Although Prince Qi found it strange, he did not ask out loud, but Gu Jinghui noticed and his expression was somewhat displeased.

Gu Baoshu couldn’t help but ask out of curiosity, ”Sister-in-law, is Master Zi Yang really that powerful?”

Qin Yuan looked at Gu Baoshu and said, ”Naturally, it’s said that Master Zi Yang was learned from a young age, versed in the teachings of the Three Philosophies, medicine, divination, military strategy, and mathematics. After failing the examinations multiple times, he became a Daoist, traveling the world in search of the Golden Core Path. He met a master in Bashu who taught him the Golden Core Method. After arduous cultivation, his skills culminated in the formation of the Golden Core. At Chongdao Temple in Tiantai County, Taizhou Prefecture, he gathered disciples and spread his teachings. At ninety-nine, he transcended to immortality, known as the founding ancestor of the Daoist Southern Sect. Impressive, isn’t it?”

Gu Baoshu was amazed, ”Goodness, truly impressive. Was this incense really passed down by Master Zi Yang?”

Prince Qi remained silent.

Qin Yuan smiled, ”Many quality items in this world, to be widely recognized, are often attributed to immortal scholars. Who knows if it’s truly passed down by Master Zi Yang? However, hearing Prince Qi’s description, the incense sounds so unique, it might indeed be from Master Zi Yang.”

Gu Baoshu sighed, ”Such a wonderful incense, yet unable to find it—what a pity.”

Prince Qi nodded in agreement, ”Indeed, extremely regrettable.”

Qin Yuan also sighed, ”That’s why there’s lament over the fleetingness of worldly treasures; truly a pity. It would be nice if I could smell such a mystical fragrance.”

Prince Qi, full of anticipation, asked, ”If you smell it, could you recreate it? I heard from Manager Leng that you have exceptional talent in aroma matching, beyond his capability, perhaps you could identify the incense formula and replicate it.”

Old Madam Gu’s probing gaze came over, while Nanny Rong behind her looked tense, and Gu Jinghui’s face remained cold.

Qin Yuan observed this and smiled, ”It’s not as Manager Leng praised. I learned some aroma-matching skills in my youth, later read incense recipes, gained occasional insights, and created two types of incense pills sold at Ranxiang Inn. Honestly, it’s merely modifying ancient recipes, not entirely my own skill.”

Prince Qi chuckled, ”You’re too modest; aroma matching, like cultivation, relies on karma. If someone has exceptional talent and insight, great achievements require little effort. Your occasional insights producing such quality incense show your high aptitude and understanding. Why not give it a try?”

Gu Baoshu suddenly interjected, ”My sister-in-law’s incense is excellent. My other sister-in-law was seriously ill, restless at night, often waking abruptly, and unable to nap during the day, always dazed. It was her calming incense that helped her sleep well.”

Prince Qi rejoiced, ”If so, please try.”

Qin Yuan sighed, ”Prince Qi helped me greatly. If I don’t attempt it, it seems unreasonable.”

Prince Qi smiled faintly.

”I only reduced prices for you; merely a minor favor, not much help. Even without my intervention, with my brother’s assistance, prices could still decrease. It’s just bothersome when the Imperial Censors report upon hearing.”

Qin Yuan sighed, ”Then I must try. My husband is obliged to oversee the Capital Inspection, involving the Imperial Censors. Carelessness could offend someone, so best to avoid involving the censors.”

Gu Jinghui’s cold demeanor immediately softened, ”No need to worry, those censors can’t trouble me.”

Qin Yuan said, ”You’ve been away for years; unaware of the Imperial Censorate’s obstinacy. My father often discusses it; I’ve heard bits and pieces. Best to avoid them if possible.”

Censor trouble is worse than provoking a fierce dog.

A fierce dog can be dealt with.

Censors impeach the Emperor, who must endure and cannot execute them. Unjust punishment leads to mockery.

Even the Emperor is powerless against them, let alone Marquis Gu, a military officer.

As for why Prince Qi is unafraid, he evidently has allies within the Imperial Censorate.

Qin Yuan mused that she needn’t fear Qi not assisting. Even if he secretly sabotages, it’s a mere scent test—if she cannot discern it, what could he do?

Decision made, Qin Yuan rose and bowed to Prince Qi, ”I entrust this matter to Your Highness.”

Prince Qi promptly stood and returned the bow, smiling, ”A trivial matter, not worth mentioning. You’re too polite; simply consider me family.”

Qin Yuan smiled, hesitating to reply.

Who dares to treat Prince Qi as family?

Wouldn’t that imply kinship with the Emperor?

Prince Qi said, ”Since you agreed, I will have the incense pills sent later. I only have two remaining, too reluctant to use, avoid breaking the wax seal. I’ve cautiously inquired, lest they are wasted. Meeting you is heaven’s acknowledgement of my sincerity, finally giving the incense pill a chance to see daylight.”

Qin Yuan said, ”Follow Prince Qi’s arrangement. I must clarify; if I cannot fully discern the incense recipe, unable to replicate this mystical fragrance, Your Highness mustn’t blame me.”

Prince Qi immediately replied, ”Do not worry, if you can’t ascertain it, no one in the Capital City could. It’s heaven’s disregard; how could I fault you?”

These words were thoughtful and comforting.

Qin Yuan smiled, ”Very well, I know my talents are limited, but I fear misinterpretation of reluctance to help. Additionally, I’m a bit selfish, eager to witness the mystical fragrance crafted from the Immortal Medicine Recipe. Thus, I shamelessly accepted Your Highness’s kindness. Fortunately, Your Highness is innately gracious, unlikely to wrongfully blame over trivial matters, which is indeed my blessing.”

Gu Baoshu: ...

Old Madam Gu: ...

Gu Jinghui: ...

Even Nanny Rong secretly gave a thumbs up: ...

The two exchanged eloquent pleasantries, both being attractive, neither yielding, earning admiration from all.