Chapter 33.1

Song Dingxiang lay in bed, listening to the steady rhythm of breathing beside her, unable to fall asleep.

Despite her age, her thirst for knowledge remained unsated. She relished exploring new things and engaging in conversations with the younger generation.

Her brother's grandchildren, those firecrackers of energy, were avid readers of novels, often regaling her with tales of how they would rise to prominence and achieve greatness if they were to travel back in time. Their animated accounts were filled with vivid details and grandiose plans.

Little did they know that she would soon experience such a time travel herself, only to discover that the feats they so casually described were confined to the realm of fiction.

The idea of designing new clothes that would take the imperial capital by storm was appealing. However, in ancient times, clothing was heavily regulated based on social status and hierarchy.

One could not simply wear whatever they pleased. While introducing new food items faced fewer restrictions, the availability of ingredients was far more limited compared to the modern world.

Achieving self-improvement was not something that could be accomplished overnight.

Many things required time to develop, and sometimes, one had to rely on a bit of luck as well.

In ancient times, there were too many variables and uncertainties, not something a young girl could challenge easily.

She sighed lightly, even though promoting soap could bring endless benefits, with the Song family's foundation, it was uncertain if these benefits could be sustained. But when it came to food, it was easier.

A slight change in taste wouldn't attract too much attention, as long as she had a few backers in this small place, she could continue bringing in money for the family.

As for soap...

"Do you want to give away the profits from the soap?" After hearing Song Dingxiang's words, Li shi looked at her granddaughter with a newfound respect.

Song Dingxiang nodded in response.

At that moment, there were not many people in the main house, everyone was busy with their own tasks. Song Zijin was feeling under the weather and hadn't come over, so the only ones in the house were Granny Li shi, who usually didn't leave the kang bed unless necessary, and Song Dingxiang, who had something on her mind.

"Grandma, do you think if we really make this soap, the profit will be significant?"

Li shi suppressed a smile and said, "Why wouldn't it be? Pork may be good for us, but to those wealthy households, it's just a cheap commodity. Who would take notice of it?"

Song Dingxiang said, "With such a large profit, can our family hold onto it? If the other party is polite, it's fine, but I'm afraid... if something goes wrong, it won't be pretty. I just thought we could make it for ourselves, share the recipe, and not ask for money from the other party, just a helping hand when we're in trouble."

Li shi asked, "Who do you want to give it to?"

Song Dingxiang replied, "Wang Yuanwai in town. His nephew is Zhou Ge's boss now, and he has been in town for a long time with complicated relationships. Whenever I see people respect him, I think... mainly because I think, now that Xu Qiang is the county official, even though he's far from home, he's still an official. Our families have had a falling out, once he settles into his position, who knows if he'll cause trouble for us? If we have someone who can speak up for us..."

"You're thinking ahead at such a young age." In fact, Li shi hadn't thought of these things at all; she had originally thought that even if they made the soap, no one would buy it, but she didn't want to discourage her granddaughter's enthusiasm.

She never expected that overnight, her granddaughter would be thinking about potential conflicts with Xu Qiang and looking for a support system in advance.

"How can I not think ahead? Even without the Xu family, our family now has more ways to make money, which will surely attract envy and trouble. If we want to go far, we need a backing. But we're just a simple farming family, My uncle has yet to pass the civil service exam, and can't help much. Even if he does pass in three years, he might secure a minor official position, but who can guarantee that we won't be bullied in those three years? Grandma always says to look at the positive side of things, but we must also consider the negatives, and that's where I thought of this."

Li shi pondered for a while and said, "What you said makes sense. Fine, go ahead and work on this. If you really manage to do it, it will be just in time for the New Year in two months, and we can also have something to give as a New Year's gift to the Wang family."

Regarding Wang Yuanwai in town, Song Dingxiang had heard many rumors. Some said that his position as a 'Yuanwai Lang' was bought, but nowadays, you can't buy an official position just with money.

According to what she knew, a 'Yuanwai Lang', a fifth-rank official position, was actually just for handling financial matters. It had little practical use, just for show.

But it wouldn't be accurate to say it had no practical use at all. At least the person holding the title is exempt from property taxes, and with an official position, in this small town or county, no one would dare to offend the Wang family.

Not to mention, Wang Yuanwai's nephew is a military officer, with a real position earned through military achievement, even higher than a county official.

Moreover, although the Wang family is wealthy and holds official positions, they are not restless. They have the title of 'Wang Shanren' (good person Wang), and they engage in charitable actions, such as providing porridge during festivals.

It is also said that several bridges near the river were built with money from the Wang family, making them undeniably good-hearted people.

With such a good person supporting them, those lowlifes dare not mess with the Song family, even if they have evil intentions, they can only hold back. And those who are higher in rank and have more money than the good person Wang Yuanwai may not even pay attention to the little troubles caused by the Song family, as they don't see them as significant.

Wang Yuanwai was indeed the most suitable candidate.

Song Dingxiang poured her heart and soul into crafting the perfect soap. For over two weeks, she meticulously researched and experimented, finally arriving at the ideal proportions for both her sandalwood and jasmine soap recipes.

But her dedication didn't stop there.

To elevate these creations from ordinary to extraordinary, Song Dingxiang enlisted the skill of the village carpenter. Together, they brought her vision to life.

The carpenter crafted two exquisite molds, their surfaces smooth and inviting. Once dry, these functional works of art were further enhanced with a touch of paint, ensuring that Song Dingxiang's soap would be as pleasing to the eye as it was to the skin.

The soap liquid solidified in these molds, creating patterns on the soap.

The molded soap was cut into evenly sized square pieces, each the size of a palm, even small-handed women could firmly grip them. With patterns on all three sides and a pleasant fragrance, they indeed looked much more upscale.

The newly made soap needed some time to mature, so Song Dingxiang patiently waited until the day of La Ba — the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month.

She wrapped the cool, smooth bars of soap in oiled paper, each one a show to her dedication. Alongside the soap, she carefully bundled essential supplies – lard for future batches, her meticulously written soap formulas, and the very tools that brought her creations to life.

But the spirit of La Ba extended beyond the practical.

Song Dingxiang, with a thoughtful smile, added a touch of home. Four small jars, each adorned with a festive red ribbon, were nestled amongst the utilitarian items.

Inside, vibrant colors hinted at the delicious treats they held: spicy napa cabbage, a symphony of textures and heat; eight-treasure pickled vegetable, a cornucopia of pickled delights; and pickled cabbage knots, their sour tang a playful counterpoint to the richness of the other offerings.

Together, the carefully wrapped bundle transcended a mere gift for her grandfather Song Xingyi to take to town.

The festive spirit of La Ba vibrated through the town. A lively fair bustled with activity, its stalls overflowing with vibrant wares.

Amidst the joyous chaos, the Wang family joined in the tradition. A large pot bubbled merrily at their door, its fragrant steam wafting through the air.

This wasn't just any pot; it brimmed with La Ba porridge, a rich and hearty concoction simmering with an array of wholesome ingredients.

The Wang family, embodying the spirit of generosity, offered this warm delicacy to those less fortunate. Beggars and the town's poor were welcomed with open arms, a steaming bowl of La Ba porridge a symbol of compassion and the shared joy of La Ba.

Song Xingyi looked at the crowd at the door, including clean and spirited servants, feeling a bit nervous. In the end, he was just from a rural household, with no opportunity to step into the threshold of such wealthy homes.

Even a maid from a rich family dressed much more beautifully and luxuriously than Song Dingxiang.

However, Song Dingxiang was not afraid. She walked over with a smile and said to a servant at the door, "Excuse me, we are from Beihugouzi Village, surnamed Song. The man in my family is Zhou Yinuo, who killed a tiger before. And this elderly man here is my grandfather, Song Xingyi. We are here today to express our gratitude to Wang Yuanwai for his previous guidance."

The servant, seeing the well-mannered and polite demeanor of this young lady, though she was dressed like a village girl, and having heard about Wang Yuanwai recommending someone named Zhou before, replied with a smile, "Alright, let me report inside first, young lady."

A moment later, the servant returned and said, "My master invites the young lady and the old gentleman in."

"Thank you very much. Here's a small token of appreciation for you to have some tea." Song Dingxiang handed over a pouch with one or two silver coins and, carrying the package of soap, followed by Song Xingyi with a basket on his back, stepped through the gate of the Wang family.

Wang Yuanwai was in the hall drinking tea with his wife and a few concubines when the servant informed them that the family of the tiger-fighting hero surnamed Zhou from last year had arrived. He immediately ordered to welcome them.

Madam Wang didn't quite understand and said, "But they are just from a rural household. How come you want to see them? So many people have given gifts to us before, but you hadn't seen many of them."

Wang Yuanwai smiled and replied, "Minzhi wrote me a letter before, saying that the young man Zhou I recommended was highly esteemed and is now a capable within his ranks. And he is still young, who knows if he will achieve great things in the future? Since I recommended him, we must maintain this good relationship. I was also wondering if the Song family would come to thank me, but the rural household has been busy with farming all year, and only now have some time to rest. I was just thinking about it the other day, didn't expect them to come today."

"That's thoughtful," Madam Wang turned to the concubines and said, "You can go down first, I will entertain the guests here with our master."

The concubines nodded and stood up to go to the inner courtyard. The servants quickly cleared the table of tea and snacks, replacing them with fresh ones.