amaotonovel Chapter 105 The Soap is a Success
Chapter 105 The Soap is a Success
Around the estate, Xu Fu, limping, strolled around slowly as usual. His eyes were full of anticipation as he gazed into the distance. He was wandering around here, waiting for Princess Jiayang—Ying Wuyou—to arrive.
Two months passed in the blink of an eye. Xu Fu went from being full of hope to gradually falling into the abyss of despair, but the flame in his heart was not extinguished. He still wandered around the manor every day, stubbornly believing that Princess Jiayang would appear at some unexpected moment.
The soaps in his hands have now become a bright spot in his life. For over two months, he poured his heart and soul into continuously improving the production process, making the soaps increasingly beautiful and diverse. Their exquisite shapes and varied fragrances are works of art he has carefully crafted.
However, despite his eagerness to present these achievements to Princess Jiayang, she never appeared. Princess Jiayang had not visited the estate since their last parting.
Time flew by, but Xu Fu grew increasingly anxious. Was Princess Jiayang just teasing him on a whim and not genuinely wanting him to make soap? Or had she already forgotten him? He asked the people at the estate, but all he received was the reply, "Miss hasn't been to the estate in a long time."
This made Xu Fu increasingly anxious. He had originally intended to assassinate the King of Qin, but the King spared his life and bestowed him upon Princess Jiayang, giving him a glimmer of hope. He was unwilling to spend his life languishing on this estate; he yearned to make a difference.
Recalling how Princess Jiayang had initially resisted when she commissioned him to make soap, he had no idea what use that strange substance could possibly have. However, as he immersed himself in the research, a strange anticipation quietly rose within him. As the days passed, he devoted himself entirely to the task, constantly experimenting with various formulas and methods. Finally, the first bar of soap was successfully created. At that moment, a wave of accomplishment washed over him, even stronger than when he concocted the elixir, filling him with immense satisfaction and excitement.
After successfully making the soap, Xu Fu began to ponder its uses. He only knew that soap pods could be used to wash hair, and since the soap contained the character for "soap," he guessed that it might have the same purpose. Filled with curiosity, he began using the soap to wash his hair.
The moment the soap touched his palm, he was amazed to find it incredibly smooth. A gentle rub produced rich lather, a discovery that thrilled Xu Fu as if he had discovered a new continent. Immersed in the novel experience the soap offered, he began to explore its many uses. He tried using it to wash clothes and wipe utensils, and gradually, he discovered that its cleaning power far exceeded his expectations.
Meanwhile, Ying Wuyou spent over three busy months. Alcohol was widely used in the Qin army with good results; the role of emergency medical personnel was highly praised by the generals; the children in the academy began attending school; and the method of composting was also being promoted. Although there was still a long way to go before the entire Qin Dynasty adopted the method, Ying Wuyou knew that it could only be widely implemented after this year's grain was planted. Now that the autumn harvest was just over, the method of composting could only accumulate fertilizer first. Only after the grain was planted could the method of composting irrigate the land; only then could the first step of the method be considered a success.
As everything gradually got back on track, Ying Wuyou finally remembered Xu Fu. She wondered how his soap-making was going. They'd agreed on half a month, but more than three months had passed; it should be finished by now, shouldn't it?
On a sunny day, Ying Wuyou took some time to visit the estate. When she appeared near the estate, Xu Fu's eyes lit up instantly. He limped forward quickly, his joy overflowing.
Ying Wuyou gazed silently at Xu Fu, a complex emotion welling up within her. Her eyes fell on the faintly fragrant soap in Xu Fu's hand, and a slight smile played on her lips as she softly asked, "Is the soap finished?"
Xu Fu nodded excitedly, his eyes gleaming with joy and pride. Ying Wuyou slowly reached out and took the exquisite bar of soap, gently stroking its smooth surface. She brought the soap close to her nose, closed her eyes, and took a deep breath, savoring its fresh and pleasant fragrance. After a moment, she opened her eyes, a satisfied smile on her face, and said approvingly to Xu Fu, "Very well done!"
Upon hearing this, Xu Fu's face immediately broke into a radiant smile. His eyes were filled with a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, for he knew that his efforts had been recognized.
Just then, Ying Wuyou's face suddenly darkened, and he said, "Xu Fu, do you know the crimes you have committed? You attempted to murder my father, and if it weren't for his mercy, you would have lost your life long ago. Although you have now created soap, your crimes cannot be easily erased."
Xu Fu's smile froze instantly, as if frozen by frost, and a hint of panic flashed in his eyes. He opened his mouth, only to find that he felt as if an invisible hand was gripping his throat, and could only let out a low whimper.
Ying Wuyou continued, "Don't think that you can easily erase your past sins just because you've achieved some success. From now on, you must work even harder and demonstrate more value before I will consider how to deal with you." Xu Fu lowered his head silently, his face filled with anxiety.
Seeing this, Ying Wuyou changed to a gentle, spring-like tone and said to Xu Fu, "As long as you work diligently for me in the future, I will forgive your past actions."
Xu Fu nodded repeatedly, like a chicken pecking at rice. Ying Wuyou continued, "Alright, try this soap first. If it works well, I'll give you credit. But remember, your fate is in your own hands. If you have any doubts, I won't give you a second chance." Xu Fu nodded again, as if pounding garlic.
Ying Wuyou had someone bring a basin of clean water, and gently placed his hands, as smooth as jade shoots, into the basin. He then carefully washed his hands with fragrant soap. Looking at his hands, now as smooth and delicate as white jade, Ying Wuyou nodded again with satisfaction.
She said to Xu Fu, "Not bad, not bad, congratulations on successfully passing the first test. Next, I will give you a group of people and set up a venue for you. You will lead these people to produce a large quantity of this soap, the more flavors and styles the better, and it must be able to be carved and engraved, in short, the designs must be gorgeous and beautiful. Once these people can all make soap skillfully, a new task will be assigned to you." Hearing Ying Wuyou's words, Xu Fu stared at her excitedly and nodded vigorously.
Ying Wuyou was in high spirits. She gazed with delight at the large quantity of soap Xu Fu had meticulously crafted, as if she were looking at a mountain of gold. She generously left some for Zhuangzi, and took the rest back to the palace like precious treasures. She secretly planned to make the beautiful concubines in the harem her free ambassadors for this soap. Once sales were established, this little bar of soap would surely bring her and the Qin Dynasty a considerable fortune.
Xu Fu was also full of anticipation for the life that was to come.