Chapter 718: Stepping on Her

"Not bad." Mrs. Yu knew very well that her daughter was pretending. In that case, she couldn't let any doctor examine her. After all, the Yu family couldn't afford to lose face.

"Since Mrs. Yu is worried, we won't have the doctor check her. Coincidentally, I know a simple folk remedy that I believe will be beneficial for Miss Yu's health," Ye Muyu said, turning to Mrs. Xie who had just walked over. "Madam, Miss Yu isn't feeling well. She probably can't go home now and can only stay at my place for now. Although the environment at my place isn't good, it's still better than moving around, which isn't good for her health."

"Madam, please testify that this is for Miss Yu's own good." Ye Muyu said, walking over to Yu Chuchu with some helplessness. "Miss Yu, I went too far."

With that, she reached for Yu Chuchu's wrist as she lay on the bed and fiercely pinched her flesh.

"Ah!" Yu Chuchu screamed in agony.

The scream attracted the attention of the ladies outside, who quickly crowded around to see what was happening.

Yu Chuchu suddenly sat up and pointed at Ye Muyu, angrily accusing, "How dare you pinch me!"

"Miss Yu, you've misunderstood... I just wanted to make you feel more comfortable. This is a folk remedy from the countryside..." Ye Muyu feigned a weak and helpless appearance.

"What's going on?" The ladies who came to watch the commotion asked.

Lu Sangqi's face was already cold from Mrs. Yu's impolite words, and he pointed directly at Yu Chuchu. "This lady pretended to be ill and didn't dare let me examine her, so this lady questioned my medical skills."

"Mrs. Chu was worried about Miss Yu's condition, so she used a folk remedy and had Mrs. Xie here testify."

"Unexpectedly, Miss Yu immediately started cursing. It turns out that she came here as a guest and wanted to make trouble as she pleased, completely disregarding the host's dignity. The Yu family's face is so big."

With a sneer, Lu Sangqi didn't care about the reactions of the ladies around him and turned around to leave. "I'll have to let Chu Heng come and see how the Yu family mistreats his wife."

When Mrs. Yu heard Lu Sangqi's words, her face changed slightly. "Stop right there! What nonsense are you talking about?"

Unfortunately, Lu Sangqi had already left.

Mrs. He didn't miss the opportunity to mock, "I said Miss Yu wasn't feeling well for no reason. It turns out she was faking it. Even if she was pretending, since the hostess invited her to rest here, she should just rest until she feels better and then go home later, right?"

"Why insist on having someone call a doctor?"

"And when the doctor comes, the young one questions his medical skills. What's wrong? Can't he be a family heirloom doctor? Do we have to wait for an old man with half his head buried in the ground to come and examine you?"

"Miss Yu is really clueless." Mrs. Hu frowned.

"That's right. Making trouble in someone else's home and not understanding any manners at all."

"I think she's jealous of Ah Yu."

"I think she's jealous that Ah Yu can make rouge."

Others nodded in agreement.

Ye Muyu's display of weakness, combined with Lu Sangqi's preemptive conclusion, led the others to think the same way and she instantly controlled the direction of public opinion.

"The doctor just now is Lu Sangqi, the direct heir of the Lu family's medical skills" Mrs. Xie calmly spoke up as Mrs. Yu was about to retort.

"What? The Lu family! Lu Sangqi!"

"Hahaha, Miss Yu is so arrogant that even the doctor from the Lu family rejects her medical skills and refuses to examine her. I'm sure she's faking it and afraid of being exposed!" Mrs. He seized the opportunity to trample on Yu Chuchu's reputation.

 Chapter 717: Making Trouble

After speaking, she smiled lightly and said to Yu Chuchu, "Miss Yu, don't be afraid. Mrs. He was just joking with you. Shall I teach you how to use it?"

Mrs. He always felt that she couldn't gain any advantage in front of Ye Muyu, who seemed to be easy to get along with. She regained her composure and accepted the new sample with a smile, then sat down, no longer intending to continue arguing with Yu Chuchu. After all, she was the elder. Losing an argument would be embarrassing, and winning wouldn't be graceful either.

Seeing that Ye Muyu took the initiative to speak, there was a hint of triumph in Yu Chuchu's eyes. She opened her hand, revealing the rouge she had just snatched, and said somewhat sadly, "Mrs. Chu, is it because Chuchu isn't good enough that you let her use rouge that others have used? I never use things that others have used at home. My mother said it doesn't befit my status."

Ye Muyu: "...If you don't want it, don't grab it. Pretending to be insulted like this, it's really ridiculous."

"Miss Yu, I'm sorry, I don't deserve to use it... I'll give it back to you..." Ye Muyu nodded with a smile. "Miss Yu, if you don't want to use it, I won't force you."

"How about this, I'll call someone to bring you some tea?" Yu Chuchu's words were directly ignored by Ye Muyu, not only did she not jump into the pit dug by the other party, she even dug one for herself. For a moment, she was so angry that she almost rolled her eyes.

Mrs. He couldn't help but laugh on the side.

Mrs. Hu also laughed wildly, completely ignoring Yu Chuchu's expression.

Ye Muyu didn't understand the meaning of the two women's actions, and she reached out to help Yu Chuchu, "Miss Yu, are you feeling unwell?"

With that, she quickly called out, "Someone, go and fetch a doctor. Miss Yu isn't feeling well."

Yu Chuchu originally wanted to ridicule Ye Muyu's rouge, preferably ruining her reputation directly, so she wouldn't have such thoughts again.

Offending someone like this, she never took the Yu family seriously from beginning to end.

Today, she only came to try to propose marriage to Xie Yu.

Who would have thought that Ye Muyu wouldn't give her any face at all.

If she didn't teach her a lesson, she wouldn't be surnamed Yu!

Yu Chuchu lay down with a smirk, "Then trouble Miss Yu."

She emphasized the word 'Yu'. Ye Muyu nodded with a faint smile, helping her onto the bed.

After helping Yu Chuchu lie down on the bed, Mrs. Yu came in.

"What's going on?" Mrs. Yu frowned and asked.

Ye Muyu 'carefully' covered Yu Chuchu with a blanket before saying, "Mrs. Yu, you're here. Miss Yu isn't feeling well. Don't worry, I've already called for a doctor."

"Thank you." Mrs. Yu finally managed to squeeze out these words after a while.

"Who's not feeling well?" Lu Sangqi was called over and stood at the door, asking.

"It's Miss Yu." Ye Muyu turned to see him and let him in.

Mrs. Yu immediately frowned, "Why are you so young?"

"What's wrong? Does this lady not trust me to diagnose her?" Lu Sangqi's voice was a bit cold. He hadn't despised the other party yet, but the other party actually wanted to despise him? Women are indeed troublesome.

 Chapter 716: Yu Chuchu

Ye Muyu was originally low-key in nature, naturally avoiding conflicts if possible.

There were many shops like Yunxiang Pavilion owned by the Yu family, and even in the capital city, Yunxiang Pavilion was not the only dominant one. Each one had its own influence, and even the Yu family was not as simple as it seemed on the surface.

Ye Muyu knew this well. Although Chu Heng now had the status of a Jinshi, not everyone could afford to offend him.

In the end, the one who laughs last is the winner, isn't it?

Ye Muyu continued to chat with Mrs. Du, whose status was not as high as the other ladies present, but she had a good relationship with Ye Muyu. She patiently listened as Ye Muyu explained the usage of each kind of rouge.

Mrs. He, unable to persuade Mrs. Yu, also came over to listen. She felt comfortable applying the rouge that Ye Muyu had given her on her hands.

If it could be applied comfortably on the face as well, that would be even better. After all, it was different from the rouge and face powder used for makeup.

Mrs. He's wife, Mrs. Hu, was particularly troubled by red spots, hoping they could be more comfortable. Since Yunxiang Pavilion was no longer useful, she didn't want to please the Yu family and wasn't afraid of losing face, so she naturally ignored it.

The four of them talked and laughed amicably.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Xie was chatting with Mrs. Chu Liushi, asking about the village and winter vegetables.

Mrs. Xu, having nothing to say to the other ladies, simply joined Mrs. Xie in chatting with Mrs. Chu Liushi.

Since they were all talking about things Mrs. Chu Liushi was familiar with, the atmosphere was quite harmonious.

Mrs. Chen, being honest by nature, thought for a moment and also joined in listening to Mrs. Xie talk about the harvest.

Mrs. Sun was interested in rouge and face powder. After sitting for a while and seeing Mrs. Xu's cold face, she really had nothing to say. So she simply went to Ye Muyu's side to try out various rouges.

"Mom, are you just going to watch her sell that hand oil, rouge?" Mrs. Yu's daughter, Yu Chuchu, pointed angrily at Ye Muyu in the crowd.

Mrs. Yu turned her head, "Be restrained when speaking in someone else's home."

"Mom, I'm already quite restrained. If it were someone else, I wouldn't need to give them any face." Yu Chuchu snorted, full of pride in her heart, looking down on Ye Muyu as a rustic woman who actually made rouge and face powder. Hmph, these ignorant people actually believe it.

They dare to use it without fearing facial damage.

"No need to cause trouble." Mrs. Yu said calmly.

Yu Chuchu stomped her foot, "This isn't causing trouble, it's clearly trying to compete with our Yunxiang Pavilion for business."

"Mom, I'm going to take a look." Yu Chuchu didn't wait for Mrs. Yu to speak, got up and walked straight to Ye Muyu and the others.

At this moment, Ye Muyu was explaining to Mrs. He which rouge was suitable for dry skin.

As Yu Chuchu approached, she couldn't help but sneer, "Mrs. Chu, are you trying to do business with rouge and face powder?"

"What I'm doing, Miss Yu, is not rouge and face powder, but some skin care rouge used in daily life." Ye Muyu said.

"Oh? Let me see." Yu Chuchu reached out and grabbed one of the samples at random.

Mrs. He suddenly stood up and sneered, "Miss Yu, what are you coming over here for? I'm still using this rouge."

"Mrs. He, how can you be so harsh..." Yu Chuchu instantly transformed into a delicate flower, wiping her tears.

Ye Muyu looked calmly at the scene. It seemed that calculating was everywhere when rich families interacted.

Seeing that Mrs. He was about to retort in irritation, Ye Muyu also stood up and said softly, "Mrs. He, don't mind. You just tried it and found it useful. I've already prepared new samples for you. Take them."

 Chapter 715: Dominance

Mrs. He was instantly reminded upon hearing this, and covered her mouth as she smiled, saying, "Sister Sun, who knows if you'll still be able to buy the same hand oil in two or three months. Remember to ask Mrs. Yu to reserve some for you now."

Initially, Mrs. Sun was quite satisfied with Mrs. Yu's seemingly proud gesture of offering her hand oil. After all, Yunxiang Pavilion was an old brand, and using their products in the county was more prestigious than buying from smaller shops. She was also willing to give Mrs. Yu some face.

But after hearing Mrs. He's words, she suddenly remembered the constant stream of new products from Yunxiang Pavilion this year, all claiming to be better than the previous ones. Sometimes, when you get used to the old products, you develop an attachment and don't want to switch, who would have thought.

"Mrs. Yu, Mrs. He is right. Don't wait until I get used to it and then switch to something new. Yunxiang Pavilion didn't release new hand oils so quickly before. Why are there so many changes this year?" Mrs. Sun complained a bit.

Mrs. Yu's expression remained unchanged, "This is also for your own good. Improvement is better. We can't always stay stagnant."

"That's true, but the price increases every time. I'm afraid people will think the Yu family is short of silver." Mrs. He chuckled, covering her mouth.

Mrs. Yu's face slightly changed and she glanced at her with her black eyes, "The price matches the effect."

"Mrs. Yu means that Yunxiang Pavilion will continue to release new products like this in the future?" Mrs. He smiled pleasantly, seeming to be in a very good mood.

But the people around them still noticed the tension between the two.

Thinking of the previous conflicts between the two, the other ladies remained silent. After all, which family didn't have some grievances?

But Mrs. He had managed to voice their thoughts.

For a moment, everyone looked at Mrs. Yu.

Mrs. Yu said firmly, "Of course."

The other ladies felt a bit uncomfortable. No wonder Yunxiang Pavilion had such an arrogant attitude. It turned out they learned it from Mrs. Yu. Mrs. He couldn't help but mutter to herself.

Mrs. Yu saw the reactions of the others and calmly said, "The rouge from Yunxiang Pavilion is loved by the ladies and young ladies even in the capital city. You don't need to worry. The Yu family will naturally not tarnish its own reputation. It's also for the ladies to be more beautiful."

Although her words seemed weak, her attitude remained strong. Many of the ladies had some grievances about the changes in Yunxiang Pavilion this year, but Yunxiang Pavilion's rouge and face powder were not only for personal use. When they went out to meet guests, talking about these things, using products from Yunxiang Pavilion gave them face and avoided embarrassment.

Therefore, soon, the discomfort in these ladies' hearts was hidden, as if it didn't exist at all.

Ye Muyu listened and understood. If she handled things well today, her rouge shop might develop. There might be opportunities.

The Yu family currently seemed to use sales methods similar to modern luxury brands, especially similar to those abroad, using brand effects to capture the hearts of ladies and young ladies, linking the status of Yunxiang Pavilion's rouge and face powder to their status. It seemed embarrassing not to use them.

But since there was already some dissatisfaction among the people, all it needed was another competitive product of the same level, and the other party's position could easily be squeezed out.

Ye Muyu just thought so and didn't intend to compete with the other party.

From the beginning, she targeted the middle-class commoners as her customers, because she had asked Chu Heng, and although there were many wealthy families in Da Chu, there were seven or eight landlords in a county.

But this was just the special case of Nanchang County and the wealth of the Jiangnan region in general.

Most of Da Chu's territory was still mostly commoners, and this market was quite vacant. Basically, all their daily needs were covered by various small shops.

 Chapter 714: Yunxiang Pavilion

The conversation quickly shifted to the ointment made by Ye Muyu.

Seeing that Mrs. Xie couldn't be persuaded, the other ladies had to follow suit and change the subject, so as not to offend her and ruin any chances for their own daughters.

"What is this for?" Mrs. Sun leaned in and asked, her face showing a hint of curiosity, then saw Mrs. He applying the trial products to her hands.

"This is specifically for applying to the hands. It's much better than the hand oil we used before." Mrs. He's voice was not soft, as if she deliberately wanted someone to hear.

Mrs. Sun immediately covered her mouth and smiled, "You're right. The hand oil I bought from Yunxiang Pavilion before was really greasy after use. It didn't have much effect, but it felt uncomfortable."

"Mrs. Yu, has there been a change in management at Yunxiang Pavilion recently? Why has there been such a big change? I used it before, and it wasn't so greasy. Speaking of which, I forgot to ask you about this."

The Du family monopolized the rouge and face powder shops in Nanchang County, and the largest one was Yunxiang Pavilion. At the same time, the largest gambling house in the county was also owned by the Du family, making them the richest gentry in addition to the Xie family.

Usually, they interacted more with the Xie family and the county magistrate's family.

Mrs. Yu was tall and slender, dressed in fine green silk, exuding an imposing aura. She wore a pearl and jade headdress on her head and a high-quality jade bracelet on her wrist. Her makeup was exquisite, making her the most luxurious-looking among all the ladies present.

Even Mrs. Xie and Mrs. Xu, who had only dressed up simply today, looked quite ordinary in comparison.

The other ladies did not have such precious jewelry, so they wore their usual ones, which were not outstanding but not embarrassing either.

As a result, Mrs. Yu and Miss Du beside her seemed too dazzling.

Mrs. Yu seemed oblivious to the curious glances of the other ladies and said indifferently, "There has been a change in perfumer recently, maybe it's a change in formula. I think the effect is good. It lasts longer than before. You only need to apply it once in winter, and it can last for three or four days. For the sake of beauty, I can endure a little discomfort."

Mrs. Sun frowned when she heard this, not liking her tone. Her family was not weak, so she wouldn't endure it "Mrs. Yu means that there will only be the new hand oil in the future, and not the old one?"

"But I found little difference in the effects of the two, and the new one is more expensive by half an ounce of silver. Perhaps it's not suitable?"

Mrs. Yu smiled faintly, "Mrs. Sun, you misunderstood. The reason why it's more expensive by half an ounce of silver must have its reason. It naturally needs to be used for a long time to have obvious effects. I'll give Mrs. Sun a box of hand oil. Use it for two or three months, and then we can talk about it."

Mrs. Sun hesitated a bit, after all, everyone has the desire to be beautiful, especially for ladies who are not short of money like them. Her expression changed, and after a while, she smiled and said, "Then I won't be polite. If it really works, I can endure a little oiliness."

Mrs. He heard Mrs. Sun being persuaded so quickly and couldn't help but feel annoyed.

Just as she was about to say something, she heard Mrs. Du, Du Heng's mother, whispering to Ye Muyu, "I bought rouge from Yunxiang Pavilion a few days ago. I quite liked it at first, but in less than two months, they changed it to something else, so I had to switch to another one."

"Although it works every time, it's not what I'm used to, and I miss the old one a bit."

 Chapter 713: Refusal

Chu Liushi quickly called out.

Ye Muyu naturally smiled but remained silent.

She also called Hu Shi, who was serving beside her, to come forward and pay her respects. She presented a silver bracelet which wasn't very valuable but in Chu Liushi's eyes, it was enough.

However, thinking about the valuable gifts sent by various families earlier, she knew that in the future, when dealing with these wealthy families, it would only be appropriate to reciprocate.

Sun Yan'er lowered her eyes and thanked her.

Then, Mrs. Sun said, "Yan'er, pay respects to the other ladies as well."

Then, Sun Yan'er paid respects to each lady in turn.

Especially when paying respects to Mrs. Xie, Mrs. Sun seemed even more enthusiastic. "Mrs. Xie, today we enjoyed Mr. Chu's feast, and soon we'll have the Third Young Master's feast. It's really something to celebrate."

"He's just a naughty boy, not worthy of praise from ladies. However, Yu'er is still young and has the provincial and palace examinations ahead of him. Although he's young, he still needs to strive. During this period, Yu'er may have to study hard. As his mother, I just hope he can fulfill his wishes soon and stop suffering." Mrs. Xie's words were full of implications.

But Mrs. Sun was not willing to accept this.

She tentatively said, "Mrs. Xie, the Third Young Master is seventeen this year, the perfect age to get married, isn't it?"

The other girls all looked nervously at Mrs. Xie when they heard this.

Ye Muyu, watching from the side, couldn't help but understand. Since Xie Yu had become a successful candidate, he was a highly sought-after bachelor. Even the county magistrate's wife might be interested in him.

Ye Muyu couldn't help but glance at her and indeed saw Mrs. Xu's gaze fixed on Mrs. Xie. Her daughter, Miss Xu Jiao'er, was even more expectant. It seemed that she had been smitten for a long time.

"Ah, this is what my husband and I worry about the most. We want to find a wife for Yu'er as soon as possible to settle him down."

"But my son insists on marrying only after passing the imperial examination."

"Mrs. Sun, what can a mother like me do?"

Mrs. Sun, upon hearing this, realized that if she waited for Xie Yu to pass the imperial examination, they would no longer be within the reach of families like hers. It might even be possible for him to marry a princess (Da Chu had a precedent of a top scholar marrying a princess).

In other words, Mrs. Xie was clearly refusing.

"I told Mrs. Xie, you shouldn't indulge the child. As you said, the Third Young Master works hard in his studies and needs a caring wife to support and take care of him so that he can live comfortably, right?"

"Look at Lady Chu and Mr. Chu's good relationship. It hasn't affected his exams, has it?"

Mrs. Xie remained very calm and sighed helplessly, "Madam, I did think about that, but Ah Yu said it would be this year. If he can make the list this year, he'll come home to get married, and it will be a double joy, which can also honor our ancestors."

"If he doesn't make it this year, he'll still get married to fulfill his duty of continuing the family line. After all, it's just another half a year. As his mother, how can I refuse?"

The conversation reached this point.

Everyone present understood that the Xie family did not want to marry at the moment.

No matter what was said, it seemed useless now.

Although some were disappointed, the reasons for the refusal were irrefutable, and they could only let go of their thoughts for now.

Mrs. Xie picked up her teacup and drank calmly. Even if her son didn't have such thoughts, she would still refuse to let him marry into local families. After all, the most important thing now was the provincial and palace examinations.

Mrs. He and Mrs. Hu had only brought their daughters along for a walk. If they were lucky enough to be chosen by Xie Yu himself, they would be delighted to have this marriage. But now, it seemed that even the county magistrate's family had no chance, so they had no intention of pursuing it further.

 Chapter 712 Two Customers

Mrs. He was curious and asked, "Ah Yu, where are these rouge and powder from? Can they treat red spots?"

Upon hearing this, Xiang Ling'er's eyes curved with a genuine smile as she replied, "Mrs. He, these are made by my sister-in-law herself, so they're not sold in stores."

"However, in a while, after my sister-in-law tests the remaining creams, she will open a shop."

"Oh, so it's made by Ah Yu? Ah Yu, you're really talented." Mrs. He couldn't help but praise.

Ye Muyu waved her hand with a smile, "Oh, stop it. I mainly came up with these for my own use. After all, as my husband becomes more successful in the future, as his wife, I also need to take care of myself. At the very least, I need to keep myself presentable and not let anyone look down on me."

"Yes, that's right."

"It's important to look good in public. We can't have red spots on our faces every day. Ah Yu, you have to help me with that."

Ye Muyu replied, "Mrs. He, red spots are caused by internal heat. You can drink bitter melon tea or pear soup to cool down. During a breakout, it's best not to use heavy makeup, as it may worsen the condition."

"I know that, but how can I have red spots on my face when I have guests visiting?" Mrs. He felt a bit helpless.

Ye Muyu said, "If Mrs. He believes me, I can ask a doctor to prescribe a cream that can help reduce red spots faster. However, it won't have an immediate effect, but it will help soothe the skin. During a breakout, Mrs. He must remember not to touch the red spots with her hands, even if they itch. Otherwise, it may leave scars, which are harder to treat."

The others present were even more aware of this than Ye Muyu.

In modern times, there are surgical treatments for scars, but not in ancient times. Having some scar removal cream was considered a miraculous elixir, not only expensive but also difficult to obtain.

"All right, I'll remember that."

"Is there a cream suitable for me? I'll buy it." Mrs. He deeply despised acne, so she dared to apply anything to her face. After experiencing a setback, she would curse at someone, then continue to ask for recommendations.

Ye Muyu was a bit taken aback by her decisiveness. She said, "Mrs. He, there are trial samples here. You can take them home and use them according to the instructions. There are also some precautions listed, so please make sure to read them carefully. Skincare creams should not be used indiscriminately." Ye Muyu reminded her anxiously, "For example, some can only be used after the red spots have healed, otherwise they may cause more red spots, and then I'll have to apologize profusely."

Mrs. He quickly shook her head, "Okay, I'll remember that. I won't use them indiscriminately."

Ye Muyu was relieved. Even if Mrs. He used the trial samples too much, she wasn't afraid of any mishaps.

With Mrs. He getting a trial sample, Mrs. He naturally got one too.

During this conversation, the dishes were served.

The dishes were suitable and tasted good.

The visiting guests were all very satisfied.

For a while, both hosts and guests were enjoying themselves.

After finishing lunch, it was already an hour later.

Soon, Luchuan, Hu Shi, and others arranged for people to remove the food, wooden tables, and everything else.

At the same time, a tent was set up in the courtyard for guests to sit and enjoy tea after their meal.

The prepared tea was the favorite of households in ordinary days.

"Yan'er, come over and pay respects to Lady Chu and Miss Chu." Mrs. Sun saw the opportunity and quickly called her daughter to come forward to pay respects to Lady Chu, who was sitting at the head of the table, and to Ye Muyu, who was sitting beside her.

 Chapter 711: Introduction