Chapter 2

Chapter 2

A few breaths later, the sound of footsteps outside faded into the distance.

Inside the oil-paper wrap were several dark brown incense cakes.

I pinched a small piece and brought it to my nose to carefully identify the scent.

It was the base for the Hehuan Powder I had blended.

But it had been altered, spiked with something else.

My heart sank abruptly.

It was Miluo Incense.

In small amounts, this substance acts as an aphrodisiac; but if the dosage is slightly exceeded, it can cloud a person’s mind and leave them at the mercy of others.

What a venomous scheme.

I rewrapped the incense cakes and tucked them deep into my sleeve pocket.

Part 2

The next morning, I arrived at the main house on time for my shift.

Shen Yujiao was personally attending to the Heir, Mu Qing’an, as he washed up.

Seeing me, she wore a gentle smile. “Ah Wu is here.”

She then turned to Mu Qing’an. “My Lord, I took the liberty of promoting Ah Wu. You won’t blame me, will you?”

Mu Qing’an glanced at me. “She is but a maid. Since you have already dealt with it, we shall do as you wish.”

I stepped forward to take the bronze basin from a maid’s hands, knelt on the ground, and held it up high.

Shen Yujiao was very satisfied with my tactfulness.

She used a damp cloth to gently wipe Mu Qing’an’s hands. “Ah Wu’s skill in blending incense is top-tier. From now on, let her be specifically responsible for the incense in the Heir’s study. It will help the Heir find peace of mind while he reviews official documents.”

Mu Qing’an nodded.

I kowtowed to express my gratitude.

During the midday break, Shen Yujiao called me into the inner chamber.

She reclined on the daybed, playing with a jade pendant, her tone intimate. “Ah Wu, you are someone I brought from the Shen Family; I trust you most.

“The Heir has been busy with official business lately and has been sleeping fitfully at night. Since you are proficient in the Way of Incense, prepare a calming incense for the Heir with great care.”

As she spoke, she handed me a porcelain bottle.

“This is a base incense bestowed by the Palace; it is extremely precious. Take it and use this as the lead ingredient.”

I received it with both hands and took a light sniff.

It was Miluo Incense again.

“Madam, I fear my skills are lacking and I might ruin…”

Shen Yujiao interrupted with a smile. “I know your capabilities well. Just go ahead and do it. However, this matter must be kept strictly secret. If a third person finds out…”

I immediately knelt. “Rest assured, Madam. Even if I were to die, I would never dare reveal a single word!”

Part 3

Returning to the servants’ quarters, I stared at the porcelain bottle, my thoughts racing.

In the evening, I used the excuse of collecting my monthly supplies to go to the manor’s storehouse.

The matron in charge was cold and indifferent.

It was only after I handed over a silver hairpin that she went inside to rummage through the stock.

I scanned the piles of incense waste in the small side-storehouse.

Suddenly, my gaze froze.

Among the medicinal dregs were several fragments of dark brown incense cakes.

A young maid was currently dumping incense ash and residue into the waste bucket.

I approached with a smile to lend a hand, slipping her a few copper coins in the process. “It’s hard work, sister. Let me handle these chores.”

The little maid left, full of thanks.

Inside the incense ash, I found the charred remains of Miluo Incense petals.

Just as I was preparing to leave, my peripheral vision caught something in the shadows of the storehouse corner.

There lay an emerald earring.

It belonged to my sister, Ah Heng.

Three months ago, she supposedly lost her footing and fell into the lotus pond in the back garden of the Marquis Manor, drowning.

The manor claimed it was an accident.

But how could it be…

She was a laundry maid; she would never have come here.

I quickly picked up the earring and clenched it tightly in my palm.

“Hey! What are you doing crouching there all sneakily?!”

The matron’s voice rang out behind me.