The dirty clothes were quickly washed clean, and the grease stains vanished.

Gao Heng found this astonishing.

“This… this…”

Tian Tian lifted her chin proudly, smiling. “Now you see how effective it is, don’t you?”

Gao Heng nodded. “Chan’er, how did you come to know about this method? It’s far better than ordinary soap pods.”

Tian Tian replied with a smile, “I came across this recipe by chance in an old book. I had the opportunity to test it once, and it turned out very well.”

Gao Heng’s eyes lit up. “If this product were sold, it would certainly be a hit.” He immediately envisioned its massive potential—every household in Da Chu would need this washing powder. It would surely become a must-have item.

Tian Tian shared her thoughts. “Zi Rui, making this washing powder isn’t difficult. The materials are inexpensive and readily available. I think if it were sold at low prices under the name of the government, it could benefit both the country and its people.”

Gao Heng, having governed for years, instantly understood the underlying message.

This little beauty was trying to help him win the people’s hearts.

“This matter must be carefully planned. Above all, the formula must remain confidential and highly secure.”

Tian Tian nodded; she was well aware.

“Chan’er, you truly are an extraordinary woman,” Gao Heng said, marveling at her intellect. To think that a woman gifted to him by the Minister of Works—a former courtesan, no less—would turn out to be so capable and knowledgeable. It was beyond surprising.

Tian Tian merely smiled, offering no further explanation.

“As for the remaining ingredients, make sure your subordinates continue searching carefully. It would be best if they were all found.”

Gao Heng nodded enthusiastically. “Tomorrow, I’ll send letters by carrier pigeon, ordering them to search thoroughly. I’ll also dispatch another team to spread out and hunt for the materials. Rest assured, Chan’er.” His attitude toward her had completely shifted; he would never underestimate her again.

Initially, he thought she was merely a passing indulgence. He hadn’t expected her to be such a delightful surprise.

After finishing their discussion, Tian Tian went to the side room to bathe and change. It was late, and she was utterly exhausted.

However, her wish to sleep early was in vain. The moment she lay down, Gao Heng approached her.

His fiery enthusiasm was impossible to refuse. Even if Tian Tian wasn’t a mind-reader, she could sense his excitement and joy through his actions.

Winning the people’s hearts was an essential step for him before ascending the throne.

---

After developing the washing powder, Gao Heng wasted no time. He ordered the large-scale procurement of raw materials, the establishment of workshops, and the start of mass production.

He took the washing powder very seriously. Orders were sent to various regions to set up workshops and prepare for wide-scale distribution.

To maintain the confidentiality of the formula, Gao Heng ensured that the raw materials were dispersed across different locations. The primary ingredient was produced in the capital and then shipped to other regions, where the final product was assembled and packaged.

The washing powder, being affordable and highly effective, became a massive hit. Priced at just five wen per jin, with a minimum purchase of two jin for ten wen, it was a practical choice.

Two jin of washing powder could last an average household at least a month, making it extremely economical.

The math made sense, and the product quickly gained popularity.

With the washing powder’s success, Gao Heng’s reputation among the common people improved significantly.

Meanwhile, Tian Tian also reaped substantial profits from its sales.

Gao Heng did not personally profit from the venture. Seventy percent of the earnings went into Tian Tian’s pockets, while thirty percent was used for operations, including purchasing raw materials and paying workshop workers.

At five wen per jin, after deducting costs for transportation, labor, and materials, Tian Tian still earned 1.5 wen per jin.

While 1.5 wen might seem small, the sheer volume sold made up for it.

Each region sold tens of thousands of jin daily, and across the entirety of Da Chu, the sales easily amounted to hundreds of thousands of jin. With such massive quantities, Tian Tian was practically swimming in money.

From Gao Heng’s perspective, Tian Tian’s profits were akin to his own. After all, as the ruler of the land, the empire’s taxes already ensured his abundance. He had no need for such “small change.”

---

Two months passed in a flash, and the Mid-Autumn Festival approached. The weather grew cooler.

During these two months, Tian Tian lived blissfully. Gao Heng devotedly cared for her, leaving her even more radiant than before.

In the entire High Palace, she was undoubtedly the most dazzling presence.

Gao Heng had also sent away another batch of concubines. Now, the palace was nearly empty, with only a handful of women left.

Liu Fu Ren remained in the palace. Though she initially harbored resentment and hoped for Tian Tian to lose favor, her hopes gradually dimmed as time passed, and Tian Tian’s favor only grew.

Moreover, Gao Heng had changed. Previously, he never called for water in the middle of the night. Now, not only did he do so nightly, but sometimes two or three times in one evening.

The very thought terrified Liu Fu Ren.

She had once sought favor because Gao Heng wasn’t cruel or perverse in the past. But now, he called for water every night. This meant he engaged in certain acts despite being a eunuch—a fact she found horrifying.

Liu Fu Ren couldn’t fathom how Tian Tian could endure it. The thought of serving a eunuch disgusted her to the core.

She would rather live a lonely life in the palace than betray her conscience to engage in such acts.

---

One evening, while dining with Tian Tian, Gao Heng asked, “Is your palace dress for the Mid-Autumn Banquet ready?”

Tian Tian nodded. “They’re rushing to finish it. It should be ready in the next two days.”

Gao Heng continued, “It’ll be your first time attending the banquet. Are you nervous?”

Tian Tian smiled faintly. “A little.”

“There’s no need to be. If you’re nervous, just stay by my side.”

“Alright,” she replied with a smile.

For the Mid-Autumn Banquet, Gao Heng, as the host, would typically attend alone. But now that he had Tian Tian, he naturally intended to bring her along to experience the event.

She was the only one in the entire palace granted such an honor.

---

On the night of the banquet, Tian Tian wore a crimson palace gown adorned with pearls and jade. She was stunningly elegant, akin to a peony in full bloom—resplendent and captivating.

Arriving at the imperial palace by carriage with Gao Heng, they found the ministers and their families already gathered.

As Gao Heng led Tian Tian into the hall, the ministers and their families knelt in unison.

“Greetings to the Lord Regent. Greetings to Lady Jiang.”

Gao Heng guided Tian Tian to the highest seat, and they both sat down, resembling a king and queen.

For the first time, Tian Tian experienced the deference of the ministers. Her heart swelled with emotion.

The feeling of being above everyone else was intoxicating. No wonder so many people aspired to the highest position, willing to sacrifice everything for it.

With a wave of his hand, Gao Heng allowed them to rise and take their seats.

The ministers expressed their gratitude profusely before sitting down.

Tian Tian, seated above, had little to do and casually surveyed the crowd.

It was clear that the ministers and their families feared Gao Heng. They sat stiffly, afraid to say or do anything that might be perceived as wrong.

Among them, Tian Tian noticed an elderly man smiling at her. She froze for a moment, recognizing him as the Minister of Works—the one who had sent her to the palace.

She quickly withdrew her gaze, unwilling to spare him even a glance.

If not for being sent to the High Palace, she might have ended up as this old man’s concubine. While he had taken her in for a few years, his intentions were far from noble and unworthy of respect.

Shifting her focus, Tian Tian’s gaze inadvertently landed on a dignified man sitting nearby. Beside him was a gentle, elegant woman.

The man, dressed in the attire of a prince, exuded an imposing aura. When their eyes met, he nodded slightly in acknowledgment.

Tian Tian instantly recognized him: Prince Ning, Gao Heng’s greatest rival.

In her original host’s past, Prince Ning had a brief connection to her.

Years ago, when Prince Ning visited the Minister of Works, the host had danced for him, and he had praised her beauty.

The host mistakenly thought he was interested in her and, later that night, sought to serve him in his chambers.

The Minister of Works, despite his fondness for the host, saw the greater advantage in aligning with Prince Ning and sent her to his quarters.

However, when she offered herself, Prince Ning refused. Even as she knelt and begged, he remained unmoved.

Until the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet, the original owner had stepped out for some air, where Prince Ning orchestrated a “hero saving the damsel” scenario, reigniting their connection. At the time, the heroine didn’t know Gao Heng was a false eunuch. Seduced by Prince Ning’s promise to make her a consort, she foolishly agreed to poison Gao Heng.

This led to her being discovered by Gao Heng, who ultimately skinned her alive and turned her into a “beauty painting.”

After the original owner’s death, Prince Ning and Gao Heng battled fiercely for over a decade. Eventually, Prince Ning killed Gao Heng and successfully ascended to the throne.

At this point, Prince Ning was still relatively weak and no match for Gao Heng. He was biding his time, concealing his sharp edges. Only later, when the emperor in the traveling palace succumbed to illness and passed away, did Prince Ning begin to reveal his true ambitions and directly oppose Gao Heng.

Princess Ning, being meticulous and perceptive, noticed her husband actively greeting Jiang Chan. However, she maintained a calm demeanor, feigning indifference as though she hadn’t seen a thing.

Gao Heng noticed it as well and frowned. “You know Prince Ning?”

Tian Tian shook her head. “I don’t. I was surprised he greeted me. Perhaps it was just out of courtesy.”

Gao Heng gave Prince Ning a long, hard look but didn’t say more.

Palace maids entered in single file, carrying exquisite dishes, which they distributed to the small tables of the ministers and their families.

Fine wine and delicacies were served as the sounds of flutes and strings filled the air. Dancers clad in pink skirts gracefully entered the hall. A dozen of them began performing in the center of the grand hall, their movements elegant and mesmerizing.

The palace dancers, carefully selected, were all stunning beauties with slender figures and enchanting grace.

The ministers admired the performance, offering their praises.

However, with Tian Tian present, no matter how beautiful the dancers were, they only served as a backdrop to her radiance.

She was the true epitome of beauty—a woman of captivating allure, her charm unparalleled.

Even though the ministers feared Gao Heng greatly, the nature of men compelled them to sneak glances at Tian Tian whenever they could.

As the banquet wore on and the atmosphere grew heady with the aroma of wine and flickering candlelight, Tian Tian began to feel overwhelmed. She informed Gao Heng of her intention to step out for some air, taking Qiu Ju along.

At the time, Gao Heng was busy drinking with the ministers and couldn’t accompany her.

“You mustn’t wander too far. This palace is full of my people, so you have no need to worry. Once I’m done entertaining, I’ll come find you.”

Tian Tian nodded. “Alright. I’ll just take a short walk and won’t stray far.”

Not long after the two stepped out, Qiu Ju, much like in the original timeline, suddenly felt the need to relieve herself.

“Go ahead. I’ll take a walk nearby and wait for your return.”

Qiu Ju gratefully said, “I’ll be quick, Madam.” She then rushed off.

Tian Tian walked forward slowly, retracing the steps from her past-life memory.

She knew that tonight Prince Ning had prepared a grand performance for her. This time, she intended to make good use of it.

She hadn’t gone far when she heard a hoarse voice calling out before she saw anyone.

“Da Gui! Da Gui! Where are you?”

Moments later, a massive black dog came bounding toward her. It was tall and muscular, resembling a wolf.

Woof woof woof!

In her past life, this very dog had terrified the original owner, leaving her ashen-faced.

Tian Tian wasn’t afraid of the dog, but she pretended to be. She put on an expression of sheer terror.

Just then, Prince Ning appeared, rushing over from not far away. He stepped in front of Tian Tian, shielding her like a great wall.

“Lady Jiang, do not fear. With me here, this dog will not harm you in the slightest.”

Looking at his broad back, Tian Tian said softly, “Thank you for your help, Prince Ning.”

“There is no need for thanks, Lady Jiang,” Prince Ning replied with a slight nod.

With Prince Ning’s presence, the black dog dared not approach. Soon after, a young eunuch hurried over and grabbed the dog’s leash before bowing to the two of them.

“Your servant greets Lady Jiang and Prince Ning.”

Prince Ning didn’t speak immediately. Instead, he turned to Tian Tian.

Though Tian Tian was merely one of Gao Heng’s concubines and lacked an official title, she was well-known as Gao Heng’s favored woman. Everyone knew she held a special place in his heart.

Gao Heng wielded absolute power. Even a concubine of his held more sway than Prince Ning himself.

Tian Tian raised her hand lightly. “Rise.”

“Thank you, Lady Jiang,” the eunuch said, standing up.

Prince Ning reprimanded the eunuch sharply, “How dare the empress’s dog wander into the imperial garden? If it startled Lady Jiang, could you or the dog bear the consequences?”

The young eunuch, terrified, knelt again and pleaded for forgiveness. “The dog must have gone out looking for food because it was hungry. This servant realizes the error and will ensure it doesn’t happen again.”

Prince Ning turned once more to Tian Tian.

Tian Tian, understanding that the eunuch was merely carrying out his duties, was kind enough to say, “Rise. Just take the dog and go back.”

In truth, the empress of the palace, despite her noble status, was rarely visited by the emperor after their marriage. He spent most of his time with his wet nurse, even taking her to the traveling palace and leaving the empress behind.

Long plagued by this neglect, the empress had become increasingly unstable—sometimes lucid, sometimes seemingly mad.

The eunuch took the dog and departed. On the pebbled path of the garden, only Tian Tian and Prince Ning remained.

Prince Ning suggested respectfully, “Lady Jiang, the koi in the pavilion pond are particularly beautiful. Would you like to see them? I can escort you.”

In her past life, the original owner, harboring feelings for Prince Ning, had readily agreed.

Tian Tian also consented. “Koi are rare and usually only kept in imperial ponds. It would be a shame to miss such a sight.”

The two walked slowly toward the pavilion.

Tian Tian took small, deliberate steps. Wearing formal attire and a head full of elaborate jewelry, it was an accomplishment simply to walk.

Prince Ning acted the gentleman, deliberately slowing his pace to accommodate her.

Moments later, they arrived at the pavilion. Tian Tian sat on a wooden railing, holding fish food and scattering it into the pond. Red koi swarmed to the surface to feed, creating a stunning scene.

Prince Ning seized the moment to speak. “It has been more than two years since we last met at the Minister of Works’ residence. And now, you are the illustrious Lady Jiang. I never imagined I would need to resort to stealth just to speak a word to you.”

Tian Tian’s gaze fell on him, probing.

Prince Ning’s face bore a look of regret. “I’ve thought countless times about that day in the Minister’s residence. If only I hadn’t rejected you—if I had taken you in—perhaps today we would be the perfect couple.”

Tian Tian was speechless. This man truly knows how to put on a show.

“Prince Ning, please mind your words. I am now Lord Regent’s woman. Such remarks could be misinterpreted. If overheard by someone with ill intentions, I wouldn’t be able to clear my name even in the Yellow River. The past is the past. Let it stay there. I’ve already let it go.”

Prince Ning grew agitated. “I know the past cannot be changed. I’ve tried to move on. But seeing you again tonight, the memories of those days have come flooding back. I cannot let go.”

Tian Tian didn’t respond and stood abruptly, intent on leaving.

Prince Ning called after her, but she didn’t look back and walked away hurriedly.

When Qiu Ju returned from the restroom, she noticed Tian Tian’s anxious expression.

“Madam, what’s wrong?”

Tian Tian shook her head. “Nothing. I’ve had enough fresh air. Let’s return.”

“Yes, Madam.” Qiu Ju supported her as they made their way back to the hall.

Gao Heng gave Tian Tian a pointed look as she entered. “Where have you been? Why are you back so late?”

Meeting Gao Heng’s gaze, Tian Tian had a sinking feeling that he already knew about her encounter with Prince Ning.

She smiled lightly. “I was at the pavilion feeding koi. I lost track of time.”

Gao Heng’s expression darkened instantly, as though a storm was brewing.

Tian Tian pretended not to notice and calmly turned her attention to the ongoing dance performances.

If she had to explain, now was not the time.

---

In the second half of the banquet, Gao Heng maintained a grim demeanor. The ministers exchanged uneasy glances, growing increasingly anxious. They had no idea why the once-cheerful Lord Regent’s mood had soured so suddenly.

After the banquet, Tian Tian rode back to the High Palace with Gao Heng in his carriage.

The entire way, Gao Heng’s heavily powdered face remained stony. Tian Tian knew that unless she explained truthfully tonight, she might soon share the original owner’s fate—flayed and turned into a beauty painting.

Back at the High Palace, Tian Tian removed her elaborate jewelry and dismissed Qiu Ju.

Now alone with Gao Heng, she walked towards him.

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