Chapter 99: The Rejuvenation Pill

As her words fell, a group of palace maids filed out in single file, the first three each carrying a basin of chrysanthemums, and slowly approached the lower side of the Imperial Consort.

The young ladies’ gazes were instantly drawn, and they exclaimed repeatedly in admiration.

The basin on the left contained "Green Clouds," a chrysanthemum with relatively large leaves, flowers of an aged green hue, deeply divided petals, with outer petals slightly drooping like clusters of colorful clouds—white tinged with green, rich and lustrous.

The basin on the right held "Ten-Zhang Drapery," with petals spreading out like window curtains, each petal resembling fine threads with hooked tips, smooth and rounded like polished beads.

The middle basin displayed "Phoenix Spreading Feathers," the most magnificent bloom of all, shaped like a dancing ring. Its petals were slender tubes; the outer ones were reddish-brown, while the base was yellow. From afar, the petals stretched out like a phoenix spreading its wings.

These three basins of chrysanthemums were not merely beautiful; each was extraordinarily precious.

Everyone couldn't help but marvel, truly worthy of being the favored consort rivaling the Empress. Many ladies praised the chrysanthemums, while some tactfully remarked that the consort herself outshone the flowers in beauty.

For a moment, the atmosphere was lively. The Imperial Consort glanced toward Shen Qingyun and smiled, asking, “I heard it was quite lively here just now. What were you all discussing? Do share with me.”

Shen Qingyun rose and bowed, “Your Highness, the ladies were admiring my fair complexion and discussing beauty and skincare. But Your Highness, given your radiant talent, I fear such methods may not be necessary for you.”

The consort covered her mouth with a smile. Though the words were flattering, women in the harem relied heavily on their beauty and took great care to maintain their appearance, so she feigned casual curiosity and pressed, “It matters not. I invited everyone here for merriment. Miss Shen, do you have any secrets to share?”

Shen Qingyun smiled softly and recounted the story of the beauty elixir once again.

“Is this elixir truly that effective? Are there any side effects?” the consort asked kindly, her eyes deep and unreadable.

Tilting her head, Shen Qingyun recalled her recent experience before replying, “Your Highness, there are no adverse reactions. Only that after taking the elixir, one tends to feel thirstier than usual and must drink plenty of water. Nothing else.”

Drinking more water was hardly a concern, and everyone listened eagerly, itching to try it.

There was no denying that Shen Qingyun’s flawless and exquisite face was the greatest draw. These noble ladies all hoped to become more beautiful and fair.

Having satisfied their curiosity, Shen Qingyun remained low-key, quietly enjoying her snacks and tea until the banquet ended, occasionally chatting with nearby ladies.

Some noble ladies, eager to show off before the consort, composed poems and painted pictures inspired by chrysanthemums, displaying their talents.

Among them, the poem by Ji Qianxue, daughter of the Grand Tutor, was the finest and took first place. The Imperial Consort immediately rewarded her with the basin of Ten-Zhang Drapery, stirring envy among many noblewomen.

The consort observed everyone’s performance closely. After the banquet, when the crowd dispersed, a gleam returned to her eyes.

A senior palace maid asked, “Your Highness, have you chosen anyone?”

Leaning lazily on her ornate couch, the consort replied, “There are a few suitable princes for me to consider. As for others, I have different plans. Also, send someone to inquire about that beauty elixir.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

...

News of the beauty elixir had already spread by the day of the banquet. By the next day, many noble ladies and madams were inquiring about it.

Rumors in the palace spread swiftly. Besides the Imperial Consort, many concubines and even the Empress began paying attention.

Within two days, a shop named “Graceful Beauty Pavilion” opened.

On opening day, it was bustling. Servants and maids from various households waited eagerly at the door, clamoring to buy the beauty elixir.

The shopkeeper, a refined lady, called for silence and introduced a delicate blue-and-white porcelain bottle: “This beauty elixir is the pavilion’s treasured product, known for whitening and nourishing the skin. Limited quantity, priced at one hundred taels per bottle.”

“What? That’s far too expensive!” a maid exclaimed. How could she explain this to her mistress without enough silver?

Another maid whispered, “If you can’t afford it, forget it. Move aside for me.”

The shopkeeper smiled gently, “We also offer many other products—skin treatments, scar removers, and high-quality rouge and powders—all reasonably priced. Feel free to browse according to your needs.”

Despite the high price of one hundred taels per bottle, the beauty elixir sold out immediately.

Soon, many even sought to buy it at several hundred taels per bottle.

Those who lacked silver or arrived late could only browse other items, some of which—rouge and powders—looked promising and were purchased to try.

That single day, Shen Qingyun earned a great deal.

Zhenzhu stared in astonishment. “Miss, this business is so booming! How much will you make if this continues?”

Yi Cui was equally excited. She had never imagined Miss could be so formidable, earning so much silver. She was deeply grateful to Shen Qingyun, who had always treated them well. The beauty elixir she had been taking daily now sold for one hundred taels a bottle.

Even if someone sold her, they wouldn’t get that much silver. Determined, she resolved to work diligently alongside Miss.

With a grand gesture, Shen Qingyun rewarded both of them with gold hairpins. “Remember, this must remain a secret. No one must know I am the owner behind Graceful Beauty Pavilion. Understand?”

They nodded vigorously.

For a long time afterward, the beauty elixir was perpetually out of stock. Those lucky enough to buy it eagerly tried it, placing great trust in the miracle doctor who created it.

Some with dull complexions saw results in just a week and boasted everywhere. Noble ladies spread the word, yet many could not buy it, fueling the elixir’s soaring popularity.

Unable to meet demand, Shen Qingyun doubled the price to two hundred taels per bottle, yet it still sold briskly.

Naturally, envy stirred and some sought trouble, but with the backing of Prince Liyu’s influence, all such attempts were quashed.

Shen Sisi learned of the beauty elixir and shamelessly approached. “Sister, your looks are already stunning, but I can’t get the elixir. Could you spare a few pills for me to try?”

Shen Qingyun refused.

Undeterred, Shen Sisi even brought Jiang Lin over. “Qingyun, my mother also wants the elixir. I won’t let you lose out. I hear it costs one hundred taels per bottle. Could you sell me some?”

...