MCUS Chapter 15

Unable to drill a hole, Yan Ge had to settle for an alternative approach.

He twisted the pig bristles together, similar to making a calligraphy brush, and then trimmed the bristles with scissors, making it barely functional. Next, he carved a hole on the side of a thin bamboo segment and filled it with pine resin, inserting the end of the twisted bristles into it.

The pine resin had excellent adhesive properties, ensuring the bristles stayed intact. Once the resin dried, a makeshift version of a toothbrush was complete. Though its appearance was lacking, its practicality prevailed. Having succeeded, Yan Ge proceeded to make two more brushes in passing.

The next task was to make toothpaste.

As far as Yan Ge knew, regardless of the type, toothpaste generally consisted of four basic components: a cleanser, an abrasive, a binder, and a flavoring agent. For his makeshift version, he simply needed to mix salt, peppermint, resin powder, and aloe vera into a creamy consistency.

Salt eliminated residue, peppermint acted as an antiseptic, resin powder provided adhesion, and aloe vera reduced inflammation.

“Xiao Chuanzi, go to the Imperial Medical Pavilion and obtain some peppermint and aloe vera. If they refuse, you can spend money to buy them. These two items are harmless, so you should be able to acquire them,” Yan Ge, valuing dental hygiene, handed two silver ingots weighing five taels each to Xiao Chuanzi, ensuring he obtained peppermint and aloe vera.

Fortunately, the Yan family was well-off, as Madam Yan had given him a hundred taels of silver and two hundred taels in silver bills before entering the palace. Otherwise, the blissful days of brushing teeth with toothpaste would remain only in memories.

“Yes, Young Master,” Xiao Chuanzi pocketed the silver and hurriedly went to the Imperial Medical Pavilion. He was also curious about what Young Master intended to create.

Song Ruhao practiced swordsmanship in the garden, while Du Zhengfeng and Zhou Wenhao watched by his side. Within the palace, carrying weapons was only permitted for palace guards, and the sword they used was a wooden one.

Catching a glimpse of Xiao Chuanzi’s figure, Song Ruhao put away his sword and curiously asked, “Xiao Chuanzi and Wan Xiang have been coming and going these past few days. I wonder what’s happening in Chunfang Garden.”

Du Zhengfeng replied, “I suppose nothing significant. I haven’t heard any unusual commotion.”

Song Ruhao nodded and gestured for them to sit in the pavilion. “Yan Ge seems to have no interest in spending time with us, even when left alone, he doesn’t seem bored.”

Zhou Wenhao snorted lightly. “Yan Ge feels above us. Why would he care about being with us?”

Both Song Ruhao and Du Zhengfeng merely smiled.

Unaware that his seclusion had aroused curiosity among others, Yan Ge immediately started making the toothpaste as soon as Xiao Chuanzi returned with the ingredients.

He crushed the peppermint and aloe vera, ground the dried resin into powder, and mixed it with salt to form a thick, grass-green cream, filling a large bowl.

Yan Ge sniffed it and nodded in satisfaction. The refreshing scent of aloe vera and peppermint, combined with the resin’s aroma, was not unpleasant. However, due to limited conditions, its shelf life wouldn’t be too long. If he had the chance, he might inquire with the Imperial Medical Pavilion about methods to extend its shelf life.

Wan Xiang and Xiao Chuanzi stood by, watching with amazement, and leaned in to take a sniff. They praised, “Young Master, it smells wonderful. How do we use it?”

“You’ll find out soon,” Yan Ge wiped his hands with a handkerchief. “Wan Xiang, transfer it into small porcelain bottles.”

The wide-mouthed porcelain bottles had been washed and dried in advance. Wan Xiang carefully scooped the cream into them with a spoon, filling all four small bottles and leaving some remaining.

Yan Ge dipped the toothbrush into boiling water to sterilize it, then used a spoon to apply the remaining cream onto the bristles. Taking a teacup, he began brushing his teeth.

Wan Xiang and Xiao Chuanzi stood by, marveling at the revelation. They suddenly understood and were deeply impressed by their master’s ingenuity.

The salt in the toothpaste was slightly excessive, resulting in a somewhat salty taste, but the sensation when brushing teeth was pleasant. After Yan Ge finished brushing, he exhaled and took a sniff. There was no trace of any unpleasant odor, only a refreshing fragrance, further enhancing his satisfaction.

He turned to Wan Xiang and Xiao Chuanzi. “These are called toothbrush and toothpaste, used just as I did earlier. Oh, and the spoon is too large, Xiao Chuanzi, make a smaller one out of wood another day.”

“Yes, Young Master.”

Yan Ge continued, “Have you two memorized the steps for making the toothbrush and toothpaste?”

Wan Xiang and Xiao Chuanzi quickly responded, “Yes, we’ve memorized them.”

Yan Ge handed them the two sets of toothbrushes and toothpaste, saying, “These two sets are given to you as a reward. In the future, if you serve me diligently, you will surely be rewarded.”

Wan Xiang and Xiao Chuanzi received them with delight, promptly kneeling down and expressing their gratitude, “Thank you, Young Master, for your gracious gift! We will serve you wholeheartedly and with utmost dedication.”

“Rise,” Yan Ge reminded them, “Remember to close the containers promptly after opening. The weather is hot, and they may spoil easily. There is no need to be too frugal with their usage. Make more when they are finished.”

“Yes.”

After resolving the issue of toothpaste and toothbrushes, Yan Ge found himself with some free time.

He instructed Wan Xiang to borrow some books from the library to pass the time while he contemplated the possibility of earning money within the palace.

Business was his expertise, and women’s money was the easiest to acquire. Considering the abundance of women in the palace, all skilled and adept at competition, it was a market ripe for exploration. If he could establish a “company” within the palace, perhaps he could leave a mark in the historical records. As he pondered this, a glimmer of amusement flashed in his eyes, though he couldn’t help but find his own thoughts somewhat whimsical.

Wan Xiang and Xiao Chuanzi exchanged glances, puzzled by the weird smile on their master’s face.

At that moment, a high-pitched voice came from outside the door.

“Zhao Fei’s loyal servant requests an audience with Yan Yading.”

Yan Ge set aside the book in his hand and asked Xiao Chuanzi, “Who resides in Zhao Fei’s Palace?”

Despite his young age, Xiao Chuanzi was clever and well-informed, “My lord, Tian Guiren resides in Zhao Fei’s Palace. Apart from her, there are a few others who would contact you.”

Yan Ge commanded, “Let him in.”

“Yes.”

Xiao Chuanzi led in a eunuch of around seventeen or eighteen years old, known as Xiao Zhongzi, who respectfully knelt on the ground.

“Your servant, Xiao Zhongzi, pays respects to Yan Yading. May good fortune befall Yan Yading.”

“Rise,” Yan Ge said.

“Thank you,” Xiao Zhongzi said after getting up, “Yan Yading, our Lady Tian wishes to see you.”

Yan Ge was taken aback. Lady Tian? She was the one recently promoted to Guiren. He couldn’t fathom why Lady Tian wanted to see him, but given her higher status, it would be impolite to refuse. He smiled and said, “Since I’ve been in the palace for some time now, I haven’t paid my respects to Lady Tian. Lead the way.”

“Yes. Please, Yan Yading.”

Yan Ge, accompanied by Wan Xiang and Xiao Chuanzi, followed Xiao Zhongzi as they left Chunfeng Hall.

This scene happened to be witnessed by Song Ruhao and the other two.

Zhou Wenhan was puzzled. “Where is Yan Yading going? That young eunuch seems to be from Lady Tian’s side.”

Du Zhengfeng exclaimed, “How do you know he’s from Lady Tian’s side?”

Zhou Wenhan felt slightly embarrassed. “I happened to see him by chance.” He couldn’t admit that he had conducted preliminary investigations into the prominent figures in the palace in his eagerness to rise through the ranks.

The Imperial palace was truly vast, befitting the residence of the ruler of a nation. It took Yan Ge and Xiao Zhongzi more than twenty minutes to reach the “Zhao Fei’s Palace” entrance.

“Yan Ge, please enter,” Xiao Zhongzi gestured toward the door.

Yan Ge nodded.

Just as Wan Xiang and Xiao Chuanzi were about to follow, they were stopped by Xiao Zhongzi. “Only Yan Yading is requested by the Lady. Please wait outside.”

Wan Xiang and Xiao Chuanzi looked at Yan Ge.

Yan Ge had a bad premonition and gestured for Wan Xiang and Xiao Chuanzi to wait outside while he entered alone.

Upon entering, the first thing he noticed was a strong fragrance of cosmetics. Four palace maids stood with lowered heads on either side. Seated at the head was a beautiful woman dressed in a peach-colored gown, accompanied by a senior palace maid behind her and two other palace maids standing behind. This woman was Tian Guiren.

There were no taboos regarding meetings between male and female consorts. Yan Ge had learned from his readings after entering the palace that men with flower bodies were incapable of having physical desires toward women. Legend had it that the gods had bestowed too many blessings upon flower-men, leading to the revocation of their rights to produce offspring. Throughout history, flower men either lived lonely lives or formed relationships with other men. It was no wonder that the harem allowed the coexistence of male and female consorts, as there was no concern about the emperor being cuckolded.

Yan Ge recalled the peculiar reaction of his mother when she mentioned his flower-bodied status and regretted not clarifying it at the time. Unfortunately, regrets were now futile.

“Yan Yading offer s Tian Guiren greetings. May good fortune be with you,” Yan Ge said, respectfully greeting Tian Guiren.

Tian Guiren possessed delicate and exquisite features, and her gentle smile was sweet and alluring. Her voice, too, carried a delightful tone. “Yan Ge, please rise. Allow me to offer you a seat and some tea.”

“Thank you, Lady Tian,” Yan Ge expressed his gratitude and silently took a seat, awaiting Tian Guiren’s words.

Tian Guiren studied him for a while and then spoke, “I invited Yan Yading here today because I would like to request your assistance, if you would be willing.”

Yan Ge’s attitude remained neither eager nor indifferent; it was as usual. He smiled and said, “I wonder what Lady Tian requires. I am merely a servant, lacking in merits and abilities. I’m afraid that I may not be of much help.”

Lady Tian responded, “Since that is the case, I shall be forthright. I have heard that Yan Ge possesses a particularly excellent toothbrush and toothpaste, which piqued my interest.”

Yan Ge was momentarily surprised and furrowed his brow. He had instructed Wan Xiang and Xiao Chuanzi not to disclose the matter of toothpaste and toothbrushes, and he himself had never mentioned it to anyone. How did Lady Tian come to know?

“I have never heard of using toothpaste for brushing teeth before. Even the Emperor merely rinses his mouth with tea. In recent days, the Emperor has been somewhat vexed. I thought it would be delightful to cheer him up by borrowing your toothpaste, easing his worries. May I know your thoughts on this, Yan Ge?”

Yan Ge chuckled inwardly. Lady Tian’s words not only implied that his standards of living surpassed those of the Emperor, which was disrespectful, but also hinted at how deeply she was favored by the Emperor. If he refused to offer the toothpaste and toothbrush, it would not only be disrespectful toward the Emperor but also an act of opposition against her.

Lady Tian had indeed secured the Emperor’s favor for a considerable time, showcasing her intelligence. However, she failed to grasp the fundamental principle of survival in the palace, whether favored or not: one must abide by the virtue of “forbearance.”

Seeing him remain silent for a long time, Lady Tian assumed he was unwilling and her expression turned cold. She spoke in a detached tone, “It seems I have troubled Yan Yading. Alas, tonight, the Emperor will once again wear a troubled expression.”

Yan Ge rose and bowed, “Lady Tian has misunderstood. It is merely unexpected for the toothpaste to gain Lady Tian’s favor, which surprised me. I shall have someone bring the toothbrush and toothpaste, and I will also include the instructions for their production.”

Lady Tian’s face brightened with joy, and her laughter became sweeter. “In that case, I offer my sincere thanks to Yan Yading. I will convey the Emperor’s gratitude. Someone, bring the Tian Shan Green Tea that the Emperor rewarded me with a few days ago and present it to Yan Yading.”

Yan Ge expressed his gratitude and accepted the reward.

Lady Tian said, “It is getting late, and I shall not detain you any further. Qiu Yue, accompany Yan Ge back to Chunfeng Hall.”

“Yes.”

After Yan Ge and the palace maid Qiu Yue left, Lady Tian’s smile became even more radiant as she spoke, “Chunhua, you shall also receive a generous reward.”

“Thank you, Your Highness.” The palace maid behind Lady Tian knelt down with a pleased expression on her face.