After Dou Zhao's thunderous declaration, the banquet hall gradually returned to its previous lively ambiance.
Those young noblemen who earlier carried airs of superiority and arrogance now reined themselves in considerably. They grouped together in threes and fives, drinking and chatting in hushed tones, no longer daring to flaunt or stir up trouble.
But it was the women's seating area that had become livelier than ever—especially when Dou Zhao, with Wei Tingyu's gracious approval, stepped down from the host's dais and joined the noble ladies for conversation and merriment.
As the Lady of the Marquis of Jining, her very presence ignited the atmosphere at the ladies' tables like sparks falling on dry grass.
In an instant, all the noble daughters surrounded her, chirping away like sparrows. Some fawned with intention, others were merely curious—eager to uncover the secret of how she had won the marquis's undivided affection.
Yet Dou Zhao did not descend among them solely to mingle for show. She had a purpose.
She was here… to promote her product.
As she conversed casually, she gave a discreet wink to her close friend, Miao Ansu. At once, the two sly foxes began their act.
"Madam!" Miao Ansu exclaimed with exaggerated astonishment, "What rouge and powder do you use? You smell absolutely divine!"
"Yes, indeed!" Zhao Zhangru, slightly tipsy but quick to play along, chimed in with slurred excitement. "I've traveled far and wide and never encountered such a unique fragrance!"
With the two ladies opening the scene, the others followed like ducks to water.
"Truly! I caught a whiff the moment I arrived—it's a fragrance that lingers in the heart!"
"I thought it was Lady Dou's natural scent—a beauty's own heavenly charm!"
"This rouge and powder must be dreadfully expensive, no? Even we noble ladies are enchanted beyond words."
"No wonder the Marquis adores her so! Could this fragrance be one of the reasons?"
"Which rouge house in the capital sells such a scent? I've never seen it on the market!"
Of course, these noble daughters had already noticed the enchanting rose fragrance Dou Zhao wore. But being not so intimately acquainted, they hadn't dared ask about it directly.
Now, with Miao Ansu and Zhao Zhangru—both known as close friends of the marquis's lady—speaking so openly, the rest cast aside their reservations and joined the fray.
Many of them now harbored a firm belief: this alluring fragrance must be Dou Zhao's ultimate weapon in captivating the marquis!
If they could possess such a scent themselves, perhaps they too could one day enrapture their future husbands, securing favor and love beyond measure.
Even Dou Ming, seated quietly nearby, pricked up her ears. If this fragrance was the key to her sister's favor in Wei Tingyu's heart, then she too must uncover its secret—no matter the cost.
If she could claim even half the affection that her elder sister received, she would be content.
Noticing the interest rising like a tide, Dou Zhao smiled sweetly. She reached into her sleeve and retrieved a small bottle—glass, smooth, and filled with dark crimson liquid. She held it up as if presenting a rare treasure and said, "This scent comes from this little bottle—perfume!"
"Perfume? What might that be?" the noble daughters gasped, eyes gleaming with curiosity.
Just the sight of the glass container—so rare and elegant—was enough to captivate them.
"This is a marvel crafted by none other than our Marquis himself!" Dou Zhao announced with a sparkle in her eyes. She sprayed a gentle mist upon herself, her movements graceful as a moonlit blossom in spring.
At once, the fragrance blossomed anew around her—richer, more enchanting. The girls sniffed the air, confirming that this was no illusion.
So the marquis's lady had spoken true—the scent did indeed come from this so-called perfume!
And it was personally developed by the marquis himself?!
At that, many noble daughters glanced at Wei Tingyu in astonishment and envy. What kind of husband was this, to craft such a wonder for his beloved wife?
Their hearts were struck with longing and envy, bordering on madness.
"Oh my! So this perfume was personally crafted by the Marquis? And the Lady even gifted us each a bottle? How generous!" Miao Ansu and Zhao Zhangru now drew forth their own bottles, showing them off before the crowd like prized heirlooms.
"Elder Sister… do you have more of this perfume?" At last, Dou Ming could no longer hold back. Her eyes shimmered with longing.
Now that she knew the perfume was the marquis's creation, and saw others receiving it as gifts—how could she, his devoted little admirer, be left out?
"I do," Dou Zhao said gently, smiling at her younger sister. She waved her hand softly.
At that signal, Su Xin and Su Lan, her ever-attentive maids, entered the hall carrying two large trays.
As the red silk veils were lifted, a collective gasp rang out.
The trays were filled—three, four dozen bottles of perfume, gleaming like jewels under the lantern light!
"Choose whichever you like," Dou Zhao said to Dou Ming with satisfaction in her tone. "Take whichever one catches your fancy."
"Thank you, Elder Sister!" Dou Ming beamed with joy and rushed forward, caressing the bottles one by one.
Each one was vibrant in hue, labeled with its own unique fragrance.
But each was so lovely that Dou Ming found herself paralyzed by indecision.
"Madam! Will these perfumes be sold to the public?" At last, one of the noble daughters voiced the question burning in all their hearts.
With so many bottles laid out, surely it wasn't just for their admiration—right?
"Of course," Dou Zhao replied with a graceful nod. "Fifty taels per bottle. Available starting tomorrow at the Rouge Pavilion in the East Market."
"Fifty taels?!" gasps echoed once again—it was not a small price.
Yet as they glanced at the exquisite bottles, and the enchantment that each drop seemed to carry, they began to feel… it might be worth every coin.