But the most pressing matter now was to find Zicao (Gromwell Root), which shouldn't be hard to find. It wasn't a rare ingredient, and if they couldn't locate it in the wild, they could buy it at a medicinal herb shop—it would just cost a bit more silver. Lin He told Chen’er to first inform Zhou Shi and Hong Yun to start work tomorrow. Meanwhile, Lin He stayed home to check how many wooden boxes they had left and how many sets she could make.

The next day, Lin He instructed Zhou Shi and Chen’er to search the hill she usually frequented for any blooming flowers, while she, along with Hong Yun and Little Jun, headed toward the next peak. Lin He figured it should be the perfect time for roses to be in full bloom, intending to make some rose-scented soap. She also described what Zicao looked like and told them to keep an eye out for it.

The group searched all over the hills. When they regrouped at noon, they had indeed found quite a few roses, but not a single stalk of Zicao. Lin He was slightly disappointed; it seemed they would have to purchase it from the herbalist shop after all. Having gathered plenty of roses, Lin He told everyone to head back and start work immediately. Making the soap would take time, and she needed to deliver the batch to Cai Die Xuan the day after tomorrow, so they had to hurry the production.

The group worked diligently for two days. Lin He estimated they had a good supply of soap, enough for next month’s needs. She loaded the previously cooled bars onto the ox cart, planning to visit Cai Die Xuan the following day. While there, she intended to mention the Zicao ointment to Uncle Wen. Lin He was very keen on successfully creating this Zicao ointment, believing it could bring in a handsome profit. This product wouldn't just repel mosquitoes; it could also be used for children’s dermatitis and teenage acne—it surely wouldn't be inferior to the soap.

The next day, Lin He took Little Jun to Cai Die Xuan. Uncle Wen smiled, saying Lin He had arrived just in time; they were nearly out of soap and urgently needed more. He added that many customers who bought the soap praised how wonderfully smooth it made their skin and how pleasantly fragrant it left their bodies. Several patrons mentioned they’d grown accustomed to it and felt uncomfortable not using it now. Furthermore, the soap had brought many new customers to Cai Die Xuan, boosting sales of other items as well.

This was precisely the effect Lin He had aimed for when conceiving the soap. People are naturally peculiar; if they’ve never used something, they won't miss it. But once they start, going without it suddenly causes discomfort, especially with something like soap that cleans the skin. Those who get used to it simply can’t do without it.

This was also why Lin He had priced the soap significantly lower than the scented balm. The balm was an item only the well-to-do would use, and if they skipped it, they could use other substitutes without much consequence. However, soap—especially her specially scented version—was affordable to everyone who shopped at Cai Die Xuan. It wasn't expensive, and one bar would last quite a while.

Lin He brought nearly four hundred bars of soap this time and told Uncle Wen, “Uncle Wen, perhaps with the weather warming up, the balm won't sell as well. I won't be sending more for now. Do you have enough stock left to last a while? Let me know when you run low, and I’ll bring some more.”

Uncle Wen nodded. It had been getting hot lately, and the balm, designed for dry skin, was less appealing to smear on the body in the sweltering heat; it felt a bit greasy. People preferred a refreshing feel in the summer.

Seeing Uncle Wen agree, Lin He asked him, “Uncle Wen, do you know if they sell Zicao around here? I plan to buy some to make that Zicao ointment.” Trusting Uncle Wen completely, Lin He laid out her entire plan.

Uncle Wen replied, “I know of Zicao; most general herb shops carry it. It’s not a rare item. However, I’ve never heard of Zicao ointment. What is Zicao used for?”

Lin He casually explained the uses of Zicao to Uncle Wen. Uncle Wen listened, nodding occasionally, and then said, “That sounds like quite a good item. If you need some, I’ll take you to Xing Ren Tang up ahead later. I know the proprietor there well. If you secure a long-term supply through me, I might be able to get you a better price.”

Lin He couldn't have asked for better. A lower price and a steady source of supply were crucial factors. After Uncle Wen settled the accounts for the soap and confirmed all details, he took her to Xing Ren Tang. Lin He felt a bit awkward asking Uncle Wen to escort her personally, but he insisted, saying he had nothing else pressing to do and could accompany her on the short walk.

Lin He thought Uncle Wen’s personal presence would certainly help; for future long-term cooperation, they would likely treat her more courteously out of respect for Uncle Wen. Upon arriving at Xing Ren Tang, Uncle Wen asked them to wait inside while he went in to find the proprietor. Judging by how familiar the staff seemed with Uncle Wen, they must have been very well acquainted.

Lin He and Little Jun sat down inside. Xing Ren Tang appeared to be one of the top medicinal shops in town. It had two stories; the ground floor was for selling herbs and consultations with doctors, while the upper floor was likely reserved for more valuable ingredients. Business was brisk, with a steady flow of people coming and going, and several individuals sitting to one side, awaiting a doctor’s consultation.

After a short wait, someone invited Lin He upstairs. Lin He told Little Jun to wait downstairs and went up alone, led to a side room. Inside, besides Uncle Wen, there was another middle-aged man, around forty, quite slender. He didn’t look like a physician; rather, he seemed like a shrewd businessman.

Seeing Lin He enter, he looked surprised and laughed, “Boss Wen, this young lady is the friend you mentioned? You certainly surprised this old man.”

Boss Wen also smiled, “Old Chen, don’t underestimate this young lady. Her mind is filled with many strange and novel ideas that neither you nor I could conceive, and the things she produces are beyond our imagination.”

Boss Chen remarked with surprise, “Oh, truly? Such skill in one so young is remarkable.”

Lin He bowed respectfully to Boss Chen and said, “Boss Chen, please don't listen to Uncle Wen; he is praising me too highly. I am just a simple country girl, and anything I make is hardly presentable. How could I possibly deserve such praise from two esteemed bosses?” As she finished, she playfully winked.

Boss Chen let out a hearty laugh and said, “This young lady is truly unique.”

Uncle Wen introduced them properly and explained Lin He’s reason for the visit. Since Boss Chen was clearly experienced in business, he didn't press Lin He on why she needed Zicao. He simply stated that if she required a long-term supply, he could offer a discount. The current price for Zicao here was seventy wen per jin (a Chinese unit of weight), but he could lower it to sixty-seven wen for her, and she could order whenever needed.

Lin He felt this price was not excessive, comparable to what it cost in her past life—even major, well-known pharmacies demanded that price. Moreover, with Uncle Wen accompanying her, getting a three wen discount immediately saved her quite a bit.