"The Palace Fragrance is quite invigorating to the senses."
Song Yu leaned in to take a whiff, looking thoroughly pleased. "I suppose this is a scented pill specially prepared for me by Ahuan. How thoughtful of her."
A sudden chuckle broke the moment. Shen Qingping smiled as she interjected, "Your Highness is right, but not entirely."
It was indeed prepared for the prince—but also for all imperial examination candidates across the realm.
Song Shihuan carefully placed the scented pill into a pre-carved wooden casing, then threaded a red cord through it and hung it around Song Yu’s neck. "Father, does the scent feel stronger now?"
"With this, even if you’re assigned to the foulest examination cell, your nose will be filled with this fragrance." Song Yu nodded repeatedly. "This is truly a fine invention."
"I had Xiuniang formulate it. With the provincial exams still a month away, I intend to petition His Majesty to allow local governments to mass-produce these scented pills and distribute them to candidates upon entering the examination halls."
Song Shihuan pointed at the wooden casing around Song Yu’s neck. "The red cords and wooden casings are simple to make. Though time is tight, it should be manageable."
"This way, won’t all future examination candidates be spared the suffering of foul cells?"
Song Yu clenched the wooden casing. Had he never personally taken the exams, he might have dismissed this as unnecessary—bad luck was just bad luck, after all.
But having experienced it himself...
After traveling day and night to reach the exams, how could one simply resign to misfortune?
"Ahuan, on behalf of all candidates, I thank you."
Song Yu spoke earnestly, pinching Song Shihuan’s cheek affectionately.
"My Ahuan deserves to be revered as a deity by all aspiring scholars of the realm."
......
Song Shihuan’s handwritten memorial was swiftly dispatched to the capital.
At court in the capital.
"Report—!"
"Princess Fu’an has submitted a memorial—!"
The announcement from the eunuch outside the hall left the assembled officials gaping in shock.
Whose memorial? They must have misheard.
"Your Majesty, the memorial from Princess Fu’an."
Only when the document was brought before the throne did the courtiers snap out of their daze.
After the floods in Laijin Prefecture, Emperor Yuanyou had granted Princess Fu’an the unprecedented privilege of submitting memorials.
Back then, they had dismissed it—she was still underage, a mere girl. What difference could it make?
Yet today, Princess Fu’an had submitted her first memorial, delivered straight to the emperor!
"Read it," Emperor Yuanyou commanded, suddenly alert.
"Your Majesty, the imperial examinations are a vital means of selecting talent. Yet the examination cells are cramped, and the summer heat intensifies the stench. Candidates confined for days, though brimming with brilliance, struggle to perform. Pearls buried in dust—what a waste."
"We have now developed the Palace Fragrance, shaped into scented pills and encased in wood, to be worn around the neck. It dispels foul odors. I humbly request Your Majesty’s permission for local governments to produce these in time for distribution to candidates upon entering the examination halls. May it cleanse the air, sharpen minds, and shelter all candidates from the suffering of foul cells."
As Wu Qi’s voice faded, the court fell silent.
"Your Majesty, Princess Fu’an also sent a sample of the Palace Fragrance."
"Present it."
Emperor Yuanyou’s eyes shimmered with emotion. After inhaling the fragrance, he threw his head back and laughed.
"‘Shelter all candidates from the suffering of foul cells’—what a noble sentiment!"
"Minister Shen, take a whiff as well."
At the emperor’s behest, Shen Mingwen stepped forward. After smelling the pill, he knelt. "Your Majesty, had I possessed this during my own examinations... my gratitude would be beyond words."
"Ahuan is truly thoughtful."
Emperor Yuanyou gazed at the scented pill, pride swelling in his chest.
"Princess Fu’an’s petition is approved. Local governments must produce these fragrances before the provincial exams. As Ahuan said—let all candidates be sheltered from the suffering of foul cells."
......
News of Song Shihuan’s memorial spread rapidly, stirring immense admiration among scholars.
"Have you heard? This time, we need not fear foul cells. The government will distribute Palace Fragrance—and for free!"
"Indeed. The princess is a benefactor I’ve never even met."
Candidates were especially moved. Previously circulated portraits of Song Shihuan, originally leaked by Gu Mingzhu, were now enshrined in homes and study halls.
Daily, candidates came to pay their respects.
Stranger still, some began speculating about deeper motives behind Song Shihuan’s petition.
"During the spring exams, the Grand Imperial Grandson was assigned a foul cell. He entered the hall upright but was carried out unconscious. Do you think... the princess devised this fragrance because of that?"
This theory quickly gained traction.
"That Ping Prince’s Mansion is no friend of virtue. The princess is simply too kind-hearted, always thinking of the common people."
Overnight, Song Shihuan’s reputation soared to unprecedented heights—far surpassing even Song Yu’s.
While candidates elsewhere could only venerate her from afar, those in Ji’an Prefecture had a unique opportunity.
Outside the residence where Song Shihuan and Shen Qingping were staying, crowds gathered.
"Thank you, Princess, for your boundless kindness."
Among them were candidates and their families.
The gates opened slowly, and Song Shihuan emerged in a crimson gown. The crowd hushed instantly.
"Please rise. The exams are near—focus on your preparations. There’s no need for such gratitude."
Her voice was calm, her smile warm.
"His Majesty values the examinations and talent. May you all advance steadily on this path. When the day comes that you don official robes, remember to protect the people under your care."
"Also, the Palace Fragrance is the result of Xiuniang’s tireless efforts. She selflessly shared her formula. If thanks are due, they belong to her as well."
The crowd stirred at this revelation. They had overlooked the creator of the fragrance.
Soon, Xiuniang too became a household name.
......
"Princess, you’ve fulfilled your promise to Xiuniang. She’s now a renowned perfumer—and a woman at that."
Baoxia smiled. "In this world, men may sit for exams, but women must forge their own paths."
Song Shihuan gazed at the Palace Fragrance in her hand. "Life is harder for women. If I can help, I will."
Xiuniang was one example. Yue Qing was another.
"The princess’s kindness ensures His Highness need not fear foul cells either."
As the fragrance wafted through the air, Song Shihuan clasped her hands together, the scented pill nestled between her fingers. Her expression was solemn.
Her father had endured decades of ridicule as a wastrel. A top scholar’s title would redeem him.
"May Father excel in the provincial exams, as he has before."
