The next day, Yun Wan officially began her duties at the Imperial Perfumery Bureau. She rose early and changed into the designated attire, fastening the identity token at her waist.
The current head of the Imperial Perfumery Bureau was Nanny Lin, who had previously served as the supervising matron. The former head had been imprisoned for failing to discipline her subordinates and for embezzlement, her fate still unknown.
Many within the Imperial Perfumery Bureau, including the Six Offices, had eyed the position, but to everyone’s surprise, Nanny Lin had secured it. Whispers circulated that the former head’s downfall was due to Nanny Lin personally presenting evidence against her.
Opinions varied, and Yun Wan had heard many versions of the story, though none of it concerned her.
Nanny Lin was a stern, middle-aged woman with an impeccably coiled bun and an air of quiet intimidation.
Toward Yun Wan, she was neither overly warm nor deliberately cold, treating her no differently from the others.
The Imperial Perfumery Bureau originally had five perfumers, and with Yun Wan’s addition, there were now six, each with their own responsibilities.
Yun Wan’s primary duty was handling incense matters for the Emperor—burning incense, supplying fragrances, and arranging incense utensils and altars. Anything beyond that was not her concern.
After half a month, Yun Wan had grown fully accustomed to her tasks, which were simpler and lighter than she had anticipated. The tension in her heart gradually eased.
"Auntie, these are the pastries the imperial kitchen prepared today. I’ll leave them here for you!"
Fuling, her personal attendant responsible for all her daily needs, set down the tray and left without disturbing her further.
Yun Wan’s incense chamber was located in the northeastern corner of the Imperial Perfumery Bureau—a small, secluded room where she spent most of her time.
A young maid, sorting through incense materials, brought over the weighed and selected ingredients for Yun Wan’s inspection. "Auntie, did I do this correctly?"
Yun Wan examined them carefully. "Yes, no mistakes this time. Keep up the good work."
Praise brought a flush of joy to the young maid’s cheeks. "I’ll keep working hard!" she chirped, nodding eagerly.
Another maid, grinding and blending incense according to a recipe, called out, "Auntie, could you check mine too?"
Yun Wan stepped over and glanced at her work. "The powder is still a bit coarse. Keep grinding until it’s as fine as dust. Otherwise, it’s well done."
"Got it! I’ll grind it a few more times!" The maid redoubled her efforts, earning Yun Wan’s approval.
Nanny Lin had assigned her three diligent young maids for miscellaneous tasks, and so far, there had been no issues. Yun Wan got along well with them, patiently answering their questions whenever they arose.
The maids, in turn, adored their new perfumer—gentle, kind, and beautiful, never lording her status over them. She was far better than their previous superiors.
The scorching June sun blazed relentlessly, and the past few days had been particularly stifling, as if a downpour could erupt at any moment—like a child’s capricious mood.
Given the need to store various rare and precious incenses in cool conditions, the Imperial Perfumery Bureau was uniquely designed for ventilation, warm in winter and cool in summer.
After finishing a bowl of perilla drink, Yun Wan stepped outside for fresh air and spotted a palace maid hurrying toward her from a distance.
The maid stopped upon seeing Yun Wan and announced loudly, "Perfumer Yun, someone is asking for you in the front hall!"
......
Yun Wan arrived at the front hall, where a waiting maid turned at the sound of footsteps. Her eyes widened slightly in surprise at the sight of Yun Wan.
"So you’re Perfumer Yun, the one Consort Shu summoned to the palace?" the maid asked, scrutinizing her.
It was an unfamiliar face. Yun Wan was certain she had never met her before. With a slight nod, she replied, "That’s correct."
The maid lifted her chin proudly. "I’m Hongxiu, serving Consort Shen. We’ve heard of your exceptional incense-making skills, and my mistress wishes to commission a special fragrance from you."
Consort Shen?
Yun Wan had never heard of her, much less met her. Why would she seek her out for incense?
Before Yun Wan could decline, one of the young maids interjected, "Sister Hongxiu, you may not know this, but Auntie is only responsible for the Emperor’s incense matters. If Consort Shen requires a custom fragrance, she should approach Perfumer Guan."
Perfumer Guan was the one assigned to handle incense requests from the imperial consorts, including any sudden whims for specific scents.
Hongxiu shot the maid a dismissive glance before turning back to Yun Wan. "Be that as it may, my mistress has inquired and learned that your workload is light, leaving you ample time. Moreover, she is particularly curious about your techniques. We humbly ask for your cooperation."
Yun Wan frowned, her gaze tinged with doubt. "I’m merely a perfumer—my skills are no match for the masters. Why would Consort Shen choose me? Please enlighten me, Hongxiu."
Hongxiu smiled, her tone deferential. "You’re too modest, Perfumer Yun. Even His Majesty has praised your craftsmanship. My mistress admires your reputation and believes only you can create the fragrance she desires."
Yun Wan hesitated, still unconvinced.
Hongxiu’s flattery masked a firm insistence, determined to secure her agreement.
Seeing Yun Wan’s reluctance, Hongxiu’s smile faded slightly, her tone cooling. "Perfumer Yun, though my mistress’s status may not rival Consort Shu’s, she is still a consort of the palace. Surely she has the right to request a small favor from you?"
The remark drew sidelong glances from others, recognizing Hongxiu’s attempt to pressure Yun Wan with status.
Fuling bristled with anger. "My auntie—"
"Fuling."
Yun Wan stopped her with a calming gesture before addressing Hongxiu evenly. "What kind of fragrance does Consort Shen desire?"
Hongxiu’s expression softened, her smile returning. "Please step aside with me, Perfumer Yun. My mistress’s requirements are for your ears alone, lest others overhear and imitate them!"
Her sweeping gaze across the hall provoked silent eye rolls from many.
Yun Wan pondered briefly.
From this maid’s demeanor alone, she deduced that Consort Shen must be a proud and haughty woman, likely having offended many in the palace.
In a small side chamber, Hongxiu relayed Consort Shen’s request, then hesitated.
Yun Wan noticed. "Is there something else, Hongxiu?"
After a pause, Hongxiu bit her lip. "It’s not my place to speak of my mistress’s affairs, but you seem kind, and I wish for her to be pleased. So I’ll tell you—she has a fondness for the scent of lilacs. Please keep that in mind when crafting the fragrance."
"If your incense satisfies her, she will reward you handsomely!"
Yun Wan nodded. "I’ll do my best. How soon does Consort Shen require it?"
Hongxiu replied, "Five days."
Yun Wan paused briefly. "Very well. Return in five days to collect the fragrance."
