Chapter 11 Soap on the Market: A Crystallization of Wisdom and Compassion
Chapter 11 Soap on the Market: A Crystallization of Wisdom and Compassion
Chapter Eleven: The Launch of Soap – A Crystallization of Wisdom and Compassion
In that distant era, time flew by like a fleeting moment. The fame of soap spread like ripples throughout the city. It not only stirred up waves in the social circles of the nobility but also slowly seeped into the daily lives of ordinary people.
However, the esteemed Queen was not content with this. She knew that in the corners of the city, many impoverished people still could not enjoy the benefits of soap. Thus, a firm determination sprouted in her heart—to develop a more affordable alternative.
In a corner of the workshop, the Empress herself led a group of highly skilled artisans on a long and arduous process of experimentation and improvement. Each attempt was a courageous exploration of the unknown; each failure struck their confidence like a heavy hammer, but also forged their firm steps toward success.
Days passed, and the Empress remained steadfast at her experimental table. Her eyes revealed determination and perseverance, as if telling everyone, "We will succeed. For the sake of those impoverished people, we cannot give up." The craftsmen were greatly encouraged and devoted even more effort to the task.
The Empress and the artisans worked day and night, experimenting repeatedly. With Cheng Ruyi's deliberate guidance, they quickly developed a soap! It was affordable and inexpensive, using low-cost materials while retaining a pleasant soap fragrance! It could cleanse the body and wash clothes—a multi-purpose and incredibly practical product!
During this process, the Empress's conversations with the craftsmen were full of sparks of wisdom.
"We need to find a material that is both economical and practical," the Empress said softly.
"Your Majesty," suggested an elderly craftsman, "I would like to suggest that we try some natural plant oils. They are the cheapest, retain a pleasant fragrance, and also have cleaning properties!"
"This is a good idea. We'll have to test it ourselves to see how effective it is. Let's start testing it right away." The Empress smiled with satisfaction.
After countless trials and failures, they finally found the ideal formula. Under the Empress's repeated experiments and Cheng Ruyi's meticulous guidance, they successfully developed a product that could replace soap—soap! It was not only affordable but also had a light, pleasant fragrance.
The soap caused quite a stir in the market as soon as it was launched. People flocked to the soap stalls, their faces beaming with excitement and anticipation. They lined up eagerly, waiting to buy the soap!
"Finally, we have cleaning products that we can afford!" a middle-aged woman exclaimed excitedly.
"Her Majesty the Empress truly cares for the people!" An old man shook his head with emotion.
Standing atop the city wall, the Empress gazed upon the bustling market, her heart filled with satisfaction. She felt all her efforts had been recognized! She felt all her sacrifices had been worthwhile!
"Seeing the people so happy makes all the effort worthwhile," she said with a smile to the maid beside her.
During this process, Qian Duoduo and Li Mingze also underwent a spiritual baptism.
“We used to always pursue expensive things, thinking that was the embodiment of luxury. Now it seems we were terribly wrong,” Qian Duoduo said with emotion.
“Yes, Her Majesty the Empress has shown us through her actions that true luxury brings happiness and convenience to more people,” Li Mingze echoed.
From then on, bar soap and regular soap became indispensable necessities in people's lives. This soap craze, like a warm spring breeze, filled the entire city with hope and warmth.
In a corner of the city, there lived a poor family. The father worked hard all day long, while the mother took care of all the household chores.
"Honey, did you know? There's a cheap and effective soap on the market now that we can afford," the mother said happily to the father.
"That's great, now our child can be clean too," the father said with relief.
In this warm and hopeful city, everyone's life is made better by soap and bar soap.
As time goes by, the people in the city still remember the Empress's wisdom and kindness. And that little bar of soap has become an eternal, warm memory in their hearts.
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