Over the next few days, a perfume craze suddenly swept through Luoyang.
Lu Ming first selected some wealthy families and members of the Han imperial family to send the perfume to, thus establishing the brand's reputation.
Then, when they wanted to buy it, he instructed them to contact Yuan Shu.
A bottle of perfume, only twenty milliliters in volume, could sell for five hundred taels of silver. There were many wealthy and influential people in Luoyang.
Moreover, besides high-ranking officials and nobles, many wealthy merchants bought it for at least a thousand taels!
Even Emperor Ling, Empress He, and Empress Dowager Dong were given a bottle of perfume. Perfume can enhance a woman's allure; the scent of jasmine easily arouses arousal.
It was practically an essential tool for seducing men. At least in modern times, few men can resist the allure of perfume, let alone in ancient times.
Then the frenzied hype began. Lu Ming started adding distillation equipment to his workshop and sent people to collect fresh flowers in the suburbs, but now that autumn had arrived, the flowers were scarce.
By day, he was busy making things and treating patients; by night, he indulged in pleasure with his beautiful wives and concubines.
Each night, at least three to five women were needed to satisfy Lu Ming's desires; sometimes even three women at once weren't enough.
He also had to call upon three maids, otherwise, they might be exhausted to death.
Once the women's vaginas were satisfied and properly trained, there weren't so many troublesome matters. Plus, the three women had become his partners, which made things even more reassuring.
The relationship between his wife and concubines was relatively harmonious, and Lu Ming had even prepared a special room for them, with wooden planks, specifically for them to practice yoga.
After changing into their underwear, they would stretch their muscles on soft cotton mats, or change into tight-fitting clothes to play badminton.
In ancient times, childbirth was a perilous ordeal for women. Except for some women with special constitutions, most women experienced difficult labor, making the midwife's skill crucial.
It was Lu Ming's decision to have them abandon traditional etiquette and practice yoga and badminton in their underwear.
Peasant women rarely experience difficult childbirth because they are physically active and don't bind their chests, resulting in better health and easier childbirth.
While others might scoff at such statements, Lu Ming's words carried weight.
As a miraculous doctor who had cured many difficult cases, his words naturally resonated with people!
Watching beautiful mature women and young girls in revealing lingerie performing various high leg raises and hip-raising movements was always pleasing to the eye.
Moreover, their scantily clad bodies easily aroused desire, making penetration effortless!
A stroll through the military camp, changing splints and dressings for wounded soldiers, removing stitches.
Further, this further solidified his influence, maximizing his personal prestige.
Few generals treated their soldiers with such care, treating them as human beings, distributing rations on time without deductions—this was already a very, very good deed.
These soldiers, seasoned by war, are all quite capable. He needs to find an opportunity to bring them back to Longxi County to develop his territory.
Since he can't act now, he should demonstrate his abilities and increase his influence as much as possible.
Upon arriving at the palace, he proceeded with his usual medical examination of Emperor Ling.
"Anmin, what have you been busy with lately?" Emperor Ling had just finished soaking in the hot springs and was feeling a little more energetic.
The perfume Lu Ming had recently given him was indeed excellent, keeping him constantly busy. He could go twice a day; the perfume's allure was stronger than an aphrodisiac.
And few dared to stop the emperor's indulgence.
Seemingly regaining his vigor, this was merely draining his body's potential, a premature burst of energy achieved through shortened lifespan.
"I've been handling official duties, manufacturing perfume, and at night indulging in pleasure with my wives and concubines," Lu Ming replied frankly. It wasn't anything shameful.
Besides, everyone knew he enjoyed playing with women.
A man's lust is nothing to be ashamed of; in fact, from a superior's perspective, it's an easily controlled weakness.
"When do you wish to return to Longxi to get married?" Emperor Ling finally granted Lu Ming's request, saying he wanted to return to get married.
Lu Ming had previously mentioned that he had a fiancée at home, but they weren't yet married. He had only forcefully married his daughter to Lu Ming as a secondary wife, and dragging things out like this wasn't a long-term solution.
The better Lu Ming performed, the more likely he was to approve his requests.
"Half a month from now, it's an auspicious day, suitable for travel." Lu Ming put away his silver needles; the acupuncture was over.
"Acupuncture, really, was just a consultation. Your Majesty, I intend to first eliminate the bandits in Longxi and develop the economy, and then fight my father's killer to the death!"
"A gentleman's revenge is never too late, even after ten years. You are my pillar of strength; I cannot act rashly." Emperor Ling was unwilling to let Lu Ming go to his death; he still needed Lu Ming to accomplish the task of establishing his second son, Liu Xie, as crown prince.
"Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty. My body and hair are gifts from my parents. My late father, to protect the Han dynasty, did not fail the Emperor's great kindness. As his son, it is my duty to avenge him. As a subject, I should also inherit my father's will and serve Your Majesty faithfully." Lu Ming's flattery was quite effective, while also expressing his loyalty.
The Han dynasty governed with filial piety in mind. The recommendation of candidates for the civil service examination was based primarily on filial piety. Loyalty, filial piety, propriety, virtue, and talent were all indispensable. A person who upheld filial piety could not be too bad, no matter how wicked.
"Alright, you will stay in Longxi for a few months and return after the New Year. You will be needed in Luoyang; you must come back to help me. These next few days, go to Chang Le Palace to teach Xie'er martial arts. I have already spoken with the Empress Dowager; she also has some chronic illnesses that require your treatment." Emperor Ling rubbed his head. A subject wanting to avenge his father, especially against the invading barbarians, was something no one could argue with, neither morally nor logically.
The recent surge in profits from perfume sales, coupled with coal trading, had earned him a considerable sum. He had more than enough to cover the garden's maintenance costs, and if he continued, the expenses for the Western Garden Army's personal guard wouldn't be a problem.
If it weren't for Lu Ming's exceptional talent—his ability to treat illnesses, maintain health, and make money—
he wouldn't have been able to lead troops, stabilize the country, and was also his son-in-law.
Emperor Ling would never have let Lu Ming go; he was simply too useful a minister.
Seeing how well Lu Ming got along with his daughter, there was no reason not to trust him.
Lu Ming immediately thought of the still-attractive, middle-aged Empress Dowager Dong—that mature woman, a wanton slut, dressed so seductively at her age, practically screaming "I want to be fucked!"