On the tenth day of November, the Pill Tasting Banquet officially commenced.
As dawn broke, nobles, monks, and some ladies of the court who were not required for the morning assembly arrived early.
Led by maids arranged by Ding Yun, they identified their designated seats.
They then gathered in small groups with acquaintances, friends, and relatives, discussing matters in hushed tones. However, being on someone else's territory, they dared not delve into overly private conversations, sticking mostly to everyday pleasantries.
At most, they would occasionally murmur with curiosity, wondering what kind of pills were to be tasted today, and whether they would be fortunate enough to receive one.
After more than an hour, the truly important figures began to arrive. These were the officials and princes who had just finished the morning assembly and were heading to the royal villa together. Since they were leaving court as a group, there was no concern about proximity.
Although they did not all arrive at the exact same moment, they generally arrived in quick succession, eliminating the need to specifically await anyone.
Once everyone had arrived, Ding Yun, accompanied by her husband Qin Xuming, personally greeted guests in various areas before entering the central section. With a slight nod, she smiled and said, "Thank you all for gracing us with your presence. I have nothing special to offer, only some elixirs I have personally refined. I shall offer them for your appraisal. Please make yourselves comfortable and feel free to do as you please."
With that, Ding Yun clapped her hands. A group of well-prepared maids then stepped forward, presenting each guest with an elixir and a matching instruction manual. Gentlemen received the Five Elements Longevity Pill, while ladies received the Jade Visage Rejuvenation Pill, both with remarkably swift effects. One regulated the five internal organs and strengthened the body, while the other restored youthful complexions and revitalized appearances.
After distributing the elixirs, Ding Yun did not rush into further promotion. Instead, she took a seat in the central area and engaged in casual conversation with high-ranking officials, dukes, princes, and esteemed ladies. Her presence discouraged gossip.
In areas where she was not present, however, discussions inevitably arose.
"Who was that standing next to the Eldest Princess earlier? Could she have taken a new male companion?"
"Nonsense, what are you talking about? Even with the Eldest Princess's favor and boldness, she wouldn't openly bring a male companion out. Besides, I find that person somewhat familiar. I feel like I've seen him somewhere before..."
"Of course you've seen him. The Princess's consort looked just like that in his youth. Since the Eldest Princess possesses elixirs for reversing aging, making the consort young again wouldn't be particularly difficult. How enviable. The Qin Duke's family truly has ancestral blessings to have married into the Eldest Princess's household."
"But wasn't the consort quite portly? Was he this handsome in his youth? This is truly miraculous. And does reversing aging also have a slimming effect? The wonders of cultivators are indeed hard to fathom."
"He looks barely different from his son now. Standing together, one might mistake them for brothers. This is so enviable. I wish I could reverse my aging too. If only reversing aging could be bought, I would spend my entire fortune on it."
"I think we might still have a chance. Consider this, the Eldest Princess has used it on her consort. Wouldn't his parents also desire it? If his parents use it, how could the consorts of the various palaces not have aspirations? I believe the Eldest Princess, being so cautious, wouldn't flaunt this so openly unless she had a sufficient quantity of anti-aging elixirs. To tell us in front of so many people that the consort has also reversed his aging. Don't you think there's logic to this..."
"Indeed, there is..."
"In my opinion, we should prepare more silver, and even various rare medicinal herbs. It would be best to gather more precious herbs. I fear that soon, many will want to exchange for elixirs, and silver might not be as useful as herbs, as refining elixirs always requires them!"
"Absolutely, absolutely..."
"Speaking of which, I wonder about the effects of the elixirs the Eldest Princess has gifted. Shall I try one for you all first!"
As the elixirs were distributed, everyone's focus shifted from the rejuvenated consort to the pills themselves. Those who had overbearing mothers-in-law, fearing the elixir wouldn't reach their own mouths, immediately consumed theirs to test the effects.
Not long after, within the time it takes for half an incense stick to burn, everyone who had taken an elixir felt some changes in themselves. Through the exclamations of others, they gradually understood the transformations occurring on their faces.
"My heavens, the effect of this elixir is incredible."
"Sister Zhang, your hair is noticeably darker and shinier than before. Your face is powdered, making it hard to discern any changes, but the bloodshot veins in your eyes have lessened significantly. Oh, and your wrinkles seem to have reduced a bit. Look, haven't your wrinkles lessened a little? It seems a few lines around your eyes have disappeared!"
"That's right, they have indeed lessened. Sister Zhang, since you're being so helpful, why not remove your makeup to show us the specific changes? I happen to have a bronze mirror with me. You can see for yourself..."
Some were reluctant to appear without makeup and ultimately refused. However, others were unconcerned, prioritizing a clearer understanding of how much younger their faces had become. They quickly agreed and promptly removed their makeup, examining their faces in the mirror.
No one could understand their own faces better than themselves. Those looking in the mirror soon realized more clearly than outsiders the changes to their complexions, reporting that their faces appeared whiter, finer, and they looked a bit younger, as if they were one or two years younger. The wrinkles around their left eyes were noticeably fewer.
These immediate and tangible results greatly stirred the interest of all. Consequently, more people no longer held back their elixirs but consumed them directly. After taking them, they discussed amongst themselves that since the Eldest Princess could distribute so many Jade Visage Rejuvenation Pills at once, the quantity must be substantial. They resolved to inquire about purchasing them later.
While the ladies were testing the elixirs, the gentlemen were also partaking. However, their pills were for internal regulation, and the external changes were not as apparent. Nevertheless, the sensation of warmth and comfort throughout their bodies after consuming the elixir, followed by a feeling of renewed vigor within minutes, captivated them. They praised the elixirs profusely.
It was then that Ding Yun seized the opportunity to announce that her continuous refining of elixirs was to improve her skills, and that she couldn't possibly consume all the excess pills herself. Therefore, she was willing to share them. However, she subtly hinted at the preciousness of the refining materials...
At this point, Ding Yun did not need to elaborate further. The others, understandingly, expressed their willingness to pay for the elixirs. Ding Yun then distributed a list to each person, detailing over a dozen different elixirs and their prices, allowing them to make their selections and purchases freely. The quantity was limited, and they would be sold on a first-come, first-served basis.