"Noble ladies in the Capital prize their preferences above all else, often valuing quality far more than price. But women in Qinghe Town are different. Most living near Liuhua Lane are just getting by; while there are certainly potential customers with a bit of spare cash for their dowries, very few can afford the high-end cosmetics in your shop."
Cheng Nuo picked up a rouge box decorated with lotus petals. The lid featured intricate cut-out scrolling patterns, and the interior was lined with silk to prevent leakage. She then reached for a small, round, enameled box on her right, which depicted a lady of the court. Several others were lined up beside it, all featuring either floral-and-bird motifs or adorable, stylized beasts—each one exquisitely crafted.
Only noble ladies with money to burn would fixate on such elaborate packaging. For the average woman living on a tighter budget, quality remains the primary concern.
Chapter 187