In an era untouched by the information explosion of modern society, the earliest forms of advertising were simply hiring people to shout about their products loudly in front of their shops.
Traveling merchants also mostly promoted their goods in this manner.
However, Chu Chen had far more tricks up his sleeve.
Besides hiring people to shout what were, in this era, astonishingly audacious advertising slogans on the streets, he also had large red banners made, and people carried them around ostentatiously while setting off firecrackers.
In an age of scarce entertainment, Chu Chen's advertisements, after just two days, had spread throughout the entire Shuangyue City.
From royalty and nobles to common laborers, everyone knew about it.
"Soaps! Soaps that are much better than soapberries! Soaps like the Emperor's own!"
Inside the house, hearing the shouts from outside, Shao Lili chuckled.
"How did you convince them to shout those slogans?"
"Yeah, yeah, most people wouldn't dare say such things, right?" Chen Shengnan also asked curiously.
Chu Chen smiled.
Initially, those people were indeed hesitant to shout such seemingly rebellious advertising slogans on the streets.
But after Chu Chen's repeated assurances, coupled with the power of money, they eventually accepted his employment.
"But you're so bold, won't His Majesty really punish you?" Shao Lili couldn't help but say with some worry.
"It's fine, these are all with His Majesty's permission, so naturally, there won't be..."
Just then, a small eunuch rushed in, flustered.
"Oh dear, I've finally found you, Eunuch Chu! Hurry back to the palace, His Majesty is waiting for you!" The little eunuch was covered in sweat and seemed very anxious.
"What? Why is His Majesty summoning me?" Chu Chen frowned.
"I heard that His Majesty found out about your advertising in the city, and now His Majesty is very angry and wants to punish you severely!"
"Speak of the devil!" Shao Lili said with schadenfreude.
But then, she began to worry for Chu Chen: "Will His Majesty really punish you severely?"
Chu Chen pondered for a moment, then shook his head: "It's nothing, I should be fine."
"Regardless, you've gone too far this time, even using the Empress Dowager's name to show off." Princess Xinyue said with some displeasure.
"Never mind, I'll go back with you. I'll help plead your case with the Empress Dowager!"
"No need." Chu Chen shook his head. "His Majesty only summoned me. If you go along, you might get scolded."
"Although this move was audacious, I know His Majesty is broad-minded and unlikely to punish me."
"As long as it's explained clearly, there will be no misunderstanding."
With that, Chu Chen set off with the little eunuch to return to the palace.
To be safe, Chu Chen conducted a life simulation on his way back.
The simulation results were quite good, and Chu Chen learned that the Empress only wanted to question him and did not intend to punish him severely.
Relieved, Chu Chen calmly followed the little eunuch back to the palace.
In the Imperial Palace.
"Chu Chen, do you know your crime!" The Empress's expression was icy, as if she were about to erupt in anger at any moment.
But this time, Chu Chen did not bow his head in submission.
He declared loudly, "Your subject has diligently sold soaps according to Your Majesty's requirements. I do not know what crime I have committed!"
"Still playing dumb with me!" The Empress sneered. "I only told you to sell soaps, when did I ever tell you to deceive people in my name?"
Chu Chen feigned innocence. "Your Majesty, your subject has not deceived anyone. Everything I said is the truth."
"Doesn't Your Majesty also use this soap? And you've even bestowed it upon many ministers. How can it be considered deception?"
"You..." The Empress was momentarily speechless.
"Even so, you cannot use my name to sell soap." The Empress was somewhat exasperated and slammed the armrest of her chair.
Chu Chen remained silent for a long time.
"Your Majesty... why do you say that?"
"Why do I say that?" The Empress laughed in anger. "What kind of decorum is this, with such widespread publicity?"
"In my humble opinion, this move not only brings Your Majesty closer to the common people but also quickly makes the soap deeply ingrained in their minds. It is beneficial in every way!" Chu Chen said earnestly.
"Closer to the common people?" The Empress retorted. "What use is that?"
"It gathers popular support and strengthens Your Majesty's influence among the populace," Chu Chen said calmly. "With the people's support, anything can be accomplished with ease!"
"Popular support..." The Empress hesitated, unsure whether to believe Chu Chen.
"Regardless, being used as a promotional tool by you makes me feel strange..."
"Your Majesty, please rest assured, everything I have done will absolutely not harm Your Majesty's reputation!" Chu Chen vowed. "I stake my life on it!"
The Empress looked deeply at Chu Chen.
"Since that is the case, I will trust you this once. Do not let it happen again!"
A slight curve formed on Chu Chen's lips.
"I will not fail my mission!"
...
After settling matters with the Empress, the shop, bearing the sign "Royal Specialties," officially opened for business that afternoon.
Accompanied by the sound of gongs and drums, a large crowd gathered outside the entrance.
The people of Shuangyue City were eager to see what this soap, which had been the talk of the town for the past few days, was all about.
"Come, come, come, passersby, don't miss out!"
"Soapberries used in the palace!"
"After use, your body will be fragrant, and the scent will linger!"
"And royal specialty drinks, fresh milk tea, only twenty copper coins a cup!"
Outside, several shop assistants in uniform were diligently shouting their wares.
On the second floor, Chu Chen and the others sat by the window, watching the crowded scene downstairs. Shao Lili couldn't help but sigh.
"I really don't know how you convinced His Majesty to allow you to act so recklessly."
"How can this be called reckless?" Chu Chen smiled slightly. "These are just a few simple business tactics."
"Once you learn them, you can use them too."
Shao Lili repeatedly shook her head. "Forget it, I don't have your favor with His Majesty, so I wouldn't dare do such a thing."
Chu Chen smiled without speaking.
"Speaking of which, can this really work?" Chen Shengnan curiously looked at the several washbasins displayed at the entrance.
These were prepared by Chu Chen for passersby to try the soap.
At this moment, thick circles of people were gathered in front of those washbasins.
"These people don't look like they would buy soap. What's the use of giving them free samples?"
"If even one out of a hundred people is willing to come in and buy, we'll be making a profit," Chu Chen said with a smile.
"The most important thing is to build the reputation of the soap and let everyone know its name as quickly as possible!"
Shao Lili's eyes lit up. "I understand what you mean now!"