She Came to Heal, Stayed to Conquer

”Look at that handbag! It’s so pretty!” Mrs. Liu, the wife of Mr. Zhou, suddenly pointed at a small bag held by a model.

”The shoes are what’s truly beautiful!” another lady replied, ”Walking on tiptoe yet steady, matching the dress seamlessly.”

The younger generation’s reactions were more direct; a wealthy young man stared, eyes wide open.

”Uncle, these clothes are far more lively than our court dress! Look at that dark blue one; if I were to wear it hunting...”

”Shut up!”

Though his uncle reprimanded him, he couldn’t help but glance a few more times at the hunting-style coat.

The models continually changed formations, showcasing one set of novel and beautiful clothing after another on the runway. As the performance progressed, the initial murmurs of disapproval gradually diminished.

In this May, filled with the fragrance of locust blossoms, these ancient nobles, clinging to tradition, saw their worldview gently pried open by a few Republic of China garments.

When the final model appeared wearing a gown that combined cloud patterns with geometric designs, even the most conservative Mr. Zhou couldn’t help but click his tongue.

”Indeed... there is some merit to it.”

Emperor Jing stroked his chin, cleared his throat, and turned to look at Mr. Wei, the Prime Minister, beside him.

”Prime Minister, what do you think of that crimson long robe?”

Mr. Wei instantly understood, nodded respectfully, and said, ”Your Majesty has a discerning eye. I shall have my son choose a fitting one later and send it into the palace for Your Majesty.”

Seeing that even the Emperor had taken an interest, Mrs. Lin, the wife of the Assistant Minister of Rites, quickly turned to whisper instructions to the maid behind her.

”Go, ask how much silver that lotus-colored qipao is, this lady wants it.”

Over on the runway, as soon as Mrs. Lin’s maid received the orders and left, the other side stood up.

”Marvelous!”

The Champion Marquess’s wife suddenly clapped the table, the jade bracelet on her wrist making a crisp sound as it hit the tabletop.

”These clothes can even make the maids look as grand as ladies from noble families!”

She turned and grabbed the busy Yang Haibo, ”The apricot-yellow shirt of the third set earlier, prepare ten sets with different patterns for our Commandery Princess!”

She heard Wei Chengchao say that the models performing today were all maids and servants from the estate.

If those beautiful clothes could make even the servants look radiant, imagine the effect when worn by these noble women—it would be heavenly.

Seeing the Champion Marquess’s wife being so extravagant, the daughter of the salt merchant at the neighboring table was so anxious she stomped her feet.

”Mr. Yang! We saw that Heavenly Water Green set first!”

With that, she had her maid present a whole box of silver notes. The wolf-hair brush of Tang Xiaotong, who was jotting down orders, paused, causing the ink to spread across the rice paper in a large blot.

In an instant, the nobles began placing orders in a frenzy, some requiring customization, others buying on the spot. The orders in front of Yang Haibo and Tang Xiaotong soon piled up like a small mountain, keeping them exceedingly busy.

Princess Changle was the first to rush an order; with her birthday banquet just three days away, she was eager to wear all these beautiful and novel clothes herself.

She wanted to be the most dazzling star at the birthday banquet, the focal point of all the talented young men’s gazes.

The Champion Marquess’s wife was even quick to pay for Princess Changle, hoping to dress her up beautifully in time for the birthday banquet where she could showcase her.

Today, in honor of Mr. Wei, almost all the distinguished officials and wealthy merchants in the Capital City showed up to lend their support. Among the guests were Zhao Qiao’er and her husband, watching the proceedings.

Lin Yuanshan sat at the corner, leisurely sipping his tea.

His gaze was glued to the styles and fabrics of the clothes on the runway models.

As he turned the teacup three times in his palm, he glanced at Wei Chengchao, who was chatting and laughing with people, thinking of talking to him afterward about procuring some goods to sell in his store.

But Zhao Qiao’er’s face was so gloomy it seemed like water could be wrung out of it.

The clothes and fabrics displayed on the runway were far superior to those of their Lin’s Cloth Store.

If Brocade Workshop continued to operate like this, their Lin’s Cloth Store would inevitably go bankrupt. The thought of it alone made Zhao Qiao’er’s heart sink further.

While others were stepping forward to congratulate Wei Chengchao and Yang Haibo with well-wishes, she sat immovably in her seat, face stern.

Just by looking at the nearly shredded handkerchief in her hands, it was clear what was on her mind.

And besides Zhao Qiao’er, Emperor Jing had thoughts of his own.

Watching the people of Xichang generously spending their money, competing to place orders, Emperor Jing began to secretly strategize in his mind.