Chapter 35: Hong Luan
This novel is translated and hosted only on Bcatranslation
The Splendid Embroidery Workshop was the most prestigious clothing store in the capital, catering exclusively to high-ranking officials and noble families. Its popularity wasn’t just because of the exquisite craftsmanship of its seamstresses but also due to the clever strategies used by the shopkeeper to attract customers.
For instance, each month, the store released a new clothing design and organized a showcase event to present it. Invitations were sent out in advance to the nobles of the capital, and most of them made a point of attending, giving face to the Splendid Embroidery Workshop.
The showcase wasn’t merely a dry presentation of new garments. The shop invited popular singers and storytellers to perform while the seamstresses modeled the clothes, showing how they looked in motion.
As the most renowned tailor shop in Shengjing, Splendid Embroidery Workshop’s seamstresses were undeniably skilled. To become a top seamstress, one had to not only excel in craftsmanship but also be able to attract customers. Every seamstress brought in substantial income for the shop each month, a testament to their expertise—something achieved only after years of honing their craft.
Yet, Hong Luan had joined the workshop just a year ago, and she was already crafting dresses under her own name. Ever since Yu Zhi Yi wore that red dress during her visit home, Hong Luan’s name had spread far and wide.
It was said that in that month alone, many customers specifically asked for her, and she made thousands of silver taels for the shop. She did not disappoint—her dresses were always stylish and beautiful, delighting her clients. And since they were custom-made, there was no chance of anyone else wearing the same design.
In a short time, her fame had soared.
Yu Zhi Yi was genuinely happy for her friend.
Today was the showcase event, and Hong Luan would be presenting three new dresses. Though Yu Zhi Yi usually disliked crowds, she couldn’t miss Hong Luan’s big day.
The carriage clattered along the cobbled streets and soon arrived in front of the Splendid Embroidery Workshop. As soon as Yu Zhi Yi stepped off, Hong Luan hurried over.
Hong Luan was seventeen, and since she had yet to marry or have children, she had a vibrancy that many of her peers lacked. She naturally took Yu Zhi Yi’s arm. “I knew you’d come to support your sister.”
Yu Zhi Yi smiled faintly. “I never turn down a chance to make money.”
Hong Luan gave her a playful glare. “Must you shatter my dreams? Can’t you let me believe in our deep sisterly bond for once?”
Although Hong Luan’s father was loyal and had only one wife and one daughter, she had many cousins. Some of them were ambitious, trying to push her aside in hopes of becoming her father’s legitimate heir or adopted child.
Because of this, she’d been targeted many times when she was younger. Whenever Hong Luan spoke of those people, she always sounded disgusted.
Their friendship had started by chance. A few years ago, Yu Zhi Yi had secretly gone out to do a fortune reading for the Marchioness of Wu’an, and on her way back, she ran into some unruly thugs. Though many people watched, no one dared step in to help her.
It was Hong Luan, not yet of age herself, who had charged in with her family’s servants. The little girl in her red dress was as fiery and bold as her attire, kicking the thug herself until he begged for mercy, without even needing her servants’ help.
According to Hong Luan, they shared a bond forged by driving away thugs together.
Yu Zhi Yi didn’t quite understand what “revolution” meant, but since that day, whenever she sneaked out of the Yu Manor, besides going to the Marchioness of Wu’an, she had another destination.
She had little family affection, and after seeing the true nature of the Yu family, she didn’t expect to find deep friendship. So she always kept a distant demeanor with Hong Luan.
But Hong Luan was naturally friendly and often ignored Yu Zhi Yi’s attempts to keep her at arm’s length, insisting on being close despite the pushback. After a few failed attempts to keep her away, Yu Zhi Yi simply let her be.
“I’ve prepared three dresses for today,” Hong Luan said, her eyes sparkling as she described her inspirations. “One of them is called ‘Golden Autumn.’ It’s mainly in a corn-gold color. The dress has extra layers inside to keep warm during cool mornings and evenings. The shawl can be folded to be worn short during the day or used as a long one for extra warmth when it gets chilly. It’s light and breathable, perfect for midday when it gets hot.”
The young girl kept chattering on, sharing her creative ideas for all three dresses. Then she leaned in, whispering mysteriously, “Madam Red told me today that if I perform well, I’ll be promoted to Gold-ranked Seamstress.”
The seamstresses at Splendid Embroidery Workshop were ranked—Bronze being the lowest and Gold the highest. Above Gold was the Steward rank, held by Madam Red.
There were only five Gold-ranked seamstresses at the workshop, most of whom had been there since the beginning, forming the backbone of the store. Hong Luan, with just a year and one showcase event, had the chance to be promoted, which showed her exceptional talent.
But talent often invites jealousy.
Seeing the bright smile on Hong Luan’s face, Yu Zhi Yi, though reluctant to dampen her mood, couldn’t help but caution her. “Things might not go smoothly today.”
“Huh?” Hong Luan blinked in surprise.
Though they’d known each other for years, Yu Zhi Yi rarely revealed her talent for fortune-telling. The times she had helped Hong Luan avoid disaster were small matters, requiring so little effort that Hong Luan didn’t even know she’d been protected.
And since they were small matters, the backlash from the heavens was something Yu Zhi Yi could endure. But this time was different.
If she didn’t say anything, the issue would be hard to solve.
She wasn’t sure if Hong Luan would believe her, though…
Yu Zhi Yi pursed her lips, hesitated for a moment, then asked, “I didn’t bring any reward money with me today. Can I borrow some from you?”
Hong Luan looked at her, surprised.
In all their years of friendship, Yu Zhi Yi had always been proper and courteous, never making sudden demands like this—not even small ones. It was clear Yu Zhi Yi had always taken care of her, looking out for her in her quiet way.
Yu Zhi Yi watched the young girl in front of her. If Hong Luan refused or didn’t trust her… well, she’d still help with today’s problem, but there would be no point in continuing their friendship afterward.
The wrath of the heavens wasn’t something she could always withstand.
Just as she had this thought, Hong Luan pulled out a purse from her sleeve.
It was full, looking like it held at least twenty or thirty taels. “I didn’t bring much, but I have more in my room. You go inside first, and I’ll fetch the rest for you.”
Twenty or thirty taels was a fortune most commoners couldn’t earn in a lifetime. Though Hong Luan came from wealth, she no longer relied on her family and lived on her salary from Splendid Embroidery Workshop. Her monthly base pay was only three taels, with bonuses depending on her performance.
Before now, she’d spent several months living solely on her base salary.
Yu Zhi Yi’s lips curled into a faint smile. “No need, this is enough.”