Chapter 40: Red Luan’s Missing Dress
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The garments crafted by the Gold-Ranked Embroideress were, as expected, exceptional.
Whether in terms of design or embroidery technique, they were unparalleled.
Among the three dresses created by Embroideress Zhou, the crowd’s favorite was the golden-themed “Golden Autumn”.
As its name suggested, it was imbued with the warm hues of autumn harvests, exuding an elegance that was both stately and vibrant.
Although it didn’t catch the eye as quickly as the brightly-colored dresses from earlier, it possessed an inexplicable intellectual charm.
Moreover, it boasted dual functionality: warmth and ventilation.
The dress’s inner layer featured a removable lining—perfect for chilly mornings and evenings, yet easily detached during the warm midday hours. The shawl, too, came in adjustable lengths; folded for a short, warming version, or unfurled into a lightweight, breathable option.
Embroidered across the hem were large clusters of golden-red wheat ears, a novel and intricate pattern that perfectly captured the essence of autumn.
The wheat ears were so full and lifelike that one could almost smell their fragrance by merely gazing upon them.
It was easy to imagine that anyone wearing this dress to a banquet would leave a lasting impression on the Emperor.
When Yu Zhi Yi saw the dress, she raised her eyebrows and cast a glance toward the door, but she said nothing.
However, from behind the door, Red Luan mouthed silently, “Watch me.”
Yu Zhi Yi gave a subtle nod, picked up some melon seeds from the table, and prepared to enjoy the show.
Du Zi Heng: “……”
As the most talented embroideress in Splendid Embroidery Pavilion, Embroideress Zhou had consistently produced dresses that took the city by storm. Once she appeared, the expressions of the noble ladies in the room changed. Each of them was determined to claim one of her creations for themselves, especially the **”Golden Autumn.”
Every time her dresses debuted, a fierce competition broke out in the Splendid Embroidery Pavilion, comparable to an auction of rare treasures.
To the noble ladies, a dress that allowed them to stand out from the crowd was worth any price or effort.
Once Embroideress Zhou’s dresses were showcased, it was Red Luan’s turn.
Red Luan stepped onto the stage, accompanied by three girls dressed in the pavilion’s uniform. With a casual shrug, she announced, “My embroidered works are missing.”
For these monthly showcase banquets, the Gold-Ranked Embroideresses poured all their effort into creating their masterpieces. To prevent theft of their designs, they never allowed outsiders to view their progress. Even their apprentices were only permitted to assist with minor tasks such as measuring and cutting fabric.
Thus, it was generally a mystery to everyone what the others were working on.
Upon hearing Red Luan’s statement, a sneering voice rose from the crowd, “Red Luan, could it be that you’ve run out of ideas and didn’t make anything at all?”
Even Auntie Red appeared startled by this sudden turn of events. “Red Luan, what’s going on?”
Red Luan turned toward Embroideress Zhou, “What else? Someone didn’t like me and stole all my completed dresses.”
Though she didn’t name names, her gaze was so pointed that it was clear who she suspected.
Embroideress Zhou, a middle-aged woman with a gentle demeanor, turned red-eyed instantly. “Red Luan, I didn’t do it. How can you accuse me like this?”
Bai Tian Er chimed in with a fragile voice, “Sister Red Luan, I know you’ve always been jealous that my mother is the best embroideress in the pavilion, but you can’t ruin her reputation and future like this.”
“My father died when I was young, and my mother has worked tirelessly to support our family. She spends all her earnings on my grandparents’ medical bills and even helps my maternal grandparents. She’s already been through enough hardship. Please, don’t hurt her any further!”
Everyone present was familiar with Embroideress Zhou. Her talent and creativity had made her a favorite, often transforming the noble ladies who wore her dresses into the center of attention.
Conversely, though Red Luan had also created some popular designs, her brash and arrogant demeanor had left many with a poor impression of her. Naturally, their sympathies leaned toward Embroideress Zhou.
Criticism of Red Luan’s behavior began to ripple through the crowd. Some speculated that she had failed to complete her dresses and was using this “vicious” scheme to destroy Embroideress Zhou out of envy.
Red Luan fumed, “How can you side with a thief? I’m telling you, those are my dresses!”
“Who believes you?” a forthright noblewoman shot back. “Stop disrupting the auction.”
Auntie Red frowned. “Everyone, please hold on. I will report this matter to the proprietor for a thorough investigation. The Splendid Embroidery Pavilion will ensure justice is served.”
Suddenly, Yu Jiao Jiao exclaimed, “I just remembered! Sister, aren’t you acquainted with Red Luan?”
Yu Zhi Yi: “… And?”
She didn’t deny it, implicitly admitting to the connection.
Yu Jiao Jiao’s eyes gleamed with excitement, though she feigned concern. “If Red Luan is willing to slander others like this, her character must be flawed. You should distance yourself from her.”
With a flick of her teacup lid, Yu Zhi Yi replied blandly, “Are you more capable than the magistrate? Do you not require evidence or a trial to pass judgment?”
Yu Jiao Jiao’s face darkened. “That’s not what I meant. I only—”
“Enough,” Yu Zhi Yi interrupted, setting her teacup down. “This room already reeks of tea. There’s no need for more brewing. Let’s wait for the magistrate to decide.”
Embroideress Zhou paled and was about to speak when Yu Jiao Jiao interjected, “There’s no need for that. Embroideress Zhou’s reputation is well-established. What reason would she have to steal from a newcomer?”
Auntie Red glanced at Yu Jiao Jiao and remarked, “Perhaps we should punish those involved rather than interrupt the showcase further. Let’s proceed with the auction.”
Yu Zhi Yi pursed her lips, speaking only after a long pause. “As you wish.”
Then she turned to Red Luan. “Since you have no exhibits, why not join me instead?”
With a glare at Embroideress Zhou, Red Luan swaggered over and pulled up a chair next to Yu Zhi Yi.
The ignored Du Zi Heng: “……”
Although many were displeased by Red Luan’s presence, Du Zi Heng, the only son of the Chancellor, ensured no one dared voice their objections.
Even Yu Jiao Jiao refrained from provoking further; she was basking in the glow of her perceived triumph.
However, a flicker of unease crossed Embroideress Zhou’s face. Her daughter’s comforting gaze steadied her nerves, and she reassured herself that all would go smoothly.
As per custom, the purchase phase followed the showcase. Each dress had a starting price, and the highest bidder claimed it.
Originally, eighteen dresses were to be displayed, but with Red Luan’s three missing, only fifteen remained.
Every dress started at three thousand taels. Ultimately, five dresses sold for 3,800 taels, three for 4,500 taels, another three for 5,100 taels, two for 6,500 taels, one for 7,800 taels, and the final dress, “Golden Autumn,” for 11,000 taels.
The bidder who claimed “Golden Autumn” was none other than Yu Jiao Jiao.
Yu Zhi Yi, however, had Du Zi Heng secure “Red Maple,” the second-most expensive dress.
While Yu Jiao Jiao lovingly stroked the golden wheat embroidery, she smiled sweetly at Yu Zhi Yi. “My aunt adores beautiful dresses. When I gift this to her, she’ll surely be delighted.”
Yu Zhi Yi sighed softly. “If you don’t want her to hold a grudge against you, it’s best you avoid such foolishness.”