Chapter 237 Entering the Capital

"Scale-patterned dyeing? Interesting."

Yuan Xu also reached out and touched the scale pattern on the fabric, and laughed, "This fabric can actually shimmer with a pearly sheen, it's really interesting."

"Moreover, the scales are vivid, and under the luster they seem to be in water, unlike printed patterns which are rigid."

"This kind of technique, which uses pearlescent scales and locks in the light with scale glue, is the first time I've ever seen it."

The servant from the Imperial Wardrobe saw this and his eyes lit up.

Of the two pieces of cloth he had seen before, one possessed a spiritual charm and the other could be considered a rare treasure, but neither could match his desire for this piece of fabric that shimmered with a delicate luster and was as light and thin as a cicada's wing.

This piece of material is not as eye-catching as the previous "ice tear pattern," nor as unique as that so-called "crown of heroes."

But this piece of material has one advantage that no other material can match.

That is, this material is "beautiful" and "tempting" enough.

In the imperial harem, if someone were to obtain this fabric and make a thin dress, whether it were presented to the emperor, a favored concubine, or even a princess, they would receive a great reward.

With a few quick movements, Yuan Xu understood his thoughts and smiled slightly.

"Yes, it's good stuff."

After a few casual remarks, the group returned to the stage and remained silent.

One or two more came out that were eye-catching, but none of them could surpass the previous ones in terms of impact.

When Shen Yuanzhu saw that the crowd's reaction to her own items was not as amazed as that to the materials in Shen Yanhuai and Yun Zheng's hands, she couldn't help but feel a little disappointed.

After the second round of selection was completed, Shen Yuanzhu watched with bated breath as everyone moved on to the third round.

This round involves screening patterns and materials.

Dyeing may seem like a self-contained process, but it cannot function without good fabric. No matter how beautiful the color is, it will lose its refinement when dyed on coarse linen.

Therefore, the fabric and dyeing formula must be perfectly matched and complement each other.

The patterns should be novel and auspicious, with clear outlines and a distinct aesthetic appeal. They should be orderly but not rigid, and too lively, appearing dense and cluttered, which is also undesirable.

Those who make it to this round are all experienced businesses, and they certainly wouldn't make such a mistake.

So this third round of screening was very fast.

After three rounds, only a dozen or so shops remained on the field. Lord Liang looked at the fabrics from Shen Family Dyehouse, Jixia Manor, and Xiecui Workshop, and was at a loss.

In previous years, any one of these three companies could easily have won the championship, but this year they all came together...

He couldn't make a decision on his own, so he had to go and find Yuan Xu.

"Tsk, these three pieces of material are also a dilemma for me. Why don't we let Steward Li make the decision?"

Eunuch Li said, "I don't care about anything else, I want that piece of fabric with the scale pattern. Since it's something that my Imperial Wardrobe has taken a liking to, it certainly won't appear in the marketplace again."

"As for the rest, you can decide."

He hadn't expected to gain anything this time, and he wouldn't have been here if he hadn't had some past relationship with Yuan Xu.

Unexpectedly, some truly good things can be found in the ordinary streets.

Eunuch Li's gaze swept over the scale-like patterns on the Shenyuan Pearl, and he couldn't put it down.

After discussion, the top three winners of this dyeing competition were selected.

A gong sounded, and Shen Yuanzhu sat up slightly.

She watched as Lord Liang, holding a green-covered notebook, slowly walked up to the high platform.

"Ladies and gentlemen, after deliberation by the Ministry of Textile and Dyeing, the Imperial Clothing Administration, industry leaders, and scholars of the city, we have decided to select the following three businesses as the top three in this Dyeing Competition."

"Based on the standards of color quality, craftsmanship, and pattern harmony, Shenjia Dyehouse's 'Ice Tear Pattern' is now announced as the top of the three."

"Because of its outstanding quality, unique patterns, and the fact that it can be worn, used, embroidered, and cut, and that the dyeing process is simple and the price is reasonable, it truly combines the strengths of many and is therefore ranked first."

"After the 'Ice Tear Pattern,' we discussed that the 'Crown of Heroes' of Jixia Manor could be the runner-up..."

When she heard that she could only be the last in the top three, Shen Yuanzhu couldn't help but feel angry.

Although she was somewhat angry, she was also somewhat convinced.

If she really had to choose, she wouldn't be able to make a good decision among these three companies.

Each of the three schools has its own strengths, and they all attack different areas.

Before Shen Yuanzhu could calm her resentment, she heard Lord Liang announce the third place winner.

It was Lujinfang that, together with them, spearheaded the effort to subsidize impoverished businesses.

After listening, Shen Yuanzhu suddenly stood up.

Seeing this, Yuan Xu gave her a half-smile and remained silent.

Just as Shen Yuanzhu was about to question why the scale-patterned dyeing hadn't made it into the top three, Lord Liang added, "Furthermore, through a special selection by Chief Eunuch Li of the Imperial Wardrobe, the scale-patterned dyeing from Xiecui Workshop has been approved as this year's special tribute. Xiecui Workshop needs..."

Shen Yuanzhu didn't hear what was said after that.

She looked at Lord Liang on the stage, utterly astonished.

She actually sent her own fabric to the palace?

Special tribute to the inner court...

With this title, she doesn't need the mere title of champion of the Dyeing Competition!

A sweet smile spread across Shen Yuanzhu's face as she heard the sound of silver coins clattering into her arms.

She stood up and giggled foolishly, which made Xie Qi a little worried.

“Yuanzhu…”

Shen Yuanzhu turned around and pinched Xie Qi's arm: "Does it hurt?"

"..."

Xie Qi stared at her blankly, first nodding, then shaking his head.

Shen Yuanzhu's eyes were bright and her smile was radiant: "Husband, you look so handsome today, with clear features and a refined appearance."

Xie Qi pursed her lips, her face flushing: "You..."

Why is she always...always teasing him today?

After thinking for a moment, Xie Qi hesitantly leaned close to Chen Yuanzhu's ear and asked, "You...you...you've been thinking about it, haven't you?"

"..."

Shen Yuanzhu glared at him and then gently shoved him.

"I'm going home now, I have things to do."

"I also……"

Just as Xie Qi was saying he wanted to go home with her, someone from the Textile and Dyeing Bureau came looking for him, saying that Eunuch Yuan wanted to see him.

Shen Yuanzhu nudged him: "Go on, important business is more important."

Perfect timing, she'll be busy too!

Xie Qi was extremely reluctant to leave, and Shen Yuanzhu went directly to Xie Cui Fang.

Today she will organize every step of the scale-pattern dyeing process for the imperial court.

Thinking this, Shen Yuanzhu's steps became much lighter.

Xie Qi, however, went to see Yuan Xu with a flushed face.

When he pushed open the door, his face was still flushed. However, apart from Shen Yuanzhu, Xie Qi usually had a cold and stern expression in front of others, and he was never seen laughing or joking.

Upon meeting him, Yuan Xu smiled and said, "Your title of 'Outstanding Scholar' is truly remarkable. I intend to take you to the capital to compete for the title of Imperial Merchant this year, along with other textile and dyeing merchants there. What do you think?"

Upon hearing this, Xie Qi raised his eyes and asked, "When?"

Yuan Xu smiled and played with the jade thumb ring on his hand: "Let's set off today."

"today?"

Xie Qi was somewhat surprised, but Yuan Xu said, "Yes, it shouldn't be this rushed, but the Guan Qunying and Shen Yanhuai's Ice Tear Pattern, as well as the Scale Pattern Dye from Xie Cui Fang, are all truly outstanding, so I'm preparing to bring you and your fellow owners..."

Yuan Xu paused, a smile in his eyes, and pronounced the words "Master" with exceptional clarity: "Enter the capital immediately."