Yunshang Duli

The prosperity of Linzhou Prefecture was due to the booming of Shenji Workshop and the coexistence of two top-notch cloth shops.

It has reached a new peak.

The former site of Huifeng Silk Shop is located in the middle section of East Street.

It has now been renamed "Jinyunzhuang".

Although it is no longer "Huifeng," its scale, grandeur, and the subtle aura of "Chenji" and "Prefect Chen" behind it still make it one of the top fabric shops in the prefectural city. The shop's interior is more elegant, featuring mid-to-high-end fabrics from Chenji Workshop, and taking on large orders from the prefectural government and local gentry.

Su Wan, the former "manager's wife", is now the true and capable head manager of "Jinyun Manor"!

She was dressed in a well-fitting, homemade brocade robe, her hair was neatly styled, and her makeup was exquisite.

The cautiousness and humility of the past have faded from his brow, replaced by a shrewd, capable, and confident demeanor.

She was already beautiful, but now she shines even brighter.

Standing behind the counter, he commanded with composure, dealing with wealthy customers from all sides, and making deals worth hundreds or even thousands of taels of silver with ease and wit.

The shop assistants treated her with utmost respect, and even merchants and officials in the prefecture had to address her politely as "Manager Su."

"Manager Su, the magistrate was very satisfied with the last batch of 'Black Armor Cloth' supplied to the government office! We need to order another five hundred bolts this time!"

The government procurement officer was all smiles.

"Sister Su, my mistress has taken a fancy to that 'Sky Blue After Rain' brocade cotton and wants to make a wedding dress for Miss. Do you think it would be possible to allocate two bolts to her first?"

A certain official's nanny affectionately held Su Wan's hand.

"Manager Su, I would like to place a long-term order for 'Xia Ying Xiao' from your estate. The price is negotiable!" A prominent merchant from a neighboring state handed over his visiting card.

Su Wan handled the situation calmly and appropriately.

She hadn't felt this feeling of being the center of attention since her mother passed away, and had almost forgotten it.

The humiliation, displacement, and dependence on others that I once experienced now seem like distant and vague nightmares.

She watched the numbers on the ledger climb steadily.

Looking at the mountains of precious fabrics piled up in the warehouse.

She felt a great sense of accomplishment, which made her even more confident.

At the busiest intersection of East Street, a brand-new, more magnificent three-story building has sprung up!

A huge plaque with black background and gold lettering hangs high.

The inscription above reads three elegant and graceful characters, yet they also convey a sense of noble character: "The Tale of Cloud Garments"!

The inscription at the bottom is the calligraphy of the veteran official Zhou Wenqing.

This was the promise Shen Yan fulfilled to his eldest daughter, Shen Wansu—

A top-tier fabric shop that belongs entirely to her and is independent of the "Yunshangji" system!

As her "dowry" and the starting point of her career!

"Yunshangji" is positioned at the very high end, focusing on producing only the finest of the finest.

First Floor: Showcasing Shenji Workshop's finest limited-edition fabrics. The shimmering, warm-to-the-touch "Heavenly Silk Brocade" surpasses even "Yun Brocade Cotton." Also featured are the gossamer-thin yet incredibly durable "Mermaid Silk," as well as a small selection of rare exotic fabrics imported from the Western Regions and the South China Sea. Each piece is displayed like a work of art in specially crafted glass cases, accompanied by dedicated guides.

The customers are all wealthy and influential, the environment is elegant, and there is absolutely no noisy rush to buy.

Second floor: Top-tier custom-made and embroidery workshops. It has gathered some of the most outstanding embroidery masters in Linzhou and even the Jiangnan region to oversee the work.

Reservations are accepted only; unique gowns are custom-made for our VIP guests.

Here, fabric is just the foundation; design and embroidery are the soul.

Third floor: The private office and reception area of ​​the owner, Shen Wansu.

The decor is elegant and refined, full of scholarly atmosphere, yet exuding a grand style.

The opening day was a grand occasion.

The city's elite, dignitaries, and wealthy merchants flocked to the scene, not so much to buy fabric, but to show their support and witness the rumored estate belonging to the eldest daughter of the Shen family. Shen Wansu, dressed in a moon-white brocade gown, possessed a serene and graceful demeanor. Accompanied by several key managers and Su Wan, who was temporarily seconded to assist her, she calmly dealt with the guests. Despite her young age, she already displayed the bearing of a true owner.

Shen Yan didn't show himself much, but watched from afar, his eyes full of satisfaction and pride.

Several days later, inside Jinyun Manor.

Su Wan was negotiating a large order for a blend of silk and cotton with several major clients in a harmonious atmosphere.

The waiter walked over quickly and whispered a few words in her ear.

Su Wan's smile faltered slightly before returning to normal, though a complex, cold glint flashed deep in her eyes.

"Please ask them to wait in the private room. I will be there shortly," Su Wan instructed, her tone calm and even.

Inside the elegant room sat a middle-aged man and woman, dressed in fine clothes, yet their weariness from a long journey was undeniable.

The man had a short beard, and his face still hinted at his youthful handsomeness, though his brows betrayed a businessman's shrewdness and a subtle anxiety. The woman was well-maintained and dressed in the finest clothes, but her eyes revealed a discerning and haughty air. They were Su Wan's father—Su Mingyuan, the second master of the Su family, the textile manufacturer in Jiangnan—and his wife.

Su Wan walked gracefully into the elegant room, a professional and perfectly timed smile on her face.

"I was unaware of your presence and have failed to greet you properly. I am Su Wan, the manager of Jinyun Manor. What kind of fabrics would you two like to see?"

Her tone was distant yet polite, as if she were addressing an ordinary, unfamiliar customer.

Su Mingyuan and Madam Wang were clearly taken aback when they saw Su Wan enter!

They could hardly believe their eyes!

The woman before me was elegant, shrewd, and capable, and was respectfully addressed as "Manager" by the staff.

Is she really that abandoned daughter whom her family considered a disgrace back then?!

"Wan...Wan'er?"

Su Mingyuan quickly came to his senses, exclaimed, and stood up abruptly.

Wang's eyes widened even more, and she forgot to wring out the handkerchief in her hand.

"You...you weren't a slave in Qingzhou?! How did you end up...here?!"

Su Wan's smile remained polite, but her eyes turned cold.

It carried a hint of barely perceptible sarcasm.

"This gentleman has mistaken me for someone else. I am Su Wan, the manager of Jinyun Manor, and I have no connection with the Su family of Jiangnan."

She emphasized the phrase "have no connection whatsoever".

Su Mingyuan's face turned pale.

He certainly understood the resoluteness and sarcasm in Su Wan's words!

When Su Wan was kidnapped by bandits, the Su family claimed that she had died of a sudden illness in order to protect their reputation and avoid any potential "stains".

It was done hastily!

Did they ever genuinely consider a rescue?

Last time, that Master Zhou wanted to marry him as his second wife, and he made a fool of himself again.

She was already dispensable in the eyes of her family, and she ruined this incredible stroke of luck.

Now, this daughter, abandoned by her family and regarded as a disgrace.

He actually became the famous manager of "Jinyun Manor," renowned throughout the north and even in the south!

They control the highest quality sources of goods for Chenji Workshop!

A huge sense of loss and intense regret welled up inside me, but even more so, I was filled with a desire for immediate gains!

The Jiangnan textile industry has recently been severely impacted by Shen Ji's "Yunjin Cotton" and "Xiaying Silk," and urgently needs to find a breakthrough.

They learned that Jinyun Manor was an important window for Shenji in Linzhou.

The shopkeeper's surname was Su, but no one expected that... he would be Su Wan!

"Wan'er...it's...it's Father!"

Su Mingyuan suppressed the turmoil in his heart, forced a smile, and tried to appeal to family ties.

"Back then...back then the family was wrong! You suffered so much! Seeing you so successful now, your father...your father is so happy!"

Wang also quickly forced a smile, with a hint of ingratiation.

Su Wan sneered inwardly!

He remained outwardly calm: "Sir, you jest. The past is past, no need to dwell on it. You two have come from afar, presumably for the fabrics from Jinyun Manor? Which one has caught your eye?"

Seeing that Su Wan was unmoved by his words, Su Mingyuan had no choice but to awkwardly abandon his emotional appeal.

He said awkwardly, "It's...it's like this. I've heard that your 'Heavenly Silk Brocade' and 'Sunset Gauze' are the finest of their time, hard to find in Jiangnan. My father...oh, Old Master Su, is very fond of them and would like to...order a batch. I wonder if Manager Su could do me a favor? The price...is negotiable!"

He adopted an extremely humble posture.

The pent-up frustration in Su Wan's heart, which had been suppressed for many years, surged like a volcano!

Back then, she was first abandoned by her family like trash, and then humiliated!

Now, these high and mighty "family members" have to humbly beg her, the "abandoned child" and "manager"!

She did not answer immediately, but gracefully walked to the head seat and sat down.

He picked up the fragrant tea served by the waiter, slowly blew away the foam, and moved with unhurried ease.

Su Mingyuan and Wang could only stand there, waiting awkwardly and anxiously.

After a moment, Su Wan put down her teacup, looked up at them, her face still bearing that professional smile, but her eyes were sharp as knives.

"'Heavenly Silkworm Brocade' is the prized possession of my Jinyun Manor. Production is limited, and it is currently only supplied to a few princes and high-ranking officials in the capital. I appreciate Old Master Su's kindness, but... I really can't help you."

Su Mingyuan and Madam Wang's faces turned deathly pale instantly!

A prince? A high-ranking official?

Although the Su family is extremely wealthy, what does it amount to in the face of true power and wealth?

Su Wan's words were tantamount to slapping them hard across the face!

This clearly illustrates the vast difference in status between the two of them today!

"As for 'Xia Ying Xiao'..." Su Wan paused deliberately, looking at the renewed hope in their eyes, and then parted her red lips to utter cold words, "There are still some quotas available. However... full payment is required in advance, and you'll have to wait in line. The shortest... wait will be three months. Moreover, the price is twice the market price."

She quoted an astonishingly high price!

"Two...two times?!" Wang screamed, her face contorted in shock.

Su Mingyuan's vision blurred, and he trembled with rage: "Su Wan! You...you're trying to extort money! You're settling a personal score!"

The smile on Su Wan's face vanished completely.

Instead, it was replaced by a cold and powerful aura.

She slowly stood up and looked down at her father and stepmother, who had once treated her like dirt.

The sound was clear and cold, like ice falling to the ground.

"Master Su, Madam Su. This is Jinyun Manor, and I am the manager. I set the rules. I set the prices. If you're buying, then follow my rules. If you're not buying..." She turned slightly to the side, gesturing for them to leave, "The door is over there, so I won't see you off."

"you…!"

Su Mingyuan was so angry he almost fainted, and his hand was trembling as he pointed at Su Wan.

Wang was both angry and frightened, and her face turned pale.

Su Wan stopped looking at them and turned to give instructions to the waiter waiting outside the door.

"Show the guests out. Pass down the word that all orders placed with the Su family in Jiangnan, regardless of size, will be postponed and settled at the highest market price."

Her voice wasn't loud, but it reached Su Mingyuan and his wife's ears clearly, like a final verdict.

Watching Mr. and Mrs. Su leave the private room in a disheveled and ashen-faced state, under the waiter's "polite" invitation.

Su Wan felt an unprecedented surge of pleasure rush to the top of her head!

The humiliation, resentment, and hatred that had been building up for years were finally released in the most exhilarating way!

She walked to the window and watched the two figures flee Jinyun Manor like stray dogs, a smile curving her lips.

Awesome! So awesome!

This feeling of controlling others' lives and deaths or businesses, trampling her former high and mighty "family" underfoot, and making them taste the bitterness of unfulfilled desires and humiliation! This ultimate pleasure brought by her own abilities, status, and the power bestowed upon her by the Shen family was more intoxicating and captivating than earning mountains of gold and silver!

She, Su Wan, is no longer the weak woman who was bullied by everyone; she is the head manager of Jinyun Manor!

She was someone even the Su family, the textile manufacturing family of Jiangnan, had to defer to!

Jinyun Manor remained bustling with activity.

Su Wan turned around, her face once again displaying a perfect professional smile, to greet the next distinguished guest.

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