Chapter 40 Hongluan's clothes are missing
The clothes made by the top-notch embroiderers are naturally extraordinary.
Both the pattern and the embroidery are top-notch.
Of Zhou Xiuniang's three outfits, the one everyone liked the most was the "Golden Autumn" dress, which was made in a golden hue.
Just like its name suggests, it uses the golden yellow color that represents the harvest of autumn, making it dignified, elegant, beautiful and outstanding.
Although it may not be as eye-catching as those brightly colored dresses at first glance, it is inexplicably intellectual and elegant.
In particular, it also has both heat preservation and heat dissipation functions.
There is a lining inside the skirt, which can be put on when it is cold in the morning and evening and taken off when it is hot at noon. The shawl is also made in a style that allows you to choose the length. When folded, it is a warm short version, and when unfolded, it is a light and breathable long version.
The skirt is embroidered with large, golden-red ears of wheat, a novel and unique design that perfectly matches the autumn theme.
Moreover, those ears of wheat were plump and full, and you could almost smell their fragrance just by looking at them.
One can imagine that if the emperor saw her wearing this dress to a banquet, he would definitely be very impressed.
When Yu Zhiyi saw the dress, she raised an eyebrow and glanced at the door not far away, but said nothing.
However, Hongluan behind the door mouthed, "Watch me!"
Yu Zhiyi subtly tapped her chin, picked up some melon seeds from the table, and started cracking them open, preparing to watch the show.
Du Ziheng: "..."
As the embroiderer with the best memory in Jinxiulou, and also the embroiderer who usually makes the most popular clothes in the city, Zhou Xiuniang's appearance caused the noble ladies in the room to change their expressions. They all put in their best effort to snatch her clothes!
Especially that "Golden Autumn" dress.
Every time Zhou Xiuniang's clothes appeared, a fierce battle would break out at Jinxiu Pavilion, as if some rare treasure had appeared at an auction.
For the ladies present, a beautiful dress that would make them stand out from the crowd was worth every means to obtain.
After Zhou Xiuniang finished displaying her clothes, it was Hongluan's turn.
Hongluan and her three girls, who were in charge of showcasing the clothes, went on stage in ordinary Jinxiuge uniforms, and then spread their hands: "My embroidery is lost."
The top embroiderers will go to great lengths to prepare for the monthly viewing banquet.
Furthermore, to prevent others from stealing their ideas, they do not allow outsiders to observe the production of these three garments. Only their apprentices are qualified to participate, but even then, they only help out by taking measurements and cutting fabric.
Therefore, under normal circumstances, no one knows the progress of others or the style of the clothes they are making.
Upon hearing Hongluan's words, someone who disliked her immediately sneered, "Hongluan, you didn't do it at all because you've run out of ideas, did you?"
Hong Gu was also bewildered by this sudden change: "Hong Luan, what's going on?"
Hongluan looked at Zhou Xiuniang: "What else could it be? Someone just doesn't like me and stole all the clothes I made."
Although she did not name names, her gaze was so direct that everyone could easily see her unspoken message.
Zhou Xiuniang, a seemingly gentle middle-aged woman, instantly reddened her eyes: "Miss Hongluan, I didn't! How could you frame me like this..."
Bai Tian'er also said with a weak expression, "Sister Hongluan, I know you've always been jealous that my mother is the best embroiderer in the brothel, but you can't ruin my mother's reputation and future in such a vicious way!"
“I lost my father at a young age. My mother worked hard to support our whole family. All the money she earned went to treating my grandparents’ illnesses and also to support my maternal grandparents’ families. She…she has already suffered enough. Please, don’t hurt her anymore!”
Everyone present was familiar with Zhou Xiuniang, after all, she was skillful and her dresses were novel and beautiful, always making the ladies who bought them easily become the focus of attention.
Many people have a good impression of her.
As for Hongluan, although she had also made clothes that were popular all over the city, she was still a newcomer and had an arrogant and domineering appearance, so people unconsciously sided with Zhou Xiuniang.
Immediately, some people criticized Hongluan for trying to attract attention.
Some people have conspiracy theories, believing that Hongluan couldn't deliver the clothes because she couldn't make them, and that she wanted to ruin Zhou Xiuniang in this vicious way because she was jealous of her.
Hongluan looked furious: "How...how could you side with this thief? These really are the clothes I made!"
"Who would believe that?" a noblewoman blurted out. "Don't let it affect our upcoming auction."
Hong Gu frowned: "Please wait a moment, everyone. Allow me to report this matter to the owner for a thorough investigation. Jinxiu Pavilion will certainly give you all an explanation."
Suddenly, Yu Jiaojiao exclaimed, "I remember now, sister, don't you know Miss Hongluan?!"
Yu Zhiyi: "...So what?"
Her lack of denial was tantamount to an open admission.
Yu Jiaojiao was excited inside, but on the surface she looked worried: "Miss Hongluan has a problem with her character for framing others like this. You should keep your distance from her in the future."
Yu Zhiyi gently stirred the tea leaves in her teacup with the lid and said casually, "You're even more capable than the Prefect of Jingzhao Prefecture? You can make judgments directly without needing to find evidence or conduct trials?"
Yu Jiaojiao's expression changed: "I didn't mean it that way, it's just..."
"Alright." Yu Zhiyi put down her teacup. "The aroma of tea in this room is already strong enough, so don't brew any more. Let's wait for the Prefect of Jingzhao Prefecture to arrive before making a decision."
Zhou Xiuniang's expression changed, and she was about to speak.
Yu Jiaojiao said, "There's no need for that. Zhou Xiuniang has been famous for a long time. What reason would she have to steal a newcomer's embroidery?"
Xuanji looked at Hong Gu: "In my opinion, it would be better for Hong Gu to punish the people in your building properly. As for the viewing banquet... let's continue, don't spoil everyone's fun."
Yu Zhiyi pursed her lips, and after a long while, she finally spoke, seemingly resentful: "Whatever makes you happy."
Then he looked at Hongluan and said, "Since you don't have any exhibits left, why don't you come and sit with us?"
Hongluan glared at Zhou Xiuniang, then casually pulled up a stool and sat down next to Yu Zhiyi.
Du Ziheng, who was ignored: "&"
Although everyone had objections to Hongluan's arrival, Du Ziheng, the only son of the Prime Minister's family, didn't say anything about driving her away.
Yu Jiaojiao, unusually, didn't act foolishly anymore; she was currently immersed in the joy of victory.
A hint of unease flashed across Zhou Xiuniang's eyes, but she calmed down after seeing her daughter's reassuring gaze.
Everything went very smoothly.
No problem.
There won't be any problems.
For some reason, she just couldn't calm herself down completely.
According to the procedure, the next step after the demonstration is the purchase stage.
The so-called purchase, like an auction, involves the building setting a reserve price, and then the VIP guest makes a bid, with the highest bidder winning.
Originally, a total of eighteen pieces of clothing were to be displayed and sold today, but because Hongluan's clothes were stolen, there are only fifteen sets available now.
The starting price for each dress is three thousand taels.
In the end, five dresses were auctioned off for 3,800 taels of silver, three dresses for 4,500 taels of silver, three dresses for 5,100 taels of silver, two dresses for 6,500 taels of silver, one dress for 7,800 taels of silver, and one dress for 11,000 taels of silver.
The dress that cost 11,000 taels was "Golden Autumn".
It was Yu Jiaojiao who swept away the autumn chill.
Yu Zhiyi then had Du Ziheng bid on a dress called "Red Maple," which was the second most expensive one.
At that moment, Yu Jiaojiao was lovingly stroking the golden wheat ears on her dress, looking at Yu Zhiyi with a sweet smile: "Auntie loves collecting beautiful dresses the most. When I send this dress to the palace, Auntie will surely be delighted."
Yu Zhiyi sighed softly: "If you don't want your aunt to hold a grudge, you'd better not do such a stupid thing."
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