Love Lock

Chapter 162: Making a Settlement

In May, the capital city is filled with the fragrance of locust blossoms, making it the most pleasant time of year.

On the morning of May 22nd, Zhuque Street was already bustling with people. A magnificent three-story building was decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers, and the three gilded characters "Jinxiufang" on the vermilion plaque shone brightly in the morning sun.

Four life-sized sandalwood mannequins stand on either side of the shop. Two men are dressed in uniquely tailored stand-up collar long gowns, while two women are dressed in modern, civilized outfits with slanted cheongsams and tops and skirts, attracting passersby to stop and admire them.

This time, since Han Lei was in the capital, she put a lot of effort into decorating Jinxiufang.

Jinxiufang has a large storefront, and once it's decorated, it will look like a modern, high-end clothing mall.

The first floor of Jinxiufang mainly sells ready-made clothing. Han Lei chose clothing with a style reminiscent of the Republic of China era.

Whether it's men's or women's clothing, the style of the Republic of China era is easily accepted by people of that time, unlike modern clothing which is too avant-garde.

The second floor of Jinxiufang mainly sells high-quality fabrics and accessories for private customization.

These fabrics were not limited to the silks and cloths available in that era, but also included polyester, blends, chiffon, georgette, voile, lace, and so on.

Han Lei asked Yang Haibo to recruit several skilled embroiderers and train them in the backyard of the Mandarin Duck Hairpin workshop.

Making clothes is one of the strengths of the fashion show models. After Han Lei bought sewing machines, overlock machines, charcoal irons and other tools from the system and taught them how to use them, they became even more adept at sewing.

If you like the style of the clothes on the first floor, but the size and fabric are not suitable, you can buy the fabric separately on the second floor and have the tailor sew them according to the style.

Of course, the price would be higher then.

With a series of crisp firecracker sounds, the gilded bronze gate slowly opened.

On the first floor, dozens of outfits were displayed in a well-organized manner, including men's crisp stand-up collar Zhongshan suits and women's elegant three-quarter sleeve dresses.

Each garment has a sandalwood plaque hanging next to it, with the name "moon white silk long gown" and "lotus root color silk cheongsam" written in tiny characters.

The most ingenious thing was the full-length mirrors standing on the doors of the dressing rooms, which reflected every detail of the person, causing the shop assistants to cover their mouths and exclaim in surprise.

Ascend the carved staircase to the second floor, and you are greeted by a dazzling sea of ​​silk.

On the east side, sandalwood shelves hung soft gauze from Suzhou and Hangzhou, and cloud-patterned brocade from Sichuan, while on the west side, glass cabinets displayed materials never before seen.

The sheer chiffon fabric trembled gently in the wind, while the polyester with its fine, subtle patterns shimmered with a pearly sheen.

Several embroiderers were working diligently at a row of counters along the wall, their gold threads tracing shimmering paths under the illumination of solar-powered lights.

A bamboo curtain hangs at the entrance on the third floor, dividing the space in two.

In the women's section, behind a plain gauze screen, various kinds of underwear were displayed. The underwear on the sandalwood mannequins, with its body-hugging cut, made several ladies' ears burn.

The men's section features crisp cotton shirts, with hidden buttons on the collars and cuffs.

Even more amazing is that dozens of solar-powered lights are suspended from the ceiling, combining cool and warm light to make the novel clothes look bright and beautiful.

In the corner of each floor, there are several gilded boxes that emit fragrant mist, and the elegant scent of jasmine permeates the entire hall, adding a touch of dreaminess to this magnificent world.

At this moment, outside the gate of Jinxiufang, Wei Chengchao, dressed in a brand-new lake-blue brocade robe with jade pendants jingling at his waist, greeted a steady stream of guests.

But unlike last time, when Wei Chengchao stood at the door with a bitter and resentful look, this time, a genuine smile appeared on his face.

Although he still forced the owner to accept the listing by using the antidote, the success of the Mandarin Duck Hairpin and the Drunken Immortal Wine brought him a taste of sweetness.

In just two months, he transformed himself from a notorious and wicked playboy into a celebrity in Beijing's business circles.

Of course, he also became a role model for his group of cronies, and even Prime Minister Wei and his wife praised him for his success.

"Congratulations, Young Master Wei! The grandeur of this Brocade Embroidery Workshop is even more impressive than the last time with the Mandarin Duck Hairpin!"

The son of the Vice Minister of Rites offered his congratulations while waving a gold-flecked folding fan, but his eyes kept drifting towards the shop.

Wei Chengchao returned the greeting with a cupped-hand salute, his eyes crinkling with smugness.

"You flatter me, you flatter me. I've prepared fine wine today, and I'm sure I'll drink three cups with you!"

As they were talking, Wei Chengchao caught a glimpse of Emperor Jing arriving as promised, and quickly straightened his clothes to greet him.

Although Emperor Jing was dressed in ordinary clothes today, with a jade pendant hanging at his waist, his every move exuded the air of an emperor.

Prime Minister Wei followed half a step behind. When he saw his son coming over, he was about to bow, but Emperor Jing raised his hand to stop him.

"Today, I am merely traveling incognito to join in the fun; there's no need for formalities."

Although Emperor Jing said this, Wei Chengchao remembered his father's instructions to be careful with his words and actions in front of His Majesty, so he dared not be careless and still bowed deeply.

"It is truly a great blessing for Jinxiu Workshop that His Majesty has graced us with his presence."

After saying that, Wei Chengchao respectfully led the two of them to the VIP seats.

The ceramic vases along the way held freshly picked peonies still covered in morning dew, their fragrance wafting through the air, and one could faintly hear the sound of musicians tuning their instruments.

A temporary catwalk was set up outside the gate to showcase and perform clothing.

In ancient times, wealthy families had a custom of inviting opera troupes to perform and add to the festivities when they held happy occasions.

Therefore, the onlookers all assumed the catwalk was a stage for a performance and didn't take it to heart.

By this time, both sides of the runway were already packed, including the champion Hou family.

Seeing Wei Chengchao lead Emperor Jing to his seat, everyone stood up to pay their respects, but Emperor Jing gently gestured for everyone to sit down.

"I've come to offer my congratulations as well, so please don't stand on ceremony. Please sit down!"

As soon as Emperor Jing finished speaking, a rapid drumbeat suddenly rang out from the stage. But it wasn't the traditional opera drumming; instead, it was a wonderfully lively and rhythmic melody.

"What...what kind of musical instrument is this?"

Cao Xiong's wife, Madam Lin, trembled as a few drops of tea splashed onto the hem of her embroidered skirt.

She had never heard such a beautiful melody before, and it seemed as if her whole being relaxed was soothed by the music.

On the catwalk, instead of familiar opera performers, eight young men and women walked out in a row, their steps peculiar to the beat of drums.

The men wore well-tailored, high-necked long gowns, looking as handsome as pine trees.

Some of the women wore modified cheongsams, with slits in the skirts revealing glimpses of their legs clad in stockings. Others wore modern-style dresses with tops and skirts, holding round fans and swaying gracefully like willows.

The men, dressed in stand-up collar Zhongshan suits, stood tall and handsome like pine trees, while the women, in cheongsams or formal attire, held round fans and swayed gracefully like willows.

"Oh!"

Several ladies covered their eyes with their fans, but couldn't help peeking through the gaps in the fan ribs.

"How dignified! How dignified!"

The Vice Minister of Rites, Lord Zhou, slammed his hand on the table and stood up, pointing his folding fan at the woman walking gracefully on the stage, and scolded, "How can a woman expose her skin in public like this..."

Before Lord Zhou could finish speaking, the female model walking at the front was wearing a light purple cheongsam with delicate intertwined floral patterns embroidered on the lapel, and the slit design made her slender legs appear and disappear.

The female model walked right up to Lord Zhou, then suddenly stopped, put one hand on her hip, and gently touched her hair with the other, giving Lord Zhou a playful turn.

"This this……"

Lord Zhou's folding fan stopped in mid-air, his eyes wide with anger, and his beard bristled.

He was the Vice Minister of Rites, and he valued etiquette above all else. How could he tolerate a woman directly approaching him and flirting with him?
Emperor Jing almost burst out laughing. Although he also felt that the women's clothes were revealing and indecent.

But for some reason, he just couldn't take his eyes off it.

He even fantasized about his concubines dancing gracefully in the imperial garden every day, dressed in such eye-catching gowns…

Wow! That feeling... (omitted).

He even felt that Lord Zhou was making a mountain out of a molehill and was too old-fashioned.

"Father, the embroidery on that dress is so exquisite! I wish I could wear a dress like that too."

Miss Cao, Cao Xiong's daughter, quietly tugged at her father's sleeve, her eyes gleaming with an unusual light.

Madam Lin snorted coldly: "Indecent! That skirt is ripped all the way up to her thigh, and she still dares to wear it out. It's simply... simply..."

Even so, Lin's gaze remained fixed on the exquisite and slender waist of the cheongsam.

The male models on stage were equally impressive, wearing a mix of modernized Zhongshan suits and traditional long gowns, combining Western-style sharp lines with Eastern elegance.

A male model wearing round-framed glasses walked to the front of the stage, suddenly took off his hat, and gave a Western-style bow to the audience, which made several ladies cover their mouths and giggle.

"Look at that handbag! It's so pretty!" Madam Liu, the wife of Lord Zhou, suddenly pointed to a small bag in a mannequin's hand.

“Those shoes are truly beautiful!” another lady chimed in. “They allow you to walk steadily on tiptoe, and they match that dress perfectly.”

The younger generation reacted more directly, with one wealthy young man staring wide-eyed.

“Uncle, these clothes are much more smart than our court robes! Look at that dark blue one, if you wore it hunting…”

"Shut up!"

Although his uncle scolded him, he couldn't help but glance at the hunting-style coat a few more times.

The models kept changing formations, and one after another, novel and beautiful outfits appeared on the catwalk. As the performance progressed, the initial criticisms gradually subsided.

In this May, when the locust blossoms are in full bloom, the worldview of this group of traditional ancient nobles is subtly opened by a few pieces of clothing from the Republic of China era.

When the last model appeared in a gown that combined cloud patterns with geometric designs, even the most conservative Lord Zhou couldn't help but click his tongue in admiration.

"Actually... it's not entirely without merit."

Emperor Jing stroked his chin, cleared his throat, and turned to look at Chancellor Wei beside him.

"Prime Minister, what do you think of that crimson robe?" Prime Minister Wei immediately understood and nodded respectfully, "Your Majesty has excellent taste. This old minister will have my son choose a suitable one and send it to Your Majesty in the palace later."

Seeing that the emperor had already taken action, Madam Lin, the wife of the Vice Minister of Rites, quickly turned around and whispered instructions to the maid behind her.

"Go and ask how much that lotus-colored cheongsam costs. I want it."

On the catwalk, just as Lin's maid had left after receiving her orders, someone stood up on the other side.

"Wonderful!"

Suddenly, the Marquis's wife slammed her hand on the table and stood up, the jade bracelet on her wrist clinking against the table.

"This dress even makes a maid look like a lady from a noble family!"

She turned around and grabbed Yang Haibo, who was busy and sweating, "Prepare ten different apricot-yellow shirts for my princess, the third one from just now!"

She heard Wei Chengchao say that the models performing on stage today were all maids and servants from the mansion.

Those beautiful clothes make even servants look radiant; if these noble ladies wore them, the effect would surely be even more breathtaking.

Seeing the Marquis's wife's extravagant spending, the daughter of a salt merchant at the next table was so anxious that she stomped her feet.

"Manager Yang! We saw that Tian Shui Bi set first!"

As she spoke, she had her maid bring out a whole box of silver notes. Tang Xiaotong, who was keeping accounts nearby, paused with her wolf-hair brush, and the ink smeared a large blotch on the rice paper.

In no time, the VIPs began placing orders in a rush, some for custom orders and others for on-the-spot purchases. Yang Haibo and Tang Xiaotong were quickly overwhelmed with orders, their feet barely touching the ground.

Princess Chang Le was the first to place the order. Her birthday banquet was in three days, and she couldn't wait to wear all those beautiful and novel clothes.

She wanted to be the brightest star at her birthday party, the focus of all the young talents present.

The wife of the Marquis of Champion was eager to pay for Princess Chang Le's money, hoping that Princess Chang Le could dress herself up nicely so that she could promote her during the birthday banquet.

Today, out of respect for Prime Minister Wei, almost all the high-ranking officials, wealthy merchants, and celebrities in the capital have come to show their support. Even Zhao Qiao'er and her husband are among the guests.

Lin Yuanshan sat in the corner, slowly sipping his tea.

His gaze remained fixed on the style and fabric of the clothes worn by the models on the runway.

He spun the teacup three times in his palm, then glanced at Wei Chengchao, who was chatting and laughing with someone. He thought to himself that he would talk to Wei Chengchao after he got off the teacup and buy some goods from him to sell in his own shop.

But Zhao Qiao'er's face was so gloomy it looked like it could be wrung out of water.

The clothes and fabrics displayed on the runway were far superior to those from their Lin's Cloth Shop.

If Jinxiufang continues to operate like this, their Linji Cloth Shop will go bankrupt sooner or later. Just thinking about it made Zhao Qiao'er's heart sink little by little.

While others went up to congratulate Wei Chengchao and Yang Haibo, she remained seated with a sullen face, not moving an inch.

Just by looking at the handkerchiefs that were almost wrung out in her hands, you could tell what she was thinking.

Besides Zhao Qiao'er, Emperor Jing also harbored different thoughts.

Watching the people of Xichang generously open their wallets and scramble to place orders, Emperor Jing began to secretly make his own plans.

Wei Chengchao's shop has been so grand and successful that he must have made a fortune, probably even more than his personal treasury.

He was scheming about how to get involved in Wei Chengchao's business and get a share of the profits.

Prime Minister Wei stared at the packed shop entrance, so much so that he forgot to stroke his beard.

"Chao'er, these clothes..."

"Don't worry, Father," Wei Chengchao said in a low voice. "Every garment has a hidden profit margin of three times the cost. Let them scramble for it! That's called scarcity marketing."

Scarcity marketing?

Prime Minister Wei didn't know that this was a word his son had learned from Da Jiu, but he thought it made a lot of sense, so he nodded to himself.

As the father and son were talking, they suddenly saw Emperor Jing beckoning. Wei Chengchao quickly ran over, only to hear Emperor Jing speak with a half-smile.

"Young Master Wei, your business acumen is even more astute than those old scholars in the Ministry of Revenue. Young Master Wei, I'm quite impressed with your business..."

Emperor Jing wanted to get to the point, but before he could finish speaking, he was interrupted by the sounds of several women scrambling to buy goods.

"Young Master Wei, I want the light blue one, please write it down for me."

"Young Master Wei, do you think I can wear a cheongsam?"

"I was here first, I was here first."

A group of women swarmed over and chattered incessantly around Wei Chengchao. Wei Chengchao was overwhelmed and had no choice but to apologize to Emperor Jing.

"Your Majesty, please forgive me, but look at this..."

"It's alright, you go ahead and get busy!" Emperor Jing chuckled and said.

Wei Chengchao felt like he had been granted a pardon and quickly led the women away to find Yang Haibo and Tang Xiaotong.

He wasn't stupid; he had already figured out that Emperor Jing was tempted by the lucrative business of Jinxiufang after seeing how profitable it was.

If he didn't run faster and Emperor Jing succeeded, it would be no different from outright robbery.

The opening ceremony and fashion show of Jinxiufang were unprecedentedly grand. In addition to the invited dignitaries, many onlookers gathered to watch the spectacle, and even the wide streets were almost blocked.

The Turkic delegation's convoy slowly entered the city gate. The Akhal-Teke horse at the front of the procession snorted impatiently, and the Turkic warriors on horseback vigilantly surveyed their surroundings.

The wheels rolled over the bluestone pavement, making a dull sound.

As the motorcade approached Jinxiufang, a cheerful sound of string and wind instruments suddenly came from the street.

The crowd of onlookers blocked the road like a tide, forcing the convoy to stop.

Princess Yujia was resting against the animal skin when she heard cheers coming from outside the carriage. She lifted the curtain embroidered with gold thread, and the bustling streets of the capital city slowly unfolded before her eyes like a scroll painting.

Shops lined both sides of the street, their vermilion signs swaying gently in the wind.

On a high platform in the distance, models dressed in fine silk and satin are walking gracefully.

The gossamer-thin gauze and the shimmering embroidery seemed to be edged with gold in the sunlight.

The noblewomen in the audience waved their round fans, and the hair ornaments in their hair trembled gently with their exclamations of praise.

Princess Yujia unconsciously gripped the carriage curtain tightly. The bustling scene on the street, the beautiful clothes on the distant catwalk, and the lively atmosphere captivated her.

This was her first time leaving the Turkic steppe, and she was filled with a myriad of emotions.

No wonder the Turks have always wanted to attack and plunder the Great Jing. Look at those people surrounding it; they are all wealthy-looking and dressed in fine clothes.

The capital city appears so prosperous, and the people live a leisurely and comfortable life. Unlike the Turkic steppe, where resources are scarce and life is harsh.

She looked down at her princess robe again and couldn't help but sigh.

Because she was a princess, she dressed quite lavishly, but her people did not. Some of them had never even worn decent clothes except for animal skins.

Princess Yujia's sadness over the marriage alliance gradually faded, replaced by anticipation.

Now, she hopes to stay in Dajing and that her marriage will bring her people some looms, cloth, and food.

The thought of a marriage alliance brought Zhao Zun's name back into her mind for some reason.

She hoped to meet Zhao Zun before marrying into the palace, so as to put an end to the love she longed for.

However, she was unaware that she had already met Zhao Zun in Beiguan, but they had missed each other due to a lack of recognition.

After the fashion show on the runway ended, the onlookers and passersby began to enter the Jinxiufang store to browse and make purchases.

The crowds on the streets gradually shifted into Jinxiufang, and the flow of people on the streets eased somewhat, allowing the Turkic delegation's convoy to slowly move forward.

Emperor Jing frowned as he looked at the overcrowded Jinxiufang.

The brothel was already packed with elegantly dressed guests, and waiters were moving about carrying trays full of snacks.

Yang Haibo and Tang Xiaotong were extremely busy behind the counter, with banknotes and gleaming silver ingots already piling up across half the counter.

Emperor Jing wanted to go inside for a stroll, but it seemed there wasn't even a place to put his feet.

Moreover, he worried that with so many people, his bodyguards wouldn't be able to protect him.

After thinking it over, he still returned directly to the palace accompanied by Prime Minister Wei.

In a private room of a teahouse on the second floor across the street, Han Lei, dressed as a wealthy and plump young master, sat by the window, gently waving a folding fan in her hand.

Da Jiu poured her a cup of fine Longjing tea: "Miss, the Turkic caravan has already left."

Han Lei squinted, her gaze following the ornately decorated motorcade.

"The 200,000-strong Turkic army was forced to retreat. If I'm not mistaken, it must have been a Turkic delegation that came to sue for peace."

As Han Lei spoke, she suddenly pointed to the window with the tip of her fan, "See? Zhao Qiao'er's face is practically dragging on the floor."

Da Jiu looked in that direction and saw Zhao Qiao'er clutching her embroidered handkerchief tightly, her knuckles turning white. Her husband was whispering something beside her, but she silenced him with a glare from her.

"Those dignitaries have all gone inside. Da Jiu, it's time for us to get to work."

Han Lei straightened her clothes, drank the tea in her cup in one gulp, stood up and walked towards the stairs, the jade pendant at her waist jingling as it swayed.

"okay!"

Da Jiu responded crisply and followed Han Lei's footsteps with an excited expression.

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