Chapter 17: Your Son-in-Law Is the Best in the World

Originally planning to rest for a couple more days to recover from his injuries, Yuan Shen ultimately decided to return that very day, even leading a team ahead of the main group. At this point, whether he was hurt or not no longer mattered; he only regretted wasting those two days. Wouldn’t it have been better to go home and heal rather than linger here?

Xie Benxing couldn’t persuade him otherwise. A man longing for his wife was impossible to restrain. In the end, he arranged for several dozen personal guards and a military doctor to accompany Yuan Shen for care.

“Is your wife really that important?”

Dust kicked up by hooves, Xie Benxing stood with hands on hips, puzzled, then glanced up at the sky. “Looks like I should get married too.”

On the day of the Rongcheng Brocade Contest, the morning sun bathed the earth. Rays of rosy light spread across the sky like thousands of shimmering silk fabrics, dazzling and radiant.

In front of the Great Mercy Temple, a grand stage had been erected, adorned with floral plaques and a red carpet. People holding bolts of brocade exchanged greetings, eagerly hoping to stand out today, to gain both fame and fortune henceforth.

“I think the Morning Brocade Workshop will win again this year. I saw the two pieces they showed at the silk market—there wasn’t a single flaw in the patterns or colors.”

“Thirty taels a bolt! My goodness, they must have earned a fortune.”

“Not so fast. The Zhang and Zhao Workshops also have fine brocades this year, but I heard Zhang’s was stolen. It’s hard to say how it will turn out…”

Everyone voiced their opinions. Someone even started a betting pool, drawing countless people to place wagers.

Dressed splendidly once more, Yan Chaonian was not only here to deliver brocade but also to admire the craftsmanship. True masters always emerged from the common folk; every year there were dark horses. Today was not just a contest but also the big day for workshops to compete for skilled weavers.

“Why do I look healthier than usual?”

Smoothing her hair before the mirror, Yan Chaonian couldn’t help but admire herself. Indeed, she looked much better. Her maid Shui Yun gently applied some hair oil. “Madam, you usually dress too plainly. You should take care to dress well every day. You look truly beautiful when you do.”

“Shui Yun speaks well.”

Yan’s mother entered smiling, noticing how much better Yan Chaonian looked and nodding approvingly. “When the inner gloom disappears, the complexion naturally improves. You’ll discover more benefits soon. Most illnesses in women come from repressing emotions. Letting that out brings health to body and mind.”

Yan Chaonian smiled, fastening a pair of earrings. “Honestly, I really do look a bit like I’m eighteen.”

“You have to thank my son-in-law for that.”

Yan’s mother believed that most of Yan Chaonian’s improved complexion was thanks to Yuan Shen—a husband who didn’t meddle in his wife’s affairs, never complained or showed disdain, and always returned home with a gentle demeanor. Such a husband could make a wife years younger.

“Yes, yes, your son-in-law is the best in the world.”

Yan Chaonian stood. “He should be back in a few days. Then I won’t be so attractive anymore.”

Her mother rolled her eyes and said, “From tomorrow on, you should dress up a little each day. Take care of yourself and don’t constantly worry about the brocade workshop’s affairs. Your two uncles can handle that.”

Yan’s mother supported her having her own pursuits but reminded her not to focus on them to the exclusion of everything else. After all, she was a wife and mother.

The sun climbed higher, dispersing the rosy glow, bathing the world in warm sunlight. The streets filled with more and more passersby, chatting and laughing as they made their way to the Great Mercy Temple.

At the Dingxing Inn, Jiang Wencheng, halfway recovered, was dressing. Cui Yong had managed to procure brocade clothing for both masters. Fortunately, Rongcheng was the city with the most variety of brocades, and ready-made garments were far cheaper here than in the capital.

Jiang Wencheng still looked pale. The day Yan Chaonian slapped him unconscious, he woke with a splitting headache and dizziness. It took him a long time to regain clarity, followed by intense fury.

How dare the Yan family?

Had she been hiding her true nature all these years, or had he known her too little? He didn’t realize she was so crude and fierce. If he weren’t away from the capital now, he would have locked her up to teach her a lesson. It was utterly outrageous.

Reflecting on his few days in Rongcheng, nothing had progressed as planned. Instead, he had become more embattled, which only fueled his frustration.

“Father, I…”

Since being beaten, Jiang Wencheng was less arrogant and had been kinder to his attendants. “Can I not go today? I want to study.”

He truly feared encountering that woman at the brocade contest. No one had ever struck him like that before, much less beaten his father so severely.

Even his mother had never hit his father like that. That woman was merciless.

Jiang Wencheng slightly turned his head. “Don’t use studying as an excuse. That reason doesn’t suit you.”

Neither father nor son dared to mention their shared beating. They pretended nothing had happened. Once arrangements were settled, Jiang Wencheng took Jiang Chongyuan downstairs. Today, he was to meet the head of the Morning Brocade Workshop again.

The Great Mercy Temple stood on West Main Street in Rongcheng, covering a vast area with a large square in front paved with smooth bluestone slabs.

On the raised platform, a long row of tables displayed brocade pieces. The judges assessed the textiles on stage, while commoners stood below, carefully examining the hanging portions.

They could look but not touch, and guards ensured no one had the chance to handle the fabrics.

The first to present brocades were small vendors, who knew their work was not top quality but wanted to try their luck.

“The warp and weft aren’t even clear, and the pattern’s muddled. Why not just buy a ready-made design?”

“This one’s more interesting—uneven density and loose threads.”

“This one’s fine, just too ordinary…”

Skilled eyes could tell good from bad without much effort. Bolt after bolt was presented and replaced, warming up the stage for the larger workshops to come.

“There really are some excellent pieces. Look at this one—a round flower lantern pattern. The difficulty is high, and the density is just right. Smooth and even. The craftsmanship is impressive.”

Li Chun, one of the judges, stepped forward eagerly. The piece before him was good. Though it had flaws, the weaver’s skill was already worthy of joining the Morning Brocade Workshop.

“Boss Li, I spotted this one first,” said the owner of the Zhao Brocade Workshop, smiling cheerfully. “The Morning Brocade Workshop is booming now with many weavers. Boss Li, don’t compete with me.”

“Boss Zhao, arguing here is pointless. It ultimately depends on the weaver’s choice.”

Hearing this exchange, a man in the crowd flushed with excitement. This was his sister’s work. She had trained hard at home for a long time, and finally, it was time to make big money.