Chapter 18: We're Not That Close

Although the brocades produced by independent weavers were uneven in quality, there was no shortage of eye-catching pieces. While there were no top-tier master weavers among them, many possessed decent skills. Consequently, the time before the arrival of the officials from the Brocade Administration Bureau belonged to the established brocade workshops and these independent weavers.

The Chaojin Workshop was the first to achieve a successful start, with Second Manager Li Xia being the first to secure an excellent embroiderer. Once another standout weaver appeared, Li Xia stepped back two paces, allowing other workshops to step forward and extend an invitation. This was an unspoken understanding among the various workshops, and none dared to easily disrupt such a balance.

"I fear this is how it will be for this year; it is difficult for independent weavers to produce high-quality work," someone remarked.

Half an hour had passed, and while every brocade workshop present had made some gains, no piece worthy of being called "top-grade" had appeared, leaving everyone feeling somewhat disappointed.

"It is inevitable. All the good weavers have been snatched up by those large workshops; it is truly hard for the independent ones."

"That is the truth. I heard that the new looms at the Chaojin Workshop have eighty heddles, and Boss Zhang of the Zhang Family Brocade Workshop has even started having people study a 120-heddle loom. With their superior looms, skilled weavers, and the finest silk threads, how can the independent weavers possibly compete?"

"Not to mention, most of them do not even possess the design patterns. The vast majority do not know how to calculate the warp and weft. Sigh..."

The onlookers sighed with emotion, showing little interest in the brocades still held by the independent weavers who had yet to take the stage.

Two more incense sticks of time passed, and the brocades from the independent weavers had mostly been viewed. No fewer than twenty weavers on-site accepted invitations from the large workshops on the spot. For them, joining a large workshop not only guaranteed a stable and substantial income but also provided opportunities to learn more advanced skills, ensuring their future.

The government officials arrived right on schedule. Because Magistrate Wen was away inspecting the spring plowing in the lower towns, those who came today were the officials from the Brocade Administration Bureau under the Prefectural Office—a group of over a dozen people. Several individuals with significant renown in the field of brocade weaving had also been invited, among them Lady Qin, whom Yan Chaonian had met not long ago.

Jiang Wencheng and his son also arrived. Adhering to the principle of not causing offense, the secretary of the Prefectural Office had specially reserved two seats for them, which was considered giving them face.

Li Xia recognized him almost instantly—the man who had made a fool of himself at the trade fair. A trace of annoyance flashed in her eyes; she thought that wealthy people truly had a resilient constitution. Had she known, she would have doused him with a bucket of cold water. To think he had recovered so quickly and even dared to come here. What would happen if he recognized Niannian later?

Unfortunately, it was too late for regrets.

With the arrival of these dignitaries, the Brocade Competition officially entered its most intense phase. Representatives from each workshop sat nervously below, protecting the brocades they had entered for evaluation. According to the rules, each workshop could submit two bolts of brocade. Three workshops that drew the same lot would present their brocades together; the judges would mark them, and then everyone present would examine them to determine the quality. Finally, three pieces would be selected to advance to the next round.

Jiang Wencheng had no interest in the so-called competition and kept searching for the owner of the Chaojin Workshop. Jiang Chongyuan, however, was quite curious, though he understood nothing about brocade; he only thought the colorful fabrics looked beautiful.

"Father, let’s bring some back for Mother. I think these brocades are all beautiful."

"That red one is very nice, and that one too—let's take it for Grandmother."

Jiang Wencheng did not respond. Even without being an expert, he knew these brocades were of immense value. For her birthday, the Duchess of the Dingguo Duke’s Mansion had worn a festive "Lanterns Everywhere" brocade that had dazzled all the noblewomen present. After returning home, Ruzhen had spoken of it for a long time and had even privately inquired about the price. That bolt of brocade was an imperial gift from the palace; even a grade lower on the open market would cost three thousand taels.

Not to mention whether the women of a minor noble family had the qualifications to wear such things, they certainly could not afford them. These brocade workshops were truly wealthy.

"The owner of the Chaojin Workshop has arrived."

Not far away, Yan Chaonian, dressed in a robe of brocade patterned with plum blossom branches, approached slowly. She still wore a veil over her face, appearing no different from when Jiang Wencheng had last seen her at the Chaojin Workshop.

"I wonder who this owner of the Chaojin Workshop really is?"

"Who she is does not matter. I am only interested in the brocade held by the girl behind her. I wonder if it will be better than last year's."

These comments reached Jiang Wencheng’s ears, prompting him to observe her closely. His mind raced, determined to uncover the identity of this workshop owner today at all costs.

Yan Chaonian walked straight to Li Chun and handed him the brocade for safekeeping. "I checked it before leaving; there are no issues."

"Have you made any gains today?"

Li Chun said he had invited six weavers. "Their skills are not particularly outstanding; they will need further training. So far, no real talent has emerged."

Yan Chaonian found this normal. Li Chun lowered his voice and told her that Jiang Wencheng had come. "I don't know what he's here for; he’s just sitting over there."

"Pay him no mind."

In the face of serious business, Jiang Wencheng did not rank high. Boss Zhao of the Zhao Family Brocade Workshop cast an inquisitive gaze toward her. "Workshop Owner, if our two shops are drawn together later, and your workshop happens to lose, please forgive me."

"Boss Zhao is so confident—have you bribed the officials from the Brocade Administration Bureau?"

Boss Zhao was speechless.

"I am an honest merchant. I cannot compete with the strong backing your workshop has, so I hope for your patronage in the future."

Yan Chaonian gave a soft hum. "If Boss Zhao no longer wishes to do this, you can choose to sell the Zhao Family Brocade Workshop to me. Rest assured, for the sake of our acquaintance, I will not let you suffer a loss."

"Boss Zhao was just as determined to win last year’s competition. Being too confident is not a good thing."

The two workshops were positioned close to each other, and they often traded barbs in their daily business. The owners of the surrounding workshops, accustomed to this, remained unfazed, focusing their nervous attention on the stage.

Jiang Wencheng stood up and walked over to Yan Chaonian. "Workshop Owner, we meet again."

Yan Chaonian looked him up and down. "Has this gentleman managed to raise the silver?"

"I encountered a thief, so I fear I must wait for Magistrate Wen to return and uphold justice."

Jiang Wencheng spoke with breezy detachment, but Yan Chaonian was certain he could not produce even two taels of silver. He certainly knew how to put on a show.

"That is truly a pity."

Yan Chaonian stopped speaking to him and turned her gaze back to the stage. Boss Zhao, who had originally wanted to poach customers, lost interest. If he had no money, why did he keep hovering? Did he think they were all easy to deal with?

Jiang Wencheng was unwilling to be ignored like this. "I wonder if the Workshop Owner might spare a moment to speak privately?"

"My apologies."

Yan Chaonian raised an eyebrow. "We are all earning a hard-won living; we do not offer credit."

"If Mr. Jiang intends to purchase brocade, please prepare your money before coming back. This is not just a rule of the Chaojin Workshop; none of the bosses here will offer credit."

With so many merchants traveling north and south, who would they go to if they were owed a debt?

Boss Zhao, who had been trading barbs with Yan Chaonian just moments ago, nodded. "The Workshop Owner is right. None of us offer credit."

Jiang Wencheng clenched his fists and forced a smile. "Workshop Owner, you misunderstand. I did not mean to ask for credit."

"If you have no money and are not asking for credit, what else could Mr. Jiang possibly need to discuss with me in private?"

Yan Chaonian was already impatient, as he was distracting her from watching the competition. "We are not acquainted, and I am busy now."