Chapter 3: He Turned Out to Be a Playboy
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Recalling the frustration from three years ago, Yan’s mother angrily slapped her thigh, regretting not having gone to the capital with her back then. She hated that those useless father and daughter had been so cruelly bullied by that despicable man. If she had been there, she would have torn the skins off that treacherous couple, and wouldn’t have spared that shameless old woman from the Bo Mansion either!
Seeing her shouting about sending someone to tie Jiang Wencheng up in a sack and break his legs, Yan Chaonian shrank back, not daring to tell her mother about Jiang Wencheng’s arrogant words, fearing she might get herself into trouble from anger.
He only said softly, “That child Chongyuan also came. He still detests me and keeps insisting that Jia Ruzhen is his real mother.”
Yan’s mother paused, her anger instantly subsiding as she patted her daughter’s hand tenderly. “Your former mother-in-law is a torment. She fears you’re either incompetent or too capable. Since Chongyuan was born, she’s held him tight to control you. It’s not easy for you to see him, and even when you do, someone’s always watching. That child has only heard slander about you since he was young. How could he possibly be close to you?”
“Now that he’s under the stepmother’s control, who knows how spoiled he’s become. But, after all, he’s the legitimate eldest son of the Bo Mansion. He won’t suffer injustice. Maybe when he grows up and matures, things will improve.”
In her heart, she cursed that old hag from the Jiang family from head to toe—a good-for-nothing. As a grandmother, she teaches her grandson to despise his own mother every day. What good could that possibly do him?
If he grows spoiled, breaking his mother’s heart, how many people will truly treat him well?
How much hatred must she have for her own grandson?!
Worried that her daughter might encounter that father and son again tomorrow, she said, “You should send someone to call your father back. Let him go with you to the ordering fair.”
Yan Chaonian waved her off. Her father’s resentment toward Jiang Wencheng was even deeper. Since her husband was not at home, it was better to avoid trouble.
“I have the bodyguards my husband left behind. Nothing will happen. Father likes the tea garden, so I won’t disturb him.”
“Besides, there’s my uncle. I always wear a veil when I meet people. Even if we meet, they won’t recognize me.”
If Jiang Wencheng really planned to come looking for her tomorrow, her curiosity was piqued. She had thought they would no longer cross paths, but now that he was here, some debts needed to be settled.
Thinking back to how she was wrongfully divorced years ago, with so much dowry left in the Bo Mansion—and even some estates bought with dowry after her marriage—she hadn’t been able to take any of it. Now that she had the chance, she must take it back. Even if she had to burn it, she wouldn’t let that family have it.
After a good night's sleep, she woke to another clear day.
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The morning sun cast golden light over Rong City. In the twelfth month, the city held its monthly market, and the March Silkworm Market opened today. Countless townsfolk flocked early to Jinxiu Street, gathering with friends or buying silkworm gear and textiles. The streets buzzed with shouts and laughter.
Various brocade workshops showcased their latest silks in public, drawing cheers. Among them, the Chaoyin Workshop’s brocade was the most dazzling. The woven patterns shimmered like clouds at sunset, vibrant and glossy.
Intricately detailed auspicious floral motifs were solemn and magnificent. Branches with birds were lively and exquisite, and the Lingyang Gong pattern was grand and refined. Once unfurled, countless onlookers gathered, admiring and praising.
“I bet Chaoyin Workshop will top the list again this year. Look at the delicate gloss of their fabric—such fine silk and exquisite weaving skills.”
“Absolutely, the mingling of auspicious floral patterns is so intricate. Flowers within leaves, leaves within flowers, layers upon layers. I heard they used a fading technique. See how the colors gradually cool from the inside out? The emphasis is clear and striking—truly masterful craftsmanship.”
“Too bad I lack the means to afford such treasures.”
According to Chaoyin Workshop’s rules, to purchase the finest brocades, one must also buy a certain quantity of ordinary brocade or fine muslin; otherwise, no one qualifies to buy these precious goods.
Among the crowd, Jiang Wencheng carefully examined the displayed brocade styles, growing more eager for Chaoyin Workshop’s wares.
Under the Tianli Dynasty, the realm grew wealthier and stronger. Nobles in the capital indulged in luxury, and their female family members constantly sought the trendiest brocades, caring little for price.
Securing Chaoyin Workshop’s favor would not only please the Empress Dowager but also become the Bo Mansion’s cash cow.
The scene was lively. Li Chun, the chief steward of Chaoyin Workshop and Yan Chaonian’s uncle, beamed with joy. When the familiar carriage arrived, his smile deepened. “Please, everyone, remain patient. The head of Chaoyin Workshop has arrived.”
Everyone turned around to see a fine horse-drawn carriage approaching. The horse was sturdy, and the carriage exquisitely crafted. Sharp-eyed merchants recognized the rare Moonlight Brocade curtains—a lively, radiant fabric.
Two beauties dressed in magnificent brocade stepped out of the carriage. Li Chun raised his voice, “Ladies and gentlemen, please observe. These two young ladies wear our newly released round-floral patterned brocade. Unlike the usual somber colors, we’ve created colors and patterns suitable for young women—bright and vibrant.”
Customers carefully examined the two brocades, praising them repeatedly. Jiang Wencheng, holding Jiang Chongyuan’s hand, pushed forward, his eyes filled with yearning.
A carpet was laid from the carriage entrance all the way into the workshop. The two beauties stepped down gracefully and turned to welcome the arriving head of Chaoyin Workshop.
Dressed in the same brocade style but even more splendid and spirited than the two ladies, the head’s silk shimmered like plum blossoms floating on water—a variety called Falling Flowers and Flowing Water Brocade.
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Her steps were gentle and light, sunlight glinting on her robes. The crowd seemed to see sparkling waves on a river surface where plum blossoms floated. Some even exaggerated, saying they could smell a faint plum fragrance.
Li Chun was highly satisfied with this entrance. No extra words were needed to show these customers the excellence of Chaoyin Workshop’s brocade, especially with Chaonian’s outfit. He even felt tempted to make a purchase himself.
Today, Yan Chaonian was meticulously dressed. Every detail of her garments, hair, and makeup was exquisite and noble. Beneath her willow-leaf eyebrows, a pair of almond-shaped eyes held a faint smile. Below, a light gauze veil barely concealed her face like morning mist.
Jiang Wencheng admired the brilliance of her attire and even more so her natural nobility. He couldn’t help but step forward and salute with cupped hands, “Master of the workshop, your brocade is splendid. I, Jiang, have come seeking your reputation. I offer my respects.”
“Where does Master Jiang come from?”
Yan Chaonian had never seen Jiang Wencheng so flattering before. In her memory, he was either arrogant or harsh to her. Just yesterday, he was condescending, bestowing favors upon her. Her heart stirred with a mischievous impulse to tease him.
“Master Jiang, you carry yourself with such grace. Have we never met before?”
Jiang Wencheng’s heart leapt with joy. “I come from the capital, all for the master of this workshop.”
He prided himself on his elegance. Though older, he was even more composed. Among the money-driven merchants, he stood out like a crane among chickens. He believed the master would see his difference. Once he revealed his identity and promised benefits, he was confident he could win her over.
“She’s nothing but a rake.”
Disgusted, Yan Chaonian turned away without another glance and walked inside. Jiang Wencheng tried to follow but was stopped by the bodyguards and had no choice but to follow the other merchants upstairs to the second floor.
According to Chaoyin Workshop’s rules, customers ordering less than five thousand taels stayed on the first floor, where Li Chun attended them. Those spending more than five thousand taels went upstairs, where the second steward of Chaoyin Workshop and Yan Chaonian arranged orders.
Only capable and well-mannered customers could access the second floor. There was no noise or quarrel.
Yan Chaonian stood behind a sheer curtain. “Some of you here are old friends. Thank you all for your strong support of Chaoyin Workshop. Regardless of today’s orders, I thank you in advance.”
She bowed in thanks, and the merchants returned their greetings, “Master, you are too polite.”
Jiang Wencheng sat at the far end, anxious but silent. He wanted to first assess Chaoyin Workshop’s strength to prepare for his next move to win them over.