Yang Jingshan bore a strong resemblance to his mother, with a square face and thick beard, still in his prime years. He rose and performed the customary formal bow, announcing in a clear voice, “Since the time our ancestors passed down their brocade-weaving techniques from Shu, the brocade industry has flourished. The previous dynasty handed down ten brocade weaving patterns: Tian’an Bamboo, Tianxia Joy, Carved Medallion, Blessed Son, Treasure Border, Diamond Pattern, Lion Medallion, Elephant Eye, Eight-Tone Rhythm, and Iron-Stem Drooping Lotus. These ten patterns were known as the Ten Famous Brocades. This year, the Yang family’s brocade is also called the Ten Brocades, but it features ten-colored peonies.”

His words gradually silenced the crowd that had been buzzing about the Zhao family’s chrysanthemum brocade.

While the Zhao family had made a stunning breakthrough this year, the Yang family had been the perennial Brocade King. Could the Yang family’s Ten-Colored Peony Brocade triumph over the Zhao family’s Riverside Immortal Chrysanthemum Brocade? The spectators quickly tempered their praise for the Zhao brocade and began debating the outcome between the two families.

Yang Jingshan glanced up at the side chamber. His parents, wife, and children stood by the window. Could the Yang family defeat the Zhao family and claim the Brocade King title again this year? He wasn’t entirely confident.

All eyes were upon him. Yang Jingshan pinched the corner of the red satin and gently pulled it down. The smooth, heavy red fabric slid off the frame.

“These peonies are woven so beautifully, they look lifelike!”

“It’s not much different from previous years. Last year’s Tiger Descending the Mountain brocade had a tiger that seemed ready to leap from the painting.”

“The Zhao family’s chrysanthemums look like they’re blooming before our eyes. The Yang family’s peonies are good, but they lack the spirit of Zhao’s chrysanthemums.”

“Indeed, the Zhao family didn’t just bring the chrysanthemums to life! Their color-matching technique is miraculous!”

The brocade used white as its base, with a peony tree woven into it bearing flowers in ten different colors. Despite the clash of ten hues, it didn’t appear chaotic; instead, it exuded an air of luxury and nobility.

Both families had chosen flowers as their theme. Since the Yang family’s brocade was unveiled after the Zhao’s, it naturally couldn’t generate the same level of acclaim. The Zhao family’s brocade had stunned everyone with its beauty, making the Yang family’s Ten-Colored Peony Brocade feel like a feast served after an already sumptuous banquet. No one could have much appetite left.

He had expected this reaction. As the Brocade King, the Yang family had no choice but to present their brocade last. Yang Jingshan announced in a clear voice, “My Yang family has inherited the brocade-weaving craft for centuries, with every member of our clan devoted to creating new brocades. This year’s brocade piece is, most importantly, an entirely new type of brocade.”

Shu brocade had numerous patterns, but creating an entirely new weaving technique with existing looms was extremely difficult.

The Zhao family’s chrysanthemum brocade had made a dramatic entrance with its brilliant concept and ingenious color matching. Its novelty had shocked everyone. However, after the initial surprise, these experienced weavers realized it wouldn’t be difficult to imitate. A new brocade meant that only the Yang family possessed the unique weaving method. Once promoted, it would be highly sought after, and only the Yang family could profit from it. The weavers’ eyes began to grow intense with interest.

Upstairs, the Elder Master Zhao, after his initial excitement, cooled down upon hearing the words “new brocade.” Though he had suspected it, he was still shocked: “A new brocade, the Yang family has developed a new brocade this year.”

Zhao Xiuyuan hadn’t noticed Ji Yingying’s departure, having been immersed in the praise from all sides since the Zhao family’s brocade was unveiled. Would his beautiful brocade be defeated by the Yang family’s new creation?

In previous years when the Zhao family lost the Brocade King competition, Zhao Xiuyuan hadn’t felt much dejection or regret. Perhaps because the Zhao family hadn’t won in over twenty years. Perhaps because he was still young, only this year being allowed to submit his brocade as the Zhao family’s entry. The disappointment of potentially missing the Brocade King title gripped his heart tightly.

“A new brocade doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a good brocade,” Zhao Xiuyuan muttered.

Though he spoke without intention, others listened intently. Elder Master Zhao slapped his thigh and laughed, “Second Young Master speaks the truth.”

“Everyone, please observe!” Yang Jingshan took a bucket of water from his servant and splashed it onto the brocade.

The water hit the brocade but didn’t soak in at all, rolling off onto the ground.

Yang Jingshan removed the brocade from the frame and submerged it in another basin of water. Servants carried the wooden basin around the hall. He lifted the brocade from the water and shook it vigorously, and water droplets flew everywhere while the brocade remained completely dry.

After letting the finalist brocade-making families examine it, servants quickly carried the brocade up to the second floor of the main hall to present it to the Military Commissioner.

“Everyone, traditionally, waterproof fabrics are made by applying tung oil and letting it dry. My Yang family uses Shu silk and Shu thread, employing a new method to weave this water-repelling brocade. One need not wear oiled clothing when going out in the rain. It’s waterproof yet more breathable and lighter than oiled cloth. This is the new brocade the Yang family presents this year. The Yang family will not keep this weaving technique to ourselves; we are willing to discuss it with everyone to promote the glory of Shu brocade.” Without seeking his parents’ approval, Yang Jingshan decisively announced that they would share the technique.

This way, even if the Zhao family’s brocade was more beautiful, people wanting to learn the Yang family’s technique would have to vote for the Yang family’s brocade.

“Cunning!” Elder Master Zhao cursed, then thought of his three mediocre sons and felt somewhat envious of the Yang family’s eldest master.

The common people were just here for the spectacle. The Yang family had created a new brocade and explained it convincingly. Though the Zhao family’s brocade was beautiful, the new brocade could open up new markets and earn more money. The crowd below discussed enthusiastically, each holding their own opinions, arguing endlessly.

All the finalist brocades had been displayed. The ten family heads once again ascended to the second floor of the main hall to discuss and decide this year’s new Brocade King with the Military Commissioner, Prefecture Chief, and local dignitaries.

Time passed slowly in waiting.

Elder Master Yang turned around before the others and sat down: “Second brother, third brother, please sit. The Yang family has won the Brocade King title for over twenty years straight; it wouldn’t be terrible to let the Zhao family have it this year. It would serve as a warning to our younger generation not to lose our ancestral techniques.”

Second Master Yang exclaimed, “Elder Brother, the results haven’t been announced yet, why are you already feeling dejected?”

Third Master Yang added, “The Zhao family’s chrysanthemum brocade has clever color matching to achieve that effect. After some study, we could surely reproduce it. Our new brocade has no secret formula, but other families can’t weave it.”

“What did you notice when you came in?” Elder Master Yang asked slowly.

Everyone looked at each other in confusion: “What?”

Yang Jingyuan, knowing about the engagement between the Zhao and Niu families, said softly, “This year the Prefecture Chief isn’t making the decision. All the security forces are from the Military Commissioner’s office.”

Yang Shi’s brother had sent word early. She sneered, “Vice Commander Niu is the Military Commissioner’s confidant. Let’s accept fate.”

“How can this be? Sister-in-law, are you saying there’s unfairness?” Madam Yang Zhou, always stirring up trouble, shrieked.

Her elder brother couldn’t help this year. All that silver given to the Prefecture Chief had been wasted. Yang Shi was already upset, and now turned her anger on Madam Zhou: “Shut up!” She glared at Madam Zhou and said in a low voice, “The Zhao family is right next door! The Military Commissioner was once Imperial Advisor to two emperors, his choice of Brocade King will be correct!”

Her gaze pinned Madam Zhou like nails. Madam Zhou immediately cowered, muttering, “I’m just worried about our family…” as she retreated behind Second Master Yang and her son, Fourth Young Master.

Elder Master Yang said calmly, “If the Zhao family wins the Brocade King title today, remember to congratulate Elder Master Zhao when you see him. Don’t let people say the Yang family is petty. If anyone dares to cause trouble and displease the Military Commissioner, I will open the ancestral hall and strike their name from the family registry. Don’t bring trouble to the entire clan.”

Though he hadn’t managed family affairs for many years, his stern gaze swept the room, and only after seeing everyone in the household subdued did he feel at ease.

“Remember well. The Military Commissioner is most fair. Whoever he judges to be Brocade King must be correct!”

“Yes!”

Everyone waited anxiously for half an hour before the doors of the second-floor hall opened wide. The announcer walked out and proclaimed in a loud voice: “This year’s brocade competition has seen many fine pieces. The new Brocade King is—”

Having seen both the Zhao and Yang families’ brocades, the other brocade-making families no longer hoped for the title. Only the Zhao and Yang families listened intently.

Zhao Xiuyuan closed his eyes. If they won the Brocade King title, the Niu family’s help would be invaluable. Even if it cost him his marriage prospects, he would accept it. Conversely, if he lost both the Brocade King title that the Zhao family had dreamed of and Ji Yingying…

The surrounding sounds seemed to suddenly disappear. The announcer’s voice floated over from the front.

“The new Brocade King is the Zhao family of Sandaoyan!”

Zhao Xiuyuan let out a long breath. He opened his eyes.

The bamboo blinds of the opposite chamber had been rolled up at some point. Maids surrounded Madam Niu and three young ladies as they prepared to leave.

A lady wearing a lake-blue dress with a moon-white gauze veil over her face was looking this way. Zhao Xiuyuan’s heart stirred, and he focused his gaze.

She wasn’t looking at him. Following her line of sight, Zhao Xiuyuan turned left—towards the Yang family.