Capítulo 33: Confronto diante da Oficina de Bordados

Xiao Ke’er, a young princess of the Prince Cheng’s estate, was known for her fiery temper and impatient nature; she detested any form of delay. Seeing her determination to confront the Embroidery Workshop, Liu Mengxi had no choice but to temporarily suspend the plum blossom viewing banquet and accompany her.

A group of nearly twenty daughters of high-ranking officials set off in a grand procession. It was not long before they reached their destination—a sight common enough in the capital, where ladies of noble houses frequently gathered in groups to purchase dresses and jewelry.

The Treasure Pavilion, the Embroidery Workshop, and the Rouge Studio, all shops catering to women, were located on a bustling street in the Pingkang District, sitting side by side. For these ladies, a visit usually meant browsing all three shops to ensure they left with their hearts’ desires.

At first, Manager Wang of the Embroidery Workshop assumed these noble young ladies were simply there to browse for clothing. He never imagined that the moment Xiao Ke’er stepped off her carriage, she would raise the whip in her hand and strike the workshop’s sign, knocking it crooked.

"Get your manager to crawl out here right now!"

The sudden outburst immediately drew the attention of nearby shops and passersby. Within moments, a crowd gathered, eager to witness the spectacle.

"What's happening?"
"I have no idea. That young lady with the whip is a stranger to me; I wonder who she is. Is she here to cause trouble for the workshop?"
"Shh, keep your voice down. Are people of such status meant to be discussed by the likes of us?"

The onlookers whispered among themselves, speculating on the cause of the commotion. Hearing the clamor, Manager Wang hurried outside. Seeing his shop surrounded by a throng of noblewomen, led by the girl with the crimson whip in the center, he bowed low and approached.

"Ah, what an honor to have the young princess of the Prince Cheng’s estate grace us with her presence. If there is anything that has displeased Your Highness, please, do inform me. The Embroidery Workshop has always operated with integrity and honor. As long as it does not cross our fundamental principles, we are more than willing to resolve any issue for you."

Xiao Ke’er looked at Manager Wang and asked curiously, "What? You know who I am?"

Manager Wang replied with a smile, "I do not have the honor of having seen Your Highness before, but I am very familiar with the dress you are wearing. Three months ago, His Highness the Prince Cheng sent a bolt of cloud-patterned brocade and a design sketch posthaste, commissioning our embroiderers to craft a gown for you. I personally handled that order, which is why it left such a deep impression."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Ke’er let out a cold snort and demanded, "Since you knew this design was commissioned by the Prince Cheng’s estate and made exclusively for me, why did you create another one and sell it to someone else? Do you look down upon my father simply because we have been away from the capital for so long?"

Manager Wang was terrified. As a mere merchant, how could he bear the accusation of slighting the Prince Cheng’s estate? The Prince was the biological brother of the current Emperor; he wouldn't dare insult him even if he were given ten times the courage!

He immediately knelt and kowtowed in supplication: "Your Highness, please be fair! I would never dare! From beginning to end, the Embroidery Workshop has only ever made one of this dress; how could I possibly have sold another? I do not know where you heard such rumors, but please, I beg you to allow a witness to confront me. Give me a chance to prove my innocence."

Although Xiao Ke’er was impulsive and hot-tempered, she was not unreasonable. Hearing his plea, she flicked her whip; the red cord seemed to have a life of its own, accurately snaking through the crowd to ensnare Gu Yuejiao. With a sharp tug, she pulled her forward.

The two stood side by side, and if one ignored their faces, the dresses were identical. Seeing this, Manager Wang was struck dumb with shock.

"This..."