Chapter 402: 409: Dealing with it Easily

Chen Li was both angry and annoyed, yet Su Wenyue’s words hit right at the heart of her thoughts, even causing a tinge of rage born from embarrassment. However, Chen Li’s fury was but fleeting; she quickly regained her composure. Her purpose for coming today was not to pick a fight with Su Wenyue. Her previous actions were due to underestimating Su Wenyue’s resilience. Seeing that direct confrontation was ineffective, she knew she had to change her tactics.

“Madam Han, you really have misunderstood me. I absolutely did not mean it that way. If Madam Han looks down on me, I will simply stay far away,” Chen Li said, and without waiting for Su Wenyue to react, she walked away, not giving Su Wenyue a chance to retaliate—a wise move indeed. Chen Li realized she wouldn’t gain favor in front of Su Wenyue, so she chose this method to gracefully withdraw.

Su Wenyue watched as Chen Li left, her eyes narrowing slightly. Chen Li was tougher than she had anticipated, capable of bending and stretching; where others might have shamefully retreated in such a situation, Chen Li managed to calm down and quickly devise a countermeasure. It might sound easy to do, but in practice, it was far from it.

Seeing Chen Li act this way, the crowd had mixed reactions, but their attention quickly waned. After all, Chen Li was just a petty figure with no significant status. The earlier incident was merely a source of entertainment for them, and offending Madam Han over this was not worth it. Now, with the rise of Han Yu’s social status, Su Wenyue had also become a figure in Yiyang Prefecture who could not be easily offended.

At this moment, Yin Lihua received news of Su Wenyue’s arrival and personally came over to welcome her. Amidst the laughter and conversation, the little episode was soon forgotten by everyone.

“Madam Han is truly exceptionally beautiful today, not at all like an ordinary mortal, but more like a fairy who has descended from heaven,” the crowd said, clearly intent on flattering Su Wenyue. Seeing even Miss Yin treating Su Wenyue with such respect ignited further thought, and they proceeded to shower her with compliments.

“Indeed, Madam Han has always been one of the top beauties in Yiyang Prefecture. Dressed up like this today, even I can hardly take my eyes off her. No wonder Lord Han is willing to let such a beauty leave his side. Compared to Madam Han, all the wildflowers outside are nothing,” said a noblewoman who was dressed a bit too maturely for her age. It was unclear whether she was genuinely flattering Su Wenyue or deliberately trying to provoke her.

The people present were left speechless by the woman’s words. They remembered that Su Wenyue had initially fled to the countryside with her mother because of Han Yu’s involvement with another woman. Although subsequent developments had sparked many speculations, the matter was hardly a pleasant one.

They carefully observed Su Wenyue, who showed no change in expression, and sighed with relief, quickly changing the subject: “Madam Han is naturally beautiful, and even more so when dressed up. I see that every item she wears is exquisite and uniquely styled. May I know where they are from? Aren’t they brought back from Chang’an?”

Su Wenyue wasn’t particularly angry. That woman was merely a front, after all. However, with the conversation naturally shifting to the topic she preferred, she was quite pleased.

“Good things are not only found in Chang’an. These were all custom-ordered from a master craftsman. Each is one of a kind, with no second piece available. It’s just that the custom-making cost is frighteningly expensive,” Su Wenyue stated. She didn’t immediately disclose that the items were from Heavenly Pavilion, instead she piqued everyone’s curiosity further.

Upon hearing that Su Wenyue had them custom-ordered from a master craftsman, everyone became interested. Going to Chang’an for custom orders was a hassle, especially since the world was not as chaotic as it once was. But if it could be done in Yiyang Prefecture, it would be much more convenient. All present were ladies of status who did not lack money, and they easily dismissed Su Wenyue’s warning about the ‘frighteningly expensive’ prices—for them, the quality was all that mattered.

Even Yin Lihua showed a hint of desire upon hearing Su Wenyue’s words. The Yin Family had many stores, and the jewelry that Yin Lihua wore was mostly crafted by their own establishments. Designed for her, these accessories were far more exquisite than the ones from ordinary stores, and they were considered premium goods. Her clothes were also embroidered by the family’s embroiderers, unmatched in delicacy. Yet, compared to what Su Wenyue wore today, they seemed somewhat inferior. Which woman didn’t love to look beautiful? Yin Lihua was no exception.

“Really? Where is this master craftsman? Such craftsmanship is truly beyond words. I will also place a few orders with him tomorrow.”

“I’m afraid that won’t be possible,” Su Wenyue shook her head.

“Why not? Is it because the master craftsman is unwilling? Don’t worry, I will just offer more Silver when the time comes. He wouldn’t turn down the white and shiny silver coins, would he?” said a forthright woman, indicating by her attire that she came from a very wealthy household. Hence, she was generous with her spending. Although the value of silver had declined, she hadn’t adjusted her expressions accordingly. Nevertheless, with her family’s wealth, she was confident she could meet any remuneration demanded by the master craftsman.

The other noblewomen present shared similar sentiments and expressions. Women were always lavish when it came to their beauty.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Seeing that the desired effect had been achieved, Su Wenyue felt satisfied and slowly opened her mouth: “Don’t rush, ladies. It’s not for any other reason, but because the master is now employed by Heavenly Pavilion and will be working exclusively for them. Hence, he can no longer take on private commissions. That’s why I said it’s not possible.”

“Heavenly Pavilion? What place is that? I’ve never heard of it in all my years in Yiyang Prefecture,” a voice echoed with curiosity and confusion. Yiyang Prefecture might be broad, but the ladies had been there for many years and were well-acquainted with the local haunts. Considering that the Heavenly Pavilion had the resources to hire the master craftsman, it must have a certain level of prestige, yet it remained unheard of. As everyone exchanged glances, they saw their own befuddlement reflected in the others’ faces.

“Heavenly Pavilion is a store newly opened by a mysterious person. It doesn’t just sell clothes and jewelry but also offers edibles, playthings, and utilities—a wide assortment of products, including many novelty items from the outer domain and the Western Region. The variety is rich, and the quality is better than what you would find in ordinary stores. The only drawback is the price, which can be quite steep, and may not be affordable for everyone,” Su Wenyue explained without revealing that the store was hers, instead creating the impression of a mysterious proprietor. This added to the mystique and ensured that people didn’t patronize the store just to curry favor with her. Such motivations could undermine the store’s future development.

“Really, it’s that good? I must visit someday,” said one of the noblewomen, instantly deciding.

“Yes, I want to see it too. Why don’t we go together sometime? A place endorsed by someone as tasteful as Madam Han must be worth visiting.”