Brocade Odyssey – Tan Songyun, Zheng Yecheng, Jing Chao

On the ninth day of the tenth month, the embroidery competition at Yizhou Mansion was bustling with excitement, and the commoners cheered enthusiastically. The young Ji Yingying, influenced by her father Ji Guinan, developed a keen interest in Sichuan brocade, especially the crimson silk personally dyed by Ji Guinan, who was honored with the title of "King of Brocade.

" However, after the tribute crimson silk was handed over to the transportation officer and stored at the post station for one night, Officer Liu accused Ji Guinan of using inferior materials. Ji Guinan believed there was another reason behind this and intended to meet the governor to prove his innocence. Unexpectedly, the transportation officer silenced him with a single sword stroke, falsely accusing him of deceiving the emperor and executing him on the spot.

Young Ji Yingying witnessed this scene through the window and screamed in terror, prompting young Yang Jinglan to quickly cover her mouth. The Ji family's assets were confiscated by the transportation officer. Soldiers found a robe made of tribute Sichuan brocade, and Ji Yingying claimed it was hers, but her mother, Madam Ji Xu, stopped her. Young Zhao Xiuyuan asked his father to help the Ji family but was refused.

Yang Jinglan could only watch helplessly as Ji Yingying’s entire family was taken away by the transportation officer. Five months later, the Ji family was released due to a general amnesty. Zhao Xiuyuan helped them find a place to settle. However, just as they returned home, creditors came demanding repayment, insisting on obtaining the formula for crimson silk. Ji Yingying accused them of being aggressive.

Shopkeeper Liu threatened to take them away to pay off the debts with their lives, but Madam Ji Xu threatened to kill herself, scolding them for bullying orphans and widows. Fearing the matter would escalate, Shopkeeper Liu backed off temporarily but warned them to pay high-interest debts or he would report them to the authorities. Eight years passed in the blink of an eye.

The grown-up Ji Yingying was washing silk by the riverside with her friends from the Yingxi Dye Workshop when they heard that the Hua family had arrived. Ji Yingying deliberately held up Hua Xiangrong, the Hua family's son-in-law, to buy time for her friends to escape. Hua Xiangrong warned that no one was allowed to wash silk on Hua family territory, or he would break their legs.

Sang Shisi, the son of Manager Sang, arrived at the Huahua Creek on horseback, teasing the girls on purpose. Unable to stand it, Ji Yingying called her friends to teach Sang Shisi a lesson but accidentally startled his horse, causing him to fall off. Suddenly, Yang Jinglan (played by Zheng Yecheng) appeared and kicked Sang Shisi into the water.

Sang Shisi accused Yang Jinglan of being disloyal, but Yang Jinglan retorted, saying he was teaching him a lesson for stealing his horse. Ji Yingying’s hair ornament fell into the water, and Yang Jinglan retrieved it, teasing her deliberately, claiming they had bullied his horse. After a brief argument, Ji Yingying quickly left with her friends. At home, food was running low. Ji Yaoting was reciting poetry to their dog, Guokui, hoping it would eat leftovers.

Ji Yingying came back, scolded the dog, and forced it to eat without being picky. Hua Rong, the Hua family’s shopkeeper, arrived to purchase silk. Ji Yaoting greeted him, but Hua Rong deliberately lowered the price, taking advantage of them. Ji Yingying agreed nonchalantly and invited Hua Rong inside to sign the contract. She then set the dog, Guokui, on him to scare him into agreeing to purchase the silk at a 30% discount.

Madam Ji Xu scolded Ji Yingying for fighting with others, saying it would ruin her reputation. Ji Yingying suspected the Hua family had ulterior motives, but Madam Ji Xu told her not to worry and reminded her of her engagement to Zhao Xiuyuan. Ji Yingying, however, didn’t want to think about it. Ji Yaoting also said he wouldn’t marry until he restored the Ji family’s reputation. Madam Ji Xu only hoped for their safety and well-being.

Sang Shisi later apologized for failing to help Yang Jinglan look after his master. Yang Jinglan planned to visit Ji Yingying and reminisced about their childhood meeting. Sang Shisi, pretending to be injured, caused trouble at the Ji household to target Ji Yingying. With Madam Ji Xu and Ji Yaoting absent, Ji Yingying prepared to handle the situation and publicly exposed Sang Shisi's fake injury. Zhuge Hong deliberately created an opportunity for Yang Jinglan to help Ji Yingying resolve the situation.

Yang Jinglan used the governor as a threat to scare Sang Shisi into behaving. After everyone dispersed, Yang Jinglan found an excuse to approach Ji Yingying, asking for water, but she refused to treat him kindly. When Madam Ji Xu returned, she blamed Ji Yingying for causing trouble and bringing more harassment from the Hua family.

Yang Jinglan, under imperial orders, had returned to investigate the crimson silk case and coincidentally found a piece of crimson silk dye on a tree. Meanwhile, Ji Yingying returned to Huahua Creek to wash silk and was once again troubled by Hua Xiangrong.

Hua Xiangrong publicly declared that Ji Yingying was no longer allowed to come to Huahua Creek, claiming she had offended the Imperial Uncle and he didn’t want the Hua family implicated. Chen Sanlang and Sheng Dalang from the Yingxi Dye Workshop couldn’t stand by and stepped in to help Ji Yingying. Ji Yingying, realizing this was Hua Xiangrong acting on his own, proposed a new idea to the young men.

She believed the small dye houses, with their unique dyeing styles, were superior to the Hua family’s workshop and suggested they band together to build a reputation. With orders, they could stand confidently. However, the others felt that building a reputation required connections and influence, fearing the Hua family might retaliate instead. Ji Yingying noticed a kite in the sky and knew it was Zhao Xiuyuan flying it. Zhao Xiuyuan, having heard about her fight, brought medicine for her.

Ji Yingying was delighted and pretended to worry him. Zhao Xiuyuan expressed concern that she might be allergic to red dye, but Ji Yingying said she was only afraid of flowing red. Zhao Xiuyuan learned that Sang Shisi enjoyed playing leaf cards and discovered his elder sister was a favored concubine in the palace. At the Yuebuhuan Tavern, troublemakers tried to take advantage of the shopkeeper, Yu Linglong, only to be dealt with by her.

The offenders threatened to report her to the authorities. Ji Yingying suddenly appeared, using the name of a royal official to intimidate the troublemakers into paying before leaving. Yu Linglong, aware of Ji Yingying’s dispute with the Imperial Uncle, praised her for standing up to authority. Ji Yingying borrowed money and space from Yu Linglong, promising her future profits. Ji Yingying planned to turn the situation to her advantage.

She deliberately gained a reputation as a gambling expert at a casino to lure Sang Shisi. Hearing about her troubles with the Hua family, Sang Shisi publicly announced that as long as she was willing to gamble, win or lose, he would ensure the Hua family wouldn’t trouble her. This was exactly what Ji Yingying wanted—his public promise. Round after round, Sang Shisi kept losing. The crowd grew larger, and business at the Yuebuhuan Tavern boomed.

Watching from the loft, Yang Jinglan observed Ji Yingying’s cleverness. Recognizing him, Yu Linglong served him fine wine, earning his praise for her excellent brew. Feigning reluctance to continue gambling, Ji Yingying was interrupted by Inspector Sang rushing in. Seeing Sang Shisi fooling around again, he angrily threatened to punish him.

Sang Shisi tried to dodge, but Ji Yingying intervened, defending him by claiming that Sang Shisi had been organizing a silk-dyeing event and even made leaf-card-themed pouches with symbolic meanings, presenting one as a gift for Inspector Sang. Hearing this, the inspector was impressed that Sang Shisi was finally doing something worthwhile and refrained from punishing him. The onlookers, intrigued by the leaf-card pouches, clamored for Ji Yingying to sell them. She used a limited-time discount strategy to encourage pre-orders.

Realizing he had been used, Sang Shisi was annoyed but unwilling to lose his position. Yang Jinglan proposed betting with Ji Yingying, but she refused. Yang Jinglan teased that it was no coincidence. To silence him, Ji Yingying agreed to a wager—the loser would grant the winner a favor. When Ji Yingying lost, Yang Jinglan requested permission to visit her home. Ji Yingying, planning to slip away, asked Ji Yaoting to help stockpile silk.

She intentionally took Sang Shisi to Huahua Creek, subtly stirring conflict with the Hua family. Overhearing Hua Xiangrong insulting him, Sang Shisi confronted him, only to be accidentally slapped by Hua Xiangrong. A brawl ensued, escalating to Inspector Sang. Recognizing Ji Yingying’s cunning, Inspector Sang agreed to her suggestion to guide Sang Shisi onto the right path. Ji Yingying also proposed a new regulation allowing all dye houses shared access to Huahua Creek.

Zhao Xiuyuan gifted Ji Yingying a painting, confident in her ability to revitalize the Ji family. Ji Yingying suggested weaving the painting into brocade, and the two discussed how to capture its grandeur in the design. Meanwhile, Hua Xiangrong apologized to Hua Rong for his mistakes and planned to pressure Inspector Sang on behalf of his master. When Ji Yingying returned home, Yang Jinglan was already waiting outside.

She accused him of just wanting water, but Yang Jinglan brought up Ji Guinan’s crimson brocade, suspecting Ji Yaoting had inherited the skill. Madam Ji Xu visited the Zhao family to discuss Ji Yingying’s marriage to Zhao Xiuyuan, but Madam Zhao pushed back, claiming she had no say in the matter, clearly trying to avoid the topic.

Ji Yingying reluctantly showed Yang Jinglan around the backyard. Yang Jinglan brought up the subject of Shu Red Silk, asking why she didn’t dye in red. Just then, Zhao Shenshi walked out of the house, and Madam Ji Xu quickly called Ji Yingying over to greet her. Zhao Shenshi, with a sarcastic tone, accused Ji Yingying of not adhering to the etiquette of a proper young lady, even bringing a man into the house.

Madam Ji Xu defended Ji Yingying and found an opportunity to send Zhao Shenshi away. After Yang Jinglan left, Madam Ji Xu had Ji Yaoting close the door and scolded Ji Yingying for associating with an unrelated man. Ji Yingying wanted to explain that Yang Jinglan had come to discuss business, but Madam Ji Xu didn’t believe her. Learning that Yang Jinglan was there to inquire about Shu Red Silk, Madam Ji Xu grumbled about people always pestering them.

Outside the door, Yang Jinglan secretly listened to their conversation. Meanwhile, Sang Shisi was already waiting at the gates of Jinguan Office, believing Inspector Sang was about to announce a new policy for Huahua Creek. Chen Sanlang, doubting Inspector Sang, used a goading tactic, promising a grand gift if he successfully handled the matter. When the gates of Jinguan Office opened, Inspector Sang emerged.

Ji Yingying, anxious to know the result, learned that a new Jinguan official had taken over, and Inspector Sang no longer managed specific affairs. Ji Yingying worried the new official would be difficult to work with and suspected a deeper reason behind Inspector Sang’s sudden change in attitude. He warned her to act within her limits. Chen Sanlang and the others were concerned about missing their delivery deadlines and the penalties they might face.

Ji Yingying knelt outside Jinguan Office, pleading to meet the new official. Chen Sanlang and the others followed suit, kneeling to request an audience. Inside the office, Yang Jinglan, busy organizing his subordinates, knew Ji Yingying was outside but refused to see her. As Chen Sanlang and the others began losing hope and considered seeking help from the Hua family, Zhu Xiaoniang hurriedly came to inform Ji Yingying of trouble at home.

Yang Jinglan, having arranged everything, reminded his subordinates to keep his identity secret. When Ji Yingying returned home, she found Hua Xiangrong and others moving her family’s looms to repay debts. Ji Yingying, indignant, insisted she wasn’t refusing to repay and demanded to reason with Hua Xiangrong. Zhuge Hong discovered that the Hua family had a monopoly in Yizhou and suspected a powerful force backing their attempt to annex the Ji family.

He suggested Yang Jinglan assist the Ji family, believing it would also benefit his investigation. Hua Xiangrong pressured Ji Yingying to pay her debts. Ji Yingying proposed using her family’s silk as repayment but refused to let them take Ji Yaoting’s loom. Ji Yaoting, however, allowed them to take it, claiming he had a way to repay the debt on time. Furious at Hua Xiangrong’s opportunism, Ji Yingying declared she wouldn’t become a servant to the Hua family.

She disguised herself as a maid from the Sang household, hoping to meet the new Jinguan official. When Zhu Xiaoniang asked why she didn’t seek help from Zhao Xiuyuan, Ji Yingying replied that she couldn’t always rely on others. In the Jinguan Office courtyard, Sang Shisi, intending to smoke out the new official, was setting a fire when Ji Yingying caught him.

As Yang Jinglan passed by in his sedan chair, Ji Yingying quickly explained she was putting out the fire and took the chance to lift the sedan’s curtain. Yang Jinglan pulled Ji Yingying into the sedan, revealing himself as the new Jinguan official. Ji Yingying, shocked, threatened to expose his identity but relented upon learning he would oversee Huahua Creek. She reluctantly agreed to make soup for him.

Yang Jinglan mentioned Shu Red Silk, saying that if they could repair the Empress’s Shu brocade, there would be a chance to overturn the injustice. Ji Yingying brought up the previous Jinguan official, asking Yang Jinglan to resolve her current crisis. Thinking of Ji Guinan, Ji Yingying dreamed of becoming a brocade master herself. However, when she tried to make red dye, memories of Ji Guinan’s death resurfaced, leaving her unable to focus.

The next day, Ji Yingying went to Jinguan Office again, pretending to cry as she demanded to see Yang Jinglan. Hastily dressing, Yang Jinglan teasingly ordered Ji Yingying to fan him. Ji Yingying acted pitiful, apologizing and pleading for help to address the dye houses monopolizing Huahua Creek. She gambled on Yang Jinglan’s sympathy. However, Yang Jinglan claimed to be driven solely by profit.

Ji Yingying offered information from the previous Jinguan official in exchange, and Yang Jinglan produced a prepared announcement. After the announcement was posted, the crowd cheered. Yang Jinglan personally visited Huahua Creek and found Hua Rong drinking tea by the stream. Accusing him of ignoring orders, Yang Jinglan kicked Hua Rong into the water and disciplined his attendants. Ji Yingying and others clapped in approval. They left the notes from the previous Jinguan official for Yang Jinglan, who, upon reading them, realized he had been tricked.

Ji Yingying gathered everyone to celebrate, declaring that resolving the issues at Huahua Creek was just the first step. Next, she planned to participate in the Dou Fangfei competition to revive their reputation and secure orders for their dyeing workshop. Some, worried about the risks and unable to sustain themselves, decided to withdraw. Ji Yingying did not stop them but welcomed them to rejoin anytime. Sheng Dalang and others chose to stay, believing Ji Yingying could lead them to success.

Zhuge Hong carefully examined a letter written by the guards and discovered that Shen Jinguan was particularly concerned with Qingcheng Mountain. A message from the Yang family arrived at the Jinguan Office, asking Yang Jinglan to make time to return home. With the Leizu Festival approaching, Zhuge Hong reminded Yang Jinglan that a meeting between the Jinguan and the Brocade King would be inevitable, urging him to return for a visit.

Meanwhile, Chen Sanlang expressed concerns about not having enough money to enter the Dou Fangfei competition and needing someone to make introductions. Ji Yaoting promised to handle the money, while Ji Yingying took responsibility for finding someone to help. The others were tasked with preparing their best silk products. Hua Xiangrong reported to his master, Niu Wuniang, that he had completed preparations for the Leizu Festival, though he voiced dissatisfaction with Ji Yingying.

Niu Wuniang dismissed his excuses and ordered him to find a way to control Ji Yingying, sticking to their original plan. Ji Yaoting humbled himself by working in a small workshop weaving brocade to earn money. Other workers mocked him, and the boss deliberately assigned him to Ji Guinan’s old weaving station. When Ji Yingying arrived at the Yu residence, she was reminded that it had once belonged to the Ji family.

Overcome with emotion, she recalled scenes of Ji Guinan weaving brocade. She planned to ask the elderly Yu Shu to act as a guarantor, but Yu Shu, struggling himself due to the Yu family's debts and lack of heirs, was unable to help. As Ji Yingying prepared to leave to seek help elsewhere, Yu Shu’s granddaughter, Yu Xi, sensing Ji Yingying’s integrity, gifted her a decorative ball.

Zhao Xiuyuan, learning that Ji Yingying was searching for a guarantor, offered to take her to meet the Zhao family patriarch. The elderly Zhao, who previously disliked Ji Yingying, was impressed upon seeing the Wind-Weave Handkerchief she had embroidered, praising her talent in dyeing. He agreed to act as her guarantor for the Dou Fangfei competition on the condition that she successfully sold her raw silk.

Yu Linglong suspected the Zhao patriarch had ulterior motives, believing he intended to use Ji Yingying to lure Zhao Xiuyuan back into weaving. Ji Yingying, aware of his self-interest, decided to focus on solving her immediate problem. Just then, they heard a commotion at the door and discovered Yang Jinglan parading in public. Yu Linglong informed Ji Yingying that today marked the anniversary of Yang Jinglan’s mother’s death.

Yu Linglong, who had once been Yang Jinglan’s sister-in-law, shared a mutual disdain for the Yang family’s rigid rules. The two had become friends after being punished to kneel together in the family shrine. Yang Jinglan, summoning his uncles to the Yang residence, mocked Yang Juxian’s pretense of fatherly kindness and filial piety. Though the uncles were offended by Yang Jinglan’s behavior, they refrained from acting due to his position as Jinguan.

Curious about the Yang family, Ji Yingying asked Yu Linglong to tell her more, but Yu Linglong, in a drunken haze, began recounting the Yang family’s affairs over drinks. Yang Jinglan blamed Yang Juxian for his mother’s death, believing his father’s desire to marry another woman had caused her despair. In front of the family elders, Yang Juxian reprimanded Yang Jinglan, but Yang Jinglan remained defiant.

Meanwhile, Ji Yaoting arrived at the tavern to escort Ji Yingying home and met Yu Linglong. Ji Yingying, unwilling to let them drink excessively, intentionally served them a poorly made hangover soup to sober them up. Suddenly inspired, Ji Yingying thought of a way to sell leftover silk by weaving it into sachets. Back at the workshop, Ji Yaoting finished a brocade, earning praise from the boss for his craftsmanship.

The boss used the opportunity to scold the other workers, even fining them. After the boss left, the workers, jealous of Ji Yaoting, beat him up. Spotting Ji Guinan’s old weaving machine, Ji Yaoting pleaded with the boss to sell it to him. On the day of the Leizu Festival, everyone gathered. The Zhao patriarch praised the Yang family’s Jinguan and Brocade King, but Yang Jinglan arrived deliberately late.

The Brocade King was displeased, viewing Yang Jinglan’s tardiness as disrespect toward Leizu. Ji Yingying received a threatening note from Hua Xiangrong, warning her of his intentions.

At the grand Leizu Festival, the atmosphere was solemn and majestic as the Brocade King and Jinguan led the kneeling ceremony. Yang Jinglan, however, prepared to leave early. Yang Jingshan stopped him, insisting he stay to complete the ritual of sending off the divine child. Yang Jinglan mocked him for being tedious. Down the mountain, Ji Yingying’s stall was deserted.

She had originally asked Sang Shisi to hire people to draw crowds, but he ended up giving all the money to them, meaning the hired crowd would not show up. Zhao Xiuyuan, pretending to be a customer, approached her stall and showed interest. Ji Yingying seized the opportunity to showcase her wares, attracting onlookers. Seeing the intriguing blind boxes Zhao Xiuyuan picked, the crowd quickly joined in, and her stall became lively with business.

While preparing the blind boxes, Ji Yingying suddenly received a note from Hua Rong. She rushed home and saw Ji Yaoting being accused by his former boss of stealing a weaving machine. The coworkers sided with the boss, leaving Ji Yaoting defenseless. Hua Rong threatened Ji Yingying, demanding she publicly bring up a marriage proposal to the Zhao patriarch or else have Ji Yaoting sent to the authorities.

Realizing Ji Yaoting had been framed and with the contract in Hua Rong’s control, Ji Yingying, despite her frustration, reluctantly agreed to Hua Rong’s demand to protect Ji Yaoting. Meanwhile, Yang Jinglan sneaked up the mountain, spotting suspicious figures. Zhuge Hong found him and reminded him not to leave the ritual site for too long. Ji Yingying returned to her stall, distressed.

To her surprise, Chen Sanlang and the others had sold all the raw silk and were thrilled, urging her to inform the Zhao patriarch. Coincidentally, the Zhao patriarch, accompanied by the Yang family matriarch, passed by. Ji Yingying was pushed into their presence, and Zhao Xiuyuan immediately noticed her troubled expression. The Zhao patriarch introduced Ji Yingying to the crowd, praising her talent. Before everyone, Ji Yingying asked the Zhao patriarch to fulfill a request.

Chen Sanlang and the others assumed she would discuss the Dou Fangfei competition. To their shock, she instead proposed completing her marriage with Zhao Xiuyuan. The crowd found her words laughable, dismissing her as foolish for bringing up personal matters in public. Zhao Xiuyuan quickly defended Ji Yingying, claiming it was his own idea. Sang Shisi felt betrayed, while others mocked Ji Yingying for wasting the opportunity to secure business.

The Yang family matriarch and others left, and the Zhao patriarch was visibly surprised by Ji Yingying’s actions. Chen Sanlang and the others were upset, suspecting Ji Yingying had ulterior motives. Sang Shisi even resigned as the honorary president, and Ji Yingying, unwilling to explain further, watched her companions drift away. Ji Yingying tried to drown her sorrows in alcohol.

Yu Linglong comforted her, learning about how Hua Rong had manipulated her, tarnishing her reputation and leaving her to bear the blame. Ji Yingying did not tell Ji Yaoting, feeling guilty for implicating him. Determined to retrieve the contract, she refused to give up. Drunk, she accidentally stumbled onto Yang Jinglan, who happened to be passing by. Yang Jinglan held out a yellow silk for her to identify, but Ji Yingying was too intoxicated.

Yu Linglong suggested that Yang Jinglan act as Ji Yingying’s sponsor. Returning with his drink, Yang Jinglan encountered Zhuge Hong, who admired his straightforwardness. While investigating the mountain, Yang Jinglan discovered someone secretly transporting silk. Zhuge Hong suspected it was related to Governor Mu Hui, but Yang Jinglan disagreed. Niu Wuniang, hearing that Yang Jinglan had purchased his official position, dismissed him as a playboy attempting to test the waters at Dou Fangfei.

Ji Yaoting went to the tavern to fetch Ji Yingying. Yu Linglong revealed the truth to him. The next day, Ji Yaoting confronted Hua Xiangrong for the contract. Hua Xiangrong refused, angering Ji Yaoting, who beat him up. Yu Linglong admired Ji Yaoting’s boldness. Zhao Shenshi suggested calling off the marriage with the Ji family, publicly humiliating Ji Yingying. Ji Xuanshi, furious, retaliated sharply.

Hearing the commotion at the door, Ji Yingying barged in, reprimanding Zhao Shenshi for making decisions without authority and leveraging the Zhao patriarch to suppress her. Left speechless, Zhao Shenshi was sent away. Ji Xuanshi did not blame Ji Yingying, believing the marriage was unnecessary and worrying about her being wronged. However, Ji Yingying argued that Zhao Xiuyuan was different from the others in the Zhao family and vowed to win the Zhao patriarch’s approval through her own merit.

Zhao Xiuyuan intended to send Ji Yingying a message but was confined at home. He recalled how meeting her as a child had given him a sense of warmth.

The Huahua Stream regained its lively atmosphere as various dye houses came to wash their silk. Ji Yingying, distracted, prepared her dye. She struggled to suppress her traumatic memories, determined to create a red dye. However, when she saw the flowing red dye, she was reminded once again of the moment Ji Guinan was executed. Zhu Xiaoniang passed by and noticed Ji Yingying nearly fainting. She advised her to stop pushing herself.

Ji Yingying, unwilling to give up, insisted on completing her new dye formula, having worked hard to develop a method to fix the color. Zhu Xiaoniang offered to help mix the formula, and Ji Yingying had no choice but to guide her from the side. At the bustling Dou Fangfei event, Yang Jinglan instructed Zhuge Hong to draft a notice promoting fair and honest transactions at the venue.

Hua Xiangrong tried to curry favor with Yang Jinglan but was dismissed by him. Zhu Xiaoniang still hoped to participate in Dou Fangfei. Unable to bear her disappointment, Sang Shisi decided to use his connections to sneak her into the event. Yang Jinglan noticed an empty booth and learned that its original owner, the Liu family, had withdrawn due to an unexpected illness. Some dye house owners tried bribing Yang Jinglan to secure the booth.

Hua Rong, following her employer’s orders, tested Yang Jinglan’s limits with a bribe. Although Yang Jinglan publicly accepted the gifts, he did not assign the booth to them and warned them not to break the law. Hua Rong was displeased, feeling tricked by Yang Jinglan. Sang Shisi swaggered into the event but was caught by Yang Jinglan, who confined him to prevent trouble. Zhuge Hong noticed Ji Yingying’s absence and assumed she had given up, but Yang Jinglan disagreed.

Suddenly, flower-decorated silk rained down from the sky—Ji Yingying had been in the attic all along, tossing flower balls. Yang Jinglan and the others followed her to the attic, where her flower balls dyed with the new formula captivated everyone. Other dye house owners wanted to place orders for the new color, but Hua Rong intervened, criticizing the dye for not being registered and thus not compliant with regulations.

Ji Yingying declared that the new color was called *Zhuyan Tuo* (Crimson Glow). Hua Rong’s remarks caused some concern, but the Yang family matriarch stepped in, paying a deposit to support Ji Yingying. Yang Jinglan, however, punished Ji Yingying by making her clean the venue, saying her flower balls amazed the crowd but failed to win their hearts. Late that night, Yang Jinglan brought out imperial silk for Ji Yingying to examine.

Ji Yingying recognized it as a counterfeit, explaining that the real imperial silk required a complex fixing process. Yang Jinglan’s words inspired Ji Yingying, and Yu Linglong delivered her a warming soup. As the repayment deadline approached, Hua Rong arrived at the Ji residence to demand payment, threatening to make Ji Yingying work off the debt if she couldn’t pay. Ji Yingying offered to supply *Zhuyan Tuo* for free and share profits, but Hua Rong refused.

Left with no choice, Ji Yingying accepted all pre-orders for *Zhuyan Tuo*, tore up the IOU in Hua Rong’s hand, and finally cleared all the Ji family’s debts. Hua Rong, however, had a backup plan. She had bribed officials from the Brocade Bureau to discredit Ji Yingying’s *Zhuyan Tuo*. Ji Yingying visited the Zhao family, where the Zhao patriarch expressed interest in purchasing *Zhuyan Tuo* and praised its vibrant hue, noting that the Yang family had placed an order first.

Ji Xuanshi felt vindicated but still cautioned Ji Yingying, fearing she might face mistreatment in the Zhao family. Zhao Xiuyuan came to meet Ji Yingying for a date. During their conversation, Ji Yingying shared her dreams, expressing a desire to reconcile with Chen Sanlang and the others first. Ji Yingying visited them one by one, but they refused to listen to her. Feeling dejected, she went to a tavern to drink and unexpectedly ran into Yang Jinglan again.

Zhu Xiaoniang brought Ji Yingying to Huahua Stream, but Chen Sanlang and the others avoided her. Zhu Xiaoniang stepped in to persuade them. When Ji Yingying was bullied by people from other dye houses, Chen Sanlang and his group came to her rescue upon hearing the commotion. After the fight, Ji Yingying apologized to Chen Sanlang and the others, proposing to reorganize the silk-dyeing association and naming it the *Feihua Society* (Flying Flower Society).

Niu Wuniang admired Ji Yingying's talent and wanted to collaborate with her, persuading her to abandon Hua Rong. Her trusted aide believed Hua Rong was ruthless but foolish. Niu Wuniang was aware of Hua Rong’s scheme to tamper with the registration records but felt uneasy, so she prepared a backup plan. Niu Wuniang decided to meet Ji Yingying in person to see her decision. At the Dou Fangfei event, Ji Yaoting helped Yu Linglong sell wine.

Ji Yingying arrived at the venue with Sang Shisi. Niu Wuniang intentionally dropped her handkerchief as she passed by, and Ji Yingying picked it up and returned it to her. Sang Shisi recognized Niu Wuniang and revealed that she was the daughter of Deputy Governor Niu. Ji Yingying learned that Niu Wuniang was fated to bring misfortune and had a proud temperament.

Yang Jingshan came to a booth to buy wine, but Yu Linglong gave him a cold reception, accusing him of being pretentious. Yu Linglong threw away a money pouch, saying it was a gift she had once given him and that their ties were now severed. During the Dou Fangfei beauty contest, Yang Jinglan announced the winners. Manager Wang and Manager Sun won second and third place, and Yang Jinglan deliberately returned the bribes they had given him earlier.

Hua Rong won first place, and Yang Jinglan returned a peony to her. Although Ji Yingying sold more than anyone else, she used the opportunity to promote her own dyed silk. Hua Rong spotted Niu Wuniang in the distance and guessed she had come to observe Ji Yingying. Realizing Niu Wuniang might side with Ji Yingying, Hua Rong decided she could not let Ji Yingying live.

That evening, Ji Yingying went to the bridge to meet Zhao Xiuyuan but was attacked by an assassin. Luckily, Yang Jinglan appeared in time, though Zhao Xiuyuan’s arm was grazed by a blade. Ji Yingying demanded that Yang Jinglan take responsibility for the incident, blaming her plight on his involvement and provocatively claiming that Hua Rong was challenging his authority. Zhuge Hong pursued the assassin and discovered that the sword used came from the palace.

When they followed the trail to Hua Rong's backyard, the assassin had already been silenced. Niu Wuniang scolded Hua Rong for acting without permission, accusing her of secretly using one of her assassins. Hua Rong explained that she only wanted to teach Ji Yingying a lesson. Niu Wuniang was displeased and demanded Hua Rong hand over all her private accounts. When Hua Rong returned home, Hua Xiangrong noticed her pale expression.

Learning that Niu Wuniang planned to abandon the Hua family, Hua Rong feared she might be silenced and arranged for Hua Xiangrong to leave first. Late that night, Yang Jinglan smashed Ji Yingying’s window, asking her to help investigate the Hua family’s accounts. Hearing it was an opportunity to expose Hua Rong’s misdeeds, Ji Yingying agreed without hesitation and sneaked out. As Ji Yingying examined the account books, she cheekily made Yang Jinglan fan her.

She discovered falsified entries, realizing that Hua Rong had deliberately created deficit accounts. Zhuge Hong explained that exposing the false accounts would be enough to charge the Hua family with a crime. Ji Yingying expressed her genuine love for Shu brocade, stating that she didn’t want anyone to tarnish its reputation. Her words moved Yang Jinglan. Ji Yingying suspected that the Hua family’s backer was in Chang’an and warned Yang Jinglan to be cautious.

The next day, Yang Jinglan arrested Hua Rong, but Hua Xiangrong had already fled. Niu Wuniang, learning of Hua Rong’s capture, remained calm and temporarily spared her life. Meanwhile, the palace was searching for Shu Red Silk. Niu Wuniang intended to recruit Ji Yingying and monopolize the production of Shu Red Silk. Hua Rong, tortured in prison and unable to sleep, begged Yang Jinglan for mercy. Yang Jinglan recalled Ji Yingying’s words and realized Hua Rong had been coerced.

Under pressure, Hua Rong confessed but clammed up when presented with the imperial silk. Yang Jinglan deduced that Hua Rong had entrusted Hua Xiangrong with a secret before her escape. Unsure whether it was a trick, he ordered guards to monitor the mountain for any activity. Yu Linglong trained Ji Yingying in self-defense techniques, encouraging her to protect herself in dangerous situations. Ji Yingying doubted her ability, but Yang Jinglan offered her new strategies.

Ji Yingying, however, was preoccupied with getting *Zhuyan Tuo* registered. Yang Jinglan delivered the stamped approval document, promising it would be sent off the next day. He apologized for misunderstanding her intentions, admitting he had underestimated her dedication. Ji Yingying was surprised by his change of heart.

Ji Yingying didn’t think much of it and was eager to return to dye her silk. Yang Jinglan gave her a special piece of paper that revealed writing when sprayed with water, calling it a gift of apology, in case she might need it. Yu Linglong approached and scolded Yang Jinglan, saying his apology was insincere. As Ji Yingying walked down the street, Yuyuan stopped her, saying that Niu Wuniang had invited her to a meeting.

Ji Yingying felt unfamiliar with Niu Wuniang, but Yuyuan lied, claiming it was to offer her an order for making silk flowers. Ji Yingying agreed. When she arrived at Niu’s residence, Niu Wuniang expressed her desire to empower women in business and proposed that they work together to dominate the silk industry in Yizhou. Niu even promised to help Ji Yingying marry Zhao Xiuyuan soon and restore her family’s honor.

Ji Yingying hesitated, but after meeting Niu Wuniang’s mother, she bluntly stated that she didn’t want to become someone like Hua Rong. Niu Wuniang was displeased. She brought out registration documents and threatened Ji Yingying into compliance. Ji Yingying suddenly realized that Niu Wuniang was Hua Rong’s secret backer. Resolute in her refusal to align with Niu, Ji Yingying attempted to leave but was captured by Niu’s people and locked in a room.

Niu demanded that Ji Yingying quickly produce the Shu Red Silk dye. Ji Yingying, wanting to avoid escalating the matter, requested to write a letter to Ji Yaoting, deliberately embedding a distress signal in it, which Yuyuan and others failed to notice. Niu Wuniang reminded Ji Yingying that power could control everything. Inside the room, Ji Yingying noticed that all the ingredients for making Shu Red Silk were present, leaving her puzzled.

Meanwhile, Niu Wuniang received a letter from General Niu regarding a potential marriage alliance. Yuyuan read the letter, which revealed that General Niu wanted Niu Wuniang to marry into the family of a military governor. Determined to take the initiative, Niu Wuniang decided to act first. Learning that Zhao Xiuyuan was Ji Yingying’s lover, she prepared to target him. Zhao Xiuyuan was lured into a private room where Niu Wuniang awaited him.

She intentionally removed her mask, revealing scars on her face, and claimed she had a message for Ji Yingying. Zhao Xiuyuan, uninterested, tried to leave, but Niu Wuniang confessed her affection for him. Startled, Zhao Xiuyuan declared his feelings only for Ji Yingying and quickly found an excuse to leave. Niu Wuniang’s scheme succeeded. She believed she could manipulate the Zhao family and decided to assert dominance over Ji Yingying.

She noticed Zhao Xiuyuan was unlike other men, unbothered by her scars or background, and decided to exploit the Zhao family while intimidating Ji Yingying. Days passed, and Ji Yingying was unsure whether Ji Yaoting had received her letter. Mammy angrily stormed in, realizing Ji Yingying had deliberately sent her away. She harshly whipped Ji Yingying and locked her back in the room. Ji Yingying accidentally touched red dye, triggering her inner fears and causing her to collapse on the floor.

Mammy scolded her harshly and locked her up again. Meanwhile, Elder Zhao learned about Niu Wuniang’s meeting with Zhao Xiuyuan and reprimanded him for disrespecting her. Elder Zhao announced he had sent a marriage proposal to Niu Wuniang, believing the union would bring prosperity to the Zhao family. In frustration, Zhao Xiuyuan injured his hand to threaten Elder Zhao into reconsidering, but Elder Zhao stood firm, insisting Zhao Xiuyuan reflect on his actions.

Niu Wuniang requested another meeting with Zhao Xiuyuan, but he remained disinterested. Yuyuan deliberately freed Ji Yingying, giving her a chance to escape. However, Niu Wuniang had already arranged for archers to target her. From his seat, Zhao Xiuyuan witnessed this and realized Niu Wuniang was using her power to coerce others.

Ji Yaoting raised funds and rushed to a tavern, where Yu Linglong deduced that Ji Yingying’s letter was a cry for help and confirmed she was trapped in Niu’s residence. As Ji Yingying attempted to escape, an arrow struck the ground near her foot. Zhao Xiuyuan used chopsticks to hold Niu Wuniang hostage, demanding Ji Yingying’s release. Niu Wuniang threatened Zhao Xiuyuan, while Ji Yingying took a maid hostage in a bid to secure her own freedom.

However, Niu Wuniang ruthlessly ordered her people to shoot the maid dead. Witnessing this, Ji Yingying was once again overcome with fear. Zhao Xiuyuan believed that seizing the marriage proposal document would compel Niu Wuniang to relent. After hesitating, Ji Yingying was recaptured and locked in the dungeon. At a critical moment, Yang Jinglan and his group stormed Niu’s residence and finally found the imprisoned Ji Yingying. Niu Wuniang put on a dramatic act, whipping Yuyuan in front of Yang Jinglan, but he saw through her performance.

Yang Jinglan returned to Jinguang Mansion and discovered that Hua Rong had died. Upon examination, it was confirmed that Hua Rong had been poisoned by snake venom. Zhuge Hong suspected it was part of a conspiracy. After some thought, Yang Jinglan found Hua Rong’s death suspicious and decided to take a gamble. He ordered the news of Hua Rong’s death to be spread, hoping to lure Hua Xiangrong out of hiding.

Yu Linglong tended to Ji Yingying’s wounds and reassured her not to be afraid. Ji Yingying, however, was still consumed with guilt. She hadn’t expected Niu Wuniang to actually kill the maid and was unprepared to face such ruthless enemies. She lamented how Niu Wuniang and her accomplices treated lives so callously. Ji Yingying asked Yu Linglong to keep the matter a secret from her mother and brother, vowing not to back down despite Niu Wuniang’s power.

Yang Jinglan came to visit Ji Yingying. Keeping her word, Ji Yingying promised to tell him what he wanted to know. Seeing her resolve, Yang Jinglan hesitated and mentioned his suspicions regarding Ji Guinan’s death. Ji Yingying, while aware of hidden truths, admitted she was powerless but remained confident that she would eventually succeed in creating Shu Red Silk. Concerned about her family business, she allowed Yang Jinglan to arrange for her to be cleaned up and escorted back home.

Meanwhile, Yuyuan criticized Niu Wuniang for recklessly killing Hua Rong, worried it would draw attention. Niu Wuniang, however, dismissed the concern, asserting that there was no genuine love in marriage and that Hua Xiangrong wouldn’t return. She planned to pressure Ji Yingying further into collaborating with her. At the Ji family’s gate, a group of merchants who had previously placed orders surrounded the house, demanding refunds when they discovered the family didn’t have proper registration documents.

Ji Yingying returned just in time and pleaded with the merchants for leniency, promising to deliver the goods on schedule. The merchants remained unconvinced and attempted to storm the house to seize items. Zhuge Hong intervened, declaring that he had been ordered to guard the Ji family and forbade anyone from entering or leaving. Ji Yingying realized that although the action seemed strict, Yang Jinglan was protecting them. The merchants, unwilling to escalate the situation, left begrudgingly.

The red flower cakes in the market had been bought out, leaving Chen Sanlang and others unable to purchase any. Ji Yaoting crawled in through a dog hole, thinking it was impossible to enter through the main gate. Yuyuan speculated that without red flower cakes, Ji Yingying wouldn’t be able to dye silk, potentially driving the Ji family to ruin. When asked about the mountain’s situation, Yuyuan replied that it was temporarily inaccessible.

Yang Jinglan, to delay the investigation, spread rumors about the loss of the Lei Zu statue, prompting villagers to search the mountain. Meanwhile, Zhao Xiuyuan arrived at the Ji family gate, hoping to speak honestly with Ji Yingying, but the guards barred his entry. Ji Yingying crawled out through the dog hole, only to be caught red-handed by Yang Jinglan. He took her on horseback to find Chen Sanlang and coincidentally ran into Zhao Xiuyuan on the way.

Zhao Xiuyuan hesitated, telling Ji Yingying to handle her affairs first. As thunder rumbled and rain poured down, Zhao Xiuyuan stood alone, drenched and filled with anguish and frustration. After completing her tasks, Ji Yingying asked Yang Jinglan to take her to Zhao Xiuyuan, sensing something was troubling him. However, Zhao Xiuyuan was hiding in a corner, crying in despair, unsure of how to face Ji Yingying.

Meanwhile, Niu Wuniang visited the Zhao family to urge them to finalize the wedding date, and Elder Zhao set the wedding at the end of the month. On the delivery day, the lead merchant, who had been bribed by Niu Wuniang, caused a commotion outside the Ji family’s residence. Ji Yingying delivered the promised silk as scheduled. Chen Sanlang and his group brought the silk to the merchants for inspection.

Despite the quality, the lead merchant falsely claimed it was counterfeit and not the genuine Zhu Yan Tuo silk. Yang Jinglan arrived with his men, verified the silk, and vouched for Ji Yingying, ensuring the transaction proceeded. The lead merchant then brought up the issue of registration documents, alleging that the silk was part of illegal trade. Yang Jinglan intentionally stalled for time until Sang Shisi returned with the documents.

Unexpectedly, it was Inspector Sang who arrived, having been coerced by Niu Wuniang, and he intended to arrest the Ji family. Ji Yingying’s mother knelt and pleaded with the inspector to uphold justice. At the critical moment, Sang Shisi rushed in with an imperial decree and the registration documents, allowing Ji Yingying to complete the transaction successfully. Yuyuan realized too late that they had fallen into a diversionary trap; the documents they obtained were merely decoys. Ji Yingying, feeling vindicated, knew Niu Wuniang was watching outside. She boldly approached Niu Wuniang’s carriage and got in willingly.

Ji Yingying got into the carriage and locked eyes with Niu Wuniang. She declared that she had planned ahead and made preparations for two possible outcomes. Niu Wuniang, sensing Ji Yingying’s attempt to suppress her using the situation, remarked that they were no different from each other. Ji Yingying brought up the letters and revealed that she had already replaced the red flower cakes with madder root, catching Niu Wuniang in her trap.

She asserted that this alone proved Niu Wuniang had lost. However, Niu Wuniang remained unfazed. Smiling sarcastically, she mocked Ji Yingying for overestimating herself and stated that she had already achieved her goal. She then handed Ji Yingying a wedding invitation. Seeing Zhao Xiuyuan listed as the groom, Ji Yingying thought Niu Wuniang was lying, but Niu Wuniang urged her to confirm it with Zhao Xiuyuan.

Feeling uneasy, Ji Yingying arranged to meet Zhao Xiuyuan on a bridge, wanting to hear about the marriage directly from him. Zhao Xiuyuan confirmed the wedding date, pretending to stay calm. He deliberately avoided explaining to protect Ji Yingying from harm. Ji Yingying, upset, guessed that Zhao Xiuyuan was being threatened but vowed not to give up. Zhao Xiuyuan claimed that marrying Niu Wuniang would grant him power and that he couldn’t resist such temptation.

Ji Yingying didn’t believe him, accusing him of giving up on their relationship. When Yu Linglong and others learned about Zhao Xiuyuan’s marriage, Yu Linglong was so angry that she wanted to confront him immediately. However, Ji Yingying acted indifferent and told everyone to eat and drink well, insisting they not worry about her. Madam Ji noticed her daughter’s hidden sadness and advised her not to force herself to drink.

Members of the Feihua Society stood by Ji Yingying, who ended up drinking several bowls, declaring that no one would leave until they were all drunk. Zhao Xiuyuan tried on his groom’s attire but was distracted, constantly thinking about his past with Ji Yingying. Meanwhile, Ji Yingying took back the token she had gifted him and, recalling his hurtful words, stayed up all night in pain.

Madam Ji, wanting to comfort her, quietly stayed by her bedside and shared why she had married Ji Guinan, suggesting that Zhao Xiuyuan wasn’t worth grieving over. Unable to hold back any longer, Ji Yingying broke into tears. Yang Jinglan, slumped in the hall, was spotted by Zhuge Hong, who noted that he hadn’t gone home the previous night.

Zhuge Hong advised him not to let his emotions affect his duties, hinting that this was a chance for him to show his worth to Ji Yingying. However, Yang Jinglan believed that truly liking someone meant empathizing with her, regardless of whether they could be together. Zhuge Hong argued that Ji Yingying was strong-willed and would recover quickly, but Yang Jinglan knew she was only pretending to be strong.

A guard reported that Yuyuan had gone up the mountain, leading Yang Jinglan to suspect that this maid, favored by Niu Wuniang, wasn’t simple. Meanwhile, Yu Linglong made soup to comfort Ji Yingying, who had come to terms with the situation. Ji Yingying acknowledged that Zhao Xiuyuan hadn’t wronged her and fondly remembered his kindness in the past.

Yu Linglong encouraged her to find someone more aligned with her values, but Ji Yingying confessed she couldn’t let go of Zhao Xiuyuan. Changing the topic, Ji Yingying began discussing business, deciding to capitalize on their momentum and prioritize weaving brocade. Yang Jinglan invited Ji Yingying to Wangyou Lake, suggesting she throw her worries into its depths.

Ji Yingying carefully placed the token she had gifted Zhao Xiuyuan into a floating lantern, letting it sink into the lake according to her wishes. Yang Jinglan teasingly demanded thirty coins for the lantern, making Ji Yingying feel like she had been swindled. His words suddenly sparked her interest in the names of places in Shu. Curious to hear more stories, she watched as Yang Jinglan drew his sword and performed, wishing her a bright future.

Yu Linglong and Ji Yaoting conspired to vent Ji Yingying’s frustration by replacing the Zhao family’s nameplate with one that read “Heartless Mansion. ” Meanwhile, Yang Jinglan used his qinggong skills to escort Ji Yingying home, only to find the main gate left open. The two joked with each other, and Ji Yingying expressed her gratitude for Yang Jinglan’s comfort. Late at night, Yang Jinglan, disguised, ventured to the mountain, only to fall into an ambush.

Fighting alone, he discovered it was Niu Wuniang’s trap. He removed his mask and remarked that the death of the fourth Jinguang would cause chaos. Niu Wuniang invited him into a cave, where he found Zhuge Hong and other guards captured. Niu Wuniang presented the Shu Red Silk and told Yang Jinglan to take it back as proof of his success.

Feigning ambition, Yang Jinglan claimed he wanted power and wealth and agreed to follow her orders, even stamping a document for her. Despite her suspicion, Niu Wuniang concluded that they were now in the same boat.