Plotting with You: The Forensic Scientist in Ancient Times!

Chapter 554 - 553: Headdress and Shoes Workshop

Perhaps Emperor Jin will regret this, Lu Qing thought silently.

After all, he is someone who has weathered many storms, his vision naturally surpasses that of ordinary people; he didn’t seem to regard Zhu Yu’s exceptional bravery and skill as anything monstrous, nor did he make a fuss about it.

So in his eyes, accidentally arranging a marriage for Zhu Yu with me might be seen as a pity.

But what of it? Thinking about his other brothers, Lu Qing felt destiny was indeed right.

Only he is the most suitable for Zhu Yu.

Zhu Yu did not know Lu Qing’s thoughts; she was enjoying her outing this time. The shops in the Capital gathered most of the fine goods from the Four Seas, if you can imagine it, you can find it, making her quite satisfied.

After buying some items gradually, they turned into a small street.

The small street didn’t have as many varied shops as before, but it was densely packed with people.

"Why is it so lively here?" Zhu Yu, the shortest of the three, couldn’t see a thing over the crowd in front, her view completely blocked.

"Look where there are the most people." Lu Qing pointed to a shop ahead with his finger.

Following his direction, Zhu Yu saw a sign hanging high on what appeared to be a three-story building — "Headdress and Shoes Workshop."

A sudden realization appeared on her face: "Is it the ’mountain has steep peaks, and clouds rest upon the summit. Ascend those clouds, the mountain mist is gray’ cloud?"

Lu Qing chuckled: "Madam has a good memory, this cloud is that cloud."

"So, it’s so lively, we really should go have a look!" Saying this, Zhu Yu became interested, "That day, it made someone so embarrassed their face turned bright red, this Shopkeeper Gu Lingyun, I’m also a little curious."

Lu Qing looked Zhu Yu up and down: "Hmm, the thick clothes you just bought seem not to compliment your beauty and aura, how about selecting a few items from the famous Headdress and Shoes Workshop in the Capital?"

The three of them squeezed towards the crowd.

The number of people here was indeed large, each stretching their necks to see ahead; Lu Qing and the rune worked hard to push through the crowd, Zhu Yu followed them through the opening in the crowd, squeezing in for a long time but still among the throngs, unable to see what was up ahead.

Looking up, they saw there was still a long distance to the entrance of the Headdress and Shoes Workshop shop.

This was truly exaggerated! What exactly was so attractive that people would block half the street, desperately trying to catch a glimpse?

The closer they got, the denser the crowd became; Lu Qing and the rune dared not push people too forcefully aside, advancing slowly forward, despite the chill weather, all three broke into a sweat being packed tightly in the crowd.

Finally, despite surrounding discontent, they made it to the front, at long last, glimpsing what had drawn everyone here.

At the door of the Headdress and Shoes Workshop, several clerks faced the crowd, forming a human barricade, and behind it was a temporary platform, almost waist-high, displaying a piece of fabric on a wooden frame.

In that instant, upon seeing the fabric, Zhu Yu suddenly understood why so many people wanted to see for themselves— the material was indeed rare.

Zhu Yu stood just a mere ten feet away, yet couldn’t quite describe the color of the fabric; it seemed to have a pale yellow base but also seemed to carry a faint golden sheen, subtly shimmering in the sunlight with every breeze, as the wind made it quiver, the cloth showed vibrant colors under the sun, red, orange, yellow, and green impossible to distinguish, as if draping the twilight hues upon oneself.

The most unusual feature was not just the sight; a breeze carried a delicate fragrance from the fabric into the crowd, softly wafting, natural and unobtrusive, yet undeniably noticeable.

Numerous butterflies were drawn to the scent, fluttered around the fabric.

Momentarily, the fabric under the sunlight was multifaceted in color, infinitely changing; the lingering fragrance accompanying the butterflies’ dance made people feel a dreamlike sense of being on the brink of transcendence, eliciting marvel from onlookers, unwilling to leave despite seeing everything clearly.

Initially, Zhu Yu didn’t share the sentiments of amazement. The Headdress and Shoes Workshop already made her quite vigilant; upon smelling the fragrance wafting from the fabric, alarm bells rang in her heart, cautiously sniffing, tension slightly easing.

The scent was definitely not from Chang’e Drunk, she was sure of it, neither was it any fragrance previously encountered at Immortal Castle or Little Mountain Building, be it floral, herbal, or medicinal.

Zhu Yu’s sense of smell was always precise and "reliable," she was nearly certain this scent was unfamiliar.

But this did not completely reassure her, concerned there might still be some unexpected trickery.

She glanced towards Lu Qing; Lu Qing picked up on her worry, leaned in, whispering in her ear: "Daringly displayed in broad daylight for all to see, likely it’s not the fragrance that holds an issue."

With this, Zhu Yu’s brow relaxed.

After all, this was in the Capital; using seductive fragrance or poison scent in daylight would attract attention, who would dare such brazen deeds?

Secondly, Chang’e Drunk is rare and fragile, especially avoiding sun exposure, those girls in Little Mountain Building were coaxed into consuming some, if used as dye to color cloth and hang outside, it shouldn’t be effective.

What’s more intriguing was Lu Qing’s remark "problem not within the fragrance."

Seems he believed the Headdress and Shoes Workshop likely had an underlying issue, and from their past conduct serving solely nobles, suddenly displaying such rare fabric with high profile surely had a purpose.

They seemingly wished more people to be aware of the cloth’s existence.

Such acts could either create a buzz or serve as forethought for further actions.

As expected, while Zhu Yu was pondering alone, someone in the crowd loudly asked, "Shopkeeper! This fabric is stunning! How much silver per piece?"

This inquiry immediately spurred curiosity, people enthusiastically echoing, each inquiring about the fabric’s price.