Volume One, Chapter Seventeen: My Excellent Son-in-law!

Qin Bao took out a palm-sized piece of cloud brocade and handed it over with a smile. “Princess, would you like to feel it?”

Wang Caiwei, being a woman, was naturally more sensitive and perceptive, with an intuitive understanding of the quality of silk and brocade. She glanced at the peony pattern woven into the cloud brocade, and a strange light flashed in her eyes.

The pattern’s colors were vivid, its hues layered and distinct, clearly highlighting the magnificence of the peony.

To weave such patterns directly into the brocade itself was no easy feat.

Wang Caiwei stroked it, finding the cloud brocade soft, delicate, and elastic, its quality far superior to the Rain Silk brocade popular in Liang.

This brocade was on par with the famous textiles of the realm.

For a moment, Wang Caiwei’s breathing quickened, as if she could see cloud brocade sweeping the world, countless merchants vying to purchase it, and yet it being so rare that demand far outstripped supply.

Her expression vibrant, Wang Caiwei said, “Come, let us go to the palace.”

Qin Bao replied, “Princess, you may go ahead.”

“No!” Wang Caiwei declared firmly. “We must go together. This is all your achievement, and you must explain it.”

Qin Bao nodded, and together with Wang Caiwei, made their way to Zhangtai Palace.

Emperor Xuanwu, upon learning that Wang Caiwei and Qin Bao had arrived, was quite pleased and ordered Huang Jing to summon them. Watching the two enter the hall—a talented young man and a beautiful woman—the emperor felt joyful and asked, “You’ve come to the palace together. Is there something you wish to discuss?”

Wang Caiwei nodded to Qin Bao, indicating he should speak.

Qin Bao spoke directly, “The Princess’s weaving workshop has produced a new brocade sample, and asks Your Majesty to examine it.”

With that, he presented the cloud brocade.

Huang Jing took it and placed it before Emperor Xuanwu, who first observed it briefly, then touched it himself and nodded. “What kind of brocade is this?”

Qin Bao answered, “It is called cloud brocade.”

Emperor Xuanwu nodded, “Its colors are as gorgeous as clouds indeed. Calling it cloud brocade is apt. Can such brocade be produced in large quantities?”

“No, it cannot,” Qin Bao replied, shaking his head.

Emperor Xuanwu sighed, “If it can’t be mass-produced, it will be difficult to profit from it.”

“Your Majesty is mistaken,” Qin Bao explained. “Cloud brocade is positioned as a high-end luxury item. If it were woven in bulk and sold everywhere, it would lose all its value.”

“Difficult weaving, limited supply, demand exceeding production—only then will its price soar.”

“The Zhou and Chen kingdoms are wealthy and fond of extravagance. With cloud brocade as magnificent as clouds, it can fetch a high price.”

Qin Bao spoke in a low, firm voice, “The harder it is to make, the more money it earns. It can be described as ‘gold for every inch of brocade.’”

Even Emperor Xuanwu, whose gaze was usually as calm as a still pond, showed surprise. “Is it truly gold for every inch?”

“Indeed!” Qin Bao replied. “The sample just now was ordinary cloud brocade. If you desire something more luxurious, gold and silver threads can be added, making it even more opulent.”

“The cost is high, so how could cloud brocade not be expensive? Its technique is so complex that even a skilled weaver can only produce about three inches a day. Hence, high price is justified.”

Emperor Xuanwu worried, “What if it doesn’t sell?”

Qin Bao answered confidently, “As long as it’s marketed well, it can’t fail to sell.”

“With some time before the Four Nations Literary Gathering, I will have Chen Liuyuan tailor a set of splendid garments for Your Majesty, and another for the Princess.”

“When you and the Princess appear, you will stand out from the crowd, naturally attracting countless admirers.”

“In fact, even without considering Zhou, Chen, and Yan, our own Liang has many nobles and aristocrats who envy luxury and will surely purchase cloud brocade. These founding nobles and princes are never short on money.”

Emperor Xuanwu fell silent.

Liang, being on the frontier, was indeed poor—but it was the commoners and the court who suffered. The court’s aristocrats were truly wealthy.

The old nobility owned countless lands and estates, and managed many industries and resources, so they were never lacking in money.

Emperor Xuanwu pondered for a moment. “Besides the garments for me and the Princess, prepare a set for the Grand Emperor and the Empress, and one for yourself as well, since you’ll be attending the Four Nations Literary Gathering.”

“I accept the order!” Qin Bao responded quickly.

The Literary Gathering represented the dignity of Liang. As the saying goes, people are judged by their attire, and horses by their saddles—a fine outfit makes all the difference.

Qin Bao didn’t care about looking handsome, as he never paid attention to appearances.

What mattered to him was promoting cloud brocade.

But to make so many sets of clothing, he would need more skilled hands.

He would have to recruit from the Qin family.

After all, the Qin family hadn’t been much use anyway.

Emperor Xuanwu reminded, “The robes for me, the Grand Emperor, and others must be well designed—not too flashy, nor too plain. Do you understand?”

Qin Bao replied confidently, “Rest assured, Your Majesty. I promise to produce the finest imperial robes.”

Emperor Xuanwu nodded. “Over time, you have earned three hundred thousand taels of silver for me, alleviating urgent concerns of the court.”

“And now, you have created cloud brocade and opened commercial avenues for Liang. Such merit must be rewarded.”

“Your specific official post will not be granted yet. When the Literary Gathering concludes and you have sufficient fame, only then will it be appropriate, silencing all critics.”

“For now, I grant you provisional authority.”

With these words, Emperor Xuanwu took a token from his desk and handed it over. “This is the Black Guard’s token, giving you precedence over officials. You may use it to enter the palace, or to command personnel from the Black Guard as needed.”

Qin Bao was delighted.

With the Black Guard’s status, he now had special privileges, free from fear of oppression by officials.

He accepted the Black Guard token and said gratefully, “I accept the imperial order.”

Emperor Xuanwu’s expression softened, and he smiled. “You must continue your work, and keep writing ‘Romance of the Three Kingdoms.’ No delays, understand?”

Qin Bao replied, “I will remember Your Majesty’s instructions.”

Emperor Xuanwu said, “You may withdraw.”

Qin Bao and Wang Caiwei bowed and left together.

As they exited Zhangtai Palace, Wang Caiwei said, “Master Qin, I have some ideas about making garments from cloud brocade. Let’s discuss them in detail at the Princess’s residence.”

Qin Bao agreed, and accompanied the Princess out of the imperial city.

...

Emperor Xuanwu watched their departing figures, a smile lingering at the corners of his lips.

He was increasingly satisfied with Qin Bao.

Since encountering Qin Bao, his daughter had become more methodical in her actions, and now a treasure trove was about to be born.

A fine son-in-law!

In recent days, the aristocrats had been attacking Qin Sheng, prompting him to retaliate, submitting memorials to impeach some old nobles for illegal activities.

With the Grand Emperor still present, Emperor Xuanwu couldn’t execute the nobles en masse, but could punish them.

A number of people were dealt with, and the atmosphere improved considerably.

Poor Qin Sheng was under great pressure; it was rumored that two nights ago, he was ambushed and beaten on his way home, but the perpetrator was never found.

At that moment, Huang Jing entered, respectfully saying, “Your Majesty, the Empress has arrived.”

“Let her in!” Emperor Xuanwu ordered.

Huang Jing went to announce her arrival, waiting outside.

Empress Sun entered with poise. Though past forty and with crow’s feet at the corners of her eyes, she was well-kept and still graceful, her former beauty faintly discernible.

She bowed and said, “Your Majesty, I greet you.”

Emperor Xuanwu smiled, “No need for formalities, dearest. What brings you here?”

The couple had weathered hardship together.

Especially as Empress Sun never interfered in politics, was frugal and broad-minded, and thus deeply cherished by Emperor Xuanwu.

Despite this, she never grew arrogant from his favor.

Empress Sun spoke proactively, “Your Majesty, Caiwei is not young anymore, and I am anxious.”

“Coincidentally, today the family of Marquis Wu’an came to the palace and mentioned Caiwei’s marriage.”

“Marquis Wu’an has always guarded Liang’s western borders and is a trusted minister. His eldest son, Xue Chong, has followed him in campaigns, is talented and promising—a good match.”

“No!” Emperor Xuanwu replied without hesitation.

He snorted, and said in a grave voice, “Xue Chong is indeed capable in battle, but he is a dull fellow, who doesn’t even understand poetry—how could he be worthy of my daughter?”

Empress Sun said plaintively, “Your Majesty seeks someone both brilliant in literature and outstanding in martial prowess; I fear that is too difficult. Your Majesty, Caiwei is not young anymore.”

Emperor Xuanwu waved his hand, “No need to worry, dearest.”

Empress Sun sighed, then suddenly said, “If Your Majesty finds Xue Chong unsuitable, what about Murong Lin, the Sixth Prince of Yan?”

“In terms of relations, he is Your Majesty’s nephew. I hear he is heroic and talented, good at literature as well. If Caiwei marries him, it would forge an alliance with Yan and resolve her marriage.”

Liang and Yan had a history of marriage alliances.

Emperor Xuanwu’s elder half-sister had married the current emperor of Yan, giving birth to Yan’s Sixth Prince, Murong Lin.

Emperor Xuanwu snorted, “My daughter will never be sent away. The marriage with Yan was forced by domestic turmoil, a reluctant alliance for aid. I will never allow my daughter to marry abroad.”

His daughter was obedient and capable, able to earn money and ease his worries. Such a daughter had to remain by his side.

And a good son-in-law, too!

Empress Sun, seeing that the emperor disagreed with both options, probed, “If Your Majesty refuses everyone, do you have a suitable candidate in mind?”

“No,” Emperor Xuanwu shook his head, though he couldn’t help but blink.

Empress Sun knew him too well.

Seeing his expression, she knew he wasn’t telling the truth, and pressed, “Please don’t deceive me, Your Majesty. Who is the son-in-law you have in mind?”