Chapter 144: The Final Appearance of... the Black Tide!

**Chapter 126: The Appearance of the… Black!**

The beginning of such banquets was always tedious.

Lord Dong’s summary of the year’s events in Jiangning and his expectations for the coming year were the same old story, repeated annually. However, this year, as circumstances had begun to change, he spoke vaguely about many things. In reality, many of those seated probably understood the true state of Jiangning’s textile industry far better than Lord Dong.

“We’re having crab tonight…” Wang Wenzhuo of the Wang family, a witness and participant in the evening’s events, murmured quietly amidst the flickering lamplight. The faint aroma of food was already drifting up from downstairs. He then turned to a steward beside him and conversed, “What do you think of tonight’s proceedings?”

The Wang family steward whispered, “Naturally, we still hope the Su family will win, and it seems there won’t be much of a problem.”

“The Wu and Xue families are no pushovers. Look over there, those two families don’t seem very nervous. As for the Su family… honestly, Ning Liheng makes me a little disheartened…”

The Wang family was considered a small-to-medium merchant in Jiangning and had always maintained a good working relationship with the Su family. At this point, they naturally hoped the Su family could secure the imperial merchant status, as it would undoubtedly benefit them. However, Wang Wenzhuo looked at Ning Yi, finding him the only seemingly unreliable factor. The Wang family steward smiled, “He’s just a scholar, no need to worry about him. We know the Second Miss of the Su family is still managing things behind the scenes, so it’ll be fine. Tonight, the Su family is thoroughly prepared; we just need to reel in the line. There should be no problem.”

“As long as the Xue family doesn't pull any tricks, I'm quite at ease…”

The Xue and Su families had a strained relationship, so the Wang family didn't have much affection for the Xue family. Regarding Su Boyong's assassination a month ago, many in the circle largely believed the Xue family was involved. Of course, such an accusation, once confirmed, would be extremely serious, so naturally, no one would voice it openly.

Amidst the whispers, Lord Dong’s speech at the front was already approaching the main topic. Everyone quieted down, waiting for the evening’s most important event to begin amidst the music and the aroma of dishes.

“…Today, I invite everyone to appreciate the Snow-Patterned Gauze recently woven by my Qi family. The silk threads used for this gauze are difficult to weave, but once made, it is light, thin, and resilient. Please see, this gauze is almost transparent, with natural patterns on it as white as snow threads. We use a special loom to control the number of threads…”

It was still early in the evening. Upstairs in Green Ripple Pavilion, everyone was already seated. Among the many tables, a representative from one of the textile households was now unfurling a bolt of gauze in the center of the hall. Around the numerous round tables, fruits, pastries, and other items had all been served. Many weavers and officials discussed it after he finished speaking. Then Lord He Fang stood up and smilingly announced that anyone interested could come forward to examine it. So, people from various tables went to the center, examined the gauze quality up close, and chatted amiably with the Qi family representative.

Tonight’s gathering concerned the annual tribute cloth, the imperial merchant status, and the future standing of various weavers in Jiangning. Of course, the various exchanges would not be limited solely to the competition for imperial merchant status. Those confident in their products would showcase them, and afterward, some weavers might approach them to discuss collaborations or other matters. At this point, the exhibition had just begun. After the Qi family representative finished speaking, people generally smiled and gathered around to look, while others sat around chatting.

“This gauze isn’t bad…”

“The method of separating threads… the Wu family already had it a few years ago…”

“But the Wu family’s fabric doesn’t have a high yield.”

“This Qi family… are worth doing business with…”

Of course, detailed discussions were not possible at this moment, but those interested had already gone up to examine the quality. There would still be an entire evening for slow consideration and discussion. Even those with little interest, such as the Su, Wu, and Xue families, would send someone to evaluate it and offer a few compliments. Once this part of the event began, the atmosphere became lively.

After the Qi family, Lord He also began inviting another household to speak about their year’s affairs. Everyone listened attentively, as some merchants might reveal certain information at such gatherings, which could serve as a potential indicator for the coming year. After speaking, this household didn’t present any new fabrics. Then it was the next family…

Once this procedure began, everyone became quite serious, their attention to the imperial merchant status temporarily diminished as they focused on the present items, discussing matters beneficial to themselves. The Wang family also took an interest in a certain fabric. Wang Wenzhuo discussed it with his accompanying steward and decided to sound out their intentions or inclinations during the banquet later.

Approximately twenty merchant households participated in this gathering. Each household certainly had something to say, but not all necessarily presented new items; it was entirely voluntary. About an hour and a half into the gathering, Lord He said, “…Please invite the Lu family to speak about some of the things that have happened this year.” During the banquet, the whispers caused by the previous fabric display gradually subsided, and everyone quietly awaited the Lu family’s fabric presentation.

Then, the Lu family representative came forward to conclude a brief summary. Someone nearby handed him a brocade box, which he patted with a smile. “…In the past, my Lu family’s Tea-Scented Silk has received everyone’s kind attention. Recently, we’ve continued with the concept of Tea-Scented Silk and have now produced a new fabric, not yet named. I’ve brought it here for everyone to appraise and for all esteemed elders to offer their corrections…”

He opened the box and had a servant display a black fabric before everyone. Gasps of admiration arose from the crowd. Wang Wenzhuo also watched, mouth agape, for a few moments. Then, almost simultaneously with his household steward, he glanced aside, casually observing the reactions of other merchants nearby, primarily those from the Su, Xue, and Wu families. The Lu family’s Tea-Scented Silk was already a renowned fabric in Jiangning, and at this gathering, it had the potential to threaten the position of the top three families. After a moment, he withdrew his gaze and exchanged a smile with his steward.

“It seems all three families have a trump card, so they don’t care much about the Lu family.”

“That’s as it should be.”

“But this black fabric is indeed excellent; I’ll go up and take a look.”

Wang Wenzhuo said this and stood up. Among the seated merchants, quite a few had also been observing the expressions of the Wu, Xue, and Su families. The Wu family members had consistently smiled gracefully; after each family presented their item, they would engage in polite conversation and ask questions, maintaining this demeanor. The Xue family also appeared full of confidence, and the Su family was similar. Ning Yi, the top scholar currently standing in for the main branch, kept his right hand resting on the brocade box lid on the table, his fingers idly tapping, exuding a sense of calm confidence. At this moment, Steward Liao did not converse with him, but rather exchanged a few smiling words with the steward next to him, then stood up and walked forward, with Su Zhongkan also moving over.

The Lu family’s fabric couldn’t shake the positions of these three families, but in Jiangning, it was considered a very good product. For a moment, it created a small buzz at the gathering. Wu Chenghou of the Wu family had also come forward by this time and conversed with Su Zhongkan about the fabric, giving it high praise. After the open viewing time ended, the black fabric was also displayed at the front of the floor, so everyone could see it throughout the rest of the banquet.

When the next family came forward, the lively discussions had not yet ceased. These discussions then gradually quieted down as everyone proceeded through the presentations of the other merchants. The lingering impression of the Lu family’s black fabric remained. After a few more families had presented, when He Fang came out and announced the name of the Xue family’s “Dachuan Textile Shop,” the atmosphere in the banquet hall was abruptly cut short, as if by a knife. The moment almost everyone had anticipated this evening had finally arrived.

At the round table, Ning Yi’s tapping fingers stopped. Steward Liao and others adjusted their seats. Xue Yan smiled towards them, carrying a wooden box forward, and began to speak of the Xue family’s good fortune over the past year. The second-floor hall was quiet; everyone paid attention to what the Xue family was about to present, as well as the Su family’s reaction. When the Xue family finally displayed a new, regal purple fabric, the atmosphere in the entire space seemed to freeze for more than ten breaths. People quietly waited for others’ reactions, most looking towards the Su family’s side. Even the Xue family members cast their attention towards the Su family. After observing for a while, the Su family stewards also exchanged glances.

One second, two seconds… Finally, Steward Liao glanced around, adjusted his robes, and stood up with a smile, preparing to go forward and look. As he took a step, Ning Yi frowned, his fingers once again stilled, and he leaned back in his chair. Then, the sounds of murmuring erupted around them, blending into a single hum, and everyone began to rise and walk forward.

“No reaction from the Su family?”

“What’s going on?”

“Does the Xue family have no further moves?”

“The Su family has been preparing for years. It seems assassinating Su Boyong alone wasn’t enough; Su Tan’er didn’t fall…”

“This time, the Su family’s gamble paid off…”

“It’s the grand finale; the imperial merchant status will likely go to the Su family…”

“It’s hard to say about the Wu family, but if the Wu family were serious, according to past situations, they should have been the last to present…”

“Accumulating strength to break through – this is what true accumulation looks like…”

“Su Yu should now feel at ease entrusting the family business to his granddaughter…”

Amidst various whispered discussions, everyone also smiled and walked forward. As one of the three major weaving families in Jiangning, although people were startled, they still wouldn’t disrespect the Xue family. The scene immediately became lively. Of course, within this liveliness, everyone had their own thoughts. Lively as it was, after the Xue family placed the purple fabric at the front, Xue Yan walked back to his seat with an unreadable expression, then turned his head and spoke quietly with his younger brother.

“I’m thinking, Su Tan’er might really secure the imperial merchant status tonight…”

“Just now, Su Zhongkan and Su Yunfang’s expressions became a bit strange, hehe…”

The banquet was still in a state of great confusion and discussion. He Fang stood up and waved his hand, but couldn’t quell it much. He then, as usual, announced the next family to come forward. Wu Chenghou stood up from his seat with a smile, then approached, carrying a brocade box. A slight surprise rippled through the crowd, and Wu Chenghou was already speaking with a smile.

The back became slightly quiet. Wang Wenzhuo glanced at Wu Chenghou, frowning, “Why is it the Wu family after the Xue family?”

“Indeed…” The Wang family steward nodded, also puzzled, then tilted his head and continued their previous conversation: “No matter what, if the Su family secures the imperial merchant status this time, their position will be settled. If Su Tan’er cannot take over the family business, the consequences would be dire…”

“I’ve already prepared for after today…”

They spoke intently, continuing their previous discussion. Wu Chenghou’s speech from the front was a bit dry; most people listened, but their confusion remained undiminished. Nearby, the Xue family brothers frowned and whispered, “Heh, I kept wondering if the Su family was overthinking Su Boyong’s assassination…”

“Their reaction is very strong, but it’s understandable. I just hope they make some mistakes in the end…”

“I still don’t quite believe they can really produce a fabric that surpasses everyone else’s. They’ve certainly publicized it heavily…”

“Su Tan’er fell ill, so those stewards can only do so much. Anyway, at the last moment, it will… wow.”

Xue Jin had not yet finished his sentence when his gaze, directed forward, suddenly froze. Even while chatting, everyone had been listening to Wu Chenghou’s speech. At that moment, a piece of golden brocade suddenly unfurled before everyone’s eyes. Wu Chenghou’s words were uninteresting, but he spoke casually. However, after the golden brocade was displayed for a moment, it abruptly captured everyone’s attention.

Xue Jin and Xue Yan were both stunned for a long moment. Wang Wenzhuo, who had been speaking with his steward, also involuntarily straightened his posture and craned his neck. Xue Yan watched for a long time, likely forgetting his previous divided attention and conversation with his brother. Then he sighed, “The Wu family truly is… like a biting dog that doesn’t bark…”

“The Wu family has also revealed their trump card…”

“This fabric… no…” Xue Yan suddenly realized something and looked to the side.

Before Wu Chenghou, the golden-yellow fabric was unfurled. The box also contained silk threads dyed the same golden color as raw material; the color was vibrant and eye-catching, extraordinarily magnificent. Wu Chenghou was still speaking: “This brilliant gold brocade was dyed using a special fabric dyeing formula discovered by my Wu family. The weaving process was supervised by Master Luo Shenzhen, therefore…”

He paused slightly, then smilingly stopped his introduction. In the hall, which had quietly fallen silent at some point, a figure in a green robe had already crossed several tables. It was Ning Yi, who had risen at some unknown moment and was looking at the golden brocade next to Wu Chenghou. At this point, everyone else was still seated, but he slowly walked closer, then paused slightly, and everyone in the hall turned their gaze towards him. He Fang thought for a moment, then stood up slightly: “Nephew Ning, the Wu family has not finished speaking yet, and it’s not time to approach. Could you please return to your seat?” In the past, everyone addressed him with titles like “Esteemed Nephew,” indicating a good relationship, and He Fang’s tone was cordial.

However, there was no reaction.

In quiet silence, people’s gazes began to shift back and forth between Ning Yi and the Wu family members. Some gradually began to realize something, and then others realized even more…

“Something’s not right…”

“What happened…”

“No, no, no, this isn’t right…”

“The Wu family…”

“The Su family is in trouble…”

Realizations suddenly began to sweep across like a snowball. However, for a moment, it seemed only to be a change in atmosphere. No one spoke, but their eyes grew complex, and gradually even more so. The atmosphere grew restless, as if conversations were about to erupt immediately. Steward Liao had already walked over, trying to get Ning Yi to return. At the front, Wu Chenghou also looked at Ning Yi for a while. He had been smiling somewhat ambiguously, then let out a soft “heh” and began to speak.

“Uh, it’s fine. If Nephew Ning wishes to take a look, he is welcome to. No matter, no matter. Speaking of which, I chatted with Nephew Ning a few days ago about something. My family also has new fabric to present. If Nephew Ning feels inspired, I’d like to invite you to compose a poem for it; it doesn’t need to be too grand, just borrowing Nephew’s reputation. In any case, this fabric has been presented, so there’s no need for much more introduction. Master Luo Shenzhen’s weaving skill is surely worth boasting about. Come, come, everyone, please don’t be shy, feel free to offer your insights, hehe, I won’t say more…”

Several stewards close to the Wu family stood up, but for a moment, not many people spoke; faint, indecipherable whispers circulated among them.

“Something’s happened…”

Wang Wenzhuo frowned, then rubbed his brow, his gaze complex and hard to decipher.

“Is it… the Wu family?” Xue Yan leaned back in his chair, somewhat incredulous, then let out an equally complex, mirthless laugh, “Heh.”

Ning Yi and Steward Liao were at the center of everyone’s attention. Steward Liao said a few words, but Ning Yi frowned, saying nothing. He merely looked at Wu Chenghou, and then at the Wu Qilong and Wu Qihao brothers, who were smiling as they approached. Sometimes his gaze seemed to wander aimlessly. Only for a moment did he seem to clench his teeth, as if wanting to move forward, but Steward Liao grabbed his shoulder.

In the moments that followed, the entire hall seemed to be divided into two parts by something: one pale, one bustling with noise. Ning Yi finally retreated to his seat. He simply stared at the center of the hall, his gaze complex, deep in thought. Of course, perhaps all businessmen had seen such a gaze—the look in the eyes of someone whose passionate efforts in business are suddenly swallowed by its darkness: complex, inexpressible, disbelieving, and speechless. Many had already guessed what had happened, and even if they couldn’t confirm their suspicions, they had certainly sensed the change in atmosphere.

A low hum, a low hum…

The Wu family members returned to their seats, and the brilliant golden brocade was placed at the front, but that feeling of division did not subside. The air remained charged, a mixture of stark realization and rising clamor, giving a sense of events rapidly accelerating. Everyone was awaiting the final conclusion of certain matters. They looked at the still-smiling Wu family, and at Ning Yi, silent in the Su family’s section, as well as the few Su family stewards who were whispering amongst themselves yet maintained their composure. The Xue family had also guessed many things; Xue Sheng frowned and sighed at his two sons.

“A truly biting dog doesn’t bark; this is where the Wu family’s strength lies. Without making a sound, watching everyone else argue noisily, they quietly turn the clouds into rain, overturning everything with a flick of their hand. Heh, the Su family made such a grand show recently, but it was all useless. This move is truly ruthless. The tripartite balance of power in Jiangning’s textile industry will cease to exist. After the Su family is finished, we must take this as a lesson… Alas…”

In the past, the Xue family and Su family had a strained relationship, but now, in his sigh, there was no longer any schadenfreude. It was as if he saw the twilight of an era, with fiery clouds like tattered sleeves across the sky, about to shatter, carrying a slight sense of regret and melancholy.

It wasn't because the Su family was incompetent, but because the Wu family, behind the scenes, was truly too formidable. Xue Yan looked at Ning Yi, seated over there. Over the past month, this scholar had played perhaps the smallest role, feeling like a sheep standing among wolves. He originally had no room to resist, and in the past, he found the situation amusing. But at this moment, his back clearly appeared exceptionally lonely. He still couldn’t do anything, nor had he done anything; he merely seemed quite pitiable.

Finally, at a certain moment, He Fang’s voice rang out, pushing everything towards its conclusion…

What followed might be a different kind of climax.