0p0 Chapter 159 A New Path for Printing and Dyeing Reveals a Glimmer of Hope
Chapter 159 A New Path for Printing and Dyeing Reveals a Glimmer of Hope
A New Path for Printing and Dyeing is Emerging
Su Yunlan looked around warily. The dense foliage blocked out the sun, with only a few specks of starlight filtering through the gaps and casting dappled shadows on the ground.
The wind rustled through the treetops, making a soft, whispering sound, as if people were whispering among themselves.
Xiao Yuhan drew his sword from his waist, the blade reflecting a cold light under the starlight.
"Be careful," he whispered, shielding Su Yunlan behind him.
Young Master Xiao also gripped his wood-chopping knife tightly, cautiously observing the surrounding movements.
The three continued deeper into the forest, where the woods grew denser and the light became increasingly dim.
A strange fragrance filled the air, sweet and refreshing.
Su Yunlan followed the scent, parted the dense bushes, and suddenly the view opened up before her.
A wide valley appeared before her, in which grew a strange flower with pale purple petals and a captivating fragrance—the very Twilight Cloud Flower she was searching for.
Picking the Twilight Cloud Flowers was not easy. Various poisonous insects and ferocious beasts lurked in the valley. The three of them carefully avoided the dangers and finally picked enough Twilight Cloud Flowers before dawn.
On their way down the mountain, they were attacked by a pack of wolves. After a fierce battle, the three of them finally returned safely.
Su Yunlan looked at the Twilight Flower in her hand, a relieved smile appearing on her tired face.
Back at the workshop, everyone had been waiting for a long time. When they saw the Twilight Cloud Flower that Su Yunlan had brought back, their eyes were filled with anticipation.
Su Yunlan didn't have time to rest and immediately began preparing new dyes.
At the same time, artist Zhao also brought new pattern designs.
He unrolled a scroll of drawing paper, on which was a lifelike painting of flowers and birds, with smooth lines and vibrant colors, which was breathtaking.
"This design requires five colors to be perfectly rendered," said Zhao, the painter, pointing proudly at the paper.
The dyeing workers gathered around to examine it closely, but their brows gradually furrowed.
"Five colors? This...this is too difficult. We can only manage three colors at most," said an old craftsman.
Upon hearing this, the painter Zhao showed a disdainful expression.
"Three colors? Wouldn't that ruin my work?" he said dismissively, showing no regard for the feelings of the dyeing workers.
"What do you artisans know about art?"
"You..." The old craftsman's face turned red with anger, and his finger pointing at the painter Zhao trembled slightly.
"We don't understand art? We've been doing printing and dyeing for decades, are we really less capable than someone like you who can only paint?"
The atmosphere in the workshop immediately became tense, with both sides on the verge of conflict.
Upon seeing this, Su Yunlan quickly put down her work and came over.
"What's wrong? What happened?"
Su Yunlan's gentle voice, like a spring breeze, swept over the tense crowd. "Painter Zhao's painting is exquisite, and the skills of all the masters are superb. Combining the two will surely create a stunning work." She walked to Painter Zhao's side and pointed to a peony on the scroll. "This peony is not a single red, but is made up of layers of deep red, light red, and rose red. If three colors are used to blend them, a five-color effect can also be achieved."
She then picked up a piece of plain cloth, dipped it in the special dye, and demonstrated how to apply it to the cloth.
The dye was made by her using twilight flower and several other herbs, resulting in a bright, long-lasting color that is not easily faded.
With skillful strokes and swift brushwork, a delicate and vibrant peony soon appeared on the canvas, its colors distinct and lifelike.
The dyeing workers gathered around, carefully observing Su Yunlan's demonstration, their eyes filled with amazement.
They had never seen such exquisite dyeing techniques before; it was as if they had opened the door to a new world.
The old craftsman was so moved that tears streamed down his face. "Madam is truly a genius! I've been doing dyeing and printing for decades, and only today have I truly witnessed the essence of dyeing and printing!"
Zhao, the painter, was initially somewhat dismissive, but after seeing Su Yunlan's demonstration, he couldn't help but look at her with new respect.
He never imagined that his paintings could be presented in such a way, more vivid and full of life than on paper.
"Madam Su, I admire you!" He bowed respectfully, his tone sincere.
Su Yunlan smiled slightly, "Painter Zhao is too kind. I have simply combined everyone's wisdom." She handed the dyed fabric to the dyeing workers, "Now, I'll have to trouble you all."
The dyeing workers received the fabric as if it were a treasure, and all expressed their determination to do their best to perfectly replicate this exquisite painting on every piece of fabric.
Even though it was late at night, the workshop was still brightly lit.
Su Yunlan stood by the window, watching the busy crowd, feeling a sense of accomplishment.
A warm feeling came from behind her, and Xiao Yuhan gently hugged her from behind. "Lan'er, you are amazing." His voice was deep and gentle, with a hint of doting.
Su Yunlan leaned against him, feeling the sense of security brought by his broad chest, and smiled slightly, "This is all thanks to everyone."
“No,” Xiao Yuhan gently stroked her hair, “you are the one who deserves the most credit.” His lips gently touched her forehead, leaving a tender kiss.
The surrounding dyeing workers couldn't help but smile knowingly at the sight.
They could feel the deep love between the two and were happy for Su Yunlan.
"Tomorrow will be the day to see the results..." Su Yunlan murmured to herself, gazing at the deep night sky outside the window.
Xiao Yuhan gently hugged her tighter, and the two stood together, seemingly oblivious to everything else in the world.
Despite the bright lights in the workshop and the vibrant colors of the newly dyed fabrics, Su Yunlan felt a sense of unease.
The market's acceptance of new printing and dyeing products remains to be seen.
Just as Su Yunlan was deep in thought, a slightly mercenary voice came from outside the workshop: "Madam Su, Old Qian is here! I heard you've come up with some new tricks?"
The visitor was a wealthy customer, the town's largest cloth merchant, with a round belly and shrewd glints in his triangular eyes.
He swaggered into the workshop, his gaze sweeping over the brightly colored fabrics, a hint of disdain on his face.
"It's an honor to have Mr. Qian grace us with his presence," Su Yunlan greeted him with a beaming smile, though her heart was pounding with apprehension.
Customer Qian picked up a piece of fabric printed with peonies, roughly rubbing it with his fingers, and clicking his tongue: "The color is bright, but... the feel of it seems no different from the old fabrics."
Su Yunlan calmly picked up another piece of cloth and handed it to Mr. Qian: "Mr. Qian, you might as well try this one. It's dyed with new dyes, so it's not only brightly colored, but also softer and more skin-friendly, and more breathable."
The customer took the cloth with some skepticism and began to carefully examine it.
He closed his eyes, feeling the fabric slide across his fingertips, and a look of surprise gradually appeared on his face.
"Huh? It really is a bit different." He opened his eyes and carefully examined the cloth in his hand, finding that the patterns on it were more delicate and vivid than before, as if they had come to life.
Su Yunlan smiled slightly and guided him, "If Mr. Qian doesn't believe me, you can take it back and try it on for a few days. I guarantee you'll love it."
After a slight hesitation, Mr. Qian finally nodded: "Alright, just for Mrs. Su's sincerity, I'll buy a few to try."
With a wave of his hand, he said generously, "Give me fifty horses first! If they sell well, I'll order more next time."
Upon hearing this, the surrounding craftsmen cheered with joy.
The cloth they painstakingly produced finally gained recognition!
Other customers who were initially hesitant also gathered around when they saw Qian making such a quick purchase, asking carefully about the advantages of the new dyeing and printing products.
The workshop was bustling with activity and filled with a joyful atmosphere.
Su Yunlan looked at the scene before her and felt a great sense of accomplishment.
The new printing and dyeing products have finally taken the first successful step.
As night fell, Su Yunlan stood alone in a corner of the workshop, gazing at the mountain of fabric, lost in thought.
How can we truly popularize new dyeing and printing technologies so that more people can benefit from them?
Xiao Yuhan walked to her side and gently put his arm around her shoulder: "Lan'er, what are you thinking about?"
“I’m thinking,” Su Yunlan looked up into Xiao Yuhan’s deep eyes and said softly, “how can I persuade Master Zhou to join us…”