Plotting with You: The Forensic Scientist in Ancient Times!-Chapter 104 - 103: A Wife Like a Black Iron Tower

Zhu Yu initially thought inviting a tailor for measurements would be an easy task, finished swiftly without much effort.

Who would’ve thought that upon following Mrs. Zhao to the front hall, it would take more than an hour.

She never knew there were so many types of fabrics, each with various patterns and designs, creating even more choices when they needed to be paired together.

In Shuo Country, customs are relatively simple, women’s clothes aren’t excessively varied. Even the ladies of Zhu Chengjia mostly wear styles that are quite convenient and neat.

When had Zhu Yu ever seen this kind of fanfare over tailoring a few pieces of clothing!

Finally managing to decide amidst all sorts of fabrics and designs which garments to tailor, thinking she’d finally escape, the tailor stopped her again.

"Madam, please wait, there’s just a little more!" He shook his gray beard, signaling the maid who had just helped measure Zhu Yu to step aside and waved his hand as several young apprentices hurriedly came forward,

each holding a long wooden strip with many small hooks nailed onto it, from which hung different colored fur pelts.

"Madam, the Prince previously instructed me to make you a fox fur cloak. Here are some color options. Not sure which one you would prefer. Please select a pleasing color so I can gather the necessary pelts to sew it before winter."

Zhu Yu rubbed her temples. She had inquired about fox pelts with a hunter selling wild rabbits outside the city gates of Qingshui County, back then merely to rule out whether there were any dangerous beasts in the area, without any other purpose.

Other than that, it seems she had never mentioned anything related to fox fur.

After finally dismissing the tailor, Zhu Yu went to ask Lu Qing. Lu Qing’s response was—"That tailor is quite renowned in the Capital, booked far in advance. Initially, I thought Madam had decided on leading a secluded life indoors and eventually would mingle with the high-born ladies, hence preparing outfits that uphold the Prince Mansion’s prestige. I didn’t expect Madam to have a change of mind so quickly and forgot to inform the tailor, so that was that."

Zhu Yu felt Lu Qing’s words were clearly poking fun at her, yet she had no evidence.

A month quickly passed.

During this month, Zhu Yu was not bored. Besides serving in court, Lu Qing would invite Zhu Yu to places like Yunyin Pavilion or other taverns and teahouses, with either rune or Fu Lu accompanying her.

Of course, while out, Zhu Yu remained "Mr. Zhu," enjoying it, as being dressed as a man was still more comfortable than constantly wearing a veil hat.

A month later, she had a deeper understanding of various places in the Capital and Yunyin Pavilion.

Yunyin Pavilion, a highly popular music hall in the Capital, boasts dozens of talented musicians and dancers of exceptional appearance.

However, unlike elsewhere, the musicians and dancers here, despite their captivating looks and graceful figures, rely solely on selling their skills and never engage in any flesh trade.

Yet this doesn’t deter people from flocking to Yunyin Pavilion.

Outside, everyone knows there is a capable Manageress at Yunyin Pavilion, appearing delicate, yet managing all its affairs meticulously. Few know its real owners are the unexpectedly significant figures, Lu Chao and Lu Qing.

The meeting with Lu Chao occurred in a secret chamber within Yunyin Pavilion. Later, Lu Qing arrogantly led Zhu Yu through the main entrance several times.

Only then did Zhu Yu realize the front and back of Yunyin Pavilion were seemingly different worlds.

Unlike the serene elegance in the back, the front, though not vulgar, was much more lively.

Different musicians perform each hour and dancers, dressed brightly, gracefully dance among guests to the music, making one fleetingly feel as if in the Heavenly Palace attending the Peach Blossom Assembly.

Most visitors here, dressed splendidly, are seldom uncouth or overly brash.

Sitting at tables, they sip tea or wine, indulge in enjoyment, and when inspired, call for paper and pen to express emotion, regardless of skill level, first writing passionately.

What they write is then presented to Liu Yueyao for review. If it meets her approval, there’s a fanfare as the masterpiece is hung high for guests to appreciate and critique. Those not chosen are returned to the creator, enveloped for retrieval.

If one’s writing or painting gets displayed in Yunyin Pavilion, it seems quite an illustrious achievement. During Zhu Yu’s visits, scholars hastened for paper and pen even before finishing their drink.

This day, Lu Qing proudly brought Zhu Yu to Yunyin Pavilion again. The business seemed particularly thriving, but Zhu Yu noticed today many guests were not the usual scholars but rather people in Jin Country merchant attire, with unmistakably sharp expressions.

No matter how lively the musicians play or how elegantly the dancers twirl, those fresh faces were indifferent, drinking little but often, a slight melancholy between their brows.

The fervor in Yunyin Pavilion stemmed mainly from the Capital’s hottest topic, with many discussing one matter—news of Prince Yi Lu Zhang’s newly appointed bride arriving in the Capital and the imminent wedding.

However, the marriage of the Commandery Princess from Jie Country to the most celebrated Prince Yi of Da Jin became the talk of the town, with all sorts of opinions expressed privately.

It’s rumored that the Commandery Princess from Jie Country was exceptionally allowed to bring two maids along.

Though bringing two maids with a bride is not unusual, one must recall Jin Country’s former rule that brides had to travel solo with no servants allowed.

This special exception led to varied interpretations.

Some said this was the Emperor Jin’s specialty love for Prince Yi, granting his bride exceptional treatment.

Others claimed the Emperor Jin was ultimately wary of Jie King’s power, thus had to make concessions, honoring the other side.

Clearly, some in Yunyin Pavilion agreed with the first viewpoint.

"This proves the Holy Emperor truly favors Prince Yi the most." A scholar, after several rounds, slightly tipsy, began speaking without reserve, "Who doesn’t know Prince Yi has an extraordinary maternal family and now a formidable new one through marriage, making his future incredibly promising!

It seems only Prince Yi could potentially take over the world from the Holy Emperor!"

His envious admiration wasn’t shared by his friends.

"I say, Prince Yi is quite pitiful! Clearly a refined, handsome gentleman deserving of the most graceful beauty as a wife but ended up marrying some Commandery Princess from Jie Country!" Another person, flushed with drink, added humorously, "It’s said those from Jie Country are all tall and brawny, with wide faces and speak loudly.

Jie men wield brutish strength like beasts, while Jie women are dark and robust, even more imposing than Jin’s ordinary men.

You say, if the Commandery Princess is a top contender in Jie Country, resembling them, wouldn’t she look like an iron tower?

Would anyone willingly marry such a woman?"