The Leisurely Life of a Peasant Woman in the Tang Dynasty

"Master Liu," Tang Youyou spoke slowly, wanting to discuss the promotion of the new loom and the subsequent improvement and inheritance plans.

"I think this new loom..."

Before she could finish her words, she was interrupted by Master Liu.

"Madam Tang, this loom is exquisitely made, but we brothers have spent our entire lives studying it. The craft passed down from our ancestors cannot be changed at will." Although Master Liu's tone was respectful, it revealed an unquestionable firmness.

Other veteran craftsmen also echoed this.

"Yes, Madam Tang, these things of our ancestors cannot be touched!" "This new thing looks fancy, but who knows if it is durable!" "We are old and can't learn new things!" For a while, voices of opposition came one after another, like basins of cold water poured on Tang Youyou's passionate heart.

Tang Youyou took a deep breath and patiently explained: "Master Liu, fellow masters, this new loom is more efficient, and the cloth it weaves is finer, so we can save a lot of effort. This is not random, it's to allow our skills to be passed down better!"

"Inheritance? Humph!" One of the oldest craftsmen snorted coldly, "The rules of our ancestors are the best inheritance! Madam Tang, you are young and don't understand these things. Don't mess around. If you break the rules, you will be punished by heaven!"

These words were a bit harsh, and even Brother Tang frowned slightly.

Miss Wang covered her mouth and laughed secretly, looking like she was enjoying the show.

Although Fu Wenyuan and several other young craftsmen were eager to try, they did not dare to say much due to the authority of the old craftsmen and could only look at Tang Youyou worriedly.

Tang Youyou felt a sense of suffocation in her chest, which made her feel even more aggrieved than arguing with Miss Wang.

She rubbed her temples, trying to suppress her anger.

"Master Liu, I know you're all doing this for the good of the workshop, but..."

"Madam Tang," Master Liu said in a firm tone, "I know you mean well, but this ancestral rule cannot be broken. If you insist on doing this, then I... will have no choice but to take my brothers and leave!"

As soon as he said this, all the old craftsmen fell silent, and the atmosphere was so solemn that it seemed as if water could drip out.

Tang Youyou looked at these stubborn old craftsmen with mixed feelings.

She knew that today's level would be difficult...

"Brother..." Tang Youyou turned to look at Brother Tang, with a hint of help in his eyes.

Brother Tang pondered for a moment and slowly said, "Masters, what Youyou said makes sense. This new loom looks really good to me. It is efficient and labor-saving. We must keep pace with the times and not stand still!" Brother Tang is highly respected in the family. His words are like a magic needle that stabilizes the sea, causing some old craftsmen who were originally wavering to start rethinking.

"Brother, that being said, but..." Master Liu wanted to argue, but was interrupted by Brother Tang.

"Master Liu, I know you adhere to the rules of our ancestors, but times are changing, and so must we. Do you want our skills to be lost? This new loom represents both inheritance and innovation!"

When some young craftsmen heard this, hope glittered in their eyes and they nodded in agreement.

Fu Wenyuan clenched his fists excitedly, as if he saw a hopeful future.

However, there are still some stubborn old craftsmen who insist on their own opinions. They stick their necks out and refuse to give in.

"Young people are so impetuous! What innovation? This is just messing around! How can it be so easy to change something our ancestors did?" An old craftsman blew his beard and glared, spitting everywhere, as if Tang Youyou was some unforgivable sinner.

"That's right! This new thing looks fancy, but who knows, it might break down any day! Our ancestors' looms are still sturdy and durable!" Another old craftsman echoed, his tone full of disdain.

They treated the old looms as treasures like an old hen protecting her chicks and would not allow anyone to desecrate them.

Seeing that the two sides were about to quarrel again, Tang Youyou rubbed his eyebrows and felt a headache.

She took a deep breath and was about to speak when she heard a young craftsman muttering, "Who said new things are not strong? We made them..." Before he could finish his words, he was glared at by an old craftsman next to him and shut up in fear.

Tang Youyou caught these words keenly, her eyes lit up, and a mysterious smile appeared at the corner of her mouth.

"Oh? What did you do?"

Tang Youyou walked up to the young craftsman and asked gently, "Young man, what did you just say? Don't be afraid, just say it boldly." Encouraged, the young craftsman straightened his back and took out a piece of neatly folded cloth from his arms.

When the cloth was unfolded, it turned out to be a piece of brocade with delicate texture and soft luster, embroidered with lifelike phoenix patterns, which was extremely gorgeous.

"What the hell! This thing... was made by you using the new loom?" An old craftsman asked in disbelief, his eyes wide open.

The quality of this brocade is visibly better than the ones woven on old-fashioned looms!

Other veteran craftsmen also gathered around and commented on the brocade. Their originally disdainful expressions gradually turned into surprise, and finally even a bit of envy.

Master Liu picked up the brocade and stroked it carefully. Being experienced, he could tell at a glance that the brocade was of great value.

He took a deep breath and said slowly, "This... this is indeed a good thing! I've lived for most of my life, and this is the first time I've seen such exquisite brocade!" He turned to look at Tang Youyou, his eyes full of admiration: "Youyou, it seems you are right. This new loom does have its advantages."

"Master Liu, you're too kind." Tang Youyou smiled slightly, then looked at the old craftsmen who still held opposing opinions, "Masters, innovation is not a negation of tradition, but rather an inheritance and development of tradition. Only by continuous innovation can we make our skills more sophisticated and our products more outstanding."

At this moment, Miss Wang walked in with a sneer: "Hey, what are you doing? Gathering for a meeting? What, is Boss Tang planning a rebellion?" Her sarcastic voice broke the originally easing atmosphere.

Tang Youyou's eyes sternly looked at Miss Wang, a meaningful smile curled up at the corner of her mouth: "Miss Wang, what you said is very interesting. We are just discussing how to improve the process and improve the quality of the product. How can it be considered a rebellion?" She paused, her eyes sweeping over everyone present, "Could it be that Miss Wang is afraid that we will do too well and steal your business?"

Miss Wang's face changed. She was about to open her mouth to refute, but she saw Fu Wenyuan coming over with another piece of cloth. The cloth was embroidered with...

The cloth in Fu Wenyuan's hand was embroidered with a lifelike five-clawed golden dragon!

The golden thread shines, the dragon is majestic, even better than the phoenix brocade!

Everyone gasped, this was a pattern that only the royal family could use!

Miss Wang's face turned pale instantly. She pointed at the golden dragon pattern, her voice trembling: "This... this... this is..."

Tang Youyou waved her hand nonchalantly: "Don't panic, Miss Wang, this is just an exercise. Fu Wenyuan, put the things away, be careful not to scare people." Her light tone was like a heavy hammer, hitting Miss Wang's heart hard.

Several old craftsmen who had been hesitant were now completely impressed by the potential of the new loom.

"Youyou, let's learn this new loom! Young people have ideas, and we old guys can't fall behind!" Master Liu took the lead and other old craftsmen echoed him.

Brother Tang patted Tang Youyou's shoulder excitedly: "Youyou, you did the right thing! We can't stand still, we have to look forward!"

Seeing that things were developing in a favorable direction, Miss Wang secretly resented Tang Youyou for stealing her limelight, and hated herself even more for not being able to win over the talented Fu Wenyuan earlier.

Her eyes rolled, a plan came to mind, and a hypocritical smile appeared on her face: "Boss Tang is really good at cultivating such an outstanding talent. But isn't there something wrong with this golden dragon pattern? Be careful not to get into trouble!" She deliberately spoke ambiguously, trying to sow discord and create a conflict between Tang Youyou and the court.

Tang Youyou didn't buy her tricks and smiled faintly: "Miss Wang, you're worrying too much. This is just an exercise and it won't be spread out. But Miss Wang, you care about me so much, could it be..." She deliberately dragged out the ending tone and gave Miss Wang a meaningful look.

Miss Wang felt uneasy when she saw her look, and quickly laughed: "No, no, I'm just giving you a kind reminder." She knew that she couldn't take advantage today, so she left in shame.

Tang Youyou looked at Miss Wang's departing back, a sneer appearing on the corner of her mouth.

She had long seen through Miss Wang's little thoughts, which were just to take advantage of the opportunity to stir up trouble and profit from it.

"Fu Wenyuan," Tang Youyou turned to look at the young craftsman, a hint of appreciation flashing in his eyes, "You did a great job."

Fu Wenyuan scratched his head shyly and said, "It's all thanks to Boss Tang's good guidance." He paused, then said hesitantly, "Boss Tang, I..."

"What do you want to say?" Tang Youyou looked at him encouragingly.

Fu Wenyuan took a deep breath: "I think... I want to continue to improve the new loom so that it can weave more exquisite fabrics!" His eyes were full of longing and desire for the future.

Tang Youyou looked at this energetic young man, his heart filled with hope.

However, she keenly sensed that a shadow of unease was quietly looming...

Miss Wang walked outside the workshop, stopped, and said to the people behind her, "Go, find out everything about Fu Wenyuan, especially his family situation..."