Legend of the Embroiderer

In the magnificent and majestic palace, Su Mengyao stood gracefully on the solemn and dignified Golden Throne Hall.

Her graceful figure is particularly eye-catching under the bright light.

At this moment, she was bravely facing the almighty Empress Wu Zetian, her heart filled with infinite longing for a better future and uncontrollable tension.

Because Su Mengyao knew very well that if she wanted to realize her grand ideal, she had to win the full trust and strong support of the powerful empress in front of her.

Only in this way can the unique design concept she upholds be successfully implemented and fully demonstrate the supreme splendor of Tang Dynasty culture.

Su Mengyao nodded slightly, then gently opened her cherry-red lips.

Her clear and melodious voice, like the sound of nature, echoed in the empty and solemn hall:

"Your Majesty, please allow me to offer my humble opinion. I believe that clothing is more than just simple attire; it is a vital medium that carries profound cultural connotations. The designs I have meticulously conceived aim to skillfully blend the elegant beauty of the Tang Dynasty with the fluidity and elegance of our times, thus comprehensively showcasing the prosperity of our great dynasty and its open-minded spirit."

As she spoke, Su Mengyao gracefully stretched out her slender hands, and with a slight movement, one after another of exquisitely crafted and exquisite designs appeared before everyone.

On these drawings, delicate brushstrokes are used to outline and depict each piece of unique and innovative clothing.

They retain the elegant charm of traditional Tang Dynasty costumes while incorporating the simple and smooth lines of modern style. The two complement each other and perfectly interpret the charm of the fusion of ancient and modern times.

Wu Zetian narrowed her eyes slightly, her gaze wandering over the exquisite design drawing.

Her slender eyebrows raised slightly, and a hint of curiosity flashed across her eyes, but was replaced by deep reserve in an instant.

She said slowly, "Su Mengyao, your design concept is truly unique and original. I can't help but wonder, how can such a novel and unique garment truly shine in this palace?"

As soon as the Queen finished speaking, the entire hall seemed to tremble slightly because of her majestic and powerful voice.

She was sitting upright on the dragon throne, gazing down at Su Mengyao below. The kingly aura emanating from her body made people dare not look directly at her.

Although she was interested in the plan proposed by Su Mengyao, as an emperor, she still maintained the necessary prudence and rigor at all times.

Faced with the Queen's questioning, Su Mengyao couldn't help but take a deep breath and tried to calm her inner tension.

At this moment, her heart was pounding like a frightened deer, but it was an unshakable belief that supported her to move forward courageously.

She raised her head, met the Queen's sharp gaze without flinching, and answered in a clear and loud voice:

"Your Majesty, please rest assured! I would like to take advantage of the upcoming grand banquet to personally design and create a series of magnificent costumes for the concubines in the palace. I believe that through such a visual feast, the profound cultural charm of our Tang Dynasty will be fully displayed before everyone."

When saying this, Su Mengyao's eyes sparkled with her sincere love for art and her tireless pursuit of innovation.

The cultural trend is like an undercurrent, quietly creating new waves inside and outside the palace.

Su Mengyao, a woman of outstanding talent and great ambition, worked hand in hand with Empress Wu Zetian, determined to promote the vigorous development of culture.

They had never expected that this ambitious plan would encounter strong opposition from conservative forces within the court.

Those conservatives, like ancient city walls, stubbornly cling to the fortress of tradition, and harbor deep doubts and stubborn resistance to any slightest change.

In that solemn court meeting, the atmosphere was so tense that one could almost hear everyone's heartbeat.

Su Mengyao stood side by side with Wu Zetian, bravely facing the group of ministers dressed in gorgeous court robes.

One of the ministers was an elderly man, his face covered with wrinkles like marks carved by time, and his furrowed brows revealed his inner worries and dissatisfaction.

He slowly took a step forward, cleared his throat, and then spoke in a loud and majestic voice that echoed in the empty hall:

"Your Majesty! I and others have recently heard that Su Mengyao is attempting to use novel methods to change the clothing of our great Tang Dynasty. This move is a taboo that will shake the foundation of the country. We must not take it lightly!"

His words were so powerful that the other ministers present began to whisper and discuss among themselves.

Su Mengyao's heart suddenly tightened, as if it was being tightly grasped by an invisible hand.

She knew very well that the current situation was a direct attack on her carefully conceived design concept, and even more of a blatant provocation to the decision-making of the wise monarch Wu Zetian.

But she did not lose her composure. Instead, she took a deep breath of fresh air, tried to calm the waves in her heart, and secretly reminded herself to deal with it calmly.

Wu Zetian's sharp gaze was like a burning torch, projecting straight at him.

Her voice was not loud, but it contained an irresistible majesty, and every word was clearly heard by everyone:

"My dear ministers! Innovation is never easy, but if we cling to the old ways and stagnate, how can we truly showcase the grandeur and splendor of the Tang Dynasty? Su Mengyao's design is meant to showcase our dynasty's rich and diverse culture and its inclusiveness. Such a well-intentioned effort is certainly not inappropriate."

As soon as these words were spoken, the court exploded, and the ministers whispered to each other, and the sound of discussion was endless.

Some people nodded in praise, expressing their recognition and support for Su Mengyao's design concept; others frowned and shook their heads repeatedly, making no secret of their opposition.

The originally solemn court meeting instantly turned into a fierce verbal battle.

Amidst the noise, Su Mengyao leaned slightly closer to Wu Zetian and said in a gentle but firm tone:

"Your Majesty, please rest assured that I am willing to lead by example and verify the feasibility of this design concept through practical actions. I will let all the ministers present here witness the moment when culture is revitalized with new vitality."

Wu Zetian sat upright on the dragon throne and nodded slightly. A subtle glint of approval flashed across her beautiful eyes.

Obviously, the empress had already made up her mind about the suggestion put forward by Su Mengyao.

She knew very well that Su Mengyao's proposal was not just to calm the current dispute in the court.

The profound meaning and possible impact contained in this are enough to make Wu Zetian take notice.

More importantly, through this proposal, Su Mengyao's own talents were fully displayed.

Then, Wu Zetian said slowly, "Permitted! Su Mengyao, I grant you this rare opportunity today. But remember, do not disappoint my earnest expectations of you."

His voice was not loud, but every word was sonorous and powerful, echoing throughout the court.

The court meeting, which was originally filled with a tense atmosphere, seemed to be injected with a breath of fresh air because of the tacit understanding and cooperation between Su Mengyao and Wu Zetian.

Everyone's eyes were focused on the two of them, with surprise and admiration in their eyes.

The two of them stood side by side, facing the open and covert struggles from all sides.

With their extraordinary wisdom and fearless courage, they successfully overcame all danger and, in this fierce power struggle, pushed cultural development forward by a significant step. Such a feat is truly admirable.