Sludge suction system

In the brightly lit embroidery workshop, the warm sunlight, like a golden veil, gently draped over the embroidery table where Yunniang, Lan Ke'er, Ahong, and Qiushuang sat.

Under Jin Lili's instigation, Ah Hong was determined to disrupt the situation and couldn't wait to shout loudly, "Sisters, I have a sudden inspiration! How about we make this gift embroidery into a mechanism that can open automatically? When the envoys from Fengyu Kingdom open the box, it will open automatically with a 'whoosh,' which will definitely amaze them and leave a deep impression!"

Elisa Lam's eyebrows furrowed instantly, and she hurriedly said, "Ah Hong, you need to be more realistic. This is a solemn return gift for the envoy from Phoenix Feather Kingdom. It must be dignified and elegant. If the mechanism is too complicated, it will not only be difficult to make, but it is also prone to malfunction. If we make a mistake in front of the envoy, we will lose face and be impolite."

Qiu Shuang nodded vigorously beside her, echoing, "Lamborghina is absolutely right. We represent the level of embroidery skills of our country, and we should show our sincerity with exquisite traditional embroidery techniques, not with these strange and impractical mechanisms."

Ah Hong, however, seemed to have been ignited by her competitive spirit and refused to listen to any advice. She immediately came up with a new idea: "Alright, let's put aside the official business for now. I have another idea. How about we embroider a huge picture of a bustling market? We can present the scene of people coming and going in the streets and alleys in a complete and lively way, so that the envoy from Fengyu Kingdom can also experience the local atmosphere."

Upon hearing this, Yunniang gently shook her head, a warm smile on her face, and patiently explained, “Ah Hong, your idea is well-intentioned. The market scene painting is indeed vivid and interesting, showcasing the myriad aspects of folk life. However, the purpose of our embroidery this time is special; it is a return gift for exchanges between our two countries, requiring a grand and elegant style. The market scene painting would be insufficient in this regard. In my opinion, the phoenix flying in the sky painting would be most suitable. Think about it, in the cultural traditions of both our countries, the phoenix is ​​a symbol of auspiciousness, representing good fortune, beauty, and nobility. And Fengyu Kingdom, just from its name, is closely associated with the phoenix. The phoenix flying in the sky pattern not only implies that the relationship between our two countries can soar like a phoenix in the sky, rising steadily and prosperously, but it also cleverly echoes the name of Fengyu Kingdom. Sending such a meaningful gift will surely express our sincere sentiments.”

Upon hearing this, Ah Hong's eyes lit up and she immediately retorted, "Yun Niang, I understand what you're saying, but phoenixes flying in the sky are too common, they're not novel at all. In my opinion, embroidering a scene of a flock of birds carrying gifts and flying to the Phoenix Feather Kingdom would be both interesting and creative, wouldn't it be better!"

Upon hearing this, Elisa Lam became extremely anxious and quickly retorted, "Ah Hong, your idea does sound quite novel at first glance, but upon closer inspection, you'll find that the composition is too cluttered. With so many elements piled together, it's impossible to highlight the key points, let alone clearly and accurately convey our respect for the Phoenix Feather Kingdom. The essence of a return gift is precise expression and dignified manner; we can't lose sight of the fundamentals in pursuit of novelty."

Just then, another group of embroiderers not far away were enthusiastically exchanging ideas on how to use needlework techniques to vividly depict the surging waves and merchant ships sailing against the wind and waves around an embroidery with the "Maritime Silk Road" as its background. Looking at the group next to them, they were focused on designing a "Pine and Crane Longevity" pattern, concentrating on studying the techniques of color blending, striving to present a peaceful and beautiful artistic conception in the picture.

Despite Ah Hong's incessant, mischievous spinning top-like antics, constantly throwing out all sorts of strange and impractical ideas, Yun Niang, Lan Ke'er, and Qiu Shuang remained clear-headed and unmoved. Their minds were firmly focused on designing the phoenix soaring through the sky motif. From the expression on the phoenix's head to the delicate lines of each feather, from the phoenix's graceful and agile posture as it takes flight, to the harmonious beauty of the color scheme and the exquisite needlework, they explored everything in depth and detail. They were filled with anticipation, hoping to use their wisdom and skillful hands to design a perfect return gift embroidery that embodied the friendship between the two countries, adding a vibrant and unforgettable touch to their friendly exchanges.

In the blink of an eye, three days had passed. Inside the embroidery workshop, the atmosphere was tense and oppressive. The head aunt, with a serious expression, paced between the various embroiderers' groups, her gaze piercing.

"Listen up," the head maid's voice echoed in the embroidery workshop, "The three-day deadline has arrived; it's time to come up with the design proposal."

The first group of embroiderers quickly presented their designs based on the "Maritime Silk Road," explaining in detail how the embroidery would depict scenes of merchant ships sailing far away and cultural exchanges, and which stitches would be used to represent waves and silk.

The second group showcased the "Pine and Crane Longevity" embroidery design, explaining how to use the symbolism of pine and crane to convey good wishes, from color matching to needlework techniques.

When it was Yunniang's turn, Ah Hong's eyes darted around, and she felt really flustered. After all, she had been busy causing trouble these past few days and hadn't participated in any useful plans.

Yunniang remained calm and composed, unfolding her meticulously drawn phoenix soaring through the sky. She said, "Aunt, we've chosen the phoenix soaring through the sky as our theme. In both our cultures, the phoenix is ​​a symbol of good fortune, echoing the name of our country, Fengyu. In the embroidery, the phoenix is ​​depicted with a graceful posture, its wings embroidered with colorful silk threads and various stitches, showcasing its magnificence and agility. The background is laid with light blue silk threads, symbolizing the boundless sky, and signifying that the relationship between our two countries will soar like a phoenix, with a bright future ahead."

Elisa Lam added, "In terms of needlework, the phoenix feathers are embroidered with gold thread and satin stitch to highlight the sense of layering and luster; the eyes are embroidered with seed stitch to make them more expressive. The overall embroidery strives for exquisite detail to express respect and friendship towards the Phoenix Feather Kingdom."

The head aunt took the blueprints, examined them carefully, and nodded occasionally. After reviewing them, she glanced at everyone and slowly said, "Each group's plan has its highlights. Yunniang's group's theme closely matches the needs of returning gifts, and the design is ingenious with thoughtful consideration of needlework techniques. However, the other groups should not be discouraged; there will be opportunities to improve them later. Next, everyone should start preparing the embroidery according to the selected plan, and strive for perfection."

The embroiderers dispersed upon receiving their orders, while Yunniang and Lan Ke'er were also fully immersed in the preparations for the Phoenix Flying Apsaras embroidery. The embroidery table was covered with design sketches, and colorful silk threads were neatly arranged. They sometimes whispered to each other, and sometimes focused on practicing their needlework, completely unaware of the malicious scheme that was about to unfold.

Jin Lili stood in the dark corner of the embroidery workshop, her gaze like a cold blade, fixed on Yunniang and Lan Ke'er. She suddenly waved her hand, signaling Cui'er to come over, the movement carrying an undeniable ruthlessness. Cui'er's heart tightened, and she hurriedly and somewhat timidly walked to Jin Lili's side.

“Cui’er, this matter concerns my success or failure, and it also concerns whether you can have a peaceful life.” Jin Lili said through gritted teeth, each word distinct, her facial muscles twitching slightly from the effort. “You must do everything you can to infiltrate Yunniang’s group, carefully observe Lan Ke’er, learn about 70-80% of her embroidery techniques, and then, when the opportunity arises, deliberately make a mistake in a crucial place. Then, no matter what method you use, you must pin this mess on those two. If you dare to mess it up, hmph, you can forget about having a single peaceful day in this embroidery workshop from now on!”

Hearing Jin Lili's threatening words, Cui'er felt a chill run down her spine, her face turned deathly pale, and her legs trembled slightly. She nodded hurriedly, her head bobbing up and down like a rattle-drum, and said in a tearful voice, "Sister Lili, don't worry, I will definitely handle things properly, I absolutely won't dare to make the slightest mistake!"

After leaving Jin Lili's side, Cui'er stood there taking a deep breath, trying to compose herself, and forced a bright smile onto her face. She walked towards Yunniang and Lan Ke'er with light, exaggerated steps.

"Sister Yunniang, Sister Ke'er!" Cui'er's voice was high-pitched and sweet, as if it could drip honey. "I just found out that I have the opportunity to be in a group with you. Oh my, I'm so happy that my heart is about to burst with joy! The phoenix flying in the sky design you two created is absolutely stunning! I was deeply attracted the moment I saw it. I thought to myself, if I could embroider this design with two such talented sisters like you, it would be the greatest blessing I could have in the embroidery workshop!"

As she spoke, Cui'er naturally moved closer to Lan Ke'er and reached out to help her untangle the tangled silk thread. While untangling it, she exclaimed, "Sister Ke'er, look at your hands! They're so skillful! You're so quick and beautiful at untangling silk thread. Please teach me, I can never get it right."

Lan Ke'er frowned slightly. She was naturally perceptive, and this sudden enthusiasm from Cui'er aroused a hint of doubt, causing her to look hesitant. Just as she was about to politely decline Cui'er's request to join, Yun Niang spoke first, a warm smile on her face, and said softly, "We're all sisters in the same embroidery workshop. Working together is more lively. Joining is no problem."

Hearing this, Cui'er was secretly delighted, and her smile became even brighter. "Thank you, Sister Yunniang! Thank you, Sister Ke'er! I will definitely work hard and learn more from you." At this moment, Yunniang and Lan Ke'er did not realize that behind this seemingly enthusiastic request lay Jin Lili's carefully planned conspiracy and the many crises that Cui'er was about to bring.