Fleeing from famine? Not a chance; the divine healer's wife made her fortune.

Chapter 217 Lantern Innovation Sparks Controversy

The innovation of lanterns sparks controversy

The night was as dark as ink, enveloping the entire lantern market in a hazy glow.

Su Yunlan nestled in Xiao Yuhan's arms, feeling his warm body temperature, her heart filled with joy.

However, the sudden, chilling voice was like a bucket of ice water, instantly extinguishing the enthusiasm in her heart.

"The fourth young mistress of the Xiao family, she really has some tricks up her sleeve!"

Su Yunlan turned around abruptly and saw a mysterious person wearing a black cloak standing not far away, with a pair of sinister eyes peeking out from under the cloak, staring intently at them.

That gaze was as cold and sinister as a venomous snake, sending chills down one's spine.

"Who are you?" Xiao Yuhan asked warily, shielding Su Yunlan behind him, his voice low and imposing.

The mysterious figure let out a low, chilling laugh, like a demon from hell.

He said slowly, "Who I am is not important. What is important is that your Xiao family is about to face a great calamity..." After saying that, he turned and disappeared into the crowd, as if he had never appeared.

Su Yunlan was filled with unease; she had a feeling that something bad was about to happen.

But right now, she's more worried about the lanterns.

Sure enough, the next day, Su Yunlan heard some discussions about her lantern.

"Have you heard? The lantern artist Li said that the lanterns from the Su family are too flashy and have lost the charm of traditional lanterns. They are not real lanterns at all."

"Yes, I've heard about it too. Li, the lantern artist, is the most famous lantern artist in our town, so what he says must make sense."

"So, does that mean we shouldn't buy the Su family's lanterns? It would be better to buy traditional lanterns instead."

These comments reached Su Yunlan's ears, which surprised her greatly.

She never expected that her lantern would cause such a big controversy.

Li Huadeng artist?

Su Yunlan narrowed her eyes, thinking to herself, "It seems someone is deliberately causing trouble behind my back."

In order to find out the truth, Su Yunlan decided to talk to the lantern artist Li in person.

The next day, Su Yunlan brought Xiao Yuhan to Li Huadeng's studio.

Li Huadeng's studio is located on the old street of the town, in a quaint courtyard.

The courtyard was filled with all kinds of lanterns, emitting a faint smell of lamp oil.

Su Yunlan and Xiao Yuhan entered the courtyard and saw Li, the lantern artist, sitting in the center of the courtyard, engrossed in making an exquisite carp lantern.

His hair was gray and his face was covered with wrinkles, but his eyes were bright and full of love for lanterns.

“Mr. Li,” Su Yunlan stepped forward and said respectfully.

The lantern artist Li looked up, saw Su Yunlan, and a hint of displeasure appeared on his face.

"What are you doing here?" His tone was cold and full of hostility.

“Mr. Li, I’ve come to talk to you about the lanterns,” Su Yunlan said patiently.

"Lanterns? What's there to talk about with you? Your lanterns aren't real lanterns at all; they only ruin the traditional charm of lanterns!" said Li, the lantern artist, without any politeness.

“Mr. Li, I admit that my lanterns have made some innovations based on tradition, but my original intention was to let more people understand and like lanterns, so that lantern culture can be better passed on,” Su Yunlan explained.

"Inheritance? That's blasphemy! The essence of lanterns lies in their traditional charm. You've made them fancy and gaudy, which is a blasphemy against traditional culture!" said Li, the lantern artist, his carving knife trembling slightly with emotion.

“Mr. Li, times are changing, and people’s aesthetics are evolving. If we cling to tradition, lanterns will only decline. Only through continuous innovation can lanterns be revitalized.” Su Yunlan tried to persuade the lantern artist, Li.

“Innovation? Hmph, innovation must have its bottom line! Your lanterns have lost the soul of lanterns and cannot be called lanterns at all!” Li, the lantern artist, said stubbornly, refusing to budge.

Seeing how stubborn the lantern artist Li was, Su Yunlan felt quite helpless.

She knew that persuading him would be very difficult.

“Mr. Li, I know you have a deep affection for lanterns, but I hope you can seriously consider my suggestion. Innovation and inheritance are not contradictory; we can work together to make lantern culture even more prosperous,” Su Yunlan said sincerely.

"No need for further words, we are not on the same page!" Li, the lantern maker, said coldly, then ignored Su Yunlan and continued to bury himself in making his lanterns.

Su Yunlan sighed, knowing that saying anything more would be futile.

She bid farewell to Li Huadeng, the artist, and then left Li Huadeng's studio with Xiao Yuhan.

Back home, Su Yunlan felt very heavy-hearted.

She never expected that her good intentions would be met with such strong resistance.

"Yunlan, don't worry," Xiao Yuhan comforted her.

“But now some customers are starting to have doubts about my lanterns, and orders are dropping. If the situation continues to worsen, all my previous efforts will be in vain,” Su Yunlan said anxiously.

"Then what should we do?" Xiao Yuhan asked worriedly.

Su Yunlan pondered for a moment, then said, "I've decided to hold a lantern culture exchange event, inviting all lantern artists and customers to participate. During the event, I will introduce my innovative lantern design concepts in detail and showcase the perfect fusion of traditional lantern elements in distinctive lanterns. I believe that once everyone truly understands my lanterns, they will support me."

Xiao Yuhan nodded and said, "Okay, I support you. Just tell me what you need me to do."

Su Yunlan began preparing for the lantern culture exchange activity.

She meticulously decorated the venue, prepared a variety of lanterns, and invited some renowned cultural scholars to participate in the event.

On the day of the event, the venue was packed with people and bustling with activity.

Su Yunlan stood on the stage and gave a detailed introduction to her innovative ideas for lanterns.

She recounted the history and culture of lanterns, as well as her initial motivation for innovating based on traditional lanterns.

She also showcased the various unique lanterns she made, allowing everyone to experience the charm of lanterns firsthand.

Many customers and lantern artists were moved by Su Yunlan's philosophy and began to support her lanterns.

"What Lady Su said makes a lot of sense. Lanterns do need innovation in order to be better passed down."

"I really like Su Niangzi's lanterns because they have both traditional charm and modern flair."

"I also think that Su Niangzi's lanterns are very creative and unique."

Li Huadeng artists also came to the event.

Seeing that Su Yunlan's lanterns were well-received, he felt somewhat wavering.

However, just when Su Yunlan thought things were about to improve, an unexpected message arrived.

"Madam Su, something terrible has happened! We heard that Zhao Tongxing has contacted some raw material suppliers, trying to restrict your access to raw materials!"

Su Yunlan was shocked. She hadn't expected Zhao Tongxing to be so despicable as to use such methods to suppress her.

"What? He actually dared to do this!" Xiao Yuhan said angrily.

Su Yunlan took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down.

She knew this wasn't the time to be angry; she had to figure out how to deal with Zhao Tongxing's scheme.

"I understand, I'll find a way to solve it," Su Yunlan said. She would never let Zhao Tongxing's conspiracy succeed; she wanted her lantern business to continue to develop.

Su Yunlan returned to her room, her brows furrowed, racking her brains for a solution.

Suddenly, she remembered the mysterious man she had met at the market, who said that the Xiao family was about to face a great calamity... Could it be that Zhao Tongxing's conspiracy was just the beginning?

"Yuhan, do you think Zhao Tongxing might just be a pawn?" Su Yunlan suddenly asked.

Xiao Yuhan was taken aback, then understood what Su Yunlan meant.

His face darkened, and he said, "You mean, someone is directing Zhao Tongxing behind the scenes?"

Su Yunlan nodded and said, "Very likely. Although Zhao Tongxing is cunning and treacherous, he is, after all, just a small businessman. He doesn't have the guts to oppose our Xiao family."

"If that's the case, then who exactly is behind it all?" Xiao Yuhan asked.

Su Yunlan shook her head and said, "I don't know either. But we must find out the identity of the person behind this as soon as possible, otherwise we will face even bigger trouble."

Xiao Yuhan nodded and said, "Okay, I'll send someone to investigate right away."

At this moment, there was a knock on the door.

"Who is it?" Su Yunlan asked.

"Fourth Young Mistress, it's me, Manager Wang."

Su Yunlan opened the door and saw Manager Wang standing there, looking anxious.

"Manager Wang, what happened?" Su Yunlan asked.

Manager Wang hurriedly said, "Fourth Young Madam, something terrible has happened! The supplier has informed us that they cannot deliver the raw materials we ordered on time!"

Su Yunlan's heart sank.

"I understand," Su Yunlan said calmly. "You go back first, I'll figure out a solution."

Manager Wang nodded and then left.

Su Yunlan closed the door, turned to look at Xiao Yuhan, and said, "It seems we must find a new raw material supplier as soon as possible."

Xiao Yuhan nodded and said, "Okay, I'll send people to search for it right away."

However, just as Xiao Yuhan was about to leave, Su Yunlan suddenly called out to him.

"Wait!" Su Yunlan said, "Perhaps we don't need to go through all this trouble."

"What do you mean?" Xiao Yuhan asked, puzzled.

Su Yunlan smiled slightly and said, "Since Zhao wants to restrict us on raw materials, then we'll cut off his supply line from the root!"

"Take a drastic measure? How do you plan to do that?" Xiao Yuhan asked curiously.

Su Yunlan smiled mysteriously and said, "You'll find out soon enough..." She turned around, walked to the table, picked up paper and pen, and began to write and draw.

Xiao Yuhan stood to the side, quietly watching Su Yunlan.

Su Yunlan put down her pen, raised her head, and her eyes shone with confidence.

She walked up to Xiao Yuhan and whispered, "Yuhan, come closer..."

Xiao Yuhan leaned in as instructed, and Su Yunlan whispered a few words in his ear.

After hearing Su Yunlan's words, Xiao Yuhan's face showed a look of surprise.

He looked at Su Yunlan and asked, "Yunlan, are you sure you want to do this?"

Su Yunlan nodded and said, "Agreed. Only in this way can we completely get rid of Zhao Tongxing's threat and take our lantern business to the next level."

Xiao Yuhan took a deep breath and said, "Okay, I support you. Just tell me what you need me to do."

Su Yunlan smiled slightly and said, "Now it's up to us..."

As night deepened, Su Yunlan and Xiao Yuhan's figures appeared exceptionally resolute under the lamplight.

They stood side by side, their gazes deep, as if they could already see the victory to come.

Suddenly, Xiao Yuhan's gaze fell on a piece of paper in Su Yunlan's hand, on which were written a few words:

"Buy at a high price..."