Yan Ge had studied some historical books of the Great Han Kingdom. The Hundred Flowers Festival took place once a year and had a history of over a hundred years. In the month of June, the Great Han Kingdom was filled with a hundred kinds of flowers: orchids, gardenias, bananas, hibiscus, roses, hydrangeas, jasmines, cockscombs, peonies… There were dozens of varieties of orchids alone. Pink, white, orange, red, purple, yellow… They competed for beauty, presenting a stunning sight.
Initially, the Hundred Flowers Festival was indeed a holiday for flower lovers. On this day, people would bring out their beloved flowers to showcase them to other flower enthusiasts, exchanging their insights. Occasionally, they also brought their children and friends to gather together. During casual conversations, it was common to inquire about the marital status of each other’s sons and daughters. If there was a good match, the two families would become in-laws. Over time, the Hundred Flowers Festival became a disguised matchmaking event. When the festival arrives, the young gentlemen and unmarried ladies in the capital would dress up in hopes of finding a suitable partner.
The requirements for women in the Great Han Kingdom were not overly strict. If they met with a man privately and it was discovered, they would undoubtedly be accused of illicit affair. However, as long as they had maids and servants with them, they were allowed to go out and move about.
When Yan Ge and Huangfu Yuchen arrived at Tongxin Lake, it was already bustling with visitors. Peddlers found business opportunities there, carrying loads of various snacks and curious trinkets for sale. Young girls in the crowd observed with curiosity, occasionally emitting crisp and pleasing laughter, capturing the infatuated gazes of young masters.
Some of the girls stood out from the others due to their noticeably different dresses, featuring novel designs and vibrant colors, showcasing meticulous tailoring. Other girls couldn’t help but cast occasional envious glances at them. Amidst the fragrance of clothes and the beauty of their appearances, various potted plants became mere supporting roles.
The most eye-catching among those seated by the stone table at the lakeside was a girl in colorful attire. The low neckline of her dress did not give off an immodest impression because her neck was cleverly adorned with a light green scarf, adding a touch of playfulness. Looking at her dress, it perfectly accentuated her impressive figure. There were a total of five colors: rose red, sapphire blue, fresh green, white, and black. However, the distribution of colors was skillfully arranged, avoiding any sense of overwhelming complexity, and instead, presenting a refreshing sight.
A white-clad girl a few steps away couldn’t help but walk over and bow in greeting.
“May I have a seat here, sister?” she asked politely.
The girl in colorful attire turned slightly surprised and smiled gently, “Of course, sister, please.”
Both of them had their maids and servants standing quietly on the side.
“Sister,” the white-clad girl spoke frankly, “your clothes are so beautiful, and I admire them greatly. May I ask where you purchased them from?”
The girl in colorful attire smiled apologetically, “They weren’t purchased; they were gifted to me.”
The white-clad girl inquired further, “Do you know where the person who gifted you the clothes made the purchase?”
Shaking her head, the girl in colorful attire replied regretfully, “I don’t know. However, there are the words ‘Yiyi Bushu’ written on the clothes, along with the symbol ‘Nan Yi.’ But it’s strange, I had someone search throughout the capital, and there is no clothing shop by that name.
Huangfu Yuchen and Yan Ge stood not far away.
Huangfu Yuchen asked, “Is this your method of promotion?”
“Surprise is key to achieving victory. Silence can speak louder than words,” Yan Ge smiled faintly. “I’ve conducted investigations and specifically selected talented and remarkably beautiful women to be gifted with the garments. Later, there will be a talent competition. Even if these ladies don’t win, their attire will surely capture everyone’s attention. After today’s Hundred Flowers Festival, ‘Yiyi Bushu Garment Workshop’ will officially hang its plaque.”
Huangfu Yuchen gestured for him to walk towards a tree by the lake. “Once the garments from the workshop gain fame, they may easily be counterfeited.”
Yan Ge hadn’t expected him to be so knowledgeable. He gave him an appreciative glance.
“Brother, rest assured. Let me secretly tell you,” he leaned in mysteriously to Huangfu Yuchen. “After the garments from the workshop are made, there’s one final step—I’ve instructed my trusted aide to add hidden serial numbers to the clothes. If any counterfeits appear, I will spread this information. By then, those who have bought the fakes… hehehe.” He didn’t finish his sentence, but chuckled meaningfully, a mischievous glint flashing in his eyes, like a sly cat.
Huangfu Yuchen held onto his shoulder and gave it a squeeze. “I award you the title of ‘cunning.’”
Yan Ge smiled, but didn’t respond and walked over to a nearby stall selling cold tea, buying two bowls.
Huangfu Yuchen stopped him. “The tea outside may not be clean.” He picked up a water flask from a nearby stone carving and handed it to him.
The stall’s owner was annoyed and raised his head, about to say something. However, upon seeing Huangfu Yuchen’s noble appearance, it was evident that he couldn’t afford to offend him. He closed his mouth and silently carried his burden away.
Yan Ge hadn’t even noticed when the water flask had appeared there. The skills of Huangfu Yuchen’s hidden guards were extraordinary.
“You can relax completely, brother,” he took a sip of water. “You’ve changed your appearance, and no one knows your identity.”
“Just being cautious,” Huangfu Yuchen said lightly.
The crowd was heading east, and Yan Ge held Huangfu Yuchen’s wrist. “The talent competition is about to begin. Let’s first buy some silk flowers.”
With too many tourists, real flowers were too wasteful to use and a shame to pluck. So, they used silk flowers instead. During the annual Hundred Flowers Festival, sellers of silk flowers could make a fortune.
Yan Ge purchased a large bunch of silk flowers. Huangfu Yuchen found it foolish to carry so many flowers and stuffed them all into Yan Ge’s embrace. He then swayed his folding fan, his other hand behind his back, appearing leisurely.
Yan Ge leaned closer. “Shouldn’t your guards buy a basket?”
Huangfu Yuchen glanced at the flowers in his arms and then at him, smiling inexplicably. “It’s inconvenient for my guards to leave for too long.”
Yan Ge was certain he was thinking of something unsavory, and believed it would be best not to ask.
