Chapter 130: Losing More Than Expected in a Failed Scheme

“I’m not guilty of anything! I, Yu Shiniang, conduct my business with integrity and dignity. There’s no reason for me to feel uneasy!” Yu Shiniang declared confidently, leaving those nearby unsure whose words to believe.

“Very well then! If you’re so sure, let everyone test your clothes! If your garments are truly as good as you claim, I’ll stake this gold ingot on it. Consider it my apology if I’m wrong!” Wanwan, small but bold, placed the gold ingot on the counter and brazenly challenged Yu Shiniang.

Yu Shiniang hesitated, her conscience pricking at her. She didn’t immediately accept, but the gleaming gold ingot on the counter tempted her deeply. Ten thousand taels of silver—if she won this bet, she could open a larger tailor’s shop, doubling her future earnings! She could afford servants to attend to her, living the life of a true lady, with everything at her beck and call. The thought of the silver danced in her mind, making her mouth water.

In the end, the allure of a luxurious life overcame her reason. She decided to take the gamble. After years in the tailoring business, even if her goods were subpar, no one had ever caught on! Today, this young girl had torn the sleeve of a garment, but Yu Shiniang believed this was an isolated case. It was impossible that every piece was flawed; otherwise, someone would have confronted her long ago, and she wouldn’t have been thriving as she was now.

With newfound resolve, Yu Shiniang slammed her fist on the counter. “Fine! I’ll take your bet!” She then turned to her staff. “Everyone, feel free to test these clothes! The fabrics I use are of the highest quality—true gold fears no fire, and these will withstand any test.” She motioned for her assistants to bring out the garments.

“Wait!” Wanwan interrupted before Yu Shiniang could proceed. The terms of the bet were not yet set, and she wasn’t about to let Yu Shiniang seize the upper hand.

“Why? Are you afraid now? It’s too late to back out. Even if you kneel here and apologize, you won’t be leaving easily today. Trying to ruin my reputation? We’ll see if I’ll let you,” Yu Shiniang sneered arrogantly, mistaking the interruption for fear.

But Wanwan cut her off. “I’m not conceding! Since it’s a bet, there have to be terms for both sides. I’m staking a gold ingot—what will you bet? If you lose, what will you give me? You’re not planning to win without putting anything on the line, are you? How does that work?” she mocked coldly.

Yu Shiniang’s bravado faltered. “I... I don’t have a gold ingot to bet. What should I offer then?”

“Hmm, let me think!” Wanwan feigned deep thought, lifting her chin in exaggerated contemplation until Yu Shiniang grew impatient. “You seem easygoing; I don’t want to make it hard for you. How about you bet one thousand taels of silver? You won’t lose much—if you lose, it’s only a tenth of what I’m risking!”

Yu Shiniang considered this. It wasn’t a bad deal; she could come up with a thousand taels. Feeling a pang of pain, she pulled out a silver voucher and slapped it on the counter. “Alright. I’ll bet this. Let’s start now!”

Nearby, Sangye whispered anxiously, “Miss Tang Wei, do you think that little beggar might suffer a loss? Should we help her?”

Tang Wei smiled gently and patted her hand. “Don’t worry. She won’t lose, and she doesn’t need my help. Let’s just watch the show unfold.”

Sangye nodded, half understanding. Since Miss Tang Wei believed in her, she must be confident. So she quietly stayed by Tang Wei’s side, watching the events unfold.

The atmosphere among the spectators was lively. The women able to shop here generally came from well-off families. Besides dressing elegantly, they had little else to entertain themselves. Rarely did such a spectacle present itself, and being able to join in was a delight.

In this society, women were much like those of ancient Huaxia. A rare few were martial elites, living lives of opulence and honor. These women had no need to waste time here—they traveled freely, with servants attending to their every need.

Most women, however, depended on men. They had little autonomy. Those married to ordinary men worried daily about basic needs and had neither time nor money for frivolities. Those married to powerful men fared better, receiving care and having access to fine clothes and jewelry, but still lacked substantial entertainment.

These women loved watching dramas unfold and frequently frequented tailor shops. Naturally, they worried their past purchases might have been substandard, suffering losses unknowingly. Now, with a chance to verify quality firsthand, they eagerly rolled up their sleeves, ready to inspect the goods themselves. If Yu Shiniang lost this bet, it meant far more than losing a thousand taels—their trust would be shattered, and she would never operate here again. Even these noble ladies would see to that. Whether Yu Shiniang had considered this when she agreed to the wager was doubtful; gold dazzles the eyes and clouds the heart.

At Yu Shiniang’s command, the noblewomen eagerly set to work. But as they took the garments and gently tugged, “snap!”—the fabric tore immediately. Every piece failed the test. What did this prove? Wanwan’s words were entirely accurate. Not only was Yu Shiniang’s heart sinking, but so were those of the noblewomen. They had paid exorbitantly for such shoddy goods?

Silence fell. Nobody spoke. The noblewomen reflected on the betrayal. All the talk of cloud brocade and eighteen-color weaving techniques had been lies. Had Wanwan not spoken up, they’d have remained deceived indefinitely. They turned on Yu Shiniang with angry eyes, demanding restitution.

Yu Shiniang was stunned—her plan had backfired spectacularly. Now, the full weight of losing the bet pressed down on her. She was done for.

Wanwan had no intention of collecting the thousand taels. The deceitful shopkeeper would surely be dealt with, and she would never ply her trade here again. Wanwan picked up her gold ingot and presented it to Tang Wei. Meanwhile, Yu Shiniang found herself surrounded by the disgruntled noblewomen, escape seemingly impossible.

As the wicked meet their match, Tang Wei, with Sangye, turned toward another tailor’s shop. Hearing Yu Shiniang’s dominance here wane, it seemed their rivals were the real winners today.

Tang Wei paid no mind to whether Wanwan followed her or not. Now that she had softened her stance, she silently accepted Wanwan’s presence.

Wanwan was quick to seize the opportunity. “Tang Wei, where do you live? Can I come along and have some fun?”

“I’m staying with them for now,” Tang Wei replied, pointing to Sangye and Sang Ying. “If you want to come, you should ask their permission first.” She no longer opposed Wanwan tagging along; having her nearby gave some comfort. Besides, Tang Wei had noticed a storage ring on Wanwan’s hand—the gold ingot had come from it. Without known cultivators here, why did Wanwan have such an item? Could this place be linked to the cultivation world? Tang Wei kept Wanwan close, hoping to uncover clues about entering that realm—perhaps also drawn to the girl herself.

“I don’t want to ask! I’m not freeloading; if they don’t want me inside, I’ll just stay outside. I’m not afraid of anything!” Wanwan’s lofty attitude made it clear she looked down on those who wouldn’t even speak to her. No one knew her background, but her fearless nature suggested she was no ordinary girl.

“Suit yourself. I’m going to buy some changes of clothes. Want to come?” Without waiting for Wanwan’s reply, Tang Wei, Sangye, and Sang Ying entered another tailor’s shop.

Tang Wei selected several simple Hanfu dresses—nothing too ornate or brightly colored, just four plain but decent sets. She also picked two outfits each for Sangye and Sang Ying. Wanwan, feeling left out, insisted Tang Wei help her buy some too. Reluctantly, Tang Wei chose two sets for her as well. Ten garments in total cost one hundred and thirty-five taels of silver.

As they reached the door, Tang Wei suddenly remembered the patched clothes worn by the children in Sangjia Village. Her heart softened, and she returned to buy several rolls of coarse hemp cloth, intending to bring them back to make clothes for the village children.

With their purchases complete and the excitement of the day behind them, they began the journey home with Sangye.

From afar, they saw Sang Xiong and two others waiting, two carts loaded with sacks—likely filled with grain.

How long would this food last for the many mouths in Sangjia Village? Where would their future supplies come from? Knowing the villagers couldn’t fend for themselves yet, Tang Wei felt they would remain a burden. If only there were more able-bodied men among them—otherwise, she’d have to pretend not to notice.