Rumors had swirled for ages about the Jinrenxiang Chamber of Commerce and their shadowy Embroidered Spring House, whispers of secrets best left undisturbed. Yet, when Mingxi materialized before them, Daziel and Scott were still caught flat-footed, surprise momentarily eclipsing suspicion.
Mingxi offered a delicate smile and a sweeping gesture, "Gentlemen, please don't linger at the threshold. Come in, let's talk."
Daziel and Scott exchanged a quick glance, each subtly acknowledging the knot of unease tightening within them. Suppressing their rising doubts, they crossed the threshold of Embroidered Spring House.
Inside, the space was elegantly appointed, a subtle, perfumed air – the scent of cosmetics – hanging in the stillness. Several women, dressed in muted, plain gowns, sat poised before embroidery frames. Needles flashed, threads danced, as they worked intricate patterns, their movements practiced and precise. Daziel noted their faces; a mix of Xianzhou locals and those who clearly hailed from distant stars.
Mingxi led them to a low tea table, gesturing for them to be seated. "Please, try this tea. A Embroidered Spring House specialty." She poured for them with graceful, practiced motions, the clinking of porcelain the only sound in the quiet room.
Daziel accepted the teacup, taking a polite sip. But the tea's flavor was lost on him. His gaze kept drifting back to the embroiderers, observing them intently.
"Secretary Mingxi," Daziel finally asked, unable to contain his curiosity any longer, "is this place... truly just an embroidery workshop?"
Mingxi's smile remained unwavering. "Of course. The Jinrenxiang Chamber of Commerce has always championed the preservation and continuation of traditional arts. These embroidery techniques, once on the verge of fading into history, have been given new life, thanks to the Chamber's commitment." She gestured towards the women, "These are our embroiderers, some local Xianzhou artisans, others recruited from across the cosmos. They are the heart of Embroidered Spring House, carrying forward the Jinrenxiang embroidery legacy. Their skill is, without exaggeration, exceptional."
Just then, Daziel noticed one of the embroiderers. She avoided his gaze, a flicker of fear, a timid vulnerability in her eyes as she glanced his way and then quickly down at her work. Bandages wrapped her fingers, faint stains of blood and shadowed bruises peeking from beneath the gauze.
"Her hand..." Daziel began, pointing subtly, "What happened?"
Mingxi's gaze followed Daziel's finger. For a fleeting moment, something like unease flickered across her perfectly composed face, but the smile was instantly back in place. "Oh, you mean her. A little accident with her needlework. Happens to the best of them."
"Accidentally?" Daziel's tone held a clear note of skepticism.
"Mr. Daziel, you are letting your imagination run away with you," Mingxi said, her voice still gentle, but now laced with an undercurrent of undeniable firmness. "Here at Embroidered Spring House, we consider our embroiderers family. The idea of them being harmed… it's simply unthinkable."
Scott, usually so quick to bluster and command attention, sensed the shift in the atmosphere. He remained uncharacteristically quiet, his usual arrogance momentarily muted as he observed the unfolding exchange.
Daziel pressed the issue, wanting to probe further, but Mingxi smoothly preempted him. "Gentlemen, since you're here, why not allow me to show you our collection? See for yourselves the fruits of our embroiderers' labor?"
With that, she rose and gracefully gestured for them to follow, leading Daziel and Scott on a tour through Embroidered Spring House.
The walls were adorned with a breathtaking array of embroidery: sprawling landscapes, vibrant flora and fauna, meticulously rendered figures… Each piece was remarkably lifelike, exquisitely detailed. As they walked, Mingxi provided a polished narrative, weaving tales of the origins and symbolism of each work. She was undeniably skilled, a natural in this world of commerce and presentation. A pity, Daziel thought grimly, such talent now serves such a purpose. In this timeline, she had clearly chosen a dark path.
Daziel, however, remained unmoved by the artistry on display. His attention remained fixed on the embroiderers. He observed them closely, noting that while their hands moved with practiced skill, their eyes held a disconcerting emptiness, as if the very spark of life had been dimmed within them. Something is profoundly wrong in Embroidered Spring House.
"Miss Mingxi," Daziel said, stopping abruptly. He pointed to the same embroiderer he'd noticed earlier. "I would appreciate a moment of private conversation with this embroiderer. Would that be possible?"
The carefully constructed mask of Mingxi's composure finally began to fracture. Her eyes narrowed, her gaze sharpening as she fixed it on Daziel. Her voice, though still smooth, now carried an unmistakable edge. "Mr. Daziel, what exactly are you implying?"
"Nothing at all," Daziel replied evenly. "Simply seeking to understand her working conditions. A common courtesy, I would think."
"I'm afraid that is not possible," Mingxi stated flatly, her refusal absolute. "Embroidered Spring House has a strict policy: outsiders are not permitted private contact with our embroiderers."
"Just a brief word," Daziel pressed, testing the waters, "Perhaps to commission a bespoke piece? Surely that wouldn't be against policy?" He added, his tone laced with deliberate provocation, "Unless… is there something about your workshop you prefer to keep hidden? For instance… could it be that these embroideries are machine-made, not hand-stitched at all?"
"Of course not!" Mingxi's denial was sharp, almost too quick. "That is simply our policy, Mr. Daziel. Do you truly mistrust Embroidered Spring House so deeply?" Hostility now flickered openly in her eyes.
Daziel met her gaze directly, unwavering, his own tone firm and clear. "Miss Mingxi, I am merely a potential customer making reasonable inquiries. Surely that is my right?"
Mingxi's voice became cool, professionally distant. "Inquiries? There is nothing here to question. Embroidered Spring House is a legitimate and respected embroidery workshop. We are dedicated to preserving and promoting traditional culture. All our embroideries are painstakingly handcrafted by our talented artisans." She paused, her tone hardening further, "If you harbor any misunderstandings or grievances, you are welcome to lodge a formal complaint with the Chamber of Commerce. We will address it according to established protocols."
Daziel's brow furrowed slightly. He recognized the dead end when he reached it. Mingxi was too practiced, too well-prepared. Extracting the truth through direct confrontation in this setting was futile.
"Very well," Daziel conceded, a hint of resignation in his voice. "If that is your position, Miss Mingxi, I won't trouble you further." He turned to Scott, a silent signal passing between them.
Though clearly frustrated, Scott understood. Now was not the moment for a direct clash with the powerful local Chamber. He shot a venomous glare at Mingxi before reluctantly following Daziel out of the tea room.
They walked back past the rows of embroiderers, their heads bowed over their frames, seemingly lost in their work. Daziel's mood was somber. The truth felt tantalizingly close, yet remained just out of reach, shrouded by layers of practiced deception.
At the doorway, Daziel paused, turning back to Mingxi. "Miss Mingxi, goodbye."
Mingxi remained standing, watching them depart, her expression unreadable, a complex mixture of emotions playing across her features.
Stepping out of Embroidered Spring House, they were met by the blinding glare of the midday sun, a stark and liberating contrast to the oppressive, perfumed pinkness they'd just left behind.
"Bah! 'Embroidery workshop' my foot! Filth and shadows, that's what that place is. There's something deeply rotten going on there, I guarantee it! It's no different from what our company does, really," Scott spat, disgust coloring his voice. "Pity we don't know how the leak happened. Ruined everything, coming here empty-handed. If we'd walked out of there with solid evidence, I could have filed a report already!"
Daziel remained silent, his thoughts inward as they walked onward.
"Hey, Daziel-bro, think of something! You going to just let this slide?" Scott hurried to catch up, grabbing Daziel's arm. "Bring down the Jinrenxiang Chamber of Commerce, and those docks are as good as ours. Tell you what, I'll make it worth your while. Ten percent of the profits, straight to you."
"I have no interest in your dirty money." Daziel stopped, turning to face Scott, his voice low and measured. "But no, Scott, I won't let it go. Not for profit, but for… justice. Because some things are worth fighting for, even when there's no money in it."
P.S. Regarding the previous plot inconsistencies: the narrative has been adjusted. The prior assumption of the protagonist's group knowing about the Jinrenxiang Chamber of Commerce's suspected human trafficking has been removed. It's important to remember that smuggling and illicit business dealings fall under the purview of the Tianpai Division. Reporting directly to the Shence Mansion is not appropriate. Only with concrete criminal evidence against the Jinrenxiang Chamber of Commerce can they formally request the deployment of the Yunqi Army to intervene.
_____
THE >>>DIRECTOR<<<< IS GOING CRAZYYYY! 🤪
CRAZY DEAL ALERT! 🚨 This week only: For every 5! >FIVE!< new reviews... ONE EXTRA CHAPTER will be released! Yes! EXTRAAA! 🎉
(See? I'm honestly such a great director, aren't I? 😉)
Don't miss out! Don't miss out!
💖✨ patreon.com/Walnutchan ✨💖 <- 40 advanced chapters!