The Peach Blossoms White by the Village Edge

Chapter 109: The Yue Family

Zhao Changxia's face showed clear surprise, and Qu Qingjiang wasn't quite sure how to interpret her reaction, so she asked, "Is this the kind of multi-colored embroidery you've seen before?"

Zhao Changxia quickly composed herself and smiled gently. "Yes, it is."

After a pause, she added, "Congratulations, my dear, for pointing out a new direction for the embroiderers."

She had originally wanted to say that her wife had rewritten history because, after reading the "Embroidery Dictionary," she realized that multi-colored embroidery was indeed developed by modern Su embroidery masters.

Besides multi-colored embroidery, there were also three-color embroidery techniques developed by Su embroidery masters—embroidery with different patterns and colors on the same base fabric. These were innovations built on the existing embroidery skills passed down through generations.

So, the question of whether the chicken or the egg came first could be considered. Saying she had rewritten history might have been too grandiose, so she rephrased it.

Qu Qingjiang smiled, "How can it be said that I've pointed out a new direction for the embroiderers? Didn't someone already achieve this before I reached this threshold?"

Zhao Changxia: "..."

"And the techniques of Su embroidery gave me significant inspiration. Mrs. Qian generously shared her knowledge and taught me the techniques of Su embroidery, which helped me a lot. My ability to create multi-colored embroidery is closely related to her guidance," Qu Qingjiang said. She didn't intend to take all the credit for herself; she planned to share the knowledge of multi-colored embroidery with the Qian and Pu families as well.

In this field, there were no patents, but many embroiderers passed down their techniques only to their own descendants. Thanks to the generous sharing from the Qian and Pu families, Qu Qingjiang was able to make significant progress in exploring multi-colored embroidery. Thus, she was also eager to share her experience and embroidery skills in return.

Zhao Changxia had no objections to this mutually beneficial and progressive arrangement.

Apart from sharing her joy with Zhao Changxia, Qu Qingjiang had not mentioned this to anyone else. She only invited the Pu and Qian families to her home to share her results once she completed the double-sided multi-colored embroidery.

Although Mrs. Qian had taught Qu Qingjiang many techniques of Su embroidery, she knew that she herself would never be able to produce such works. She lacked the research spirit that Qu Qingjiang had—Qu Qingjiang had studied for four years, and with such perseverance, who else could succeed?

"Mrs. Qu, your embroidery skills are truly outstanding!" Mrs. Qian marveled.

Qu Qingjiang replied, "Half of the techniques required for multi-colored embroidery were taught by you! Complimenting me is also complimenting yourself."

Mrs. Pu smiled, "Stop flattering each other. Mrs. Qu, tell us about this multi-colored embroidery."

Mrs. Qian said, "This is something Mrs. Qu has painstakingly developed. If she tells us, it would be like stealing her skills."

They were not worried that Qu Qingjiang would refuse to teach them, but they were concerned that learning from her might harm their own interests.

Qu Qingjiang shook her head, "You're all my good friends. You've given me much inspiration and guidance on multi-colored embroidery. I think you deserve to understand the techniques involved."

Mrs. Qian was very pleased, but Mrs. Pu still declined, "We usually exchange tips and guidance. You've learned techniques of Shu embroidery and Su embroidery from us, and we've learned techniques of Bian embroidery from you. It's fair. As friends, we shouldn't harm your interests."