Chapter 28: Su Yanhua, This Battle, I

Old Tailor Hu used to be an old tailor who made clothes for wealthy households; his Handcraft is inherited, and it is said he learned the craft in SuHang when he was young, he looks down on others and has a peculiar temper.

Later, as the situation changed, he retreated to this small courtyard, rarely taking commissions, especially refusing work from young people, thinking they are restless and lack appreciation.

Jiang Ran was mischievous as a child, was classmates with his grandson, often came to his house to play, and was often chased and hit by Old Tailor Hu with a ruler.

"Grandpa Hu, I have something serious for you!" Jiang Ran, with a smiling face, handed over the netted bag he held, which contained two bottles of fine wine and a good cigar, "I… I'm getting married, and I'd like to ask you to come out of retirement and make a Wedding Dress for my bride."

Old Tailor Hu glanced at the wine and cigar, didn't take them, snorted, "Marriage? Someone wants to marry a little rascal like you? It must be a trick, right? I won't do it, I won't!"

"Besides, aren't there plenty of clothing shops outside? Go find them!" he said as he was about to close the door.

Jiang Ran quickly pressed his foot against the door and hurried, "Grandpa Hu! No! How could the craftsmen in those shops compare to you? They only make mass‑produced goods; my bride, who is as beautiful as a celestial maiden, must wear something you make by hand, something unique!"

His words actually scratched Old Tailor Hu's sore spot.

The old man's lifelong pride is his Handcraft, and he despises the soulless, assembly‑line clothes of today.

He paused, glanced sideways at Jiang Ran, "As beautiful as a celestial maiden? Since when did you little brat learn to be slick‑tongued?"

"Really! I'm lying to you that I'm your grandson!" Jiang Ran raised his hand to swear, "My bride is both beautiful and clever, and has a good temperament!"

"It's just… my fate isn't great; my bride's family isn't decent, and I'm afraid they'll tamper with my Wedding Dress, so I want to have one made openly elsewhere, and secretly ask you, Grandpa, to make a better one as a backup…"

He briefly told Old Tailor Hu about Su Ruan's plan and his own concerns.

Of course, he omitted many details, only emphasizing how wonderful Su Ruan is and how terrible the Su family is.

Old Tailor Hu listened, and a flash of sharp light passed through his murky eyes.

He's lived most of his life; what sordid thing hasn't he seen? Though Jiang Ran is a scoundrel, the urgency and sincerity in his eyes don't seem feigned.

"Hum, I'll give you credit for having a conscience, for caring about your bride." Old Tailor Hu's tone softened a bit, but he still raised an objection, "But on what grounds can I help you? My Handcraft isn't for ordinary people."

When Jiang Ran heard there was a condition, he immediately went on the offensive: "Grandpa Hu, just help a bit! Set the payment however you like!"

"And I guarantee that when my bride wears the clothes you make, she will outshine everyone! It will bring you fame!"

"Fame?" Old Tailor Hu scoffed, "I'm already half buried in the ground; what use is a name to me?"

He pondered for a moment, looking at Jiang Ran's anxious, ear‑scratching, chin‑rubbing demeanor, and finally relented: "…Have your bride come tomorrow, and I'll see her. If she meets my eye, I'll take the job. If not, you can move a mountain of gold, it won't help!"

"Alright! Thank you, Grandpa Hu! I'll definitely bring her tomorrow!"

Jiang Ran was overjoyed, hurriedly stuffed the wine and cigar into the old man's bosom, fearing he'd change his mind, then vanished in a flash.

Old Tailor Hu watched his back, then lowered his head to glance at the wine and cigar in his hand, shook his head, and his mouth twitched imperceptibly: "You stinky brat…"

The next day, Jiang Ran meticulously prepared himself, rode a cart carrying Su Ruan, and returned to Old Tailor Hu's small courtyard.

To leave a good impression on the old tailor, Su Ruan dressed simply today: a clean white shirt and blue trousers, her hair softly draped over her shoulders, unadorned with makeup, yet she looked fresh and elegant.

Old Tailor Hu opened the door, and the moment he saw Su Ruan, his previously scrutinizing gaze paused, then he gave a slight nod and stepped aside to let the two enter.

The interior was somewhat messy, piled with fabrics, spools, and various tools, but against the wall a old wardrobe held several half‑finished Cheongsams and jackets, with fine, even stitching, and Frog Buttons so exquisite they resembled artworks, instantly revealing extraordinary Handcraft.

Old Tailor Hu said no more, had Su Ruan stand properly, took a soft measuring tape, and began taking her measurements.

His technique was professional and swift, measuring while asking Su Ruan what ideas she had for the Wedding Dress.

Su Ruan, based on her own aesthetic and the era's characteristics, put forward several key points.

"It should be dignified and grand, yet not overly heavy or old‑fashioned."

"It should accentuate the waist and neck lines; I like clean cuts, but details such as Frog Buttons and embroidered hems can have delicate touches."

She spoke neither hurried nor sluggish, with clear logic, respecting tradition while expressing her own ideas.

Old Tailor Hu listened, occasionally nodding, and light gradually returned to his murky eyes.

Having made clothes all his life, he despised customers who either lacked any opinion or pretended to know while pointing out everything.

Someone like Su Ruan, who has ideas and can express them accurately, is rare.

After measuring, Old Tailor Hu went to the inner room, rummaged for a while, and took out a bolt of fabric carefully wrapped in oil paper.

When he peeled back the oil paper, even Jiang Ran couldn't help but inhale sharply.

It was an extremely traditional, rich yet not glaring Chinese red; the fabric was neither silk nor satin, yet stiffer than silk and more lustrous than satin, its surface bearing a river‑like sheen that seemed to glow in the dim room.

"This is Jiangsi Silk Silk Silk, which I collected in Suzhou when I was young; it's been stored for almost thirty years, and only this bolt remains," Old Tailor Hu stroked the fabric, his eyes filled with nostalgia and reverence, "Modern woven cloth can't compare to this."

He also produced several small boxes containing assorted silk threads and some delicately crafted jade and pearl clasps.

"Which of these accessories do you like?"

Su Ruan looked at the understated brilliance of the Jiangsi Silk Silk Silk and the exquisite accessories, understanding that Old Tailor Hu was pulling out his best from the bottom of the chest.

She looked earnestly at Old Tailor Hu and sincerely said, "Grandpa Hu, I'll leave the choice of fabric and accessories to you. Make it as you think looks best; I trust your Handcraft and eye."

Her unreserved trust greatly pleased Old Tailor Hu.

A faint smile finally appeared on his face, the first genuine one of the day.

"Fine, I'll take the job," Old Tailor Hu declared decisively, "Pick it up in ten days; I guarantee it will be ten times better than what Jinxiu makes."

"Thank you, Grandpa Hu!" Jiang Ran and Su Ruan thanked in unison, and the heavy stone in their hearts finally settled.

After leaving Old Tailor Hu's house, Jiang Ran looked at the smiling Su Ruan beside him, couldn't help but lean over and quickly plant a kiss on her cheek.

"My bride is amazing! She even managed to win over that stubborn Old Tailor Hu!"

Su Ruan's cheeks flushed slightly, and she scolded him with a look.

A visible spear is easy to dodge, a hidden arrow hard to guard against.

But this time, what she holds in her hand is a spear sharper than a hidden arrow, and the strongest shield.

Su Yanhua, this battle, I'll play it with you.