CHAPTER 82: CHAPTER 82: SHOCK (FIFTH UPDATE)

"Don’t worry, let me see the screen first," Beisitian said.

If the general framework of the screen is not problematic, then there’s basically no issue. It can be modified if needed. What we’re mainly judging now are the embroidery works.

Upon receiving the photos, Beisitian was satisfied at first glance. The screen design featured an outer square with an inner circle, the inner circle taking up two-thirds of the area. The connection between the inner circle and the outer square used a hollow floral pattern design, which was simple and elegant, allowing the embroidery in the center to be displayed to the utmost, without stealing even a bit of its splendor.

"This is fine, the screen is good as it is," Beisitian said.

"Auntie, you’ve already drawn out the hollow patterns for the screen, can there still be any mistake?" Zhang Ziquan said with a wry smile.

For most screen embroideries, the screen is meticulously designed to enhance the central embroidery piece. But Beisitian goes against the norm. If the central piece is ordinary or lacks awe, the screen wouldn’t help improve it at all.

So now, Zhang Ziquan is extremely eager to see Beisitian’s embroidery.

Zhang Baoli also waited eagerly by her side, anxiously waiting for her to unveil the embroidery, worrying that if it wasn’t satisfactory, there’s no time left to embroider a new one.

Zhang Baoli was a bit anxious inside. In retrospect, she should have insisted on Beisitian embroidering the "Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix." This way, as long as she outperformed that embroidery woman’s work, she would steadily make it into the exhibition!

Beisitian calmly untied her bundle, and with the help of Zhang Baoli and Zhang Ziquan, who each took a corner, unfurled the embroidery since it was quite large.

"I’ll get a drink of water," Beisitian said.

Once the embroidery was unfolded, a dragon with golden scales spiraled upward!

The dragon was so lifelike that, once unfolded, it made a huge impact; the majestic dragon eyes, ethereal dragon whiskers, and the robust and majestic serpent body spiraled and coiled, with the dragon head lifted towards the sky, as if roaring!

At first glance, the dragon appeared resplendent in gold, yet under closer inspection, a variety of colors interspersed within. Instead of diminishing its sanctified grandeur, this accentuated it even further!

Zhang Baoli had never witnessed such a majestic dragon, as though the dragon’s awe was about to burst forth from the embroidery, invoking a sense of reverence in her!

Zhang Ziquan felt the same way!

The two of them were mesmerized by the embroidery, thinking that such an embroidery would surely make it into the exhibition. However...

They exchanged a look. Through that clan uncle, they had already seen the work of Zhang Baoxia’s embroidery woman.

The "Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix" displayed, though only a photograph, was incredibly lifelike. Even if it didn’t have the imposing majesty of this Golden Dragon Painting, comparatively, the "Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix" was still superior!

"What’s the matter?"

Beisitian noticed their expressions shifting from shock to slight disappointment, and couldn’t help but ask.

"Little Tian’er, this Golden Dragon embroidery is truly excellent, the best I’ve ever seen among those around me. But as for comparing to the ’Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix,’ it might still fall a bit short," Zhang Baoli said.

She had to state the truth to prevent Beisitian from having too high expectations.

"It’s not called the Golden Dragon Painting," Beisitian didn’t like the crude name, but since she hadn’t named it yet, she would need to think of a good name.

"The name isn’t the issue now..." Zhang Ziquan said speechlessly.

However, neither he nor Zhang Baoli was too disappointed. The chances of this embroidery passing into the final review stage were high, and if it could get into the exhibition, they would already be extremely delighted!

After all, given their family’s financial capability, it would be impossible to attract an excellent embroidery woman. Having one who could participate in the Shanghai embroidery exhibition, many more would be drawn to come in the future.

"Though the ’Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix’ tests skill, it’s not difficult to embroider, as long as the color matches and transitions are right, many aspects can follow one’s own intentions," Beisitian said.

Zhang Baoli and Zhang Ziquan were a bit disappointed to see that, even at such a moment, Beisitian was still evaluating others’ works. Naturally, commenting on others’ works feels different when you produce a superior piece yourself.

However, though her current piece was excellent, compared to the ’Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix’, there was still a gap. For her to comment so casually seemed somewhat overconfident and unrealistic.

Zhang Baoli said no more, bringing over a large prepared wooden box to store the embroidery. The silk fabric material wouldn’t get creased without applying force, so this was suitable for storage. Once in Shanghai, it would be combined with the screen.

Zhang Baoli gently took over the corner from Zhang Ziquan, when her peripheral vision caught a glimpse of the embroidery, suddenly feeling something was amiss. Upon a closer look, she was astonished.

"Uncle, quick, look!" Zhang Baoli exclaimed.

Zhang Ziquan, clueless, leaned in and was instantly shocked, "This is..."

Zhang Baoli too gazed at the embroidery, astonished, feeling increasingly overwhelmed the more she looked!

"How is this possible!"

Seeing the situation, Beisitian asked, "Didn’t you look earlier?"

Hearing her question, Zhang Baoli and Zhang Ziquan’s eyes, still somewhat dazed, turned to look at Beisitian differently.

"Who would think to look at the back..." Zhang Baoli murmured.

Beisitian smiled knowingly, "No wonder."

No wonder they thought her embroidery was not a match for the ’Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix’. Even amateurs could compare the merit of the two embroideries.

"Madam, you actually brought something like this in a bundle!" Zhang Ziquan lamented.

Beisitian remained silent, otherwise, what should she have used?

This time, Zhang Baoli handled the embroidery with much more care compared to earlier, her previous level of attention wasn’t enough. Even when putting it away now, she was extremely cautious.

"The embroidery will be transported to Shanghai today, and it will take more than half a month, and that’s considered fast! Uncle, the moment there’s any news, you must inform us immediately!" Zhang Baoli said to Beisitian initially, switching to Zhang Ziquan at the end.

"Rest assured, I’m heading out now!" Zhang Ziquan lifted the box and walked out. Outside, a donkey cart was ready, and he would take it to Qingzhou City, where the family people would assist.

Without taking a sip of water, Zhang Ziquan left with the embroidery, while Zhang Baoli watched his silhouette disappear, her heart still not recovered from the earlier shock.

Moreover, the impact this embroidery brought was becoming more profound the more she thought about it!

"Little Tian’er, I’ve truly discovered a treasure! I never imagined you had such a high level of skill in embroidery! I really misjudged you before!" Zhang Baoli said, looking at Beisitian.

"Luckily, you weren’t poached by Zhang Baoxia!" Zhang Baoli said with a face of lingering fear, having once thought that if Beisitian had succumbed to the temptation and was poached, she wouldn’t seek her out again!