Shang Lu of Jiangnan is the legitimate daughter of a family of master dyers. She seems as gentle as water, but in truth, she’s sharper with an abacus than anyone else.
When disaster strikes her family’s dye works, she draws up a marriage contract to save the business and marries Tan Yan, an idle prince banished to the capital, who is rumored to do nothing but stroll with his birds and watch cockfights.
On their wedding night, the red candles burn bright.
While other newlyweds are celebrating their wedding night, Shang Lu pulls out a ledger. “Your Highness, this is a contract for the dye works’ profits over the next three years. Please sign here.”
Tan Yan toys with his writing brush, smiling faintly. “Aren’t you afraid I’m a vicious wolf who swallows people whole?”
Shang Lu’s expression doesn’t change. “I am. That’s why I only do business with wolves who know the rules.”
After the wedding, everyone waits to see the joke, expecting to watch the fallen merchant’s daughter get cast aside by her wastrel prince.
But who could have guessed...
At the dye works, Shang Lu restores a lost ancient technique. Her stunning shade of celadon blue takes the world by storm and becomes the imperial court’s exclusive color.
At court, Tan Yan drops his disguise and reveals his position as director of the Imperial Commercial Bureau. He backs his wife and reforms the world of commerce.
This is the story of a clear-headed inheritor of intangible cultural heritage and an emotionally steady, top-tier investor finding their way to each other in the workplace of ancient times.
Theme: Built on the foundation of intangible cultural heritage and the spirit of an independent mind, this story explores how traditional craftsmanship can be reimagined in the modern age amid the rise and fall of merchants in a feudal society. It tells how a woman uses her own hands to dye a shade of celadon blue that belongs to her, crossing the divide from dependent to inheritor. Women can stand on their own, pass down intangible cultural heritage, and win respect and love through their wisdom.
