The Heir

Chaрtеr 106: Наstе Makes Wаstе

"Old Qin, ovеr here." Stеwаrd Qin hаd just tаkеn а seat whеn he heard someonе сalling him. Тurning his heаd, hе sаw а familiаr fасе—Wаng Minghе, a traveling mеrсhant whо often travеled to Нuizhou to рurсhаsе gооds. In thе past, Wаng hаd favоrеd mоuntain рroduсts, but sinсe last уеar, hе had shifted his foсus to the "Four Тrеаsures оf the Study" and tеа lеavеs, mаinlу trаding bеtwеen thе сaрital, Nаnjing, Suzhou, Yangzhоu, and Нuizhоu. It wаs said his businеss wаs dоing quitе well.

Steward Qin hаd dealt with him before аnd shared a dеcent rаpроrt, so hе chuckled, picked up his teacup, and walked over to sit beside Wang Minghe. He teased, "Ha, this Miss Li is quite capable. You’re usually so busy all year round with hardly any rest—it’s hard to catch you. Who would’ve thought Miss Li managed to invite you?"

"Ha, Old Qin, you’ve guessed wrong this time. Miss Li didn’t invite me. The owner of Fortunate Stationery received the invitation but didn’t want to come, so I took his invitation instead," Wang Minghe replied with a hearty laugh.

Hearing that the owner of Fortunate Stationery hadn’t come, Steward Qin understood perfectly. Fortunate Stationery had close ties with the Tian family, so naturally, they wouldn’t attend at this time. He clicked his tongue but said nothing. At the same time, he gave Wang Minghe a puzzled look. If he hadn’t been invited, why had Wang Minghe rushed over so eagerly?

Wang Minghe understood the confusion in Old Qin’s eyes, but some things were better left unsaid.

Wang Minghe had come out of gratitude. Strictly speaking, there wasn’t any grand favor to speak of, but one thing was certain: without the Li family’s Medicinal Ink, Wang Minghe wouldn’t be living the proud and contented life he enjoyed today.

Remembering one’s roots was a fundamental principle for Wang Minghe.

Years ago, Zheng Shi had suffered from a fiery sore, which a White Lotus Sect Immortal Maiden had mistaken for an Evil Ghost Sore. She had bound Zheng Shi, intending to capture the "ghost." Later, Zhen Niang used Medicinal Ink to cure Zheng Shi’s fiery sore on the spot, exposing the Immortal Maiden’s deception. Wang Minghe had been present at the time and had even eagerly purchased the piece of Medicinal Ink that Zhen Niang had used to treat Zheng Shi’s fiery sore.

And as luck would have it, things took an unexpected turn.

On his return journey, perhaps due to poor rest and excessive internal heat, Wang Minghe suffered from constipation. Recalling Zhen Niang’s explanation that the Medicinal Ink’s effects included clearing the heart and reducing heat, which was effective for constipation, he decided to try a small amount. To his surprise, it worked immediately. Coincidentally, he happened to meet Jin Million, Nanjing’s "God of Wealth," on the same boat. Jin Million was also suffering from travel sickness and had the same ailment as Wang Minghe. Wang Minghe recommended the Medicinal Ink to him, and Jin Million tried it—with immediate results.

Thus, Wang Minghe established a connection with Jin Million. Jin Million casually introduced him to a few well-connected merchants, and Wang Minghe’s business network expanded. Now, he was doing fairly well as a traveling merchant.

Wang Minghe firmly believed that without that half-piece of Medicinal Ink from the Li family, he wouldn’t be where he was today. So, upon returning this time, he happened to meet the owner of Fortunate Stationery and heard about the opening of Li Mo. Naturally, he couldn’t stand idly by. However, as he had only recently risen to prominence, he couldn’t offer much help to the Li family. The least he could do was show up in person to offer his support and express his goodwill. That was why he had come uninvited.

As for these intricacies, how could Steward Qin possibly know?"Old Qin, the opening momentum of the Li family doesn't look too promising. How come only you from the merchants' association showed up for the Li family's opening? It doesn't seem quite right, does it?" Wang Minghe remarked pointedly.

"You don't know. A few days ago, there was a reelection for the president of the merchants' association. Hu Zonglin stepped down, and Wang Sifang was elected as the new president. Now, Miss Li's uncle-in-law, Han Yigui, is a close friend of Hu Zonglin, so Wang Sifang's relationship with the Li family isn't exactly friendly. Besides, during the recent land dispute, Wang Sifang had hoped to seize Han Yigui's fields and properties, but unexpectedly, Han Yigui managed to turn the tables. Wang Sifang is still fuming over that. Unfortunately for the Li family, they've walked right into the line of fire this time. As for the others in the merchants' association, they all have to follow President Wang's lead. Since he doesn't favor the Li family, naturally, no one dares to come," Steward Qin explained.

He had already offended Wang Sifang when he brought Zhen Niang to meet Hu Zonglin last time. By attending the Li family's opening ceremony this time, he was sure President Wang would hold it against him even more. Since he was already deeply in his bad books, there was no need to hide the truth.

"Oh, so that's how it is," Wang Minghe nodded in understanding. Then, clicking his tongue, he added, "Your President Wang is still a bit petty."

As for the matter between the Li and Tian families, he had heard about it. It seemed the Li family's path in Nanjing was going to be extremely difficult. Thinking this, he couldn't help but shake his head and sigh.

Influenced by him, Steward Qin also shook his head and sighed.

"By the way, if that's the case, shouldn't your President Hu come?" Wang Minghe asked again.

"He should come, likely as the final guest of honor," Old Qin replied. Although Hu Zonglin had just lost his position as president of the Huizhou Merchants' Association a few days ago, his reputation, built over years of hard work in Nanjing's business world, remained untarnished and far surpassed that of Wang Sifang.

With his presence, the Li family's opening ceremony would at least have some support.

Speak of the devil, just then, another round of congratulatory cheers for the opening echoed from the entrance of Ink Manor.

Then, the gatekeeper announced loudly, "Instructor Zhao of the Prefectural School, Shopkeeper Hu of Hu's Firm Pawnshop, and Shopkeeper Han of Han's Silk Business, here to congratulate the opening of Li Mo's new store!!!"

The announcement was made with such clarity that guests from Ink Manor to the backyard and front courtyard could hear it clearly.

Steward Qin and Wang Minghe exchanged smiles and stood up to welcome them.

Meanwhile, Zhen Niang warmly greeted Hu Zonglin.

As she had planned earlier, as long as Hu Zonglin attended, the opening would be fine. Although she had hoped for a grander occasion, the current situation wasn't too far off. The setback with the merchants' association was only temporary. Once Longqing ascended the throne, Hu Zonglin would rise again, and by then, the Li family could turn the tables.

As for the ink merchants, by opening Ink Manor here, she was directly facing customers. Even if the ink merchants didn't show support, it wouldn't matter much. Besides, she had Liquid Ink in hand—a convenient and profitable product that would undoubtedly shake up the market for ordinary ink. As a result, ordinary ink from other merchants would become harder to sell, and eventually, they might have to turn to the Li family for help.In any case, Zhen Niang was in no hurry, taking things slowly. As the saying goes, haste makes waste.

On the side, Zheng Fuli, upon seeing Hu Zonglin, secretly breathed a sigh of relief. He then respectfully welcomed Hu Zonglin into the shop.

Meanwhile, Zhen Niang continued to greet the various madams.

"Zhen Niang, your aunt is useless. I promised to invite Second Madam Xu and Madam Wang, but at the last moment, they both made excuses and didn’t come," Madam Han Li said, holding Zhen Niang’s hand apologetically.

Originally, if Second Madam Xu had been able to attend, it would have been the decisive factor. After all, although the Xu brothers were not pursuing official careers, their father’s influence was simply too great. Even without official titles, people from all walks of life in Nanjing had to show the Xu family respect.

As for Madam Wang, her husband was Registrar Wang. Had she come, she could have lent some prestige to the occasion as well. Unfortunately, neither family attended. Only Instructor Zhao and his wife showed face, coming as soon as Madam Han Li invited them.

"Aunt, Madam Zhao’s presence is already a great help," Zhen Niang said with a smile. She wasn’t joking. While others might consider Second Madam Xu and Madam Wang more important, in Zhen Niang’s eyes, Madam Zhao was the most crucial.

"Well, as long as you don’t blame your aunt," Madam Han Li said with a laugh.

"How would I dare blame you, Aunt?" Zhen Niang replied cheerfully. She then accompanied her aunt and Madam Zhao into the shop. After taking just a few steps, the doorman announced, "Luo Jiu, the proprietor of Yi Hou Sheng Money Exchange, congratulates the opening of the Li Family’s Ink Manor!"

Upon hearing of Luo Jiu’s arrival, the guests were all taken aback. Luo Jiu had recently become a hot topic in Nanjing’s business circles.

He was a dark horse in the money exchange industry, first establishing his business with gold mine funds, showcasing his immense wealth. Later, during the land turmoil, while other money exchanges scaled back their lending operations, Luo Jiu alone dared to extend loans to the Han family despite their unfavorable circumstances. Once again, this proved that Luo Jiu was not merely a nouveau riche but also possessed keen foresight. With the Han family’s recovery, Yi Hou Sheng Money Exchange gained fame overnight.

Thus, Yi Hou Sheng Money Exchange was now well-known. However, although its proprietor, Luo Jiu, had a prominent reputation, he remained relatively low-key in his dealings. Many had only heard of him but never seen him in person.

Now that they had the chance to catch a glimpse, everyone craned their necks curiously.

At this moment, Hu Zonglin, who was walking ahead, also paused. Due to their recent collaboration, any lingering resentment between Hu Zonglin and Luo Jiu had dissipated. Moreover, upon learning that Luo Jiu was actually from Huizhou, Hu Zonglin felt an even greater affinity toward him.

"Manager Luo, let’s walk together," Hu Zonglin called out to Luo Jiu, who had just entered.

"Certainly," Luo Jiu replied, cupping his hands respectfully toward Hu Zonglin. As a junior in the industry, he knew the proper etiquette was essential. He then quickened his pace, passing by Zhen Niang and shrugging slightly as if apologizing for not being able to help invite certain guests.

Zhen Niang simply smiled and shook her head, indicating she didn’t mind at all.

Only then did Luo Jiu smile again, though his expression carried a hint of pride. He cupped his hands once more before following Hu Zonglin and the others to the main hall, where the elderly madam personally greeted them.

Meanwhile, Tian Rongchang, upon hearing that Luo Jiu of Yi Hou Sheng had arrived, felt somewhat indignant. He had heard of Luo Jiu’s reputation recently and had attempted to visit him several times, but Luo Jiu had never granted him an audience.Unexpectedly, Luo Jiu actually came to attend the opening ceremony of the Li family today, which made him feel somewhat uncomfortable. But then, seeing Luo Jiu arrive with Hu Zonglin and his group, he burst into laughter: "I was wondering who Luo Jiu was, but it turns out it's Brother Wenqian! It seems Brother Wenqian is doing quite well these days."

"Thanks to your blessings, thanks to your blessings. This is all thanks to Second Young Master Tian. Luo Jiu will remember it well." Luo Wenqian grinned, revealing a set of white teeth, his tone carrying a hint of menace. After that, he ignored Tian Rongchang, followed Hu Zonglin in paying respects to Old Madam Li, and then took his seat.

Tian Rongchang felt a sudden pang of unease at Luo Jiu's words. Luo Wenqian had been operating gold mines in the northern regions, and the gold mining business was notoriously dark, with conflicts between mining gangs almost as common as daily meals. Over the past year or so, Luo Jiu had cultivated an aura of ruthlessness. This kind of aura was something a playboy like Tian Rongchang found difficult to bear.

Moreover, the Tian family had, after all, taken over the Luo family's property. Luo Wenqian's words inevitably made him feel somewhat guilty.

On top of that, they were now on the Li family's turf. No matter how arrogant Tian Rongchang was, after the incident on the boat last time, when Tian Benchang had disciplined him, he had become much more pragmatic.

After all, there was still a good show to come later. Today, he was here precisely to watch the spectacle. So, he simply laughed heartily, cupped his hands, and sat down.

Not long after he took his seat, another commotion arose at the main entrance—this time, it was the sound of lotus ballad singing.