The Heir

Сhарter 108: A Fоrtunаtе Соnnection

Ноwever, thе realitу disарроintеd Secоnd Young Master Tian, аs Мarshаl Qi aррrоаchеd with stеаdу, unhurriеd steрs.

Having leаrnеd of sо many incidеnts, Old Mаdam Li had lоng sinсе соmе оut. She now stерpеd fоrwаrd and оfferеd Мarshal Qi а hаlf-curtsу.

"Old Madаm, you arе tоо cоurteous. I am unwоrthу оf such rеsресt," Qi Jiguаng sаid, prоmрtly rеturning the сourtesу while twо аttеndants рrеsеntеd the gift list.

The mаster of ceremоnies naturallу announсed thеm in а loud vоice.

"Marshal Qi personally congratulates the grand opening of the Li Family's Ink Manor!!!"

"God of Wealth, Wei Bai Wan, proprietor of the Wei Family business, congratulates the grand opening of the Li Family's Ink Manor!!!"

"Wang Cuiqiao, proprietor of Huiyuan Bank, congratulates the grand opening of Li Mo!!!"

Three consecutive announcements of congratulations filled the hall with gasps of surprise. Some guests who had nearly left earlier now felt immensely relieved they had stayed. Otherwise, they would have missed such a dramatic reversal. It seemed the Li family's influence ran quite deep.

"Miss Li, Miss Li, we came to offer congratulations. This is our congratulatory gift," Huang Lang finally snapped back to his senses. Not daring to push through the crowd, he held up the two packets of silver Zhen Niang had earlier given them from a distance, a hint of pleading in his eyes. He knew that if the Li family did not let him off today, his troubles would be great.

Fortunately, as someone who had survived the streets, he understood that the wise adapt to circumstances. When necessary, one must discard pride and not stand on ceremony.

"If you came to offer congratulations, why make such a bloody mess of it?" Marshal Qi naturally would not speak on such matters, but Wei Bai Wan, standing nearby, frowned and spoke up.

"We are rough men. To express our sincere hearts, we went a bit overboard," Huang Lang could only mumble in explanation.

Everyone knew this was nonsense, but it was also a necessary step down. After all, the commotion had to be brought to a close.

"Thank you," Zhen Niang glanced at him and smiled slightly, then signaled Zheng Fuli to accept the silver. Since it was a congratulatory gift, there was no reason to refuse.

Although Huang Lang had acted excessively today, in business, harmony ultimately brings prosperity. If they pursued the matter further and cornered him, someone like Huang Lang was capable of anything. It was unwise to push such people too far, as it could ultimately harm their own business. After today's events, Huang Lang would likely think twice before targeting their shop again. Therefore, it was necessary to offer him a way out.

For now, with Huang Lang backing down, the matter could be set aside.

Seeing Zhen Niang nod, Huang Lang let out a long sigh of relief. As long as the Li family did not press the issue, figures like Wei Bai Wan and Marshal Qi would not bother with him. Wiping the sweat from his forehead, he quickly shoved the silver into Zheng Fuli's hands. Then, with a wave, he led his men away in disgrace.

Today, he had suffered a complete defeat.

The onlookers felt a surge of satisfaction. They had often been exploited by Huang Lang in the past, and today, the Li family had helped them vent their pent-up anger. Immediately, they jeered at the retreating backs of Huang Lang and his men.

Nearby, Second Young Master Tian's face turned livid with rage. Another well-laid plan had been shattered.

Afterward, Zhen Niang cupped her hands in salute to the neighbors on all sides, then ushered Marshal Qi, Wei Bai Wan, Wang Cuiqiao, and the others into the main hall, where they took their seats at the banquet tables.

Outside, firecrackers heralded the auspicious hour. Li Mo was officially open for business.

Servants hired from the "Food is Heaven" restaurant began serving the dishes.At that moment, the announcer at the entrance loudly proclaimed once more: "Manager Li Fuquan of Fuxian Pavilion congratulates Li Mo on the grand opening!!!"

Just as everyone was about to begin the feast, this announcement nearly caused several people at the table to drop their chopsticks. Exclamations of surprise echoed from both the front and rear courtyards.

"Zhen Niang, you actually managed to invite Li Fuquan?" Uncle-in-law Han Yigui asked in astonishment.

"I didn’t invite him. I don’t even know who he is," Zhen Niang replied, equally bewildered. She glanced at Luo Wenqian, wondering if he had invited him again.

Luo Wenqian also shook his head in surprise, indicating that he hadn’t invited the man. To be honest, he didn’t have the influence to do so.

Marshal Qi, sitting nearby, wore a thoughtful expression.

Wei Bai Wan, on the other hand, was visibly excited. He had tried multiple times to establish a connection with Manager Li Fuquan but had never found an opportunity. Today, out of respect for Wang Cuiqiao, he had attended this small opening ceremony, never expecting to encounter Li Fuquan here. It was truly an unexpected delight. It seemed his decision to come today had been the right one.

Meanwhile, Second Young Master Tian’s face twitched with barely concealed rage. He gritted his teeth in frustration, wondering what kind of luck the Li family had stumbled upon, with influential figures appearing one after another. He was so furious he could have overturned the table. Today wasn’t about watching a show—it was about enduring humiliation.

"Who is this Manager Li Fuquan?" Old Madam Li asked, observing everyone’s reactions and realizing that this Manager Li was likely no ordinary figure.

"Have you heard of Fuxian Pavilion in Nanjing?" Hu Zonglin inquired.

"I’ve heard of it. They deal in rare treasures and curios, and their background is quite solid," Old Madam Li replied.

"Solid is an understatement—it’s practically celestial. Fuxian Pavilion is essentially a royal enterprise. Besides selling rare treasures and curios for the current emperor, it also collects alchemical materials for him, giving it an exceptionally lofty status. Originally, the manager of Fuxian Pavilion was Eunuch Ruan, but around the New Year, he was found guilty of embezzlement and taken away by the Imperial Guards. Just last month, this Li Fuquan took over the management of Fuxian Pavilion. Rumor has it that he is the elder brother of Consort Li, who serves by Prince Yu’s side. As a result, many people, including high-ranking officials and nobles, have tried to befriend him. Some have even attempted to bribe their way into his favor with vast fortunes, but all have failed. Manager Li Fuquan is extremely low-key, rarely appearing in public and avoiding any entanglements. Day-to-day affairs at the shop are usually handled by the deputy managers. The entire Nanjing business community is deeply curious about him," Hu Zonglin explained in a hushed tone, detailing Li Fuquan’s background.

Today, Li Fuquan’s sudden appearance at the Li family would undoubtedly cause a stir in Nanjing’s business circles in the days to come.

The reason Li Fuquan attracted so much attention was that Consort Li had borne Prince Yu’s only surviving son. With Prince Yu now the sole heir to the throne, Consort Li’s status had become extraordinary.

"Is this Consort Li the one who bore Prince Yu a son?" Zhen Niang asked, listening to Hu Zonglin’s explanation.

"Exactly. Zhen Niang, you should go and greet him. Be careful in your approach," Han Yigui advised from the side. Manager Li Fuquan’s sudden arrival was puzzling, and it was better to err on the side of caution.

"I understand," Zhen Niang nodded, though her mind was in turmoil.If the rumors are true, then this Li Fuquan must truly be an extraordinary figure.

This Lady Li of Prince Yu was born into humble origins, originally a palace maid in Prince Yu's residence. Later, she caught Prince Yu's eye and gave birth to Wanli. After Prince Yu ascended the throne, she was enfeoffed as a noble consort. Later, when Wanli became emperor, she became the Empress Dowager.

In the early years of the Wanli reign, it was this Empress Dowager Li, together with Zhang Juzheng, who brought about the Wanli Restoration.

As for this Empress Dowager Li and Zhang Juzheng, there are also quite a few scandalous rumors. The most famous is a couplet: "Ai Zixiu, Zixiu does not cultivate, a pale-faced scholar fails the imperial exam; Zhang Juzheng, Juzheng is not upright, a black-hearted prime minister lies on the dragon bed."

It is said that Zhang Juzheng and Ai Zixiu passed the imperial examination in the same year. The first half of the couplet was Zhang Juzheng teasing Ai Zixiu, and the second half was later Ai Zixiu's retort to Zhang Juzheng.

It can be said that Lady Li's life is also a legend.

Of course, this is not what Zhen Niang is concerned about.

What Zhen Niang is concerned about now is why a figure like Li Fuquan would suddenly come to offer congratulations. While his arrival is certainly a pleasant surprise, sometimes when a surprise is too great, it inevitably makes one uneasy.

At this moment, Li Jingming and Zheng Fuli had already welcomed the guests inside, just as Zhen Niang, who had been heading out to greet them, came face to face with them.

Seeing Li Fuquan and the woman beside him, Zhen Niang's eyes widened in surprise, and she exclaimed, "You... aren't you the injured elder brother from the boat? And this is the elder sister-in-law from the boat?"

Such words were, of course, somewhat impolite, but the situation was so unexpected. Besides, Zhen Niang had not been raised under strict rules since childhood, so it was inevitable that she would be impolite in her surprise.

After all, no matter how much she let her imagination run wild, she could never have guessed that the man who had been kicked and injured by Second Young Master Tian on the boat when they set out for Nanjing would now transform into the head of the imperial store, Li Fuquan. Thus, her casual act of giving medicine that day had actually forged a favorable connection for her.

Thinking of this, Zhen Niang couldn't help but think of Second Young Master Tian. In a moment, when he sees that Shopkeeper Li Fuquan is the very man he kicked and injured that day, what expression will he have? It should be quite a sight.

"Miss Li, hello. I was fortunate to receive your medicine that day. A few days ago, I saw the flyer your Li Mo issued and learned that you were opening today, so I took the liberty of coming uninvited," Li Fuquan laughed heartily.

"Yes, we were truly fortunate thanks to Miss Li that day," added Li Fuquan's wife, Madame Ma, smiling beside him.

Although Li Fuquan and his wife were now dressed in attire far beyond what they wore that day, there was still a touch of simple honesty in their expressions.

"Great Shopkeeper and Madame are too kind. It was merely a trivial effort, not worthy of being remembered by you. That you have come is an honor for the Li family," Zhen Niang took a deep breath, calming her surprise, and performed a proper greeting according to etiquette.

"No need for such formalities, no need," Li Fuquan and his wife hurriedly replied, clearly still unaccustomed to such interactions. They were just a couple from the countryside who had come to Nanjing after receiving a letter from their sister. Under someone's arrangements, they had become the great shopkeepers of Fuxian Pavilion. Their status had changed so abruptly that they naturally felt all sorts of discomfort.

No wonder they usually kept to themselves and rarely appeared in public."Regardless, it's wonderful that you and your sister-in-law could come. By the way, the Mr. Hu who treated your injuries on the ship that day is also here." Zhen Niang might not have been well-versed in the etiquette of the nobility, but she was intimately familiar with the ways of common folk. Having grown up in the slums herself, she noticed the slight unease in Li Fuquan and his wife and set aside formalities, addressing them simply as "big brother" and "sister-in-law" as commoners would.

Immediately, the awkwardness in Li Fuquan and his wife vanished, replaced by genuine delight. "Really? That's wonderful! Please take us to see him. We must thank him properly."

"Please," Zhen Niang gestured and led the way.

When Li Fuquan and his wife met Hu Zonglin, they expressed their gratitude once more for his lifesaving aid that day.

Hu Zonglin was pleasantly surprised, inwardly reflecting that kindness truly begets kindness.

As for Wei Bai Wan, though he had long wanted to connect with Li Fuquan, he was a master of social graces. Today's gathering was merely an opportunity to become acquainted; there was no need to rush things. Time would tell.

Marshal Qi, despite Li Fuquan's unique status—which was largely behind the scenes—saw him publicly as nothing more than the head manager of a royal store. Given his own standing, Marshal Qi felt no need to actively seek his acquaintance and remained relaxed and casual throughout the meal.

Only Second Young Master Tian, seated at another table, grew visibly sullen upon recognizing Li Fuquan. Any appetite for wine vanished. After excusing himself to Zheng Fuli, citing urgent business at his shop, he left with his entourage.