The Heir

Сhарtеr 109: Sеttling Down

Thе grаnd ореning banquet of thе Li fаmily saw оne remаrkаblе figurе аftеr anothеr making an appeаrаncе, eасh sсеne mоrе drаmаtiс than thе last, leaving thе guеsts thorоughly entertаined. Thе idle chаttеr thаt fоllоwеd оver teа аnd meаls nееd not bе mentiоnеd here.

Yеt оncе the music fadеs and the guests dераrt, aftеr the exсitеmеnt subsides, оnе must still sеttlе dоwn аnd foсus оn the tаsks at hаnd.

Zhen Niang undеrstoоd сlеarlу thаt аlthоugh many prоminent figures attended thе Li family’s oрening cеremоnу, most hаd little to do with the Li family.

Hu Zonglin, now marginalized within the Huizhou Merchant Guild, was by nature someone who cultivated his character and sought tranquility. His days were now quite leisurely. As for the Li family, perhaps due to his connection with Uncle-in-law Han, he might offer some assistance, but it would be limited. For Li Mo, it was merely a case of having one more friend, one more path to rely on.

This could still be considered a relatively good relationship.

As for the Wealth God of Wei, he was a leading figure in Nanjing’s business circles, but he held himself in such high regard that a family like the Li family could hardly catch his eye. His appearance was solely out of respect for Wang Cuiqiao. At best, he might remember that there was a Li Family Ink Manor in Nanjing. If the Li family truly sought his help in the future, unless it benefited him, he would likely brush them off.

Zhen Niang saw this as clearly as a mirror.

As for Marshal Qi, his presence in Nanjing was because he happened to be on his way to Yiwu to recruit soldiers. Luo Wenqian had donated the majority of his gold mine earnings from the north to the Qi Family Army, and even the recruitment expenses for Yiwu were largely funded by Luo Wenqian. Thus, his appearance at the Li family’s event was merely to give Luo Wenqian face. Zhen Niang naturally attributed this favor to Luo Wenqian. In truth, Marshal Qi had little to do with the Li family, a fact that likely all the guests present understood.

As for Li Fuquan, although he was the future imperial brother-in-law, in her previous life, Zhen Niang had read materials about Lady Li but never came across any mention of her having such a brother. This might be because he was insignificant and thus left no mark in history, or perhaps Lady Li never publicly acknowledged him throughout her life.

Regardless, historically, Lady Li was quite sensitive about her humble origins. To address this, during the Wanli era, she even fabricated the story of being the reincarnation of the Nine-Lotus Bodhisattva.

Thus, Zhen Niang speculated that the latter possibility was more likely.

Observing the current situation in the Prince Yu’s residence, due to Emperor Jiajing’s suspicion, Prince Yu himself maintained a very low profile. As for Lady Li, although she held the title of a consort, her background as a palace maid meant that even after bearing a son, she remained extremely discreet within the prince’s residence. The fact that she arranged for Li Fuquan and his wife to stay in Nanjing rather than Beijing spoke volumes.

Furthermore, although Li Fuquan held the position of chief manager at Fuxian Pavilion, he was a hands-off figure. This was likely on Lady Li’s orders, aiming for nothing more than a life of leisurely wealth.

Zhen Niang surmised that Lady Li’s move was partly to ensure her relatives could live comfortably and partly to prepare a backup plan for the future. Whether it would prove useful remained to be seen.

For now, she probably only hoped that Li Fuquan and his wife would avoid trouble and live peacefully. Thus, those in Nanjing seeking to curry favor were likely to be disappointed. Li Fuquan and his wife would continue to live in seclusion, keeping a low profile.Therefore, although Li Fuquan had stepped forward, Zhen Niang still understood her position clearly. The gift of medicine on the boat and Li Fuquan's attendance at Li Mo's opening ceremony canceled each other out, leaving neither side indebted to the other—a rather good outcome.

In the evening, under the oil lamp, watching the sparks flicker, Zhen Niang shared her thoughts one by one with Old Madam Li.

"Hmm, it's good that you can see things so clearly. The development of our Li Mo relies on solid, down-to-earth work, not on currying favor. As for relationships and favors, let me tell you, holding them in your hand is the best approach. Once you actually use them, they lose their flavor. So, no matter what kind of relationship or favor it is, it's best not to use it, and certainly not to depend on it." After understanding Zhen Niang's perspective, Old Madam Li let out a long sigh of relief and then admonished her further.

Tomorrow, she and Li Jingming's group would return to Huizhou. After several days of bustling activity during the opening, she couldn't help but worry that Zhen Niang might lose herself in it all, truly believing the Li family was something extraordinary. In truth, the Li family was still just the Li family; it wouldn't rise in status simply because of the appearances of Marshal Qi, Wei Bai Wan, Li Fuquan, and others.

She had been afraid Zhen Niang might become overly elated, only to suffer a harsh fall later. Fortunately, before leaving, she had spoken with the girl and found her mind still quite clear.

"Yes, I'll remember that," Zhen Niang said with sincere earnestness.

"By the way, we're returning to Huizhou tomorrow, but I'm leaving Hua'er with you. Having only Xiao Ya by your side isn't enough. Take good care of Hua'er; that girl is clever too. If you train her well, she'll be a great help to you," Old Madam Li added.

"Alright, I understand," Zhen Niang nodded. Hua'er was indeed quite good and clever. Back then, she had earned quite a bit of dowry money; the girl sometimes showed great decisiveness.

After chatting a bit more about trivial matters, Old Madam Li, being elderly and needing to depart early the next morning, went to bed early.

After leaving Old Madam Li's room, Zhen Niang called for Ma Sao and carefully arranged some gifts to be taken back to Huizhou. She also inquired in detail about the carriages and the next day's boat schedule. Only after everything was settled did she go to rest.

Thus, the night passed without incident.

Early the next morning, several carriages set out from the Li residence. Zhen Niang, accompanied by Hua'er, followed along to escort Seventh Grandmother and Li Jingming's family to the dock.

At the Qinhuai Dock outside Jubao Gate, carriages and carts came and went, and the boats moored at the dock appeared layered when viewed from the side. The sounds of hawking and soliciting customers filled the air.

At this time, the boat to Huizhou had not yet departed. Zhen Niang supported the old lady as they stood at the bow, watching the scenery of the dock.

"Be careful, all of you! This is my life's savings. If any of it falls into the water and the raw silk gets damp, I'll have your hides!" Nearby, a boat was unloading cargo. A woman's voice could be heard scolding from time to time.

Hearing this scolding voice, the Li family found it quite familiar. Turning to look, they saw it was Ge Qiu Jie, directing a group of men to unload bags of cargo one by one.

Judging by the packaging, the markings on the outside, and Ge Qiu Jie's shouts, everyone naturally understood that the cargo was raw silk. Had Ge Qiu Jie started trading in raw silk?

Li Zheng Ping, with his sleeves tucked, leaned forward to look but frowned. "What's going on? Why is she suddenly dealing in raw silk? The waters here run too deep; she's being far too bold.""What business is it of yours? Mind your own affairs." As soon as Li Zhengping finished speaking, his mother, Madam Fang, snapped at him irritably.

"I was just saying," Zhengping replied, rubbing his nose with a sheepish look after being scolded by his mother. He really was worrying over nothing—now that he and Ge Qiu Jie were no longer connected, and besides, it was useless for him to fret anyway. Ge Qiu Jie wasn’t the type to listen to advice.

Hua'er snickered from the side.

"Everyone aboard, the boat is about to depart," the boatman called out just then.

So the Li family boarded the cabin. Hua'er’s eyes reddened again, and after receiving a few words of instruction from Li Jingming, she finally disembarked with Zhen Niang. They watched as the boat slowly set off, waving their hands until it disappeared from sight. Only then did Zhen Niang and Hua'er turn to head back to the Li residence.

On the way, Hua'er remembered that Chou Po had asked her to buy needles and thread, so she parted from Zhen Niang to go purchase sewing supplies.

Zhen Niang strolled alone along the street bordering the Qinhuai River. In the morning, the area was always shrouded in a faint mist. After walking for a while, Zhen Niang felt her forehead damp and a chill creeping over her body, so she unconsciously quickened her pace. She actually wanted to run, but it would inevitably draw gossip. In the end, she merely walked a bit faster.

On both sides of the street, shops were opening one after another. Clerks from several stores were sweeping their doorsteps with brooms. In the distance, outside a steamed bun shop, Luo Jiu was holding a bamboo steamer. Without using chopsticks, he simply pinched a small steamed bun with his fingers and tossed it into his mouth. The xiaolongbao in Nanjing were exceptionally flavorful, but Luo Jiu clearly didn’t know how to eat them properly. As soon as he took a bite, the hot soup inside splashed out, scalding his hand and making him shake it frantically.

Watching this, Zhen Niang recalled her first time eating xiaolongbao in her previous life—it seemed she had been just as clumsy. She couldn’t help but chuckle to herself.

"Has Old Madam Li left?" Luo Jiu asked as Zhen Niang approached, completely unbothered by his earlier mishap. He leaned lazily against a pillar.

"Yes," Zhen Niang nodded.

"Haven’t eaten yet, have you? Try some." Luo Jiu offered the steamer of buns with a grin, his eyes full of amusement. These xiaolongbao weren’t common in Huizhou, so Miss Li probably hadn’t had them much.

Seeing his expression, Zhen Niang knew he was up to no good. She raised an eyebrow, glanced at the steamer of buns, then looked back at Luo Jiu. Slowly, she extended two fingers and delicately picked up a xiaolongbao.

Although xiaolongbao weren’t yet widespread in Huizhou at this time—most bun shops sold larger buns or mantou—they were common snacks in later times, nothing unusual.

"Gently move, slowly lift, first open a window, then drink the soup." These steps were all too familiar to Zhen Niang. So she narrowed her eyes, took a small bite of the bun’s skin, then sucked in—the delicious broth flowed smoothly into her mouth. After that, she ate the rest of the bun in one bite, neat and tidy.

"Ah, you didn’t fall for it," Luo Jiu said with a look of regret.

Zhen Niang shot him a glare, then couldn’t help feeling a little smug. Someone as sharp as her—how could she be so easily tricked?

Then both of them burst into laughter.Just then, a sharp cry came from the street ahead. Soon after, a group of people hurried over. Tian Ronghua, the third young lady of the Tian family, walked at the front, followed by clerks from the Tian family’s Ink Manor, carrying a door plank. Tian Er lay on the plank, his face pale, his right leg stained with blood and unnaturally twisted—clearly broken.

Zhen Niang watched the group rush past along the street. How strange—there was a Medicine Hall right next to their place, so why didn’t they go in to see a physician?

“I heard Tian Er once kicked and injured Manager Li Fuquan?” Luo Jiu asked meaningfully.

Zhen Niang nodded.

“Heh, the third young lady of the Tian family is quite decisive. Breaking Tian Er’s leg before going to apologize to Li Fuquan—given Li Fuquan’s temperament, this matter will be settled without leaving any future trouble,” Luo Jiu remarked.

Zhen Niang nodded, thinking it must indeed be so.