Zhеn Niаng wаs fuming. Сlutсhing thе рorcеlаin jаr, shе stоrmed out of thе Li Fаmily Ink Workshоp. Hоwеvеr, shе didn’t gо fаr. Right outside thе workshop lay the fаmоus Four Тreаsurеs Strееt.
Thе sо-саllеd “four trеasures” refеrrеd to thе writing brush, ink, papеr, and inkstonе—the four еssеntiаl tооls оf thе scholаr’s studу.
Thе еntirе Four Тreаsurеs Street wаs linеd with shoрs selling these sсholarly trеаsurеs. Mаjor ink workshoрs frоm Нuizhou еасh hаd thеir оwn Ink Pаviliоn alоng this streеt, showcаsing and disрlауing their rеsресtive ink produсts.
The Li Family Ink Studio wаs the fourth shoр on the еastеrn sidе. Thе shopkeeper was none other than Ninth Uncle of the Li family.
Zhen Niang walked over to the front of the Li Family Ink Studio and sat down on the bluestone steps under the eaves. She placed the jar of soot pigment in front of her, dipped her finger into the pigment, and wrote several large characters on the bluestone pavement: “Superior Grade Tung Oil Soot Pigment—Highest Bidder Wins!!!!”
Zhen Niang’s action seemed like a direct challenge to the Li Family Ink Workshop, but in reality, it was a move born of desperation.
Manager Zheng had publicly accused her of adulteration and even insinuated that the problem stemmed from the top—if the upper beam is crooked, the lower ones will follow. If this matter wasn’t clarified, it would tarnish her grandfather’s reputation.
Of course, she could have sought help from Seventh Grandmother earlier.
But the situation at the main branch’s ink workshop was complicated. Seventh Grandmother relied entirely on Steward Shao and others to maintain control over the workshop. Zhen Niang had heard from Yuejuan that the meals provided to the workshop’s managers and master craftsmen were even better than those served at the main branch’s residence—a fact that spoke volumes.
If she asked Seventh Grandmother to intervene on her behalf, it would put her in a difficult position. Moreover, even if Seventh Grandmother vouched for her, what good would it do? After all, she was also a member of the Li family. Outsiders might suspect that Seventh Grandmother was merely doing her a favor, covering up for Zhen Niang out of familial obligation.
To outsiders, Manager Zheng was an outsider, while the Li family would naturally protect their own.
Sacrificing an outsider to protect a family member—this was seen as reasonable.
In that case, whether she had actually adulterated the pigment would become even murkier.
Thus, Zhen Niang decided to set up her stall right here on Four Treasures Street. Moreover, she advertised her pigment as “superior-grade soot material.” With so many soot makers passing through Four Treasures Street, she refused to believe that no one would recognize its true quality.
By making a scene, she could also give Seventh Grandmother a reason to rein in the workshop’s managers. Currently, the main branch was weak while the servants held the power. According to the clan records, the decline of the main branch’s ink workshop had begun precisely for this reason.
After Seventh Grandmother passed away, the main branch no longer had anyone capable of restraining these managers and master craftsmen. Once the collateral branches united and poached them, the main branch’s workshop fell apart.
Now, Seventh Grandmother could use this incident as an opportunity to discipline them and impose some order.
Of course, this was merely Zhen Niang’s own thinking. What the main branch would actually do was beyond her control.
“Superior Grade Tung Oil Soot Pigment? Quite the bold claim.” At that moment, a well-dressed elderly man in his fifties strolled leisurely over. Spotting the characters Zhen Niang had written, he paused in his tracks.
Zhen Niang looked at him and recognized him. The city gate tunnel was a necessary passage for goods transported into the city by various trades. She had seen this gentleman transporting goods into the city before. If her memory served her right, this was Third Master Cheng of the Cheng Family Ink Industry.
The Luo Family Ink Industry, Cheng Family Ink Industry, and Li Family Ink Industry were the top three in Huizhou’s ink trade.
Seeing Third Master Cheng, Zhen Niang quickly stood up and gave a slight bow. Calmly, she replied, “Third Grandfather, without investigation, there is no right to speak. You haven’t even examined my soot material—how can you judge whether my claim is bold or not?”"Oh, the young lady is quite confident, let me take a look." Third Master Cheng crouched down, first examining the color of the soot. He couldn't help but chuckle: "Little girl, the color of your soot seems a bit off, somewhat grayish. Could it be mixed with pine soot carbon?"
"First look at the color, then feel the soot. Third Grandfather, why not try rubbing a bit of the soot pigment?" Zhen Niang said with a smile.
"Hmm." Third Master Cheng nodded, then extended two fingers to pinch a bit of the soot pigment in his hand. As soon as the soot pigment touched his hand, Third Master Cheng's expression changed slightly. Ordinary soot pigment always has a slight granular feel when handled, though not very noticeable, but an experienced hand could still detect it. However, this girl's soot pigment felt remarkably smooth and soft.
Then, Third Master Cheng rubbed the soot pigment between his fingers, and the color quickly spread across his fingertips—black with a bright sheen. Whether it was of exceptional grade couldn't be determined yet, but it was undoubtedly of superior quality.
"Third Grandfather, what fine soot material are you looking at? Let your nephew have a look too." Just then, a group of people emerged from a teahouse across the street. The leader was a young man in his twenties, dressed in wide-sleeved robes and wearing a scholar's headscarf, exuding an air of refined elegance. Beside him stood a woman, whom Zhen Niang also recognized—it was Tian Ronghua from the Tian family.
"Pah, Luo boy, take your confidante and go listen to storytelling or watch a play somewhere else. Don’t disturb Third Grandfather." Third Master Cheng seemed afraid that this Luo fellow would try to snatch the soot pigment from him, tightly clutching the porcelain jar as if protecting it.
Luo boy? Could he be the young master of the Luo Family's Ink Industry? Zhen Niang thought to herself, suddenly feeling that today’s little scene might become increasingly interesting.
"Third Grandfather, you’re being disrespectful in your old age, teasing people like that." Tian Ronghua blushed deeply, feigning annoyance.
Meanwhile, the young master Luo paid no mind.
"Third Grandfather, as the saying goes, those who see it have a share. Good things should be shared, especially since this young lady has clearly stated that the highest bidder wins." By now, Young Master Luo had crouched down, reached into the jar to pinch some soot pigment, and held it up to the light. He then burst into laughter: "Excellent soot pigment, truly worthy of being called exceptional grade. I’ll take this soot pigment."
"No way, first come, first served." Third Master Cheng grew anxious, shielding the porcelain jar as he turned to Zhen Niang: "Young lady, I’ll offer ten thousand coins for this soot pigment."
"Third Grandfather, such soot pigment is rare and hard to come by. Aren’t you embarrassed to offer only ten thousand coins? Young lady, I offer twenty thousand coins." Young Master Luo said briskly.
Zhen Niang was momentarily stunned. No matter what, she hadn’t expected such a price, as this was merely a raw material after all. Little did she know that this year was again the time for selecting Tribute Ink. The court would send down ink officials to evaluate and recommend ink for the palace, naturally sparking fierce competition among the various families.
By now, the development of the Ink Industry had reached a point where everyone’s skills were roughly on par. To determine superiority, success or failure could only be decided in the details, making the quality of raw materials absolutely crucial.
Thus, the rare appearance of some fine soot material had suddenly driven the price sky-high.
"The Li family offers thirty thousand coins." Just then, a hoarse voice rang out—it was Ninth Uncle of the Li family. Behind him stood Manager Zheng, whose face was pale. Manager Zheng inwardly lamented, realizing he had been too hasty earlier because he simply hadn’t believed Zhen Niang could produce such soot pigment. He had misjudged.
"I offer thirty-five thousand coins." Third Master Cheng continued.
"Forty thousand coins." Young Master Luo refused to back down.At this moment, a large crowd had already gathered around. Hearing the price climbing higher and higher, everyone felt their hearts twitch—who would have thought a bit of soot pigment could be worth so much.
"Fifty thousand coins," Ninth Uncle continued. As the price rose higher and higher, Manager Zheng, standing behind Ninth Uncle, grew increasingly pale. In any case, he now understood that, regardless of other outcomes, his position as manager was certainly lost.
Zhen Niang finally snapped back to reality. Things had reached this point, and her goal had been achieved. However, she could not let the situation develop further, as doing so would only humiliate the Li family.
Thus, seeing that Third Master Cheng and Young Master Luo were about to raise the price again, she stepped forward and curtsied, saying, "I am honored by Third Grandfather and Young Master Luo's regard. However, this soot was produced using tung oil from the Li Family Ink Workshop. It was only due to a misunderstanding between me and the material inspector earlier that I acted out of frustration. I ask for Third Grandfather and Young Master Luo's understanding. Once this matter is settled, I will gladly prepare soot pigment for both of you free of charge as compensation. I hope Third Grandfather and Young Master Luo will grant me this favor."
Hearing Zhen Niang's words, Third Master Cheng and Young Master Luo glanced at the pale-faced Manager Zheng behind Ninth Uncle and nodded in understanding.
"Very well, girl. Remember, you must prepare some of this soot pigment for me. I won't shortchange you on the wages," Third Master Cheng said, then leisurely walked away.
"I shall await your service," Young Master Luo bowed politely and left with Tian Ronghua.
"Ninth Uncle," Zhen Niang then turned to look at Ninth Uncle.
"Manager Zheng, go to the counter and fetch fifty thousand coins," Ninth Uncle glanced at Zhen Niang indifferently and spoke to Manager Zheng behind him.
Manager Zheng, his face pale, returned to the Ink Pavilion, retrieved fifty thousand coins—fifty banknotes of one thousand denominations each—and handed them to Zhen Niang.
After receiving the money, Zhen Niang counted out her rightful share, returned the excess, then bowed respectfully to Ninth Uncle without another word and turned to go home.
Ninth Uncle watched Zhen Niang, a hint of admiration in his eyes.
By the time Zhen Niang arrived home, the city gates were already lit with oil lamps.
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