The Heir

Сhарter 138: Li Zhengрing аnd Gе Qiujiе

Тhe next dау, the Tiаn family sеnt invitаtiоns tо thе Li аnd Cheng fаmilies. They then borrоwеd a rоom аt thе Нuizhоu Mеrсhаnts Guild, аnd undеr the mеdiation of Нu Zоnglin and sеveral guild stewаrds, the threе families rеасhеd а соopеrаtion аgrееment. Тheу stаndardized thе рricеs for various grаdes of ink, the рrосuremеnt prices fоr rаw mаteriаls, аnd еvеn invоlvеd somе tеchniсal еxchаnges.

Оf соurse, еасh fаmily’s proрrietary techniquеs were naturаlly not disсlosеd. Нowеver, even sharing common techniques and exchanging knowledge would greatly benefit the ink craftsmanship of all three families.

Thus, the three families finalized their agreement. For the development of Huizhou ink, this was also a joyous occasion.

At that moment, it was noon, and Tian Benchang suggested inviting everyone for a celebratory drink.

However, Zhenniang was a woman. Although in later times, such situations would generally call for a meal, in this era, one had to abide by the rules of the time. As a woman engaged in business, she was already drawing attention, so she naturally declined such banquets whenever possible.

Third Master Cheng also said he was too old to drink, and Hu Zonglin happened to have other matters to attend to. In the end, the celebratory feast was canceled.

Since they were heading in the same direction, Zhenniang, accompanied by Xiao Ya, returned to Official Street with Third Master Cheng and Tian Benchang.

Upon reaching the entrance of Official Street, they saw Sun Yuejuan standing there, looking around anxiously. When she noticed Tian Benchang approaching, she hurried over with small steps.

"What are you doing here? Is something the matter?" Tian Benchang asked expressionlessly, looking at Sun Yuejuan.

Zhenniang observed from the side. On Official Street, there were many gossiping wives of shop owners. Even from Yao Niangzi’s words, Zhenniang had heard that the relationship between Tian Benchang and Sun Yuejuan seemed quite cold. However, considering that their marriage involved many complicated factors and was not entirely voluntary, coupled with Sun Yuejuan’s humble background and Madam Tian’s tendency to look down on others, it was no surprise that their marital relationship was strained.

At that moment, Sun Yuejuan replied, "Second Uncle has returned to Huizhou."

"Didn’t I say to wait until I returned before sending him off?" Tian Benchang frowned.

"He went out early in the morning, brought Miss Xiangzhi back, and then left in a hurry. By the time I rushed out, he was already gone," Sun Yuejuan added.

"What? He took Miss Xiangzhi back?" Upon hearing Sun Yuejuan’s words, Tian Benchang nearly exclaimed in shock. He then glanced at Old Master Cheng and Li Zhenniang beside him before pulling Sun Yuejuan aside. "What about Ronghua? Didn’t he keep an eye on him? How long has he been gone?" Tian Benchang asked resentfully.

"Ronghua chased after Second Uncle to the dock. It’s been about half an hour. By now, the boat has probably already departed," Sun Yuejuan replied.

"Go back home. I’ll go check." Tian Benchang spoke quickly, then turned and merely cupped his hands toward Old Master Cheng and Li Zhenniang, saying he had urgent matters to attend to. He hailed a carriage by the roadside and rushed straight to the dock.

Although Zhenniang was curious about who Miss Xiangzhi was and why Tian Benchang was so anxious, this was ultimately another family’s private affair, and she wouldn’t pry. She simply greeted Sun Yuejuan, "Yuejuan, are you doing alright?"

"Yes, I’m fine. Congratulations," Sun Yuejuan replied. Zhenniang could tell that her congratulations were sincere, so she smiled warmly and said, "Thank you."Old Master Cheng, naturally not walking with the two young women, had already taken the lead and strolled back to the Cheng Family Ink Manor.

Zhen Niang and Sun Yuejuan walked and chatted along the way. "How is your father doing now?" Zhen Niang asked. Although Sun Dahai had been sentenced to three years of hard labor, now that Sun Dalang's wife was helping Wang Cuiqiao manage the Huiyuan Bank in Huizhou, the family had some financial resources. Additionally, with Sun Yuejuan marrying into the Tian family, she could also provide some support to her family. Moreover, apart from the first year, the remaining two years of Sun Dahai's hard labor could be redeemed with money, which was why Zhen Niang asked.

After all, Sun Dahai had treated her quite well back then. It was a pity that he had been dragged down by Sun Dalang, ultimately losing his reputation.

"He has already returned, but he is still angry with my elder brother. He built a thatched hut outside the city and lives there alone. My mother visits him every now and then, but this is not a long-term solution. It’s quite worrying," Sun Yuejuan said with a somewhat gloomy expression.

"I will return home before the New Year and will go see Uncle Sun then," Zhen Niang said. Everyone knew that the incident of stealing the ink formula back then had nothing to do with Sun Dahai—it was entirely Sun Dalang's doing. Sun Dahai had taken the blame for his son.

And now, the events of the past were long gone.

Therefore, Zhen Niang wanted to visit him to ease his mind. After all, Sun Dahai had always treated her well, at least helping her family during their most difficult times. One thing at a time—some kindness should still be remembered.

"Mm," Sun Yuejuan nodded with a smile upon hearing Zhen Niang's words. If Zhen Niang could visit her father and offer a few words of comfort, that would be the best outcome.

The two chatted a bit more before running out of things to say. However, despite this, there was still a certain understanding between them. They naturally nodded, ended the conversation, and then one returned to the Tian family while the other went back to the Li family.

As Zhen Niang passed by the Yi Hou Sheng Bank, she glanced inside and saw Luo Jiu teaching his third uncle's son how to use an abacus. One was teaching earnestly, and the other was learning diligently.

Perhaps sensing Zhen Niang's gaze, Luo Jiu looked up and smiled. Zhen Niang smiled back. Seeing that Luo Jiu seemed about to stand up, Zhen Niang waved her hand to indicate that nothing was the matter and continued on her way.

Soon after, Zhen Niang entered the Li Family Ink Manor. As soon as she stepped inside, she was pulled by Hua'er, who rushed out. "Cousin, you're finally back."

"What’s the matter? Is something wrong?" Zhen Niang asked.

"My elder brother is here," Hua'er whispered.

"Elder Brother Li? Zhengping is here?" Zhen Niang came to her senses, feeling quite surprised. She recalled how Hua'er had asked her to write a letter to her elder brother about the Ge family's situation. She had wondered how Zhengping would react, but now, without a word, he had suddenly come to Nanjing. It seemed that Zhengping truly couldn't let go of Ge Qiu Jie.

Thus, Zhen Niang followed Hua'er to the front hall.

At that moment, Li Zhengping was speaking with Huang Shi.

"It’s not that I can’t let go. After all, a day as husband and wife brings a hundred days of kindness. No matter what, I still hope Qiu Jie can live well in the future. I never expected the Ge family to encounter such trouble so suddenly. After receiving Hua'er’s letter, I felt quite sad and came to see for myself. If I can help, I will lend a hand. I don’t want to have any regrets when I grow old."Zhen Niang overheard the conversation between Brother Zhengping and her second aunt.

It was difficult for Brother Zhengping, usually a man of few words, to speak at such length. It must have been what was truly on his mind.

"Well, that makes sense, but I haven’t really inquired much about Qiu Jie’s family matters. You can ask Zhen Niang about it when she comes later—perhaps she knows more." Huang Shi didn’t shut the door completely. She had heard Zhen Niang mention asking Er Gou to look into Ge Qiu Jie’s situation, but she didn’t know the specifics.

"Mm." Li Zhengping nodded.

As Huang Shi spoke, she saw Zhen Niang and Hua’er approaching. She stood up and said, "Alright, Zhen Niang is here. You can ask her. I still have some work to attend to."

The Li family had taken on the Birthday Ink project, and Zhen Niang had drawn many Ink Line Diagrams. These would eventually be carved into ink molds by Huang Shi and her apprentices. As a result, Huang Shi had been quite busy lately.

"I won’t disturb you further, Aunt. Take care on your way." Li Zhengping stood up to see her off.

Then, turning to Zhen Niang, he got straight to the point without any pleasantries: "Zhen Niang, how is Qiu Jie doing now? I just asked the neighbors, and they all said there’s been no news of her since her father passed away."

As he spoke, Li Zhengping’s voice was somewhat hoarse, likely due to the autumn dryness causing irritation along the way.

Zhen Niang looked at Li Zhengping’s dust-covered face and weary expression. The journey from Huizhou, over ten days by boat, was truly exhausting. Moreover, Qiu Jie’s current situation was far from good, and there were many complicated details. Zhen Niang couldn’t explain everything clearly at the moment. It would be better to let Brother Zhengping rest early tonight and take him to see Ge Qiu Jie first thing tomorrow morning. Some things would become clear without needing much explanation.

So she said, "Brother Zhengping, don’t worry. Although Qiu Jie’s life is difficult right now, it’s relatively stable. You must be exhausted from the journey. I’ll ask Ma Sao to heat some water for you and have Granny Dao prepare something to eat. Rest early tonight. We’ll get up at the hour of Yin tomorrow, and I’ll take you to see Qiu Jie."

"That’s fine." After a moment’s thought, Li Zhengping nodded. Since Zhen Niang put it that way, he couldn’t press further. Besides, back in Huizhou, when he insisted on coming to Nanjing, his mother had argued fiercely with him, leaving him emotionally drained. Coupled with the physical toll of the journey, he really needed to rest.

And so, the night passed without incident.

Early the next morning, before the hour of Yin, Li Zhengping had gone to bed right after dinner, even before it was fully dark. He woke up during the hour of Chou and couldn’t fall back asleep. Tossing and turning for nearly an hour, he finally got up and waited for Li Zhenniang.

Zhen Niang rose at the transition between Chou and Yin, the darkest hour just before dawn.

Holding a lamp in one hand, Zhen Niang stepped out, followed by Xiao Ya carrying the chamber pot. The hour of Yin was when the night-soil collectors made their rounds. In Nanjing, wealthy households left this task to their servants, while poorer families had the women of the house place their chamber pots by the door during this time for collection. Afterward, everyone would close their doors and return to sleep.

"Zhen Niang…" Seeing Zhen Niang approach, Li Zhengping greeted her."Brother Zhengping, come with me." Zhen Niang said no more, leading Li Zhengping out the door. They didn’t go far, stopping instead under the eaves of a nearby street. A doorpost conveniently shielded their figures from view. Then Zhen Niang blew out the lantern in her hand, plunging the surroundings into pitch darkness. It took a while for their eyes to adjust before they could faintly make out the shapes around them.

Just then, the sound of wheels rolling came from the main street. Soon, a slightly hunched figure appeared, pulling a night-soil cart. At each household’s entrance, the figure would stop the cart, pick up the chamber pots left outside, empty the night soil into the manure barrel at the back of the cart, then return the pots to their places before pulling the cart onward.

The light was dim, and the figure was wrapped in oversized clothing, with disheveled hair covering most of the face. An unfamiliar person would certainly not recognize who it was; even someone acquainted might not identify them without careful scrutiny. However, Li Zhengping and Ge Qiu Jie had once been husband and wife, and with Zhen Niang deliberately bringing him to watch from this corner, he had already begun to suspect. Thus, from the figure’s silhouette, he discerned that the one collecting night soil was indeed Ge Qiu Jie.