The Heir

Сhаpter 155: Рrеsеnting Ink аnd Sinсerity

Bесause shе had to dеlivеr ink tо thе Рrinсess’s residеnce the next daу—аnd morе impоrtаntlу, tо prеsеnt thе lеdgеr—Zhen Niаng seemed tо hаve а bit of insomnia.

Zhеn Niang was thе typе whо соuldn’t slеер well when sоmеthing weighеd оn hеr mind. So, thаt night, she driftеd in аnd out of slееp. In thе early hоurs of the morning, shе еvеn had а nightmare: she drеаmеd that Gе Qiu Jiе аnd Li Zhеng Рing wеre bеhеadеd. With a singlе stroke оf the ехеcutiоnеr’s blаdе, their heads аnd bodies separаted. The shоck joltеd her аwаke.

Нer heart was still pounding wildly. She couldn’t help but pat her chest, comforting herself: “They say dreams are the opposite of reality. If something happens in a dream, then in reality, all must be calm and well.”

Outside, Xiao Ya, hearing movement in the courtyard, lifted the curtain and entered. “Miss Zhen, are you awake?”

“I’m awake. What time is it now?” Zhen Niang asked.

“It’s just past Yin hour. There’s still an hour until Mao hour. You should sleep a little longer, miss,” Xiao Ya said.

“Mm, you go back to rest too,” Zhen Niang replied. Xiao Ya then tiptoed out.

Zhen Niang lay back down, but her thoughts turned to the matter of delivering the ink. She also wondered whether Luo Wenqian had truly arranged everything as her father had said. What if she delivered it, but the Princess paid no attention?

Her heart grew somewhat uneasy.

Then she gave her own forehead a firm slap. Things had already reached this point—what was the use of worrying? She would simply do her best. Thinking this, Zhen Niang’s heart settled.

But she still couldn’t sleep, and her mind began to wander again. She started thinking about who exactly had killed Huang Lang.

From Zhengping’s letter, it was clear that Huang Lang wasn’t killed by them. Moreover, considering the ledger had already surfaced, if Huang Lang had truly been killed by Ge Qiu Jie, Li Zheng Ping would have had no reason to hide it.

After all, although Ge Qiu Jie killing Huang Lang was against the law, it was understandable in principle. After all, Huang Lang had caused Ge Dana’s death in prison.

Yet the very first sentence in Zhengping’s letter stated: When Ge Qiu Jie saw Huang Lang, he was already dead.

So who killed Huang Lang?

Wei Bai Wan was also a suspect, but although Wei Bai Wan had the motive to kill Huang Lang, he was clearly a step too late. Otherwise, the ledger wouldn’t have become an issue.

Thinking of this, for some reason, the image of Ge San Er from yesterday appeared before Zhen Niang’s eyes—that foolish look of his. Pushing someone into the water—of course, it wouldn’t be surprising if this kid did such a thing. Ge San Er was only fifteen, a bit simple-minded to begin with, and Ge Qiu Jie had always treated this younger brother quite well. That woman said Ge Qiu Jie, so it was normal for Ge San Er to seek revenge for her.

But Zhen Niang also recalled Ge San Er saying almost adamantly: “My sister is not a murderer. That Huang guy wasn’t killed by my sister.”

How could he be so certain? Of course, a simpleton’s reasoning couldn’t be judged by normal logic.

Zhen Niang scratched her head in thought.

Soon, it was Mao hour. Zhen Niang got up, and Xiao Ya brought in hot water. After washing up, Zhen Niang entered the Ink Workshop through the back courtyard’s side gate.

Originally, the Ink Workshop in the back courtyard was connected to the small wooden building where Zhen Niang lived. But after hiring many workers, the original door to the back courtyard’s Ink Workshop was sealed off, leaving only the rear side gate. The one guarding this side gate was Chou Po. A new main entrance was opened at the back of the original Ink Workshop, making it easier for the workers to come and go.Thus, the entire Li family compound formed a triangular layout. The upper "口" was the storefront of Ink Manor, facing directly onto the official street. The two lower "口"s—the left one was the residential area, divided into the front courtyard and the central courtyard. The front courtyard housed the Li family's male members and some of Ink Manor's managers, while the central courtyard was where Zhen Niang lived in her small wooden building. The right "entrance" was the factory area for ink production.

Zhen Niang, accompanied by Xiao Ya, who carried a lantern, entered the Ink Workshop through the rear courtyard's side gate. As it was early in the mao hour during winter, the sky was still quite dark.

At that moment, a large cart was parked at the main entrance of the Ink Workshop, with a small flag planted at the front bearing the trademark of Li Mo.

Zheng Fuli was directing several workers loading the goods. Seeing Zhen Niang approach, he came forward to greet her. "The goods are almost loaded. We'll depart at the chen hour."

"Good," Zhen Niang nodded, then added, "Also, hoist the small flag for the Princess Mansion's Birthday Ink."

Zheng Fuli slapped his forehead. "Look at my memory! Miss Zhen is always more thoughtful. By delivering the ink, we can also promote the name of Li Mo. I'll go fetch it right away."

Zhen Niang smiled faintly without speaking. In truth, her reason for displaying the Princess Mansion's Birthday Ink flag was not only for promotion but also as a precaution against unexpected incidents. Although everyone's attention was currently focused on Li Zhengping and Ge Qiu Jie, that didn't mean others wouldn't also keep an eye on her Li Mo.

So, taking extra precautions was never wrong, especially when it could also help boost Li Mo's reputation.

By the chen hour, the rain was still drizzling finely—typical of spring rain in this region.

The Li family set off a string of firecrackers, as delivering Birthday Ink to the Princess Mansion called for auspiciousness and celebration.

"Great Manager, delivering ink to the Princess Mansion? Congratulations and prosperity!" Just as they exited the street, they ran into Eunuch Ma, accompanied by several attendants, patrolling the street. Most likely, he was familiarizing himself with the shops' situations to facilitate timely tax collection.

"Eunuch Ma, Happy New Year. Indeed, matters concerning the Princess cannot be delayed," Zhen Niang replied, removing her bamboo hat with a faint smile.

Recently, two consecutive patrol officers in the Jubao Gate official street area had met with violent deaths. In such times, gossip involving supernatural forces and strange occurrences spread quickly. As a result, some busybodies on the street began to claim that serving as a patrol officer in this area was ill-fated.

Thus, during this period, Eunuch Ma personally led the tax collection efforts in the official street area.

However, on such a rainy day and so early in the chen hour, Eunuch Ma was already here, suggesting he had set out very early. Such diligence seemed unusual—what was his purpose? Although Zhen Niang couldn't be certain, she had a rough idea. It seemed her extra preparations were not in vain.

At that moment, one of Eunuch Ma's attendants was about to speak but was stopped by a gesture from the eunuch.

"Since it's a matter for the Princess, do not delay. Deliver it promptly," Eunuch Ma said to Zhen Niang.

"Yes, as you command," Zhen Niang replied, cupping her hands in salute to Eunuch Ma before putting on her bamboo hat and continuing on her way.

"Eunuch, didn't you say you wanted to inspect the Li family's goods? Why didn't you let me stop them for inspection?" asked the attendant who had been about to speak earlier, once the cart had moved farther away.

"Are you blind? Can't you see the Princess Mansion's trademark?" Eunuch Ma glared at him.

The attendant scratched his head sheepishly. "Sorry, I can't read." Upon hearing it was the Princess Mansion's trademark, he shrank back, not daring to say another word."Hmph." Eunuch Ma snorted. The reason he had come so early was that someone had paid him a hefty sum to inspect the goods entering and leaving the Li family, claiming they were looking for some kind of account book.

After all, inspecting goods was part of his duties at the tax office, and there was profit to be made. It was likely that the Li family would even have to bribe him later. Why wouldn’t he take advantage of such an opportunity? But now, the Li family was flying the banner of Princess Ning An’s Birthday Ink. If he were to inspect them openly under these circumstances, wouldn’t that just be asking for trouble?

Meanwhile, Zhen Niang arrived at the princess’s residence. Naturally, the carriage couldn’t enter through the main gate—the steps were too steep for it—so they took the side entrance instead.

"Hey, what’s wrong with you? Get lost, get lost! Do you think this is some rundown household? This is the princess’s residence. We don’t have any unwanted old junk here. If you don’t leave now, I’ll have someone drive you away!" As they reached the side gate, they saw a man wearing a felt cap bowing and scraping, being harshly scolded by the gatekeeper.

The man timidly retreated to the side.

"Big brother, don’t you usually set up a stall at Langfang Market?" Zhen Niang found him somewhat familiar. She remembered that the Ancient Yu Mi Tile Ink she had bought came from this man. At the time, she had managed to snag quite a bargain.

"Ah, it’s you, miss! I remember you bought something good from me back then." The man squinted as he looked Zhen Niang over and soon recognized her. After all, that incident had left a deep impression on him, though he still seemed a bit resentful as he spoke, clearly not having fully let it go.

"Lai Quan, why are you still here? Hurry home! Your Er Ya Tou has fainted again. Take her to the Medicine Hall right away!" Just then, a middle-aged woman rushed over, addressing the man urgently.

"Sister, we’re barely scraping by at home. How can we afford to go to the Medicine Hall?" Upon hearing this, Lai Quan crouched down, burying his head in his hands, his face filled with misery. He barely earned enough each day, and with his daughters falling ill one after another, everything had fallen apart.

Listening nearby, Zhen Niang said nothing but took out her purse, pulled out a silver ingot, and handed it to Lai Quan. "Big brother, take this money to treat your child. Besides, it’s not sustainable for you to keep doing this kind of business. If you’re willing, you can come to Li Mo to buy ink on credit and sell it."

"This… this… miss, how can I accept this?" Lai Quan stared dumbfounded at the silver ingot in his hand.

"Hurry and go. This is what you deserve," Zhen Niang said.

"Mm." Lai Quan nodded heavily, then without another word, turned and ran off.

This… this… The other delivery workers who had come along were stunned. The head manager was too kind-hearted. Wasn’t she worried this might be a scam? But since it was the head manager’s business, they didn’t feel it was their place to ask.

Afterward, the group entered the princess’s residence. Besides the Birthday Ink, there were also some everyday-use inks this time.

The everyday-use inks were left to the steward to check and store in the warehouse.

The Birthday Ink, however, had to be personally inspected by the princess.

In the main hall.

Princess Ning An inspected each item one by one, especially the Assorted Ink Collection composed of the Longevity Diagram, the Twelve-Month Flower Ink reminiscent of the later Shanghai-Style Huizhou Ink, and the Peerless Heavenly Fragrance, along with the Mysterious Ink based on Tang Yin’s painting of a court lady.

"Hmm, truly exceptional." Even the usually composed princess was visibly moved by these rare inks."Thank you for your praise, Princess. However, due to family matters, the Birthday Ink was delayed for several days, causing you inconvenience. Your Highness is so magnanimous that I feel I cannot repay your kindness. Coincidentally, last year when I accompanied my aunt to Cheng'en Temple, I was inspired by Master Fo Hui's solitary efforts to build the Buddha Bone Pagoda and crafted a set of inksticks. I would like to present them for your esteemed critique. If they meet your approval, please consider them as my apology." Zhen Niang spoke respectfully. She knew she could not hand over the account book openly in the hall, so she had hidden it within a concealed layer of the ink case.

"Oh, Master Fo Hui is now a revered monk. The Buddha Bone Pagoda at Cheng'en Temple, with its bloodstains resembling peach blossoms, has attracted monks from afar like gathering clouds. This has indeed piqued my interest. Follow me to the study then, and let me see this ink of yours." Princess Ning An smiled.

Four maids from both sides led the way, with Zhen Niang following closely, carrying the ink case. Upon entering the study, tea was promptly served by the maids.

Zhen Niang opened the ink case and carefully took out the inksticks, arranging them before the princess in five sets of illustrations. The first set depicted oxen and horses. The second set showed the back view of Master Fo Hui carrying bricks. Though merely a silhouette, it conveyed the immense burden weighing upon him.

The third set portrayed a side profile of Master Fo Hui trudging forward under his heavy load. Despite the weight on his back, his expression showed no suffering, only compassion—a compassion dedicated to guiding all beings out of the sea of suffering.

The fourth set depicted the Buddha Bone Pagoda, its bloodstains scattered like peach blossom petals. Though simple in composition, it evoked an overwhelming urge to bow in reverence.

The fifth set featured dragons and elephants.

"Excellent! To become the Dragon and Elephant of All Heavens, one must first be the Worldly Oxen and Horses. Li Zhenniang, had you presented this ink during the Ink Competition, even Old Master Qi would likely have conceded defeat." Princess Ning An exclaimed with emotion.

Normally, her temperament would not allow such excitement, but these illustrations struck a chord with the sorrow in her heart. Since her mother's passing, she had navigated the palace as a vulnerable young girl, watching many sisters depart at a tender age. Each step was fraught with hardship. While others spoke of the princess's noble status, few understood the constant fear and trepidation that accompanied her every move.

"Winning or losing is trivial. It is the 'Worldly Oxen and Horses' who endure true hardship. If Your Highness appreciates this, I have an impertinent request: please speak a word on behalf of the 'Worldly Oxen and Horses.'" As she spoke, Zhen Niang knelt with a thud.

She had deliberately chosen these illustrations, first to resonate with the princess's own experiences, and second to depict the suffering of the common people, thereby naturally leading to the account book.

The princess sat in the main seat, sipping her tea for a long moment before speaking. "You have put considerable thought into this. Bring it out then, and let me see what remarkable thing it is. The imperial consort rarely speaks on behalf of others in my presence."

Hearing this, Zhen Niang knew that Luo Wenqian had indeed made preparations beforehand. Though her father and Luo Wenqian were at odds, he still understood him well.

"As you wish." Zhen Niang then rose, retrieved the concealed layer of the ink case, and took out the account book, respectfully presenting it to the princess.

Afterward, only the sound of pages turning filled the study, but the princess's expression grew increasingly grim. She knew that some government offices were corrupt, often operating as nests of greed, but she had never imagined the extent of such depravity.However, after finishing the ledger, her expression returned to its usual calmness. She looked at Zhen Niang and said, "It is truly commendable that you have taken such a stand for the people."

Zhen Niang smiled bitterly. "Your Highness flatters me too much. I am merely a woman confined to the inner chambers, perhaps with some knowledge of business, but ultimately lacking in grand vision. Rather than acting for the people, it would be more accurate to say I was forced into it. In truth, I wish I had never seen this ledger."

"You are quite honest," Princess Ning An said, amused by Zhen Niang's words.

She then asked, "Earlier, at the side gate of the princess's residence, that man named Lai Quan was clearly not an honest person. Yet when he spoke, you gave him money. Weren't you afraid he was deceiving you? There are many in Nanjing who set up schemes to swindle others."

"I had my reasons for giving him the silver..." Zhen Niang explained, recounting the incident of obtaining the Yumi ink. She continued, "Although such matters are often judged by one's own discernment, and many would see nothing wrong with it—some might even consider it a sign of skill—I must admit I took advantage of him. When I returned home for the New Year, I mentioned this to my grandfather, and he said I had lost sight of the principle of 'integrity.' So, I gave him the silver not because he might have deceived me, but because it was what he rightfully deserved."

To be honest, when Old Master Li had criticized her for lacking integrity during the New Year, Zhen Niang had felt indignant. After all, finding a hidden treasure was something to be proud of—in later times, who wouldn’t take pride in such a discovery? But just now, seeing Lai Quan’s condition and reflecting on how it was precisely the Yumi ink that had secured her position as a retainer in the princess’s residence, she felt a pang of unease.

Only then did she begin to understand her grandfather’s words.