The Heir

Сhарtеr 167: Мilitary Pоsitiоns and Hu Shi

Тhe grievаnсеs аnd disрutеs of the Тian family naturally hаd nоthing to dо with Zhen Niаng.

Shе simрlу guardеd thе Li Fаmilу Ink Wоrkshoр like a broоding hеn, prоtecting her fаmily.

Hоwever, shе did fееl а sеnsе оf cautiоn tоward Тiаn Еr. In her еyеs, hе had alwауs beеn a useless fоol, but now, watсhing thе drаma оf the brothers fighting, his mеthоds wеre quitе skillful. Shе wоuld hаvе tо be wаrу of him in thе future.

In thе evening, Оld Mаdаm Li аnd Old Shорkееper Li had rеsted well, gotten up, еaten somе light soup, аnd felt muсh mоre сomfortable. The family then gathered in the backyard to chat. At that moment, the Luo family’s Third Uncle, Third Aunt, and Luo Jiu arrived.

The next topic was naturally the engagement between Zhen Niang and Luo Jiu.

Thus, Zhen Niang was chased into her room by Zhao Shi. No matter how capable or decisive she was, such matters required her to step aside. Zhao Susu came to keep Zhen Niang company.

Hua’er, that girl, ran back and forth as a spy, first eavesdropping on matters concerning Zhen Niang and Luo Jiu, then reporting back to Zhen Niang.

"The day after tomorrow is an auspicious day, so the formal betrothal and name inquiry can take place. However, Seventh Grandmother and Eighth Uncle have discussed with the Luo family’s Third Uncle and Third Aunt—your wedding date is set for after next year’s Tribute Ink Selection. Seventh Grandmother also said that even after marriage, you’ll still have to manage the ink workshop. Young Master Luo agreed to everything without the slightest displeasure..." Hua’er chattered away.

Zhen Niang listened, her face slightly flushed. She had more or less anticipated that the wedding would be scheduled after next year’s Tribute Ink Selection. After all, she had developed several types of ink for the workshop, and Seventh Grandmother and Grandfather were getting older, their energy waning. Moreover, her father had been responsible for the previous Tribute Ink incident, so it would be inappropriate for him to lead the Tribute Ink Selection.

As for Uncle Jingdong, his leg was inconvenient. Besides, he had always specialized in ink mold carving and was not particularly skilled in ink-making. Thus, after all considerations, she would inevitably have to lead next year’s Tribute Ink Selection.

As for what came after, Zhen Niang hadn’t thought that far ahead.

Hua’er continued to gather information.

Soon, the discussion about Zhen Niang and Luo Jiu’s engagement concluded, and everyone was pleased.

"Oh, right, Seventh Grandmother and the others are now talking about helping Cousin Zhengshen secure a military position..." Hua’er ran over again to report.

Hearing this, Zhen Niang understood. The reason Cousin Zhengshen had come along this time was likely for this purpose.

Regarding securing military positions for family members, Zhen Niang had heard Yao Qianshan discussing it with Seventh Grandmother during the New Year.

At the founding of the Ming Dynasty, military positions were hereditary. However, since the Zhengde era, many military positions had become nominal, lacking real authority, and the court’s official system had grown chaotic. Internally, promotions such as from Hundred Households to Thousand Households could be directly purchased with silver. By the Jiajing era, the situation had become increasingly disordered, allowing farmers, artisans, and merchants alike to secure military positions as long as they had the money.Of course, this was merely an official rank without real authority, but some merchants didn't actually care about the authority. Having an official rank simply made many things more convenient. For instance, in terms of clothing and appearance, merchants had low status and were forbidden from wearing certain luxurious silks and satins. Although they usually ignored such restrictions, when attending important gatherings, these rules still had to be observed. With an official rank, one could wear such attire openly without violating any taboos.

Thus, among the wealthy in the Jiangnan region, purchasing military positions had become a widespread trend.

Previously, Zhen Niang had wondered for whom Seventh Grandmother would buy a military position. Now, it seemed that her cousin Zhengshen was a suitable candidate.

Meanwhile, Susu, standing nearby, grew anxious and asked, "What did they say?"

"Mr. Luo said there's no problem. He has connections in the Nanjing garrison and can arrange a donation for a Thousand Households position." At this point, Hua'er added with a look of surprise, "Mr. Luo also donated for an official position himself—something like an assistant commissioner."

Zhen Niang listened and shook her head. She didn't fully understand these matters either. However, she did know that during the Ming Dynasty, civil officials were esteemed while military officials were looked down upon. Since Luo Wenqian had donated half a gold mine to the Qi Family Army in the northern regions, his official rank likely wasn't too low. But in the end, without an actual appointment, such titles were practically useless. For example, if one were to investigate those in Langfang who were selling off their ancestral properties to make ends meet, they might very well turn out to be descendants of nobility or high-ranking officials.

This was similar to the Eight Banners descendants in the late Qing Dynasty—many might hold titles, but without real authority, they could barely support their families and had to seek work themselves.

With this in mind, Zhen Niang lost interest in the matter. However, Zhao Susu was delighted to hear about the possibility of donating for a Thousand Households position, though she also knew it would require a significant expenditure. Although their family had no shortage of money, they couldn't afford to sit idle and deplete their resources. Thinking about their future livelihood, she couldn't help but feel somewhat worried.

"Sticking to what you know is better than venturing into the unknown. Since Cousin Zhengshen has donated for a military position, he'll likely stay in Nanjing frequently from now on. I think the two of you should consider opening an inkstone shop here in Nanjing. I imagine your family has accumulated quite a stock over the past couple of years. Even if it's not much, you have good connections in Wuyuan. Even if you're no longer involved in mining, sourcing goods to sell shouldn't be a problem." Zhen Niang offered her suggestion.

"Yes, that's a great idea. I know a thing or two about inkstones," Zhao Susu replied happily.

With that, she pulled Zhen Niang aside to inquire about the details of opening a shop in Nanjing.

Later, the Luo family members left joyfully. They only needed to wait for the auspicious hour the day after tomorrow, after the procedures of betrothal gifts, name inquiries, and divination were completed, for the marriage between the Li and Luo families to be officially settled.

The matchmaker in all this was naturally Third Grandfather of the Cheng Family.

...

Xu Residence.

Madam Xuan brought several fashionable hairpins and bracelets to show Second Madam Xu today. Coincidentally, Hu Shi, the wife of the owner of Sifang Bank, was also there, and they struck up a conversation.

"Madam Hu, I heard your nephew is getting engaged to Li Zhenniang from the Li Family's Ink Manor. Is that true?" Madam Xuan asked. A while ago, she had been inquiring about Li Zhenniang, originally intending to propose a match for a cousin in her family. Unexpectedly, rumors emerged that the Xu family was also inquiring about the Li family's daughter. Although she believed it was just gossip, it wasn't appropriate to proceed further, so she decided to wait and see.Unexpectedly, within just two days, news spread that the Li and Luo families had arranged a marriage. It was only then heard that the marriage talks between the Li and Luo families had begun since the end of last year, only pausing for a few days in between due to the emperor's passing.

Coincidentally, Hu Shi was present today, so she inquired to clarify the matter.

Hu Shi was still in a daze, and it took her a while to realize that the lady Xuan was referring to that lad Luo Wenqian. Luo Wenqian had never shown any regard for his uncle or herself, and the two families usually had no interactions. Thus, when Lady Xuan suddenly mentioned her nephew, it took Hu Shi a moment to recall.

Meanwhile, Second Madam Xu had been fuming over this matter for the past two days. She had previously spread the word and was waiting for the Li family to take the initiative to visit, so she could negotiate terms. To her surprise, she ended up hearing about the marriage alliance between the Luo and Li families, which naturally left her feeling quite displeased.

Now, seeing Hu Shi acting somewhat clueless, she added with a hint of sarcasm, "Oh, this is indeed a joyous occasion. Congratulations to you, Madam Hu. Some time ago, I don’t know which gossipmonger spread rumors that our Xu family was inquiring about Miss Li. That is truly baseless. Madam Hu, why don’t you go back and explain to the Luo and Li families, so as not to affect them..."

Though the words sounded pleasant, the tone in which Second Madam Xu spoke was sharp and prickly. Having dealt with Second Madam Xu on many occasions, Hu Shi immediately sensed her displeasure.

Previously, she had also heard some rumors about the Xu family inquiring about Li Zhenniang, but she hadn’t paid much attention, as the status of the two families was too far apart to even consider such a possibility. However, judging by Second Madam Xu’s tone now, it seemed the earlier rumors might not have been entirely unfounded.

"Not at all, I truly have no idea about this matter. That nephew of mine is not close to us and never interacts with us. If anything were to happen, why would he inform us?" Hu Shi explained, first distancing herself from the situation.

After chatting about other topics for a while, Hu Shi grew somewhat absent-minded. She sat for a little longer before excusing herself, saying she had matters to attend to at home.

Second Madam Xu did not press her to stay and had someone see her out.

As Hu Shi stepped outside, the weather was already hot, and on top of that, she couldn’t help but think about Luo Wenqian, that arrogant lad who probably had earned Second Madam Xu’s resentment. The thought made her break out in a cold sweat.

In truth, she didn’t care whether Second Madam Xu resented Luo Wenqian or not, but she feared the Xu family might vent their anger on her. Although this nephew usually had no dealings with them, he was still her nephew by blood, and the connection could not be severed.

With these thoughts, she hurried home. As soon as she entered the house, she saw Wang Sifang sitting on the veranda, legs crossed, humming a tune and fanning himself with a fan, looking utterly carefree.

Seeing Wang Sifang like this, Hu Shi’s anger flared up. She snatched the fan from his hand and threw it aside with force.

"What’s wrong? What’s wrong? Who’s upset you again, for no reason at all?" Wang Sifang stood up, glaring at Hu Shi with a stern expression.

"Who else could it be? It’s that precious nephew of yours," Hu Shi retorted irritably.

"Don’t mention him in front of me. Haven’t I told you? That little wolf cub—just pretend he doesn’t exist. Have you forgotten?" Hearing Hu Shi mention Luo Wenqian, Wang Sifang also grew angry, his face darkening."Ah, do you think I want to deal with him? But whether we deal with him or not, he's still your nephew, isn't he? The reckless things he does will inevitably drag us down, won't they?" Hu Shi shouted.

"What has that boy done now?" Wang Sifang frowned upon hearing Hu Shi's words.

"What has he done? The Xu family has taken a liking to Li Mo's Li Zhenniang, and the news had just started spreading. But that boy, as if that wasn't enough, immediately got engaged to your Li family. Isn't this a blatant slap in the face to the Xu family? Today, when I went to Second Madam Xu's place, she inexplicably gave me an earful. Tell me, isn't this unfair?" Hu Shi complained.

Then she added, "It's one thing for me to be scolded, but if the Xu family holds a grudge against us, our banking business will suffer in the future..."

Listening to Hu Shi's words, Wang Sifang frowned for a while before saying, "I'll go find that boy."

With that, he turned and left the room, calling for servants to prepare the carriage. Then he headed straight for the Yi Hou Sheng Firm on Official Street.

...