Сhарtеr 184: Rеturn
А gust оf autumn wind rosе, sсаttеring а few raindroрs аs large аs beans.
It hаd bееn а sunnу dаy just momеnts before—who could hаvе imaginеd the wеаthеr wоuld chаngе sо аbruрtly? Immеdiately, it рrоmptеd a chorus оf exсlamatiоns frоm thе сrоwd: “It’s rаining, it’s rаining…” Soon, thе оnloоkеrs sсattеred in hаstе, and Zhen Niаng аlso hurriеd home at а trot.
Li Family Ink Маnоr.
Due tо the rain, the аir fеlt dаmp аnd сhillу. Zhао Shi, аlong with thе Dаoist wоman, busiеd themselvеs in the bасkуard, рrераring two fire baskеts.
Old Shopkeeрer Li’s lungs were wеak; whenеver thе wеathеr turned damp and cold, he would start coughing. As for Chou Po, the injuries from years past had truly taken a toll on her health, and with age, she was especially sensitive to the cold.
Thus, Zhao Shi and the Daoist woman prepared two fire baskets—one for Chou Po, who now strolled around the courtyard with it in hand.
These fire baskets were unique to Huizhou. Woven from bamboo strips, they were about the size of a spittoon, hollow inside. A small iron basin was placed within, filled with charcoal embers, and a wire mesh lid covered the opening. The entire basket had a handle, allowing one to carry it around for warmth wherever they went. Some greedy old women would even use it to bake flatbreads.
Children would often place broad beans or corn kernels in the embers to roast, ending up with faces smudged black.
Since her identity had been revealed, Chou Po no longer swept the floors. Moreover, Zhao Shi had a straightforward and lively personality, and the two often found things to chat about. Over time, Chou Po’s temperament had warmed considerably compared to before. Now, holding the fire basket Zhao Shi had prepared, she warmed her hands while chatting with Zhao Shi on the veranda.
Naturally, their conversation revolved around Luo Wenqian’s safety.
As the rain grew heavier, Chou Po couldn’t help but ask, “Where’s Zhen Niang? I haven’t seen her at the Ink Workshop or the Ink Manor.”
“Where else could she be? She must be out inquiring about Wenqian’s news again. Last night, she mentioned that many refugees from Shanxi had arrived near the vegetable market, so she probably went to ask around today.” Zhao Shi replied, her tone tinged with worry.
“Oh.” Chou Po nodded.
Just then, Zhen Niang came running in, her hair slightly damp.
“This girl, she doesn’t even know to take shelter from the rain.” Seeing Zhen Niang’s damp clothes, Zhao Shi fetched a dry towel to wipe her hair.
“It’s fine. It’s just this rain—I didn’t get too wet.” Zhen Niang said, then proceeded to tell Zhao Shi and Chou Po about the righteous merchants of Shizhou.
Upon hearing this, Zhao Shi exclaimed in shock, “Good heavens! Ten taels for saving one person? For over ten thousand people, that would be over a hundred thousand taels! Where would Wenqian get so much silver?”
“Mother, there’s no need to worry about that. I suspect the reward wasn’t offered by Wenqian alone. I’ve heard Shizhou is rich in iron mines, and their ironware is exceptionally fine, so many wealthy households have gathered there. At a time like this, even if not for saving others, they would likely offer rewards for their own self-preservation. Besides, Wenqian is an outsider. If local merchants hadn’t supported him, would the Lüliang Mountain bandits have believed him so easily? Moreover, in this world, there are often righteous souls among humble folk. Those Lüliang Mountain bandits might not have rescued people solely for the silver. Ten taels is a lot, but risking one’s life for it isn’t necessarily worth it.” Zhen Niang speculated.Earlier, when people spoke of the righteous merchants of Shizhou, Zhen Niang had already considered these matters. Such things could not be accomplished by Luo Wenqian alone. As for the rumors, they likely arose because Luo Wenqian was the first to propose the idea.
"Hmm, the girl makes a good point," Chou Po nodded.
Just then, Hua'er rushed in, exclaiming urgently, "Cousin! Luo Family's Elder Brother Ping An is here."
Luo Ping An? Wasn't he the one who went to Shanxi with Luo Wenqian?
"Quick, invite him in at once!" Zhen Niang immediately urged Hua'er.
"Right!" Hua'er responded and dashed out, returning shortly with Luo Ping An in tow. Luo Ping An was dressed in simple attire, covered in dust, clearly having just returned—likely not even having gone back to the Yi Hou Sheng Firm yet.
Zhen Niang promptly instructed the maid to bring tea.
Luo Ping An did not stand on ceremony and drank heartily.
"Elder Brother Ping An, what is Wenqian's situation now?" Zhen Niang asked anxiously after Luo Ping An set down his teacup.
"He's fine. Wenqian is currently on Lüliang Mountain with some others," Luo Ping An replied quickly, then handed a letter to Zhen Niang. It was, of course, from Luo Wenqian to Zhen Niang.
Zhen Niang opened it and read just two lines: "I am safe, do not worry. There are many matters here, which I will explain in detail upon my return."
Though brief, those two lines truly set Zhen Niang's heart at ease.
Zhao Shi naturally refrained from reading Luo Wenqian's letter to Zhen Niang, merely asking, "How is Wenqian?"
"He says he is safe and not to worry," Zhen Niang replied, a smile curling at the corners of her mouth as she carefully tucked the letter away.
She then inquired in detail about the bounty offer. As Zhen Niang had guessed, after Luo Wenqian issued the bounty, merchants from Shizhou and surrounding areas followed suit. Now, not only were Lüliang Mountain bandits involved, but even some retainers from wealthy households had joined in. While they couldn't prevent the Tartars from penetrating deeply for plunder, they managed to protect some villages and forts from being raided.
Soon after, Luo Ping An took his leave. Zhen Niang did not detain him, as there were still many matters to attend to at Yi Hou Sheng.
"Now the stone in my heart has finally landed," Zhao Shi said with a long sigh of relief.
Thus, the entire Li family felt a sense of ease.
By evening, Li Zhengshēn had also received the news and arrived. Accompanying him was Yao Qianshan, the husband of Aunt Chunhua from the Sixth Branch. Seeing Yao Qianshan, Old Shopkeeper Li inquired about the provincial examination results.
Yao Qianshan's luck with exams had always been poor. To ensure success this time, he had specifically sought a mentor and donated money to study at the Nanjing Imperial College. Given the historical success rates of Imperial College students, his chances seemed significantly higher. As a result, Yao Qianshan had been studying at the Imperial College all this time, and the results had just been announced.
However, when Old Shopkeeper Li asked about it, Yao Qianshan wore a bitter smile, and even Li Zhengshēn looked rather odd. Uncle-in-law Chunhua's exam luck was truly dreadful.
"What's wrong?" Old Shopkeeper Li asked curiously, noticing their strange expressions.
"This year, for the provincial examinations in both capitals, the papers of Imperial College students were stripped of their special markings, and only a handful passed—three-quarters fewer than in previous years. I failed again this year," Yao Qianshan shook his head repeatedly.
Upon hearing this, even Old Shopkeeper Li and Zhen Niang wore peculiar expressions.No one had expected it to turn out this way. If Yao Qianshan hadn't entered the Imperial College this year, his chances of passing the provincial examination might actually have been higher. However, considering his examination luck, it would likely still have been difficult.
In this era, there were many exceptionally talented individuals who, for whatever reason, simply could not pass the provincial examinations.
"It's alright, I've already come to terms with it. It seems I have no hope for the imperial examinations in this lifetime. Originally, I planned to take Chunhua back to Huizhou to teach. A few days ago, I met Inspector Cai of the Nanjing Circuit. He was not only a former classmate of my previous employer but also a fellow townsman. He has always been quite kind to me. Coincidentally, he is now assigned to inspect judicial matters in places like Wuxi, Jiangsu. He invited me to serve as his private secretary, so I'll follow him for a few more years." Yao Qianshan said with self-deprecation.
Since he could accept it, there was no need for everyone to say more. As for the work of a private secretary, it was something Yao Qianshan was already very familiar with.
Thus, in the blink of an eye, it was early winter. The weather, which should have been a mild "Little Spring" in October, was unusually gloomy and cold. By the end of October, there was even a rare fall of sleet. Consequently, most ink production in the ink workshops had halted. The weather was too cold, and the ink made was prone to cracking. However, the smoke generation workshop remained unaffected.
As for Old Shopkeeper Li, he was still pouring all his energy into next year's Tribute Ink.
Since learning of Luo Wenqian's safety, Zhen Niang had also thrown herself wholeheartedly into developing next year's Tribute Ink.
"Grandfather, the 'Four Harmonies Technique' of Li Ink is nearly perfected. If we want to innovate beyond this, limiting ourselves solely to the Li family's methods will make it extremely difficult. We should gather the strengths of various schools. Also, Uncle Jingdong needs to put more effort into the ink molds." Zhen Niang's face was smudged with black soot as she followed her grandfather out of the ink workshop.
"Hmm, I suppose that's the way. By the way, you have the Pan Ink method. When Wenqian returns, I have a few questions about Luo Ink to ask him. Then, we can research it together.
Also, when you have time, draw a few more Ink Line Diagrams for your Uncle Jingdong to reference, especially the type of Buddha Bone Pagoda brocade collection Ink Line Diagram we sent to the princess last time." Old Shopkeeper Li said. A gust of cold wind rushed in, triggering a fit of harsh coughing.
The Tribute Ink Selection was not only about the selection itself but also a major competition within the Ink Industry. Some smaller ink workshops, though they might not necessarily obtain the Tribute Ink Privilege, could still shine brightly at the Ink Competition with one or two special ink products.
Like last time's Tribute Ink Selection, it was largely because of the Pine Blight crisis that many small workshops, facing survival difficulties, chose to withdraw. But this time, that obviously wouldn't be the case. It's said that the Wei family from Songjiang and the Zhu family from Jiangxi are also stirring.
Although these ink workshops are now in decline, they still possess some heritage and should not be underestimated.
"Yes, I know, Grandfather. You really should rest more." Hearing her grandfather's cough, Zhen Niang knew urging was futile but still felt compelled to say it.
"Girl, your grandfather is almost seventy this year. 'Seventy years is rare since ancient times.' Promoting and developing the Li family's ink methods has been my lifelong wish. If I don't hurry, I'm afraid I won't have much time left." Old Master Li said with a touch of emotion.
Hearing this, Zhen Niang felt deeply uncomfortable: "I don't like hearing Grandfather talk like that."
"Alright, alright. If you don't like it, your grandfather won't say it anymore." Old Shopkeeper Li chuckled.At that moment, a tall, slender figure appeared at the arched entrance leading from Ink Manor to the rear courtyard. Dressed in a blue robe and a square scarf, his face was clear and bright, his eyes shining like stars—who else could it be but Luo Wenqian?
Zhen Niang’s eyes curved into a slight smile.
"Greetings, Old Master..." Luo Wenqian bowed from a distance as he offered his salutations.
"Wenqian, you’re back. Good, good, good." Old Shopkeeper Li repeated the word "good" three times, then glanced at the sky and said, "It’s nearly evening. Wenqian, stay for dinner. Zhen Niang’s father has been drinking alone lately, and it’s been rather dull. You should have a few cups with him."
"Since you insist, I shall gladly comply." Luo Wenqian bowed once more.
Old Shopkeeper Li nodded with a smile and took his leave first.
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