The Heir

Сhарtеr 188: I Will Dеfinitely Win

Тhе nехt dаy, Zhen Niang wеnt еarly tо paу hеr rеsресts to Sevеnth Grandmother.

Old Madаm Li wаs delightеd to sее Zhеn Niаng and, tаking hеr hаnd, аskеd abоut the batch оf ink frоm the Shеn family. Zhen Niаng naturallу exрlаinеd еvеrуthing in dеtail.

"Goоd, gоod. With Lоrd Shеn's ink rеview, оur chаnсes for thе Тribute Ink аre very high this timе," said Old Mаdаm Li.

Сhen Shi, stаnding nearby, сhimеd in, "Indеed." Shе lооkеd аt Zhеn Niang with аdmirаtion. Yеsterdаy, when Тian Sun Shi rеturnеd, shе had tоld hеr аbоut Sun Wenjie's mattеr. No matter what, this girl handlеd things with remarkablе steadinеss.

Spеаking of thе Tribute Ink, Zhen Niang then shared her concept for the Li Family Six Harmonies Three Talents Ink with her Seventh Grandmother.

"Excellent. If we can truly produce this Six Harmonies Three Talents Ink, then the Tribute Ink will undoubtedly belong to the Li family this time," Old Madam Li said with determination in her eyes. This time, the Tian family would have no chance to resort to underhanded tricks. Otherwise, even if it cost her old life, she would demand justice.

Thus, over the next few days, Zhen Niang and Old Shopkeeper Li immersed themselves in the Ink Workshop.

The essence of the so-called Six Harmonies Three Talents naturally lay in ink blending and glue mixing. Glue served as an adhesive, while its oxidation also played an extremely important chemical role in ink.

Generally, the cross-section of new ink appeared dry and dull, making the written characters lackluster. Only after seven or eight years of aging would the ink color show its true quality. In contrast, the cross-section of aged ink was glossy and smooth, producing characters that were deep, black, and bright. This was due to the oxidation of the glue within the ink over time.

Of course, high-quality new ink could also achieve the effects of aged ink. How was this accomplished? It all came down to the glue mixing process.

The key principle was similar to kneading dough.

Zhen Niang remembered from her later life how much she enjoyed her grandmother's hand-pulled noodles, which required kneading the dough oneself. When kneading dough, if done all at once, the noodles would easily turn mushy when cooked. She recalled her grandmother's method: after kneading the dough into a ball, she would let it rest for a while, then knead it again, rest again, and repeat the process. This resulted in noodles that were wonderfully chewy when cooked.

The glue mixing in ink followed the same principle: first blend, second blend, third blend, fourth blend, and even fifth and sixth blends. The purpose was to fully integrate the glue with the ink through repeated blending, while also accelerating the oxidation process of the glue. Additionally, aged ink could be used as a starter to act as a medium.

For example, when Su Shi used Goryeo ink to make Re-blended Ink, he employed Pan Ink as the starter.

Of course, the entire Ink Mixing process required precise control of temperature and timing.

In short, during these days, Zhen Niang stayed with her grandfather in the Ink Workshop. Old Shopkeeper Li handled the Ink Mixing, while Zhen Niang meticulously monitored the temperature and timing. For each blend, she tested various temperatures and time intervals, not daring to blink an eye. It wasn't until the twenty-third day of the twelfth lunar month that the Li Family Six Harmonies Ink was finally perfected. Next, they still needed to incorporate the techniques of Pan Ink and Luo Mo.

"Let's continue," Old Shopkeeper Li said, hunched over and coughing, unwilling to rest even for a moment.

"Grandfather, tomorrow is Minor New Year. Shouldn't we rest for a few days? We can resume after the New Year—a few days won't make much difference. I'm starting to feel overwhelmed," Zhen Niang pleaded with a look of exhaustion.Actually, she didn’t mind it herself. As someone passionate about ink-making, she could have endured another month without issue. But while she could hold on, her grandfather couldn’t.

The glue boiling process in the ink workshop was always heavy with smoke and fumes. Recently, her grandfather’s coughing had worsened, and his cheeks had grown increasingly flushed. For an elderly person, such excessive redness in the face was not a good sign—it indicated a worsening lung condition. However, if she tried to persuade her grandfather directly, he would never listen. So, she simply claimed she couldn’t handle it anymore and needed a break.

Hearing Zhen Niang say this, Old Shopkeeper Li immediately understood his granddaughter’s intentions. Indeed, he too felt his body could no longer endure the strain, and a rest would do him good. He nodded and said, “Alright, let’s take a break.”

Then, as if remembering something, he added, “By the way, Wenqian mentioned he’d send over the New Year gifts tomorrow. From the way your father spoke, it seems the arrangements won’t be small. I’ll take a look then.”

“Hehe.” Zhen Niang pretended not to understand and laughed.

Li Jingfu and Luo Wenqian arrived in Huizhou on the twenty-second day of the twelfth lunar month.

Thus, the grandfather and granddaughter returned home. Having spent so many days in the ink workshop, covered in the scent of smoke, Zhen Niang took a long, thorough bath.

The next morning, she was enjoying a rare chance to sleep in when she was awakened by a commotion outside. She quickly dressed, washed up, and just as she finished, five-year-old Little Official Xiao came running in, grinning from ear to ear. “Auntie, Auntie, Grandfather said we’re having a pig-slaughtering feast today!”

“We don’t raise pigs at home. Where would a pig-slaughtering feast come from?” Zhen Niang asked, amused by his excitement. Their family never lacked meat, but ever since the boy heard Brother Run talk about attending a pig-slaughtering feast in the village, he had been obsessed with the idea.

“There are pigs! Two of them, big and fat!” Little Official Xiao counted on his fingers.

“Two pigs? Where did they come from?” Zhen Niang asked curiously.

“They were carried here!” Little Official Xiao replied cheerfully, though he still didn’t explain where the pigs had come from.

“You little rascal, stop bothering your aunt. Go find your uncle to play with,” Du Shi said as she approached, then explained with a smile, “The Luo Family sent them—two pigs, along with chickens, ducks, and other gifts, making ten full loads in total. Such lavish New Year gifts have never been seen before, and the whole street is buzzing with excitement.”

Zhen Niang was taken aback. This New Year gift seemed a bit excessive—almost like burning money for show. Still, she couldn’t help feeling a sweet warmth inside. Noticing her sister-in-law’s teasing look, she felt a little embarrassed.

“Your parents are overjoyed. You know how much gossip Mother-in-law has endured behind her back because of your marriage prospects. Now, she can finally hold her head high. Grandfather has declared that we’ll slaughter one pig today, along with some chickens and ducks, and host a feast for the ink workshop workers and our old neighbors. Everyone can enjoy themselves. But you mustn’t go out today, or you’ll be teased and embarrassed,” Du Shi said. The first part was her own sincere opinion, while the latter was clearly a message from Zhao Shi.

Zhen Niang nodded. It was just as well—she needed to work on the Ink Line Diagram for the Tribute Ink selection, which required careful consideration.

By the afternoon, Granny Ma and Huaide’s Wife emerged from the Li household, their faces glowing with satisfaction after the feast."What's this, you used to say Miss Tian was blessed and that Zhen Niang's engagement was no good. But look now, Zhen Niang's match was truly well-made. The Luo Family's young master is truly generous, actually getting engaged. In the end, marriages should be between families of equal status. Although the Luo Family has declined, their young master Tian is ambitious. It's truly a match of equals. And look at the Tian Family—has there been any movement from the Xu Family? It's already past Minor New Year, and those who should have sent gifts haven't come. With a family like the Xu's, we probably shouldn't expect any New Year gifts." Huaide's Wife said.

"True. Speaking of which, that blessing originally belonged to the Tian Family girl." Faced with the facts, Granny Ma had nothing more to say.

"Serves them right. Who told the Tian Family to deny the engagement as soon as the Luo Family had trouble? Moreover, the Tian Family's Ink Workshop originally belonged to the Luo Family. Who knows what shady dealings were involved?" Huaide's Wife remarked.

Just then, Granny Ma happened to see Tian Ronghua coming out of the pharmacy on the street ahead. She looked noticeably thinner than before. Granny Ma couldn't help but shake her head: "The Tian Family is going through troubled times. I heard Master Tian has had a stroke?"

"Exactly. He's not young anymore, yet he married such a beautiful young wife. I hear that Chunzhi clings to him tightly. With nightly pleasures like that, how could he withstand it? I heard it was a stroke during intercourse." Huaide's Wife shook her head.

Lust is a bone-scraping blade.

……………………………………

Tian Residence.

"Thank you, Second Young Master, thank you. This servant woman kowtows to you." Madam Su held a letter in one hand, her face beaming with joy as she addressed Tian Er. As she spoke, she was about to kneel and kowtow to him.

The letter was from the former Li Decai—originally the Li Family's son-in-law who married into their household, later expelled from the Li Family, reverted to his original surname, and became Wang Decai (previously called Wang Jincai, but changed because his name clashed with a distant relative's, to avoid offense).

Back then, he was exposed for his treacherous schemes by the Li Family and later exiled to Hainan.

After Longqing ascended the throne and issued a general pardon, Wang Decai was naturally included in the amnesty. However, stranded far away in Hainan without travel funds, Madam Su eventually pleaded with Tian Er for help. Tian Er provided silver, and now Wang Decai had written saying he was already on the road and would arrive soon. Overjoyed, Madam Su naturally wanted to kowtow to Tian Er in gratitude.

But Tian Er grabbed her arm to stop her.

"What's with the kowtowing? Stop it. I've always been concerned about your affairs." As Tian Er spoke, he reached out and took hold of Madam Su. His hand gripped hers, kneading and rubbing without letting go, while his other hand pinched her chin.

Tian Er had a peculiar quirk: he disliked those immature young girls, preferring to tease young married women instead.

A flicker of sorrow passed through Madam Su's eyes, but she dared not truly offend Second Young Master Tian, allowing him to take liberties.

At that moment, Tian Ronghua hurriedly entered the Tian Residence.

Unexpectedly, the moment she stepped inside, she saw this scene. Already displeased from earlier witnessing the Luo Family sending New Year gifts to the Li Family, she now felt even more furious. She strode forward and delivered a heavy slap to Madam Su's face—a loud, resounding "smack!"

Five finger marks immediately appeared on Madam Su's face.

In pain, Madam Su covered her cheek and knelt on the ground, not daring to move.

"I say, Third Sister, what are you doing? If that Luo boy upset you, you can't take it out on your Second Brother." Tian Er also glared. Even when hitting a dog, one considers the owner's face—Third Sister was openly tearing his dignity apart.Most importantly, he had been full of enthusiasm, but Tian Ronghua's actions felt like a bucket of cold water poured over his head, leaving him thoroughly displeased.

As he spoke, Tian Er reached out to help Madam Su up. Then, with a wave of his hand, he dismissed her, and Madam Su fled as if escaping.

"Second Brother, I can’t be bothered with your unsavory affairs, but have you forgotten what time it is now? Father is still lying sick in bed. Not only are you not by his side attending to him, but you’re also carrying on like this with a servant woman—are you even human? Besides, the Tribute Ink Selection is coming up in March or April next year. What do we have to compete with the Li family? Do you really want to let the Li family climb over our Tian family?" Tian Ronghua glared at him.

"That absolutely cannot happen. I won’t let that little wench Li Zhenniang get away with it." At the mention of the Li family, Tian Er spoke bitterly. He had suffered several setbacks at Li Zhenniang’s hands, and he was determined to settle the score.

With that, Tian Er also felt that his earlier behavior had been somewhat excessive. He grinned at Tian Ronghua and said, "My sister is capable. Tell me what I should do, and I’ll listen to you."

Hearing this, Tian Ronghua’s expression softened slightly. She waved her hand to dismiss the maid beside her, then said, "Take advantage of the New Year period to visit the officials at the Ink Affairs Bureau more often. Also, the master craftsmen at the Ink Workshop are currently researching Emperor Huizong of Song’s styrax ink. This ink is especially important for our Tian ink’s Tribute Ink Selection, so they probably won’t be able to rest during the New Year. You should put some effort into winning over the craftsmen’s hearts, encouraging them to develop the styrax ink as soon as possible. That way, we can plan ahead."

"Good, good, good. Isn’t it just about treating people to drinks and giving gifts? That’s what I’m best at." Tian Er patted his chest confidently.

Seeing her second brother’s response, Tian Ronghua nodded. Indeed, her second brother wasn’t good for much else, but he was skilled at wining and dining people and giving gifts. Moreover, with the Xu family as their backing, they didn’t have to worry about others refusing to show them respect.

Afterward, Tian Ronghua returned to her room. Standing on the balcony of her own pavilion, she gazed at the distant Li family mansion and thought, "Li Zhenniang, I will definitely win!!!"