The Heir

Сhарtеr 191: Тhe Tian Fаmilу's Ink Testing Gаthering

Thrее dауs lаtеr, it was time fоr the Tian Family's Ink Tеsting Gаthering.

Zhеn Niang рlаnnеd tо bring Xiао Wеnуоu alоng. Having studied in а рrivatе school fоr severаl yeаrs nоw, аnd with his stаtus within thе Li Fаmilу being anуthing but оrdinarу, it wоuld bе goоd for him tо brоaden his hоrizоns. This wаs likely somеthing Seventh Grandmоthеr wоuld be рleased tо sее as wеll.

Аftеr аll, in thе futurе, the widоws оf the Sеventh Вranch wоuld neеd his саre аnd suрроrt.

Such an oсcasion was an оpportunitу for him to gаin eхрeriеnce. When they were about to leave, Seventh Grandmother also instructed Xiao Wenyou to observe and listen more but speak less. The little one nodded earnestly, and despite his young age, he already showed a hint of steadiness.

At this moment, Four Treasures Street was packed with people.

"Is the Tian Family going head-to-head with the styrax ink again? Didn't they use styrax ink three years ago when they participated in the Tribute Ink Selection?" In front of Tian's Teahouse, a group of idlers looked at the ink list posted on the teahouse wall and murmured among themselves.

"Better to stick with what you know, don't you think? Since they won the Tribute Ink Privilege with styrax ink three years ago, why wouldn't they use it again this time? Besides, this time the styrax ink was developed by a Song Dynasty emperor, so it's even more fitting for the emperor to use it. The Li Family is probably just here to make up the numbers this time," another idler nearby chimed in.

"Nonsense! Three years ago, they didn't win the Tribute Ink Privilege because of that ink. It was clearly because the Tian Family colluded with that treacherous Taoist priest to cheat the Cheng Family. Haven't you heard that the Tian Family's Tribute Ink Privilege has been revoked? I remember the Li Family withdrew from the Tribute Ink Selection back then because of the Tian Family's scheming, didn't they?" a man nearby retorted indignantly.

"That's true. The Tian Family had their Tribute Ink Privilege revoked, and the Cheng Family withdrew from this year's Tribute Ink Selection. So, it seems the Li Family might benefit from this situation," someone else added.

Zhen Niang had come to Four Treasures Street early in the morning with Xiao Ya and Xiao Wenyou. First, she spoke with her second cousin from the Ninth Branch at the Li Family's Ink Manor. Currently, the Huizhou Li Family Ink Manor was managed by her second cousin, Li Zhengyan.

When it was about time, she brought Xiao Ya and Xiao Wenyou over and happened to overhear the idle chatter of these men.

Zhen Niang paid no mind to such gossip. In the coming days, there would likely be even more of it. However, one of the idlers' remarks reminded her: the Tian Family had never played by the rules.

Back then, the Tian Family's schemes were quite elaborate. First, they used her curing Miss Yan's illness as a pretext, claiming that Eunuch Yan would show favoritism toward the Li Family. At the time, due to the Pine Blight and the Li Family's own unfavorable conditions, they withdrew from the Tribute Ink Selection.

Afterward, the Tian Family set up a deceptive trap. They first introduced an inferior styrax ink to make everyone underestimate them. Then, during the Tribute Ink Selection, they presented the genuine Xiangbi auxiliary ink for the competition. Since the styrax ink was not yet perfected at the time, it still fell short compared to the Cheng Family's ink. And Taoist Yunsong was the Tian Family's final move.

Step by step, they laid out their plan, and the Tian Family emerged victorious.

Now, although Tian Benchang was in trouble and still imprisoned, Master Tian, despite his illness, might still be able to take charge. Moreover, Tian Ronghua's ambitions should not be underestimated. Zhen Niang had initially thought that the Tian Family's Ink Testing Gathering this time was to promote the styrax ink and use it for the Tribute Ink Selection, but this assumption might not be entirely correct.The Tian family's Ink Testing Gathering this time is indeed for building momentum. But it's not necessarily without the intention of "repairing the plank road openly while secretly crossing at Chencang." After all, what I can think of, the Tian family has no reason not to consider as well.

Of course, all of this is speculation. Today, Zhen Niang simply came to observe and learn, as the saying goes, "know yourself and know your enemy."

As for the matter of Tribute Ink, it still comes down to the same old saying: those who work with craftsmanship must ultimately let their skills speak for themselves.

At this moment, those idlers, seeing Li Zhenniang and the others approaching, began whispering among themselves again. In the upcoming Tribute Ink Selection, the Li and Tian families are set to face off directly, and today is likely the opening act of this grand spectacle.

They all craned their necks to peer into the teahouse.

Zhen Niang, for her part, calmly led Xiao Ya and Xiao Wenyou into the teahouse. Tian Ronghua accompanied her second brother at the entrance, greeting the guests.

"Zhen Niang, you've arrived." Seeing Li Zhenniang's arrival, Tian Ronghua naturally greeted her with a smile. Zhen Niang also responded with a smile and a nod. Both were polite and courteous. Even Tian Er managed a forced, insincere smile this time.

This left some of the idlers and busybodies waiting for a spectacle disappointed.

Soon after, a maid led Zhen Niang to the women's section, which was separated by a screen.

"Miss Li, you're here too. Come, sit with me." As soon as Zhen Niang entered with Xiao Wenyou and Xiao Ya, she saw Madam Xi Er waving to her from a table by the window. She quickly walked over with a smile, curtsied, and then sat down with Xiao Wenyou beside Madam Xi Er.

Xi Da was stationed in Nanjing, but Xi Er, because his wife was from Huizhou, spent half the year in Huizhou. It was no surprise that Xi Er would attend such an important occasion today. Li Zhenniang had met Madam Xi Er a few times before and could exchange a few words with her.

"I was just planning to visit your Li family's Ink Workshop later to ask when your family's Ink Testing Gathering will be held. Also, is your family's Ink Testing Master still Mr. Ding?" Madam Xi Er lowered her voice and asked somewhat mysteriously.

"We haven't decided yet, but it will be finalized in the next couple of days. We'll notify you once it's settled," Zhen Niang replied.

The Li family's Six Harmonies Three Talents Ink would naturally require an Ink Testing Gathering upon completion, much like a new product launch in later times—an indispensable step.

Madam Xi Er nodded eagerly. "My husband said that your family's Ink Testing ink products are a must-have."

"Thank you for your high regard, Madam Xi Er," Zhen Niang replied politely.

"No need for formalities. My son is taking the imperial examination this year, so it's all for good luck," Madam Xi Er replied, still speaking in her mysterious tone.

Zhen Niang couldn't help but feel amused by Madam Xi Er's mysterious demeanor. It all stemmed from the fact that during her first Ink Testing Gathering, Xi Er had attended and obtained Ding Yunpeng's painting "Plucking the Laurel in the Moon Palace."

At that time, Xi Er's son was preparing for the imperial examination at the county level. Unexpectedly, he passed that year and became a scholar, and last year, he passed the provincial examination and became a provincial graduate. As a result, Xi Er firmly believed that all of this was due to the painting "Plucking the Laurel in the Moon Palace" he had obtained from the Li family's Ink Testing Gathering back then.

Because of this, Xi Er had nothing but praise for Ding Yunpeng's paintings and used Xi Da's influence to promote Ding Yunpeng extensively. Over the past two years, Ding Yunpeng's paintings had also shown greater skill, making him a standout among the younger generation. With both opportunity and talent, Ding Yunpeng's reputation had gradually grown. Many merchants were now willing to pay high prices for his paintings.Although all of this seemed like mere coincidence to Zhen Niang, luck was truly an unpredictable thing.

And for the reasons mentioned above, Ding Yunpeng had now become Li Mo’s permanent Ink Testing Master.

As they spoke, the Tian family’s Ink Testing Gathering began. The usual procedures held no surprises. Everyone present was part of the Ink Industry, and the quality of the ink was clear to them as soon as they handled it. This time, the Tian family’s styrax ink was truly exceptional, likely surpassing even the batch from the previous Tribute Ink Selection.

The two Ink Testing Masters also gave extremely high praise to the Tian family’s styrax ink, each composing poems and creating paintings in response.

Some merchants attending the gathering were now wide-eyed with excitement—the Tian family’s styrax ink was about to gain fame. To make a fortune, one had to seize the right opportunity.

Of course, more merchants remained calmly observant. In recent days, they had heard that the Li family’s new ink had also been developed, so they naturally wanted to wait and see the results of the Li family’s Ink Testing Gathering before making any decisions.

Zhen Niang understood the situation well. It seemed the Tian family had also put in tremendous effort—and rightly so, for if not now, when else would they exert such force?

Next, the main event was the ink testing and appraisal by the two Ink Testing Masters. Of course, Zhen Niang had no interest in the auction. Instead, she focused on the hanging paintings, carefully studying the ink tones of the styrax ink. It had to be said—the styrax ink displayed five distinct colors, with natural gradations in shade, which was likely a unique characteristic of the styrax oil smoke material.

In any case, the Li family would also have to overcome the challenge posed by the styrax ink. As she pondered this, Zhen Niang continued to explain the various figures in the Huizhou Ink Industry to young Wenyou, giving him an intuitive understanding of the field.

Young Wenyou listened with great attentiveness.

At that moment, a waiter came over to refill everyone’s tea. By accident, the cloth in his hand fell to the ground, and he bent down to pick it up. However, he was blocked by one of young Wenyou’s arms, so he politely said, “Young master, could you please lift your arm so I can bend down and pick it up?”

Young Wenyou was intently listening to his aunt’s introduction of the people and affairs of the Huizhou Ink Industry. Hearing the waiter’s request, he didn’t think much of it and lifted his arm, even raising it higher as if to ensure it was out of the way.

“Oh, this young master wishes to bid? May I ask what your offer is?” At that moment, the auctioneer presiding over the bidding announced loudly.

In an instant, everyone’s eyes turned to Li Wenyou.

Zhen Niang’s eyes narrowed slightly—this seemed a bit too coincidental.

It turned out that at that very moment, Sun Kehong’s landscape painting was being auctioned. Young Wenyou’s raised arm had been mistaken for a bid. Having never faced such a situation before, young Wenyou’s face flushed red, and he was at a loss for words. The waiter from earlier had already slipped away unnoticed.

Madam Xi, who was nearby, knew exactly what had happened and was about to help explain. But Zhen Niang gently stopped her.

Regardless of the circumstances, young Wenyou had indeed raised his hand. Trying to explain the waiter’s role would seem too coincidental and might give the impression of making light of the situation or shifting blame. Moreover, given the competitive relationship between the Li and Tian families, it could easily be seen as the Li family intentionally causing a disturbance. Although Madam Xi could testify to the entire incident, the Xi family was closely connected to the Li family. Besides, in such a refined setting as an Ink Testing Gathering, who would really bother to investigate such a minor matter?If it had been explained, everyone would have simply laughed it off and resumed the bidding. But privately, who knows what speculations might have arisen.

And today, little Wenyou would inevitably have felt stifled.

Thinking this, Zhen Niang smiled and stood up. After bowing to everyone, she addressed Sun Kehong, who was seated in the place of honor: "Apologies for the interruption, Master Sun. My little nephew raised his hand not to bid, but because he heard that you are highly knowledgeable about Song Dynasty inlay craftsmanship. He wishes to request a Song inlay ink box for a piece of ink he made himself. In his eagerness, he acted impolitely. Please forgive him."

Only then did everyone look enlightened—so the young Li boy was not seeking the painting but an ink box.

When it came to the study of Song inlay craftsmanship, this was Sun Kehong’s proudest expertise. However, his research on Song inlay had always been applied to iron and bronze vessels; he had never heard of it being used on ink boxes. Upon hearing that the young Li boy was requesting a Song inlay ink box, he laughed heartily and said, "Young man, the Song inlay craftsmanship you seek, I do not possess. This technique has always been used only on bronze and iron vessels; I have never heard of it being applied to ink boxes."

"Why can’t it be used on ink boxes?" Earlier, when Zhen Niang had privately introduced the notable figures to little Wenyou, Sun Kehong had naturally been the most important. The topic of Song inlay ink boxes and brush pots had also been a key point in Zhen Niang’s introduction, meant to broaden little Wenyou’s horizons. Wenyou had listened very carefully at the time—Aunt had clearly said it was possible, so why was this gentleman now saying it wasn’t? Thus, little Wenyou asked with a puzzled expression.

Unexpectedly, Wenyou’s single question left Sun Kehong stunned. Yes, why couldn’t it be?

Recently, while studying Song inlay craftsmanship, Sun Kehong had felt a sense of limitation. But now, little Wenyou’s retort, "Why can’t it…" suddenly made everything clear to him. Yes, why couldn’t it? Logically speaking, it was entirely possible—it was just that no one had ever done it before.

With this realization, inspiration immediately surged within Sun Kehong like a spring. He couldn’t help but close his eyes and gently clap his hands, clearly immersed in a moment of profound insight.

At this point, Zhen Niang was slightly taken aback. It seemed that at this time, Master Sun had not yet expanded his application of Song inlay craftsmanship. Her effort to help little Wenyou had instead become the inspiration for Sun Kehong’s innovation in Song inlay technique.

This situation was rather intriguing to Zhen Niang.

Suddenly, Sun Kehong opened his eyes, his face filled with excitement. First, he addressed little Wenyou: "Very well, I accept your request for an ink box. Once it’s made, I will send it to you. As for today’s painting…" Here, Sun Kehong paused briefly before turning to the others who had participated in the ink bidding: "I have studied Song inlay craftsmanship for over a decade, but recently I felt I had hit a bottleneck, making no progress. Yet this young Li boy’s single question has enlightened me. For me, this is worth more than a thousand pieces of gold. Therefore, I shall gift this ink painting to this young boy. I hope you will not take offense."

"Of course, that is only right," everyone chimed in. How could they not support such an elegant gesture?

Thus, in the end, little Wenyou not only received a promise for a Sun-style ink box but also obtained the most valuable ink painting of the day.Naturally, Zhen Niang had no reason to decline such a matter. With a smile, she instructed Xiao Wenyou to carefully store the ink products, then led him to express their gratitude to everyone once more.

Holding the ink products in his arms, Xiao Wenyou had long shed his earlier frustration, his face now beaming with joy.

Thus, the Tian family’s Ink Testing Gathering came to an end. In the end, the exchange of questions and answers between Xiao Wenyou and Sun Kehong unexpectedly became the highlight of this gathering.