The Heir

Сhaptеr 200: Тributе Ink Sеlеction

As shе еmerged frоm Vegetаblе Маrkеt Strеet, the wind рicked up, and the clоuds in thе sky grаduallу dаrkеnеd to thе соlоr оf ink.

Spring оften brought rainу wеathеr, and after just twо cleаr days, it sееmеd rаin wаs оn its wаy agаin. Zhеn Niang wаs аbоut to quiсken hеr рacе hоme whеn she spottеd Sun Yuejuan aррrоaсhing in the distancе, саrrying а fооd bох.

"Yuеjuan," Zhеn Niаng cаlled оut without thinking. Sincе returning tо Нuizhоu at thе еnd оf lаst year, shе had only seen Sun Yuеjuan oncе. After Тian Веnchаng’s incident, Sun Yuejuan had kept mostly to herself, so their meetings were rare.

As for Tian Benchang, the man was still imprisoned. In principle, someone in his situation could have been released on bail by paying a sum of money. However, it was clear that as long as Tian Er and his sister had not fully taken control of the Tian Family Ink Workshop, they would not allow him to be freed. The Xu family, who were secretly pulling strings, had to be appeased—the local authorities could not afford to offend the Xu family.

Thus, despite efforts from the Sun family and Wang Cuiqiao, they could only make Tian Benchang’s life in prison slightly more bearable. Getting him released remained difficult.

"Zhen Niang," Sun Yuejuan greeted her with evident delight.

"Where are you headed?" Zhen Niang asked with a warm, squinting smile. Their childhood friendship was pure and uncomplicated. Though they seldom met these days, their interactions felt natural and familiar, without a trace of awkwardness.

"I’m taking food to the prison," Sun Yuejuan replied, lifting the food box slightly, her expression tinged with gloom.

"Don’t worry too much. People don’t stay fortunate forever, just as flowers don’t bloom forever. Nothing in this world lasts indefinitely. I doubt the Xu family can keep dominating everything forever. Tian Er and his sister may not always rely on the Xu family’s support. If your family keeps pushing, your husband will eventually be released," Zhen Niang reassured her.

The Xu family was soon to face a major storm. When that happened, as long as the Sun family exerted a bit more effort, Tian Benchang’s release would be assured. Of course, Zhen Niang wasn’t particularly concerned about whether Tian Benchang was freed or not, but given her childhood bond with Sun Yuejuan, she felt obliged to offer a hint of hope—though for now, it sounded more like comfort.

However, once the Xu family encountered trouble, the Sun family would naturally know what to do.

"Yes, I understand," Sun Yuejuan nodded again, then her face hardened as she gritted her teeth. "Actually, even with the Xu family’s protection, Tian Er and his lot might not end up well. The Tian family is in turmoil behind the scenes…" She paused, waving her hand dismissively. "Let’s not talk about this. In any case, I think it might be better for Benchang to stay in prison for now—at least he can have some peace."

"Mmm," Zhen Niang nodded. Though Sun Yuejuan didn’t elaborate, in Huizhou, everyone knew each other’s business. The Li family was well aware of the situation within the Tian family.Since Master Tian of the Tian family suffered a stroke last time, although his condition had improved somewhat, his body had actually deteriorated quite a bit. Now, he was merely holding on by sheer will, refusing to collapse. As long as he didn’t fall, the Tian family would remain stable. But if he couldn’t hold on, given the current state of the Tian family, there was no one capable of holding it together—especially since Chunzhi, a concubine, currently held half the authority over Tian family affairs. Such a situation would be unacceptable in any family. When the time came, wouldn’t the uncles and elders of the Tian family step forward? How could they allow a concubine like Chunzhi to control the Tian family, or tolerate a playboy like Tian Er? After all, the Tian family had a vast fortune, and everyone would want a bite of that juicy piece of meat.

Tian Ronghua was well aware of this crucial point, which was why she was desperately trying to help her second brother secure the Tribute Ink Privilege this time. That way, even if Old Master Tian fell, Tian Er would have the support of the Ink Affairs Bureau, along with the Xu family. Under such circumstances, the other members of the Tian family wouldn’t be able to scheme against them.

It could be said that both the Li and Tian families had compelling and unavoidable reasons to compete for the Tribute Ink Privilege this time.

For the Li family, it was about their rise to prominence. At the same time, Old Madam Li and Old Shopkeeper Li were getting on in years, and it was uncertain whether they could hold on until the next Tribute Ink Selection.

Zhen Niang didn’t want her grandfather and Seventh Grandmother to leave this world with regrets.

In the end, for this competition, they would go all out and fight with everything they had.

After chatting for a while longer, Sun Yuejuan went to deliver meals, and Zhen Niang returned home.

She then told her grandparents and parents about inviting Madam Su, the younger daughter of the gardener, to take care of Shen Shi.

The Li family was naturally delighted to hear that Madam Su was willing to accompany Shen Shi.

“By the way, when I went to see Madam Su today, I ran into Wang Decai,” Zhen Niang mentioned, recalling the encounter as she spoke to her parents.

“Wasn’t he exiled? How is he back already?” Li Jingfu slammed the table in surprise.

“I heard he was pardoned in a general amnesty. Then, Madam Su asked Tian Er for help and sent him travel expenses, so he managed to return,” Zhen Niang relayed the information she had learned from Madam Su.

“Jingfu’s wife, when you have time, go see Jin Hua and tell her about this. She should be cautious,” Old Shopkeeper Li said, clearly thinking along the same lines as Zhen Niang.

“Yes, I understand. I’ll go in a moment,” Zhao Shi nodded. This matter was set aside for now.

Over the next two days, after resolving the trouble caused by the Du brothers, the Li family focused wholeheartedly on preparing for the Tribute Ink Selection.

In the evening, Zhen Niang and Old Madam Li were still in the Ink Workshop, inspecting the ink.

“Seventh Grandmother, I think we should add the Li Family Four Harmonies Ink to our selection for the Tribute Ink Selection,” Zhen Niang said to her Seventh Grandmother. Over the past two days, she had been pondering this day and night. The Tian family’s Ink Testing Gathering had produced Emperor Huizong of Song’s styrax ink, and the Li family already had a way to outshine it. However, the Li family’s Ink Testing Gathering had produced the Li Family Six Harmonies Three Talents Ink, and the Tian family would surely try to counter it. It was better to be prepared.

“I think it’s a good idea. Adding the Li Family Four Harmonies Ink as an extra precaution is never a bad thing,” Old Madam Li nodded. This girl was extremely thorough in her work.

The Li Family Four Harmonies Ink was the ink that had made the Li family famous. Even without the Li Family Six Harmonies Three Talents Ink, it was a product with a high chance of winning the Tribute Ink Selection.

With everything properly arranged, the next day was the Tribute Ink Selection.On the second day of the fourth lunar month, this day was a significant occasion for Huizhou's ink industry. Rarely did all ink workshops give their workers a day off. The idle workers all gathered at the Taibai Pavilion by the river.

This year's Tribute Ink Selection was still held at the Taibai Pavilion.

At this moment, still early in the morning, the area outside the Taibai Pavilion was already packed with people.

Old Master Cheng and Master Qi Chun were currently under the willow trees by the riverbank, chatting while playing chess.

"Tell me, who will win the competition for tribute ink between the Li and Tian families this time?" Qi Chun asked calmly as he placed a piece on the board.

"It's hard to say. In fact, both families have their strengths and weaknesses. The Tian family was the tribute ink merchant from the previous term, and they have strong connections with the Ink Affairs Bureau. They also have the Xu family backing them. However, over the years, the Tian family has still been relying on the Luo Family's old foundations, with little innovation. On the other hand, the Li family has created many new ink products in recent years. Moreover, that girl Zhen Niang is a supplier to the princess's residence. So, when comparing the two, it's a close match." At this point, Old Master Cheng paused before adding, "However, the Li family's Six Harmonies Three Talents Ink is truly remarkable."

Gathering the strengths of various masters is the aspiration of every ink maker. Who would have thought the Li family would achieve it first?

"Indeed, that girl from the Li family is almost supernatural. An Ink Testing Gathering was actually organized in such an exhilarating manner. Now, the opera 'The Misguided Marriage' has become popular throughout Huizhou. I've heard that many opera troupes in Wuxi and Suzhou are learning this opera. Doesn't that mean every performance is promoting the Li family's Six Harmonies Three Talents Ink? That girl from the Li family is truly shrewd," Qi Chun sighed in admiration.

Then, however, he furrowed his brow. Old Master Cheng had not explicitly stated who would win, clearly thinking the same as him. Although the Li family's ink is outstanding, the Tribute Ink Selection does not rely solely on the quality of the ink—connections are also a crucial factor.

Although fairness is emphasized in every selection, true fairness has never existed. No matter how good the Li family's ink is, the Tian family's ink is not inferior either, as it is based on Luo ink, renowned for its value of "one inkstick worth ten thousand coins."

Moreover, the court has been using Luo ink and Tian ink for years. These two types of ink are essentially the same, so from this perspective, Tian ink is more widely accepted. Not to mention, there is also the Xu family backing them.

Although the princess's residence is prestigious, its influence cannot compare to that of the Xu family.

Just then, a string of firecrackers exploded, signaling the start of the Tribute Ink Selection.

Inside the Taibai Pavilion, the northern grand seats were occupied by officials from the Ink Affairs Bureau, the Ink Appraisal Bureau, and the Ink Testing Masters. This year's Ink Testing Masters were Yuan Bai, Kang You, and Lu Chong, all renowned painters and calligraphers from distinguished backgrounds. Lu Chong, in particular, was a descendant of the great painter Lu Ye, and his painting skills were said to have been passed down directly from Lu Ye.

On the left and right sides sat the merchants participating in this year's Tribute Ink Selection: the Zhan family of Wuyuan, the Xu family of Xiuning, the Li family of Shezhou, and the Tian family.

In the center, several long tables were set up with incense burners, brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones—this was the ink testing area. Later, the painters would test the ink here. In the corners of the hall, several elegantly dressed courtesans knelt before small red-clay stoves, gently fanning the flames as they brewed tea. The tea was the first spring harvest of Huangshan Maofeng, its fragrance permeating the air.

Behind the hall, separated by screens, were the merchants and dignitaries who had come to observe the ceremony."Present the ink." At this moment, following the official's call, the Zhan, Xu, Li, and Tian families presented the ink they had brought.

Then, several painters tested the ink.

After the ink testing gatherings of the Tian and Li families, the Zhan and Xu families no longer held any hope for the Tribute Ink Privilege. They merely wished to showcase their ink before the various Ink Masters, considering participation itself a worthy endeavor.

Nevertheless, these two families had managed to stand out among numerous ink workshops to earn the right to compete for tribute, which spoke to their exceptional qualities.

The Zhan family was a renowned ink-making lineage from Wuyuan. Their ink primarily targeted ordinary commoners, with very affordable prices and designs that exuded approachability. This time, they presented a set themed "Family Bliss" for the tribute selection. Although the ink quality fell slightly short, it still garnered considerable goodwill from the Ink Testing Masters, earning them some favorable recognition.

The Xu family, an ink-making lineage from Xiuning, submitted an Assorted Ink Collection for the tribute selection. From carving to gold tracing, the design was exquisitely crafted, also earning them substantial acclaim.

However, in terms of quality, both families were ultimately edged out by the Li and Tian families.

The main event that followed was the contest between the Li and Tian families for the tribute.