Сhаpter 215: Wоrld's Finеst Ink
In thе еlеgant privatе rоom on thе third floor оf Fuхiаn Раviliоn, two pаlace lanterns cаst а dim, yеllowish glоw.
Zhеn Niаng sаt quietlу оn а sрring bеnch, hеr eyes lоwеred аs if contemрlating her оwn heart. Оn thе mаin sеаt, Соnsort Li sat grасefullу, sаvоring a сup оf frаgrant teа with рoisе.
At this moment, nо one cоuld dеtеct аny tracе оf hеr origins аs thе dаughtеr оf аn artisаn fаmily.
Zhеn Niang’s mind wаs emptу, simplу sitting in stillnеss. Сonsоrt Li, hоwеvеr, could not hеlp but observe her сlosely. Shе had heаrd of Li Zhеnniаng’s reрutation more than once.
For a woman to engage in business was generally frowned upon, yet this Li Zhenniang had not only done so but had nearly taken control of the Li Ink Manor and even gained the recognition of the entire Huizhou Merchants community. The hardships behind this were beyond what outsiders could imagine, likely as arduous as the path she herself had walked in the palace.
What Consort Li found even more remarkable was Zhen Niang’s composure. From the moment she entered, sat down, and until now, Li Zhenniang had simply waited quietly for her to speak, without showing any trace of doubt or unease.
She was open and unburdened.
Indeed, she was a woman capable of holding her own in significant situations. With this realization, Consort Li suddenly felt a surge of confidence regarding the upcoming Ink Competition.
In truth, Consort Li’s purpose in meeting Zhen Niang today was to assess her character and analyze the likelihood of victory or defeat in the Ink Competition.
On the surface, the Ink Competition appeared to be merely a provocation by the Japanese, but for the Emperor, it was a crucial contest.
Since ascending the throne, the Emperor had often felt constrained in his actions. Only last year’s lifting of the maritime ban was implemented under his strong advocacy, coupled with the merchants’ petitions.
This year, the first fleet of merchant ships returning from overseas had brought immense profits to the Ship Docking Bureau, and even the Imperial Household Department had enjoyed a prosperous start. It could be said that all the goals of lifting the ban had been achieved. However, what Longqing had not anticipated was that the Japanese merchant delegation accompanying the lifting of the ban would present him with such a significant challenge.
Rumors circulated that some officials who had initially opposed lifting the ban had already drafted memorials, waiting only for the Ink Competition to be lost. If that happened, the Emperor would be inundated with these memorials.
Moreover, the lifting of the ban was still in its early stages, having only just begun to yield benefits. There was still a long road ahead. This policy had been one of the Emperor’s first initiatives upon ascending the throne. If it were criticized by those misguided officials over this matter, the Emperor’s dignity would be compromised. More importantly, any future policies proposed by the Emperor might be met with memorials from those censors, dredging up this old grievance. The thought alone was disheartening.
This Ink Competition could not be lost.
"The Japanese delegation has proposed new rules for the Ink Competition," Consort Li said slowly. "Additionally, they have stipulated that if Li Ink loses, the Li Ink Formula for the Six Harmonies Three Talents Ink must be offered as the prize."
Upon hearing Consort Li’s words, Zhen Niang could not help but raise her head. "And if the Japanese lose? What will they offer as the prize?"
"That should be proposed by you," Consort Li replied with a smile.
"Very well. Let them offer the forging method of the Japanese Sword as the prize," Zhen Niang said, pressing her lips together. By now, she understood all too well—Renji Eishō’s wolfish ambition was coveting the Li Ink Formula.
Zhen Niang intended to repay him in kind.Coincidentally, Luo Wenqian had recently been in contact with military sword merchants from Shizhou. When Marshal Qi was resisting the Japanese, he had also drawn on the advantages of Japanese swords to reform the Qi family sword. Of course, this wasn't the main point, as Japanese swords also originated from Tang dynasty swords. Moreover, most of the Japanese swords that had been passed down were more decorative in function, so they were somewhat incompatible with the sword-making traditions of the Ming dynasty. To be honest, Zhen Niang didn't really care much about this.
However, for the Japanese, especially Japanese samurai, the Japanese sword held extraordinary symbolic significance—it represented the spirit of Bushido.
Therefore, now that the Japanese had proposed the Li Ink Formula as a prize, she suggested the Japanese sword-making technique as a prize in return, simply following the principle of reciprocity. In this way, she threw the problem back to the Japanese, testing whether they dared to stake their sword-making technique in the competition.
And if Renji Eishō lost the Japanese sword-making technique, the Japanese envoy probably wouldn't let him off easily.
In short, since Renji Eishō dared to stir up trouble, he had to be prepared to bear the consequences if he failed.
"Good, it should be so." Consort Li nodded. Li Zhenniang was indeed a decisive woman.
"Your Highness, on the day of the Ink Competition, I would like to bring my grandfather's memorial tablet with me." Zhen Niang suddenly added.
Consort Li had also heard about Old Shopkeeper Li's situation. A grieving army is bound to win—it seemed the Li family was determined to fight to the end. She naturally wouldn't stop them and nodded, "Granted."
After offering a few more words of encouragement, Zhen Niang was led out by the palace attendants. As she stepped outside, she realized her back was damp with sweat. The night breeze outside felt chilly against her skin.
Consort Li naturally had an imposing presence. To say Zhen Niang was completely calm in her presence would be a lie—she had been nervous.
However, Zhen Niang could also sense that Consort Li seemed quite satisfied with their meeting today.
With that, she bid farewell to Li Fuquan and left Fuxian Pavilion.
Unexpectedly, as soon as she stepped out of Fuxian Pavilion, she saw Luo Wenqian pacing anxiously not far away.
"Brother Luo, why are you here?" Zhen Niang hurried over, slightly surprised. But upon second thought, it wasn't strange—after all, she had come to meet the consort. If her responses had been inappropriate, she might have offended the consort. So, it was only natural for Brother Luo to worry.
"How did it go?" Luo Wenqian approached and, noticing Zhen Niang slightly shivering, took off his outer robe and draped it over Li Zhenniang's shoulders.
"It should be fine. The consort even rewarded me with gifts and offered words of encouragement." Zhen Niang replied.
Only then did Luo Wenqian breathe a sigh of relief.
"Brother Luo, do you know why the consort suddenly wanted to meet me in person?" Zhen Niang asked. After all, the matters the consort had discussed with her could have been conveyed to her family by the officials of the Maritime Trade Office. The consort didn't need to meet her personally.
"First, it was likely at the suggestion of Chief Steward Fuquan. Since the consort has come to Nanjing, she naturally should meet the person who saved her elder brother's life. Second, this Ink Competition holds special significance for His Majesty. In short, His Majesty cannot afford to lose. So, the consort was helping His Majesty assess the situation to have peace of mind." Luo Wenqian explained, having just gathered this information from his inquiries.
"So that means, this time, my Li family has no way out." Li Zhenniang frowned."Not necessarily. If you wish to withdraw..." Luo Wenqian stared intently at Li Zhenniang. This time, he had staked all his cards. Regardless of the outcome, he could at least ensure the Li family emerged unscathed.
Of course, this was merely his preparation, and he understood in his heart that the Li family likely wouldn't need it.
"Brother Luo, I don't concern myself with court affairs, but for the Li family alone—my grandfather has already staked his life on this matter. Do you think the Li family still has a way out, or even needs one?" Zhenniang suddenly smiled, her eyes sparkling brightly.
"Hmm." Luo Wenqian nodded.
"Brother Luo, wait for me to obtain the Japanese Sword crafting method for you," Zhenniang added, her expression one of absolute determination.
"Good, I'll wait," Luo Wenqian laughed heartily. Then, taking Zhenniang's hand, the two walked shoulder to shoulder along Nanjing's long streets.
The night breeze brushed past, lifting their dark hair. Under the bright moon, their shadows formed a pair.
In the blink of an eye, the Ink Competition arrived.
That day, the entire Nanjing was abuzz, for it was said the Emperor and his consort had come.
The venue for the Ink Competition was the Maritime Trade Office.
The Li family, dressed in plain mourning clothes, with Zhenniang holding Old Shopkeeper Li's memorial tablet, led the Li clan straight to the Maritime Trade Office.
"The Li family brought Old Shopkeeper Li's memorial tablet?" Passersby who saw this were somewhat surprised.
"Naturally they would. Old Shopkeeper Li passed away for today's Ink Competition. How could they not let him witness this scene?" Those who knew the details nearby remarked with emotion.
"Indeed, indeed. We still need Old Shopkeeper Li's blessings from above," another added.
"Rest assured, the Li family is sure to win this time. Just a few days ago, an old cleaning woman managed to make the Japanese lose face and slink away in disgrace. The Li family's depth is profound. Heh, the Japanese have kicked an iron plate this time," yet another commented.
"Exactly, exactly," others chimed in.
Soon, the auspicious hour for the Ink Competition arrived.
Renji Eishō indeed proposed the stakes for the contest: the Li family's formula for the Li Clan's Six Harmonies Three Talents Ink. However, when the Li family proposed the Japanese side's stake be the Japanese Sword crafting method, the faces of the Japanese envoy and Renji Eishō darkened like ink.
Yet, at this point, they had no way out and could only grit their teeth and agree.
The subsequent Ink Competition was straightforward. Renji Eishō had eliminated all human factors. Each wrote calligraphy and painted, then began sprinkling water.
Even after the water dried, neither Li Mo's ink nor Renji Eishō's showed any seepage. The ink remained stable, still black and lustrous—truly a tie.
"Li Mo indeed lives up to its reputation, though our ink is not inferior either. It's a draw," Renji Eishō said, somewhat regretful yet not entirely surprised. Li Mo truly was incomparable to his ink, so this outcome was acceptable.
But the onlookers were dissatisfied. Previously, the Japanese had thoroughly humiliated Nanjing's ink makers. Even a draw, for the great Ming Empire against the Japanese, was still inglorious.
"Wait, the Ink Competition is far from over. What, Mr. Renji, we are contending for the title of World's Finest Ink. There has never been a precedent for a tie in such competitions," Zhenniang suddenly interjected.
"Miss Li, it is already over. Surely you don't intend to deny it?" Renji Eishō said with a dark expression."It's not that I refuse to acknowledge it, but how can I acknowledge something that hasn't yet concluded?" Li Zhenniang stared back at Renji Eishō as she retorted.
"Then how else does Miss Li wish to compete? I must state clearly in advance that any ink testing judged by someone from the Great Ming would be unfair," Renji Eishō said.
"Don't worry, I'll still use your method," Zhen Niang replied, a slight curl at the corner of her lips as she looked at Renji Eishō with a hint of mockery. This man lacked even a trace of genuine competitive spirit—in her view, he could hardly be considered a true ink maker. She believed Renji Eishō's path in ink making had already reached its end.
"I am all ears," Renji Eishō said, glancing briefly at the Japanese envoy who was speaking with Eunuch Yan from the Maritime Trade Office.
"It's quite simple. Isn't it just a matter of comparing color retention and stability?" Zhen Niang said, then turned to bow respectfully to the officials seated before the court hall. Of course, her primary gesture was directed toward Emperor Longqing and Consort Li behind the lowered curtain.
She continued, "I request that Eunuch Yan and this envoy each send someone to fetch two large vats, place them on either side, and fill them with clear water."
Immediately, Eunuch Yan and the Japanese envoy dispatched their men to prepare the vats. They were carried into the hall, and well water was drawn to fill both vats.
Zhen Niang then went on, "What follows is straightforward. With these two vats here, our Li family will place our ink for the Ink Competition into one vat, and Master Renji may place his ink into the other. After soaking for three days, we will grind the ink and write with it to examine the color retention and stability."
"What if they remain the same after three days?" Renji Eishō had not expected Miss Li to propose such a method, and he truly had no grounds to refuse.
"Then we extend it to ten days," Zhen Niang replied.
"And if they are still the same after ten days?" Renji Eishō pressed further.
"Then one month," Zhen Niang responded without hesitation.
"What if they remain identical even after a month?" Renji Eishō was now challenging Li Zhenniang head-on.
"If they are still the same after a month, then you win," Zhen Niang said calmly, pointing a slender finger at Renji Eishō.
Hearing Li Zhenniang's resolute declaration, Renji Eishō felt a flicker of unease. No one was a fool—if Li Zhenniang dared to wager like this, she clearly had some confidence. Soaking the ink was entirely different from merely wetting it to check for color bleed.
Wetting the ink to test for bleed-through essentially compared the raw materials used in making the ink.
But soaking was another matter—it tested the skill in ink formulation and the thoroughness of pounding. If the pounding was insufficient, the ink would soften during soaking, and once softened, it would lose all ability to retain its color.
"What's the matter? Are you afraid?" At this moment, the onlookers outside, seeing Renji Eishō hesitate to respond, began to clamor loudly.
"Renji!" The Japanese envoy's face darkened. This was no time to retreat.
"Fine, we'll compete this way," Renji Eishō gritted his teeth and agreed.
Immediately, the Li family and Renji Eishō each placed their ink into the large vats.
And so began the three-day wait.
To ensure fairness and impartiality, the Maritime Trade Office remained open for these three days. Japanese warriors and Maritime Trade Office guards took turns standing watch over the vats to prevent anyone from approaching and tampering.
In this way, any possibility of cheating was eliminated. Curious citizens also took turns observing, though with the ink submerged in the clear water, there was no visible difference between Li Mo and the Japanese ink."Even if we don't understand the nuances of ink shades, the Li family's Mountain and River Ink truly looks magnificent. Look at the Great Wall depicted on the inkstick—it resembles a soaring dragon flying over the mountain peaks, a symbol of the dragon's ascent," several elderly scholars remarked, stroking their beards.
Naturally, they couldn't help but bow respectfully toward the direction of the capital.
Thus, three days passed in the blink of an eye. On this day, everyone gathered once again at the Maritime Trade Office. In fact, during these days, the Li family and Renji Eishō's people had not left, resting in the guest rooms prepared by the Maritime Trade Office.
At this moment, the master of ceremonies ordered the inksticks to be retrieved from the water. They were then inspected separately by the Li family and Renji Eishō. After confirming there were no issues, the ink was ground once more for writing.
As Renji Eishō wrote, his expression grew increasingly dark. He knew his own ink best. After three days of soaking, the ink was no longer as dark and glossy as before when used for writing.
On Zhen Niang's side, she remained perfectly calm. She had previously tested the ink by soaking it for over ten days, and this was still new ink. Once it aged, it could withstand months of soaking without issue.
After both sides finished writing, water was sprinkled over the characters. At this point, it became evident that the characters written with Renji Eishō's ink had begun to blur slightly after being moistened. Although the effect was minimal, those with sharp eyes could see it clearly.
In contrast, the ink from the Li family remained unchanged—clear, dark, and penetrating. Under the moisture, the ink's character stood out even more prominently.
"Li Mo wins! Li Mo wins!!!" Immediately, the crowd erupted in cheers.
"I declare Li Mo as the World's Finest Ink!!!" At this moment, Emperor Longqing stepped out excitedly from behind the curtain and announced loudly. He also personally inscribed the five characters "World's Finest Ink" with his imperial brush.
"Hmph," the Japanese envoy glared at Renji Eishō, snorted heavily, and took his leave first.
Renji Eishō, pale-faced, let out a long sigh and turned to follow the Japanese envoy.
"Mr. Renji, please remove the characters 'World's Finest Ink' from your inkstick. Also, don't forget the prize money you owe," Zhen Niang said.
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