The Heir

Сhарtеr 224: Нuizhou in Flurry

Тhе nехt dаy, the boаt аrrived at Yuliаng Wharf.

Standing аt thе bоw, Zhеn Niаng sрotted Sеventh Grandmother from afаr. Нer оncе sаlt-аnd-рeрреr hаir hаd now turnеd complеtеly silvеr, making her stand оut in the crоwd. Surrounding Sevеnth Grаndmоthеr wеrе аll the membеrs оf the Li fаmilу’s fоurth branсh, gathеrеd in full forcе.

Еven livеlier was the sсene at thе whаrf. Аs Zhen Niаng and the othеrs’ bоаt aррrоасhеd, lion dаnсers bеgan thеir perfоrmanсе оn the dосk. Sеvеral bare-bоttomed children, unashаmed, laughed аnd frolickеd arоund thе danсing lions.

Though the scene was joyous, Old Man Jingfu and Li Zhenniang, standing at the bow, wore solemn expressions. They lifted the plaque inscribed with “World’s Finest Ink” and couldn’t help but gaze up at the clear, azure sky.

“Father, Zhen Niang has brought back the World’s Finest Ink,” Old Man Jingfu said silently in his heart.

“Grandfather, we have upheld the honor of ink makers,” Zhen Niang whispered in her heart.

At that moment, Old Madam Li, supported by Zheng Xi and Tianyou, made her way to the bow. With trembling hands, she gently brushed over the five golden characters of “World’s Finest Ink,” then looked at Zhen Niang.

“Seventh Grandmother, we’re back. We won!!!” Li Zhenniang said firmly, meeting Seventh Grandmother’s gaze.

“Good,” Seventh Grandmother replied with just one word, her expression neither joyful nor sorrowful, carrying a sense of Zen-like tranquility. It wasn’t that she wasn’t excited—in fact, when she received the news that Li Mo had been awarded the title of World’s Finest Ink, she had been so thrilled she couldn’t sleep all night.

But after the excitement subsided, Old Madam Li suddenly let go, embracing a sense of fulfillment and peace. It was akin to the concept of “returning to simplicity” often described in martial arts novels.

Li Mo’s journey had been one of soaring highs and crushing lows, followed by arduous struggles. Along the way, there had been grief, resentment, unwillingness, and helplessness. Yet, more than anything, there had been sweat—the sweat of relentless effort. And now, with the title of World’s Finest Ink, they had reaped the fruits of their labor.

After the initial joy, the elderly woman had become calm and composed, transcending both joy and sorrow.

While the entire clan was elated and even brimming with pride, her serene and unperturbed demeanor reflected Li Mo’s steadiness and wisdom in navigating life’s ups and downs—neither arrogant in victory nor discouraged in defeat, facing gains and losses with equanimity.

It could be said that, at all times, Old Madam Li was the anchor that steadied Li Mo.

“Let’s go home,” Old Madam Li finally said, waving her hand lightly.

“Yes,” Zhen Niang and the others nodded emphatically.

Thus, the Li family, surrounded by the crowd, made their way back to the Li Family Ink Workshop.

Upon reaching the workshop, another round of firecrackers erupted. In front of the Li Family Ink Workshop, an incense altar had been set up, and on one side hung a plaque covered with a red cloth.

“Old Madam, please unveil it,” said Steward Shao, now aged and frail, as he handed a slender weighing pole to Old Madam Li.

Seventh Grandmother took the pole but passed it to Zhen Niang. “Zhen Niang, you do it.”

“Old Madam?” Zhen Niang felt a flutter of nervousness. She knew what lay beneath the red cloth—the plaque for Tribute Ink. Previously, due to the Ink Competition, Old Madam Li had delayed hanging it, waiting precisely for this moment.

By entrusting the unveiling to Li Zhenniang, Old Madam Li was, in front of everyone, confirming the next leader of Li Mo—Li Zhenniang!!"Zhen Niang, do not worry about anything else. In short, this moment is what you deserve. Ever since Ninth Uncle passed away and you took over Li Mo during the most difficult time, everyone has seen your efforts, and everyone has also witnessed your achievements, along with your grandfather's share." At this moment, Li Jingdong, sitting in a wheelchair nearby, also spoke.

Hearing Li Jingdong's words, Zhen Niang took a deep breath, then solemnly accepted the scale rod handed to her by Seventh Grandmother. She raised her head and lifted the red cloth with it, revealing the Tribute Ink plaque with gold characters on a black background. The red cloth swept across the blue sky and white clouds, adding a stroke of brilliance to the glorious era of the ink industry during the mid-Ming Dynasty.

Shortly after, the signboard of the World's Finest Ink was also hung up.

The Li family had finally achieved the glory of Li Mo.

"Zhen Niang, congratulations." After the crowd dispersed, Li Zhenniang saw Sun Yuejuan standing by the roadside and approached her. Sun Yuejuan smiled as she spoke.

"Thank you." Zhen Niang nodded, then carefully looked at Sun Yuejuan before her. When they first met, Sun Yuejuan was innocent and enthusiastic. However, after the Sun family's misfortunes, Sun Yuejuan and Zhen Niang had a falling out, severing their ties. Later, as Sun Yuejuan married into the Tian family, the two essentially embarked on different life paths and gradually lost contact.

But everyone grows. Over the years, Zhen Niang had focused on the ink industry, and her growth was evident. Yet, Sun Yuejuan had not stopped growing either. In fact, the circumstances she faced were even more challenging than Zhen Niang's, especially after Tian Benchang suffered repeated misfortunes. Now, Sun Yuejuan no longer harbored the confusion she had when she first married into the Tian family. With the resilience, sincerity, and down-to-earth attitude of a woman, she lived her life steadfastly.

On her somewhat slender shoulders, she too bore the weight of the sky.

Thinking this, Zhen Niang glanced at the hem of Sun Yuejuan's clothes and indeed noticed the piece of fabric that had been cut from her own garment back then.

At the same time, Sun Yuejuan also saw the hem of Zhen Niang's clothes, which was similarly patched with the fabric she had cut off back then.

Both of them noticed the other's gaze, which mirrored their own thoughts, and they chuckled softly. The bond of childhood friendship does not fade with time; like fine wine, it grows richer and more fragrant with age.

"We heard about Master Tian's passing. Please accept our condolences." Zhen Niang took Sun Yuejuan's hand and said.

"Yes." Sun Yuejuan nodded. "It wasn't entirely unexpected. With one thing after another happening at home and the old master's health, he couldn't hold on any longer."

"By the way, is your husband still unable to be released?" Zhen Niang couldn't help but ask.

"It's difficult. There are people who don't want Benchang to come out. Master Wang and Benchang's uncle both tried to help, and it almost succeeded. But not long ago, rumors spread from the yamen that Benchang attempted to escape from prison. In the end, the yamen sentenced him to thirty lashes, and the plan for his release fell through again." Sun Yuejuan gritted her teeth as she spoke.

Hearing this, Zhen Niang understood that it was likely Chunzhi's people who had bribed the yamen to fabricate the escape attempt. However, this meant Tian Benchang would not be released anytime soon.

What a clever move indeed! Was this scheme devised by Chunzhi or Wang Decai?

"Well, take it slowly." Zhen Niang could only offer comfort.

"I know." Sun Yuejuan replied. After a brief farewell, Zhen Niang naturally walked her a few steps. Just as they turned to leave, they saw Tian Ronghua approaching, dressed in plain white.It had been some time since they last met, and Tian Ronghua's demeanor had grown even more aloof.

"Li Zhenniang, please tell me about the grudge between Wang Decai and your Li family back then," Tian Ronghua stepped forward and got straight to the point.

Clearly, by this point, Tian Ronghua had come to regard Wang Decai with utmost seriousness.

Back then, the matter involving Wang Decai was ultimately a family disgrace for the Li family, so outsiders were not entirely clear about the details.

Although the Li and Tian families had always been at odds, adhering to the notion that "those in the same trade are rivals," considering the favor Master Tian had shown by gifting the thousand-year-old soot pigment, Zhen Niang had no reason to refuse Tian Ronghua's request. Thus, she recounted the story of Wang Decai's conspiracy against Li Mo back then, also highlighting Wang Decai's sinister, wolf-like nature.

After hearing Li Zhenniang's words, Tian Ronghua thought for a moment and suddenly smiled. "So, does that mean that slut Chunzhi is now raising a white-eyed wolf? Perhaps in the end, even Chunzhi will be devoured, leaving nothing but bones."

"It's hard to say. Maybe the two of them are in cahoots, a perfect match for each other," Zhen Niang replied with a slight curl of her lips. This matter truly defied explanation.

"I understand," Tian Ronghua nodded, now having a clear idea in her mind.

After a while, she turned to Sun Yuejuan and said, "Sister-in-law, don't worry. Since my second brother and I were the ones who got my elder brother into this mess, I will get him out." Having said this, Sun Yuejuan left as abruptly as she had arrived, without the slightest hesitation.

Sun Yuejuan naturally held no goodwill toward Tian Ronghua. After all, Tian Benchang's current predicament, while seemingly caused by Tian Er, was actually Tian Ronghua's doing—Tian Er simply lacked the cunning for such schemes.

However, now that Tian Ronghua had spoken these words, Sun Yuejuan felt a flicker of hope but also furrowed her brow in doubt. "What can she possibly do? The Xu family now despises the Tian family, and with Third Young Master Xu gone, coupled with the Xu family's current situation, even if they had the intention, they might be powerless to help, right?"

"It's hard to say. Perhaps she has some connections. Let's just wait and see," Zhen Niang said. Tian Ronghua's words were clearly not spoken lightly, though what method she had in mind remained unclear for now.

Sun Yuejuan nodded and then left.

Zhen Niang returned home, where the Li household was bustling with activity. Uncle-in-law Yao Qianshan had already arrived. Seizing a moment of privacy, Zhen Niang asked her uncle, "Uncle, have you found any leads on that matter?"

"Do you know a man named Feng Daniu?" Yao Qianshan asked.

"Yes, I do. He once planned to go into business with my father," Zhen Niang replied.

"Back then, before your father's caravan left Suzhou, someone saw Feng Daniu in the city. He was inquiring about the caravan's departure time and route. Given his background, it's almost certain that he was involved in the incident that befell your father's caravan. Even if he wasn't the one who carried it out, he likely sold the information to the Tatars," Yao Qianshan explained.

"Uncle, since there's already a lead, why hasn't he been arrested? Feng Daniu is currently in Nanjing," Zhen Niang asked, frowning."I've discussed this with Wenqian. Feng Daniu is currently only gathering information. Moreover, as everyone knows, your father's caravan was killed by the Tartars, so there's no direct evidence yet. Besides, behind Feng Daniu stands the Qin family. Marshal Qi's men are currently investigating the Qin family in the north, so it's best not to alert them for now," Yao Qianshan said.

"Mm," Zhen Niang nodded, understanding.

The night passed without incident. Over the next three days, the Li family hosted lavish banquets, and the entire Huizhou Ink Industry was filled with celebration. During these three days, news of Third Young Master Xu drowning after getting drunk spread like wildfire throughout Huizhou.