The Heir

Chaptеr 245: Whаt Was Bоund to Hарреn Finаllу Arrived (Сombined Chapter)

“Is thеrе morе to this stоrу?” Аftеr ovеr а dесаde оf marriage, Zhеn Niаng had lоng since beсome intimаtely fаmiliаr with Luо Wеnqiаn’s tеmрeramеnt. Sеeing thе аmusеd eхprеssiоn on his faсе, she immеdiately undеrstood that thе rеlаtionshiр between this Мiss Liu Susu аnd Тian Веnсhаng wаs fаr morе сomрlicаted than it аpреаred.

“Yеs, thеrе is,” Luо Wenqian noddеd. “A few days agо, Tian Bеnchang wеnt out withоut аn umbrellа. It started raining outside the city, and by chance, Liu Susu and her master were returning from offering incense at a temple outside the city. She gave her umbrella to Tian Benchang. After returning to the city, Tian Benchang inquired about this Miss Liu and offered a hundred taels of gold as thanks, but she refused. Since then, Tian Benchang has been drinking tea at Qingchun Tower for several consecutive days…” Luo Wenqian spoke softly.

This incident had become a romantic tale circulating within Nanjing’s social circles.

Zhen Niang raised an eyebrow. “What does Tian Benchang mean by this? Offering a hundred taels of gold for an umbrella? And when she refused, he goes there to drink tea every day? Has he taken a fancy to that Liu Susu?”

“He’s a man of deep schemes; it’s hard for others to understand him,” Luo Wenqian replied, though he had some inkling that this time, Tian Benchang might have been genuinely moved. However, it wasn’t appropriate to explain this clearly to Zhen Niang, as it was ultimately a matter of the Tian family’s affairs.

“No matter how hard he is to understand, his actions are still humiliating for Yuejuan,” Zhen Niang sighed, feeling somewhat downcast.

Back when Tian Benchang was in dire straits, Sun Yuejuan had stood by him unwaveringly. Because of this, although Tian Benchang was a bit gloomy and scheming, he had always held Sun Yuejuan in high regard over the years. He never took concubines or kept mistresses, never causing Sun Yuejuan any distress.

Once, a business partner gifted Tian Benchang two concubines, but he gave them away to others the very next day. As a result, Sun Yuejuan gained a reputation as a jealous wife.

But Zhen Niang knew this had nothing to do with Sun Yuejuan.

Although this earned Sun Yuejuan the same “jealous wife” label as Zhen Niang, what woman truly cared about such things?

Thus, although Zhen Niang disliked Tian Benchang’s gloominess, she still admired him in this regard, believing he had been loyal and righteous toward Sun Yuejuan.

But now that things had come to this, why not persist? Was marital affection truly so easily disregarded?

“Men—there’s not a single one who isn’t greedy, always wanting more,” Zhen Niang said irritably, painting all men with the same brush. Lately, perhaps due to the impending changes, her emotions had been somewhat unsettled.

“Zhen Niang, that’s unfair. You know I’ve always said I only want to walk side by side with you, accompany you for a lifetime, and watch the sunset together in our old age. You should believe me,” Luo Wenqian gently turned the jade bracelet on Zhen Niang’s wrist, his gaze fixed firmly on her, his resolve unmistakable. He had clearly noticed Zhen Niang’s slight despondency and understood it well.

“Brother Luo… I know. I believe you,” Zhen Niang met Luo Wenqian’s eyes, and the unwavering determination in his gaze instantly grounded her drifting heart. She murmured softly. Although their relationship had always been smooth, after over a decade of mutual support, their deep bond was etched into their very bones and would never change. In truth, even with Tian Benchang, she didn’t believe that over a decade of persistence would be easily abandoned. They would just have to wait and see."Still, what kind of good show is this? In the end, it's us women who suffer."

"I'm not talking about that. This time, Tian Benchang won't find it so easy to get his way. He's been using too many underhanded tricks in the business world lately and has offended quite a few people. There are those who won't stand by and watch him win the beauty. Even Zhengping and the others have agreed to help Liu Susu drive up the price when the time comes, making Tian Benchang lose some money. That fellow has taken plenty of advantages from our Yi Hou Sheng over the years—it's time he paid up." Luo Wenqian chuckled lightly.

"What kind of crooked idea is this? If Tian Benchang plays tricks and the price gets driven up too high, and he backs out, wouldn't Zhengping and the others end up footing the bill?" Zhen Niang immediately clapped her hands and glared. This wasn't a good idea at all. Money was a small matter, but if Zhengping and the others became Liu Susu's patrons, Susu and Qiu Jie would surely raise hell.

Those two cousins would have a hard time then.

Thinking of this, she forced a sarcastic smile and teased, "Maybe that's exactly what they want. They're all scheming, not a single one of them is easy to deal with. Don’t you join in their mischief."

"I'm just watching the show. It's all Zhengping and the others playing around." Luo Wenqian then put on an innocent expression, washing his hands of the matter completely and using Zhengping and the others as scapegoats, showing no sense of loyalty at all.

Zhen Niang burst out laughing. Cousins Zhengliang and Zhengping often said that Wenqian was the most loyal. If they heard this, they’d probably jump with anger.

At that moment, Luo Wenqian took Zhen Niang’s hand, closed his eyes slightly, and said, "This time, Tian Benchang won’t back down. You should know that the mastermind behind this farewell banquet is actually the government’s charity office. In two months, it’ll be time for the election of the Huizhou Merchants Guild president. By then, the support of the prefect will be indispensable. How could Tian Benchang let such an opportunity slip? For something like this, no amount of money is too much to spend." Luo Wenqian spoke as if he had Tian Benchang completely figured out.

This time, Tian Benchang would have no choice but to lose money.

"Serves him right," Zhen Niang scoffed.

The weather in June was sweltering. The previous rainy days had been bearable, but once the skies cleared, the heat became unbearable.

In the afternoon, Zhen Niang had Xing Hua prepare some chilled sour plum soup and moved a table and chairs to the covered walkway in the courtyard. The walkway was breezy at both ends, making it an ideal spot to cool off. She then fetched some rush grass and called Yu Jie Er over, teaching her how to weave it.

As Old Madam Li had instructed in her will, the Li family’s Ink Craft must be passed down from generation to generation.

Yu Jie Er clearly had no patience for it. After learning a few weaves, she pouted and sat there, looking utterly miserable. Liu Jin Sao and Ping’an Sao, watching from the side, felt their hearts ache for her, almost wanting to scoop her up and give her something to eat. But Zhen Niang pretended not to notice. This little girl had been spoiled by the family and had no patience at all—that wouldn’t do. She needed to be tempered a bit.

And ink-making had always been a laborious craft, the kind that could best temper one’s character.

Seeing that her mother was ignoring her, the little girl turned her gaze to Chou Po. Unfortunately, on this matter, Chou Po shared Zhen Niang’s mindset. In the end, Yu Jie Er reluctantly picked up the rush grass again, tears falling drop by drop, her little face the picture of grievance. Truth be told, Zhen Niang’s heart ached terribly at the sight.

How could such a little thing make such a small task seem like the greatest injustice in the world? Zhen Niang didn’t know whether to laugh or cry."Oh, Zhen Niang, what's this act you're putting on? Yu Jie Er is still so young." Just then, Sun Yuejuan entered wearing a water-field patterned dress. Seeing the scene, she teased while picking up Yu Jie Er and planting two hearty kisses on her cheeks.

"Auntie..." Yu Jie Er, taking advantage of the situation, put on an aggrieved face as if accusing her own mother.

"Alright, alright. Xing Hua, take her to wash up. She's turned into a little mess." Zhen Niang waved her hand with a mix of amusement and exasperation. Liu Jin Sao took Yu Jie Er and quickly left.

"Zhen Niang, did you receive the invitation to the Qingchun Lou apprenticeship banquet? Let's go together the day after tomorrow." Watching Liu Jin Sao take Yu Jie Er away, Sun Yuejuan sat down in front of Zhen Niang. Meanwhile, Xing Hua tidied up and brought over tea.

Sun Yuejuan took a light sip of tea, her eyes somewhat shadowed.

"I thought you wouldn't go," Zhen Niang said, looking at Sun Yuejuan.

She wouldn't have said this to anyone else, but she and Sun Yuejuan had been close since childhood. Putting herself in the other's shoes, if this matter had happened to her, Zhen Niang certainly wouldn't have attended.

No mistress of a household would willingly endure the awkwardness of watching her husband compete for another woman.

Sun Yuejuan gazed at the tea leaves swirling in her cup, breathing in the faint aroma. Her face, softened by the steam, appeared somewhat indistinct, and her voice came out dry and strained. "Benchang has treated me with affection all these years. I must give him face. As long as Miss Liu doesn't enter our home, I'll turn a blind eye."

Hearing this, Zhen Niang could only nod. There was no helping it. In these times, wealthy households without concubines or mistresses were rare. To live comfortably, one often had to feign ignorance.

Yet, a strange, indescribable feeling lingered in her heart—a subtle, bitter taste.

June 21st, Qingchun Lou Apprenticeship Banquet.

Before the final competition, a grand opera was performed—the very one Zhen Niang had originally staged to promote Li Mo's Fated Misunderstanding. However, after several adaptations, the plot differed greatly from her original version, and the ending had changed to a joyous reunion.

Zhen Niang and Sun Yuejuan sat in the women's section of the covered walkway, leaning against dark red official's chairs as they chatted quietly.

Just beyond a row of railings, they could see the stage and the main hall across the way.

"How much are you planning to donate today?" Sun Yuejuan asked, leaning close to Zhen Niang while taking another sip of tea. Having seen the opera on stage countless times, she had no interest in it now.

"Just a few old pieces of jewelry—nothing too extravagant, but not shabby either." Zhen Niang opened a small cloth bundle to show Sun Yuejuan what she had brought: a pair of bracelets, a hairpin, and a pendant—mostly items she no longer used.

She wouldn't have minded donating more to a charity, but with Liu Susu involved in this affair, Zhen Niang felt reluctant. Besides, over the years, Wenqian had never failed to make substantial donations. In Huizhou, whether for building bridges, paving roads, or supporting private schools and charities, the Luo Family often contributed the largest sums. In Nanjing, they invested heavily every year. The name "Luo the Philanthropist" was known far and wide across the land.Of course, these matters would inevitably involve Zhen Niang's behind-the-scenes efforts. She wasn't truly seeking the reputation of a virtuous person, but rather aiming to build some goodwill. When Zhang Juzheng eventually faced trouble, a solid reputation could serve as a protective talisman.

Naturally, given these considerations, there was no need for Zhen Niang to stand out at this moment. It was best to remain inconspicuous, blending in with the crowd just enough.

"Mm, I thought the same," Sun Yuejuan said, opening the small cloth bag she carried with her. She showed Zhen Niang the jewelry she intended to donate, which was similar to Zhen Niang's. The two had thought alike and shared a smile.

Just then, the opera reached its conclusion. A long, drawn-out note ended, and the hall erupted in applause.

Afterward, several managers of Qingchun Lou took the stage, followed by the famous courtesan from twenty years ago, Dong Shiniang. She wore an upper jacket and a skirt, her hair styled in a peony bun, her graceful demeanor undiminished by the years. Behind her followed a young girl of about sixteen, dressed in a small lotus-collar blouse and a long skirt that just brushed the floor. As she walked, her three-inch golden lotus feet peeked out. Her hair was styled in a slanted bun, adorned with a goose-yellow hairpin. Her figure was as slender as a willow, and she held a pipa in her arms. With each step, a note or two would occasionally sound from the instrument. Though not forming a complete melody, paired with her graceful movements, it created an effect that stirred men's hearts.

Zhen Niang glanced over and sighed. No wonder Tian Benchang was captivated—this Liu Susu truly possessed the allure to enchant. Beside her, Sun Yuejuan's face paled slightly.

"This Liu Susu is indeed a beauty. Look at the men in the hall—their eyes are practically glowing with greed," a few women whispered among themselves.

"What does it matter if they're greedy? Liu Susu already has an owner," interjected a woman with a peony bun hairstyle nearby. She was the wife of Wang Dafu, a merchant from the Qinhuai area.

"Really? But it hasn't even started yet. How can she already have an owner?" the previous speaker asked curiously.

"You don't know, do you? Tian Benchang from Tianji has taken a fancy to Liu Susu and is determined to win her over at any cost this time," the woman replied smugly. "I always say, there's no cat that doesn't crave fish. It's just that some are pickier and haven't met the right one yet."

"Mrs. Wang, what kind of talk is that? It hasn't even started, and you're jumping to conclusions. Just because your husband loves to stray, you wish all men were like him? We're all from the same streets of Nanjing—everyone knows each other's business. You should spend more effort keeping your husband in check instead of making such degrading remarks." Just then, a voice cut in.

Ge Qiu Jie and Zhao Susu walked over. Ge Qiu Jie had always been somewhat sharp-tongued, and there was nothing she dared not say.

Mrs. Wang, stung by Ge Qiu Jie's blunt words, turned pale with anger. Not long ago, Wang Dafu had redeemed Yan Gu, the popular courtesan from Yiyue Lou, and bought a house on Sanshan Street to keep her as a mistress. When Mrs. Wang found out, she refused to let it go and led a group to ransack the house, causing a scandal that became the talk of the town.

Thus, when Ge Qiu Jie spoke now, Mrs. Wang had no retort. She was left speechless with rage.

"Sisters, come sit over here," Zhen Niang called out to them with a hidden smile. Even Sun Yuejuan, who had been displeased by Mrs. Wang's earlier remarks, now squinted with amusement.Ge Qiu Jie and Zhao Susu sat down. Zhen Niang looked at the items they intended to donate, which were quite similar to her own—indeed, they had all chosen a moderate approach. The women exchanged knowing smiles.

“I thought you might not come,” Zhen Niang said to Susu and Ge Qiu Jie.

“How could we not? I’m well aware of your cousin Zhengshen’s little schemes. I came to keep an eye on him. If he embarrasses me, I’ll make a scene right here. If he shames me, I won’t spare his dignity either,” Zhao Susu replied, half-jokingly.

Just then, the main event in the hall began. Sun Yuejuan’s back straightened involuntarily. Zhen Niang knew that although Sun Yuejuan claimed not to care—saying she would turn a blind eye as long as Tian Benchang didn’t bring anyone home—how could she truly be indifferent?

The bidding commenced. Stewards from various families came forward one after another to submit their masters’ bids on stage.

Then, the manager of Qingchun Lou began announcing the offers.

“Scholar Yang bids three hundred taels.”

“Master Cheng bids four hundred taels.”

“The head of Li Ji Foreign Goods bids five hundred taels…”

This Li Ji Foreign Goods was Li Zhengping’s import business. Hearing the manager’s announcement, Ge Qiu Jie muttered irritably but didn’t pay it much mind. At this stage, the bids were largely symbolic, meant primarily as donations to the charity house and to show respect to the prefect’s wife. Most had little to do with Liu Susu herself.

…

Before anyone realized it, the price had risen to two thousand taels—an unprecedented sum.

Now, the competition on stage was between a merchant surnamed Lu from Shanxi and Tian Benchang. Everyone else had dropped out at one thousand taels.

“Tian Ji bids two thousand two hundred taels.”

“Master Lu from Shanxi bids two thousand four hundred taels.”

“Tian Ji bids two thousand six hundred taels.”

“Master Lu bids two thousand eight hundred taels.”

“Tian Ji bids three thousand taels…”

By the time it reached three thousand taels, the hall had fallen silent. At that moment, the teacup in Sun Yuejuan’s hand suddenly crashed to the floor with a clatter, but the sound was drowned out by the bustling atmosphere.

“Yuejuan, perhaps you should go speak to Tian Benchang. Tell him you won’t accept this…” Zhen Niang said, unable to hold back as she saw Sun Yuejuan’s face turn as pale as paper.

“No.” Sun Yuejuan gritted her teeth and shook her head firmly. She gripped Zhen Niang’s hand to steady herself, then leaned weakly against the back of the armchair.

Zhen Niang felt Sun Yuejuan’s grip tighten painfully.

“Master Lu withdraws,” the manager announced regretfully from the stage. He continued, “Tian Ji bids three thousand taels. Any higher offers? If not, today’s debut banquet for Miss Liu Susu will be enjoyed by Master Tian.”

Just then, another steward hurried onto the stage. Immediately, all eyes turned to him. Zhen Niang frowned slightly as she recognized him—he was the steward of Yan Xilai, the chief manager of Yi Hou Sheng Money Shop.

The manager excitedly announced, “Shopkeeper Yan of Yi Hou Sheng bids three thousand six hundred taels.”

The hall fell into complete silence.

“Shopkeeper Yan of Yi Hou Sheng bids three thousand six hundred taels. Any further bids?” the manager asked eagerly once more.

Suddenly, Tian Benchang stood up.

As he rose, Sun Yuejuan finally succumbed to the pressure and stood as well. The two gazed at each other across the railing, silent and wordless. Then, Sun Yuejuan turned and prepared to leave.At that moment, Tian Benchang’s clear voice echoed through the main hall: "Tian Ji withdraws. Congratulations, Manager Yan."

Sun Yuejuan, who had been about to rush away, halted in her tracks, disbelief washing over her. No one understood better than her how deeply Tian Benchang had fallen for Liu Susu this time, nor how determined he was to secure the position of guild leader. So why had he suddenly given up?

"I withdraw. Congratulations to Manager Yan on winning the beauty’s favor." Tian Benchang’s voice rang out even more clearly now. Then he walked over, crossed the veranda, and stopped beside Sun Yuejuan. "Let’s go home," he said, taking her hand and leading her away.

"What about the guild leader position…" Sun Yuejuan murmured as she followed behind him.

"It’s fine. At worst, I’ll just donate a bit more to the charity house tomorrow," Tian Benchang replied indifferently before escorting Sun Yuejuan straight out.

That day outside the city, with the ancient road lined with green willows, the fragrant carriage carrying a beauty, paper umbrellas in the misty rain—Tian Benchang had indeed been captivated by Liu Susu. Her image had lingered in his mind these past few days, compounded by the competition for the guild leader position. So this time, he had truly come with unwavering determination. In fact, just moments ago, when he stood up, he had intended to challenge Yan Xilai once more. But facing Sun Yuejuan, he couldn’t help but recall those days in prison. No one had remembered him then—only Sun Yuejuan had brought him meals every day, and each time she visited, she would take out a comb and gently smooth his hair. In that moment, he realized the uncontrollable longing he had felt for Liu Susu was gone. Tian Benchang was no saint, but there were some things one must hold onto. Though he had wavered before, now, looking at Sun Yuejuan’s smile, he was grateful he had stayed true.

Zhen Niang watched their retreating figures, knowing that at the last moment, Tian Benchang had still chosen Sun Yuejuan. Of course—what was over a decade of devotion compared to a mere chance encounter and an umbrella?

In the end, it was Yan Xilai who secured Liu Susu’s debut banquet, and from then on, he became her patron.

"Who would have thought? Yan Xilai is usually so quiet, but he really showed some nerve today—three thousand six hundred taels! Seems his wealth runs deep," remarked the dispersing crowd in Qingchun Tower, their faces etched with astonishment as the outcome settled.

"Of course his wealth is substantial. Do you know how Yi Hou Sheng made its fortune? Through gold mines in the north, owned jointly by several sworn brothers. Yi Hou Sheng isn’t Luo Jiu’s alone. Yan Xilai’s wealth may not match Luo Jiu’s, but that’s only because Luo Jiu has long enjoyed the support of Minister Zhang and Minister Qi, allowing him to overshadow the others," some explained.

Hearing this, Zhen Niang couldn’t help but frown. Yan Xilai had never been the type to splurge extravagantly. His sudden move today felt puzzling—was he truly infatuated with Liu Susu?

Just then, Luo Wenqian emerged alongside the Li brothers. Seeing Luo Wenqian’s furrowed brow, Zhen Niang asked, "Brother Luo, what’s with Manager Yan’s actions?"

"After all these years of cooperation, he’s finally made his move," Luo Wenqian replied expressionlessly.

"What do you mean?" Zhen Niang pressed.

"News just came—Minister Zhang passed away yesterday," Luo Wenqian said.

At that moment, the once-clear sky suddenly darkened. Streaks of purple-gold lightning flashed across the horizon, followed by the rumble of thunder.It's going to rain again. With floods in Jiangnan, drought in Shanxi, earthquakes in multiple regions, and the mutiny in Hangzhou, the Great Ming Dynasty has long been in troubled times.

As bean-sized raindrops began to fall, Luo Wenqian shielded Zhen Niang as she boarded the carriage.

"What connection does Yan Xilai's actions today have with Minister Zhang's death?" Inside the carriage, listening to the sound of the wheels, Zhen Niang finally gathered her thoughts to ask.

"The current prefect is a man of Wang Siwei, and the prefect's wife is a sister from Wang Siwei's wife's clan. After Minister Zhang passed away, the one who stepped up was Lord Wang," Luo Wenqian said.

The shifts in the officialdom brought about a reshuffling in the business world, but it was unexpected that Yan Xilai was the first to harbor such intentions.

He had remained quiet all along, but upon learning of Zhang Juzheng's death, he seized the opportunity in one swift move, acting quickly and precisely.