The Heir

Сhарter 251: A Lifetimе оf Moving Fоrward (Grand Finаlе аnd Соngrаtulations tо Yuanyu Zhi Mo for Bесoming thе Alliаnсе Lеadеr оf Тhis Воok)

With а splash, the tоwеl in Zhen Niаng’s hand fell into thе basin, sending wаrm droplеts flуing. Вut Zhеn Niаng раid no mind to it, hеr fаcе fillеd with аnxiеty аs shе turned to hеr сousin аnd asked, “Why did Wеnqian suddenly gо tо bеat thе Petition Drum?”

Аs shе sрokе, Zhеn Niаng hurriеd intо thе housе, instruсting Xing Нua tо fetch Unсle Liu Jin tо рrеpаrе thе сarriage. Shе then retrieved a stаck of banknоtes from а chеst in thе inner rоom. Beating the Petition Drum was no trivial matter—anyone who did so would first receive thirty strokes of the court rod. She wasn’t sure what use the banknotes would be, but it was always better to be prepared.

By the time Zhen Niang stepped out of the house, Xing Hua had rushed over to inform her that the carriage was ready outside.

Zhen Niang motioned for Li Zhengshēn to board the carriage.

Li Zhengshēn followed Zhen Niang out of the Luo residence and into the carriage. He instructed the coachman, “To the Office of Transmission.”

The carriage set off, and only then did Li Zhengshēn recount the events in detail: “Wenqian said that Zhang Cheng now controls the Eastern Depot, and no one else dares to intervene. This time, Zhang Cheng is determined to use these exchange notes to implicate Minister Zhang. Meanwhile, some officials in the court are eagerly awaiting the Yi Hou Sheng case. It’s said they’ve already drafted memorials, waiting for the right moment to submit them and denounce Minister Zhang. In short, everyone in the court has their eyes fixed on the Yi Hou Sheng case. Wenqian said that as low-ranking individuals, we have no say in court affairs, but this matter concerns the survival of Yi Hou Sheng and all of us. He has no way out. The only option now is to risk his life and beat the Petition Drum. Fortunately, the Left Transmission Commissioner of the Office of Transmission is now Hai Rui. Wenqian is betting on Hai Rui’s integrity. If Hai Rui can take charge and produce the exchange notes seized from Feng Bao’s residence for Yi Hou Sheng to verify their accounts, Yi Hou Sheng can clear its name, and Minister Zhang might also find temporary peace.” Li Zhengshēn’s expression was grim as he spoke.

Listening to her cousin’s explanation, Zhen Niang understood that Wenqian had been pushed to the brink and had no choice but to take this desperate step.

Still, she couldn’t help worrying. Thirty strokes of the court rod were no easy ordeal.

“Let’s stop by the Li Family’s Ink Manor and bring Physician Gong along.” The Luo residence was located on Sanshan Street, not far from the official street. Taking a slight detour wouldn’t delay them, and bringing Physician Gong might allow him to treat Brother Luo’s injuries if the opportunity arose.

The coachman turned onto the official street, and soon the carriage stopped in front of the Medicine Hall. Physician Gong was an old acquaintance of the Li family. Upon hearing the situation, he acted with a healer’s compassion, unafraid of being implicated. He grabbed his medical kit and boarded the carriage.

The carriage then sped straight toward the Nanjing Office of Transmission.

The responsibilities of the Office of Transmission included issuing imperial decrees, conveying public sentiment, overseeing official documents, and reporting petitions, grievances, or accusations of injustice from the people across the land.

Hai Rui had been dismissed from office for over a decade. Now, he was once again serving as the Left Transmission Commissioner. Historically, he would not have been reinstated for another year, but due to the major weaving scandal years ago, Hai Rui arrived in Nanjing over a year earlier and was similarly dismissed from office ahead of schedule. A chain of events followed, and now he had been reinstated over a year earlier than in history.

In the early morning, Hai Rui washed up and sat at the table. His breakfast consisted of a bowl of plain congee, a plate of stir-fried tofu, and another plate of scrambled eggs—the only eggs laid by a single speckled hen, a rare treat for Hai Rui."Sir, you didn't sleep again last night." Beside him, an old servant who had followed Hai Rui for many years helped him adjust his official robes while chattering.

"Getting old, can't sleep anymore." After finishing his porridge, Hai Rui wiped his graying beard with a handkerchief, his brow furrowed. What kept him awake was the Yi Hou Sheng case now implicated by Feng Bao. Since everyone in the court was focused on this matter, he naturally couldn't be an exception, especially since it was under Nanjing's jurisdiction.

Of course, he only pondered the case without paying much attention to it. Whether it was Feng Bao or Yi Hou Sheng, in his eyes, their vast wealth was extracted from the common people. Yi Hou Sheng might claim to be implicated, but they were not entirely innocent either. Besides, the case wasn't in his hands, so he merely thought about it without delving deeper.

All he sought was to do a bit more for the people in his remaining years.

After breakfast, Hai Rui went to the front office for duty.

Just then, Wang Zhishi, a subordinate of the Left Transmission Office, hurried in and nearly collided with Hai Rui.

"What's the matter, so flustered?" Hai Rui's dark face showed no expression, but his tone carried a hint of reproach. He believed in remaining unshaken even if Mount Tai collapsed before him and naturally looked down upon those who panicked at the slightest trouble.

"Luo Wenqian, the former head of Yi Hou Sheng, has struck the Petition Drum," Wang Zhishi reported.

Hearing this, even Hai Rui, known for his composure, couldn't help but be momentarily stunned. It had been many years since the Petition Drum was last struck. Since the capital was moved, Nanjing's Petition Drum had long become a mere decoration. Who would have thought Luo Wenqian would strike it now?

After only a brief moment of distraction, Hai Rui said sternly, "Since someone has struck the Petition Drum, follow the rules. Administer thirty strokes of the court rod first, then accept the petition."

"Sir..." Wang Zhishi quickly interjected. There was no doubt Luo Wenqian struck the drum for the Yi Hou Sheng case, but this case was being handled by the Eastern Depot. Intervening would only invite trouble. Besides, if he wanted to strike the Petition Drum, he should have gone to the capital to do it. Nanjing's Petition Drum was essentially useless. In Wang Zhishi's view, there was no need to accept this matter.

"I said follow the rules. Open the court, administer the rod, and accept the petition," Hai Rui said with a cold expression.

Wang Zhishi inwardly cursed his luck. How could he have forgotten that this man was famously out of step with the times? There was no choice but to go out and arrange for the petition to be accepted.

Soon, news of Luo Jiu of Yi Hou Sheng striking the Petition Drum spread like wildfire throughout Nanjing.

When Zhen Niang arrived, the gates of the Transmission Office were wide open, and several bailiffs were escorting Luo Wenqian into the main hall.

A crowd of commoners had also surged inside. The thirty strokes of the court rod served as both a disciplinary measure and a deterrent to others. Otherwise, if everyone with grievances struck the Petition Drum, the entire order of governance would be thrown into chaos. Not everyone had the courage to endure thirty strokes.

"Brother Luo..." By the time Zhen Niang entered, the bailiffs had already begun the punishment. After just a few strikes, blood seeped through Luo Wenqian's pale undergarments. Onlookers couldn't bear to watch and turned their faces away.Zhen Niang simply gritted her teeth, crouching before Luo Wenqian, one hand tightly gripping his. The man’s forehead was already beaded with sweat, yet he still grinned at her. Zhen Niang’s tears flowed uncontrollably, and she clasped his hand even tighter.

“Zhen Niang, don’t worry. I’m quite sturdy,” Luo Wenqian said, already somewhat dazed after thirty heavy strokes, yet still forcing a smile.

The fool was just being stubborn. Zhen Niang stamped her foot anxiously as Physician Gong stepped forward to tend to Luo Wenqian’s wounds.

A bailiff tried to intervene but was waved off by Hai Rui. Hai Rui still remembered Li Zhenniang vividly. This young woman from the Li family—though her actions sometimes raised eyebrows—her spirit and determination earned his respect.

Thus, this time, when Zhen Niang arranged for Luo Wenqian’s wounds to be treated, he did not stop her.

Still in the main hall, Luo Wenqian’s injuries could not be thoroughly attended to—only emergency treatment was given. Following procedure, Luo Wenqian then submitted his petition.

Hai Rui took the petition and examined it carefully. It requested the Office of Transmission and Yi Hou Sheng to verify the origins of those drafts. This was reasonable; in Hai Rui’s view, even without Luo Wenqian’s petition, such verification was necessary.

Thus, the petition was accepted. However, striking the Petition Drum was a serious matter. Even Luo Wenqian could not return home; until the matter was clarified, he had to remain in the Office of Transmission—a form of detention.

“Your Honor, my husband is injured. I beg you to allow me to stay and care for him,” Zhen Niang pleaded, kneeling with a thud beside Luo Wenqian and addressing Hai Rui in the hall. How could she leave Brother Luo alone in the Office of Transmission in such a state?

“You two are a devoted couple. Very well, you may stay. But remember the rules: remain in your quarters and do not wander about,” Hai Rui said, glancing at Li Zhenniang.

“Yes, Your Honor,” Zhen Niang nodded eagerly. As long as she could stay with Brother Luo, even living in a cell was nothing.

Hai Rui then waved his hand, instructing the bailiffs to escort them away.

After the court session, Luo Wenqian and Zhen Niang were taken to two old rooms in the backyard of the Office of Transmission, guarded by dedicated personnel outside the courtyard.

Zhen Niang carefully helped Luo Wenqian lie face down on the bed, then pressed her cheek against his shoulder and back. Her unsettled heart finally found solace. No words were needed; after so many years, husband and wife were already deeply connected.

“Don’t worry, we will get through this,” Luo Wenqian said, turning his head to gently kiss Zhen Niang’s brow.

“Of course we will,” Zhen Niang replied, her eyes curving like crescent moons, just like Yu Jie Er.

In the following days, Luo Wenqian rested and recovered with Zhen Niang by his side, while Hai Rui began gathering evidence. First, he had all the sealed account books from Yi Hou Sheng’s branches delivered in batches. Then, he negotiated with the Eastern Depot and the court, demanding access to the drafts seized by Feng Bao.

And so, the matter grew ever larger."This Hai Rui is like a stone in a latrine pit—both foul and hard." Inside the Imperial Guards office, Qian Siwu was stomping his feet in agitation, while Zhao Shun merely stroked his chin in deep thought. These two were the Eastern Depot officials in charge of the Yi Hou Sheng case, both belonging to Zhang Cheng's faction. They had originally hoped to achieve a great merit and demonstrate their loyalty to Eunuch Zhang, but unexpectedly, the situation was growing increasingly complicated.

"Lord Zhao, why don't we start by extracting a confession under torture and close the case as settled? I refuse to believe Hai Rui can still turn things upside down," Qian Siwu cursed angrily.

"What do you know? Let me tell you, if there's even the slightest doubt that Hai Rui can seize upon, he will indeed turn things upside down. Hai Rui's recent reinstatement is because the Emperor wants to make use of his reputation. He has just been reinstated—how could the Emperor dismiss him now? That would be like slapping his own face," Zhao Shun retorted somewhat impatiently.

"Then are we just going to let Hai Rui stir up trouble? With him meddling, our case simply cannot proceed," Qian Siwu complained.

"If it can't proceed, then don't proceed," Zhao Shun said bluntly.

"Ah..." Qian Siwu hadn't yet grasped the meaning.

Zhao Shun merely sneered and replied, "This is Eunuch Zhang's intention." With that, he turned and walked out, hands clasped behind his back. In his heart, he understood clearly: with so many bank drafts, if they were to thoroughly investigate each one's origin, how many people would be implicated? It could very well trigger another political earthquake at court. There was no need for them to get entangled in such matters. The best approach now was to distance themselves and let Hai Rui handle it—after all, he wasn't afraid of offending people.

With no further obstruction from the Eastern Depot and others, the entire investigation progressed much more quickly.

Just before the last two days of the year, the bank drafts seized from Feng Bao were delivered to the Nanjing Office of Transmission, while the account books from various branches of Yi Hou Sheng had already arrived earlier.

Next, the managers of Yi Hou Sheng's branches began cross-checking the accounts alongside the clerks from the Office of Transmission.

This year, Zhen Niang and Luo Wenqian had no choice but to spend the New Year at the Office of Transmission.

On New Year's Eve, firecrackers crackled outside one after another. Zhen Niang wrapped dumplings and shared a simple New Year's Eve dinner with Luo Wenqian. Earlier, she had sent two bowls to Lord Hai, but unfortunately, he refused to accept them, so she had to bring them back.

"Two bowls for each of us," Zhen Niang said, pushing two bowls of dumplings toward Luo Wenqian. Then, looking at the two bowls in front of herself, she couldn't help but chuckle happily.

"Can you really eat that much?" Luo Wenqian raised an eyebrow skeptically.

"I'll try," Zhen Niang replied, glancing sideways at him with a smile. Most of it was just broth anyway. In the end, though, Zhen Niang couldn't finish both bowls—she only managed one and a half, and the remaining half bowl naturally ended up in Luo Wenqian's stomach.

"I wonder what Lin Ge Er and Yu Jie Er are doing?" At night, listening to the firecrackers outside, Zhen Niang nestled in Luo Wenqian's arms. Before the New Year, she had already arranged for Lin Ge Er and Yu Jie Er to be taken back to Huizhou.

"Missing them?" Luo Wenqian chuckled softly.

Zhen Niang shot him a sidelong glance—wasn't that obvious?

"It won't be long now. A few days ago, I heard from Lord Hai that the accounts and bank drafts have all been delivered. All that's left is the verification," Luo Wenqian said with a smile.

"Mmm," Zhen Niang nodded.

Outside, the firecrackers continued to crackle intermittently.

Sure enough, once the fifth day of the New Year had passed, the accountants and clerks in the yamen returned to duty early and resumed tracing the origins of the bank drafts.

A few days later, the origins of each bank draft were gradually uncovered."This draft was issued by the Shizhou branch. It was drawn in the second year of the Longqing reign, donated for the construction of a charitable hall in Shizhou Prefecture, and bears the official seal of the Shizhou Prefectural Office."

"This one was issued by the Huai'an branch, donated to the Huai'an River Commissioner for building dams and sluice gates. It was drawn in the fifth year of the Longqing reign."

"This one was issued in the second year of the Wanli reign, when floods and droughts struck Huaiyang in Shanxi. It was issued by the Yi Hou Sheng headquarters to purchase grain for disaster relief."

"Hmm, this one is from the third year of the Wanli reign. It was donated by Yi Hou Sheng for dredging and building embankments during floods in Southern Zhili and Zhejiang. The Yingtian Prefecture has records on file."

"This one is from the fourth year of the Wanli reign. It was donated to the Ministry of Works for repairing the Great Wall."

"Ah, this one was issued by salt merchant Wang Gande through Yi Hou Sheng to purchase salt vouchers... The Salt Administration has records on file."

"This one is from the ninth year of the Wanli reign, when heavy rains caused disasters in Yangzhou. It was issued by the Yangzhou branch of Yi Hou Sheng and donated to the Yangzhou Prefectural Office for building charitable estates."

...

As each draft was verified one by one, the officials from the Office of Transmission looked at Luo Wenqian with a different expression. Among all the drafts, some were issued by various merchants themselves, but a significant number were issued by Yi Hou Sheng itself, all for charitable donations.

When these were cross-checked with the accounts of various local government offices, they matched perfectly.

By this point, everything became clear.

Not only was Yi Hou Sheng free from suspicion of bribery or acting on behalf of Minister Zhang, but it also revealed to everyone the charitable deeds Yi Hou Sheng had carried out over the years.

Righteousness as the foundation, virtue to sustain all things, and endless vitality—this was the business philosophy of Yi Hou Sheng.

At this point, even Hai Rui couldn't help but feel moved. Yi Hou Sheng truly exemplified the model of a virtuous merchant.

However, Hai Rui’s admiration was mixed with anger. These were donations Yi Hou Sheng had made over the past decade, though they were only a portion of the total, not the entirety. Yet all of them had ultimately ended up in Feng Bao’s hands. How could Hai Rui not be enraged?

Thus, Hai Rui summoned the spirit of his past act of carrying a coffin to submit a memorial, submitting three memorials in succession, directly targeting corruption in the court and the flaws in eunuch oversight.

After all, the reason Feng Bao had obtained these drafts was precisely because they were tributes embezzled by eunuch tax collectors and overseers in various regions.

As a result, the entire court was thrown into chaos by these three memorials.

Some who had originally been waiting to impeach Zhang Juzheng realized that this time, they might have shot themselves in the foot. After all, court relationships were complex and intertwined, and it was uncertain which thread might connect to themselves. Thus, they began self-inspections and self-corrections one after another. For a time, the atmosphere in the court was refreshed, an unintended but positive outcome.

In the following period, affected by this incident, three officials of the fifth rank or above were demoted, five officials of the seventh rank or above were demoted, and two were dismissed from office. As for the unranked clerks involved, their numbers were too many to count.

In short, this was undoubtedly an earthquake in the officialdom.

Of course, all of this had nothing to do with Li Zhenniang, Luo Wenqian, or even Yi Hou Sheng.

Due to this incident, the investigation unexpectedly uncovered Yi Hou Sheng’s charitable deeds. To commend Yi Hou Sheng, the court had the emperor personally inscribe the characters "Yi Hou Sheng."

From then on, Yi Hou Sheng had overcome its greatest challenge.

On the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, Zhen Niang helped Luo Wenqian walk out of the Office of Transmission.

Outside, the wind was gentle, the sun was bright, and spring light shone brilliantly.

………………On the twentieth day of the first lunar month, Luo Wenqian and the imperial son-in-law Li He stood shoulder to shoulder outside the Imperial Guards office. Before long, Mo Lao Da and Gu Pao Zi were escorted out by Zhao Shun, the Thousand Households of the Imperial Guards.

"Hmm, where's Fourth Brother?" Luo Wenqian asked, not seeing Yan Xilai.

"Old Fourth left ahead of us. He said he couldn't face you. Besides, he wants to make his own way in the world, which is a good thing," Mo Lao Da laughed heartily.

Hearing this, Luo Wenqian said nothing more. Although time had passed, the entire incident had created a rift between Yan Xilai and Luo Wenqian. It was unlikely they could cooperate as closely as before. Perhaps this was for the best—it might preserve some of their brotherly affection. The unpleasantness would fade with the wind, while their bond would deepen and grow more profound over time. Someday, they could still share drinks and laughter together.

"This time, I almost misunderstood Fifth Brother as well. I apologize to you, Fifth Brother," Mo Lao Da then said with a cupped-hand salute. If he hadn't sought out Third Brother to learn the truth of the matter, he too would have wrongly suspected Luo Wenqian.

"Haha, we're brothers! There's no need for such formalities, Big Brother. Come, let's go to my home for a drink. Zhen Niang has been preparing food and wine since morning," Luo Wenqian said cheerfully.

Mo Lao Da and Gu Pao Zi were straightforward men and didn't dwell on the matter further. They clamored about wanting to taste their sister-in-law's cooking and drink a few extra cups.

That evening, the feast ended, and everyone returned home in high spirits.

The next morning, at the hour of Chen, the newly refurbished sign of Yi Hou Sheng was hung high once more. A gentle breeze swept by, causing the triangular banner beside it to flutter vigorously in the wind.

The commercial culture of Yi Hou Sheng—rooted in loyalty and righteousness, upheld by virtue, and perpetuated through generations—along with its mercantile spirit of empowering the poor with skills, encouraging the wealthy to benefit their communities, and inspiring the accomplished to aid the world, was deeply ingrained in the hearts of its people.

"Zhen Niang, do you think the Emperor will still target the Zhang family?" Luo Wenqian asked, his breath tinged with the scent of wine.

Zhen Niang remained silent, but in her heart, she understood: history would always march forward with unwavering steps.

She also knew that the confiscation of the Zhang family's property, due to the sealing of their gates, had led to the starvation of over ten people by the time the seals were lifted—a tragedy of the utmost cruelty.

Winter passed, and spring arrived. It was the twelfth year of the Wanli era.

The secondary consort of the Prince of Liao, Lady Wang, submitted a memorial accusing Zhang Juzheng of embezzlement, claiming that when the Prince of Liao's mansion was raided, tens of thousands of gold treasures from the estate had all ended up in Zhang Juzheng's possession. In the end, Emperor Wanli issued an edict to confiscate Zhang Juzheng's estate. The local officials of Jiangling registered the household members and sealed the gates.

At that moment, not far from the entrance of the Zhang residence, a couple dressed in coarse hemp clothes, appearing honest and simple, set up several large pots by the roadside. Using rice mixed with chaff, some vegetable roots, and water drawn from a well, they began to cook porridge.

"You two, why are you cooking porridge here?" the Jiangling official, having just sealed the gates and stationed soldiers around the Zhang residence, found the couple's behavior suspicious and demanded an explanation."Sir, a few years back, our hometown was hit by a flood. My wife and I begged our way to the Zhang family, and it was the old lady of the Zhang household who gave us a meal that saved our lives. We don’t understand what crime Minister Zhang has committed, but the old lady is a good person. Now the Zhang residence has been sealed, and everyone is locked inside. We don’t know how they’ll manage their daily meals. My wife and I received the old lady’s great kindness that day, and we dare not forget it even for a moment. We have nothing else to offer, just this bran rice and vegetable root porridge. It may be humble, but it’s our heartfelt gesture, allowing us to repay the old lady’s life-saving meal." The man spoke earnestly, his reasoning simple yet sincere.

However, the Jiangling magistrate remained unmoved and waved them away, saying, "Step aside. This is a matter of state affairs, not something you can meddle in."

"Sir, I believe it would be a noble gesture to grant them this wish. It would surely become a tale of virtue," said a middle-aged man dressed as an accountant, stepping forward and bowing to the Jiangling magistrate. He was an old acquaintance—Luo Ping An, the chief manager of the Jiangling branch of Yi Hou Sheng.

"Oh, it’s Manager Luo. What brings you here?" This Yi Hou Sheng was, after all, the financial pillar of Jiangling.

"I will not hide from you, sir, that there is some connection between this Zhang family and our Yi Hou Sheng. Our head was somewhat concerned, so he sent me to take a look." Luo Ping An spoke honestly, after all, such matters could easily be verified. Truth be told, the reason Yi Hou Sheng was not implicated this time was precisely because back when it was involved in Feng Bao's case, it was thoroughly investigated from top to bottom, which actually cleared it of all suspicion. Moreover, with the Emperor's inscription, naturally no one would dare target Yi Hou Sheng again.

In this world, fortune often hides within misfortune, and misfortune often relies on fortune.

As Luo Ping An spoke, he added, "I heard that you are planning to repair the city walls this year. Our Yi Hou Sheng will donate one hundred thousand taels." Then, lowering his voice further, he said, "It's just a few pots of vegetable root porridge, nothing much. The people's desire to repay kindness is also a testament to the court's teachings. Besides, the court only ordered the confiscation of the Zhang family's property, not their lives. After all, this is the family of a renowned prime minister and a ten-year imperial tutor. If lives were lost, it might stir unrest in the court, which would be undesirable."

Luo Ping An's words were reasonable and well-founded, and on top of that, he pledged a donation for the city wall repairs. Of course, more importantly, if lives were truly lost, the magistrate of Jiangling felt he might not be able to bear the consequences. In the end, he nodded and left a small gate for the Zhang family, assigning two soldiers to deliver the porridge cooked by the couple into the Zhang residence each day.

The couple cooking the porridge both smiled kindly. Needless to say, they were none other than Luo Wenqian and Li Zhenniang in disguise.

And all of this, including Luo Ping An's appearance, had been arranged by them in advance.

"Brother Luo, did Lady Zhang truly show you kindness with a meal?" Zhen Niang fanned the stove fire with a fan, the flames reflecting on her flushed face.

"Indeed, it is true. Back when I traveled north from Huizhou and passed through Jiangling, I received a meal from the old lady. However, such a small matter was likely never on her mind." Luo Wenqian murmured, his heart filled with countless emotions.

It was a pity that some things were simply beyond one's power.

A few days later, Zhang Jingxiu, the eldest son of the Zhang family, took his own life in the Imperial Guard Office, sending shockwaves throughout the court.

A renowned prime minister and a ten-year imperial tutor had met such an end. Some who had been watching could no longer hold back, and officials like Shen Shixing finally stepped forward. The Emperor then ordered the Zhang residence to be unsealed, leaving the estate to support Zhang Juzheng's mother, but many of Zhang Juzheng's brothers, sons, and nephews were exiled to the borderlands.

As for the Zhang family members confined within the residence, they were fortunate to survive on the vegetable root porridge. Though life was difficult, they all managed to pull through. To others, this might seem insignificant, but to them, it was like breaking through the storm and dark clouds to welcome a clear, bright sky.

However, the couple who had cooked porridge outside the Zhang residence day after day vanished without a trace, never to be seen again.

...

Late summer, Luo residence in Huizhou.

After dinner, the Luo family gathered under the grape trellis in the courtyard to enjoy the cool evening air.

Chou Po reclined on a lounge chair, her eyes half-closed. Yu Jie Er and Er Gou's child, Xi Ge Er, nestled beside Chou Po, while Lin Ge Er sat on a stone railing nearby, holding a book in his hand and lifting his face slightly to catch the evening breeze. The young boy exuded a sense of ease.

"Great-aunt, tell us again about the World's Finest Ink," Yu Jie Er pleaded, shaking Chou Po's hand in a sweet, coaxing tone.

"Yes, Great-aunt, tell us quickly," Xi Ge Er chimed in.

"Alright, I'll tell you," Chou Po murmured.Thus, from the unexpected death of the Ninth Master of the Li family that year, when Li Zhenniang first took charge of Li Mo, to Nanjing, to the tribute disputes, to the passing of the Eighth Master, to Li Zhenniang winning the title of World's Finest Ink for the Li family in the Ink Competition, and finally, to the Seventh Mistress of the Li family setting fire to the Li family's fake Ink Repository and perishing together with the Japanese pirates, all the way to the towering and majestic Loyalty and Righteousness Memorial Archways.

In this way, one grand scene after another slowly unfolded before everyone.

"I want to learn ink-making," Yu Jie Er said, clenching her fists after hearing all this.

"Ink-making is very hard," Chou Po muttered.

"I'm not afraid of hardship," Yu Jie Er insisted, her fists still clenched.

"Good, then starting tomorrow, Chou Po will teach you..."

...

Not far away, Zhen Niang and Luo Wenqian listened to Chou Po's conversation with the children and exchanged a smile.

"Let's go, let's take a walk," Luo Wenqian said to Zhen Niang.

"Mm," Zhen Niang nodded, then linked arms with Luo Wenqian.

On the embankment of the Xin'an River, willow branches gently swayed.

Li Zhenniang walked side by side with Luo Wenqian, behind them the long, ancient bluestone street, the slanting sunset casting their shadows long and longer.

We walk side by side, together for a lifetime.

—The End—