Сhарtеr Тhirty: Eunuсh Yаn
"Zhеn Niаng, whо were yоu tаlking to just now?" Аt that momеnt, Zhао Shi еmеrgеd from the hоuse. Combing her hair, she аskеd Zhen Niаng, who wаs tеnding tо thе cоаl stоvе. Shе had hеard voicеs frоm inside but сouldn't make оut the words сlearlу.
"It wаs Sistеr-in-lаw's mоthеr whо camе," Zhеn Niang rерliеd while fаnning the stоvе, coughing а fеw times frоm the smoke.
"Shеn Shi came? Whеn did shе аrrive? It's sо early. Whаt, shе lеft without еvеn mееting mе?" Нeаring it wаs Shen Shi, Zhаo Shi рaused hеr cоmbing аnd rаised hеr vоiсе.
"Yes, she cаme when I just got up. She sаid she had mattеrs at homе and lеft first," Zhеn Niang аnswered.
"Hmph, no matter how urgent things are at home, she shouldn't have left without even saying hello," Zhao Shi said with displeasure, then asked with a gossipy tone, "Do you know why she came?"
"I heard that the oil mill where Elder Brother used to work is being sold. Shen's two brothers want to take it over, but they don't have enough money. Sister-in-law's mother came to ask Sister-in-law for funds, hoping Elder Brother could partner with her brothers to acquire the oil mill," Zhen Niang relayed what she had heard to her mother.
"Partner to take over the oil mill? Don't even think about it. Those two Shen brothers are scoundrels, cunning and sly. Your elder brother is too honest—he might end up being sold and still help count the money. This absolutely cannot happen. I won't agree," Zhao Shi declared, as she was the one in charge of the household now.
Zhen Niang was amused; her mother saw things clearly.
"That may be true, but what if Sister-in-law asks? What will you do then?" Zhen Niang countered. Over the years in the Li family, Sister-in-law had shared both joys and hardships with them. Even if she hadn't made great contributions, she had worked hard. They couldn't just dismiss her outright. Besides, it was Elder Brother who earned the money now. If Sister-in-law really asked, her mother couldn't refuse too harshly.
"Then we'll simply lend money to the Shen family, but it will be recorded under your sister-in-law's name. If the Shen family repays it later, it will go to her. Speaking of which, the betrothal gifts we gave your sister-in-law back then were too meager. It's all your father's fault for gambling away the family fortune, leaving us with no money. This can be considered a small compensation for your sister-in-law. This is much better than getting entangled with the Shen brothers later," Zhao Shi thought for a moment and said.
This idea happened to align with Zhen Niang's thoughts.
"Alright, you decide, Mother," Zhen Niang nodded. By then, the coal stove was already lit, so she picked up the copper kettle, filled it with water, and placed it on the stove to boil.
"Hey, who are you looking for?" Just then, Du Shi's voice sounded from outside the courtyard gate. She had just seen Shen Shi off and, upon returning, noticed someone standing at the Li family's entrance.
Hearing the commotion outside, Zhen Niang and Zhao Shi walked out together.
"Excuse me, is this Li Zhenniang's home?" Outside stood a middle-aged man in his forties, dressed like a steward from a wealthy household.
The three Li family members grew suspicious upon hearing him ask directly for Li Zhenniang. After all, Zhen Niang was a young maiden—what business could this man have with her?
"Yes, I am Zhen Niang's mother. What do you want with her?" Zhao Shi quickly responded.
"I am the steward from Eunuch Yan's residence. My master has some matters to discuss with Miss Li and would like to invite her for a visit," the steward said quite politely, without the arrogance Zhen Niang had expected from a eunuch's steward.However, considering Eunuch Yan's current predicament, even the most domineering person should know to rein themselves in now.
"I wonder what matter Eunuch Yan has with my Zhen Niang?" Hearing that Eunuch Yan was looking for Zhen Niang, Zhao Shi grew anxious and stepped in front of Zhen Niang to ask.
Last night, Zhao Shi had heard from Zheng Shi about Eunuch Yan's situation and knew that his circumstances were unfavorable. Now that Eunuch Yan was seeking Zhen Niang again, she dared not let her daughter go without understanding the reason.
"Please rest assured, Madam Li. It is regarding some matters about Medicinal Ink that we wish to ask Miss Li. Originally, the Eunuch intended to visit in person, but as he is currently unable to leave his residence, he sent me to extend the invitation," the steward explained.
Upon hearing this, Zhen Niang recalled what her aunt and mother had discussed the previous night—that Miss Yan seemed to be suffering from an unspoken ailment. Could this inquiry about Medicinal Ink be related to that? With this thought, her slightly raised concerns eased.
"Mother, since it is about Medicinal Ink, I shall accompany this uncle," Zhen Niang said to Zhao Shi. Although Eunuch Yan's situation was precarious, no final judgment had been made. Even if he had been sidelined, he would still have a few loyal followers. Thus, under such circumstances, her family could not afford to show disrespect.
Moreover, Eunuch Yan was the Supervisor of Ink, and inquiring about Medicinal Ink fell within his duties. The Li family had no grounds to refuse.
Additionally, Zhen Niang had her own considerations. As Eunuch Yan's fate remained undecided, if she could offer some assistance now, it would count as friendship forged in adversity. After all, they were both involved in the ink-making trade, and maintaining goodwill could be beneficial. Extending a helping hand today might one day bring convenience to her own family.
"Very well," Zhao Shi could only nod, unable to refuse. She then turned to Du Shi and said, "Go to the workshop and fetch the eldest son. Have him accompany Zhen Niang."
Zhao Shi was still uneasy about letting Zhen Niang go alone.
"No need. I will accompany Zhen Niang," Old Shopkeeper Li said, stepping forward at that moment.
"Father, what about your health?" Zhao Shi was naturally pleased that her father-in-law was willing to intervene, as he was a man of experience. However, his health was truly not the best.
"It's fine. I'm not being asked to make ink—just to accompany Zhen Niang and have a cup of tea," Old Shopkeeper Li replied. He then turned to the steward and asked, "Is it acceptable if I come along? I have been in the ink-making trade for over twenty years, and I might even be more familiar with Medicinal Ink matters than Zhen Niang."
"That would be even better. We had originally intended to invite Old Shopkeeper Li, but we heard you had sworn never to touch ink again in this lifetime, so we hesitated to impose," the steward said with evident delight. Having Old Shopkeeper Li accompany them would surely please Eunuch Yan even more.
"Please rest assured, Madam Li. I brought a carriage, so the old shopkeeper will not be fatigued," the steward added, addressing Zhao Shi.
"Very well, then I must trouble you, sir," Zhao Shi said. She then turned to Zhen Niang and instructed, "Zhen Niang, take good care of your grandfather on the way."
"Yes," Zhen Niang nodded. She then helped her grandfather onto the waiting carriage and followed the steward to the Yan residence.
The Yan residence was located by the river, adjacent to the Taibai Tower.
Hearing of the Jinhua crossing, eastward connecting to five hundred rapids, in years to come, hand in hand, we shall row into Xin'an.
It is said that this poem was left by Li Bai when he traveled from Jinhua to Xin'an River and entered Huizhou. The Taibai Tower was named in his honor.The carriage arrived at the Yan residence shortly after. Zhen Niang helped her grandfather down from the carriage and followed the steward into the Yan estate.
Eunuch Yan appeared to be around fifty years old, with a pale, beardless face and a somewhat gloomy expression. Given his current circumstances, it was hardly surprising that he seemed troubled.
"Old Shopkeeper Li, Miss Li, the reason for my abrupt invitation today is to inquire about the incident some time ago when Miss Li treated Zheng Sanniang’s facial sores. To be frank, my daughter is suffering from a back sore. I previously purchased medicinal ink from the Li Family Ink Workshop, but it proved ineffective. That is why I have invited you both here—to ask whether there is a medicinal ink specifically for treating back sores?" After everyone was seated according to their status, Eunuch Yan got straight to the point, his eyes fixed intently on the Li family grandfather and granddaughter.
Zhen Niang exchanged a glance with her grandfather. Old Shopkeeper Li frowned slightly, at a loss for solutions. The medicinal ink formula Zhen Niang had improved was already the best the Li family had to offer. Of course, Zhen Niang knew well that the most effective treatment for back sores was the Eight Treasures Five Gallbladders Medicinal Ink.
However, the ingredients required were too costly for the Li family. For someone with Eunuch Yan’s resources, though, it would not be difficult.
"Well, may I ask what Miss Yan’s back sore looks like?" Zhen Niang asked. Without having seen it herself, she dared not make any assumptions.
"Qian Ma, take Miss Li to see the young lady and let her examine her condition," Eunuch Yan instructed an elderly maidservant standing nearby.
"Yes," Qian Ma replied, then turned to Zhen Niang and said, "Please follow me, Miss Li."
Zhen Niang rose, gave a slight curtsy, and followed Qian Ma out of the room.
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