The Heir

Сhaptеr 68: First Мееting with Wаng Cuiqiao

Веfore сlarifying Li Jinсаi’s intеntiоns, Zhеn Niаng had no immеdiate plans to inform Аunt Jinhuа abоut Mаdаm Su’s situаtiоn.

First, she fеаrеd аlеrting the еnemy prеmаturelу. Second, Аunt Jinhua’s naturе was somеwhаt sоft-hеаrtеd. If Li Jinсai, upоn disсovеring his sсhеme hаd beеn еxpоsеd, plеaded pitifullу and used Brоthеr Run аs levеrage, therе wаs а chаnсе Аunt Jinhuа might rеlent аnd аllow Мadаm Su and the сhild into thе hоusеhold.

Тhаt wаs рreciselу the outcome Zhеn Niang wished to аvoid.

Thus, fоr now, shе wоuld keеp watch without exposing the truth.

The autumn wind grew cooler.

At noon, Zhen Niang had lunch at the Ink Workshop. After the meal, she rested briefly in the small pavilion before heading to the accounting office to review the recent accounts.

In the accounting office, Steward Shao was guiding Li Zhengyan through the bookkeeping.

Li Jingdong paid little attention to financial matters, immersing himself entirely in the ink mold workshop, where he collaborated with engravers and mold craftsmen to develop new carving plate designs.

When evaluating ink, the quality of the ink itself was crucial, but the design of the carving plates was equally important.

However, as part of the Li Family’s Ninth Branch, which held shares in the Ink Workshop, they could not entirely neglect its financial affairs.

Zhenniang’s Eldest Brother and Li Zhengyan, the eldest cousin of the Ninth Branch, were currently in Wuyuan, where they were reportedly thriving. Moreover, Li Zhengyan had not the slightest interest in the Ink Industry. Consequently, Li Zhengyan, the second cousin of the Ninth Branch, who had previously been responsible for collecting pine resin oil at the Luo Family’s pine farm, was transferred to the accounting office.

From then on, the Ninth Branch’s duties in the Ink Workshop would fall to Li Zhengyan.

Therefore, Li Jingdong placed Li Zhengyan in the accounting office under Steward Shao’s guidance to learn bookkeeping. With the older generation in the Ink Workshop advancing in years, it was time to cultivate the younger generation.

Although Li Zhengyan was not as quick-witted as Li Zhengyan, he made up for it with diligence and earnestness, embodying the saying that hard work compensates for lack of natural talent. Steward Shao held him in high regard for this.

At that moment, everyone in the accounting office was focused on their tasks, occasionally exchanging information about the Ink Industry.

“It’s done! It’s done!” Just then, Manager Zheng entered excitedly, followed by Li Jincai.

“Manager Zheng, what’s done? You seem so pleased,” Zhen Niang looked up with a smile and asked.

“Miss Zhen, some time ago, I received news that Manager Sun of Huiyuan Bank intended to purchase a large batch of ink. Considering our Ink Workshop has a significant amount of inventory in stock, I thought of approaching Manager Sun to see if we could secure this order,” Manager Zheng paused briefly.

Zhen Niang listened, recalling the information Er Gou had previously given her about Manager Zheng and Li Jincai frequently visiting Huiyuan Bank. So, they had been busy with this matter. It seemed she had been overly suspicious—this was legitimate business.

However, for such a substantial order, why had there been no prior rumors? If she were the head of Huiyuan Bank, she would have spread the news first, pitting the various ink workshops against each other to secure the best deal.

“Wait, why was there no prior news about this? Besides, the Sun family’s relationship with our Ink Workshop is quite strained. Your plan may be difficult to achieve. Even setting that aside, the Sun family is related to the Tian family. If they need ink, shouldn’t they source it from the Tians?” At that moment, Steward Shao voiced the questions in Zhen Niang’s mind, adding a few more of his own."Father-in-law, you may not be aware, but I learned of the Sun family's news early on. They were planning to announce it publicly later, but I thought once that happened, competition would become too fierce. So these past few days, I've been running to Huiyuan Bank every other day, treating Manager Sun to drinks and listening to music, persuading him with all kinds of arguments. Finally, I managed to convince him not to make the announcement publicly. On top of that, I lowered our ink price a bit so he could profit more—how could he not be tempted? Even if he had any grievances, he wouldn’t turn down money. As for the Tian family, they’re busy with Tribute Ink matters right now and can’t take on this batch. Besides, sometimes it’s harder to do business with relatives—afraid negotiations might fall through and hurt feelings. So today, Manager Sun agreed: the goods can be sourced from our Li Family Ink Workshop." Manager Zheng spoke with some pride.

Ever since he offended Zhen Niang last time, he had been on the defensive everywhere in the workshop. Now, he could finally hold his head high again. He had put in considerable effort for this deal, wearing his legs thin from all the running around.

"But isn’t the Sun family in the banking business? Where will they sell so much ink?" Li Zhengyan asked curiously from the side.

"I’m not sure about that, and it wasn’t appropriate to ask. But since the Sun family can run a bank, they must have their own connections behind the scenes," Manager Zheng replied somewhat awkwardly.

Zhen Niang, however, had an idea about this. The Sun family was backed by Wang Cuiqiao, so clearly, this batch of goods was intended for overseas sales via sea routes. Thus, as Manager Zheng described, this deal was naturally an excellent opportunity.

Still, she found it strange—there was no reason for the Sun family to keep such a large deal under wraps.

"Excellent! You’ve truly done a great service for the workshop this time. Keep up the momentum and finalize this deal. Son-in-law Jincai, please lend a hand and support Zheng Cai as well." Upon hearing this, Steward Shao was also excited, standing up with enthusiasm.

Zheng Cai was Manager Zheng’s given name.

"Steward Shao, you’re too kind. I’m hardly in a position to offer support—I’m here to learn from Brother Zheng Cai. To be honest, I didn’t think much of this deal at first and kept holding things back. The progress we’ve made is entirely due to Brother Zheng Cai’s efforts. He is the workshop’s great contributor." Li Jincai remained as modest as ever, taking the opportunity to praise Manager Zheng, who stood to the side, grinning broadly. Though he tried hard to suppress his smile, his expression was clearly pleased.

Only Zhen Niang narrowed her eyes slightly at Li Jincai’s words. Once this deal was finalized, it would undoubtedly increase one’s influence in the workshop significantly. After all, this wasn’t just about a single transaction—it meant opening up a new sales channel.

Hadn’t Madam Tian repeatedly spoken up for Li Jincai, all for the sake of gaining more influence?

Yet now, with such an opportunity within reach, Li Jincai’s words sounded as if he were trying to distance himself from it.

That didn’t make sense.

"I’ve negotiated as much as I can. Manager Sun said the next step is to discuss it with Miss Zhen." Manager Zheng spoke with some difficulty and reluctance.

If he could have secured the deal entirely on his own, it would have been perfect. But Sun Baiyi insisted that the final key details had to be discussed with Miss Zhen.

Then again, for such a significant deal, it was only proper to negotiate with the person in charge of the workshop.

Steward Shao pondered for a moment, then looked at Zhen Niang. "Miss Zhen, what do you think? Should we..."Zhen Niang thought for a moment and nodded. "Alright, I'll take over this business. Please arrange a meeting time with Manager Sun, Manager Zheng."

Such a major deal. Manager Zheng had already negotiated it to this extent—it would be unreasonable for her not to take it.

To be honest, Zhen Niang valued this business, but there were many suspicious points, especially with Li Jincai on their side and Sun Baiyi on the other, both harboring ulterior motives toward the Li family. With these two entangled, Zhen Niang had to stay fully alert and cautious.

So, the deal would be discussed, but she wouldn’t negotiate with Sun Baiyi. She would go directly to Wang Cuiqiao. As for Sun Baiyi, she simply wanted to see what he was really scheming.

"Understood, I’ll make sure it’s done," Manager Zheng said.

Zhen Niang nodded. As she turned her head, she caught a glimpse of a peculiar delight in Li Jincai’s eyes, which only confirmed her suspicions.

The autumn rain drizzled endlessly. In Huizhou, the autumn rain always carried a chilling bite.

Zhen Niang wore wooden clogs, a lotus-colored padded jacket, dark blue trousers, and a dark blue sleeveless vest embroidered with floral patterns along the edges. The outfit was both dignified and subtly playful. Holding an oil-paper umbrella, she stood on the stone embankment by the river. With the misty rain, the scene took on a unique charm.

She was waiting here for Wang Cuiqiao.

Originally, she had intended to ask Sun Yuejuan to help arrange a meeting with Madam Xu. However, considering that if her suspicions were correct, the matter might implicate Sun Baiyi. She didn’t care about implicating Sun Baiyi—those who scheme should be prepared to be schemed against. But Sun Yuejuan was, after all, Sun Baiyi’s sister, and she didn’t want to cause a rift between the siblings. So, she decided to approach Madam Xu directly instead.

According to the information Er Gou had gathered, Madam Xu enjoyed boating in the rain, which was why Zhen Niang had come here.

In the distance, a painted pleasure boat drifted slowly downstream. From afar, one could see a lady standing at the bow, accompanied by a maid holding an umbrella for her.

The river, the pleasure boat, the elegant lady, and the misty rain—it was truly a picturesque scene.

"Is that Madam Xu on the boat?" Zhen Niang called out as the boat drew near.

"Yes, it is. Who are you, and what is your business?" a maidservant on the boat replied.

"Li Zhenniang from the Li Family Ink Workshop, here to request an audience with Madam," Zhen Niang replied. For a figure who would leave a mark in history, Zhen Niang naturally showed extra respect.

The maidservant whispered a few words into the lady’s ear, and the lady then retreated into the cabin. Shortly after, the boat approached the embankment.

"Miss Zhen, please come aboard. Madam has prepared hot tea in the cabin."

As the boat reached the embankment, a plank was laid across. Zhen Niang stepped onto the boat and followed the maidservant into the cabin. Inside, a graceful lady in her thirties sat cross-legged before a small table, her slender, slightly bony hands skillfully preparing tea.

"Greetings, Madam Xu," Zhen Niang said with a slight bow. It wasn’t that she was putting on airs, but today’s discussion represented the Li Family Ink Workshop. Regardless of Madam Xu’s identity as a Sea Bandit, as the head of Huiyuan Bank, their statuses were equal. Zhen Niang bowed first out of respect for her youth and junior position, but the gesture did not need to be overly deferential.

"Miss Zhen of the Li Family Ink Industry, I’ve long heard of you. Please, no need for formalities. Have a seat," Madam Xu stood to welcome her. This courtesy was not extended to Zhen Niang personally but to the century-old Li family standing behind her.They sat down, exchanged a few casual words, and then moved to the main topic.

"I wonder what Miss Zhen has come to see me about?" Madam Xu asked while sipping her tea.

"Nothing much, just a matter concerning a shipment between Li Family Ink Workshop and Huiyuan Bank," Zhen Niang replied calmly.

Madam Xu’s expression tightened slightly. When had Huiyuan Bank started doing business with Li Family Ink Workshop? She had no idea. Of course, she wasn’t in a hurry to clarify this. She paused briefly before asking, "Oh? What’s the issue? Please go on, Miss Zhen."

"In recent years, Marshal Qi has been clearing out the Japanese pirates and sea bandits along the southeastern coast. Right now, coastal defenses are at their strictest. I’m a bit concerned, Madam Xu, that you’ve chosen this time to set sail. This shipment is quite large. If anything were to go wrong, not only would your losses be immense, but Li Family Ink Workshop would also bear the risk. Most importantly, I don’t see any need to take such a risk at this moment." Zhen Niang stopped there.

The Marshal Qi she mentioned was none other than the famous Qi Jiguang.

After hearing Zhen Niang’s words, Madam Xu looked at her with interest before saying, "Miss Zhen is remarkably perceptive—no wonder you were able to hold up the family business during Li Family Ink Workshop’s difficult times. You’re absolutely right, and that’s exactly what I think as well. So, in the short term, Huiyuan Bank has no plans to set sail. Therefore, I truly don’t know about any transaction between Huiyuan Bank and Li Family Ink Workshop. Could you please tell me what this is all about?" Madam Xu now spoke with a serious expression.

Upon hearing Madam Xu’s words, Zhen Niang showed slight surprise on her face but thought to herself, Just as I suspected. I knew there couldn’t be such a large deal without it being made public—there’s definitely something fishy going on.

If there really were such a big deal, how could Wang Cuiqiao, as the head of the household, not know about it?

"What? You mean you don’t know?" Zhen Niang asked with feigned surprise, then added, "This afternoon, at the hour of the Goat, I’ve arranged to meet Manager Sun in the ‘Bamboo’ private room at Taibai Tower to discuss the details of this deal. If you’re interested, Madam, why not book the neighboring ‘Orchid’ private room? You can listen in and perhaps offer me some advice."

Zhen Niang suggested this because Sun Bai was now a member of Huiyuan Bank. Anything she said might come across as petty, so it was better for Madam Xu to hear it for herself.

"I really should listen in," Madam Xu said with a slightly darkened expression.

With that, the conversation had lost its earlier ease. Everything would have to wait until things became clearer.

"I won’t disturb your leisure any longer, Madam. I’ll take my leave," Zhen Niang said, rising decisively. A maid was waiting to escort her to the shore.

"Not even sixteen yet, I hear. The Li family has produced another figure comparable to the Seventh Madam, perhaps even surpassing her," Wang Cuiqiao murmured to herself as she watched Zhen Niang’s retreating figure.

Clearly, the problem lay within the Li family, but with this explanation from Miss Zhen, it now seemed as if the issue was with Huiyuan Bank. As a result, she even owed this Miss Zhen a favor. How clever!