The Heir

Chaрtеr 84: Моthеr-in-Law and Daughtеr-in-Lаw

"What arе you dоing? Dо уоu rеаlize yоu're trespassing on privаtе prоpеrtу? Dо уou think Nаnjing is sоmе rеmоte mоuntain village in уоur Huizhоu? You countrу bumpkins with no еxpеriеnсе оf thе wоrld, get out! If уоu don't lеаvе, I'll cаll somеоne to аrrеst yоu and throw yоu in jail to eаt рrisоn foоd." Madam Gе, sееing Zhen Niаng аnd hеr grоuр еnter thе gаte withоut hesitаtion, raisеd her еуеbrows аnd shоutеd lоudly. Then shе turned to a slick-loоking young man in thе crowd аnd said, "Тhird Sоn, go tеll Father that someone is causing trouble at home. Have him bring some people to arrest them and send them to jail."

"Yes, big sister," the young man called Third Son responded, scurrying off.

"Wait a moment, young brother. It's better to clarify some things first," Zhen Niang said, standing in the doorway and turning to address Third Son. She then glanced at the neighbors from the surrounding houses who had gathered.

"What's there to clarify? Isn't it obvious? You're trying to trespass on private property," Madam Ge shouted at the neighbors outside. She even incited them, saying, "Neighbors, we people of Nanjing can't tolerate these country folk running wild here, right?"

"Exactly," some in the crowd chuckled.

Of course, most people remained indifferent, keeping their distance.

However, everyone was watching Zhen Niang and her group, clearly curious about what they would do next.

Having experienced the turmoil at the ink workshop, Zhen Niang remained completely calm in this situation.

She touched her nose, deliberately feigning surprise, and said, "I think this Sister Ge hasn't understood the situation. This house, including the five street-facing shops, are all properties of the Li Family Ink Workshop from Huizhou. And this is the Second Madam of the Li Family Ink Workshop. We're just returning to our own home. I don't understand—since when can't one enter their own property?" Zhen Niang pointed at Huang Shi as she spoke, then paused before continuing to address Ge Qiu Jie.

"Sister-in-law, since you are Li Zhengping's wife, I assume you know that Uncle Jingming and Aunt Jingming are members of our Li clan. These properties were merely entrusted to them by Seventh Grandmother for management and care. In the end, you are merely stewards. Since when do stewards forbid the owners from entering their own home? Isn't that turning the world upside down? Nanjing is indeed a grand place, far beyond what our Huizhou can compare to. But precisely because it is the auxiliary capital, shouldn't it uphold reason and justice?"

At this point, Zhen Niang scanned the onlookers again. "I believe those among you who are older should still remember the glorious days of the Li Family Ink Workshop from Huizhou."

"I remember, of course I remember. Back then, I worked as a clerk at the Li Family Ink Workshop. After the workshop encountered trouble, I managed to secure a good job thanks to my experience there," a middle-aged man in the crowd said.

"Old Mo, what's this Li Family Ink Workshop?" someone nearby asked the middle-aged man.

"You don't know? Back then, this entire street was owned by the Li Family Ink Workshop. The workshop had an excellent reputation. Whenever we went out, as long as we mentioned we were from the Li Family Ink Workshop, other merchants would treat us with greater respect," the man surnamed Mo said, patting his chest proudly.

"So, does that mean these properties of Li Jingming really belong to that Huizhou Li Family Ink Workshop?" someone nearby whispered, glancing furtively at Madam Ge."Judging by the looks of it, I'd say it's almost certainly true." Old Mo also lowered his voice. Although he knew about the situation at the Li Family Ink Workshop back then, after all these years, these properties had been managed by Li Jingming, so he didn't know the actual facts. But now, seeing how confident and justified Zhen Niang and her group were, and considering how the Ge family had been exploiting surrounding merchants by relying on Ge Dana's position as a patrol officer, he felt indignant. Instead, he sided with Zhen Niang and her group.

The so-called patrol officers were those who helped the imperial tax bureau collect taxes.

Previously, in Zhen Niang's impression, ancient times did not prioritize commercial taxes. Some historical accounts even claimed that commercial taxes were very low. Therefore, although merchants had low status, making money was easy. However, after experiencing it firsthand and working at the Ink Workshop for a while, she realized that the Ming Dynasty's commercial taxes were actually very heavy, especially in its mid-to-late period.

To name just a few, shop owners had to pay transaction taxes, fixed quotas, door-stall taxes, warehouse taxes, and so on. Sometimes, a single tax category had further subdivisions—for example, fixed quotas could be divided into principal and surplus silver. In short, merchants bore a heavy tax burden. No wonder, in the mid-to-late Ming Dynasty, anti-tax and anti-tax-supervisor movements often spread like wildfire across various regions.

Naturally, the tax commissioners of the tax bureau did not personally collect all these taxes. Instead, they divided tax districts into several sections and appointed patrol officers to collect taxes on their behalf. Those who served as patrol officers were either local wealthy households or leaders of gangs formed by idlers.

It could be said that although the position of patrol officer was lowly, their power was considerable. If they truly wanted to make things difficult for someone, they could even drive merchants to bankruptcy. Therefore, unless absolutely necessary, merchants absolutely dared not offend patrol officers.

Of course, if a merchant managed to secure connections with the imperial stores or imperial tribute affairs, the situation would reverse. In such cases, patrol officers not only dared not offend them but would even rush to curry favor.

In the end, it was just another facet of human nature.

At this moment, the onlookers whispered among themselves.

Meanwhile, Madam Ge was bewildered. The reason she had married into the family was precisely because she had her eyes on Li Zheng Ping's family property. Before the marriage, she had even sent people to inquire extensively. Her mother-in-law, Madam Fang, had patted her chest and sworn that all these properties belonged to her family and would be passed down to Zhengping in the future. It was only after hearing this that she schemed her way into the Li family. Now it turned out it was all lies. Had she gone through all that trouble for nothing?

At this point, Madam Ge’s face turned ashen. By now, she no longer doubted the truth of Zhen Niang’s words. After all, once the property deeds were produced, everything would be clear. No wonder, in the half year since the wedding, despite all her efforts to get her hands on the property deeds, she had never succeeded. It turned out they simply didn’t exist.

Thinking of this, Madam Ge gritted her teeth and glared fiercely at Hua'er. "You wretched girl, hurry up and find your parents and your eldest brother for me!"

"Oh..." Hua'er responded and scurried away.

Zhen Niang, however, smiled at the onlookers, then supported Huang Shi and led the way into the house. Er Gou, Ma Shifu, and the others followed closely behind.

Inside the house, there was also a cook called Dao Po, a sixteen- or seventeen-year-old maid named Wu Tou, and a young errand boy named Duan Qi.

At this moment, these three stood behind Madam Ge, watching Zhen Niang and her group with mixed thoughts.

Zhen Niang and the others naturally paid them no mind. This was their own territory, and they were in charge here.Thus, those assigned to tidy the rooms went to tidy the rooms, those responsible for organizing the luggage went to organize the luggage, and those tasked with brewing tea in the kitchen went to brew tea. And so on and so forth. Meanwhile, Zhen Niang accompanied Huang Shi as they rested in the main hall.

Ma Shifu stood guard at the entrance, taking the lead.

The young man named Duan Qi tried several times to rush in, but with a flick of Ma Shifu's hand, he was flung far away. However, Duan Qi was clearly someone who often roamed the streets, agile and nimble. Though flung far by Ma Shifu, he rolled and managed to stand firmly without making a fool of himself.

"They're here, they're here!" At that moment, Hua'er hurried in with Li Jingming, Madam Fang, and Li Zhengping.

"Oh dear! We received the letter early, saying that Second Madam and Miss Zhen would be coming in early spring. We didn’t expect you to arrive so soon, so we weren’t prepared at all. It’s all because of this ignorant wife of mine. We’ve been terribly impolite. Please forgive us, Second Madam and Miss Zhen." From afar, as soon as she entered, Li Jingming's wife, Madam Fang, curtsied and spoke.

Although Li Jingming was also a member of the Li clan, the familial ties were distant. Thus, in terms of status, Li Jingming and his wife were similar to stewards like Steward Shao.

"We arrived earlier than expected. How could we blame Uncle Jingming and Aunt Jingming?" Zhen Niang replied with a smile. Secretly, however, she pursed her lips. Since the letter mentioned they would come in early spring, preparations should have been made after the New Year. How could things be left in such a state until now?

Madam Fang's words were clearly just an excuse.

Zhen Niang quietly observed the members of Li Jingming's household.

Leading the way was Li Jingming, around forty years old, with a touch of frost at his temples. Following closely behind was Madam Fang, who appeared well-maintained and somewhat plump, exuding the air of a prosperous household's wife. However, her eyes darted about, revealing a tendency to scheme. She did not look as destitute as Zhen Niang had imagined, living in a makeshift shelter.

Standing at the back was a young man in his twenties, Li Zhengping, dressed in a blue cloth robe with an abacus tucked under his arm, clearly an accountant from some shop. Yet his expression seemed gloomy and listless.

Meanwhile, Madam Ge swayed her hips as she walked over to Li Zhengping's side. Zhen Niang noticed Madam Ge pinching Li Zhengping's arm several times with force. Li Zhengping looked furious, but when he met Madam Ge's gaze, he twitched the corner of his mouth and turned his face away.

Madam Ge curled her lips into a mocking smile.

"Aunt Jingming, you’re too polite. It’s nothing serious, except we almost couldn’t get through the door," Huang Shi spoke up at this point. Huang Shi’s maiden family was also a prominent Huizhou woodcarving household. Although she usually focused solely on woodcarving, it didn’t mean she lacked capability. On the contrary, her words were soft but carried a hidden edge. She didn’t miss the opportunity to make her point.

The Second Madam of the Li family returning to her own property and almost being unable to enter—this was no light reprimand.

Upon hearing Huang Shi’s words, Li Jingming moved his lips. He was an honest man; otherwise, Old Madam Li would not have entrusted the family’s property to him in the past.

But at this moment, Li Jingming didn’t know what to say. He felt ashamed, and with the many scandals that had occurred in his household over the past year, he had no face to speak. Now, he could only look awkward and embarrassed.

Even the usually lively Madam Fang clicked her tongue, unsure of what to say.

"What are you all standing around for? Please, take a seat," Huang Shi added. Some things only needed to be hinted at; there was no need to dwell on them further.Everyone breathed a sigh of relief and took their seats on stools.

"It's been many years since we last met. We've all grown old now," Huang Shi remarked, turning to casual conversation.

"Indeed, indeed. But I think Second Madam looks just the same as she did over a decade ago, not a day older," Madam Fang immediately chimed in.

Huang Shi smiled faintly. "You flatter me. How can anyone not age?" As she spoke, she glanced at Li Zhengping and Madam Ge, then asked with a smile, "When did Zhengping get married? Which family is the bride from? We weren't even notified, making the Li family in Huizhou appear quite rude."

Hearing this, Li Jingming sighed heavily again. Even Li Zhengping's expression darkened.

Li Jingming had his own bitter reasons he couldn't voice.

Ge Qiu Jie had a poor reputation even before marriage, often mingling with troublemakers. How could he approve of such a daughter-in-law? Yet, Zhengping, who was usually steady, had somehow gotten involved with Ge Qiu Jie and was even caught in bed with her. Ge Xunlan was no easy man to deal with—he pressured the Li family, forcing them to make Zhengping marry Ge Qiu Jie.

Since it wasn't a willing match, they naturally didn't bother notifying the Li family in Huizhou.

"Ahem..." Madam Ge suddenly coughed, then looked at Madam Fang.

Madam Fang’s expression turned awkward before she forced a smile and said, "Second Madam, this is all my fault. I thought the journey from Huizhou to Nanjing was too long and didn’t want to trouble you. I planned to send a letter afterward, but then we received your letter, so I thought it’d be better to introduce her in person. Who knew it would lead to such a misunderstanding? As for Qiu Jie, she’s the daughter of Ge Xunlan in this district. She’s usually quite capable and well-liked. Today was truly a misunderstanding."

Though Madam Fang spoke in defense of Madam Ge, Zhen Niang noticed her gritted teeth and felt that Aunt Jingming’s words didn’t match her true feelings.

"Exactly! This really isn’t my fault. Who would let a stranger into their home without question? Second Madam, don’t you agree?" Madam Ge seized the opportunity, not only defending herself but also turning the question back.

"Indeed, ignorance is no crime," Huang Shi replied, glancing at her before sipping her tea.

"But Uncle Jingming, Aunt Jingming, why aren’t you staying at home? Why are you living in a shack by the city wall instead?" Zhen Niang interjected.

At her words, Li Jingming and Madam Fang’s expressions turned grim. Madam Ge choked, nearly sputtering.

"Not at all! It’s just that we knew you were coming, so we wanted to tidy up the house. The place hasn’t been repaired in years, so my in-laws thought it best to fix it up first. They moved out temporarily, and I was planning to stay with my parents for a few days to let the workers come in and renovate," Madam Ge explained, then turned to Madam Fang. "Isn’t that right, Mother-in-law?"

"Yes, yes, exactly," Madam Fang quickly agreed.

Watching this exchange, Zhen Niang recalled how Madam Ge had subtly pressured Madam Fang to defend her earlier. She couldn’t help but wonder—did Madam Fang have some kind of leverage held over her by Madam Ge?

The dynamics between this mother-in-law and daughter-in-law were hard not to read into."That is truly a rare gesture of goodwill from Sister-in-law Jingming. Very well, since it was a misunderstanding, now that it's cleared up, everything is fine. We are all family," Huang Shi said.

"Indeed, indeed," Madam Fang and Madam Ge chimed in from the side.

"I see this house is still quite clean. There's no need to remove the old things. Let it be as it is. You all should move back as well. I've already had people tidy up a few rooms in the rear courtyard. We'll live in the back—it's quieter. By the way, I noticed you've piled up quite a lot of things in the Ink Workshop in the backyard. It would be best to clear them out in the next couple of days. We need to tidy it up and get the Ink Workshop running again," Huang Shi said.

"Of course, of course," Li Jingming agreed.

Beside him, Madam Ge tugged forcefully at Madam Fang's sleeve again.

"Second Madam, I wonder if we could have a bit more time for the items in the backyard Ink Workshop? You know, we've rented out all five shops outside, and some of the tenants have nowhere to store their goods, so they’ve been keeping them in our backyard Ink Workshop. It’s a matter of convenience for them, and we also earn a little extra to cover some miscellaneous expenses," Madam Fang said with a troubled expression.

Upon hearing this, Zhen Niang frowned. The imperial court had designated official warehouses specifically for merchants to store their goods, and this involved warehouse taxes. Generally, merchants shouldn’t have issues finding storage space.

Of course, for small quantities of goods, it might not be necessary to store them in official warehouses for convenience. However, each shop outside had its own storage room in the back, so merchants typically wouldn’t need to rent additional space for storage.

Combining this with Madam Ge’s father’s status, Zhen Niang understood—this could very well involve tax evasion.

"Aunt Jingming, merchants have official warehouses for storing goods. The court investigates this very strictly. I don’t care what method you use—even if you have to refund the money—you must have them move their goods out. This is no joking matter," Zhen Niang said sternly.

"This..." Madam Fang hesitated, words caught in her throat.

"Miss Zhen, rest assured. I’ll make sure everything is moved out by tomorrow," Li Jingming said from the side, shooting a glare at Madam Fang.