The Heir

Сhарtеr 89: Lying Low

Аlthоugh Мr. Zоnglin wоre a regrеtful еxprеssion, it was fоrtunаtе thаt hе hаd seen mаny major events aftеr аll. Evеn though hе hаd bееn prоvеn wrоng, it wаs ultimаtelу his own failure tо rеcоgnize the truth, and hе couldn’t blаme othеrs. Тhus, with а miх оf аmusеment and ехasреrаtion, hе pаttеd his forehеаd and lеt it go, sincerеly praising Zhеn Niаng instеad. “Yоu flatter me tоо muсh, Unclе. It wаs mеrеlу а cоinсidenсe,” Zhеn Niang reрlied, still shаking hеr hеad with а smilе. In hеr рrevious life, hеr interest in Han Xizаi’s Night Banquet рainting stemmеd pаrtlу from hеr desire to recreate it using ink techniques.

Moreover, Han Xizai had delved deeply into the art of ink-making. He once invited Zhu Feng, an ink master from Shezhou, to produce ink, establishing the Huasong Hall and obtaining the ink known as Xuanzhongzi. Later, Han Xizai named it “Musk Moon,” a type of ink that became highly renowned among ink products.

Whether in her past or present life, Zhen Niang naturally had to study it.

It was through this that she learned about Han Xizai’s Night Banquet painting, mainly because information transmission in later eras was far more advanced than in this era, where even ordinary news could sometimes be hard to come by.

Next, Zhen Niang listened as her uncle-in-law and Mr. Zonglin discussed some issues in Nanjing’s business world.

The business world in Nanjing could be said to be filled with formidable figures.

However, merchants from various regions often had their own specialized industries. For instance, banks and pawnshops were mostly divided between Huizhou Merchants and Shanxi Merchants.

Restaurants were predominantly run by local influential families, each with its own background and connections—none of them were easy to deal with.

The textile industry mostly came from places like Suzhou, Hangzhou, and Wuhu. Of course, there were also outsiders like Han Yigui, but within the industry, they appeared somewhat isolated and weak.

Medicine merchants mostly hailed from the north…

And so on.

As for the ink industry, which Zhen Niang was most concerned about, it was far from reaching the historical dominance of Huizhou during previous dynasties. Currently, the ink industry in Nanjing was still in a state of chaos.

There were the Yu family from Yixing, the Huang family from Tiantai, the Wei family from Songjiang, and the Zhu family from Yuzhang. Additionally, there were merchants specializing in selling the “Four Treasures of the Study.” In short, the ink industry lacked a clear leader, though among these, the Wei family from Songjiang and the Zhu family from Yuzhang were relatively more renowned.

Especially the Zhu family—during the Yuan dynasty, Zhu Wanjun had been the leader of the entire ink industry.

However, over the years, the Zhu family had also declined. Nevertheless, a starved camel is still bigger than a horse, and the Zhu family still had some foundation.

“However, I heard the Tian family has also come to Nanjing. They are riding on the momentum of Tribute Ink, and now the ink industry in Nanjing is in a state of alarm,” Hu Zonglin said, teasing Zhen Niang a little.

For Li Mo to establish itself in Nanjing, it would have to learn to survive in the cracks.

“What does the Merchant Guild think?” Zhen Niang asked, turning her head slightly.

“Naturally, they are supportive. In recent years, our Huizhou Merchants have gradually risen, while the Shanxi Merchants have suppressed us quite severely. If the Luo Family can truly secure the position of leader in the ink industry, we would be more than happy to see it,” Hu Zonglin said with a laugh.

“Hmm,” Zhen Niang nodded.

“Aren’t you worried? If we support Luo Mo, Li Mo might find it difficult to rise,” Hu Zonglin teased.

“Having a target in front to attract the firepower of the other ink manors isn’t such a bad thing. It allows our Li Family to quietly prosper,” Zhen Niang said playfully.

“This girl is quite witty,” Mr. Zonglin laughed heartily upon hearing Zhen Niang’s words. Upon further thought, it was indeed true—the nail that sticks out gets hammered first.Han Yigui also nodded slightly on the side. No wonder his mother-in-law had sent Miss Zhen to oversee the ink business in Nanjing—this girl was indeed an exceptionally clever person.

Afterward, the group chatted and laughed together.

By evening, Huang Shi returned from Madam Han Li’s place. She called Zhen Niang over to bid farewell, and as expected, Madam Han Li still showed no kindness toward Zhen Niang.

“Your aunt has always been like this; don’t take it too much to heart,” Huang Shi said, seeing Zhen Niang’s awkward expression as they boarded the carriage.

“I’m not taking it to heart, but it’s still a bit embarrassing,” Zhen Niang replied honestly. After all, when you smile and say goodbye to someone, and they ignore you entirely—Zhen Niang didn’t possess the Buddha’s composure, so feeling embarrassed was unavoidable.

“If you find it uncomfortable, you can visit less often in the future. I’ll handle things here with your second aunt,” Huang Shi suggested.

“No need. Uncle-in-law is quite kind, and I’d like to hear more of his advice. As for Aunt, she’s an elder. If I thicken my skin a bit, it’s not like she can throw me out,” Zhen Niang said with a blink.

“You sly girl,” Huang Shi lightly tapped Zhen Niang’s forehead, feeling relieved inside. This girl was truly something.

Later, Zhen Niang shared some of what she had learned that day with Huang Shi.

“I don’t understand these things; you handle them yourself,” Huang Shi said with a smile, then added, “However, you’ve formed some connection with Master Zonglin, and now with your uncle-in-law’s introduction, you should strike while the iron is hot. Bring gifts tomorrow and pay a proper visit.”

“Yes, I understand,” Zhen Niang nodded.

As they talked, they arrived back at the Li residence. The sky had turned dusky, and the lanterns at the entrance were already lit, casting a warm, yellowish glow over the area.

Just then, a face peeked out from inside—it was Ma Sao. Seeing Zhen Niang and the others return, she picked up a windproof lantern and came over to guide them.

As they passed through the front courtyard, they could hear Madam Fang and Madam Ge chatting and laughing merrily. In the candlelight, the atmosphere seemed harmonious and joyful.

After crossing the front courtyard, Ma Sao muttered as she led the way, “The lifestyle here in Nanjing is even more extravagant than in our main branch. In the past, even the old lady would rarely light candles, always using lamp oil instead. Here, they light candles even when it’s barely dark.”

Ma Sao pursed her lips as she spoke, clearly disapproving of Nanjing’s lavish habits.

Zhen Niang also frowned slightly. Compared to Huizhou, the expenses in Nanjing were indeed much higher. However, Nanjing was, after all, the secondary capital, and it wasn’t appropriate to be too frugal in such matters.

“Second Madam, Miss Zhen, you’re back?” Madam Fang and Madam Ge came out to greet them upon hearing the commotion.

Just then, Li Jingming entered with account books in hand. Huang Shi instructed Zhen Niang to stay behind and handle matters first while she returned to her room.

Zhen Niang invited Li Jingming, Madam Fang, and Madam Ge to sit in the hall. As Xiao Ya served tea, Li Jingming reported on the day’s activities at the Ink Workshop’s warehouse: “All the goods from each family have been moved.”

Madam Ge also mentioned the efforts her father had put in that day.

“Good, that’s settled. Tomorrow, you should go to Zheng Fuli and Ma Shifu. There’s much to do in setting up the Ink Workshop, and some materials still need to be purchased. For the next few days, Uncle Jingming, please take them around the various markets here to familiarize them with the area,” Zhen Niang instructed."No trouble at all, it's only right and proper," Li Jingming replied, then added, "By the way, the owners of the grain shop and the goods shop renting our storefronts told me today they want to terminate the lease."

"Oh, has the lease expired?" Zhen Niang asked with a slight frown.

"Not yet, but when they first rented it, they were told they could use the large ink workshop in the backyard for storing goods. Now that they can't store goods there anymore, there's no point in continuing the lease, so they want to cancel it," Li Jingming explained.

"Alright, then refund them the rent we've collected up to the end of the year," Zhen Niang said after a moment's thought. She felt this was a good arrangement—the two storefronts could be kept for their own use.

"But they also want compensation for breach of contract, claiming we breached the agreement first," Li Jingming said somewhat awkwardly.

"Was there a written contract regarding the storage of goods?" Zhen Niang asked, turning her head slightly.

"No," Li Jingming replied.

"Did you promise them verbally?" Zhen Niang continued.

"Not exactly, but..." At this point, Li Jingming hesitated.

"These two storefronts were negotiated by Zhengping's wife. Although it wasn't explicitly stated, the implication was there in the conversation," Madam Fang interjected from the side.

"Then whoever promised them should handle it. Our Li family won't take responsibility," Zhen Niang replied calmly, glancing at Madam Ge.

Madam Ge pursed her lips from the side. "Miss Zhen, that's not right. I was only trying to rent out our family's storefronts. Besides, our rent is higher than others', so we had to offer some benefits for them to agree to rent."

Zhen Niang gave her a faint, knowing smile. "Alright then, have them show me the tax receipts for storing those goods. If the receipts are complete, I'll accept the breach of contract and compensate them accordingly."

Hearing this, Madam Ge twitched her lips, realizing that Miss Zhen was well aware of the inside story. In the end, she would have to bear the financial loss herself. How unlucky! Back then, to secure shares in these two storefronts, she and her mother-in-law had argued endlessly. After finally succeeding, she had hoped to make some extra money, but the arrival of the Huizhou group had thrown everything into chaos.

She had gained no benefits but ended up with a mess on her hands.

With the matter of the breach of contract settled, everyone understood the situation, and there was no need to discuss it further.

Li Jingming agreed to meet with Zheng Fuli and Ma Shifu the next day to discuss setting up the structure for the Ink Manor.

And so it was.

The next day, Zhen Niang seized the opportunity and brought a box of Hundred Herbs Soot Medicinal Ink to formally visit Hu Zonglin at the Huizhou Merchants Guild. This was a necessary courtesy, as their meeting the previous day had been merely coincidental and not an official visit.

Unexpectedly, at the guild, Zhen Niang encountered another familiar face—Qin Yuanshu, the guild president who had once taken her father, Li Jingfu, out of town. Back then, when her father left Huizhou for Suzhou, he had followed President Qin. At the time, President Qin had been the vice president of the Suzhou Merchant Guild, but now, surprisingly, he had become the manager of the Nanjing Merchant Guild.

Zhen Niang had no idea what twists and turns had occurred in between, nor was it appropriate to inquire. Still, meeting an old acquaintance was always a pleasant surprise.

"Uncle Qin, it's been many years," Zhen Niang stepped forward first to greet him."It's really Zhen Niang. Ah, your father... I suppose I owe him an apology." Seeing Zhen Niang, Steward Qin couldn't help but bring up her father, Li Jingfu. It was ultimately a good thing that the prodigal son had turned back, but just as he had returned, before he could prove himself, an accident occurred—always a great pity. Moreover, it was Steward Qin who had originally introduced Li Jingfu to work at that goods firm. And it was precisely this incident that led Steward Qin to leave the Suzhou Merchant Guild and come to Nanjing.

"Uncle Qin, that's not right to say. My grandfather still remembers the help you gave us back then. After all, with my father's bad reputation, who would have been willing to bring him out? That would have taken responsibility. Only you, Uncle Qin, disregarding the need to avoid suspicion, gave my father a hand. As for the misfortune, in this life, who doesn't face disasters and illnesses? It was all just fate, and cannot be blamed on you, Uncle Qin." Hearing Steward Qin mention her father, Zhen Niang first comforted him.

After all, she hadn't yet developed deep feelings for Li Jingfu before he left Huizhou. However, because every time Li Jingfu sent things back, there were always a few pearl flowers and hair ribbons among them, there was still some affection. So, at this moment, Zhen Niang felt a pang of sorrow in her heart.

"Let's not talk about it anymore. Old people like me always say things that are out of place." Seeing Zhen Niang's eyes redden slightly, Steward Qin quickly changed the subject and asked her why she had come.

Zhen Niang then explained that Li Mo intended to settle in Nanjing and had come to pay respects to Hu Zonglin.

"I can help you with the registration procedures, but as for President Hu, it's best if you don't go see him," Steward Qin advised Zhen Niang.

"Why?" Zhen Niang asked.

"Right now, Vice President Wang is competing with President Hu for the position of guild president. I'm afraid it won't be long before President Hu can no longer hold his position. And when that time comes, Vice President Wang will likely become the guild president. He and President Hu are sworn enemies. If you visit President Hu now, wouldn't that offend him? It would be quite disadvantageous for Li Mo's affairs in Nanjing later on," Steward Qin said.

The Vice President Wang he mentioned was none other than Wang Sifang, the owner of Sifang Bank. "Uncle Qin, I only know that the current president is President Hu. According to the rules, I should pay my respects to him. As for other matters, when it's time for the opening, I will naturally send invitations according to the rules," Zhen Niang said. Not to mention she already had some connection with Hu Zonglin, even if there had been none before, she still had to follow the rules and visit President Hu at this time. After all, as long as Hu Zonglin remained in the position of president, she had to act according to the rules—that was the proper way.

Moreover, Zhen Niang knew that although Hu Zonglin's influence had waned due to Hu Zongxian's troubles, by the end of this year, once Emperor Jiajing passed and Emperor Longqing ascended the throne, Hu Zongxian would be rehabilitated. So, Hu Zonglin was merely lying low temporarily.