“Here, this is for you.” As Luo Jiu entered, he pressed an ink stick into Zhenniang’s hand before casually carrying his wine to seek out his future father-in-law for a drink, moving through the house with familiar ease.
Zhenniang paused to look at the ink stick in her hand. At first, she paid little attention, but upon careful examination, she was startled – it was a Xiaodaoshi (Little Taoist) ink stick, with a black-robed Taoist figure that appeared to move across it like a fly, resembling a tiny spirit.
Zhenniang still remembered discovering the Luzhou Longbin ink at her Sixth Granduncle’s house. The name “Longbin” originated from Emperor Xuanzong seeing a black-robed little Taoist moving across the ink like a fly, believing it to be the spirit of the ink itself. This was how the name “Longbin” came to be.
The Luo family’s Xiaodaoshi ink was based on this story, personally crafted by Luo Longwen as an antique reproduction. It was said that this ink pioneered the trend of recreating ancient She ink styles and became highly renowned, eventually being collected by Yan Shifan. Later, when the Yan family’s property was confiscated, the ink’s whereabouts became unknown. She hadn’t expected Luo Wenqian to possess one.
Zhenniang couldn’t help but examine it carefully, weighing it in her hand, wishing she had an inkstone nearby to test it.
She couldn’t help but think about how in later generations, only the Chunlü (Spring Green) ink would remain of the Luo inks. If this ink stick survived to those times, what a spectacular sight it would be. Then she laughed at herself – with a lifespan of seventy or eighty years at most, how could she guarantee this ink would survive to future generations?
“Girl, what are you looking at?” Third Master Cheng approached at this moment, his expression somewhat dark and heavy.
Zhenniang handed the ink stick to Third Master Cheng.
“Huh, a Xiaodaoshi ink. This rascal had such a treasure and never showed it to me.” Third Master Cheng said irritably before returning the ink to Zhenniang.
Zhenniang carefully put away the ink and smiled slightly without responding. However, from Third Master Cheng’s tone, she once again confirmed his poor mood – otherwise, he wouldn’t have minded such a matter.
Since Third Master Cheng didn’t elaborate, Zhenniang didn’t feel it appropriate to ask. She carefully stored the ink and called to an assistant to close the door, then led the way.
“I heard the Tian family members who came to Nanjing this time are Second Young Master Tian and Miss Tian?” Third Master Cheng suddenly asked as they walked.
“Yes, we just met briefly,” Zhenniang replied, suddenly understanding that Third Master Cheng’s poor mood might be related to the Tian family.
Third Master Cheng let out a cold snort before striding into the main hall.
Inside, the wine and dishes were already prepared. Once Third Master Cheng took his seat, the meal began.
“My dear brother, you’re late – you must drink a penalty cup,” Old Shopkeeper Li joked.
Unexpectedly, Third Master Cheng maintained his gloomy expression and said to Luo Jiu, “Young Luo, pour me three cups of wine.”
“Right away,” Luo Jiu complied.
After the wine was poured, Third Master Cheng wordlessly downed three cups in succession, stunning everyone present. Old Shopkeeper Li glanced at Zhenniang, who had entered with Third Master Cheng.
Zhenniang shook her head, indicating she didn’t understand the reason.
At this point, Third Master Cheng put down his cup and declared to Old Shopkeeper Li, “Brother, I want to sue Tian Mo.”
Sue Tian Mo? What was Third Master Cheng up to? Zhenniang, sitting beside her Seventh Grandmother, was startled. She turned her head and caught sight of Luo Wenqian, who wore a thoughtful expression. Seeing Zhenniang’s questioning look, he mouthed the words “tribute ink” and “Daoist Yunsung.”
Zhenniang suddenly understood. Years ago, in the tribute ink competition, the Tian family won over the Cheng family thanks to Daoist Yunsung’s “divine judgment.” This had angered Third Master Cheng so much he had coughed blood and remained ill for quite some time. It was his deepest grievance. Now that Daoist Yunsung’s collusion with the Tian family had been exposed, Third Master Cheng naturally wanted to settle this score.
“What are you suing Tian Mo for?” Old Shopkeeper Li pulled Third Master Cheng to sit down.
“Divine judgment is pure nonsense. The loss of my Cheng ink in the tribute ink competition was unjust. Now that that ox-nosed Yunsung has been brought to justice, and Tian Benchang was clearly in cahoots with him, my Cheng family must seek justice,” Third Master Cheng pronounced each word distinctly.
Zhenniang pondered silently. Some situations might seem to offer a way forward, but reality is more complex. Upon careful consideration, she realized that Third Master Cheng’s lawsuit, while nominally against Daoist Yunsung and the Tian family, was effectively targeting the Ink Affairs Bureau. After all, the Bureau had endorsed the divine judgment at the time, so they couldn’t escape responsibility.
Although the current Ink Affairs Official was no longer Master Huang from those days, if one looked into it, the present Official Liu also maintained close ties with the Tian family and would likely face scrutiny. With next year’s tribute ink selection approaching, the Cheng family’s antagonizing the Bureau at this time would bring them no benefit.
This was not good timing.
Sure enough, Old Shopkeeper Li thought for a moment before saying, “Brother, you must think this through carefully. Do you realize you’re not just suing Tian Mo, but the Ink Affairs Bureau as well? Next year is the Bureau’s tribute ink selection – is it worth causing them embarrassment at this time?”
“Whether it’s worth it or not, I’ve made my judgment. I’m going forward with the lawsuit against Tian Mo,” Third Master Cheng stated firmly, then turned to look at Zhenniang. “Girl, what do you think?”
With his words, both Old Madam Li and Old Shopkeeper Li turned to look at Zhenniang.
Zhenniang hadn’t expected Third Master Cheng to ask for her opinion at this moment. She glanced at her Seventh Grandmother and grandfather, who both gave slight nods.
Suddenly Zhenniang understood – regarding this matter, Third Master Cheng, her Seventh Grandmother, and her grandfather all had their standards of judgment. Their asking her opinion might contain an element of testing her.
After some thought, Zhenniang decisively declared, “Very well. Since Master Cheng wishes to sue, we of the Li family shall join him. We support this lawsuit.” Her voice rang clear and strong. This effectively meant the Cheng and Li families would unite in suing the Tian family.
“Excellent, girl. Your Third Master Cheng hasn’t misjudged you,” Third Master Cheng’s face cleared of its previous gloom as he laughed heartily.
“Zhenniang’s decision represents both of us old folks,” Old Shopkeeper Li and Old Madam Li exchanged glances as they spoke.
“Though my Luo family has withdrawn from ink making, as a former tribute ink merchant, and considering that Tian ink’s foundation came from Luo ink, our Luo family also supports this action,” Luo Wenqian stood up and declared.
Third Master Cheng was even more delighted, patting his shoulder repeatedly. They then began discussing the details of the lawsuit.
Zhenniang didn’t need to participate in these discussions. Seeing that her Seventh Grandmother had finished eating, she had a servant prepare hot tea, then helped the elderly woman to sit in the corridor to drink tea, chat, and enjoy the cool air.
“Why did you make that decision? You know that the Li family’s support means we’ll also offend the Ink Affairs Bureau. You know your grandfather and I want the Li family to regain tribute ink rights – aren’t you afraid of disappointing us?” Old Madam Li took a sip of tea and questioned Zhenniang about her earlier decision.
Sitting beside Old Madam Li, Zhenniang gently fanned with a fan and smiled lightly. “If I hadn’t made that decision, that’s when Grandfather and Seventh Grandmother would have been disappointed,” she replied.
“Oh? Are you so certain? Explain,” Old Madam Li smiled with narrowed eyes, her age-trembling hand stroking Zhenniang’s hair.
“If we could persuade Third Master Cheng not to sue, that would be best,” Zhenniang sighed slightly before changing her tone.
“But that’s impossible. Third Master Cheng’s insistence on suing isn’t for nothing – it’s to restore Cheng Ink’s reputation. The divine judgment claimed Cheng’s ink was impure, which was a serious slander. If we don’t take advantage of this moment when Tian Benchang and Daoist Yunsung’s collusion has come to light, the Cheng family will never have another chance. Third Master Cheng sees this clearly – it’s become his obsession, so he must proceed with the lawsuit.”
Pausing briefly, Zhenniang continued, “And if Third Master Cheng must sue, our Li family cannot stand aside. Grandfather once told me what ink represents – it’s not just for writing and collecting, it represents a fundamental principle of heaven and earth: light qi rises to become heaven, heavy qi sinks to become earth.”
Speaking thus, she took out the ink Luo Wenqian had given her and held it up: “The quality of ink should be firm and heavy – this represents earth’s virtue, symbolizing how a gentleman should be both inclusive and principled. The color of the ink should be black with luster, clear but not floating – this comes only after countless refinements, representing heaven’s way, symbolizing how a gentleman should strive constantly for self-improvement. Therefore, our Li family’s support stands on the side of proper principles. We must maintain this stance – otherwise, after divine judgment, who knows what other supernatural claims might arise? So while we’re standing up for Cheng ink now, we’re also protecting future Li ink.”
Zhenniang finished speaking and looked steadily at Old Madam Li.
“Good, very good that you understand these things,” Seventh Grandmother said emotionally, then patted Zhenniang’s hand. “To be honest, I was worried about you before. You seemed too focused on money, placing too much emphasis on profit. Being so young, I feared you might not see some things. Now, your Seventh Grandmother can rest easy.”
Zhenniang felt somewhat embarrassed at Old Madam Li’s words. She scratched her head and said, “Actually, I don’t fully understand these principles yet. My decision earlier, while based on principle, was largely because Third Master Cheng has helped me greatly, and I couldn’t bear to disappoint him.” Indeed, for Zhenniang, the ink business was primarily just that – a business and a family enterprise. She couldn’t think too deeply about the principles and righteousness involved.
Most of these thoughts came from her grandfather’s teachings in her previous life. Her dedication to the ink business was also because it had been her previous life’s grandfather’s wish.
“Mm, that’s also right,” Seventh Grandmother chuckled upon hearing Zhenniang’s honest words.
When Third Master Cheng had asked Zhenniang’s opinion earlier, it had indeed been a test. Zhenniang now managed the Li family’s ink business and had become an important figure in the Huizhou ink industry. While her ink-making skills had already been proven, what about her character and judgment? That’s why Third Master Cheng had posed that question.
Of course, Zhenniang wasn’t fully aware of these implications. Her current thoughts were on preparing thoroughly for another confrontation with the Tian family. The Li family’s position was straightforward – they would deal with whatever came their way.
But for the Cheng family, while the divine judgment was questionable, the allegation of Cheng ink being “impure” could be problematic. If the Tian family could prove any impurity in Cheng ink, the Cheng family would be in trouble. The term “impure” was broad and difficult to defend against – she would need to remind Third Master Cheng to be careful about this.