The grand opening banquet at the Li family business had been quite a spectacle, with one prominent figure after another making their appearance. It had given everyone plenty to talk about in the days that followed.

But as the festivities ended and the excitement died down, it was time to settle back down to business.

Zhenniang understood clearly that despite all the distinguished guests who attended the Li family’s opening day, most of them had no real connection to the Li family.

Hu Zonglin had already been marginalized in the Huizhou Merchants’ Association, though he seemed content with his leisurely lifestyle these days. His support for the Li family might extend a little further due to his connection with Uncle Han, but even then it was limited. For Li Mo, it simply meant having one more friend and thus one more potential path forward.

And this was among the better relationships they had.

As for Wei the God of Wealth, while he was indeed a leading figure in the Nanjing business world, he was also extremely proud. A family like the Lis wouldn’t normally catch his attention. He had only made an appearance out of respect for Wang Cuiqiao. If he even remembered the existence of Li’s Ink Shop in Nanjing afterward, that would be something. Should the Li family ever need to ask for his help, unless there was profit in it for him, he would likely dismiss them outright.

Zhenniang was crystal clear about this.

As for General Qi, his presence in Nanjing was merely because he happened to be recruiting soldiers in Yiwu. Luo Wenqian had donated half of his northern gold mine revenues to Qi’s army, and even the recruitment expenses in Yiwu were largely funded by Luo Wenqian. Thus, his appearance at the Li family event was simply a courtesy to Luo Wenqian. Zhenniang knew to attribute this favor to Luo Wenqian’s account, as General Qi had no real connection to the Li family. This fact wouldn’t have escaped the notice of the other guests present.

Regarding Li Fuquan, though he was to be the future Imperial Concubine’s brother, Zhenniang recalled from her previous life that historical records about Imperial Concubine Li never mentioned such a brother. This could either be because he was too insignificant to note, or more likely. After all, Imperial Concubine Li never publicly acknowledged their relationship.

Setting aside other matters, historically, Imperial Concubine Li had been quite sensitive about her humble origins, even going so far as to claim she was a reincarnation of the Nine-Lotus Bodhisattva during the Wanli period.

Therefore, Zhenniang suspected the latter possibility was more likely.

Looking at the current situation in Prince Yu’s mansion, the Prince himself maintained a very low profile due to Emperor Jiajing’s suspicions. As for Madam Li, despite her noble title, her background as a palace maid meant she kept a very low profile in the Prince’s household, even though she had borne him a son. The fact that she had arranged for Li Fuquan and his wife to settle in Nanjing rather than Beijing spoke volumes.

Though Li Fuquan held the position of general manager at Furong Pavilion, he was merely a figurehead manager, likely following Madam Li’s instructions. It seemed he was content to simply live as a wealthy gentleman of leisure.

Zhenniang saw that Madam Li’s strategy was likely twofold: ensuring her relatives could live comfortably while possibly keeping them as a backup plan. Whether this would prove useful remained to be seen.

At present, she probably just hoped Li Fuquan and his wife would avoid trouble and live peacefully. Those in Nanjing hoping to curry favor would likely be disappointed, as the couple would continue to maintain their low profile.

Therefore, while Li Fuquan made an appearance, Zhenniang remained clear-headed about their position. The medicine given on the boat and Li Fuquan’s attendance at Li Mo’s opening ceremony could be considered an even exchange, leaving neither side indebted to the other.

That evening, under the oil lamp, watching the sparks fly, Zhenniang shared her thoughts with Old Madam Li.

“Good, it’s important that you see these things clearly,” Old Madam Li sighed with relief. “Li Mo’s development depends on solid work, not on seeking patronage. As for connections and favors, remember – they’re best kept in hand. Once used, they lose their sweetness. So regardless of the relationship or favor, it’s best not to use them, and certainly not to rely on them.”

Tomorrow, she and Li Jingming’s family would return to Huizhou. After several days of bustling activity during the opening, she had worried that Zhenniang might get caught up in it all and overestimate the Li family’s position. The Li family remained just the Li family, regardless of the appearances of General Qi, Wei the Millionaire, Li Fuquan, and others.

She had feared Zhenniang might become too proud, which would lead to a painful fall. Fortunately, their conversation before departure showed the girl still had her wits about her.

“Yes, I understand,” Zhenniang replied earnestly.

“By the way, we’re leaving for Huizhou tomorrow, but I’m leaving Hua’er with you. You only have Xiaoya, which isn’t enough help. Hua’er is clever – if you train her well, she’ll be a great asset to you,” Old Madam Li added.

“I understand.” Zhenniang nodded. Hua’er was indeed quite capable and clever; she had earned quite a bit in dowry money that day, and the girl often showed good judgment.

After chatting about other matters, Old Madam Li, being elderly and having to travel early the next day, retired early.

After leaving Old Madam Li’s room, Zhenniang called for Ma Sao to carefully organize some gifts to be taken back to Huizhou. She also inquired about the carriages and tomorrow’s boat schedule, only retiring after everything was properly arranged.

The night passed quietly.

The next morning, several carriages departed from the Li residence. Zhenniang and Hua’er accompanied the group, escorting Seventh Grandmother and Li Jingming’s family to the dock.

Outside Jubao Gate, the Qinhuai dock was busy with coming and going carriages, and the boats moored at the dock appeared to overlap in layers when viewed from the side. The air was filled with the constant sounds of hawkers and touts.

As it wasn’t yet time for the Huizhou-bound boat to depart, Zhenniang supported Old Madam Li as they stood at the bow watching the dock’s scenery.

“Be careful, all of you! This is my entire capital – if you drop anything in the water and ruin the raw silk, I’ll skin you alive!” A woman’s voice could be heard scolding nearby. A boat not far away was unloading cargo.

The voice sounded familiar to the Li family members. Looking over, they saw it was Sister Ge Qiu, directing a group of men unloading bags of cargo.

From the packaging, the external markings, and Sister Ge’s shouting, everyone could tell the cargo was raw silk. Sister Ge Qiu had started trading in raw silk.

Li Zhengping peered over with furrowed brows, his sleeves gathered: “What’s she doing? Why has she started trading raw silk? Those waters run deep – she’s being too reckless.”

“How is that any of your business? Mind your affairs,” his mother Madam Fang snapped before he could finish.

“I was just saying…” Li Zhengping’s expression turned sheepish after his mother’s rebuke, rubbing his nose. He was indeed meddling unnecessarily – he no longer had any connection to Sister Ge Qiu, and besides, she wasn’t one to listen to advice anyway.

Hua’er giggled secretly.

“Everyone into the cabin – the boat’s about to leave!” the boatman called out.

The Li family group entered the cabin. Hua’er’s eyes reddened, and after receiving some final instructions from Li Jingming, she followed Zhenniang off the boat. They waved until the boat gradually disappeared from view before turning to head back to the Li residence.

On the way, Hua’er remembered Ugly Po’s request for her to buy needles and thread, so she parted ways with Zhenniang to go shopping.

Zhenniang walked alone. The streets alongside the Qinhuai River were always shrouded in a light mist in the morning. After walking for a while, Zhenniang felt her forehead becoming damp and a chill settling over her body. She wanted to run but knew it would draw unwanted attention, so she simply quickened her pace.

On both sides of the street, shops were starting to open, with apprentices sweeping their doorways. In the distance, at a baozi shop, Luo Jiu was holding a bamboo steamer, eating xiaolongbao with his fingers instead of chopsticks. The xiaolongbao in Nanjing were particularly tasty, but Luo Jiu didn’t know how to eat them properly. As soon as he bit into one, the soup splashed out, causing him to shake his scalded hand.

Watching this, Zhenniang remembered her first time eating xiaolongbao in her previous life, which had been similar and couldn’t help but laugh.

“Has Old Madam Li’s group left?” Luo Jiu asked lazily, leaning against a pillar, completely unabashed about his earlier clumsiness.

“Yes,” Zhenniang nodded.

“Haven’t eaten breakfast? Try some.” Luo Jiu offered the steamer of buns, his eyes twinkling mischievously, thinking this Xiaolongbao would be unfamiliar to someone from Huizhou.

Seeing his expression, Zhenniang knew he was up to something. She raised an eyebrow and looked at the xiaolongbao, then at Luo Jiu, before carefully picking up one with her two index fingers.

Though xiaolongbao was still uncommon in Huizhou at this time, with most shops only making large buns and mantou, they had been extremely common in her future life, being one of the most popular snacks.

“Lift gently, move slowly, first make a window, then drink the soup” – these steps were all too familiar to Zhenniang. She narrowed her eyes, first carefully bit a small hole in the wrapper, then sipped the delicious soup before eating the rest of the bun in one bite, clean and efficient.

“Ah, you didn’t fall for it!” Luo Jiu looked disappointed.

Zhenniang glared at him, then couldn’t help looking a bit smug. How could someone as clever as her fall for such tricks?

They both laughed.

Just then, they heard screams from up the street. Soon after, a group of people hurried past, led by the Third Miss of the Tian family, followed by workers from the Tian Ink Shop carrying a door panel. Tian Er lay on the panel, his face pale, his right leg bloody and twisted unnaturally – broken.

Zhenniang watched as the group hurried past. Strange, wasn’t there a medicine shop right next door? Why weren’t they stopping there?

“I heard Tian Er once kicked and injured Manager Li Fuquan?” Luo Jiu asked suggestively.

Zhenniang nodded.

“Heh, Third Miss Tian shows good judgment. Breaking Tian Er’s leg before apologizing to Li Fuquan – given Li Fuquan’s nature, this should resolve the matter without leaving any loose ends,” Luo Jiu remarked.

Zhenniang nodded, thinking this was likely the case.