With tomorrow’s ink delivery to the Princess’s mansion—and more importantly, the account books—weighing on her mind, Zhenniang found herself unable to sleep.
She was the type who couldn’t rest with worries on her mind. That night, she drifted in and out of consciousness. In the late hours, she had a nightmare where Ge Qiu and Li Zhengping were executed—the executioner’s blade fell, separating their heads from their bodies. She woke with a start.
Her heart still pounding, she patted her chest, consoling herself: “People say dreams are reversed omens. If something happens in a dream, reality must surely be peaceful and safe.”
Outside, Xiaoya heard movement in the courtyard and lifted the curtain to enter. “Miss Zhen, are you awake?”
“Yes, what time is it?” Zhenniang asked.
“Just reached the Yin hour. Still an hour before the Mao hour. Miss should try to sleep more,” Xiaoya said.
“Mm, you go rest too,” Zhenniang responded. Xiaoya quietly slipped out.
Lying back down, Zhenniang worried about delivering the ink. She wondered if Luo Wenqian had truly arranged everything as her father claimed. What if the Princess refused to acknowledge it?
Her heart grew anxious.
Then she slapped her forehead forcefully. Things had already come to this point—what use was there in overthinking? She would do her best. With this thought, her heart settled somewhat.
Still unable to sleep, her mind wandered to wondering who had killed Huang Lang.
From Brother Zhengping’s letter, it was clear they hadn’t killed Huang Lang. Moreover, with the account books already causing trouble, if Ge Qiu had killed Huang Lang, Li Zhengping would have no reason to hide it.
Though Ge Qiu killing Huang Lang would have been illegal, it would have been understandable—after all, Huang Lang had caused Ge Dana’s death in prison.
But Brother Zhengping’s letter had stated clearly: when Ge Qiu found Huang Lang, he was already dead.
So who had killed Huang Lang?
Wei Baiwan had been suspicious, but though he had the motive to kill Huang Lang, he had arrived too late. Otherwise, there wouldn’t have been any issue with the account books.
At this point, Zhenniang’s thoughts turned to Ge San’er, whom she’d seen yesterday. His foolish behavior, pushing someone into the water—though such actions weren’t surprising. Ge San’er was only fifteen and somewhat simple-minded. Ge Qiu had always treated her brother well, so it was natural for him to defend her when that woman spoke ill of her.
But Zhenniang recalled how Ge San’er had declared with absolute certainty: “My sister isn’t a murderer. Huang wasn’t killed by my sister.”
What made him so sure? Of course, a simple mind’s reasoning couldn’t be judged by normal standards.
Zhenniang scratched her head, thinking.
Soon it was the Mao hour, and Zhenniang got up. Xiaoya brought in hot water, and after washing up, Zhenniang entered the ink workshop through the corner door in the back courtyard.
Originally, the back courtyard workshop had been connected to Zhenniang’s wooden house, but after hiring many workers, they sealed the original workshop door, leaving only the corner door guarded by Chou Po. They had opened a new main door at the back of the workshop for the workers’ use.
This arrangement gave the Li family compound a character-品-shaped layout. The upper opening faced Official Street with the ink shop’s storefront. Of the two lower openings, the left contained the residential area, divided into front and middle courtyards—the front for male family members and shop managers, the middle containing Zhenniang’s wooden house. The right opening housed the ink manufacturing area.
Zhenniang, accompanied by Xiaoya carrying a lantern, entered the workshop through the back corner door. In winter, the Mao hour was still quite dark.
A large cart waited at the workshop’s main entrance, flying a small flag embroidered with the Li Ink trademark.
Zheng Fuli was directing workers loading cargo. Seeing Zhenniang approach, he came forward: “The cargo’s almost loaded. We’ll depart at the Chen hour.”
“Good,” Zhenniang nodded, then added, “Put up the small flag for the Princess’s birthday ink as well.”
Zheng Fuli slapped his forehead: “Look at my forgetfulness! Miss Zhen thinks of everything—using the ink delivery to promote Li Ink’s reputation. I’ll get it right away.”
Zhenniang smiled faintly without speaking. Her reason for flying the Princess’s birthday ink flag wasn’t just for reputation—she was also guarding against unexpected trouble. Though everyone’s attention was on Li Zhengping and Ge Qiu, it didn’t hurt to watch out for Li Ink as well.
There was nothing wrong with being cautious, especially when it could help promote their brand.
By the Chen hour, the rain remained fine and dense—typical spring rain in these parts.
The Li household set off firecrackers—it was auspicious to deliver birthday ink to the Princess’s mansion.
“Master merchant, delivering ink to the Princess’s mansion? Congratulations on your prosperity!” Just as they left the street entrance, they encountered Master Ma and several servants patrolling the street, familiarizing themselves with the shops’ situations for tax collection.
“Happy New Year, Master Ma. Yes, we wouldn’t dare delay the Princess’s matters,” Zhenniang smiled, removing her bamboo hat.
Recently, with two consecutive patrol officers meeting violent deaths at Jubao Gate’s Official Street, various supernatural rumors have captured the public imagination. People spread the word that the position of patrol officer in this area was cursed.
As a result, Master Ma had been personally collecting taxes in this area lately.
However, on such a rainy day, right at the Chen hour, Master Ma was already here—he must have left very early. Why such diligence? Though Zhenniang couldn’t be certain, she had her suspicions. Her extra preparations hadn’t been in vain.
At this moment, one of Master Ma’s servants was about to speak but was stopped by Master Ma’s hand.
“Since it’s the Princess’s business, don’t delay. Hurry along,” Master Ma said to Zhenniang.
“Yes, following Master’s instructions,” Zhenniang bowed slightly, then put on her bamboo hat and continued on.
“Master, didn’t you say we should inspect the Li family’s goods? Why didn’t you let me stop them?” After the cart was far away, the servant who had tried to speak earlier asked Master Ma.
“Are you blind? Couldn’t you see the Princess’s insignia?” Master Ma glared at him.
The servant boy scratched his head embarrassedly. “My apologies, I cannot read.” Upon hearing it was from the Princess’s mansion, he shrank his neck, not daring to say more.
“Hmph.” Eunuch Ma snorted. He had come so early because someone had paid him handsomely to inspect the goods entering and leaving the Li family’s business, claiming to be looking for some ledger.
Originally, inspecting goods was his duty at the tax office, and there was profit to be made. The Li family would likely have to bribe him anyway, so why not? But now that the Li family was operating under the Princess’s birthday ink banner, openly investigating them would only invite trouble.
Meanwhile, Zhenniang had arrived at the Princess’s mansion. The carriage naturally couldn’t use the main entrance, as it couldn’t climb the steps, so they used the side entrance instead.
“What’s wrong with you? Go, go, go! Do you think this is some declining household? This is the Princess’s mansion – we don’t have any unwanted old goods here. Leave now, or I’ll have someone force you out!” At the side entrance, they saw a man wearing a felt hat, bowing and scraping, being berated by the guard.
The man timidly retreated to the side.
“Sir, aren’t you the vendor from Langfang Market?” Zhenniang found him familiar – she remembered purchasing the ancient Yu Miwa ink from this man. At the time, she had gotten quite a bargain.
“Ah, it’s you, young miss! I remember you bought something good from me back then.” The man squinted at Zhenniang for a moment before recognizing her. That incident had left a deep impression, though his expression still showed some lingering regret.
“Lai Quan, why are you still here? Go home quickly, your second daughter has fainted again. You need to take her to the physician!” At this moment, a woman hurriedly came over and called out to the man.
“Sister-in-law, we can barely afford food at home. How can we afford a physician?” Hearing this, Lai Quan crouched down holding his head, looking distressed. His daily earnings were meager, and with his daughters falling ill one after another, the family was struggling.
Zhenniang, listening from the side, immediately took out her money pouch and handed Lai Quan a silver ingot. “Brother, take this money to treat your child. Also, selling like this isn’t sustainable. If you’re willing, you can come sell ink at my Li Mojin shop. I can give you goods on credit.”
“This… this… young miss, how could I?” Lai Quan stared at the snow-white silver ingot in his hand, dumbfounded.
“Go quickly, this is what you deserve,” Zhenniang said.
“Yes.” Lai Quan nodded heavily and ran off without another word.
The other delivery workers who had come along were stunned. Their manager was too kind-hearted – wasn’t she worried this might be a scam? But it wasn’t their place to question the manager’s decisions.
Then the group entered the Princess’s mansion. This delivery included both birthday ink and regular ink for daily use.
The regular ink was checked and stored by the steward.
The birthday ink, however, had to be personally inspected by the Princess.
In the hall, Princess Ning’an carefully examined each piece, especially the compilation ink featuring the Ten Thousand Longevity images, the Twelve Months Flower ink in the style of future Shanghai seal ink, and a piece of mysterious ink based on Tang Yin’s paintings of court ladies, called “Heaven’s Unique Fragrance.”
“Very good indeed.” Even with the Princess’s usual composure, these rare inks moved her.
“Thank you for your praise, Princess. This birthday ink was delayed for several days due to family matters, and the Princess has been most generous about it. Zhenniang has no way to repay your kindness. However, last year when I visited Cheng’en Temple with my aunt, I saw Master Fohui building the Buddhist Relics Pagoda single-handedly. This inspired me to create a set of ink. I would like to request the Princess’s critique, and if it meets your approval, please consider it as my apology.” Zhenniang said respectfully. She couldn’t present the ledger here in the hall, so she had hidden it in a compartment of the ink box.
“Oh? Master Fohui is indeed a great monk now. The Buddhist Relics Pagoda at Cheng’en Temple, with its bloodstains like peach blossoms, has drawn monks from far and wide. This has piqued my interest. Come to my study then, and let this Princess see this ink of yours.” Princess Ning’an smiled.
Four maids led the way on both sides as Zhenniang followed with the ink box.
In the study, maids served tea.
Zhenniang opened the ink box and carefully arranged the ink in five groups before the Princess. The first group depicted oxen and horses. The second showed Master Fohui’s back view carrying bricks – though just a back view, it conveyed the weight of countless burdens.
The third group showed Master Fohui’s side profile as he walked with his heavy load. Despite the burden on his back, his face showed no suffering, only compassion – the kind of compassion that sought to guide all beings out of suffering.
The fourth group depicted the Buddhist Relics Pagoda with its bloodstains like scattered peach petals. Though simple, it inspired an urge to bow in reverence.
The fifth group featured dragons and elephants.
“Excellent, excellent! To become celestial dragons and elephants, one must first be worldly oxen and horses. Li Zhenniang, had you presented this ink at the competition that day, even Master Qi would have had to concede defeat.” Princess Ning’an said excitedly.
Usually, she wouldn’t show such excitement, but these images struck a chord with her inner pain. Since her mother’s passing, she had survived step by step in the palace as a lonely young girl, watching many sisters pass away at young ages. Her path had been incredibly difficult. People spoke of the privilege of being a princess, but how could they understand the constant fear and trepidation?
“Winning or losing is trivial, but these worldly ‘oxen and horses’ truly suffer. If the Princess likes this, this humble one has a presumptuous request – please speak up for these worldly ‘oxen and horses.'” As Zhenniang spoke, she fell to her knees with a thud.
She had specifically brought these images first to reflect the Princess’s life experiences, and second to represent the suffering of common people, naturally leading to the ledger.
The Princess sat in the main seat, sipping tea. After a while, she said, “You’ve certainly put thought into this. Bring it out then, let me see what’s so extraordinary that even the Prince Consort rarely speaks to me about others’ matters.”
Hearing this, Zhenniang knew that Luo Wenqian had indeed made preparations beforehand. Though her father didn’t get along with Luo Wenqian, he understood him well.
“Yes.” Then Zhenniang stood up, removed the compartment from the ink box, and took out the ledger. She respectfully presented it to the Princess.
Only the sound of turning pages filled the study, but the Princess’s expression grew increasingly grave. She knew some government offices were corrupt, operating in clusters of corruption, but she hadn’t imagined it was this severe.
However, after finishing the ledger, her expression returned to its usual calm. She looked at Zhenniang and said, “Your heart for the people is commendable.”
Zhenniang smiled bitterly, “The Princess thinks too highly of me. I am just a sheltered young woman, perhaps with some business acumen, but ultimately without great aspirations. Rather than speaking for the people, it would be more accurate to say I was forced by circumstances. I rather wish I had never seen this ledger.”
“You’re quite honest.” Hearing Zhenniang’s words, Princess Ning’an was somewhat amused.
She then asked, “Earlier, at the side entrance of the Princess’s mansion, that Lai Quan wasn’t an honest person. Yet when he spoke, you immediately gave him money. Weren’t you afraid it was a scam? There are many swindlers in Nanjing.”
“I had my reasons for giving him silver…” Zhenniang explained the story of obtaining the Yu Miwa ink, then continued, “Though such matters are considered fair game and even skillful by most, I took advantage of him. When I returned home for New Year’s and told my grandfather about this, he said I lacked sincerity. So, I gave him silver not because of whether he might be trying to deceive me, but because it was what he deserved.”
Truthfully, when her grandfather had criticized her during New Year’s for lacking sincerity, Zhenniang had been unconvinced. Finding bargains was something to be proud of in future generations. But just now, seeing Lai Quan’s condition, and thinking about how the Yu Miwa ink had helped her become the Princess’s supplier, she felt somewhat uncomfortable.
Only then did she begin to understand her grandfather’s words.