Two palace lanterns cast a dim yellow light in the elegant seating area on the third floor of the Fuxian Pavilion.

Zhenniang sat on a spring stool to the side, her eyes downcast in a meditative pose. Imperial Consort Li sat in the main seat with graceful poise, savoring fragrant tea.

At this moment, no one could detect even the slightest trace that Imperial Consort Li had once been the daughter of an artisan family.

Zhenniang sat quietly, thinking of nothing. Meanwhile, Imperial Consort Li couldn’t help but observe her. She had heard Li Zhenniang’s name mentioned more than once.

For a woman to engage in business was traditionally taboo, yet this Li Zhenniang had not only succeeded in business but had almost completely taken control of the Li Family Ink Workshop. Moreover, she had gained recognition from the entire Hui merchant community. The hardships she must have endured were beyond description, perhaps as difficult as Imperial Consort Li’s journey in the palace.

What impressed Imperial Consort Li even more was Zhenniang’s composure. Since entering and taking her seat, she had remained perfectly still, waiting for the Consort to speak, showing neither uncertainty nor discomfort.

She was completely at ease.

Indeed, she was a woman capable of handling major situations. Seeing this, Imperial Consort Li suddenly felt more confident about the ink competition in the coming days.

In truth, Imperial Consort Li had requested to see Zhenniang today simply to assess her character and analyze the likely outcome of the ink competition.

On the surface, the ink competition seemed merely a Japanese challenge, but for the Emperor, it was a crucial contest.

Since ascending to the throne, the Emperor had been unable to fully implement his policies. Only last year’s lifting of the maritime trade ban had been executed under his strong advocacy, combined with merchants’ petitions.

This year, when the first merchant ships returned from overseas, the Harbor Bureau had made substantial profits, and even the Imperial Household Department had achieved impressive initial returns. Everything had fulfilled the purpose of lifting the ban. However, what Longqing hadn’t anticipated was that this Japanese merchant delegation, arriving in the wake of the lifted ban, would bring such a significant challenge.

It was said that some court officials who had initially opposed lifting the ban had already prepared memorials, just waiting for a potential loss in the ink competition. The Emperor would then be inundated with these criticisms.

Moreover, the benefits of lifting the ban were only beginning to show, having just gotten a taste of success, with a long road still ahead. This policy had been one of the Emperor’s first initiatives upon ascending the throne. If it were to be criticized by uncooperative officials over this matter, the Emperor would lose face. More importantly, for any future policies the Emperor might propose, those censors would likely write more memorials, bringing up this shortcoming again. It was a troubling prospect indeed.

They could not afford to lose this ink competition.

“The Japanese delegation has proposed new rules for the ink competition, and they’ve stipulated that if Li Ink loses, the formula for Li Family’s Three Talents Ink must be offered as the prize,” Imperial Consort Li finally spoke slowly.

Hearing this, Zhenniang raised her head: “Then what will they offer as a prize if they lose?”

“That should be for you to propose,” Imperial Consort Li smiled.

“Very well. Let them offer their sword-making technique as the prize. Your Highness, I have just one point to make—we cannot let the Japanese have their way entirely.” Zhenniang pressed her lips together as she spoke. By now, she clearly understood that Lian Yingsong harbored ulterior motives, coveting the Li Ink formula.

Zhenniang would naturally respond in kind.

As it happened, Luo Wenqian had recently been in contact with military sword merchants from Ishizu, and General Qi had also incorporated elements of Japanese swords when improving his own Qi Family Sword during the anti-Japanese campaigns. Of course, this wasn’t the main point, since Japanese swords originally derived from Tang Dynasty swords, and most Japanese swords that made their way to Ming were more decorative, somewhat incompatible with Ming sword-making traditions. To be honest, Zhenniang hadn’t paid much attention to this aspect.

However, for the Japanese, especially their warriors, swords held special significance as a symbol of their bushido spirit.

Therefore, since they proposed the Li Ink formula as a prize, her counter-proposal of their sword-making technique as a stake was simply following the principle of reciprocity. This would throw the question back to the Japanese—would they dare to risk their sword-making technique in the wager?

If Lian Yingsong lost and had to surrender the sword-making technique, the Japanese envoys would likely not forgive him.

In essence, if Lian Yingsong dared to cause trouble, he should be prepared to face the consequences of failure.

“Good, that’s exactly right.” Imperial Consort Li nodded. Li Zhenniang was indeed a decisive woman.

“Your Highness, on the day of the competition, I wish to bring my grandfather’s memorial tablet,” Zhenniang suddenly added.

Imperial Consort Li had heard about Old Master Li’s situation. Knowing that soldiers fighting with grief often prevail, and seeing that the Li family was now fully committed, she nodded in agreement: “Granted.”

After offering a few more words of encouragement, Zhenniang was led out by palace servants. By the time she left, her back was damp with sweat, and when the night wind hit her, she felt a chill.

Imperial Consort Li naturally possessed an intimidating presence. To say that Zhenniang had remained completely composed during their meeting would be an exaggeration—she had felt nervous.

However, Zhenniang could sense that Imperial Consort Li seemed quite satisfied with their meeting today.

With that, she bid farewell to Li Fuquan and left Fuxian Pavilion.

To her surprise, just outside Fuxian Pavilion, she saw Luo Wenqian pacing anxiously nearby.

“Brother Luo, why did you come?” Zhenniang hurried forward, somewhat surprised, though upon reflection, it wasn’t strange. After all, she had been meeting with the Imperial Consort, and any misstep could have offended such an important figure. Thus, Brother Luo’s concern was understandable.

“How did it go?” Luo Wenqian stepped forward, and seeing Zhenniang’s slightly hunched shoulders, removed his outer robe and draped it over her shoulders.

“It went well, I think. The Imperial Consort even bestowed gifts and offered words of encouragement,” Zhenniang replied.

Only then did Luo Wenqian breathe a sigh of relief.

“Brother Luo, do you know why the Imperial Consort suddenly wanted to meet me in person?” Zhenniang asked. After all, the matters the Imperial Consort had discussed could have been conveyed through the Maritime Trade Bureau; there was no real need for a personal meeting.

“Firstly, it was probably Master Fuquan’s suggestion. Since the Imperial Consort came to Nanjing, she should naturally meet the person who saved her elder brother’s life. Secondly, this ink competition holds special significance for the Emperor. Simply put, the Emperor cannot afford to lose, so the Imperial Consort is helping him assess the situation to better understand where things stand,” Luo Wenqian explained, having just gathered this information from his sources.

“So that means the Li family has no way to back down this time,” Li Zhenniang frowned.

“Not necessarily. If you want to withdraw…” Luo Wenqian fixed his eyes on Li Zhenniang. This time, he had played all his cards, ensuring that no matter what happened, he could guarantee the Li family a clean exit.

Of course. This was just his preparation, though he knew in his heart that the Li family would likely not need it.

“Brother Luo, I don’t concern myself with court politics, but as for my family—my grandfather has already laid down his life for this matter. Do you think the Li family has any path of retreat left? Do we even need one?” Zhenniang’s eyes sparkled as she smiled.

“Indeed,” Luo Wenqian nodded.

“Brother Luo, wait for me to obtain that sword-making technique for you,” Zhenniang added with absolute confidence.

“Good, I’ll wait,” Luo Wenqian laughed heartily. Then he took Zhenniang’s hand, and they walked side by side through Nanjing’s long streets.

The night breeze swept past, lifting their dark hair. Under the bright moon, their shadows merged into one.

The day of the ink competition arrived in the blink of an eye.

That day, all of Nanjing was buzzing with excitement, as word spread that both the Emperor and Imperial Consort had arrived.

The competition was to be held at the Maritime Trade Bureau’s office.

The Li family arrived dressed in plain white mourning clothes, with Zhenniang carrying Old Master Li’s memorial tablet, leading the Li family members straight to the bureau.

“The Li family brought Old Master Li’s memorial tablet?” Passersby remarked in surprise.

“Of course, they had to bring it. Old Master Li gave his life for today’s competition—how could they not let him witness this moment?” Some who knew the inside story commented with emotion.

“That’s right, that’s right. Old Master Li’s spirit will surely bring them blessing from heaven,” others added.

“Don’t worry, Li’s family will win this time. A few days ago, even an old street sweeper woman could make the Japanese lose face. The Li family’s abilities run deep. Heh, the Japanese have hit a wall this time,” someone else said.

“Exactly, exactly,” others agreed.

Soon, the auspicious hour for the competition arrived.

As expected, Lian Yingsong proposed the stakes: the Li family would wager their Three Talents Ink formula. However, when the Li family countered by demanding the Japanese sword-making technique as their prize, both the Japanese envoy and Lian Yingsong’s faces darkened like ink.

But by this point, they had no way to back down and could only grudgingly agree.

The initial competition was straightforward. Lian Yingsong had eliminated all human factors. Both sides wrote calligraphy and painted, then water was sprinkled on their work.

As the water dried, neither Li Ink nor Lian Yingsong’s ink showed any bleeding. Both maintained their color stability and remained glossy black—truly appearing to be evenly matched.

“Li Ink indeed lives up to its reputation. However, our ink is equally impressive. It seems we’ve reached a draw,” Lian Yingsong said with slight disappointment, though this outcome was within his expectations. Li Ink was truly superior to his, and this result was acceptable.

But the watching crowd was unsatisfied. Previously, the Japanese had thoroughly embarrassed Nanjing’s ink makers. Even a draw now would be inglorious for the great Ming dynasty against the Japanese.

“Wait, the competition is far from over. What’s wrong, Master Lian? We’re competing for the title of world’s finest ink—there’s never been a precedent for a tie in such contests,” Zhenniang suddenly declared.

“Miss Li, this is already finished. Surely you’re not going to deny it?” Lian Yingsong said darkly.

“It’s not that I deny it, but how can I acknowledge something that hasn’t ended?” Li Zhenniang stared back at Lian Yingsong.

“Then how does Miss Li propose we continue? I stated clearly that any ink testing or evaluation by Ming people would be unfair,” Lian Yingsong said.

“Don’t worry, I’ll use your method,” Zhenniang replied, her lips curving slightly, looking at Lian Yingsong with mockery. This man lacked any true competitive spirit and couldn’t be considered a real ink maker. In her opinion, Lian Yingsong had reached the end of his path in ink making.

“I’m all ears,” Lian Yingsong said after exchanging a glance with the Japanese envoy, who was speaking with Eunuch Yan from the Maritime Trade Bureau.

“It’s very simple. Aren’t we testing color fastness and stability?” Zhenniang bowed to the officials at the front of the court, but primarily to the screened area where Emperor Longqing and Imperial Consort Li sat.

Then she continued: “I request that Master Yan and the honorable envoy each send people to bring two large vats and place them on either side, filled with clear water.”

Immediately, Master Yan and the Japanese envoy each sent people to prepare the vats, which were brought up to the hall and filled with well water.

Zhenniang continued: “What follows is simple. With these two vats here, we will put our Li Ink into one vat, and Master Lian can put his ink into the other. After three days of soaking, we’ll grind the ink again for writing to examine the color retention and stability.”

“What if they’re still the same after three days?” Lian Yingsong hadn’t expected this approach from Miss Li. He had no way to refuse.

“Then ten days,” Zhenniang continued.

“And if they’re still the same after ten days?” Lian Yingsong pressed.

“Then one month,” Zhenniang replied without hesitation.

“And if they’re still the same after a month?” Lian Yingsong was determined to challenge Li Zhenniang.

“If they’re still the same after a month, then you win,” Zhenniang said calmly, pointing her slender finger at Lian Yingsong.

Hearing Li Zhenniang’s resolute response, Lian Yingsong felt his heart sink. No one was a fool—if Li Zhenniang dared to make such a wager, she had confidence. This soaking test was entirely different from the earlier water resistance test.

The water resistance test primarily examined the raw materials used in the ink.

But soaking was different—it tested the manufacturing method and the strength of the mixing process. If the mixing wasn’t thorough enough, the ink would soften during soaking, and once softened, it couldn’t maintain any color stability.

“What’s wrong, afraid?” When the crowd saw Lian Yingsong’s hesitation, they began to taunt him loudly.

“Lian Yingsong!” The Japanese envoy’s face darkened. This was no time for retreat.

“Fine, let’s do it this way,” Lian Yingsong gritted his teeth.

Immediately, both the Li family and Lian Yingsong placed their ink into the vats.

What followed was a three-day wait.

For fairness, the Maritime Trade Bureau remained open during these three days. Japanese warriors and bureau guards watched the vats together, preventing anyone from approaching to prevent tampering.

This arrangement eliminated any possibility of cheating. Curious citizens took turns coming to observe, though, with the ink in clear water, they couldn’t see any difference between Li Ink and Japanese ink.

“Though we may not understand the technicalities of ink, the Li family’s Mountain and River Ink looks truly magnificent. Look at that Great Wall on the ink stick—it’s like a flying dragon soaring above mountain peaks. This represents the spirit of the dragon!” Several old scholars stroked their beards and said.

They couldn’t help but bow repeatedly toward the capital.

Three days passed quickly. Everyone gathered again at the Maritime Trade Bureau. During these days, neither the Li family members nor Lian Yingsong’s group had left, all staying in guest rooms prepared by the bureau.

The ceremonial official now ordered people to retrieve the ink from the water, and after both the Li family and Lian Yingsong examined them, they began grinding and writing again.

As Lian Yingsong wrote, his face grew increasingly dark. He knew his ink best—after three days of soaking, the writing had lost its original glossy blackness.

Zhenniang remained completely calm. She had tested soaking for over ten days before, and that was with new ink. With aged ink, even several months of soaking wouldn’t be a problem.

After both sides finished writing, water was sprinkled again. This time, the difference was clear—the characters written with Lian Yingsong’s ink began to bleed slightly when wet. Though subtle, those with keen eyes could see it immediately.

Meanwhile, Li Ink maintained its original appearance—clear, black, and transparent. Under the water, it showed an even more prominent ink structure.

“Li Ink wins! Li Ink wins!!!” The crowd immediately erupted in cheers.

“I declare Li Ink the world’s finest ink!!!” At this moment, Emperor Longqing emerged excited from behind the screen, announcing loudly while writing “World’s Finest Ink” in five large characters with his royal brush.

“Hmph!” The Japanese envoy glared at Lian Yingsong, snorted heavily, and took his leave first.

Lian Yingsong, face pale, sighed deeply and turned to follow the Japanese envoy.

“Master Lian, please remove the words ‘World’s Finest Ink’ from your ink, and don’t forget the promised prize,” Zhenniang called after him.