“There’s more to this story?” After being married for over ten years, Zhen Niang knew Luo Wenqian’s nature inside out. Seeing his expression of anticipating a good show, she understood that Miss Liu Susu’s connection with Tian Benchang wasn’t as simple as just “some involvement.”
“Mm, there is.” Luo Wenqian nodded: “A few days ago, Tian Benchang went out without an umbrella and got caught in the rain outside the city. By chance, Liu Susu and her mentor were returning from offering incense at a temple outside the city, and they gave their umbrella to Tian Benchang. After returning to the city, he inquired about Miss Liu and offered a hundred taels of gold in gratitude, which Miss Liu refused. Since then, Tian Benchang has been drinking tea at Qingchun Tower for several consecutive days…” Luo Wenqian spoke softly.
This story had become a romantic tale circulating in Nanjing’s pleasure quarters.
Zhen Niang raised her eyebrows: “What’s Tian Benchang thinking? Offering a hundred taels of gold for an umbrella? And when she doesn’t accept, he goes to drink tea there every day? Has he taken a fancy to this Liu Susu?”
“That man’s thoughts run deep; he’s hard to understand.” Luo Wenqian said, though in his heart he somewhat understood that this time, Tian Benchang had likely developed genuine feelings. However, it wasn’t appropriate to say this directly to Zhen Niang. After all, it was the Tian family’s private matter.
“No matter how hard to understand, acting this way is humiliating for Yuejuan.” Zhen Niang sighed, feeling somewhat downcast.
Back then, when Tian Benchang fell on hard times, Sun Yuejuan had stood by him faithfully. Because of this, although Tian Benchang was somewhat gloomy and calculating, he had greatly valued Sun Yuejuan these years. He hadn’t taken concubines or kept mistresses, never causing Sun Yuejuan any grief.
Once, when business partners had sent two concubines to Tian Benchang, he had given them away the very next day, which led to Sun Yuejuan being labeled a jealous wife.
But Zhen Niang knew this had nothing to do with Sun Yuejuan.
Although this had earned Sun Yuejuan the same reputation for jealousy as Zhen Niang, what woman truly cared about such things?
Therefore, although Zhen Niang disliked Tian Benchang’s gloominess, she admired him on this point—he had shown true feelings and loyalty to Sun Yuejuan.
But having come this far, why not persist? Was matrimonial affection so light?
“Men, truly not one of them can be content with what’s in their bowl without eyeing what’s in the pot.” Zhen Niang said irritably, condemning all men with one statement. These days, perhaps because of the potential changes ahead, Zhen Niang’s mood was often unsettled.
“Zhen Niang, that’s not fair. You know that I’ve always said I would walk alongside you, accompany you for a lifetime, and hold hands watching the sunset when we’re old. You should trust me.” Luo Wenqian gently turned the jade bracelet on Zhen Niang’s wrist, his gaze fixed steadily on her, the determination in his eyes undeniable. He had noticed Zhen Niang’s slight despondency and understood it well.
“Brother Luo… I know, I trust you.” Zhen Niang met Luo Wenqian’s gaze, and the firmness in Brother Luo’s eyes immediately grounded her wavering heart. She couldn’t help but murmur. Although their relationship had always been smooth, after more than a decade of mutual care, their connection had become ingrained in their very bones, unchangeable. Even regarding Tian Benchang’s situation, she didn’t believe he would easily give up after persisting for over ten years. They would have to wait and see.
She added: “What kind of show is this anyway? In the end, it’s always us women who suffer.”
“That’s not what I meant. Rather, this time, it won’t be so easy for Tian Benchang to get his way. He’s been playing too many little tricks in the business world lately, offending quite a few people. Some can’t bear to see him win the beauty, and even Zhengsheng and Zhengping have agreed to help raise Liu Susu’s price, making Tian Benchang spend more. This fellow has taken enough advantage of our Yihousheng these years; it’s his turn to bleed some money.” Luo Wenqian said with a light laugh.
“What kind of crooked idea is this? If Tian Benchang plays tricks and they raise the price high, but he backs out, wouldn’t Zhengsheng and Zhengping’s cousin be stuck with it?” Zhen Niang immediately clapped her hands and widened her eyes. This wasn’t a good idea. Money was a small matter, but if Zhengsheng and Zhengping became Liu Susu’s patrons, Susu and Sister Qiu would raise hell.
The cousins would suffer then.
Thinking of this, she teased with a forced smile: “Maybe that’s exactly what they want. All of them with their crooked thoughts, not one brings peace of mind. Don’t get involved in their schemes.”
“I’m just watching the show; it’s all Zhengsheng and Zhengping’s game.” Luo Wenqian now put on an innocent face, completely washing his hands of it and using Zhengsheng and Zhengping as shields, showing no sense of loyalty.
Zhen Niang burst out laughing. Cousins Zhengsheng and Zhengping often said Wenqian was most loyal; if they heard this, they’d probably be furious enough to jump.
At this point, Luo Wenqian held Zhen Niang’s hand and closed his eyes slightly: “Tian Benchang won’t back down this time. You should know that the real operator behind this debut banquet is the government’s charitable hall. In two months, it’s the election for the Huizhou Merchants’ Association chairman, and they’ll need the prefect’s support then. Tian Benchang won’t miss such an opportunity. For matters like this, no amount of money is too much to spend.” As Luo Wenqian spoke, he had Tian Benchang completely figured out.
This time, Tian Benchang had no choice but to spend money.
“Serves him right.” Zhen Niang pursed her lips.
In June, the weather was particularly hot and dry. The rainy days before had been bearable, but once it cleared up, the heat became unbearable.
In the afternoon, Zhen Niang had Xinghua prepare some iced sour plum soup and set up a table and chairs in the courtyard corridor. With the corridor open at both ends, it was perfect for enjoying the cool air. She then brought some rush stems and pulled Yu Jie’er to her side, teaching her to weave rushlights.
As Old Madam Li had stated in her final words, the Li family’s ink-making techniques must be passed down from generation to generation.
Yu Jie’er had no patience, trying to weave for a bit before sitting there pouting. Sister Liu Jin and Sister Ping’an watched with heartache, wanting to carry her off to eat something, but Zhen Niang pretended not to notice. The girl had been spoiled by everyone in the family, having no patience at all. This wouldn’t do; she needed to be tempered.
Ink-making had always been hard work, best for tempering one’s character.
Seeing her mother ignoring her, the little girl looked to Ugly Po, but unfortunately, in this matter, Ugly Po shared Zhen Niang’s mindset. Finally, Yu Jie’er reluctantly started weaving again, tears dropping steadily, looking utterly pitiful. Truth be told, her expression made Zhen Niang’s heart ache terribly.
Just look at this little one, how could such a small matter make her act as if she’d suffered some great injustice? Zhen Niang didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.
“Oh my, Zhen Niang, what scene are you playing here? Yu Jie’er is still so young.” Just then, Sun Yuejuan, wearing a casual home dress, came in. Seeing the situation, she teased while picking up Yu Jie’er and giving her two forceful kisses.
“Auntie…” Yu Jie’er, having gained an advantage, acted coy, her face full of accusations against her mother.
“Alright, alright, Xinghua, take her to wash up, she’s become a little cat.” Zhen Niang waved her hand irritably, while Sister Liu Jin took Yu Jie’er and quickly left.
“Zhen Niang, did you receive the debut banquet invitation from Qingchun Tower? Let’s go together the day after tomorrow.” After watching Sister Liu Jin take Yu Jie’er away, Sun Yuejuan sat down in front of Zhen Niang. Meanwhile, Xinghua cleared things away and brought up fresh tea.
Sun Yuejuan sipped her tea lightly, her eyes somewhat dark.
“I thought you wouldn’t go.” Zhen Niang looked at Sun Yuejuan.
She wouldn’t say this to anyone else, but with Sun Yuejuan, they had been close since childhood. Moreover, if this situation had happened to her, Zhen Niang certainly wouldn’t show up.
No proper wife would want to suffer the awkwardness of watching her husband pursue another woman.
Sun Yuejuan watched the tea leaves swirling in her cup, inhaling the faint tea fragrance. Her entire face was softened by the tea mist, making it somewhat unclear, and her voice was somewhat hoarse as she said: “Benchang has shown me loyalty these years, so I should give him face. As long as Miss Liu doesn’t enter our household, I’ll turn a blind eye.”
When Sun Yuejuan spoke thus, Zhen Niang could only nod. There was no help for it; in this world, wealthy families that didn’t take concubines or keep mistresses were rare. To find peace of mind, one could only pretend not to notice.
Yet in her heart, there was still some indescribable strange feeling, an ineffable bitterness.
On the twenty-first day of June, the debut banquet at Qingchun Tower.
Before the final competition, there was a grand performance, the very “Mistaken Good Match” that Zhen Niang had originally written to promote Li ink. However, after several revisions, the plot was vastly different from Zhen Niang’s original version, even the ending had been changed to a happy one.
Zhen Niang now sat with Sun Yuejuan in the women’s section of the corridor, both leaning against date-red master chairs, chatting quietly.
Through a row of railings, they could see the stage and the main hall opposite.
“How much do you plan to donate today?” Sun Yuejuan leaned close to Zhen Niang to ask, taking another light sip of tea. The stage play had been heard countless times, and she had no interest in it now.
“Just some old jewelry, neither too much nor too shabby.” Zhen Niang opened a small cloth bundle, showing Sun Yuejuan the jewelry she had brought: a bracelet, a hairpin, and a pendant, mostly jewelry that Zhen Niang no longer used.
Normally, when donating to the charitable hall, Zhen Niang wouldn’t mind giving more, but with Liu Susu involved in this matter, she was somewhat reluctant. Moreover, regarding donations, over the years, hadn’t Wenqian donated several times each year? In Huizhou, for bridge building, road paving, private schools, and charitable halls, the Luo family was usually the largest contributor. In Nanjing, they poured in considerable amounts each year. The name of Great Benefactor Luo was known throughout the regions south and north of the Yangtze.
Of course, Zhen Niang was the driving force behind these matters. She wasn’t pursuing the name of a benefactor, but rather building a reputation. When Zhang Juzheng’s troubles came, a great reputation would serve as a protective talisman.
Naturally, because of this, Zhen Niang had no need to stand out now. Neither too much nor too little, blending in with the crowd was just right.
“Mm, me too.” Sun Yuejuan also opened her small cloth bundle, showing Zhen Niang the jewelry she planned to donate. It was similar to Zhen Niang’s; they had thought alike, and both laughed.
At this time, the play reached its end, finishing with a long aria, and the main hall erupted in applause.
Afterward, several managers from Qingchun Tower took the stage, followed by Dong Shiniang, a famous courtesan from twenty years ago. Wearing a jacket and skirt, her hair styled in a peony arrangement, her graceful manner had barely diminished from years past.
Behind her followed a sixteen-year-old girl in a lotus-leaf collar short coat and a floor-length skirt that revealed three-inch golden lotus feet as she walked. Her hair was arranged in a side bun with a yellow hair ornament. Her figure was willowy, and she carried a pipa. As she walked, it occasionally made a note or two. Though not forming a tune, combined with her bearing, it created a feeling that drove men wild.
Zhen Niang glanced once and sighed. No wonder Tian Benchang was moved; this Liu Susu indeed had the assets to captivate men. Beside her, Sun Yuejuan’s face had gone somewhat pale.
“This Liu Susu is truly a beauty. Look at the men in the hall; their eyes have turned green with desire,” several women chatted in low voices.
“What does it matter how green they get? Liu Susu is already spoken for,” a woman with a peony-styled hairdo interjected. She was Madam Wang, wife of Wang Dafu, the Qinhuai commerce supervisor.
“How can that be? Hasn’t it not even started yet? How can the flower already have an owner?” the previous speaker asked curiously.
“You don’t know? Tian Benchang from Tian Ji has taken a fancy to Liu Susu. This time he’s prepared to spare no expense to win her,” that responding madam said smugly. “What did I say? No cat doesn’t steal fish; it’s just that some cats are pickier, not having found what they fancy yet.”
“Madam Wang, what nonsense are you speaking? It hasn’t even begun, yet you’re jumping to conclusions. Just because Old Master Wang likes to stray, you can’t wait for all men in the world to be like him? We’re all prominent people in Nanjing’s society; who doesn’t know what goes on in whose household? You’d be better off keeping an eye on Old Master Wang and spending more effort on him instead of speaking such self-degrading words.” Just then, a voice cut in.
Ge Qiujie and Zhao Susu walked over. Ge Qiujie had always been somewhat sharp-tongued; there was nothing she didn’t dare say.
Madam Wang’s face turned ashen at Ge Qiujie’s rebuke. Recently, Wang Dafu had redeemed Yan Gu, a popular courtesan from Yiyue Tower, and bought a house on Sanshan Street to keep her as a mistress. When Madam Wang found out, how could she let it pass? She had led people to wreck Wang Dafu’s golden house on Sanshan Street, and at the time, the incident had become common knowledge.
So when Ge Qiujie spoke these words now, Madam Wang couldn’t utter a word in defense, struck speechless with anger.
“Sisters, come sit,” Zhen Niang called to them while secretly laughing. Even Sun Yuejuan, who had been unhappy with Madam Wang’s words earlier, was now smiling with narrowed eyes.
Ge Qiujie and Zhao Susu sat down. Zhen Niang looked at their intended donations, which were similar to hers. Indeed, they had all chosen the middle path. The women exchanged knowing smiles.
“We thought you wouldn’t come,” Zhen Niang said to Susu and Ge Qiujie.
“How could we not come? You think I don’t know your Cousin Zhengsheng’s little schemes? I need to keep an eye on him. If he embarrasses me, I’ll make a scene right here. If he makes me lose face, I won’t let him save face either,” Zhao Susu said, half-joking and half-serious.
Just then, the main event began in the hall. Sun Yuejuan’s back immediately straightened. Zhen Niang knew that although Sun Yuejuan said she didn’t mind, she would turn a blind eye as long as Tian Benchang didn’t bring her home, how could she truly not care?
Now as the main event began, various households’ servants successively brought their masters’ bids to the stage.
Then the Qingchun Tower manager began announcing the prices.
“Scholar Yang bids three hundred taels.”
“Master Cheng bids four hundred taels.”
“Li’s Foreign Trade House manager bids five hundred taels…”
This Li’s Foreign Trade House was Li Zhengping’s foreign goods business. Hearing the manager announce the price, Ge Qiujie muttered irritably but didn’t pay too much attention. These initial bids were merely symbolic, mainly for donating to the charitable hall and showing respect to the prefect’s wife. Most had little to do with Liu Susu.
…
Unconsciously, the price had risen to two thousand taels, an unprecedented amount.
Now only two competitors remained on stage: a merchant surnamed Lu from Shanxi and Tian Benchang. Others had given up at one thousand taels.
“Tian Ji bids two thousand two hundred taels.”
“Master Lu from Shanxi bids two thousand four hundred taels.”
“Tian Ji bids two thousand six hundred taels.”
“Master Lu bids two thousand eight hundred taels.”
“Tian Ji bids three thousand taels…”
When it reached three thousand taels, the venue had fallen completely silent. At this moment, the teacup in Sun Yuejuan’s hand suddenly crashed to the ground with a clang, though the noise was swallowed by the hall’s commotion.
“Yuejuan, why don’t you… go tell Tian Benchang you won’t accept this…” Zhen Niang, seeing her face as white as paper, finally couldn’t help but say.
“No.” Sun Yuejuan now gritted her teeth, shaking her head firmly. Then she grabbed Zhen Niang’s hand to steady herself, her back softly leaning against the master chair.
Zhen Niang felt Sun Yuejuan’s grip on her hand painfully tight.
“Master Lu withdraws,” the manager on stage announced regretfully. Then continued: “Tian Ji bids three thousand taels. Are there any higher bids? If not, then today Miss Liu Susu’s debut banquet goes to Master Tian.”
Just then, another servant hurriedly ran onto the stage. Immediately, all eyes fixed on him. Zhen Niang, recognizing the servant, couldn’t help but furrow her brow. She knew this servant; he belonged to Yan Xilai, the chief manager of Yihousheng Money House.
Now the manager excitedly announced: “Manager Yan from Yihousheng bids three thousand six hundred taels.”
The audience below fell silent.
“Manager Yan from Yihousheng bids three thousand six hundred taels. Does anyone wish to bid higher?” At this time, the manager on stage asked excitedly again.
Suddenly, Tian Benchang stood up.
As Tian Benchang stood, Sun Yuejuan finally couldn’t bear the pressure and also stood up. The two gazed at each other across the railing, wordlessly. Then Sun Yuejuan turned to leave.
But just then, Tian Benchang’s clear voice rang out across the hall: “Tian Ji withdraws. Congratulations to Manager Yan.”
Sun Yuejuan, who had been about to hurry away, stopped in her tracks, somewhat disbelieving. No one understood better than she that Tian Benchang had truly fallen for Liu Susu this time and was determined to win the chairman position. But why had he suddenly given up?
“I withdraw. Congratulations to Manager Yan on winning the beauty,” Tian Benchang’s voice came even more now. Then he walked over, crossed the corridor, and came to Sun Yuejuan’s side: “Let’s go home,” he said, taking her hand and leaving.
“But the chairman position…” Sun Yuejuan murmured, following behind him.
“It’s fine. Worst case, I’ll just donate more to the charitable hall tomorrow,” Tian Benchang replied dismissively, then led Sun Yuejuan directly out.
That day outside the city, on the ancient road with green willows, the elegant carriage and beauty, the paper umbrella in the misty rain—Tian Benchang had indeed been moved by Liu Susu. These past days, Liu Susu’s image had kept appearing in his mind, and with the chairman position at stake, he had come today determined to succeed. Just now when he stood up, he had meant to compete further with Yan Xilai. But facing Sun Yuejuan, he couldn’t help but recall those days in prison. When no one remembered him, only Sun Yuejuan brought him food daily, and each time she came to the prison, she would bring a comb to help him brush his hair. Thus, he found his previously uncontrollable feelings for Liu Susu had disappeared. He, Tian Benchang, wasn’t a good man, but some things had to be upheld. Although he had wavered before, at this moment, seeing Sun Yuejuan’s smile, he was grateful he had held firm.
Watching their retreating figures, Zhen Niang knew that at the final moment, Tian Benchang had still chosen Sun Yuejuan. Of course—how could a mere chance encounter and an umbrella overcome what had been maintained for over ten years?
In the end, Yan Xilai won Liu Susu’s debut banquet and thereafter became her patron.
“Unexpected. Yan Xilai is usually so quiet, but he showed real boldness this time. Three thousand six hundred taels—looks like he’s quite wealthy,” people leaving Qingchun Tower after the conclusion remarked incredulously.
“Of course he’s wealthy. Do you know how Yihousheng made its fortune? From gold mines in the north, these mines are jointly owned by several sworn brothers. Yihousheng isn’t just Luo Nine’s alone. Yan Xilai’s wealth might not match Luo Nine’s only because Luo Nine has always had the support of Master Zhang and Master Qi, which is why he’s been able to stay ahead of others,” some people said.
Hearing this, Zhen Niang couldn’t help but furrow her brow. Yan Xilai had never been one to throw money around like this; his sudden action today was somewhat puzzling in its intent. Had he fallen for Liu Susu?
At this moment, Luo Wenqian came out with the Li brothers. Zhen Niang, seeing Luo Wenqian’s furrowed brow, couldn’t help but ask: “Brother Luo, what’s this about Manager Yan?”
“After cooperating for so many years, he finally couldn’t resist showing his hand,” Luo Wenqian said expressionlessly.
“What happened?” Zhen Niang asked.
“Just received news that Master Zhang passed away yesterday,” Luo Wenqian said.
At this moment, the previously clear sky suddenly darkened, and several purple-gold lightning bolts flashed across the sky, followed by rolling thunder.
It was going to rain again. With floods in Jiangnan, drought in Shanxi, earthquakes in multiple places, and the military uprising in Hangzhou—the Great Ming was already in troubled times.
As large raindrops began to fall, Luo Wenqian helped Zhen Niang into the carriage.
“What connection is there between Yan Xilai’s actions today and Master Zhang’s passing?” In the carriage, listening to the sound of the wheels, Zhen Niang finally came to her senses and asked.
“The current prefect is Wang Siwei’s man, and the prefect’s wife is Wang Siwei’s wife’s sister. After Master Zhang’s passing, Master Wang will be the one to take over,” Luo Wenqian said.
The turnover in officialdom brought about a reshuffling in business. They just hadn’t expected Yan Xilai to be the first to make a move.
He had been quiet all along, but upon learning of Zhang Juzheng’s death, he immediately seized this opportunity, acting quickly and precisely.