Though Master Zong Lin appeared regretful, being well-versed in major affairs, he took the embarrassment in stride. After all, it was his failure to recognize the painting—he couldn’t blame others. He tapped his forehead with a wry smile and let it go, even offering genuine praise to Zhen Niang.
“You’re too kind, World Uncle. It was merely a coincidence,” Zhen Niang said with a smile, shaking her head. In her previous life, her interest in “Han Xizai’s Night Banquet” stemmed partly from her desire to recreate the painting using ink techniques.
Moreover, Han Xizai himself had been deeply invested in ink studies. He had once invited the ink master Zhu Feng from She Prefecture to make ink, establishing the Songhua Hall and creating the ink known as Xuanzhongzi, which Han Xizai later renamed Shexiang Yue. This ink became highly renowned among ink connoisseurs.
Whether in her past life or present, Zhen Niang had studied these matters extensively.
Thus, she had learned about “Han Xizai’s Night Banquet.” In her previous life, information had been readily available, unlike in this era where even common knowledge could be hard to come by.
Afterward, Zhen Niang listened as her uncle and Master Zong discussed various matters of Nanjing’s commercial world.
Nanjing’s business scene was filled with talented individuals.
Different merchant groups dominated specific industries. For instance, money-lending and pawnbroking were split between Hui and Jin merchants.
Local establishments ran most restaurants, each backed by various influential parties—none of them easy to deal with.
Textile manufacturing was dominated by merchants from Suzhou, Hangzhou, and Wuhu, though outsiders like Han Yigui existed but held relatively weak positions.
Medicine merchants mostly came from the north…
And so on.
As for the ink trade that Zhen Niang was most concerned with, it hadn’t yet reached the historical period when Huizhou would dominate. Currently, Nanjing’s ink industry remains in chaos.
There was the Yu family from Yixing, the Huang family from Tiantai, the Wei family from Songjiang, the Zhu family from Yuzhang, plus various other merchants specializing in scholars’ supplies. The industry lacked a clear leader, though the Wei family from Songjiang and the Zhu family from Yuzhang held somewhat stronger reputations.
The Zhu family in particular had been the industry leader during the Yuan Dynasty under Zhu Wanjun.
Though they had declined over the years, a skinny camel was still larger than a horse—the Zhu family retained some foundation.
“However, I hear the Tian family has also come to Nanjing, carrying the prestige of their tribute ink. The whole ink industry is in upheaval,” Hu Zong Lin said teasingly to Zhen Niang.
For Li Mo to establish itself in Nanjing, it would need to learn to survive in the gaps.
“How does the Merchants’ Association view this?” Zhen Niang asked, turning her head.
“Naturally, we support it. In recent years, we Hui merchants have been rising in influence, but the Jin merchants have been suppressing us quite severely. If the Luo family can truly take the leading position in the ink industry, we would be pleased to see it,” Hu Zong Lin smiled.
“I see,” Zhen Niang nodded.
“Aren’t you worried? If we support Luo Mo, Li Mo might find it hard to rise,” Hu Zong Lin teased.
“Having someone standing in front, drawing fire from the other ink shops, is quite good—it allows us Li family to make money quietly,” Zhen Niang said playfully.
“This girl is quite witty!” Master Zong laughed heartily at Zhen Niang’s words. Thinking it over, it was indeed true—the most prominent citrus is the first to rot.
Han Yigui nodded slightly from the side. No wonder his mother-in-law had sent Miss Zhen to manage Nanjing’s ink business—this girl was remarkably astute.
The group continued their pleasant conversation.
By evening, Madam Huang came from Madam Han Li’s place to call Zhen Niang to say goodbye. As expected, Madam Han Li still wouldn’t give Zhen Niang a pleasant look.
“Your aunt has always been like this, don’t take it too seriously,” Madam Huang said once they were in the carriage, seeing Zhen Niang’s awkward expression.
“I’m not taking it seriously, just feeling a bit uncomfortable,” Zhen Niang said honestly. After all, when you smile and bid someone farewell only to be completely ignored—even without the patience of Buddha, such discomfort was inevitable.
“If you find it uncomfortable, you can visit less often. I can handle matters here,” Madam Huang said.
“No need. Uncle is very kind, and I’d like to hear more of his teachings. As for Aunt, she’s my elder—I’ll just need thicker skin. She can’t exactly sweep me out,” Zhen Niang said with a wink.
“You little rascal,” Madam Huang lightly tapped Zhen Niang’s forehead, relieved in her heart that this girl was handling things well.
Zhen Niang then shared with Madam Huang what she had learned that day.
“I don’t understand these matters—handle them as you see fit,” Madam Huang said with a smile, then added, “However, you seem to have some affinity with Master Zong Lin, and now with your uncle’s introduction, you should strike while the iron is hot. Take some gifts and pay him a proper visit tomorrow.”
“Yes, I understand,” Zhen Niang nodded.
They arrived back at the Li residence as dusk was settling in. The lanterns at the gate had already been lit, casting a warm glow over the entrance.
Ma Sao poked her head out from inside and, seeing Zhen Niang and the others return, came out with a wind-proof lantern to light their way.
As they passed through the front courtyard, they heard Madam Fang and Madam Ge chatting cheerfully, their figures looking harmonious in the candlelight.
As they walked, Ma Sao muttered while leading the way: “The lifestyle here in Nanjing is even grander than at our main family house. Back there, even the Old Madam would rarely use candles, always preferring oil lamps. Here, they light candles while it’s still bright outside.”
She pursed her lips disapprovingly, clearly unhappy with Nanjing’s extravagant habits.
Zhen Niang also frowned slightly. Compared to Huizhou, expenses in Nanjing were indeed much higher, but given Nanjing’s status as the auxiliary capital, such expenditures were perhaps unavoidable.
“Second Madam, Miss Zhen, you’re back?” Madam Fang and Madam Ge came out to greet them, having heard their voices.
At this moment, Li Jingming entered with account books. Madam Huang told Zhen Niang to stay and handle business matters while she retired to her room.
Zhen Niang invited Li Jingming, Madam Fang, and Madam Ge to sit in the hall. As a young servant brought tea, Li Jingming reported on the day’s cargo movement at the ink workshop warehouse: “All the goods have been moved out.”
Madam Ge mentioned her father’s help that day.
“Good. Tomorrow, you can go see Zheng Fuli and Master Ma. Setting up the ink workshop involves many tasks, and we need to purchase various materials. In the next few days, Uncle Jingming, please take them around to the different markets here so they can familiarize themselves,” Zhen Niang said.
“It’s no trouble, it’s my duty,” Li Jingming replied, then added, “By the way, the grain shop and cargo shop owners renting our storefronts told me today they want to terminate their lease.”
“Oh, has the term expired?” Zhen Niang asked with a slight frown.
“No, but when they initially rented, they were told they could store goods in the large ink workshop at the back. Now that they can’t store goods there, they say there’s no point in continuing the lease, so they want to end it,” Li Jingming explained.
“That’s fine, refund their rent through the end of the year,” Zhen Niang said after some thought. She felt this worked out well—they could use those two storefronts themselves.
“They’re also asking for compensation, saying we breached the contract first,” Li Jingming said awkwardly.
“Was there any written agreement about storage?” Zhen Niang asked, turning her head.
“No,” Li Jingming replied.
“Did you promise them this?” Zhen Niang continued.
“Well, no, but…” Li Jingming hesitated.
“These two storefronts were negotiated by Zhengping’s wife, and while the storage wasn’t explicitly stated, it was implied,” Madam Fang interjected.
“Then let them seek compensation from whoever made the promise—it’s not the Li family’s concern,” Zhen Niang said calmly, glancing at Madam Ge.
Madam Ge pursed her lips: “Miss Zhen, that’s not right. I was just trying to get our storefronts rented out. Besides, our rent is higher than others, so we had to offer some benefits to attract tenants.”
Zhen Niang gave her a meaningful look and said, “How about this—show me the tax receipts for those stored goods. If the tax receipts are complete, I’ll acknowledge the breach and pay whatever compensation is due.”
Hearing this, Madam Ge’s mouth twitched. She understood that Miss Zhen was well aware of the inside story. In the end, she would have to bear this loss herself. How unfortunate—she had argued extensively with her mother-in-law over the rights to these two storefronts, and just when she thought she could make some extra money, the arrival of people from Huizhou had thrown everything into chaos.
She had gained no benefit and only attracted trouble.
With the compensation matter settled this way, everyone understood the situation, and there was no need for further discussion.
Li Jingming agreed to meet with Zheng Fuli and Master Ma the next day to discuss setting up the ink shop’s structure.
The next day, striking while the iron was hot, Zhen Niang took a box of Baicao Shuang medicinal ink to formally pay her respects to Hu Zong Lin at the Hui Merchants’ Association. This was a necessary courtesy, as yesterday’s chance meeting didn’t count as a formal visit.
Unexpectedly, at the Merchants’ Association, Zhen Niang met another familiar face—Chairman Qin, Uncle Qin Yuan, who had once taken her father Li Jingfu away. Back then, her father had left Huizhou for Suzhou with Chairman Qin, who was then vice-chairman of the Suzhou Merchants’ Association. She hadn’t expected him to now be managing the Nanjing Merchants’ Association.
Zhen Niang didn’t know what twists and turns had brought this about, nor was it appropriate to ask, but meeting a familiar face was always pleasant.
“Uncle Qin, it’s been many years,” Zhen Niang stepped forward to pay her respects.
“So it’s Zhen Niang. Ah, your father… I’ve let him down,” seeing Zhen Niang, Uncle Qin couldn’t help but mention her father Li Jingfu. Though it was good that a prodigal son had returned to the right path, fate had been cruel—taking him before he could prove himself. Moreover, it was Qin Yuan who had recommended Li Jingfu to that cargo company, and this accident led to Qin Yuan leaving the Suzhou Merchants’ Association for Nanjing.
“Uncle Qin shouldn’t say that. My grandfather still remembers your help from those days. With my father’s bad reputation, who else would have taken him in? That required taking responsibility. Only you, Uncle Qin, were willing to overlook the risks and give my father a chance. As for the misfortune, well, everyone faces their share of disasters and illness in life—it was heaven’s will, not Uncle Qin’s fault,” hearing Uncle Qin mention her father, Zhen Niang moved to comfort the manager.
After all, Zhen Niang hadn’t had time to develop much emotional connection with Li Jingfu before he left Huizhou, though she had some feelings due to the hair ornaments and ribbons he would send back. So at this moment, she felt a touch of sadness.
“Let’s not speak of it anymore. Old people like me sometimes say inappropriate things,” Manager Qin quickly changed the subject upon seeing Zhen Niang’s reddening eyes, and then asked about her business here.
Zhen Niang explained about Li Mo’s plans to establish in Nanjing and her visit to pay respects to Hu Zong Lin.
“I’ll help you with the registration procedures, but you’d better not visit Chairman Hu,” Manager Qin advised Zhen Niang.
“Why not?” Zhen Niang asked.
“Currently, Vice-Chairman Wang is competing with Chairman Hu for the position of Association Chairman. Chairman Hu likely won’t keep his position much longer, and Vice-Chairman Wang will probably become the new chairman. He and Chairman Hu are mortal enemies—if you pay respects to Chairman Hu now, won’t you offend him? That could make things difficult for Li Mo’s business in Nanjing,” Manager Qin explained.
The Vice-Chairman Wang mentioned was Wang Sifang, owner of the Sifang Money House.
“Uncle Qin, I only know that Chairman Hu is the current chairman, and by custom, I should pay my respects to him. As for other matters, I will follow proper protocol and send formal notices when we open for business,” Zhen Niang said. Apart from her existing connection with Hu Zong Lin, even without it, she would still need to follow proper etiquette and pay respects to Chairman Hu. As long as Hu Zong Lin held the chairman’s position, she had to follow proper procedures—this was the right way.
Moreover, Zhen Niang knew that although Hu Zong Lin’s influence had waned due to Hu Zongxian’s troubles, by the end of this year, when Emperor Jiajing passed and Emperor Longqing ascended the throne, Hu Zongxian would be vindicated. Therefore, Hu Zong Lin was merely lying low temporarily.