“Before becoming dragons and elephants among gods, one must first be horses and oxen among mortals. Good. After this ink stick is made, save a set for me—no need for the first edition, a subsequent edition will do.” A voice suddenly spoke, startling Zhen Niang. When she turned around, it was Luo Wenqian.

Coming from a family of ink makers, Luo Wenqian naturally recognized that Zhen Niang was drawing ink line drawings. As for the first and subsequent editions…

Generally, when woodblocks were first carved, the first batch of ink sticks produced were considered first editions. These editions had the clearest and most vivid impressions, making them the most collectible. Subsequent editions, made after the woodblock had experienced some wear, would show slightly less distinct patterns and detail compared to the first edition. Though still considered premium products with some collection value, they were far less precious than first editions.

Luo Wenqian’s immediate request for a subsequent edition rather than a first edition demonstrated the principle of a gentleman not coveting what others cherish.

“Young Master Luo.” Zhen Niang was startled by Luo Wenqian’s sudden appearance. The saying about becoming horses and oxen before dragons and elephants was essentially equivalent to enduring hardships before achieving greatness—which was exactly what her ink line drawing aimed to express. Thinking about Luo Wenqian’s experiences, she realized how well the saying suited him, no wonder he took an immediate interest in this set of ink sticks.

She nodded and said, “Very well. It’s an honor for the Li family that Young Master Luo appreciates our ink.”

Hearing Zhen Niang still addressing him as Young Master Luo, Luo Wenqian rubbed his nose and said, “We’re from the same hometown, no need for such formalities. You can call me Luo Wenqian, or simply Luo Jiu.”

“Luo Jiu? Why does that name sound familiar?” Zhen Niang looked at Luo Wenqian and muttered.

“When I first ventured north, I met several sworn brothers. We ranked ourselves by age, and I was ninth, hence Luo Jiu,” Luo Wenqian explained. He then looked at the ink line drawing in Zhen Niang’s hands. Coming from an ink-making family, he had seen countless ink line drawings in his life and was himself considered a master at drawing them. However, he found Miss Li’s technique both novel in its approach and superior in clarity and realism. “Miss Li, your ink line drawing technique is unique?”

“Ah, this is the sketch method,” Zhen Niang replied casually, her mind still pondering the name Luo Jiu. It suddenly felt very familiar, and then she remembered—the “Han Xizai’s Night Revels” painting. Yes, she first heard the name Luo Jiu when he identified Zhou Wenju’s “Han Xizai’s Night Revels.” Wasn’t he the owner of Yihousheng Money House?

“Are you the owner of Yihousheng Money House?” Zhen Niang suddenly asked.

“Yes,” Luo Wenqian nodded. He had never intended to hide this fact from Zhen Niang. When she and others came to his money house for a mortgage loan, he hadn’t come down to meet them simply because he didn’t want to mix personal matters with purely business transactions. Being honest about it now was simply a matter of transparency.

Zhen Niang was somewhat annoyed upon his confirmation: “So Yihousheng Money House was the ‘small shop’ you mentioned last time?”

Now Zhen Niang understood—no wonder Luo Wenqian had been so quick to approve the loan that day. Being from the same hometown created a connection, and with collateral already provided, what did their previous minor business rivalry matter? Luo Wenqian’s quick approval of the loan made perfect sense.

Zhen Niang never considered herself indebted to Luo Wenqian, nor did she think borrowing that small amount of silver was particularly significant.

“Yes, it’s not a big establishment,” Luo Wenqian replied matter-of-factly.

Zhen Niang rolled her eyes—surely the size of an establishment wasn’t measured by its physical dimensions but rather by its capital?

Seeing Zhen Niang roll her eyes, Luo Wenqian couldn’t help but laugh heartily.

Zhen Niang pursed her lips, then suddenly said, “Master Luo Jiu, I have a favor to ask.”

“Please don’t call me Master. That’s a street title I don’t deserve. Miss Li, just call me Luo Jiu, or I’ll have to leave,” Luo Wenqian said helplessly, noting how stubborn this Miss Zhen could be.

“Alright, Luo Jiu.” Having a request to make, Zhen Niang readily complied.

“Miss Zhen, please speak freely,” Luo Wenqian said.

“I heard you have Zhou Wenju’s ‘Han Xizai’s Night Revels.’ Might I borrow it for viewing?” Zhen Niang asked.

“You want to make it into a collection ink stick?” Luo Wenqian immediately understood Zhen Niang’s intention. Collection ink sticks were a new product, and though not yet common in the market, as the former young master of Luo Ink, he naturally understood the concept.

“Indeed. Is it possible?” Zhen Niang asked in return.

“No problem. I’ll have someone deliver it to Miss Li tomorrow,” Luo Wenqian said.

“Thank you,” Zhen Niang expressed her gratitude, then curiously asked, “That day, the madam who came to pawn the painting…” Zhen Niang paused here, having always felt the madam’s behavior was somewhat questionable.

Taking such a painting to pawn indicated a desperate need for money, yet later the madam declared she would give it away free to anyone who could identify it—these actions seemed contradictory.

“Haha, Miss Li is as perceptive as ever. That painting was one of my family’s treasures, and that madam was my shop manager’s wife. Earlier, some peers had tried to make things difficult for Luo Jiu, so Luo Jiu merely returned the favor,” Luo Wenqian explained with a laugh.

When he first arrived in Nanjing, the local peers from Huizhou had made things difficult for him at every turn. So he set up this scheme, first to shame his competitors—returning like for like—and simultaneously to establish his reputation.

“What’s so perceptive about that? Everyone figured it out afterward, didn’t they?” Zhen Niang retorted irritably.

“Even if they did, this was an open stratagem. If any establishment had recognized it that day, wouldn’t they have benefited? Such heaven-sent opportunities are rare. Since they couldn’t recognize it, what right do they have to complain?” Luo Wenqian said with a smirk.

“That’s true enough,” Zhen Niang nodded. Looking at Luo Wenqian, she realized he wasn’t one to suffer losses without retaliation.

As they were talking, another group approached, led by Wang Sifang. Upon seeing Luo Wenqian, Wang Sifang snorted coldly: “Wenqian, are you determined to go against your uncle?”

“Uncle, how can you say that? How would I dare?” Luo Wenqian’s previously relaxed demeanor vanished as his eyes narrowed coldly.

“How dare you indeed? Then how do you explain lending money to the Han family?” Wang Sifang growled menacingly.

“Business is business, nephew needs to make a living—how can I pass up good business?” Luo Wenqian replied, then added, “Uncle, please attend to your matters. I’ll take my leave.” With that, he nodded to Zhen Niang and left to join several men on the other side, departing without looking back.

Wang Sifang’s face turned purple with rage.

Zhen Niang, being an innocent bystander, merely cupped her hands in greeting Wang Sifang before returning to Madam Han Li’s side. Though appearing outwardly calm, she was curious—she hadn’t expected Wang Sifang to be Luo Wenqian’s uncle and wondered what grudge existed between uncle and nephew.

Meanwhile, after the various madams each added a brick to the Buddha’s bone pagoda, donated oil money at the temple hall, and shared a vegetarian meal, the blessing ceremony concluded successfully.

Second Madam Xu had obtained her answer.

The gathering dispersed in the afternoon.

Upon returning home, Second Madam Xu went to see the three Xu brothers and reported everything Madam Han Li had said.

“So, it seems the Zhao family made a fortunate mistake,” Xu Da stroked his beard, deep in thought.

“It appears so. Han Li has always tried to curry favor with me, and being merchants, they wouldn’t dare let us take a loss. Such risk-taking aligns with merchant practices,” Second Madam Xu said.

“In that case, we’ll let it be. Since this is the Han family’s thinking, tomorrow we’ll sell another batch of land at low prices to push prices down further. The day after tomorrow, we’ll start buying—no need to hold back,” Xu Da decided.

“Sell another batch tomorrow? The Han Yigui group will surely absorb it—won’t that just benefit them?” Third Brother Xu said resentfully.

“It’s fine. Their benefit is our benefit. The Tian family holds so much land it burns their hands—they’ll have to sell it back to us eventually, and then we’ll set the price,” Xu Da said.

“Yes, Elder Brother is right,” Second Brother Xu supported.

Two against one, Third Brother Xu had nothing more to say. Besides, what his elder brother said made sense, so he agreed.

In the evening, Madam Huang was intently studying the ink line drawings Zhen Niang had made at the temple during the day. This girl’s ink drawings were truly remarkable. She chatted idly with Chou Po as she looked.

Though Chou Po appeared to be a servant of the household, Madam Huang knew that her mother-in-law valued Chou Po greatly. It was simply that Chou Po preferred to guard the gate rather than live in the main residence—nothing could be done about that.

Therefore, Madam Huang had never treated Chou Po as a servant.

During free moments, she often chatted with Chou Po, though Chou Po wasn’t particularly enthusiastic and usually dozed during their conversations. Now, as Madam Huang chatted casually, Chou Po merely responded with the occasional “mmhm” while nodding off.

Zhen Niang entered, pulling her sleeves together: “Second Aunt, it’s late. Better look at these tomorrow—the oil lamp’s dim light will strain your eyes.”

“Mm, alright,” Madam Huang put away the ink drawings, then looked at Zhen Niang with interest.

Zhen Niang felt puzzled by her gaze.

“Zhen Niang, what do you think of your Second Cousin?” Madam Huang asked with a smile.

“Second Cousin Han Bo?” Zhen Niang blinked at her aunt.

“Yes,” Madam Huang continued smiling.

“I don’t have any particular thoughts. Second Cousin is quite ambitious,” Zhen Niang replied. Having spent more time with First Aunt’s family these past few days, she had met both cousins. The eldest cousin was gentler, resembling his father in appearance, while the second cousin was quite serious, rarely smiling, merely nodding in greeting. There wasn’t much to say about someone she barely knew.

“Why do you ask?” Zhen Niang questioned, suspecting her aunt had ulterior motives.

“Well, your First Aunt has taken a liking to you and wants you as her second daughter-in-law,” Madam Huang explained. The day before, Madam Han Li had hinted at this intention to her. Though not stated directly, Madam Huang understood.

“Ah, but wasn’t First Aunt looking for an official’s daughter for Second Cousin?” Zhen Niang was surprised, not having expected this sudden change in her aunt’s thinking.

“Times change. Your First Aunt has seen through those official families now. Besides, how easily would an official’s daughter marry into a merchant family?” Madam Huang said.

“Oh.” Zhen Niang nodded in understanding, but…

“Second Cousin and I wouldn’t be suitable,” she said frankly, her face slightly flushed. Even with two lifetimes of experience, discussing such matters directly still caused some embarrassment.

“Why not?” Madam Huang asked.

“Though Second Cousin might not necessarily marry an official’s daughter, he is a scholar. He would never accept someone like me who conducts business so publicly,” Zhen Niang replied.

It wasn’t that Second Cousin looked down on her—this was simply the universal value held by scholars of this era.

A merchant’s daughter could become a concubine, but not a wife. If Second Brother wanted to succeed on his chosen path, this social convention had to be respected.

Though Zhen Niang hadn’t met Han Bo often, she understood his character somewhat. If the eldest cousin resembled their father in appearance, then the second cousin mirrored their father in spirit—equally persistent, equally determined to forge ahead on his chosen path. The only difference was that their father had chosen the merchant’s path, while Second Cousin had chosen the official’s path.

When their father had married First Aunt, he too had considered the alliance’s advantages. But while some people burned bridges after success, others kept their promises. Uncle had been among the latter.

She believed Second Cousin was cut from the same cloth. Therefore, she and her Second Cousin were unsuitable. However, she was happy to see Second Cousin pursue an official career—after all, the Li family hadn’t produced any scholars in years. If Second Cousin succeeded, it would provide some backing for the Li family.

“Zhen Niang speaks the truth,” Chou Po said with half-closed eyes.

Madam Huang considered this and her mood dampened.

“By the way, Second Aunt, do you know what relationship exists between the Luo family and the Wang family?” Zhen Niang changed the subject, noting her aunt’s mood.

“The Luo and Wang families? Why ask about this suddenly?” Second Aunt asked curiously.

Zhen Niang related her encounter with Luo Wenqian at the temple. On the side, Chou Po suddenly opened her eyes wide, but sitting in the dim lamplight, neither Madam Huang nor Zhen Niang noticed her reaction.

“I hadn’t expected Luo Wenqian to achieve such success. At least the Luo family has some support now,” Madam Huang sighed. The disappearance of the Luo family members had once been the talk of Huizhou, with most rumors claiming they’d been killed by bandits. With other branches implicated by Luo Wenlong, some died while others were exiled—truly a case of monkeys scattering when the tree falls.

Unexpectedly, the young master of the Luo family had risen again so quickly. Madam Huang felt emotional: “I only know that Luo Wenqian’s mother was Wang Sifang’s sister. The Wang siblings were orphaned early, with Wang Sifang heading the family. However, Wang Sifang initially opposed his sister marrying Luo Wenqian’s father. Later, Miss Wang found a clan member to arrange the marriage and quickly married into the Luo family. Afterward, she cut ties with the Wang family.”

“Why did Wang Sifang oppose the marriage? Given the status of both families then, wasn’t the Luo family of higher standing?” Zhen Niang wondered as the Luo family had been among the most prestigious in Huizhou.

“One of Miss Wang’s uncles had been engaged to a Luo family daughter. Sadly, the day after the engagement, Miss Wang’s uncle drowned while touring a pleasure boat. The Wang family believed the Luo daughter had brought ill fortune and demanded compensation, while the Luo family maintained that the uncle’s improper behavior—visiting courtesans the day after his engagement—meant he deserved his fate. This led to a major clan fight between the two families. The conflict only ended when the Luo daughter harmed herself in the ink workshop, and thus the two families became sworn enemies,” Madam Huang explained. She hadn’t known these details initially, but when Miss Wang insisted on marrying into the Luo family, these old stories resurfaced and became widespread gossip in Huizhou.

“Now I understand,” Zhen Niang finally comprehended the enmity between the Luo and Wang families.

Meanwhile, though Chou Po sat with closed eyes, her entire body seemed to tremble.

“Chou Po, are you cold? I’ll have someone bring a brazier,” Zhen Niang said. Though it was mid-spring, the evenings still carried a chill when the wind blew, and Chou Po wasn’t young anymore.