Before Song Jiyun could say anything, Madam Qian frowned deeply, and Song Jixue was quick to speak out, "They must see that eldest sister is now becoming successful and want to establish ties with us. When elder sister mentioned last time that we shouldn’t meddle in Cousin Tao’s affairs, she got upset and vowed as she left elder sister’s courtyard that she would never set foot in our home again."
"Who told you that?" pinching Song Jixue’s still slightly chubby, round face, Song Jiyun asked.
Song Jixue hurriedly pulled away from Song Jiyun, protecting her cheeks as she said, "The maid who was on duty at the door heard it; we didn’t tell you because we were afraid it would upset you."
While they were speaking, another maid came over to tell them that Madam Zeng had found out Song Jiyun was soon leaving for the Capital City and wanted Song Sanliang and Madam Li to accompany her to see Song Jiyun. The maid even pouted and said, "Old Master Zeng is also sitting in the carriage. I heard that the third young master of the Zeng Family has returned from outside and brought with him two concubines and three children. Now the young masters of the Zeng Family are causing a ruckus over dividing the family property. Old Master Zeng’s visit is surely to find some position for the third young master."
While Song Erliang was alive, the Zeng Family’s own workshop prospered, borrowing from the resources of the Song Family Kiln Factory, and they could occasionally sell the fine porcelain from the Kiln Factory.
Upon hearing this, Song Jixue sniffed contemptuously, "They wish!"
However, Madam Qian was worried about Song Jiyun’s reputation, and hesitantly said, "But your grandmother would not take it well if we refuse to meet her."
Song Jiyun thought nothing of it and smiled, "Then let’s have Uncle Eleven entertain grandmother. After all, we’re quite busy over here."
Understanding her intent, Madam Qian sent for Eleventh Grand Master Song to come over.
None from their family showed up.
Song Jiyun then went with Zheng Quan to the study to discuss the journey to the Capital, "He Dazhi and his company will surely be indispensable. As for the Kiln Factory, taking Zhou Zheng and Master Guo should suffice. It would be easy if we’re just going to the Manufacturing Office to decide on the porcelain designs, but I’m worried they might want us to produce items immediately. We also need to bring the furnace building masters and kaolin clay.
"And regarding the Xiong Family, we should send them a message too.
"Boss Xiong is shrewd; if Steward Wu is ever uncertain, he can seek advice from Old Master Xiong."
After discussing for a long while, Zhou Zheng and others received the news and came as well.
Everyone sat down together to plan for the trip to the Capital. After a busy seven or eight days, it was almost too late to leave. Finally, amidst everyone’s reluctant farewells, Song Jiyun departed and set sail for the Capital City.
Previously, Song Jiyun had accompanied Shao Qing on a trip to Nanjing, and everything went smoothly. This time, however, the journey was even smoother than the last.
Not only was there not a single person who obstructed them, but people also kept coming to visit Song Jiyun.
In Wang Hua’s words, "Those are mostly family retainers from the Wang Family who went out. Knowing that I’m accompanying you to the Capital, they came to pay their respects."
Song Jiyun gazed at the pile of name cards from audit officers, county magistrates, chief accountants, officials, and hundred-household officers beside her and remained silent for a long time.
In mid-April, they reached the Xiaguan Dock in Nanjing.
Wang Hua asked her if she wanted to go ashore for a walk.
These past few days, Song Jiyun hadn’t even left her cabin, spending all day staring blankly at the rolling river waters or lying in bed staring blankly at nothing. Wang Hua had several times tried to get fishing gear from the boatmen and invited her up to the deck for a walk, but she had refused each time.
Song Jiyun still showed no interest. Seeing many people changing boats to head north after the ship docked, she asked Wang Hua, "Do we need to change boats?"
Wang Hua chuckled and shook his head, "This is our own vessel; naturally, we don’t need to transfer. Those who need to change are mostly on hired boats."
Song Jiyun didn’t understand.
Wang Hua smiled and said, "The river also has its own rules. Each family earns their living on their own stretch of river. If someone crosses into another’s territory, isn’t that the same as stealing someone else’s livelihood? Moreover, boatmen are usually only familiar with the waterways near their home. If they travel too far, who knows where the undercurrents are? Where the rapids are? It’s very easy to have an accident."
He Dazhi asked curiously, "So how do the canal transport boats manage to travel smoothly all the way?"
Wang Hua laughed and said, "Do you know that the canal transport is managed by the Yangzhou Gang and the Huaian Gang?"
He Dazhi shook his head, drawing Dai Sishi and the others into the conversation.
Wang Hua laughed and said, "When the canal transport boats reach Yangzhou, the boatmen from Yangzhou are responsible for guiding them. When they reach Huaian, the boatmen from Huaian take over. Otherwise, how would the Grain Transport Gang have three Chief Helmsmen, and why would the contest for Chief Helmsman take two or three years to settle?"
Not to mention He Dazhi, even Song Jiyun was amazed and all ears as Wang Hua explained the knowledge of the waterways, until they brought Zhou Zheng and a few others into the city in the evening.
On their journey so far, Nanjing was the most prosperous city, where they could buy anything, not to mention many rare items. Song Jiyun, thinking that he didn’t know whom he would meet or what would happen when travelling north, and despite having brought many precious porcelain items, knew he couldn’t always give porcelain as gifts. Therefore, he specially instructed Zhou Zheng to go into the city to purchase some presents. Who knew that Wang Hua had already said Yuan Yunzhong had written a letter to the steward in Nanjing, who had already prepared gifts early on. Wang Hua just needed to send someone to speak to the steward upon arrival in Nanjing.
He also had sent a letter at full speed to Song Jiyun, saying that the house in the Capital City was already arranged and that he was looking for a place suitable for firing kilns. This time, the artisans summoned by the Manufacturing Office would probably have to show their skills in the Capital.
Song Jiyun felt much relieved, thinking that although he didn’t need to prepare gifts anymore, since he had come to Nanjing, he should still let Zhou Zheng and the others broaden their horizons. If they found any rare curiosities, they would also buy some to take back.
Zhou Zheng and the others were over the moon, urging Wang Hua, the local expert, to lead the way to have fun at the Qinhuai River.
Song Jiyun opened half of the window and sat at the writing desk, drafting plans about setting up a shop in the Capital City.
Nowadays, with inconvenient transportation, a journey wasn’t so easy. Although Jingde Town benefited from unique transportation conditions due to the Imperial Kiln Factory, it stuck to self-sufficiency and few were willing to venture out. Since she had gone to the trouble of travelling to the Capital City, she must achieve some gains.
Xiang Zhan stayed by her side, serving her tea and water.
Seeing Xiang Zhan glance outside from time to time, Song Jiyun couldn’t help but smile and say, "When we come back, we won’t have to rush like this. Then you can have a good look around Nanjing."
Xiang Zhan’s face lit up with joy, then suddenly a tumult arose from outside.
The dock was full of people from all walks of life, bustling with activity. Wishing to avoid any complications, Song Jiyun had always tried to keep her people in check during their journey. Hearing the noise, she told Xiang Zhan, "Go close the window."
Xiang Zhan did as she was told, but upon returning, she hesitated by Song Jiyun’s side.
Song Jiyun looked up and smiled, "What is it?"
Xiang Zhan nervously stammered, "Miss, I think I just saw Eldest Young Master Hong. He was driven down by the boatman. They said he owed them for the boat fare."
Song Jiyun was taken aback.
Since the Hong Family had been raided, she hadn’t heard any news about Hong Xi for a long time.
"I saw Eldest Young Master Hong supporting Second Young Master Hong," Xiang Zhan said. "Second Young Master Hong seemed ill, all limp and leaning on Eldest Young Master Hong, unable to even stand properly. No matter how much Eldest Young Master Hong pleaded, the boatman wouldn’t budge. The boatman even said he was afraid they would die on his boat."
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