The longer the night, the more dreams it brings.

Naturally, Gu Fei did not do as Gu Zhong suggested and produce other fine inksticks. She simply selected wood from the Gu family storehouse that was even-grained and beautifully patterned, then meticulously carved several sets of ink molds. Among them, a set of nine molds was shaped after the legendary Nine Sons of the Dragon, each with lifelike postures—truly worthy of being called masterpieces in their own right.

As for incense ink, Gu Fei only intended to improve a single formula. The appearance of a new ink pellet—even if it was only an enhancement of an existing recipe—demanded immense time and effort. And time was precisely what Gu Fei lacked most at the moment. She couldn’t afford to give the major families of Yizhou any breathing space; she had to gather the loose silver in the marketplace as swiftly as possible, ideally before anyone could react, especially now that Mo Yan had returned to the Lesser Mo family.

Mo Cheng’s departure had served as a warning to her. Mo Yan was unlike Mo Cheng; in the decades since he took charge, the Lesser Mo family had risen from being a branch expelled from the Grand Capital’s Mo family to the most prominent clan in Yizhou. True, much of this was built on the accumulation of prior generations, but Mo Yan had his own formidable abilities, and it was thanks to him that the family prospered as it did.

Gu Fei could almost foresee that once Mo Yuhua succeeded as head of the Lesser Mo family, the day of their return to the Grand Capital would not be far off. After all, both father and son were formidable in their own right.

Two days later, Gu Zhong arrived at the Azure Ink Courtyard. Gu Fei was well prepared. All the items intended as highlights for the auction were cushioned with fine silk by Nurse Ku, then arranged neatly on the table for inspection.

There weren’t many items: ten pieces each of different styles of incense ink, each with slightly varied scents, though all within the sandalwood range; five sets of inksticks, exquisitely shaped and adorned with gold patterns, each housed in a vermilion box. The boxes were elegant and understated, adorned only by natural wood grain, dignified yet sumptuous—the perfect gift or collectible.

Then there were four sets of ink molds. The set of Nine Sons of the Dragon molds was placed apart by Gu Fei, intended for Gu Zhong as the shop's crowning treasure.

Gu Zhong was delighted, though he showed nothing on his face. The old fox merely frowned after examining everything and said, “Fei, the items are excellent, but isn’t this a bit few in number?”

Gu Fei sneered inwardly, her fingers idly stroking the red jade fox pendant as she replied coolly, “Few? Uncle, don’t pretend not to know how much effort just these things cost. As it is, I haven’t even recovered my health yet.”

She was all but calling Gu Zhong greedy to his face.

Gu Zhong stroked his black beard, his normally stern face stretching into a stiff smile. “Our family has never held an auction before, so your uncle is just concerned. If it doesn’t go well, wouldn’t that waste all your hard work?”

In truth, Gu Fei had little patience for people like Gu Zhong, who always played innocent after taking advantage. If it were someone more naive, they might end up counting silver for him after being sold off.

Her expression grew colder, her brows drawing together in impatience. “So, Uncle, what exactly do you want?”

Her tone had turned icy.

Gu Zhong was no fool; he saw her expression clearly and forced a laugh. “Apart from incense ink, Fei, can you make other types of ink pellets?”

In the end, he was still trying to coax more secrets from her.

Gu Fei snorted openly, not bothering with even a pretense of courtesy now. “Since Uncle thinks it’s too little, let’s forget the auction altogether. Nurse Ku, pack everything up, and later invite Young Master Feng Liyi over. Tell him I have ink pellets for sale.”

Nurse Ku shot Gu Zhong a blank look and answered, “Yes, miss.” She stepped over to the table and, with a rough sweep, gathered the ink pellets into her tray.

“Wait, wait!” Gu Zhong hurried forward, blocking her with his sleeve. “Fei, why such haste? I forgot to mention, since we’re holding an auction, I’d already instructed the masters in the workshop to use their best skills. There should be a batch of ink pellets ready now—not as fine as yours, perhaps, but they’re serviceable.”

Gu Fei’s lips curled slightly as she nodded to Nurse Ku. “Then I’ll leave all matters of the auction in your capable hands, Uncle.”

The meaning was clear: she was sending him on his way. Gu Fei had no patience left to spar with Gu Zhong. She felt he was not to be trusted—if she let him handle the collection of silver, Mo Yan would likely break her plans with ease. She would have to find another way.

Gu Zhong left with the ink pellets and molds, satisfied. Gu Fei watched his figure recede and, after a moment’s thought, handed the red jade fox pendant to Nurse Ku. “Later, I’ll make a list. Nurse Ku, go to Mr. Jiu and say I’d like to borrow a few trinkets from the Treasure Pavilion.”

Nurse Ku nodded, though her expression was troubled. Glancing at Gu Fei, she hesitated as if to speak, but ultimately kept her concerns to herself.

The auction Gu Zhong prepared was scheduled for three days later. Gu Fei, calculating the time, went to the workshop while Nurse Ku was at the Treasure Pavilion. Looking at the tools laid out on the table, her brows knitted as she gathered her thoughts and listed out the types of ink pellets she was adept at making. None were particularly unique, and after some consideration, she crossed several out. In the end, only three or four remained on the sheet.

Yet all three or four were signature products of the Grand Capital’s Mo family. If she made them without any alterations, anyone with an eye would recognize their origin at a glance.

She dared not take that risk and could only make changes to the molds themselves.

With three days at most, she could only manage two types of ink pellets, and no more than three of each—and that was if she worked night and day, carving new molds without rest.

Gu Fei sighed inwardly. Had she still been at the Grand Capital’s Mo family, she would never have had to worry about ink molds. There, master carvers with superb skill were always at hand, and even the mundane tasks of handling soot were eagerly fought over by apprentices.

But now, every task fell to her alone. In this respect, setting aside personal grievances, she had to admire the Mo family’s strict hierarchy and clear division of labor.

When Nurse Ku returned from the Treasure Pavilion, she found Gu Fei at her work, frowning and sighing as she made ink. Nurse Ku echoed her sigh, then reported, “Miss, I didn’t see Mr. Jiu. According to the new stewardess at the Pavilion, Mr. Jiu left Yizhou several days ago, and Steward Qingyun has been assigned to another branch.”

Gu Fei didn’t pause her work, only arching an eyebrow. “Oh?”

Nurse Ku nodded. “But what you asked has been handled. The stewardess said that from now on, the Yizhou branch will follow your instructions. Any trinkets you wish to borrow, use them as you see fit—if you can’t return them, just pay back the principal later.”

Hearing this, Gu Fei halted, lowering her gaze to the ink paste she’d been kneading. After a long moment, she asked in a low voice, “Nurse Ku, what do you think the Treasure Pavilion is trying to do?”

The meaning was clear enough: as long as she could return the items, fine; if not, just pay for them later—no deadline specified. It was as if they were declaring she would one day be the master of the Pavilion.

Of course, she was not so arrogant as to believe that just because the Pavilion supported her now, she could act with impunity. If she could help it, she would rather not rely on their power at all.

Nurse Ku shook her head, eyes lowered. “Miss, this old servant doesn’t understand either.”

Gu Fei shook off the thought and rolled up her sleeves, picking up the hammer once more. “I’ll make a few more. Nurse Ku, keep a close watch on Gu Zhong’s side—I fear too much delay will bring trouble.”

At this, Nurse Ku’s face grew solemn. “Understood, miss.”

Watching Gu Fei’s hand rise and fall with the hammer, Nurse Ku’s face flashed with concern. “Miss, there are only three days left. This is too much for you alone. Why not find someone to help?”

Gu Fei paused, considering Nurse Ku’s suggestion with weary stubbornness written on her pale face. “Find help? Perhaps…”

As she spoke, a thought struck her. She turned to Nurse Ku. “Nurse Ku, what about asking Young Master Feng Liyi for help?”

Nurse Ku smiled. “Excellent idea.”