Chapter 32

Chapter 32

After the Double Ninth Festival, the old lady fell ill after being exposed to the wind outside. Even Lady Zhang from the main house came to visit her. The tea room had two young maids specially assigned to tend the fire, and when Jin Niang arrived, she was greeted by the smell of medicine.

Lan Xiang held Jin Niang's hand as they entered, dismissing the maids so she could tend the fire herself while whispering to Jin Niang.

"The old lady is actually not seriously ill; the doctor prescribed very mild medicine," Lan Xue whispered softly.

Jin Niang thought that the old lady was not usually one to make a fuss. What could be the reason for this feigned illness? A sudden idea struck her: "Could it be to bring Aunt Mei back?"

Lan Xue was enlightened: "I hadn't thought of that. You're quick-witted. Indeed, Aunt Mei returned because Uncle Mei was critically ill, but he passed away unexpectedly. Although the manor sent someone over, they didn't indicate they would bring her back."

"As for that aunt..." Jin Niang hesitated, knowing it wasn't wise to speak ill of the family, yet it was true that Aunt Mei often caused trouble.

Lan Xue said, "If she returns this time, what if she asks your embroidery room to send people over again?"

Jin Niang was not worried: "That won't happen. The young miss's marriage is the top priority for the manor. To be honest, we're already short-handed in the embroidery room with only four people. There's no way we can spare anyone."

If the old lady still had influence, why would she resort to faking an illness?

However, Jin Niang teased her: "You're not a doctor, how do you know about the medicine?"

Lan Xue laughed: "I've been boiling medicine for so long, how could I not know? Don't underestimate me."

In the Zhou family, servants born into the household were typically married off at eighteen. Lan Xue, who was a year older than Jin Niang, was fifteen this year and had three more years before she would be married off. In the second gate of the Zhou family, few women were allowed to hold important positions, even Chen Niang lived in the outer wing.

Actually, Lan Xue was among the best in the tea room, excelling in both brewing tea and preparing medicine. Even Yao Niang learned how to brew tea from her. But being a servant born into the household, she would be confined to the manor for life.

Jin Niang stretched lazily: "We can't stay out too long. I need to get back. Don't mention this conversation to anyone else."

"Hmm, don't worry," Lan Xue said.

After a while of busying herself, Si'er brought back the meal. Jin Niang took a bite and felt something gritty—sand—and the rice was yellowish. "Ouch, what's going on? Why is the food getting so terrible these days?"

"It's rare for you to say it's bad," Qin Shuang'er shook her head. Now she could only subtly use weight and good eating habits to tease Jin Niang.

Jin Niang rolled her eyes and didn't bother to respond.

Chen Niang pointed at them and said, "You don't go out, so you don't know what's happening outside. There's a major flood in the south, and many crops have been destroyed this year. People are even selling their children. It's already good that we have enough rice and flour here."

"A major flood in the south? I wonder if my parents are safe?" Jin Niang was very worried. The Jing River had many twists and turns, and there had been floods a few years ago.

Hearing this, Qin Shuang'er and Fang Qiaolian also became concerned.

Chen Niang shook her head. "I don't know either. I'm just like you. I need to ask someone to send some money back home; I'm afraid they can't afford to eat."

"No, I also need to have someone bring some rice and flour back home." Jin Niang was anxious.

Chen Niang quickly waved her hands. "Who will take things back for you? No one from the Shu Embroidery Studio will do it, and grain is too heavy."

Jin Niang immediately wrote a letter to inquire about the situation at home. The other women in the embroidery room also asked her to write letters for them. In this era, being literate was truly important, at least to avoid being ignorant.

The women in the embroidery room sensed something was wrong. As the head of the household, Lady Jiang was already aware of the current food shortage. The old lady in the mansion naturally ate the finest white rice and flour, but others, including herself, were eating worse than before.

Now, top-quality glutinous rice costs 1,000 coins per dan, and medium-quality glutinous rice costs 850 coins per dan, which means a dou (about 10 liters) of rice costs between 80 to 100 coins. The Zhou family has a large household, with many daughters-in-law bringing substantial dowries. They prepared a dowry for their eldest daughter, including 100 mu of paddy fields. But they also need to prepare a dowry for the second daughter, which is another significant amount of money that can't be touched.

At this time, the old lady also wanted Auntie to come back.

Not only would Auntie cause trouble upon her return, but she might also claim part of the old lady's dowry.

She turned to look at Lvyi: "Go and invite Master Zhou over."

Master Zhou arrived late. As soon as he came in, Jiangshi looked at him and said, "The Old Lady wants to bring Auntie over. We can hide other matters, but we can't hide the fact that Uncle Mei has passed away. What do you think, Master?"

No one had expected Uncle Mei to pass away. If he hadn't gone, Auntie could have stayed home to take care of her husband, which would have been perfect. But now...

Thinking about this, Master Zhou raised his eyes and sighed slightly, "Arrange it as you see fit."

"I can certainly make the arrangements, but what if something scandalous happens again? How will we handle it?" This was Jiangshi's greatest concern.

Master Zhou replied, "Let her stay at home to mourn her husband for now. She must observe the mourning period for at least a year before she can leave. By then, it will take several months to travel here, and our Shishi is already married."

Jiangshi nodded, "That's a good idea."

After the couple agreed, Jiangshi went to the Old Lady. She personally fed her medicine and said after finishing, "Master Zhou says that once your sister finishes her mourning, he will bring her and her daughter over. At that time, everything will be taken care of by our family. Please rest assured."

The Old Lady coughed a few times, "They are widows and orphans, and the Mei family has long fallen into decline. I wonder how they are doing? I am very worried."

"Rest assured, we plan to send Cun'ge to check on them," Jiangshi said.

The Old Lady quickly responded, "That won't do. Cun'ge needs to prepare for the imperial exams; he can't go out. Let Shen'ge go instead."

Jiangshi and Xishi exchanged glances. Shen'ge was the only son of the third branch, and she couldn't make a decision for them. Xishi then said, "That's reasonable, but recently Third Master and his wife have found a suitable young lady for him. Once the engagement is set, we'll let him go. It wouldn't be right to keep the young lady waiting."

This move was truly clever, Jiangshi thought to herself. Xishi's son, Zhou Shen, was a diligent scholar, a fine example of a good sprout from a bad bamboo. His father failed in his studies and favored his concubine over his wife, creating a chaotic household, yet this child was taught to be righteous and upright. Xishi's standing was largely due to her outstanding son, but she had taken an extra step.

By directly arranging Shen'ge's engagement, she cut off any potential mishaps. If Auntie tried to use underhanded tactics to force a favorable outcome, she couldn't accept it.

She pitied her niece and her younger sister, but she couldn't risk anything happening to her son.

The old lady began to cough violently, and the Jiang family and Xi family called for the doctor again. It was only after much effort that they managed to get her to take her medicine, and then Xi went to Wu for help.

Wu patted her hand, “Don’t panic. I’ve already asked Second Master. He has a colleague from a prominent family, and I’ve asked the matchmaker to bring over his profile.”

“Thank you, Second Sister-in-Law. I’m truly grateful,” Xi said with relief.

Second Sister-in-Law often gave her authority and was also very good to Third Brother. This was her support in the manor; she didn’t need to rely on Third Master to make decisions.

But they were all wrong. On the first day of the tenth month, the Zhou family’s door was knocked on. The aunt had chosen an adopted son from the Mei clan and sent her daughter to enter the manor to fulfill filial duties.

Unfortunately, this time, Lady Jiang only had Second Miss and Third Miss pick out two sets of clothes that hadn’t been worn and send them over, without having the embroidery room prepare any new garments.

Even Lady Chen remarked, “As a mother, she knows she isn’t favored, so it’s better that she doesn’t come.”

Jin had just finished the handkerchief in her hands and started working on chair covers, tablecloths, and hanging curtains.

Lady Chen taught them first: “It’s best to make a set of chair covers and tablecloths together, preferably in red silk. Get the silk floss from the storeroom.”

She demonstrated first, and Jin and the others learned by following her example before starting their work.

It must be said that this time, Jin truly gained a lot. She didn’t realize how many things needed to be prepared for a wedding, or that even the embroidered items given as gifts to servants required special attention.

At night, with the candle lit, she meticulously wrote down a whole page, and for some descriptions that might not be clear, she drew pictures directly. This action caused Fang Qiaolian some displeasure.

“Go to sleep, you. The light keeps me awake.”

“Alright, alright, almost done,” Jin replied.

Thinking about the paintings in the flower and bird album sent by Wu, she got up again to start sketching a design for a tablecloth and chair cover featuring magpies perched on plum blossoms. This time, she prepared four designs. Magpies perched on plum blossoms was something she often embroidered, and once the magpies were finished, she planned to embroider the blooming winter jasmine.

Thus, gamboge should be the dominant hue, with the edges of the petals outlined in a mixture of cinnabar and rouge.

She is always like this, preferring to be over-prepared.

Any two volumes of bird-and-flower albums from the Hanlin Academy would fit the current aesthetic well. If she could enter the Embroidery Academy, these Hanlin Academy albums should be sent here first, as they represent the latest trends.

Some patterns, though beautiful, are not suitable if they do not align with contemporary tastes; one must stay on top of the latest fashions.

Unfortunately, the cinnabar has run out, so she asked Brother Kuang to bring her some more. A tael of cinnabar costs over two hundred coins, which is quite expensive, but there's no way around it—proper preparation is essential for success.

Fortunately, just after spending two hundred coins, someone from the old lady’s side asked her to make a set of clothes for her niece, and even brought a string of cash and fabric.

"I can do it, but it will take some time," said Jin Niang. She had almost finished the large embroidery pieces and had a clear plan for the table curtains. As long as they didn’t rush her too much, she had the time to make the clothes.

The maid from the old lady’s side replied, "That’s no problem. The old lady knows you’re busy embroidering the dowry for the eldest young miss. Just focus on that, and make the clothes when you have a moment."

Jin Niang smiled, "Thank you for the old lady’s understanding."

This time, Auntie did not come, but Miss Cousin was very considerate. Even when Jin Niang went to measure her for the clothes, Mei Pan'er offered her a silver hairpin: "Thank you, Sister."

Jin Niang refused, "This is too valuable, Miss Cousin, you don’t need to do this."

But Mei Pan'er was firm this time, "I was troublesome before, causing you some inconvenience. Please accept it. You’re so busy, yet you still took the time to help me."

"You are too kind," said Jin Niang, and she accepted the silver hairpin.

Miss Cousin now lives in a side room next to the old lady, unlike before when she lived behind the three rooms. She receives much care from the old lady. Jin Niang thought that these daughters of officials, even if their mothers did wrong in the past, as long as they have someone above them looking out for them, they still have many chances to recover.

But Shan Jie, perhaps for just one mistake, was beaten and driven away, falling from grace forever.

Even if she remained in the Shu embroidery workshop, she could only be a lifelong embroiderer, while Jin Niang and the others had learned many new things from Lady Chen. Moreover, the Zhou family’s rewards were generous. After they completed the wedding preparations for Young Miss Zhou, they could find jobs elsewhere, and their monthly wages would more than double. Shan Jie, however, would not have such opportunities.

In the sewing room, besides Jin Niang taking on private work, others were doing the same, but for Qin Shuang'er, it was truly adding insult to injury. She remembered the food but forgot the beatings; when she first arrived last year, she was like this. Jin Niang had finished embroidering the pillowcases, but her quilt cover was still unfinished, and now she was secretly helping Second Madam with her clothes.

Lady Zhang was now pregnant, and many of her clothes were too small, so she needed new ones. However, her nursemaid said, "A string of coins can get the seamstresses in the sewing room to make clothes. Why go outside to find someone? They do just as well."

"Really? A string of coins?" Lady Zhang thought it was too cheap.

A servant replied, "It's true. These people already receive a monthly wage, and all their food and supplies are provided by the household, so they don't charge much for private work."

Lady Zhang said indifferently, "Alright, then let them make one piece."

Thus, Qin Shuang'er spent more and more nights working late. Although Jin Niang also worked late, compared to her, it was like a drop in the ocean.

Mei Pan'er was also staying up late. This time returning to the capital from home, many things were different. For example, although the dishes before were not abalone or sea cucumber, they were still exquisite. Now, even the rice was of medium quality, far inferior to before. Could it be that her aunt disliked her?

Although she was under the protection of her grandmother, her grandmother was old, and she was alone in the capital. What would happen to her in the future?

She didn't know if the letter sent home had been received. Times were hard, and she didn't want anything to happen to her family.

Biting her lip, she put down the clothes and went to bed to rest.

After finishing the clothes for her cousin, Jin Niang had to give gifts to the servants who got married or had children in the household. The string of coins she just received was quickly spent, and she even had to buy some gifts for Lü Ying's birthday.

Not to mention Jin Niang, even a little girl like Si'er had to give gifts to the managing mothers. It was Jin Niang who gave her two hundred cash coins to help her gather enough.

Si'er was impatient: "As long as they are of higher status than us, we have to give money. When will this end?"

"It won't. Just focus on your embroidery, and you'll earn more rewards in the future. Then you won't have to worry," Jin Niang said.

In fact, the current Fourth Daughter has become quite skilled at mending, making sachets, pasting shoe uppers, and creating patterns. It was she who pasted the shoe upper for Cousin Miss, showing that she has indeed begun to grasp these skills.

Speaking of the snow-white plum blossoms embroidered on the clothes Jin Niang made for Mei Pan'er, they made her appear even more outstanding. Even Jin Niang felt that the young cousin seemed to have grown into her looks, becoming much more beautiful, almost captivating to the eye.

When it comes to appearance, Third Daughter and Fourth Daughter are not lacking. However, their beauty is of the innocent, young girl type, while Cousin Miss possesses a natural charm.

Yet, such beauty does not hold much favor in the Zhou family. On the occasion of the Old Lady's birthday, various ladies were invited, and the young misses also went out to meet the guests. Upon learning that the two elder daughters of the Zhou family had already been betrothed, and seeing the refined and delicate Third Daughter, no fewer than five or six matchmakers came calling.

Although Jiang Shi and Lu Xiaoniang used to be mistress and servant, they maintained a good relationship and could not casually arrange a marriage for Third Daughter. They found all the proposed matches unsatisfactory.

Even the young Fourth Daughter received some inquiries, but no one showed interest in Cousin Miss.

At this moment, Jin Niang suddenly realized that while beauty can bring advantages, it is worthless compared to family background. To some extent, marriage is also an exchange of interests; no matter how beautiful you are, if you lack value, you are of little use.

The day before Winter Solstice, Jin Niang took a day off to visit her cousin. Of course, using this as an excuse, she also planned to find some brokers to inquire about matters along the way.

Now familiar with the route, she did not need the manor to arrange a carriage for her. After leaving through the side gate, she first walked out of Wuque Alley and bought some seasonal food from a nearby shop: one pound of pears, one pound of clams, and a pack of sweet oil buns.

At this time, the capital was experiencing a grain shortage, so bringing food as a gift was better than anything else. Besides, she was the kind of person who never visited empty-handed.

Sure enough, when she arrived at Rong Niang's house, Rong Niang complained, "Every time you come, you bring so many things. You're too formal. We don't lack anything at home."

"These are just things I picked up on my way. Tomorrow is Winter Solstice, and I won't be able to come out, so I decided to visit today. Last time I heard there was a flood in the south, I wonder if it affected our family. I sent a letter, but haven't received a reply yet," Jin Niang sighed.

Rong Niang was taken aback. Since coming to Bianjing, due to the loss of her parents, she had been solely focused on living with Feng Sheng and hadn't thought much about such matters. Therefore, she said, "Don't worry, I'll ask your brother-in-law to look into it."

Jin Niang was delighted, "Thank you, Sister and Brother-in-law."

Her young nephew had been given a name, a single character: Lin, Feng Lin.

"Lin? The Lin of Qilin. Sister, it seems your husband hopes my nephew will become a prodigy like the Qilin." Jin Niang smiled, thinking this was quite an ambitious hope.

Rong Niang chuckled, "Your brother-in-law has already planned out which school in the Zhou family he will attend and where he will study."

In the past, Jin Niang would have encouraged Rong Niang, saying that with such an ambitious husband, her sister should also strive harder. But she knew such words were not appropriate now, so she just put on an envious face: "Sister, you truly have good fortune. With a husband like that, you can rest easy."

Rong Niang found this very comforting. Looking at Jin Niang again, she still wore her purple fur-trimmed sleeves, her hair undressed with no oil, dark circles under her eyes, and her lips slightly curled, truly looking somewhat unkempt.

Thinking this, she said aloud: "As a young lady, you don't need to dress up much, but you should at least take care of your appearance, especially since you're of marriageable age."

Jin Niang didn't see it that way. Unless there was a special occasion, she preferred simplicity in her daily life. Besides, she thought her clothes were not bad; the material she wore was better than Rong Niang's. What annoyed her most was the constant reminder about finding a husband, as if everything she did was for that purpose.

So, Jin Niang put on a cold face: "Sister, I understand, but I'm not considering these things for now."

Then she heard Rong Niang say, "I know you don't like hearing too much, but speaking of which, Ying Niang is getting married. Are you going?"

"I'd rather not go," Jin Niang quickly waved her hands.

Ying Niang was her third uncle's daughter. Her third aunt had often mocked Jin Niang's mother when she hadn't yet given birth to a son. Later, she even incited her own family to seize Jin Niang's family land. Moreover, when her father built a house in the countryside, the eldest uncle said he wouldn't return, so it wasn't necessary to build his share. At that time, the third uncle was unmarried, and the house was built to help him get married. After the third aunt came into the family, her father joined the imperial army, and the third uncle offered to buy the house. Her father agreed, selling only half of it at an extremely low price, less than five guan.

Later, the third uncle did small business outside, making the grandparents help him, and he even boasted that he would take care of their final years. Unfortunately, when Grandfather fell ill and passed away, they denied all responsibilities.

The conflict erupted after Grandfather's death.

The third aunt spread rumors, accusing Jin Niang's parents of taking Grandfather's wealth and stealing their land deeds. The two families became bitter enemies.

Even though she knew her third uncle and aunt had moved to the East City's stinky alley two months ago, Jin Niang was unwilling to visit. First, because the two families had fallen out, and second, because the third aunt was a miser. It was said that they ran a successful steamed bun business but lived in a dilapidated house for only one hundred wen rent, bought only rotten fruits, and would glare at customers who asked for an extra bowl of rice.

How could Jin Niang possibly visit such people?

Rongniang tried to persuade her: "We're all family, why be like this? Yingniang is now working as a brewer at Panlou. Her fiancé is also a helper in the shop. Uncle San looks down on them, but Third Sister has already made up her mind..."

"Alright, Big Sister, I have something to do, so I'll go first." Jinniang stood up instantly. She thought that her eldest uncle had left home early and rarely cared about family matters, showing only a bright side to everyone. At most, Uncle San and the relatives from the old home would visit their place in Anlu Prefecture, looking up to them, so Rongniang saw nothing but kindness.

Jinniang's father was a kind-hearted but weak man. Even if you did things for others' good, they still felt it wasn't enough. Thus, their finances were nearly depleted, and Jinniang experienced more malice than kindness, growing impatient with such talk. Uncle San and his family relied on Rongniang to establish themselves in Dongjing, naturally favoring her, and Rongniang's feelings towards the third branch of the family were different.

After she left, Rongniang felt somewhat embarrassed, thinking Jinniang seemed to be cutting ties, acting too decisively.

Jinniang let out a sigh of relief when she stepped outside, then visited several reputable brokerage firms. She dared not go to the smaller ones, choosing a proper one where brokers had official identification. Being literate, Jinniang couldn't be easily deceived.

After checking the identification, she asked about the Embroidery Academy, "Uncle, I want to ask when the Embroidery Academy will start hiring?"

Broker Cheng, seeing Jinniang pay one hundred coins promptly, replied, "Getting into the Embroidery Academy isn't easy; once you're in, you must stay for at least three years."

"That's fine, I'm willing," Jinniang blurted out, surprising even herself. She quickly covered her mouth and asked, "I currently work as an embroiderer in someone's home, working day and night. Will it be even more tiring at the Embroidery Academy?"

She couldn't bear excessive fatigue.

Broker Cheng paused, then smiled, "No, no, you rest once every ten days, work during the day, and take holidays on major festivals. You get two dan of grain and six dou of beans monthly, which is easier than most places."

Two dan of grain and six dou of beans, equivalent to two guan of silver per month, wasn't much.

But the job was light, and she could access pattern books provided by the Imperial Academy of Painting. In her spare time, she could even take on private jobs from external embroidery shops. Jinniang said earnestly, "I really want to go, so please help me, Broker Cheng."

Broker Cheng nodded, "Alright, when the recruitment notice comes out, leave your address, and I'll send someone to inform you."

Jinniang left her address and breathed a sigh of relief.