Chapter 35

Chapter 35

Jin Niang found herself buried under cloth, unable to breathe, and suddenly opened her eyes, only to realize it was a dream.

The dream reflected her state of mind; lately, she had been overwhelmed with work. She got up and poured herself a glass of water, then heard rustling from Qin Shuang'er's side. Jin Niang hurriedly asked, "Shuang'er, are you up too?"

Qin Shuang'er laughed, "I'm just having my monthly visit."

Jin Niang was speechless, "You're still so cheerful even when your monthly visit comes."

Although they could use cotton and paper to make better menstrual cloths while living in the Zhou family, they were far inferior to modern sanitary products. Jin Niang particularly disliked her menstrual days, often filling both her hot water bottles to warm herself, washing up in the room whenever she felt sticky, fearing bacterial infection.

Qin Shuang'er said, "Go back to sleep, I’m going to sleep now."

She quickly climbed into bed, pulled the light quilt over herself, feeling no great burden. In a few more months, you will still be maids traveling from place to place, but I will be different.

Now that I'm not pregnant, everything is for the best.

Zhou Shen zhi approached Second Master, still somewhat shy, "Nephew finds her pitiful and hopes Second Uncle can help."

Second Master Zhou, though he used to frequent the pleasure quarters in his youth, was not a wastrel. He had multiplied his family’s wealth several times over, making him a shrewd man.

Thus, upon hearing his nephew’s words, he said, "If she were truly decent and genuinely cared for you, how could she allow such indulgence before marriage? However, this is not a big issue, as long as you know your limits."

Zhou Shen zhi replied, "Mother has always been strict with me, and Father knows this well. I regard Second Uncle as my own father, and Second Aunt has also raised me. For this marriage, I am deeply grateful to Second Uncle for your assistance, and I will respect and love my new wife in the future."

"Hmm, rest assured. I’ve heard she’s an outsider hired. When the time comes, I’ll say you’re short a needlework maid, and have her serve in your room. The future is in your hands." Second Master Zhou was not worried about upsetting his elder sister-in-law; after all, it was just a maid, and he had added considerable silver to the dowries of the two young ladies from the main house.

Zhou Shen zhi was overjoyed, "I entrust everything to Second Uncle."

On Tuesday, the old master patted his shoulder and said, "I have failed to achieve success in my career and can only hold a minor post through favor. You and Cun-ge are both scholarly seeds; you must study diligently and never disappoint the elders' expectations."

"I understand, Uncle," Zhou Shen-zhi smiled.

Tuesday's old master was certainly skilled with words. To Wu-shi, he said that buying and sending the needlework room maid to the third house was for the sake of assisting Xi-shi and her son: "You and Third Sister-in-law have always been on good terms. Last time, I saw the maid who embroidered the hundred-children quilt for you was quite capable, so I asked Elder Sister to bring her contract over. After the young lady’s dowry is finished, she will go there. Then you can pick another one to send as a concubine."

"Why would you personally manage such matters?" Wu-shi was puzzled.

Tuesday's old master embraced Wu-shi and said, "Our Qín-ge is still so young, and we don’t know yet about the one in your belly. My age is catching up with me, and I fear I won’t be able to protect you all. At least there’s Shen-zhi. The new bride has no connection to us and won’t speak up for us. It’s best to keep two people around just in case."

These words made Wu-shi feel inexplicably heartache, but she still felt uneasy: "As aunt and uncle, how can we send concubines to our nephew?"

"We are the elders, and it’s normal for us to do so. Besides, the third house is struggling financially. They might not be able to afford two capable maids." Tuesday's old master was very adept at managing affairs.

Whether from a practical or emotional standpoint, he felt it necessary to send them, and Wu-shi also found his reasoning sound.

Thus, Lady Chen in the needlework room told Qin Shuang-er, "Your contract has five months left. Now, you will finish your needlework here for one month before going directly to the third house."

Qin Shuang-er hadn’t expected her judgment to be so accurate, but she still feigned surprise: "Why would they want me from the third house?"

"I’m not sure, but they say you’ll go with a maid from the second house who excels in cooking." Lady Chen suspected the second house wanted to send two skilled workers to the third house.

Jin-niang looked at Qin Shuang-er, wondering if her recent outings were related to this matter. However, if she went, she would likely become a free servant instead of a paid worker.

Fang Qiao-lian whispered to Jin-niang, "If anyone had to be chosen, it should have been you."

"Me? I definitely wouldn’t go," Jin-niang shook her head.

From then on, Qin Shuang-er worked even more slowly than before, her mind clearly elsewhere. She seemed quite happy every day, with ten taels of silver from the third young master. She often used some to treat Xiao He to meals, and the two frequently skipped their work altogether.

Jin Niang looked up at Si Er and said, "Lock the edge, the stitches here need to be finer."

Si Er replied, "Alright."

After finishing the needlework in her hands, Jin Niang began copying scriptures. She had plenty of tasks and couldn't afford to rest. In such circumstances, Jin Niang sought advice from Chen Niang on how to work, and Chen Niang was willing to teach, as Jin Niang's increased productivity would help meet their quotas.

But Jin Niang only did her own work, unwilling to take on more.

With only a few months left, she needed to stand firm in her final post and improve her skills.

Success came too suddenly for Qin Shuang'er, who found it hard to contain herself. Seeing Jin Niang and the others working hard and looking disheveled, she felt even more confident that her decision was right. As the saying goes, fortune comes with risk, and she had thought it through thoroughly, even secretly winning over Xiao Niang Miao.

Before lunch was over, she went to take a nap. Chen Niang watched her retreating figure and remarked, "Really, she’s planning to stay at the Zhou residence for life..."

Somehow, Chen Niang recalled what the old woman from the He family had said on the boat years ago, about someone staying at the Zhou residence. It seemed those words were prophetic.

Jiang Shi didn't care much about these matters because most of the embroidery for the eldest daughter's dowry was already completed. After the eldest daughter's marriage, it would be the third son's turn, which wouldn't affect sending anyone over.

Lvyi added, "It's really amusing, if they were to send someone skilled in needlework, it should have been Jin Niang, right?"

"Since the second house wants her, it's just a favor. What's the big deal?" Jiang Shi wasn't bothered by this, considering her just a servant.

The second master was good at business and generous to his family, so his two daughters received thousands of taels as additional dowry. As the saying goes, when you receive something, you feel indebted. Lady Wu usually followed her elder sister-in-law's lead, so sending servants over was no big deal; even ten wouldn't be a problem.

Lvyi nodded, "You're right. These days, Second Madam has been managing the household with great efficiency. Our residence will surely be refreshed."

Second Madam first strictly punished the habit of drinking and gambling, which Jiang Shi supported. Many servants were beaten, including Lanxue's brother and Hu Auntie, who lost a month's salary.

Although Jin Niang got along well with them, she believed Second Madam was right to enforce these rules. Drinking and gambling could easily cause trouble and disrupt the household's peace, especially since the main house was growing larger and needed stricter management.

But it wasn't appropriate to say too much in front of Lanxue, so she changed the subject: "Our embroidery room is now a bit more relaxed. If we were to move elsewhere in the future, each of us would surely be skilled workers."

The hardest and most exhausting work has been endured; any future tasks would be a breeze, and one could only think positively about it.

Seeing her like this, Lanxue added, "Congratulations to you. In a few months, you'll be able to return home and enjoy family happiness again."

Jin Niang thought the same.

However, just then, Zhen'er came over and said, "Sister Jin Niang, your parents are here, waiting for you at the side gate."

"My parents? They can't be kidnappers, right?" Jin Niang felt utterly puzzled.

The journey from Jiangling to Bianjing was no short distance. Could they have really come to the capital because of her letter? Jin Niang rubbed her hair, her heart racing with excitement, and ran to the side gate. There, she saw a couple holding a little boy, waiting for her.

"Father, Mother, Brother Yang, how did you come here?" Jin Niang was extremely shocked.

Wei Xiong rubbed his hands, smiling but unsure what to say. Luo Yüehua said, "How could we leave you alone in Bianjing? Your father didn't want to come at first, but I decided to come along. As you said, it's easier to earn money in Bianjing than in Jiangling."

Seeing her daughter's dark circles and greasy hair, and noticing that her skin wasn't as good as when she was at home, Luo Yüehua felt very pained: "My dear, why is your face so sallow?"

Jin Niang looked at her mother and brother; her mother's skin was so tender it seemed to glisten with moisture, and her brother had long eyelashes and a face as white as tofu. She touched her own face: "I'm considered quite fair here. It's just that I've only been getting two or three hours of sleep recently, and the rest of the time I spend on embroidery."

"Tsk, tsk, tsk, even our oxen back home aren't worked this hard," Luo Yüehua couldn't help but complain upon seeing her daughter's condition.

Jin Niang stomped her foot: "Mother, please speak softly so no one hears. By the way, where do you plan to stay? I'll take leave tomorrow to visit you."

They naturally planned to go to Rong Niang's place. Luo Yüehua added, "When your uncle had his accident, why he received compensation was all thanks to your father finding his former comrades in the Imperial Guard. Otherwise, if he hadn't helped steal horses from the carriage shop to sell, he would have been thrown into prison long ago. Your father never seeks recognition for his good deeds. We'll stay at Rong Niang's place first, and you can come over tomorrow to talk."

Jin Niang gave them the address and instructed her parents: "If you're staying at someone's house, be careful not to cause trouble. Find a broker quickly to rent a place."

"Right, by the way, Jin Niang, we brought you some fermented tofu. Didn't you used to love eating it with your egg fried rice?" Luo Yue hurriedly took out a jar.

For people like her parents, who grew up in the countryside, pickled vegetables were a good thing, and they almost had various kinds of pickles with every meal. Pickled radishes, dried eggplants, mustard greens, and smoked meats and fish were all their favorites.

Jin Niang took it, watching as the hired carriage drove away.

Luo Yue then got into the carriage and said to Wei Xiong, "I never thought our daughter would have such a hard time. You blamed me for selling our house and moving here, but if I hadn’t, neither our daughter nor our son could take care of us."

"Now that we have capital, we can find a place to do business in Jiangling. It’s definitely better than leaving our hometown." Wei Xiong was unwilling to change his mind.

Luo Yue shook her head. "What do you understand? Being together as a family is more important than anything else. Besides, for Jin Niang, Bianjing is indeed prosperous. Also, your brother moved to Bianjing without a word."

Leaving aside how Wei Xiong and Luo Yue arrived at Rong Niang's place and how Rong Niang arranged for them, let’s talk about Jin Niang. She went straight to Lu Xiaoniang when she first came out, but now, although Second Madam assists in managing the household, she still needs to seek permission from Jiang Shi.

However, Jiang Shi was entertaining guests, and Lvyi quietly told her, "It’s the lady’s cousin from the Jiang family. They are originally from Hangzhou Prefecture. He was previously a county magistrate and has now come to the capital to serve as an official. His wife is speaking inside."

"I’ll wait then," Jin Niang said.

Inside, Jiang Shi was talking to her cousin-in-law, Lady Liu: "Sister, I am truly happy for Fangge for winning the top place in the Kaifeng Prefecture examination. This means our Jiang family will have successors. By the way, has he been betrothed?"

"He has, to the daughter of the Peng family. Her family is originally from Xijing Hedif Prefecture (Luoyang), and her father serves as the Chief Inspector of Waterways." Lady Liu praised her future daughter-in-law for being virtuous and kind.

Jiang Shi knew that the position of Chief Inspector of Waterways was a lucrative one. She had considered whether to marry her third daughter to her cousin, but now...

However, as a lady of the court, she couldn’t let Lady Liu see through her thoughts. She knew that Jiang Fang was originally the son of her sixth elder brother, but was later adopted by the clan. It was said that during the adoption, Lady Liu and Sixth Sister had a fierce argument, but ultimately, Lady Liu won because her husband was a scholar-official, while Sixth Brother was just a repeatedly failed candidate, with a declining family business.

Lady Liu and Sixth Sister were also cousins, which made her sigh inwardly.

Therefore, when Jiang Shi saw Jin Niang about to go out, she felt somewhat resentful: "Didn’t you say you were busy? Why are you going out again?"

In response to the lady’s words, Jin Niang said, "It's my parents who have come from Jiangling. I fear they might not be settled well, so I wish to visit them. Rest assured, I have worked on my embroidery through the night."

Jiang Shi merely “hmm”ed, neither clearly agreeing nor disagreeing. Jin Niang waited, growing somewhat impatient, until she finally instructed Lvyi to take care of it.

This time, Jin Niang hired a carriage for the trip. She bought a basket of fruits at the fruit shop and two roasted geese as well.

Rong Niang’s rented courtyard was small, so her parents and younger brother had felt cramped when they arrived yesterday. However, they were very diligent, helping to make the bed early in the morning, careful not to dirty anything. They even had Wei Xiong buy breakfast and meat specially.

Seeing Jin Niang arrive, the family couldn’t help but cry.

Rong Niang remarked, "Auntie doesn’t know how polite Jin Niang is; she never comes empty-handed."

Luo Yüe held her daughter’s hand and sat down, inevitably asking about her life in the mansion: "You write too little in your letters, Mother really doesn’t understand much."

Noticing the family wanted to talk privately, Rong Niang excused herself. Jin Niang then recounted everything about her life with the Zhou family: "At first, the work was fine. The Zhou family is already quite good compared to others. But I’ve been punished to kneel, and there’s a girl named Shan Jie who came with us. She was stripped and beaten with a board before being driven out. We always have to watch our step, and Chen Niang’s back is bent from doing needlework all day."

"Tsk tsk." Luo Yüe tried to pull up her daughter’s trouser leg to check, only relaxing when Jin Niang assured her that she was much better.

Luo Yüe also had news for Jin Niang: "Mother sold the house for 150 guan, losing 30 guan. I worked in your uncle’s shop for a year, and we did very well, earning over 180 guan. We brought several hundred guan to the capital. Your father and I can make steamed buns, soy milk, and fried dumplings. Our life will surely be prosperous."

"Um, Mother, if you need to rent a house, you can find the intermediary Cheng Zhongren whom I often go to," Jin Niang said, filled with hope for the future.

However, she also warned Luo Yüe and Wei Xiong, "Don’t tell anyone about my exam for the Embroidery Academy. If I pass, it’s fine, but if I don’t, it will just invite ridicule."

Luo Yüe nodded, "We arrived late yesterday and didn’t have the chance to talk much."

Given that they were still guests, Jin Niang didn’t feel comfortable saying more. She glanced at the sun outside and hurriedly said, "If you rent a house, send word to the west gate of the Zhou residence. I’ll come looking for you. Things are busy at the Zhou residence now, and I got quite a scolding for coming out today."

Seeing her daughter so cautious, Luo Yüe counted on her fingers, "There are five months left. Your father and I will find a place soon. Once you’re out, you won’t have to endure this anymore."

Jin reminded her mother, "Mother, the food in the capital is good, but the houses are quite expensive. Take your time to look for one, don't rush."

But Luo Yuer was an impatient person. Yesterday, she stayed at Rong's house, where Rong's husband seemed to smile, yet his words carried a hint of disdain, as if he were giving them advice despite being young. How could they stay there any longer?

That day, though it felt like chaos, the family was about to reunite, which was a miraculous thing. Jin felt as if she were dreaming.

Father and Mother had over three hundred strings of cash, and she had over a hundred strings, making it more than five hundred strings in total. Once she entered the Embroidery Academy, things would be better.

With only a few months left, Jin was very happy.

She also mentioned that Jiang Fang, a promising nephew of the Jiang family, had already had a fiancée, but the fiancée fell ill and passed away. Master Zhou and the Jiang family quickly arranged a marriage for the third daughter.

"Who would have thought that the third daughter would come out on top? This Jiang Langjun is this year's top scholar in Kaifeng Prefecture, and he happens to be related to us. This is truly wonderful." Qin Shuang'er, now that her own matters were settled, had the leisure to comment on affairs in the manor, unlike her previous anxiety.

Hearing her refer to the Zhou residence as 'our home,' Jin had already guessed something. But she was too naive; a live contract turned into a dead one, leaving her in the position of a maid in the third young master's room. Whether she could become a concubine in the future was uncertain, and even her survival after the new wife entered the household was questionable.

Just like Cuixian, who was firmly expelled from her position as a bed companion.

But on the surface, Jin was happy for the third daughter. Among the Zhou family's daughters, the third daughter was the one for whom she had made clothes from the beginning, and she was actually quite nice.

She also went to offer her congratulations. The third daughter was exactly thirteen years old this year, a blossoming young girl with shy eyes.

And beside her, Lady Lu Xiao was overjoyed.

Having a fiancé who had passed the provincial exams meant that once she married, she would become a scholar's wife, and the Jiang family would still be her natal family, which was better than anything else.

In the Song Dynasty, scholars were highly sought after, and it was said that sometimes people even fought over them during the bride-snatching at the announcement of the results.

After the guests left, Lady Lu Xiao began to calculate the dowry. Previously, the old lady had given two thousand taels of silver as dowry for the eldest daughter, but for the second daughter, it had been reduced. It might have to come from the communal funds, and if it could reach five thousand strings, it would be very generous.

"Third Daughter, I am truly happy for you." Lady Lu embraced her daughter and wept with emotion.

Third Daughter had actually caught a glimpse of Jiang Fang in the back garden once. He was handsome, spirited, and exuded masculinity, unlike other men who were too pale and scholarly. He could be considered both talented and good-looking.

This inevitably made Second Daughter jealous, feeling that her mother favored Third Daughter. Why did such a good match go to someone else? But as a young lady, how could she discuss these matters? She only became more secluded and strange.

If it were before, Eldest Daughter could still counsel her. Now, with Eldest Daughter about to marry, she had to do her own needlework, learn cooking, etiquette, and household management, leaving her no time to bother with others. Lady Jiang was worried that her second daughter would feel uncomfortable, so she secretly gave her a set of hair ornaments and invited her over to comfort her. She also said that while they could quarrel at home, outside they were one family. Besides, Third Daughter was very close to them; why wouldn't it be good for the sisters to be together?

In Lady Jiang's view, she had given all her best things to her biological daughters. The money for Third Daughter's wedding would come from the family treasury, and she had only put in some effort. Why not do a favor? Marrying Third Daughter to her husband's cousin would help her son gain support and also please Lady Lu.

But no matter what she said, Second Daughter remained stubborn.

This truly echoed the saying: one's own failure is indeed terrifying, but a friend's success can be even more distressing.

The Wei family experienced something similar. Wei Xiong and his wife, Luo Yüe, originally went to rent a house, but unexpectedly, the owner, eager to return home, needed money and wanted to mortgage the property. The night market at Zhou Bridge was the busiest in Bianjing. Although this old residence in Stinky Water Lane was dilapidated, it was small but complete. There was a well at the alley entrance, and the house, though only twenty to thirty paces wide, had two large rooms and a small flower hall that could accommodate a dining table and a desk. Even the toilet and kitchen were usable. If sold with the land, it would cost over eight hundred taels.

But if mortgaged for ten years, it would cost three hundred guan, which had to be paid in full at once.

Luo Yüe was immediately interested, especially because the light in the inner large room was excellent, perfect for her daughter to do needlework. Moreover, her daughter suffered as a servant in others' homes, enduring hardships and mistreatment. If they had a place of their own, it would be easier to arrange a marriage for her.

Cheng Yaren knew the situation well. Seeing that Jin Niang had a younger brother, he added, "Lady Luo, let me tell you the truth. Near Zhou Bridge, there are also a scholar Huang Juren and Xiucai Gou teaching. Their private schools are the most famous, having produced several prodigies. They only accept local children, and outsiders can't get in."

Luo Yüe immediately decided, took out three hundred guan to mortgage the house, and spent another ten guan to have Cheng Yaren register the official deed.

With the official deed in hand, they realized the kitchen needed work, and since there were only two rooms, they gave the one with the best orientation and a large window to their daughter. The other room had to be divided into two with wooden boards, costing another ten guan. Almost all their money was spent, but they felt everything was worth it, even looking forward to Jin Niang returning home to reunite.

But Feng Sheng frowned when he heard this: "Spending three hundred guan to mortgage for ten years, they are truly a family of fools. They've spent all their money, so what will they live on? If they used this money to start a business, they could earn enough in ten or eight years to buy a house. One should act according to one's means."

Rong Niang had been to Stinky Water Lane and said, "Second Uncle and Second Aunt won't listen to advice. They are already leading people to paint the house, and Second Aunt even said she would give this to Jin Niang as a dowry."

"A typical poor family. Mortgaging a house is not buying one. Stinky Water Lane may be in a bustling area, but it's where the poor live. That's why I say they lack foresight," Feng Sheng continued enthusiastically.

Rong Niang was frightened into silence, thinking that her husband's words were not wrong.

However, Second Uncle and his wife had spent all their money on the mortgaged house and probably had nothing left. They might need to borrow money, and then the question would be whether to lend it or not.