Chapter 61

**Chapter 61**

Nightfall descended outside, and the red candles in the bridal chamber crackled as they burned. Wax dripped from the candlesticks onto the table, and Ju Xiang quickly wiped it away with a cloth. Then she heard tittering laughter—she glanced over and saw the two maids who served the groom.

She knew they were mocking her for being foolish, but Ju Xiang didn’t care. She was determined to keep the room in order for her mistress.

Just then, there was movement outside. The two maids who had been laughing at Ju Xiang darted to the door like startled rabbits.

At this moment, Jin Niang returned first, while Jiang Xian remained outside to toast a few more rounds with the guests. Though utterly exhausted, she felt joy in her heart. From serving others, to stench-ridden alleyways where one could hardly set foot, to Sweetwater Lane, and finally to this grand mansion—each step she had taken was firm, each one a step forward.

Back in the room, A Ying helped Jin Niang remove her hairpins and wide-sleeved outer robe. Sitting by the bed, Jin Niang looked at the two unfamiliar maidservants in the room. The two were sharp-eyed and immediately knelt to introduce themselves.

"Your servant Xi Qiu/Min Zhi greets Lady Sixteenth."

Jin Niang smiled. "Rise. We keep things simple here." Then pointing to A Ying and Ju Xiang, she added, "These are my personal attendants. Make yourselves known. You’ll be working together from now on."

A Ying, ever quick-witted, stepped forward at once. "I’m A Ying. I’ll have much to learn from you sisters in the future."

Xi Qiu and Min Zhi hastily replied that they dared not presume.

Jin Niang then asked whether they were born into the household or purchased from outside. They replied that they were born into the family and had served Master Jiang for three years. She rewarded each of them with thirty-six coppers, and they promptly expressed their gratitude.

"This seems like a new courtyard, doesn’t it?" Jin Niang remarked.

Xi Qiu nodded. "It was set aside for the Young Master’s wedding. The Lady had the Eighth Mistress clear this place out and renovate it thoroughly."

"I see. Where is the bathhouse?"

"In the anteroom beside the main entrance."

"Then have someone prepare hot water. I’d like to clean up. When the young master returns, he’ll need to do the same," Jin Niang instructed.

Xi Qiu and Min Zhi hurried out to carry out her orders. Only then did Jin Niang reward A Ying and Ju Xiang with a hundred coins each and added, "You’ll also each receive two feet of satin and a bolt of red hemp fabric. A Ying, open the chest and distribute them."

As personal maids, they naturally received more—after all, favor always followed familiarity!

Their quarters were located in the western anteroom. The Jiang family had long anticipated the dowry attendants and had already made arrangements.

By the time Xi Qiu and Min Zhi returned with the water, Jin Niang went first to bathe and freshen up. The bathing area was ingeniously arranged, with two doors off the main entrance—one accessible from outside and another connecting directly to the main chamber through a side passage.

Leaning back in the wooden tub, she thought how exhausting the wedding had been. Though the Jiang family had declined somewhat, their customs were still numerous. Ying Niang had told her that when An Ping married, they simply went straight to the bridal chamber without so many formalities.

After bathing, she washed her hair again—there was no helping it. Her hair was slick with osmanthus oil and still covered in firecracker scraps and soot. Back when she was a maid, washing her hair had been inconvenient. She had to ask others to buy hair rinse for her, often ending up with poor-quality products that caused scabby scalp, which still hadn’t fully healed. That was why she washed her hair so diligently now.

Jiang Xian hadn’t expected to return to find his wife newly bathed. Her hair hung loosely around her shoulders, damp at the ends, making her face appear even smaller and more delicate. Her gauzy sleeping robe revealed graceful curves, and he quickly turned his gaze away.

"Wife, I—I’ve brought some food."

Jin Niang chuckled. "I think I really am a little hungry."

Perhaps because Jiang Xian was a few years younger than her, she felt completely at ease in his presence. She had someone bring her tangerine-petal gauze lantern to the table. Xi Qiu and Min Zhi swiftly set out the dishes, then followed A Ying out in single file—it was best not to intrude on the newlyweds.

As the saying goes: *A beauty seen by candlelight grows lovelier with every glance.*

"Aren’t you going to eat?" Jin Niang urged when she noticed he wasn’t touching his chopsticks much.

Jiang Xian smiled. "I’ll eat now. How does the food taste to you, wife?"

The table held four dishes and a soup: crystal stew, stir-fried bamboo shoots, silver-thread tripe, crispy yellow sole, and a bowl of braised lamb. Jin Niang wasn’t particularly picky and simply said, "It’s all delicious."

Jiang Xian raised his eyebrows but quickly regained his composure. "You’re absolutely right, my lady."

Jin Niang turned the question back to him: "Then what do you enjoy eating? I’ll eat anything except bitter melon and bugs."

It was a very casual conversation, the kind Jiang Xian rarely had with others. He smiled faintly. "I’m not picky either, but I do have a favorite dish called fermented sparrow paste. First, the sparrows are cleaned, washed with wine, and dried. Then they’re mixed with wheat flour, red yeast rice, salt, pepper, and shredded scallions before being layered in a jar—alternating layers of sparrows and spices. Once full, it’s covered with bamboo leaves and secured with bamboo strips. After the brine is drained, more wine is added to seal it. When you want to eat it, just take a few out—it’s incredibly delicious."

To know so much about food, to be so meticulous—wanting the finest clothes and the best dishes—ordinary people couldn’t afford such tastes.

Jin Niang had sampled nearly every delicacy available in the Song Dynasty market, especially during her time at the Embroidery Academy, where she ate out every noon. She said, "I’ve never tried your fermented sparrow paste, but I once had a delicious fried quail dish at a teahouse near Zhou Bridge. It’s tucked deep in an alley, frequented by foodies, and serves no more than ten tables a day. The secret is frying the quail and quail eggs first, then stewing them with the chef’s special braised meat. It won’t perfume the whole block, but the aroma definitely carries."

"Now you’ve got me curious—I’d love to try it," Jiang Xian said with interest.

Jin Niang smiled. "Good, we’ll go together when we have time." Then she asked, "Have you been to the Roasted Pork Restaurant near Xiangguo Temple?"

Jiang Xian nodded immediately. "Of course."

"Actually, there’s another place just as good—a hole-in-the-wall spot by Huixian Tower. At first, I thought the shop was too tiny to be so crowded, but after one visit, I realized it’s even better than the Roasted Pork House. Crispy on the outside, tender and juicy inside, packed with flavor. They also have a special dried seasoning mixed with crushed broad beans—makes my mouth water just remembering it." Jin Niang tilted her head, watching him.

Seeing her smile, Jiang Xian thought it was heart-meltingly sweet.

When they had eaten their fill, Jiang Xian summoned the maids. Xi Qiu brought in tea, which Jin Niang used to rinse out her mouth. A Ying thought to herself that this tea was for rinsing—back in the Wei household, they’d never done such a thing.

After the table was cleared, Min Zhi fetched Jiang Xian’s night robe, and with that, the maids withdrew, leaving the newlyweds alone.

Once Jiang Xian went to the bathhouse, Jin Niang quickly took out a clove from her vanity box and held it in her mouth, then slowly dried her hair with fine linen. The clove sweetened her breath, ensuring a pleasant fragrance when they drew close.

She knew all too well the plague of bad breath—sometimes, customers who looked polished would enter the shop, only to be ruined the moment they spoke...

She had no idea Jiang Xian was doing the same. After bathing, he placed a few mint leaves in his mouth before emerging.

Now, alone in the room, both felt a little awkward. Jin Niang’s earlier composure had faded, replaced by nervousness. As Jiang Xian drew nearer, she suddenly stood up, like she might bolt.

Sensing her tension, Jiang Xian spoke first. "Has your hair dried, my lady?"

"The ends are still damp," Jin Niang replied, smoothing her hair self-consciously.

Jiang Xian smiled. "Here, let me dry it for you. If left wet, it’s easy to catch a chill."

Jin Niang handed him a towel, and as he sat beside her, lifting her dark, fragrant tresses, her hair carried the scent of dew and blossoms. Through the loose silk of her robe, her figure was faintly visible. His hands, stroking her hair, gradually drifted lower...

"My lady."

"My lord, what is it?"

"I... may I?"

"...Mm."

At this crucial moment, Jin Niang was touched by his respect. Closing her eyes, she felt an initial sting, soon replaced by a slow, spreading warmth. She had always assumed such intimacy favored men—never imagining a woman could enjoy it just as much.

The next morning, A Ying first ironed the clothes, then helped Jin Niang dress—a lilac silk tube top paired with an ivory gauze pleated skirt, over which she wore a long crimson beizi embroidered with auspicious motifs. At her waist hung a crane-shaped pouch, and on her feet were platform shoes of red satin, their toes adorned with silver-cloud embroidery and white crane appliqués, as if the birds perched upon her shoes. A closer look revealed her entire ensemble harmonized red and white.

"A Ying, style my hair in a twisted updo," Jin Niang said with a smile.

A Ying swiftly arranged the hairstyle, securing it with a carved silver comb and dangling gold crane-and-baby earrings.

Just then, Jiang Xian lifted the curtain and entered. Seeing Jin Niang ready, he said, "Mother’s already sent someone to rush us. Let’s go."

"Mm," Jin Niang replied with a smile.

The two of them walked out of the garden together, with Jiang Xian strolling beside Jin Niang, his heart slightly warmed. He couldn’t stop thinking about the previous night—his mind still unsettled. She had felt soft as silk, her curves more than filling his hands. Yet now, in daylight, she was all propriety, not even glancing at him as they walked side by side.

“Darling,” Jiang Xian murmured without thinking.

Jin Niang smiled. “Yes, dear?”

Only then did Jiang Xian realize he had called her name aloud. He also noticed how strikingly elegant her outfit was—bold yet tasteful. While red often looked garish on others, her ensemble was uniquely stylish, especially her shoes: white cranes embroidered as if ready to soar into the sky.

“I meant to say this outfit looks beautiful on you,” he said.

Jin Niang replied, “This isn’t embroidered with gold or overly decorated. I believe natural elegance—‘the first bloom of a lotus’—is more captivating than ‘intricate gold embellishments.’”

Jiang Xian wholeheartedly agreed. As he gazed at her profile, her eyes curved sweetly, lighting up her face and warming his heart.

As they spoke, they reached the main hall. Jin Niang faced a table set with a mirror stand and mirror, bowed respectfully, and then presented her embroidery and sewing to the elders.

The elders were Sixth Uncle and Madam Jiang Liu. For her father-in-law, Jin Niang had made two pouches, a fan case, and three pairs of silk socks. For her mother-in-law, she offered three pairs of shoes, two pouches, and three pairs of socks. For Jiang Yan, she prepared three pouches; for sister-in-law Xu Shi, one pair of shoes and one pair of socks; for her sister-in-law’s husband, Brother-in-law Xue, three pouches; and for her younger sister-in-law, Jiang Qigu, one pair of shoes and one pair of socks.

After the gifts were exchanged, everyone reciprocated. Sixth Uncle and Madam Jiang Liu gave two boxes of silk flowers and a length of brocade, while the others each gave a length of brocade.

With that done, everyone sat down to chat.

Jin Niang made polite conversation with the family. But she noticed that Madam Jiang Liu looked even worse than last year. Inwardly, she thought that her mother-in-law must be holding on only for the sake of her youngest son.

“After your bridal homecoming (after three days), your sister-in-law will introduce you to more people in the clan,” Madam Jiang Liu instructed.

Jin Niang promptly agreed and turned to Xu Shi. “I’ll trouble you in the future, sister-in-law.”

Xu Shi smiled. “We’re family—no need to stand on ceremony.”

Jiang Qigu had heard from her husband the day before that the Liu family had tried to match Jiang Xian with the daughter of a Vice-Prefect. She couldn’t help but feel her brother had let a prime match slip away. Even if he didn’t marry Miss Bai, once he passed the provincial exams this year and became a scholar, he could still wed the daughter of a high-ranking official.

Their mother had acted too hastily.

Still, she had to admit that Wei Shi—Jin Niang—was radiant, with graceful poise. Standing beside Xu Shi, one might mistake her for an official’s daughter, and Xu Shi for a commoner.

When Xu Shi married into the family, her thirty-chest dowry had been modest, and her air of bookish aloofness had seemed somewhat pretentious. It had been off-putting at first, though she was, after all, the daughter of a jinshi.

“I’m always ill and tired of visitors—having guests makes me get up. You don’t need to come to see me often. Just take good care of Shiliulang’s daily life, and I’ll be at peace,” Madam Jiang Liu said, coughing lightly.

Jin Niang started to rise, but Madam Jiang Liu quickly motioned for her to stay seated. “Your sister-in-law is managing the household now. If you need anything, just ask her.”

“Yes,” Jin Niang replied, showing no sign of displeasure.

Back in their room, A Ying couldn’t hold back. “Miss, what about your business?”

Jin Niang smiled. “We’ll take it step by step. The business must continue—it’s just about timing.”

“As long as you have a plan. But when will we reopen?” A Ying asked.

“In half a month. I’ll definitely go to the Embroidery Shop. If anything unexpected happens, you can handle things—accept orders, and I can work from home.”

A Ying hesitated. “Without you there, I don’t think I can handle it.”

“You’ll learn to manage on your own eventually,” Jin Niang said gently.

She couldn’t yet tell A Ying that Madam Jiang Liu’s health was failing. Once she passed, they would soon have to start their own household. There was no need to rock the boat just yet.

Besides, preparing her dowry had exhausted her—working late and rising early had left her with a softer waistline. She needed a rest. After all, balance was important—did anyone really expect her to sacrifice her health for money?

Even machines need oiling after long hours—how much more so for people?

After exchanging a few words, they fell silent when Xi Qiu and Min Zhi entered, shifting the conversation to other matters.

Xi Qiu and Min Zhi had received rewards from Jin Niang the day before and naturally didn’t want to offend their mistress. Besides, the questions weren’t particularly important, so both answered readily.

"Shiliulang originally lived in the eastern wing of the second courtyard. Yesterday, on Sixth Madam’s orders, we moved all his robes over," Xi Qiu said.

Jin Niang sighed sympathetically. "A parent’s love knows no bounds. Mother is unwell yet still worries so much for my husband."

Her fear of even minor tension between them showed how deeply she cared for their happiness. Of course, in a way, it only confirmed Jin Niang’s thoughts.

She grilled them about their pay, meals, laundry, baths—no detail was too small.

By the time Jiang Xian returned, Jin Niang had a general understanding of the Sixth Household’s affairs. The servants were paid peanuts—those on duty were fed, while those off-duty had to fend for themselves. The masters were all easygoing; last year, two families were let go, and this year, a few maids were freed as an act of grace.

No respectable family sold servants unless desperate.

But she refrained from criticism and instead praised, "This house is truly charitable."

Noticing Jiang Xian’s arrival, she stood and smiled. "Welcome back, my lord."

"Yes. I just had some books moved over. We can read them in our leisure time," Jiang Xian replied with a smile.

Jin Niang nodded. "I also brought a few new books. We can sip tea and read together."

See? He’d guessed right—a bookish girl like her adored reading. Delighted, Jiang Xian said, "I was thinking the same."

When Jin Niang noticed a stray lock of his hair, she gently tucked it back. Jiang Xian froze like a deer in headlights, only snapping out of it when he saw her preparing her painting tools.

It was her habit—every day, busy or not, she painted a floral or bird scene. She used to copy others’ works, but one day, she suddenly began painting freely, like typing—hunt-and-peck at first, then smooth as butter.

Now, she learned from academy painters, pulling ideas from old poems to create new clothing designs.

That day, she came across Du Gongzhan’s verse: *"Radiant lotus blooms, graceful above the water. A single stem bears emerald green, twin shadows share crimson hues."*

The poem’s title was *"Ode to Twin Lotuses"*—a sign of marital harmony, an auspicious sign.

She pointed it out to Jiang Xian, who grinned in approval. Jin Niang then said, "Since today is our wedding, I’ll design a collar panel with twin lotuses—not the typical tangled-vine look, but with lotus, pond, and dragonflies."

With that, she began sketching, outlining, and coloring. Meanwhile, Jiang Xian, who had intended to read, kept stealing glances, not wanting to break her concentration.

Xi Qiu and Min Zhi watched in awe. The new lady was calm and gifted—her flower designs blew them away.

Jin Niang wasn’t about to rock the boat on day one. Her goal was clear: build a marital bond with Jiang Xian. Love didn’t just pop up overnight; they had to start as friends, finding common ground and mutual respect.

Just as she finished, Xi Qiu and Min Zhi brought lunch. Jin Niang exclaimed, "Noon already?"

The meal consisted mostly of leftovers from yesterday’s feast, with only an extra stir-fried cabbage. Used to roughing it, Jin Niang wasn’t fussy, but her keen eye noticed the simplicity.

Jiang Xian, though, looked less than thrilled.

In modest households, this was normal. Her kid brother Yang Geer turned up his nose at leftovers, so Jin Niang often had Ju Xiang buy him fresh dishes for pennies.

But with Jiang Xian, she smiled and asked, "Reading wear you out? Not hungry?"

He shook his head. "Not exactly." After a pause, he admitted, "The food’s not to my liking."

Honesty begets honesty. Jin Niang replied, "As a new bride, I can’t request changes yet—I don’t want to seem fussy. Give it a few days, then we’ll slip the kitchen some cash to cook your favorites. How does that sound?"

"Alright." Jiang Xian, hearing her mention money, immediately fetched his money box and handed it to Jin Niang.

After finishing the meal and dismissing the servants, Jin Niang opened the box for a glance. Inside were scattered gold and silver ingots, broken silver pieces, and about ten strings' worth of copper coins. She smiled and put it away neatly, then handed him two pouches.

Jiang Xian saw that they were filled to the brim. Upon opening them, he found they were entirely filled with money—clearly prepared in advance.

"These two pouches are for your daily expenses when you go out. One contains small silver pieces (eight fen each), which I had molded into silver fish by the silversmith. They look nice and are handy for tipping. The other holds copper coins and some loose bits of silver, making it easier for you to use when you're out," Jin Niang explained.

In truth, it hadn’t cost much. One pouch held fifty small silver fish, adding up to just four strings. The other contained three one-tael bits of silver and a few dozen copper coins. Together, the two pouches amounted to less than eight strings—a pittance compared to Jiang Xian’s gift.

Yet Jiang Xian was deeply moved. It was rare to see a woman as generous and open-handed as Jin Niang, unlike most women who wheedled money out of men for jewelry and accessories.

"My thanks, dear one," he said, his eyes shining.

Jin Niang teased, "If you say that, doesn’t it mean we’re acting like strangers, just as you said before?"

Jiang Xian quickly shook his head.

Seeing no one around and standing close to Jin Niang, his warm breath tickled her neck. His voice grew tender, and being a young man, he couldn’t restrain himself. Jin Niang immediately jumped up and pushed him away. "Daylight’s still out—what’s gotten into you?"

"So you mean once it’s dark, it’s alright?" Jiang Xian said with a suggestive tone.

Hearing the teasing in his voice, Jin Niang looked up. "You seem so proper on the surface, yet you’re a real troublemaker."

The newlyweds bantered playfully, naturally growing closer than before. In the afternoon, when Jiang Xian heard her complain of back pain, he offered to rub her back.

...

Madam Jiang Liu smiled at Fang Ma and said, "Look at that boy—he insisted he needed to study and worried his new wife would cling to him. Now, he’s the one fawning over her."

Fang Ma chuckled. "Isn’t this exactly what you hoped to see?"