Chapter 62

**Chapter 62**

On the third day, Lady Xu noticed her younger sister-in-law had changed into yet another outfit—a silvery-red brocade underbust corset that revealed a fair expanse of skin, a white gauze skirt embroidered with vivid red butterflies, and a sheer silk blouse that enhanced her elegance. She had even pinned a luxurious butterfly ornament at her collar. Her attire was elegant, and her face radiated joy.

That day, Lady Xu was to take her to meet the elders of the Jiang family to formally introduce her. After paying their respects to Madam Jiang Liu, they left directly.

Once they passed through the side gate, Lady Xu began explaining, “From this corridor is the residence of the eldest uncle’s family. As the ancestral branch of the clan, we will inevitably have dealings with them.”

Jin Niang nodded.

Lady Xu observed her closely as they walked. She noted how Jin Niang carried herself with poise—gracious but not affected, speaking only when necessary. *No wonder Mother chose her,* she thought.

“I now understand why Mother passed over so many daughters of officials and chose you instead. Indeed, there were daughters of a prefect, a vice-prefect, and even a wealthy pearl merchant, yet Mother dismissed them all.”

The words were spoken with condescension rather than praise. Jin Niang had previously inquired about Lady Xu’s background from Jiang Xian. Lady Xu’s father had died while serving as Vice-Prefect in Chuzhou when she was just ten years old. With six brothers and a mother who supported the family by spinning, weaving, and embroidering, they lived in hardship, crowded in a narrow alley.

Fortunately, she had an uncle, also a metropolitan graduate, who served as Prefect of Suining. During a visit to the capital, he noticed his niece remained unmarried. Remembering Jiang Liu’s close friendship with his late brother, and having met Jiang Yan—who impressed him with his refined appearance—he agreed to arrange the marriage, offering to cover the dowry himself since his niece’s family was impoverished.

At the time, Madam Jiang Liu’s household was still prosperous. Impressed by Lady Xu’s dignified simplicity, her excellent calligraphy, and her family’s literary reputation—her father and uncle both jinshi graduates, and her brothers held in high esteem—Madam Jiang Liu consented to the match.

Last year, Lady Xu’s uncle had also passed away.

The official world was ruthless; once someone departed, their influence quickly faded. Moreover, her uncle had served outside the capital, and even his own children might not benefit from his legacy, let alone Lady Xu.

This wasn’t Jin Niang being judgmental—it was simply knowing how to deal with different people. Just as she dealt firmly with habitual borrowers like Madam Gu by feigning vulnerability, or handled Miss Zhou by using strategic weakness, she would not allow Lady Xu—who, though technically born to official rank, was now of diminished standing—to slight her without response.

Feigning ignorance, Jin Niang replied, “Sister-in-law’s praise truly humbles me. You carry yourself with such noble bearing, unlike the rest of us. May I ask where your esteemed father currently serves?”

Lady Xu’s eyes darkened instantly. “My father passed over a decade ago.”

Jin Niang responded with sincere regret: “How careless of me to bring up such painful memories.”

Yet back in the garden, she showed no real remorse—on the contrary, she seemed quite pleased. A Ying, however, expressed concern: “Madam Xu manages the household. What if she makes things difficult for you?”

“No need to fear. She showed me no respect with those words—why should I save face for her?”

Back in her quarters, Lady Xu fumed and complained to Ge Ma, “That Wei Shi is quick-witted and cutting, showing no respect to her elders!”

Ge Ma tried to soothe her: “Why trouble yourself with her? At the next family gathering, deliberately snub her a few times. Once she’s isolated, she’ll learn who wields authority here.”

Of course, Jin Niang remained unaware of this. That day, the Wei family had also sent gifts for the three-day ceremony. Ju Xiang had already reported that they delivered jewelry, brocade, sweetened oil, festive steamed buns, and goose eggs. Later, she and Jiang Xian would return to her natal home.

For the return visit, Jin Niang had prepared gifts: two bolts of brocade, two handkerchiefs, a silver hairpin gilded with gold, and a pair of lotus-shaped earrings for Luo Yue.

Luo Yue asked, “Where did these come from?”

“The brocade was a gift from my in-laws to the new bride. The jewelry was given today by the Jiang elders—nothing too extravagant,” Jin Niang smiled.

She had also remembered Rong Niang, who had kept vigil for her all night. Jin Niang gifted her a bolt of brocade, two boxes of tea snacks, and two roast geese.

Rong Niang laughed, “No need to stand on ceremony!”

But Jin Niang insisted, “The closer the family, the more one mustn’t take things for granted. Eldest Sister kept vigil for me all night—who else should I thank?”

This naturally infuriated Ying Niang.

Feng Sheng had also sent many prepared medicines, appearing unusually enthusiastic. Even Luo Yue remarked, “Your brother-in-law Feng seems different now—he came early today to help.”

“If so, that’s wonderful.” Jin Niang refused to assume the worst, hoping only that Rong Niang could stand her ground. If Feng Sheng and Rong Niang could live harmoniously, that would be ideal. If not, she trusted Rong Niang could hold her own.

Back home, they only had some tea and a quick meal before it was time to return to her in-laws. Luo Yuhua reminded her, “Don’t keep worrying about home.”

She always hoped her daughter could live the kind of life a proper woman ought to live.

After the three-day return visit, Jiang Xian usually stayed home reading, though he told her he sometimes visited Academician Huang’s house. Jin Niang was working on matching outfits for the couple—both wearing hazy blue silk jackets embroidered with lotus patterns, with collar panels decorated with twin lotuses. However, Jin Niang used pink thread for hers and teal for Jiang Xian’s.

It was Xi Qiu who told her, “Lady Peng from the main branch invited people over for chuiwan, an ancient stick-and-ball game, and even Lady Xu went. I wonder why you weren’t asked.”

“If they had invited me, I wouldn’t have known how to play anyway,” Jin Niang replied honestly.

Back in the Zhou household, she had seen how wives of petty officials were teased, and even those from less prominent families were bullied. It reminded her of her past life, where her parents desperately sent her to prestigious private schools to build connections. But if you weren’t in the same social class and had nothing to offer in return, who would truly treat you as an equal?

You’ve got to stand on your own two feet. If Jiang Xian had no hope of passing the imperial exams in his lifetime, it would be better to abandon the empty chase after fame and money and make an honest living instead. If he ever did enter officialdom, there would still be time to build connections later.

Within seven days of their return visit, Jin Niang finished making clothes for both herself and Jiang Xian. When he returned to their room and tried them on, he was delighted.

“You know my embroidery shop mostly serves women, not men, so if anything isn’t quite right, tell me,” Jin Niang said with a smile, smoothing out his jacket.

Though they had only been married for ten days, Jiang Xian was already appreciating the benefits of having a wife. Every day, there was a dish he loved waiting on the table, his clothes were pressed and perfumed in advance, and their nights together were, of course, blissful.

His wife also paid attention to his feelings, made clothes for him, and often asked about his mother’s health.

When he studied at home, she would make tea and paint.

Jiang Xian naturally reciprocated her kindness by asking the kitchen to prepare chicken soup for her. He smiled and pointed at his new clothes: “Couldn’t fit any better.”

Jin Niang was delighted. She disliked people with fussy personalities—like her mother, who rarely praised anything Jin Niang gave her and wouldn’t use it unless forced. Yet, if something belonged to her, she insisted others use it and never just took a compliment nicely.

That was why Jin Niang preferred giving fabric to her family and letting her parents get a tailor to make clothes.

“As long as you like it,” Jin Niang said with a smile.

Jiang Xian mentioned he would visit the Han family that afternoon and told her not to wait up for dinner.

Jin Niang asked, “Is the Han family the old madam Zhou’s maiden family?”

“Yes, they’re related. Han Xiao is now married to the grandniece of Grand Chancellor Zhaowen. He used to be a judge in the provinces and now works at the Jixian Institute. My brother and I are going to congratulate him,” Jiang Xian explained.

Jin Niang nodded. “I see. Since you’re newly married, people might tease you, so don’t skimp on the tips. Also, shouldn’t you bring something? You can’t go empty-handed.”

As a man, Jiang Xian hadn’t thought much about such things—his mother usually handled them—so he asked, “What should I bring?”

“I know Madam Huang, whose family sells fresh seasonal goods. I’ll have Chen Xiaolang buy something for us,” Jin Niang said.

An hour later, Chen Xiaolang spent two hundred coins to buy a bunch of Taiyuan grapes and several golden and silver peaches from the Huang family, packed in a crimson box. Jin Niang removed the grapes that were about to spoil and lined the bottom with a cut handkerchief.

Before long, Jiang Xian and his elder brother Jiang Yan set off together. Standing side by side, the difference between them was stark.

Jiang Yan wore a simple dark robe, neat but faded from repeated washing, unlike Jiang Xian’s fresh new clothes, looking sharp, and carrying the gift box.

Jiang Yan chuckled, “Your sister-in-law had me bring a box of pastries for you to take along. I didn’t expect you’d already prepared something—was it your wife’s idea?”

“Exactly, my wife arranged it,” Jiang Xian replied.

Jiang Yan patted his brother’s shoulder. “Now that you’re married, live well.”

The brothers discussed scholarly matters in the carriage. When they arrived at the Han residence, Han Xiao’s servant greeted Jiang Xian again. “Congratulations on your recent marriage, Shiliulang!”

Jiang Xian tossed him two silver coins. “Here’s something for you, kid.”

The servant admired the remarkably lifelike fish, thanking him repeatedly.

The friends who had come together brought various items—some carried Shilou's Bilu wine, others brought choice dishes. Since this was merely a gathering of friends rather than a formal occasion, no one made too much fuss.

Yet Jiang Xian’s fresh fruits were the highlight. An official’s son at the table remarked, “This large bunch of grapes is plump and crisp, sweet and juicy—wherever did you find them?”

Everyone knew Han Xiao usually had a poor appetite, but after tasting a few grapes, he seemed to find his appetite, even eating an extra portion of rice.

Jiang Xian smiled proudly. “It wasn’t me who found them—it was my wife who prepared them.”

The officials’ sons clamored to meet the bride, and Jiang Xian, unable to refuse, eventually agreed. After three rounds of drinks, the Jiang brothers made their farewells. Some who were jealous of Jiang Xian’s moment in the spotlight muttered, “Jiang Shiliu’s new wife is said to be from a merchant family—who knows how they managed to connect?”

But others laughed, “A dowry of three thousand strings of cash—ordinary families could never match that.”

While the officials’ sons gossiped, Jiang Yan’s servant reported every detail of Jiang Xian’s triumph at the banquet to Xu Shi, who muttered scornfully, “Merchant’s daughter.”

Old Woman Ge added, “Not even a major merchant at that—just a few modest shops. People might flatter them to their faces, but who knows what they say behind their backs?”

Xu Shi hushed her, “Keep it down—don’t let Eighth Lang hear.”

Only Madam Jiang Liu was pleased when Jiang Xian recounted the events. “It seems your wife is thoughtful and cares deeply for you in all matters.”

Jiang Xian smiled in agreement. “That’s exactly what I think too.”

Upon returning home, he told Jin Niang that some friends wished to visit. She suggested, “How about this—we’ll pay the kitchen to prepare their specialties, and I’ll have someone fetch fried quail from Zhouqiao as an extra. We still have Shilou’s Bilu wine at home. What do you think?”

“As you wish, my lady,” Jiang Xian replied, fully trusting her.

Jin Niang took his hand and sat him down. “Since you’re studying now, and I have little to do during the day, I’d like to return to the embroidery shop in a few days. Don’t worry—I’ll be back by afternoon. This way, our household will at least have some income.”

Jiang Xian knew Jin Niang had mentioned continuing her business before their betrothal, and his mother had agreed back then, so he had no objections.

“Still, you’ll have to travel back and forth. It’s my fault for not being capable enough, making you work outside the home.” He felt ashamed.

But Jin Niang countered, “Earning with my own hands isn’t hardship. Even sister-in-law went out to inspect the fields recently—it’s no different.”

Still, Jiang Xian was reluctant to part with her. Since their marriage, the couple had rarely been apart.

Jin Niang smiled. “When you go to Academician Huang’s place at noon, if you don’t feel like coming back, you can dine at Sweet Water Lane. You know many new food shops have opened there.”

Jiang Xian’s eyes lit up.

However, Jin Niang added, “But I can’t bring this up with Mother myself.”

Understanding her hesitation, Jiang Xian immediately said, “I’ll speak to Mother. I’ll make sure it’s settled for you.”

“Then this humble wife will wait and see,” Jin Niang teased, playfully giving a small bow.

Her coy demeanor made Jiang Xian pull her into an embrace, whispering naughty words in her ear that she couldn’t fend off. Remembering how he had served her in bed, her face flushed hot.

The next morning, Jiang Xian spoke to Madam Jiang Liu. “I study all day, and my wife has nothing to do at home. Why not let her go to the embroidery shop during the day? It’ll keep her occupied, and I can focus on my studies.”

“I did agree she could continue her business—let her go,” Madam Jiang Liu consented.

When Jin Niang heard of Madam Jiang Liu’s approval, she arranged for Ju Xiang to stay at the Wei household from then on, taking her morning and noon meals there. Ju Xiang was overjoyed—at the Jiang residence, the kitchen staff handled everything, leaving her with little to do.

Chen Xiaolang and A Ying would continue to accompany her—one driving the carriage, the other attending to her.

As for Min Zhi and Xi Qiu, whom Jiang Xian had assigned to serve her, Jin Niang instructed them to take care of laundry, cleaning, and watching over the house.

"Madam, does this mean we won’t have to do any other work?" they asked, still not quite used to the arrangement.

Jin Niang smiled. "Exactly. If you do well, I’ll give you bonuses at the end of the year. When I’m away, no strangers should enter my room, and no one is allowed to go through my belongings."

The two knew Jin Niang still didn’t fully trust them, but as servants, they could only obey.

Madam Jiang Liu, however, felt Min Zhi and Xi Qiu were too young, so she sent Luo Mama, Jiang Xian’s foster mother, to help watch the house. Jin Niang was overjoyed with gratitude. With an older woman overseeing things, she felt much more at ease and even rewarded Luo Mama with a bolt of colorful silk.

Most wet nurses bond closely with the children they raise, and Luo Mama was no exception. Seeing Jin Niang’s outstanding character and beauty, she couldn’t help but adore her.

Jin Niang went to thank Madam Jiang Liu: "This daughter-in-law is still young and inexperienced. I’m so grateful for Luo Mama’s help."

Madam Jiang Liu smiled. "As long as you don’t think I’m interfering."

"Not at all! This is your kindness toward me," Jin Niang replied without the slightest resentment.

Madam Jiang Liu nodded with satisfaction.

With just three days until the shop reopened, Jin Niang first went to Donghua Gate to purchase various fabrics with five-poison patterns. She happened upon a shop selling silk dolls, where even the cheapest cost four guan each. The clothes on these dolls were dazzling and exquisitely crafted.

A Ying whispered, "These silk dolls make far more than our embroidery shop."

"Indeed," Jin Niang agreed. She had bought silk dolls before, but only cheap ones from peddlers. The real ones were worth a fortune.

But what really drew her attention were the dolls’ outfits. If she could secure a contract to make them, it would be a new source of income. Excited by the idea, Jin Niang hurried back to the carriage to fetch her sketchbook of clothing designs and introduced herself: "Shopkeeper, I own Wei’s Embroidery Shop. I was wondering if you need custom-made outfits for your silk dolls. If so, would you consider working with me?"

She then handed over her sketchbook.

The shopkeeper flipped through it and said, "The clothes for these dolls are made by the craftsmen themselves while shaping the dolls. The outfits must match the dolls’ forms."

Jin Niang smiled apologetically, disappointed. "Then I’ve spoken out of turn. My apologies."

But then the shopkeeper added, "However, Madam, would you be willing to sell the designs in this book to our shop?"

What? This was unexpected.

Jin Niang immediately nodded. "Of course!"

Who knew selling designs could be so profitable? Jin Niang never expected that her sketchbook, containing just over twenty pages, would fetch twenty-two guan.

"Are you serious? You’re not deceiving me?" For Jin Niang, accustomed to earning money through hard work, the idea of easy money felt unreal.

The shopkeeper stroked his beard, amused. "Madam, with a shop this size, would we lie? Even scholars from the Hanlin Academy have sold us sketchbooks for two hundred guan."

In other words, this was trivial—his shop was wealthy.

True, their cheapest silk dolls cost four guan, mid-range ones ten guan—they had money to spare.

Once the deal was done, A Ying was thrilled. Jin Niang bought a jug of lamb wine for eighty wen at a tavern near Donghua Gate and bought plenty of seasonal fruits: Sichuan lychees at twelve wen per jin (she bought three jin), premium Taihu oranges at fifteen wen per jin (two jin), and a small plate of cherries for eighty wen, paired with sugar-steamed cheese for twenty wen.

Back home, she first sent a jug of lamb wine to Sixth Uncle and Madam Jiang Liu, then packed some oranges and lychees in a small bamboo basket and arranged the cherries on a gilded high-footed porcelain plate before delivering them.

She also sent a jug of wine, lychees, and oranges to Jiang Yan and his wife.

The remaining lychees and oranges were sent on a plate to Jiang Xian’s study.

A Ying reported to Madam Jiang Liu: "Our Madam originally went to the silk shop at Donghua Gate to pick out fabrics, but the neighboring shopkeeper recognized her and insisted on buying her sketchbook, praising her designs. Though the sum wasn’t large, Madam considered it a happy occasion, so she bought some wine. Knowing you adore cherries, she made sure to buy some for you."

Sixth Uncle, a lover of lamb wine, could barely wait. Once A Ying left, Madam Jiang Liu scolded lightly, "Slow down. At your age, you shouldn’t drink so much."

"Lamb's blood wine is a renowned tonic liquor—what harm could there be in my having a little?"

"Fine, do as you like." Madam Jiang Liu had once been lively and restless at home, but now remained indoors all day convalescing. It was rare for her to find something she enjoyed—cherries paired with sweet steamed milk curd were just the thing.

The couple appreciated Jin Niang's filial gesture, but Xu Shi thought her ostentatious: "Such things are cheap, yet she insists on making a show of her generosity. If this continues, I won't be able to manage this household."

Jiang Yan said nothing.

By the next day, when it was heard that Madam Jiang Liu had developed mild diarrhea, Xu Shi seized the opportunity: "Such cold-natured foods shouldn't be carelessly given to Mother-in-law. Sister-in-law, I know you mean well, but some things simply shouldn't be eaten recklessly."

Before Jin Niang could respond, Madam Jiang Liu interjected, "I've often eaten cherries before without any problem. Yesterday, it was the chilled wine—today, I'm much better."

Xu Shi dared not say more, thinking to herself, *No wonder they say Mother-in-law is biased—now she even loves the house for the crow on its roof.*

Since her mother-in-law had already defended her, Jin Niang said little more, only mentioning that Jiang Xian had guests coming today and she needed to prepare.

Jiang Xian's two guests were Zhang Jiulang—the younger brother of Lady Zhang—and Peng Sanlang. The table was first set with seasonal fruits: pomegranates, tangerines, pears, and lychees, followed by dried delicacies like longan, pear slices, jujube rings, lotus seeds, candied hawthorn spirals, and steamed dates.

Two appetizers followed: pan-fried quail and lamb tongue rolls.

As for the stir-fried dishes and soups, no need for further description.

Zhang Jiulang took a bite of the pan-fried quail and remarked, "Hmm, this dish is quite delicious. How is it made?"

"It wasn't prepared at home—it was bought from a hidden alley. My wife knew you were coming and had it specially ordered in advance." Jiang Xian spoke with pride.

Zhang Jiulang teased, "Look at you, married not long ago, and already her devoted servant."

"Indeed," Peng Sanlang laughed. "Sixteen Lang, why not let us meet your wife too?"

Jiang Xian hesitated—he was reluctant to show off his beautiful and refined wife—but under their urging, Jin Niang eventually came out to greet them.

She wasn’t dressed elaborately, wearing only two pearl hairpins, yet her innate delicacy stirred compassion. Her speech was graceful and measured. After Zhang and Peng each presented gifts, she withdrew.

Zhang Jiulang then confided in Jiang Xian, "People gossip outside out of envy. Take me, for instance—my father-in-law was a Military Affairs Commissioner, but due to political differences, he was demoted and passed away last year. I gained nothing from it and now fear retaliation from political enemies. I remain left in idle seclusion, unable to take office."

Peng Sanlang added, "When my family arranged my marriage to my cousin, her dowry was meager, and she lacked skill in managing the household. When the family partitioned, we received 3,000 guan and 200 acres of land. Buying a house left us with nothing. Every feast day finds me anxious."

Since Zhang Jiulang had once stood up for him, the two had grown close. Though Peng Sanlang was the legitimate heir, within just two or three years of dividing the family assets, maintaining their former lifestyle and social connections had become increasingly difficult.

"To brotherhood—drain your cups!" Jiang Xian now understood why his mother had favored his wife.

...

Jin Niang examined the gifts from Zhang Jiulang and Peng Sanlang—a pair of exquisite jade pendants with floral and bird motifs from Zhang Jiulang, and a pair of phoenix-and-dragon hairpins from Peng Sanlang.

*How exquisite*, she thought, setting them aside in her chest.

She then remembered that household routines would resume tomorrow—half a month after the wedding, life was finally returning to normal.

As she mused, she was embraced from behind, and his hands began to wander. Jin Niang wrinkled her nose. "You smell of wine—go wash up first."

"Let me hold you for a bit longer." Jiang Xian, noticing her earlobes turning pink, couldn't resist toying with them.

Jin Niang shivered. "Don't..."

Hearing the change in her voice, Jiang Xian smirked triumphantly. "Fine, I'll go to the bathing room. Wait for me." But before leaving, he took the cup she had been drinking from and sipped from it, giving her a meaningful look. Jin Niang burned with embarrassment—*he did the same thing yesterday...*