Chapter 67

Chapter 67

Seeing sweat suddenly bead on Jiang Xian’s forehead, she quickly took out a handkerchief to wipe it for him: “Did something startle you?”

Though her husband wasn’t very old, he was level-headed and dependable. Especially when it came to tasks Jin Niang gave him—he could accomplish almost all of them. Thus, she had never treated him like a younger brother but always as her husband.

But now, upon hearing she was pregnant, why was he sweating?

“No, it just feels so sudden. Wife, let’s go see a doctor,” Jiang Xian said, flustered.

Jin Niang laughed. “You ordered such a big table of dishes. If we leave without eating, wouldn’t it be a waste? Even if I’m pregnant, I won’t suddenly break like porcelain.”

Jiang Xian had no appetite, his mind preoccupied with getting Jin Niang to see a doctor. Regardless of how they returned home or how the doctor was summoned, it was confirmed that Jin Niang was indeed two and a half months pregnant.

Servants such as Luo Mama, Xi Qiu, and Min Zhi all came in to offer congratulations, and Jin Niang instructed A Ying to hand out rewards. Madam Jiang Liu (Sixth Madam) sent Fang Ma over with a statue of Guanyin and a pair of jade bracelets.

Fang Ma said, “These jade bracelets were part of the Madam’s dowry when she married. She says they aren’t particularly valuable, but they carry her heartfelt wishes.”

“Fang Ma, I’ll go personally to thank Mother,” Jin Niang said, knowing that without Sixth Madam, there would have been no marriage between her and Jiang Xian—nor would the property have been divided in advance.

Fang Ma quickly waved her hands. “Madam says you should rest well. She’s worried about spreading illness, and it’s not mere politeness. If you go, she’ll have to get up, which wouldn’t be good.”

Jin Niang nodded. “In that case, I’ll go pay my respects another day.”

As soon as Fang Ma left, Xu Shi came in person to visit, offering advice on what to do and avoid—telling her to avoid bumpy rides, advising her not to go to the shop anymore, and saying pregnant women shouldn’t handle scissors. Jin Niang listened with a smile and nodded.

After Xu Shi left, A Ying grumbled, “She went on and on but didn’t bring a single gift.”

“Enough, be careful someone hears you,” Jin Niang hushed her.

A Ying helped Jin Niang put away her jewelry and added, “Madam, your skirt embroidered with jasmine today is so beautiful. Even with the veil, you still drew a lot of looks.”

“It’s a shame I can’t wear such skirts now that I’m pregnant—too many ties—I could trip,” Jin Niang lamented.

As they spoke, they heard that Peng Shi, Jiang Yan’s wife from the main family branch, had arrived. Peng Shi, though childless for years, was very considerate and had specially brought bird’s nest. Other branches sent gifts as well, though some sent nothing. Jin Niang kept track of each one.

That evening, Jiang Xian entered the room and, eyeing Jin Niang’s belly with reverence, edged away slightly.

Truthfully, Jiang Xian felt he hadn’t gotten enough time alone with his wife. Now, with a child on the way—and his mother even suggesting he sleep in the study to avoid sharing a bed—he had only managed to stay by arguing that the study was too cramped and the couch uncomfortable.

A little put out, he noticed Jin Niang spacing out and immediately asked, “Wife, what’s on your mind? If anything troubles you, just tell me.”

Jin Niang glanced at him, frustrated. “This skirt I’m wearing today was so pretty, but it’s too dangerous now to wear. And everyone seems to assume I’ll stay home to rest, but I still need to go to the shop tomorrow.”

This was her biggest worry. Though her pregnancy symptoms weren’t severe, she couldn’t abandon the embroidery shop. Zhu Xiuniang and A Ying couldn’t handle it on their own yet.

Whether she could keep working while pregnant troubled Jin Niang most. Other concerns hadn’t even crossed her mind.

She hadn’t expected to conceive so soon—especially after her hair had fallen out from weight loss, and she was often fatigued, spending long hours sitting. Yet somehow, she was now with child.

Jiang Xian gave her a puzzled look. In his understanding, shouldn’t women prioritize their children above all? Some even spent fortunes seeking sons. His own mother’s high status in the family—and her frequent invitations to serve as Complete Fortune Matron—stemmed from having borne three sons and a daughter.

“Wife, do you still want to go to the shop? But the doctor said the first three months require careful rest,” Jiang Xian said.

Jin Niang smiled. “It’s fine. My symptoms aren’t severe. If it ever comes to bed rest, I’ll stay home. At the shop, I mostly sit or lie down anyway—no heavy labor.”

“But the journey there is bumpy,” Jiang Xian fretted.

Jin Niang compromised. “Tell you what—I’ll stop by every couple of days. Is that alright?”

"Well..." Jiang Xian hesitated, equally worried.

Jin Niang pleaded with him for the first time: "Shiliulang, my shop's only been open a short while. Although Zhu Xiuniang is skilled, her skills don’t hold a candle to mine, and I set the prices myself. Please help me, alright?"

Seeing Jin Niang’s plea, Jiang Xian quickly replied, "No need for such formalities! You can always speak directly to me. You’ve always had my back, and I should do the same for you. Your worries are my worries—let me handle them for you."

Hearing this, Jin Niang knew she hadn’t misjudged him. Back when she was still a maid in the Zhou household, she had seen how the twelve-year-old Jiang Xian deftly resolved conflicts without drawing attention. Now, he was straightforward in offering his help—this was the kind of husband she wanted.

"Langjun, don’t worry too much about my affairs. The imperial exams are next month—you should focus on your studies," Jin Niang said, gently touching his face.

Jiang Xian smiled. "Get some rest. I’ll hit the books."

Jin Niang closed her eyes obediently, and Jiang Xian waited until she fell asleep before sitting at the desk to study. When she woke, it was already bright outside. A Ying bustled in, chattering away: "Liu Douer just came by and said Langjun arranged for Old Luo to take you in the family carriage. Luo Mama even decked it out special."

Jin Niang brightened. "Does that mean I can go to the Embroidery Shop now?"

"Exactly! I heard Sixth Madam disagreed at first, but Langjun said you were working on urgent garments for an important client. She even summoned me to ask, and I repeated what Langjun said. Then she told me to serve you carefully," A Ying said cheerfully.

The whole matter was settled without Jin Niang having to intervene, and she sighed in relief.

Luo the steward drove the carriage smoothly—far steadier than Chen Xiaolang. The carriage cushions were plush, and she even arrived at the shop earlier than usual.

Today, Xi Qiu also accompanied her, and the two hovered over Jin Niang like she was made of glass.

Zhu Xiuniang and Ju Xiang, upon learning of Jin Niang’s pregnancy, showered her with congratulations. The morning passed uneventfully, and at noon, Jin Niang’s parents returned, doting on her.

Luo Yue couldn’t help but say, "Jin Niang, should your father and I buy you some longan?"

"No need. The physician said too much longan can cause internal heat, and if a pregnant woman overheats, it may lead to abdominal pain or miscarriage. Don’t worry about my meals—I’ll tell Ju Xiang if I want anything," Jin Niang replied with a smile.

Luo Yue gazed at her daughter’s belly, though it hadn’t yet shown. Still, this was wonderful news. A woman’s worth meant nothing without heirs—without sons, she’d be easily bullied. Her daughter had childbearing hips—bound to give her sons. But she dared not voice these thoughts, knowing Jin Niang would scold her.

Even during meals, if Luo Yue moved meat dishes toward her son first, Jin Niang would frown.

After lunch, Jin Niang napped upstairs for an hour. In the afternoon, a customer arrived—Madam Gao, a frequent window-shopper. She had often lingered in the shop, admiring the jasmine gauze dress. Fifty strings of coin was a fortune, beyond most households’ means, so she had hesitated.

"Today, I came specifically to buy it," Madam Gao declared.

Jin Niang regretfully replied, "But this dress was already purchased by a merchant from Wuxing. To make another would be costly. I originally made one for myself and wore it only once. Now that I’m pregnant, if you’d like, I’ll let it go for forty-eight."

Madam Gao immediately agreed, panicked it’d vanish like last time, and paid a deposit, arranging for delivery the next day.

Selling a dress she loved so much saddened Jin Niang, but there was no other choice.

Summer days were long, and when Jin Niang returned in the afternoon, the sun was still high. She even ran into Third Aunt Xu. This widow, with two sons and a penchant for lavish adornments—multiple rings glittering on her fingers—put on quite the wealthy airs.

Xi Qiu, a family servant since birth, knew the Xu family well. She had visited the Embroidery Shop before and noted that though it wasn’t bustling, it seemed profitable. Yesterday, upon learning of Jin Niang’s pregnancy, she had received eighty copper coins as a reward—enough to seal her devotion.

"Madam, Third Aunt Xu is no good. She’s extravagant, lazy, and a terrible mother-in-law—she’s run off two brides already," Xi Qiu confided.

Jin Niang was surprised. "Really? But the Xus are gentry!"

Xi Qiu chuckled. "Fifth Master’s the only decent one. Eighth Master treats him like a younger brother, teaching him every autumn and winter. They even stay with us for months."

"Oh." Jin Niang rarely involved herself in household matters—her coin came first.

Once inside, Luo Mama overheard their conversation. As Jiang Xian’s wet nurse, her loyalty ran deep. "The Xu family brags of two imperial scholars in the family. Back then, our Madam valued that. And Madam Xu has many siblings—she was expected to bear many sons. But after Xuan Geer, there’s been no news. Lately, she’s grown even ruder—the slop she feeds the help!"

Jin Niang reassured her, "Mama, you’re Shiliulang’s wet nurse—he’ll surely care for you in the future. I’ll cover your keep. Though my business is small, I won’t let you go hungry. Langjun is a scholar—if anything arises, you come to me first."

After saying this, she also had A Ying give two qian (a small silver weight) to Luo Mama. After repeated refusals, Luo Mama finally accepted it, her fondness for Jin Niang growing even greater.

That was typical of Jin Niang—she liked to unite those around her so that everyone could pull together and have nothing to fear.

When Jiang Xian returned, Jin Niang told him, “I thought since Luo Mama is your wet nurse and Uncle Luo often escorts me there, I gave them a bit of meal allowance.”

“My dear, I didn’t even know about this,” Jiang Xian said, rubbing his forehead.

Jin Niang smiled. “You’re a scholar—why would you waste time on such trifles? Besides, Eldest Sister-in-law has always been frugal. If even we, the masters, eat simply, how much more so the servants?”

“Thank you, my dear, for always thinking of everything for me.” Jiang Xian truly felt that marriage was a good thing.

Jin Niang shook her head. “Marriage is about looking out for each other. Where you overlook things, I’ll fill in the gaps, and where I overlook things, you’ll cover for me.”

Then, Jin Niang brought up the matter of the study: “I want to divide the study into three parts. The entrance area will be arranged as a tea parlor, with white paper covering the walls and calligraphy and paintings hung. You can receive guests there or even host meals. The middle section will be as I mentioned before—with brown paper on the walls, bean-green mica-patterned paper in the center, bookshelves as partitions, and a desk with the Four Treasures of the Study. The last section will have a window opened on the side, with a small table where you can write or paint. Behind the table, we’ll place a daybed, a carved ivory table, and a vase so you can rest and enjoy the breeze when tired.”

“But if the walls are already done, won’t opening a window cost extra?” Jiang Xian looked over the detailed calculations Jin Niang had made—every addition meant more expenses.

Jin Niang laughed. “Oh, let’s just do it right the first time. Otherwise, once everything’s finished and we move in, making changes later would be troublesome.”

Jiang Xian knew full well how hard Jin Niang worked. Her Embroidery Shop’s earnings came stitch by painstaking stitch, yet she never complained. She was truly remarkable—bold and generous.

So he said, “I’ll defer to you, my dear.”

After finishing the serious discussion, Jin Niang chatted with him for a while longer before going to bed. There was no helping it—if she didn’t sleep, Jiang Xian would stay with her, which would only delay his studies.

One of the best things about marriage for Jin Niang was kicking her late-night habits.

Meanwhile, Xu Shi was sewing by oil lamp, her husband still in the study and not due back anytime soon. Earlier that day, she had asked the physician treating her mother-in-law and learned the illness was like a house of cards—likely to collapse within a year.

Of course, she didn’t want her mother-in-law to die so soon. Her husband was set to take the provincial examination in August, and this time, he was very confident. That was why she had been biting her tongue and bearing it all.

At the same time, she didn’t want Jin Niang to miscarry or face any trouble now. If her mother-in-law were to pass away from extreme joy or sorrow, it would affect her husband.

It was just a shame Wei Shi wouldn’t listen—despite being far along in her pregnancy, she still insisted on gallivanting about.

“That woman is truly married to her moneybags,” Xu Shi said to Ge Ma.

Ge Ma, who was stitching shoe soles, agreed. “Isn’t that the truth? Shiliulang is always feasting, drinking, and making friends, silks and brocades in endless rotation—none of that comes cheap. Wei Shi has no choice but to open her coffers for him. As a merchant’s daughter, she must curry favor with Shiliulang.”

Xu Shi pursed her lips. “You’re right. With Shiliulang’s qualifications, marrying into a noble family wouldn’t be hard. I remember some third-rank official—the Huaixi Transport Commissioner—wanted to marry his concubine-born daughter to him. But Mother-in-law feared her youngest son would suffer and refused outright.”

Jiang Xian was handsome, well-spoken, and quite scholarly—a godsend for lesser men. Yet his mother wouldn’t allow it.

She claimed the other family’s sons were all useless in their studies, and such a noble daughter would surely dominate Jiang Xian. She also said concubine-born daughters were overly competitive—if her son married one, he’d be like a glorified servant. And if Jiang Xian ever succeeded, he’d have to deal with his wife’s burdensome family, millstones around his neck.

Hearing this, Ge Ma said, “She’s just exhausting herself for her children’s sake. Wei Shi has no background—just a younger brother—but she knows how to make money. She brings no baggage; in fact, because she married up, she has to please Shiliulang. Otherwise, she wouldn’t be running her business even while far along in her pregnancy.”

“Exactly. And if he ever abandons her later, what could the Wei family even do? Once Shiliulang becomes a jinshi, even with children, many noblewomen would still be willing to marry him.” Xu Shi set down her needlework with a sigh of grudging admiration, realizing how far-sighted her mother-in-law had been.

Still, she had to carry out her plans slowly. “Ge Ma, tomorrow, deliver gifts to Seventh Aunt on my behalf and persuade her family to come back and live here. A halfway decent rental outside runs ten guan at minimum—that’s no small sum. Besides, we’re all family—why let pride get in the way?”

If her sister-in-law’s family returned and occupied the west wing of the third courtyard, then the entire three-section compound would be fully occupied.

In the Jiang family’s sixth branch, the main courtyard of the second section housed Sixth Uncle and his wife. The west wing was occupied by a concubine and a maid, along with two additional serving girls, while the east wing belonged to Jiang Xian—now converted into a study. The third courtyard was where she and her husband lived, with Xuan Geer currently in the east wing, leaving the west wing empty.

Since the second courtyard’s side rooms only had two chambers, Madam Jiang Liu had her renovate and repaint the garden’s former plant storage room to serve as Jiang Xian’s new marital home.

She was already thinking ahead—once her husband passed the provincial examination and gained official rank, whether her mother-in-law was alive or not, she would rent out the entire garden. Her aunt had told her that with its seven or eight rooms, the garden could fetch at least forty guan a month—a small fortune, truly.

If Jiang Xian and his wife were to live again in the rear courtyard, they certainly wouldn’t have enough space. At that point, they would likely have to move out—entirely their own decision, not forced by her. His mother could hardly ask her daughter-in-law and son to move out just to make room for her own son.

All of this remained in her heart; she hadn't even told Ge Mama.

Her actions were all open and aboveboard, so transparent that no one could find fault. If anyone was to blame, it was his mother for being too harsh.

Within three days, Foreman Yu had dug another window exactly as Jin Niang instructed, and she also hired a gardener to plant a small cluster of bamboo near the main house.

"Madam, Shopkeeper Qian from the silk shop is here," A Ying said.

Jin Niang hurried outside. Although Shopkeeper Qian's store didn't employ embroiderers directly, they often bought others' embroidery works to use as complimentary gifts or hang up for sale.

Of course, they only wanted surplus goods at low prices.

Jin Niang packaged leftover sachets, pouches, and two vests to sell to him, earning slightly over one guan.

Then, within ten days, there were two rainfalls, and business at the shop was very slow. Worried about slipping, Jin Niang had A Ying watch the shop while she began designing Mid-Autumn collar trims, shoe uppers, socks, and clothing.

Osmanthus and jade rabbits were essential motifs. The tube top featured embroidered osmanthus blossoms, while the collar trim displayed patterns of osmanthus and jade rabbits. The real highlight, however, was the shoes—delicate pale yellow satin slippers adorned with snow-white rabbits.

Naturally, her hair held a rong hua jade rabbit hairpin, with pale yellow ribbons trailing through her locks, imparting a touch of youthful elegance.

"Madam, the osmanthus cakes are here," Luo Mama said, delivered by Luo Shu.

Jin Niang smiled. "Then I'll take some pastries to Shiliulang in the study."

Xi Qiu and Min Zhi chimed in, "How lovely you're home now! You keep sending treats to the young master—he's surely expecting you!"

Jin Niang smiled faintly, recalling how she'd sent someone to check on the large storefront they'd acquired. A five-bay shopfront at Jinliang Bridge for only fifteen guan—it seemed far too cheap. If only they could find a major tenant.

But this matter should be left to Jiang Xian; he knew more people.

As soon as she reached the study, Jiang Xian stood up. "You're here."

Seeing his wife’s adorable outfit, he felt his heart melt. But remembering something, he quickly added, "Madam, today my second cousin Zhou Cunzhi came by. He stopped by to thank our family for the funeral roadside offerings and to visit Mother. He may come to the study later to speak with me, so perhaps you should return first."

So Zhou Cunzhi had arrived. Lady Zhou had already been buried, and the Zhou father and son had returned after accompanying the coffin back to their hometown.

"Alright, but do try these osmanthus cakes. They're from Deyun Tower—I waited an hour in line for them," Jin Niang chided gently.

Jiang Xian reached to brush the jade rabbit pin on her head. "Alright, I will, my little jade rabbit sprite."

"Why call me a rabbit sprite? I'm more like Chang’e!" Jin Niang playfully poked his chest.

He felt a rush of tenderness. Jin Niang had meant to tease and lighten the mood, but seeing his reaction, she tried to slip away. As they gazed at each other, Zhou Cunzhi entered. Jiang Xian quickly regained his composure with a courteous bow.

Zhou Cunzhi hadn't expected to see Jin Niang here. Jiang Xian introduced her: "Cousin Cunzhi, this is my wife."

Jin Niang and Zhou Cunzhi exchanged bows before she quickly stepped out.

He never imagined she had married Shiliulang—and clearly, they were devoted to each other. Their laughter and ease when he walked in couldn't have been faked.

Of course, Zhou Cunzhi knew Jiang Xian could've made a better match socially, but he wasn't as rigid as the Jiangs.

After some polite small talk, he looked over Jiang Xian's writings, and the two conversed happily. Knowing Zhou Cunzhi was in mourning and couldn't drink alcohol, Jiang Xian ordered tea and pushed forward the tray of pastries. "My wife specially had these osmanthus cakes bought. Try one, cousin."

Zhou Cunzhi usually disliked overly sweet pastries, but perhaps reminded of Jin Niang, he took a bite. Surprisingly, it was quite good—not cloyingly sweet, with a light warmth mellowing the flavor, carrying a mild sweetness reminiscent of fermented rice cakes.

"This cake tastes wonderful—and symbolizes good luck too."

The osmanthus cake is also called Guanghan Gao, bearing the auspicious omen of "ascending to lofty heights like the Guanghan Palace."

Jiang Xian, who usually kept his emotions well in check, actually laughed upon hearing Zhou Cunzhi's words. "My wife probably didn’t overthink it—she just bought it because she found it tasty."

Zhou Cunzhi’s gaze darkened. Now in mourning at home, having returned from escorting the coffin back to his hometown, he was utterly exhausted. Zhang Shi cared only about his future reappointment after the mourning period. Not a soul was there to tend to him. The previous night, he had fallen asleep on the couch and no one even covered him with a blanket.

But such matters were not easy to voice. Maintaining his usual elder-brotherly manner toward Jiang Xian, he steered the conversation elsewhere: “You’re still young. With so many talents competing this year, if you pass the Provincial Exam, you should analyze Gu Yan’s essays—he’s the top scholar from the Imperial Academy.”

Jiang Xian smiled. “I heard the Song family has already claimed that very scholar, waiting only for the palace exam before finalizing the marriage.”

“You know the sayings: ‘A farm boy at dawn, a court official by dusk. In books lie golden houses; in books lie beauties fair.’ That’s the way of scholars,” Zhou Cunzhi said, using these words to encourage Jiang Xian.

Yet Jiang Xian thought of how among the Song minister’s several sons, only one had caused repeated trouble, leading to his being relegated to a sinecure. By choosing a humble scholar as their son-in-law, the Song family likely intended to groom him for future support. Once the minister retired or resigned, the Song minister’s sons would rely on this Gu Yan for the rest of their lives.

Such marriages were often mutually advantageous yet emotionally distant, rarely marked by affection—just like Zhou Cunzhi and Zhang Shi themselves.

"Great fortune, poor fit." Sometimes temporary convenience must be repaid tenfold later. He now felt deeply fortunate to have a loving and harmonious marriage of his own.