Chapter 68

Chapter 68

Jin Niang loved these rabbit shoes so much that she couldn’t bear to take them off even at night. She would stretch her legs out from under her skirt to show them to Jiang Xian, who thought she looked absolutely adorable like this.

"How are you feeling today? It’s raining outside—next time, don’t go out. If you miss me, just send someone to the study, and I’ll come back to you." The soft rain wrapped them in quiet intimacy.

Jin Niang smiled. "I know. I just want to look after you better while I’m home. Besides, it’s already been three months, and the physician says I’m in good health. You don’t need to worry."

Between husband and wife, there were no secrets. Jiang Xian even shared news about the Zhou family: "Did you know the third young master of the Zhou family is in poor health? It started with leg pain, then spread throughout his body. He endured it silently for the sake of his studies. But when they accompanied the funeral procession back to Hangzhou, he suddenly fainted. The physician says his condition is quite serious."

"Wasn’t the third young master the one who took Qin Shuanger as a concubine?" Jin Niang recalled. The last time she heard the name Qin Xiaoniang, she had assumed it was Qin Shuanger. She never expected such a turn of events.

"The Zhou family lacks successors, and the Jiang family isn’t much better. But at least our family has more members, which is why they’re trying to butter us up now—there’s an obvious motive behind it."

Listening to Jiang Xian’s analysis, Jin Niang couldn’t help but ask, "What about the Zhou family’s son-in-law?"

"Sun Shichen is hopelessly average, and the He family isn’t much better either," Jiang Xian replied indifferently.

Despite his youth, he had sharp insights. Jin Niang couldn’t resist probing further, "You’ve always been on good terms with the Zhou family’s madam. Won’t you need to rely on them in the future?"

Jiang Xian chuckled. "Not necessarily. Before, I wouldn’t have minded, given our marital ties. But after the way my aunt slighted you—if she truly valued me, why would she insult you? It’s clear they don’t hold me in high regard either."

At this point, Jiang Xian was about to take the Provincial Exam, and his status was rising rapidly.

Jin Niang couldn’t bring herself to dampen his spirits now—after all, he was still young. But she smiled and said, "Husband, you’re so good to me. Though I’ve heard that embroidered clothes aren’t allowed in the examination hall, so you’ll have to make do without them."

"Love, you’re with child now. You should rest properly." Jiang Xian glanced at Jin Niang’s still-flat belly, then carefully bent down to press his ear against it, as if listening for a heartbeat.

Jin Niang gently touched his ear. "I just want you to be safe."

Two days later, the skies cleared, and Jin Niang went to the Embroidery Shop. They’d had barely any customers for days, and even Ju Xiang couldn’t help sighing in frustration. However, there was a pleasant surprise—the study’s windows and doors had been installed, and the walls inside had been polished smooth.

With the return of good weather, customers finally arrived. A matchmaker walked in, requesting a purple beizi with embroidered collar panels, shoulders, hem, and cuffs. Jin Niang smiled and said, "That’ll be 3 guan in total."

The matchmaker protested, "Madam Jiang, I need it urgently! How about this—once I successfully arrange a marriage, I’ll have the bride and groom come here for their wedding clothes. What do you say?"

"It’s not that I’m unwilling to rush the work," Jin Niang replied with a smile. "But at this price, no embroidery shop could deliver a fully embroidered piece in half a month."

Truth be told, she could finish in ten days if she worked day and night—but she wouldn’t strain herself for just 3 guan.

Reluctantly, the matchmaker added another 2 guan. Only then did Jin Niang agree, "All right, two weeks then. I’ll make sure it’s done well for you."

She refused to undercut the market just because business was slow. The two large orders from Young Master Shen and Madam Gao had already brought in good money. Though the house construction kept draining her funds, as long as she didn’t touch the principal, things were still manageable.

She began by cutting the fabric for the beizi, sketching the patterns, and starting the embroidery in the afternoon.

Embroidery came as naturally as breathing to her now—once she picked up the needle, her hands moved effortlessly. This piece had many patterns, but they were simple, using just two colors, all in simple satin stitch.

Zhu Xiuniang was also working on Mid-Autumn Festival embroidery. She remarked to Jin Niang, "Proprietor, why not do the matchmaker a favor? If the bride orders clothes from us later, wouldn’t that mean more business?"

"While it’s true that one should ‘cast a long line to catch a big fish,’ you can’t trust a matchmaker’s words. Purple beizi are for wealthy families’ weddings, and wealthy families either have their own seamstresses or go to large embroidery houses. A small shop like ours can’t handle that much work." Jin Niang wasn’t born yesterday.

Zhu Xiuniang fawned with a smile. "The boss knows best."

Jin Niang shook her head with a smile.

Embroidery was mostly tedious work. After exchanging a few words, the two focused on their needles. A Ying and Min Zhi weren’t idle either—they were stitching baby clothes and booties for Jin Niang’s unborn child. Min Zhi, in particular, had been transferred to serve Jiang Xian precisely because her stitches were flawless.

Switching off between Min Zhi and Xi Qiu served two purposes: to size them up and to keep anyone from getting too comfortable.

In the afternoon, she had embroidered half the collar panel when she stood up to wipe her sweat. She noticed that the side rooms on both sides of the building were nearly completed. The eastern side rooms were for the servants—three small rooms with an attic above, all for lodging. The western side had a large room built, intended as a storage space.

When the matchmaker’s garment was halfway done, the aunt who had moved away came back with her family. She even handed Xu Shi household expenses in front of everyone, and Xu Shi declined repeatedly before finally accepting.

With another family now living there, Madam Jiang Liu was delighted to see her daughter and even ate an extra half bowl of rice.

Jin Niang also had someone buy fashionable pastries and fruits to send to her sister-in-law, sending A Ying to deliver them. When A Ying returned, she said, “The lady’s expression was cool and she asked me to thank you on her behalf.”

“Don’t take it to heart. I suppose Xu Shi invited them to stay, so naturally, they’d stick together against me.” These gestures were for her mother-in-law’s benefit—whether her sister-in-law liked her or not mattered little.

After Jiang Qigu moved in, she noticed Jin Niang still going to the Embroidery Shop despite her pregnancy, while Xu Shi was the one attending to their mother during the day. She spoke highly of Xu Shi.

“Mother, they say no child stays filial long at a parent’s sickbed. Though she’s pregnant, she seems quite healthy. With such good health, she should at least serve you medicine—how can she just go running around? No wonder the clan gossips. Name me one respectable wife who runs around like this?” Qigu fed her mother medicine with feigned concern.

Madam Jiang Liu replied, “You don’t understand—your sister-in-law would stay home if she could. She often sends gifts and brings snacks and tonics to your brother’s study. But she takes orders from noble families—how could she refuse? Last time, she made a Luoyang Brocade gown for Academician Huang’s wife, which got your brother taken under his wing. Later, she made clothes for the Song family’s daughter. How could she turn down such clients?”

With that, Madam Jiang Liu coughed a few times.

Just then, Jiang Xian entered. Qigu wasn’t sure if he’d overheard her but sat up straight.

Jiang Xian acted as if he’d heard nothing, chatting with Qigu and inquiring after his mother. Yet he noticed her face had grown paler, her speech more labored.

“Mother, shall I have someone buy cherries and sweet cheese for you?” Jiang Xian asked.

Madam Jiang Liu waved him off. “I wouldn’t eat them anyway—nothing has any flavor. Go study. Your brother barely leaves his room, yet you’re always running about.”

Jiang Xian laughed. “I’m still young. My brother-in-law and eighth brother have better prospects. When the time comes, I’ll get the biggest, fanciest firecrackers and set them off at the gate.”

“Shiliulang’s tongue grows sweeter by the day,” Qigu teased.

That evening, Jin Niang returned with some gorgon nuts from Li He’s family. A packet only cost ten coppers, wrapped in lotus leaves with a hint of musk and tied with red string.

Having watched many palace dramas in her past life, Jin Niang only realized the musk afterward and gave the nuts to the servants.

When Jiang Xian returned and saw the maids eating them, he rushed over. “Wife, why did you buy these today?”

“Isn’t gorgon nut eaten at the start of autumn? I asked the young master to buy them, but then I noticed the musk, so I gave them away.” Jin Niang was a little regretful—she hadn’t gotten to taste any.

Then, glancing at Jiang Xian, she added, “These are just snacks I eat for fun—only ten coppers a packet. I thought you wouldn’t want common snacks, so I didn’t save any for you.”

Jiang Xian protested, “Aren’t I common too? Why say such things?”

“Fine, I misspoke. By the way, they began pasting the walls in your study today.” Jin Niang smiled.

Jiang Xian thought to himself how his wife never seemed deeply troubled, never stirred up trouble—just shared what she’d done, read, or earned each day.

They slept soundly, only to wake to news of Zhou Shenzhi’s death. Jiang Xian hurried to offer condolences—no one had expected the young man to pass so suddenly.

Jin Niang prepared mourning gifts: a bolt of white silk, a jar of wine, and half a slab of dried meat. Such gifts were customary in the early days of mourning. She sent someone to buy them, then personally selected a plain robe for Jiang Xian, had the maids iron it, and helped him dress.

Luo Mama remarked, “Our Shiliulang used to dress smartly outside but sometimes wore mismatched socks. Now he’s polished from head to toe—all thanks to you, madam.”

“Don’t praise me, Mama. It’s Shiliulang who’s so endearing—I’m glad to do things for him.” Jin Niang adjusted Jiang Xian’s collar, smiling at Luo Mama.

Though Jiang Xian held out his arms for Jin Niang to dress him, his ears pricked up at that, turning pink. Once Luo Mama and the others left, he leaned in and whispered, “I love you most, wife.”

Jin Niang playfully swatted him. “Hurry now, don’t dawdle.”

“Mm.” At the door, Jiang Xian turned back. “Wife, Uncle Luo is escorting me today. Rest at home. I’ll return early, and we’ll talk.”

Jin Niang had nearly finished embroidering the beizi the day before and nodded in agreement: "Alright, I'll wait for you."

As it happened, when Jiang Xian visited the Zhou family, they were in mourning. The third branch of the Zhou family was practically invisible. If not for Jiang Xian's previous friendship with several of the Zhou sons, he wouldn’t have come calling.

Though dressed in plain mourning attire, Jiang Xian appeared exceptionally neat. His innate refinement and the meticulous funeral preparations set him apart. The third branch was grief-stricken—Zhou Shenzhi had been diligent and promising, surpassing his father tenfold, and was once the family’s hope. Now, he had passed away in his prime.

Fortunately, he already had two sons and a daughter, though born to concubines, ensuring his lineage continued.

Jiang Xian sat in the front hall for a while, speaking with Zhou Cunzhi, Sun Shichen, and others assisting with the arrangements. When the sound of a woman’s anguished weeping reached him, he sighed deeply.

The woman wailing was Qin Shuanger, who still couldn’t believe her husband was gone. After becoming Zhou Shenzhi’s concubine, she’d climbed from maid to favored concubine. The main wife was kind-hearted and never resented her, especially since she bore no children of her own and treated the concubine’s children as her own.

Qin Shuanger had even borne a son, and mother and child were deeply cherished. Who could have imagined her husband’s sudden death? Now, barely twenty, she faced a lifetime of widowhood.

"Madam, you mustn’t grieve so hard," someone consoled her.

Qin Shuanger glanced out and caught sight of Jiang Xian and Sun Shichen. Both were in plain mourning attire, yet handsome young men—especially Jiang Xian, who was Jin Niang’s husband.

She had heard of Jin Niang before and felt a twinge of envy—a plump girl, also a former servant, yet Jin Niang had bought property in the capital, was stunningly beautiful, and even married a yamen scion.

But Qin Shuanger had her own husband and son, so her envy had been fleeting.

Now, her husband was dead, and her future was shattered.

Her son was still so young—even if she waited for him to grow up, it would take decades, and who knew what misfortunes might befall them in the meantime? The thought crushed her.

It mirrored her mother’s fate—her mother, too, had been cast out by the main wife after her husband’s death.

...

Upon returning, Jiang Xian discussed Zhou Shenzhi’s widow with Jin Niang: "The Zhou family’s third branch is done for."

Jin Niang sighed. "When I was still with the Zhous, I heard the third master and his wife didn’t get along. But at least the wife had her son, who was diligent in his studies. Now that he’s gone, the widow and orphans will suffer."

Though the third master was still alive, he was a layabout who lazed around with his concubines and only knew how to spend the family’s money.

"Exactly. After the old matriarch passed, each branch went their own way. Only the second branch still had wealth, but in recent years, they’ve quietly offloaded properties, not as free-spending as they once were," Jiang Xian remarked.

Jin Niang nodded. "True. The second branch has sons and granddaughters—they’ve got their own mouths to feed. They can’t keep supporting others indefinitely."

She had noticed the Zhou family’s declining fortunes—their clothes were no longer as fine as before. Xiang Ming, who once dropped by now and then, had recently complained bitterly when Jin Niang last saw her. Even Jiang Shi’s temper had worsened—all proof they’d fallen on harder times.

Like Jin Niang, she was busy now, but life was fulfilling. She earned well, and though busy, she wasn’t worn out or bitter.

The two talked for a long while. Now that her pregnancy was stable, the doctor said it was safe to be intimate again. Jiang Xian was eager, and sensing Jin Niang’s willingness, he proceeded gently.

Who’d have thought she’d bleed the next day? Fortunately, the physician assured them it was nothing serious.

The young couple sighed in relief.

Jin Niang had always suffered from weak blood and irregular cycles, but after marriage, with better rest, her health had improved—even her periods became regular. This incident was unexpected.

Thankfully, after a little spotting, everything returned to normal. Still, Jiang Xian was deeply anxious and insisted she rest at home for a few more days, though he couldn’t exactly broadcast why.

"I’ve been to your embroidery shop. It’s scorching—even the ants are hiding, let alone customers. Rest easy—Chen Xiaolang and A Ying are quite capable now."

Jin Niang had no choice but to agree.

By the eighth month, her health had fully recovered.

However, Madam Jiang Liu’s health took a nosedive. Jin Niang visited once and found her shivering despite the blazing heat—she was just skin and bones, could hardly string two words together.

Still, she held on stubbornly, and Jin Niang knew it was for her two sons.

Because of that, the Mid-Autumn mood in the Jiang household was pretty muted. Jin Niang dropped by the shop and received many gift boxes. Her arrival alone perked up the place.

Many customers actually only decided to make purchases after seeing Jin Niang. When she wore her moon-and-rabbit dress, someone immediately took a liking to her shoes.

“Bring us the shoe design,” Jin Niang smiled, “and we’ll make them with care.”

A single pair sold for 500 wen. After the customer left, Jin Niang began embroidering the uppers while instructing Min Zhi on stitching the soles—the sale ones were different from usual, so she had to personally guide her.

The uppers weren’t particularly fancy—just a cute little rabbit that was downright adorable.

“Madam, the Qu silk shop sent over holiday gifts,” Chen Xiaolang announced as he came in.

Since her marriage, Qu Fengying had become even more attentive to business, sending fancier holiday gifts than before. Though Jin Niang wasn’t a major client, she was reliable.

There was a wooden box of hairy crabs, a basket of pomegranates, and two boxes of Guanghan cakes. The owners of the silk thread and woolen yarn shops also brought gifts, and even Master Yu, who helped renovate her house, delivered quite a few items.

The next day, all three moon-and-rabbit skirts made by Zhu Xiuniang sold—one for 3 guan each, totaling 9 guan. It was a rare big sale in the past twenty-odd days.

She put together holiday gifts too—a jar of Meile wine from Fengle Tower, a box of grapes, two boxes of dates, and two boxes of pastries for her parents. For Ying Niang, she passed along two boxes of treats she’d received, and Ying Niang reciprocated with a basket of fruit. Rong Niang’s gift was even more generous, hand-delivered by Feng Sheng.

Seeing Feng Sheng this time, he looked like he was glowing.

“What’s Eldest Sister up to at home?” Jin Niang asked with a smile.

Feng Sheng waved his hand. “At it with the cards again. Both your nephews are off studying, so she’s got nothing else to do.”

Jin Niang frowned. Cards were fine in small doses as a distraction, but they could easily consume a person. She asked, “Isn’t Sister going to the cosmetics shop anymore?”

Feng Sheng shrugged. “If she doesn’t want to go, she doesn’t have to. I bring home enough bacon now.”

Jin Niang thought this wasn’t good. If Feng Sheng was this indulgent, any advice she gave Rong Niang might be taken the wrong way, so she said nothing more.

She brought the hairy crabs and some pastries and fruits home. Though she couldn’t eat them due to her pregnancy, the others dug right in—her father-in-law and Jiang Xian especially. He even discussed sending some to Academician Huang and Chancellor Liu’s households.

Now that Jin Niang’s belly was showing, she was eating for two, but dared not overeat. Childbirth in ancient times could kill her if the baby grew too large.

So she cut back on sweet fruits.

Watching Jiang Xian devour a bunch of grapes, she caved and popped two in her mouth.

“Darling, how’s my study coming along? I’ve barely been to the shop lately, aside from the Zhou funeral,” Jiang Xian asked.

Jin Niang teased, “Soon you’ll have two studies—you’ll get lost in all that space!”

Young and eager, Jiang Xian perked up when he heard the wallpaper was done and insisted on visiting once the exams were over.

As the couple chatted happily, word came that Madam Jiang Liu wanted him. Jin Niang asked curiously, “Didn’t you see her this morning? Why call for you again now?”

Jiang Xian shook his head. “Usually Mother takes her medicine and rests at this hour. I don’t know why.”

“Then take some snacks and fruit to Fang Ma and Meng Dongguiyue—they’ve earned it. They work hard looking after Mother,” Jin Niang said.

Jiang Xian agreed cheerfully and added, “Don’t nap, or you’ll struggle to sleep tonight. Wait for me—I’ll wash your hair when I get back.”

The most annoying part of being pregnant wasn’t bathing—it was washing hair. Of everyone who tried, only Jiang Xian had the gentlest touch, so she always waited for him.

In less than a quarter of an hour, Jiang Xian returned with a small bundle for Jin Niang. When she opened it, she found many colorful threads and a piece of cloth, with the threads embellished with rhinoceros horn charms and lucky coins.

"What is this?" Jiang Xian asked, puzzled.

Having just made one for someone else, Jin Niang knew immediately: "These are threads to tie on the swaddling cloth for a newborn. Mother can hardly speak now, yet she’s still preparing these for us. What a blessing to be her children."

Jiang Xian also understood that his mother likely didn’t have much time left. If only she could see him or his elder brother succeed in the imperial exams before her time came, at least she could depart without regrets.

That night, after Jin Niang’s hair had dried, she lay down in bed. Jiang Xian stayed by her side, worried she might lie awake staring. As usual, he planned to study after his wife fell asleep. But for some reason, his chest ached slightly today—perhaps he had drunk too much strong tea? He had intended to read another volume, but seeing his wife turn over in bed, sleeping soundly, he set the book aside and joined her.

Yet barely after putting out the light and before he could fall asleep, someone knocked urgently at the door: "Shiliulang, Sixth Madam has passed away."