Chapter 69

Chapter 69

Madam Jiang Liu did not live to see her sons take the provincial exams, nor even reach the Mid-Autumn Festival, a time for family reunions. Jin Niang was still pregnant and knew she must keep her emotions in check, in case she lost the baby and suffered further harm to her body.

Jiang Xian was already up. When Jin Niang saw him dressed, she handed him a cloak: "No need to hurry. It’s already autumn, and the nights are cold. Put on the cloak first, then go have a look. I’ll be right behind you."

"Alright—no, darling, I’ll go ahead first. You take your time. You’re pregnant."

Even at such a moment, Jiang Xian remained thoughtful of Jin Niang, which moved her deeply.

Lights turned on one by one in the Jiang family’s sixth branch. Xu Shi never expected that despite all her careful planning, her mother-in-law would die sooner than expected. She felt deeply disappointed. As the eldest daughter-in-law, she was now in charge of the household, and she had to figure out what to do next.

The news of Madam Jiang Liu’s death was sent out in the middle of the night—to her birth family, the Lius; the Wei and Xu families (the families of her daughters-in-law); as well as to the clan and many distant relatives.

By the time the Zhou family received the message, it was just dawn. Jiang Shi, who had recently lost someone in her own family, scowled at the news: "Has Second Master been told?"

Xiang Ming replied, "Yes. Second Master plans to go to the Jiangs himself."

"Himself? A servant could’ve gone instead." In Jiang Shi’s eyes, the Jiangs’ sixth branch weren’t officials—why should her son go in person?

Xiang Ming said nothing. These days, Jiang Shi had trouble sleeping and often fell ill. One maid had already been dismissed quietly through the back door. She needed to be extra cautious, or she might be next.

Even a cold could kill. Who would stand up for a mere servant?

Zhou Cunzhi went himself. Normally, no one would have blamed him for not going, since he was still in mourning, but for some reason, he wanted to see for himself. Zhang Shi advised, however: "We should send condolences first. We can visit after the first seven days."

"All right," Zhou Cunzhi replied, calming himself.

The Jiangs now needed a coffin and burial clothes. Normally, Sixth Uncle would handle this, but he was hopeless with practical matters. Instead, brothers Jiang Yan and Jiang Xian went to the coffin shop first. They wanted to buy a lacquered coffin for a hundred strings of coins.

"A hundred strings?" Xu Shi was stunned. Where would they find so much money? Thirty strings could buy a decent coffin—they were really..."

Jin Niang, standing nearby, also thought thirty strings would be more than enough for a good coffin. But the Jiang brothers could only move in elite circles because they maintained appearances—proof that they still had connections.

These connections were priceless. Moreover, Madam Jiang Liu had worked herself to exhaustion for the sixth branch—expanding the garden, arranging marriages for the Jiang descendants—all while ill, ensuring they did not fall in social rank.

Knowing Xu Shi probably lacked funds, Jin Niang offered: "Sister-in-law, we’ll need ice for Mother’s room and burial clothes. Leave these to me—it’s the least my husband and I can do to show our filial respect."

Xu Shi nearly agreed at once, but then changed her mind: "Sister-in-law, there’s no need for you, in your condition, to trouble yourself. I’ll arrange it."

She then ordered the steward to get the ice and burial clothes on credit.

When Jin Niang returned to her room, A Ying said: "I was afraid Madam Xu would ask you for money. Thankfully, she didn’t."

"That’s unlike her," Jin Niang mused. Since the property division, even Jiang Xian’s study expenses had often been delayed. Jiang Xian had paid for the ice himself, and when gifts were sent, Xu Shi had quietly left out their share—until Jin Niang found out and made sure to cover it.

Now, she’d rather go into debt than accept Jin Niang’s money. Was she afraid Jin Niang would steal the spotlight, or was she planning something else?

A Ying urged: "Madam, don’t think too much about it. The baby comes first."

"I’ll rest for a while. You must manage the shop. I’ve finished the osmanthus skirt—make sure Young Master delivers it properly. We mustn’t break our word. Then have him close the shop and post a notice saying the owner has urgent business and will reopen shortly."

The Mid-Autumn Festival should have been the busiest season, yet now they had to close. Jin Niang had no choice.

Her natal family arrived quickly, as did Feng Sheng, Rong Niang, and Ying Niang with their husbands. Yet they all seemed somewhat uneasy. After paying their respects, the male guests were led away by clan members, while the women gathered around Jin Niang.

Luo Yue, who’d handled funerals before, asked, “Is the burial site ready?”

“We’ve got the land, but the grave still needs digging,” Jin Niang replied.

Ying Niang said, “That’ll cost a pretty penny. Take that charity house they just built—though a kind donor gave thirty acres—it still took leveling the ground, building walls, hiring a caretaker, setting up two bone repositories, a cremation platform, and even the gate cost over a thousand strings of cash.”

Back then, you couldn’t just get a death certificate and go to a crematorium with a special furnace to finish things in an hour or two.

But such advanced technology didn’t exist back then, so it had to be done this way. Still, Jin Niang said, “I don’t know much about this. With so many Jiang clan members, there must already be a designated burial ground.”

“Since your sister-in-law is handling things and your husband’s helping out, you ought to rest up for the baby’s sake,” Luo Yue advised.

Jin Niang rubbed her belly. “I know, but I’ll have to close the shop for a while. Have Ju Xiang stick around to help cook and wash clothes. The new house is almost done—when it rains, please close the doors for me, and leave ’em open to air the place out when it’s dry.”

“Aye, alright,” Luo Yue agreed.

Knowing her mother had little patience, Jin Niang had A Ying fetch a stick of pine-soot ink and handed it to her. “This was a gift from my husband’s friend. I meant to give it to Yang Ge for Mid-Autumn, but with us in mourning now, please pass it on to my younger brother.”

Luo Yue had thought her daughter was having such a lucky year—smooth marriage, thriving business, pregnant not long after the wedding, and her husband excelling in his studies, with hopes of passing the exams. Who knew her in-laws would pass?

Jiang Xian didn’t make it back to Jin Niang till late at night, his eyes still red. She wrung out a warm cloth and wiped his face gently. “I’ve got a little stove here keeping some dishes warm. Want to eat something?”

“Alright.” Jiang Xian and his brother had been running all day, and after personally thanking the clan in the evening, he was truly starving.

Jin Niang had expected him to be overwhelmed with grief, needing her comfort, but after a brief moment of sadness, he pulled himself together quickly and told her, “I’ve got to keep vigil later. You rest first.”

“Let me stay with you,” Jin Niang said, holding his hand.

Jiang Xian shook his head. “Don’t overdo it.”

She sipped some water and hesitantly asked, “Earlier, I thought about covering the cost of ice and funeral clothes for Mother by dipping into the dowry you gave me—I never touched it anyway—to avoid borrowing money. But Sister-in-law insisted she’d handle it, so I didn’t push.”

“Is that so? Let her handle it. The household funds are under her control. If she says so, you don’t need to chip in. That dowry was yours—we’d never touch your bridal money.” Jiang Xian looked at his wife and squeezed her hand.

Jin Niang hugged him. “If you’re hurting, just cry.”

He smiled faintly. “I’ll do my crying at the vigil.” Then he sighed. “Truth is, last year Mother pushed me to marry because she already wasn’t well. She suffered through pain and medicine for my brother and me. In a way, she’s free now.”

“If not for Mother, we wouldn’t have this marriage. I’ll always be grateful to her, especially thinking of our child at the end. Darling, we should look after Fang Ma, Meng Dong, and Gui Yue, who served her faithfully.” Jin Niang stroked his cheek.

Jiang Xian was far stronger than she imagined. As she chatted about daily matters, he relaxed and shared more of his heart.

“My mother was known as the clan’s Complete Fortune Matron—sharp-tongued and capable, always surrounded by people. Even her childhood friend, now an official in Guangnan East Circuit, made a point to send hometown gifts from afar. But after my sister married and my eldest brother wedded, things went downhill. My second brother went to Hangzhou to study, and my aunt wanted to adopt him. Mother refused, but the clan accused her of being selfish—three sons and not willing to give one to family. She held firm, but when she found out my brother willingly agreed, she fell gravely ill.”

“She recovered eventually, but never fully. In recent years, with Father failing the exams again and again, and my brother too, Mother wore herself thin managing the household until she collapsed. Those who once flocked to her vanished like morning dew—her own family feared clinging to us, some even shrank back, scared they’d catch her sickness…”

Jiang Xian looked at Jin Niang. “You see how fickle people can be.”

With that, he quietly finished his meal.

Jin Niang stepped out and called Liu Douer over. “Look after your master proper. Here’s his favorite snack and some hot water. Though it’s still warm during the day, nights are cool. Don’t let him catch a chill, so bring a blanket too.”

A Ying hung everything onto him one by one, adding, “The mistress also packed a box of fine treats for you.”

“Thank you, Mistress! Thank you, A Ying!” Liu Douer grinned with a dopey smile.

Jiang Xian had just finished eating and watched Jin Niang fuss over Liu Douer before casting a caring glance his way. That’s when it hit him—what being husband and wife really meant.

That night, Rong Niang returned from the Jiang home and said to Feng Sheng, “Jin Niang sure is polite—just asking her parents to check on the newly repaired house, yet she still gives gifts. Did she have to?”

From the very beginning, she kept her distance from Lady Jin, sensing that her manner was excessively courteous—always offering generous gifts and favors.

Feng Sheng, however, remarked, "What's so special about parents? Even an outsider helping manage your household would expect some reward. Why not give it to your own family then?"

Rong Niang began to understand. Since she had stopped working at the perfumery, she no longer needed to wake up early. After spending the entire day running errands for the Jiang household, she collapsed onto her bed as soon as she returned home, unaware of Feng Sheng’s quiet determination.

During his visit to the Jiang residence that day, he met many scholars and even officials. As Jiang Xian’s brother-in-law, everyone treated him with great respect. He also heard that Lady Jin had effortlessly acquired five prime commercial properties near Golden Beam Bridge. Feng Sheng lived nearby and had always felt a pang of jealousy whenever passing by.

For such affluent families, even the smallest favor or leftover could support someone for life.

Looking at the woman beside him, lounging idly and enjoying everything he provided without effort, while looking down on his struggles, Feng Sheng’s expression turned grim.

The next day, seamstresses arrived to make the mourning clothes. Lady Jin had never been one for extravagance, yet in funeral attire, she appeared even more striking. Strangely enough, though graceful and delicate, there was also a certain playful charm about her. Especially since her marriage, anyone who saw her couldn't help but feel stirred with affection.

Unaware of this herself, she changed into the mourning clothes and instructed Old Luo to guard the courtyard: “There will likely be many visitors today; we mustn’t allow anyone to wander around freely.”

Old Luo patted her chest confidently. "Don't worry, I'll make sure the courtyard is fully secured."

Lady Jin then proceeded to the mourning hall accompanied by her maids. Upon arrival, many men respectfully lowered their heads, although some stole quick glances. Jiang Xian noticed and immediately excused himself to approach her.

“Wife, didn’t I tell you to rest more? There are plenty of female relatives—my sisters, sisters-in-law, and others from the clan—to take care of things here. You don’t need to come.”

Lady Jin replied, “It wouldn’t seem appropriate if I didn’t show up.”

How could she stay hidden during her mother-in-law’s funeral?

Jiang Xian insisted, “We’ll bury Mother after the first seven days. You can join the procession then. For now, go back and rest—for the baby’s sake.”

Seeing how insistent he was, Lady Jin finally agreed. “Alright then.”

Jiang Xian took her hand. “Let me walk you back.”

Why the sudden display of affection? Lady Jin knew Jiang Xian well—he might be emotionally perceptive, even washing her hair privately—but rarely showed tenderness in public. Neither of them were accustomed to excessive sentimentality. What was different today?

Before she could ponder further, he had already escorted her back to her room.

Lying in bed, Lady Jin thought that making funeral garments wasn’t particularly profitable. Real money came from weddings—bride quilts, wedding gowns, veils, and door curtains sold briskly.

Indeed, with the shop closed temporarily, she should use this time to plan its future direction.

Xu Shi had been especially considerate lately, constantly reminding her to take care due to her pregnancy. They didn’t meet again until the funeral procession after the first seven days, by which time Xu Shi looked visibly thinner.

Seventh Aunt naturally harbored resentment toward Lady Jin. Having stayed up nights keeping vigil with Xu Shi, living closely together, sharing meals and sleep, she noticed Lady Jin’s absence and treated her coldly. Fortunately, Lady Jin didn’t mind.

As she sat lost in thought, a gust of wind blew outside, and Jiang Xian quickly approached, pulling her aside. “Later when we go out, pretend to faint, alright?”

“What?” The last time she pretended to faint was dealing with Zhou’s second daughter. That seemed excessive now.

Jiang Xian worried, “The wind is strong. You had bleeding before—what if you catch a chill and fall ill again?”

Lady Jin, being honest, shook her head. “I... I don’t know how.”

At her age, pretending to faint? What if someone found out?

“Then just lean against A Ying. I’ll handle the rest.” His mother’s funeral was important, but so were his wife and unborn child.

Slightly embarrassed, Lady Jin returned to her seat. Seventh Aunt teased, “Lady Jin, what did Xian’er say to you? Newlyweds—so lovey-dovey.”

Everyone joined in with some light teasing.

Only Deng Shi, the daughter-in-law of Seventh Aunt, seethed with resentment. These past days, she had seen Wei Shi shirk her duties day after day, yet no one in the clan scolded her for laziness—in fact, they praised her as capable. She simply couldn’t accept it.

Soon came the time for the funeral procession. As Jin Niang stepped outside, she caught Jiang Xian’s sharp look. She quickly closed her eyes, pressed a hand to her forehead, and leaned against A Ying. In the blink of an eye, Jiang Xian rushed over.

“Wife, wife, wake up! After all this exhaustion from the funeral, don’t let anything happen to you…” he called out loudly.

All eyes turned toward them. Jiang Xian swept Jin Niang up into his arms and said to Jiang Yan, “Brother, I’ll take my wife back first. Wait for me—she’s fainted.”

Jiang Yan immediately replied, “Hurry and take her back. And call a physician too.”

Jiang Xian gave a firm nod.

Xu Shi, standing at the front, watched with a darkened face. She had kept vigil for days, yet now Jiang Xian’s dramatic act made Wei Shi seem like the one getting all the credit?

Carried back by Jiang Xian, Jin Niang kept her eyes tightly shut, afraid someone might ask questions if she opened them. Jiang Xian, however, remained calm. After laying her down on the bed, he said, “Rest well.”

Jin Niang tugged at his sleeve. Jiang Xian patted her gently. “We might not return until tomorrow. Don’t wait up.”

Then he lowered the bed curtains before leaving.

Originally, Jin Niang hadn’t planned to sleep, but fearing accusations of pretending, she forced herself to close her eyes—and unexpectedly dozed off.

By evening, Xi Qiu had brought several dishes. A Ying remarked, “The young master treats you so well.”

But the better he treated her, the harder it became to imagine leaving him. She grew greedy, more anxious. What if one day he took another woman? She doubted she could bear it.

After mulling this over for about as long as it takes to drink tea, Jin Niang sketched a new quilt design with floral motifs and handed it to A Ying to deliver to Zhu Xiuniang. “Tell her to start working on it now.”

“Though the shop’s doors are shut,” Jin Niang added, “the embroidery shop must keep running. Tell her wages will still be paid on time.”

A Ying thought to herself that if her mistress were a man, she’d surely be extraordinary. Even with matters of the heart, they occupied little of her thoughts. Most of her energy went into managing her shop and figuring out how to earn money.

Her drive bordered on terrifying.

Yet she wasn’t the type to preach about women’s roles—she simply led by example.

After Madam Jiang was buried following the seventh-day rites, Jin Niang designed several sets of chrysanthemum-patterned garments to sell when the shop reopened in September.

One was an orange-yellow robe embroidered with gold thread, radiating luxury. Another was a light blue beizi with chrysanthemum-patterned collar trim, elegant and charming. The third featured chrysanthemums embroidered onto a petal-shaped undergarment.

She personally selected the most fashionable fabrics at Donghua Gate, brought them home, and began making the pieces there. Meanwhile, Jiang Xian and his brothers, having missed this year’s exams, were confined to the house for study.

Still, food at home became plainer by the day—today’s meal was tofu and cabbage, and the rice tasted stale.

Just as Jin Niang was about to send Chen Xiaolang out to buy something better, Ge Ma, Xu Shi’s maid, arrived. “Madam Wei, our mistress is calling everyone to discuss something.”

“This past month, I’ve been no help at all—thank you for managing everything, sister-in-law,” Jin Niang said.

Ge Ma smiled thinly. “No need for such talk. We’re all family.”

Jin Niang didn’t know what Xu Shi wanted, but she suspected it had to do with debts. If some of the burden fell to them, she could accept it.

To her surprise, Xu Shi proposed another solution: “Just now, creditors showed up at our gate, even accosting Father. They threatened to take the matter to the clan if we don’t pay. What do you think?”

The story seemed fishy—who would dare challenge a powerful family?

The mourning period wasn’t even over yet. Who’d press for payment so soon? Jin Niang found it strange, but Sixth Uncle cut in, “Indeed. Your mother’s medicine already left us owing the pharmacy. With Shiliulang’s wedding this year, the household funds were drained. Now, after this funeral, the debts piled higher.”

"As it happens, there's an official from Qizhou serving in the capital who's looking for a residence. He's a man of refined tastes and is willing to rent our garden," Xu Shi revealed.

Sixth Uncle chimed in, "Indeed, this truly solves our urgent problem."

Then, he turned to Jiang Xian and Jin Niang, "But it means the two of you will have to move and make do."

"Your elder brother and I feel awful about this. It's all our fault for being so incapable," Xu Shi sobbed.

Seeing Jiang Xian remain silent, Jin Niang spoke up, "But the east wing in the second courtyard only has two rooms, both of which are study rooms. How are we supposed to live there?"

At this point, Jiang Yan interjected, "Why not let Xuan Geer move back in with us, and you two can take the east wing in our third courtyard? That would work out perfectly."

"No need. Xuan Geer is already grown—it wouldn’t be right for him to live with you," Jiang Xian had already grasped their intentions.

Jin Niang, of course, understood as well. Xu Shi had deliberately racked up debts precisely for this moment—to prevent Sixth Uncle from selling those hundred acres of land, to win him over, and to move her sister-in-law in early, leaving us with nowhere to go.

In an instant, Jin Niang made her decision. "There’s no need, eighth brother. Besides, I’m expecting a child, and once the baby is born, we’ll need even more space. Why don’t we move to Sweetwater Lane? I even had a study built there for Shiliulang, in case he visits."

Sixth Uncle and Jiang Yan’s family strongly objected, saying it wouldn’t work.

"How can that be? If you move out, people will think your elder brother and sister-in-law couldn’t tolerate you," Sixth Uncle said, though he had his own motives. Even though Madam Jiang Liu had passed, he still had his future to think about—those hundred acres were his retirement fund. He couldn’t just keep asking his sons and daughters-in-law for money in the future.

Yet he also wanted his sons to live together, seeing it as a sign of family prosperity.

Jiang Xian smiled. "Father, what are you saying? Even if we move out, we’re still family."

Xu Shi tried to persuade him further, "Shiliulang, if you move out, it’ll seem like you’re blaming your sister-in-law."

"Sister-in-law, we know full well how you’ve treated us. We’re just moving out temporarily. Once the family debts are settled, we can reunite," Jin Niang said.

"Then it’s settled. Once the debts are cleared, you’ll come back," Xu Shi said with "feigned sincerity," grasping Jin Niang’s hand.

Jin Niang and Jiang Xian repeatedly assured them it was only a temporary stay in Sweetwater Lane. Only then did Sixth Uncle and Jiang Yan’s family relent. Jin Niang thought to herself how skilled everyone was at pretending sincerity.

Back in the garden, Jin Niang instructed the maids to start packing. Her dowry would have to be moved back too—perfect timing, as she had planned to mimic a modern home textile shop by setting up a bed with bridal bedding to catch buyers’ eyes at a glance. Now, packing everything back home suited her just fine.

Noticing Jiang Xian sitting absentmindedly to the side, she went over and embraced his head. "What’s wrong?"

Jiang Xian gave a bitter smile. "I never expected eighth brother’s wife to scheme like this. With Mother gone, family no longer feels like family, and this home is lost. I’ve heard people are already proposing matches to Father, and now even our bridal chamber has to be given up. How quickly things change."

"From now on, I’ll be your family, your loved one. People may change, but I won’t change toward you," Jin Niang said, watching him with concern.

She thought Jiang Xian would remain sorrowful a while longer, but instead, he stood up and bowed to her. "Then I’ll be counting on you from now on, my wife."