Chapter 72

**Chapter 72**

This year, Jiang Xian was observing mourning rites and could not celebrate as usual. Jin Niang had originally expected to spend the New Year at her in-laws’ home, but to her surprise, they ended up celebrating at their own house instead—something that put her in good cheer.

Still, her advanced pregnancy made it difficult for her to go anywhere, and though she had planned to rest, lying in bed all day left her utterly bored. She realized then that the freedom and relaxation she truly wanted came from leisure during work—not complete idleness. She simply couldn’t vegetate idly like a salted fish.

So, she made early preparations for her delivery. Luo Mama, who had once nursed Jiang Xian, was technically called “Mama,” though she wasn’t actually very old—only in her early forties—and would be perfect to help care for the baby. Jin Niang moved A Ying into the attic of the side room and arranged for Luo Mama to stay in the upstairs room.

As for the midwife, she hired the renowned old woman, Madam Kong, even paying a deposit in advance.

Once everything was settled, she sat down at Jiang Xian’s desk to draw. The design albums she had kept from before were now quite worn and needed updating. Their embroidery shop had already completed a batch of white pleated skirts intended for sale before the Lantern Festival. After that, business usually slowed down.

Her due date fell around February, which meant she would need to observe postpartum confinement for over a month. So she also needed to prepare spring clothing in advance.

Fashions had changed this year, so she set about devising new designs. Flipping through her old design albums, she noticed that although her skills hadn’t been as refined back then, her color choices had been bold and unconventional.

After carefully completing one drawing, she stood up and turned to look at her husband.

Jiang Xian was reading a book. When he saw her approach, he smiled and said, “You’ve been here an hour without saying a word.”

“I didn’t want to disturb you. Well then, now I’m giving you my full attention. What are you reading?” Jin Niang glanced at the book’s cover.

Jiang Xian lifted the book slightly. “Just a Confucian classic.”

Jin Niang chuckled. “Well, I only know a few characters—I won’t pretend to understand.”

“Wife, why did the tax officer come by the other day? And why did they collect so much?” Even Jiang Xian felt the merchant taxes were excessive.

Jin Niang replied seriously, “Taxes are, after all, from the people, for the people. As merchants, we live more comfortably than farmers. We should pay what’s due. If no one pays, how will the court fund wars or build roads?”

Jiang Xian thought to himself how upright she was—while others schemed to evade taxes, his wife prepared and paid them in advance.

He took her hand. “What you say is wise, but not everyone shares your principles. That shows how sincere you are.”

“I know. There are even ministers’ families lending money at exorbitant rates, and scholar-officials with vast estates who claim in court to be advocating for the people. But what can I do? I can’t control others—I just have to do right by myself. If it were up to me, I wouldn’t want too much power or money. Enough to live comfortably and enough authority to protect ourselves—that’s enough.” It was rare for Jin Niang to speak so openly with her husband.

Jiang Xian sighed. “You’re truly free from worldly desires.”

“I’m not indifferent at all! When I see delicious food, I want to eat it. When I see entertaining things, I want to enjoy them. What about you, husband? What are your ambitions?”

Jiang Xian smiled. “I don’t have grand aspirations—just to carry on the family legacy and not tarnish our ancestors’ name.”

Jin Niang brushed his cheek lightly. “That’s already a noble aspiration! But don’t pressure yourself too much. Being an official isn’t easy, I imagine.”

In her past life, she had read many literary classics, but she could only offer a simple perspective:

“If you’re too upright, you may find yourself isolated—‘water too clear has no fish’—and unwelcome in officialdom. If you’re too accommodating, you’ll lack principles. While it might smooth your career temporarily, you could easily be swallowed by sharks. Even those who serve the country often face hardships. Harmony between ruler and minister is rare—it’s all very difficult.”

Jiang Xian rarely spoke so openly with her. He was well-read, and their conversations usually revolved around daily affairs or lighthearted jokes, not deep discussions like this.

He was surprised by her insight. Jin Niang, however, knew it wasn’t her own wisdom but the accumulated wisdom of centuries that gave her such clarity.

“Wife, does that mean I shouldn’t become an official?” Jiang Xian teased.

Jin Niang shook her head. *“Master both civil and martial arts, then sell them to the imperial court.”* If you pass the imperial exams, only then will you know whether you can be a good official. If you serve the people well, they’ll likely gift you a ‘ten-thousand-people umbrella’ without me saying a word.” She hugged his arm and added, “I believe you’ll definitely be a good official.”

Jiang Xian widened his eyes playfully. “Not necessarily! What if I turn out to be a corrupt official?”

“If you become a corrupt official, I’ll cut my robe and sever ties with you.” Jin Niang wasn’t joking. Jiang Xian quickly said, “Don’t say that! Let’s talk about something lighter. Who do you respect most?”

Jin Niang thought for a moment. "It must be Wu Zixu, right? Didn't Sima Qian call him a man of unyielding principle? He set aside lesser morals to avenge a great humiliation—his name has endured through history."

"Wu Zixu?" Jiang Xian was very surprised.

Actually, he had heard his mother-in-law recount his wife's life story before—how she had built up the family business over decades with unwavering dedication. Though lovely in appearance, she never used her beauty to gain advantage, always remaining disciplined and never seeking petty benefits.

She was no average woman.

Thinking this, Jiang Xian felt as if his scalp prickled.

Jin Niang glanced at him. "What's wrong? Do you think I lack a woman's gentleness?"

"No, I just think you have exceptional taste," Jiang Xian smiled.

Jin Niang raised an eyebrow. "Husband, you're teasing me."

Jiang Xian quickly denied it. Jin Niang then looked at him seriously. "I've always believed that if a person is motivated only by gain, they'll end up neither here nor there. No matter whether you become an official or remain an ordinary man, I won't be a burden to you."

After saying this, Jin Niang patted her belly. "I'm a little hungry. I'll go grab some snacks while you keep reading."

"Alright." Jiang Xian knew that Jin Niang usually ate very little—only during New Year would she allow herself a few extra treats, and even then, she worried about overeating, so naturally he agreed.

Seeing how nicely made the pastries were, Jin Niang ended up eating five or six pieces before going out to pour herself a glass of water. When she returned, she continued drafting an embroidery design, barely managing half a bowl for lunch. Being with her made Jiang Xian feel pushed to stay diligent.

While others spent the New Year visiting relatives and friends, this couple spent their time like this.

On the seventh day of the first lunar month, Jin Niang opened the shop. With fewer customers around, she took the opportunity to have Min Zhi and Zhu Xiuniang rush to finish the cosmetic puffs due for February. Their own shop could wait—they needed to prioritize fulfilling orders for others.

The three worked while chatting, making quick progress and finishing everything in just five days, with plenty of time to spare.

Then Jin Niang and Zhu Xiuniang began working on the spring clothing line. She said, "By then, I’ll probably be giving birth, so we need to have some stock ready. We can’t afford to run out when customers come asking."

Zhu Xiuniang urged her, "You should focus on your health first. Childbirth is no small ordeal for a woman. And you must take proper care during your confinement."

"Mm," Jin Niang smiled.

There had also been offers from Wang’s Silk Shop trying to lure Zhu Xiuniang away, but she wouldn’t even glance their way. Wei’s Embroidery Shop was special because of its warmth—everything was done fairly, the owner was just, and there was no backstabbing. It was a good place to work.

Meanwhile, while Jin Niang had already reopened for business, Rong Niang was still celebrating the New Year at home. She had someone prepare stewed meat soup for the children. Lin Geer, now a young boy, frowned slightly. "Mother, this broth is too rich."

"You grew up eating my meatballs—you always loved them before," Rong Niang replied dismissively.

Lin Geer said, "Mother, why don’t you make crab dishes? We had orange-stuffed crab at the Lou family’s—it was delicious."

Mention of the Lou family made Rong Niang think of Lou Siniang. Like Jin Niang once was, Lou Siniang was an older, unmarried woman who upheld her family’s medical legacy as a female physician, though not as beautiful as Jin Niang.

Recently, her husband had grown close with Old Master Lou and had even brought their sons to visit.

There was something magnetic about the Lou family—her husband often went there to discuss medicine, and even her sons kept praising them.

In this large family estate, she had no one to talk to. She had considered seeking comfort outside her marriage, but ultimately held back—she even returned the hairpin she had received. After all, she had a husband and son. What if someone found out?

These feelings resurfaced during the Lantern Festival when she saw Jin Niang and Jiang Xian together, making her realize how abnormal her relationship with Feng Sheng truly was.

For example, Jiang Xian, a scholar preparing for the imperial exams—a cultured gentleman from a noble background—was considerate and attentive in everything, especially toward Jin Niang. The two seemed to have endless things to talk about. Even when Jin Niang recounted mundane childhood stories about eating tangyuan, he engaged earnestly, constantly praising her, and Jin Niang’s smile never faded.

Feng Sheng had never been like that. He would hold court at the dinner table, boasting about who he knew or which important families he had treated, speaking entirely to himself until even those around him stopped indulging him.

After the meal was cleared, Feng Sheng asked casually, "I noticed your shop is under new management?"

Jiang Xian said, "Oh, their lease with us was up, and we happened to have another friend introduce someone else. My wife and I thought that family was suitable too, so we rented it out."

"Your storefront is larger than Second Aunt's and in a better location. Renting it to a money-exchange business would be a big moneymaker," Feng Sheng mused.

Money exchanges are long-term and lucrative; not just anyone could manage one.

On the carriage ride home, Feng Sheng and Rong Niang were silent, but Lin Geer unexpectedly asked Rong Niang, "Mom, Second Aunt and Third Aunt are both working. Why don’t you work too?"

Rong Niang was startled by the question and stammered, "Mom does it for you and your brother."

She had devoted herself to raising her children to this extent, only to be turned on by her own child.

**

On the same Lantern Festival, Jin Niang brought up the lantern Jiang Xian had given her last year and even dug it out: "Look, it’s as good as new. Let’s light it and place it by the bed again."

"Once the mourning period is over, we’ll go out openly to solve lantern riddles and win one for you, alright?" Jiang Xian said. He had stayed up too late today and was completely worn out.

Jin Niang smiled. "Of course, that sounds great. But do you know what I was afraid of just now?"

Jiang Xian asked curiously, "What were you afraid of?"

"I was afraid you’d say, 'Wait, I’ll have someone go buy one for you.' So I silently prayed, 'We’re so close now, please don’t do that.'" Jin Niang clasped her hands prayerfully and grinned at him.

Jiang Xian burst out laughing and rested his hands behind his head. "Have I been stressing you out like this?"

Jin Niang quickly waved her hands. "No, no! I just think being too thoughtful and perfect all the time must be exhausting. Even though it’s nice for me, I worry about you getting tired."

With that, she put on her lip balm and got ready for bed.

Now she slept on the outer side of the bed for easier access to the restroom, and Jiang Xian instinctively tucked her in. He couldn’t sleep tonight, thinking about the Metropolitan Exam in February. If he had passed the preliminary exams, he could have taken it by now.

These worries—if shared with others—would either be met with empty platitudes or make a big fuss over nothing. Only his wife responded normally.

"Isn’t the Metropolitan Exam next month?" Jiang Xian spoke up.

Jin Niang replied, "Yes. If I weren’t pregnant, I’d definitely make some pencil cases with designs like 'birds perched on branches' or 'rising steadily' and have our son set up a stall outside the Imperial College. Business might even be pretty good."

Jiang Xian looked at Jin Niang; even in the dark, he could tell she was teasing. He couldn’t resist pinching her cheek.

Jin Niang then comforted him, "I know you’re frustrated, but everything happens for the best. I think three years from now, you’ll be even more composed—strolling leisurely through the exam hall, confident and at ease."

Seeing Jiang Xian still upset, she added, "I’m just worried that when our top scholar Jiang rides through the streets in triumph, all proud and triumphant, someone might snatch him up as a son-in-law right under the rankings!"

This genuinely made Jiang Xian laugh. He pinched her nose. "I thought there was nothing you feared. Turns out you do have worries."

Jin Niang smiled. "Of course! Right now, it’s just the two of us at home, and we have a great marriage. But once you really achieve success, more people will surround you. As the saying goes, 'Couples share hardships easily, but prosperity is harder.' Who knows what the future holds? So, let’s cherish the present, live each day well—that’s what matters most."

Such concerns had their roots. Jiang Xian was sincere now, but who knew what the future would bring?

Living well in the moment is what truly counts.

Jiang Xian hadn’t expected Jin Niang to think this way. He figured his wife loved him so much that she was getting anxious about losing him. "No way. No matter who tries to take me, I won’t go. I’ll wait for you."

"That’s my good man." Jin Niang stroked his face as he declared his loyalty.

Jiang Xian’s mind was filled with images of being snatched away and his wife heartbroken. The worries about the Metropolitan Exam and palace exams faded from his mind, and he drifted off in a daze.

The next morning, he woke to find Jin Niang gazing at him with a smile.

"What is it?" Jiang Xian touched his face.

Jin Niang said, "Afraid my dear husband might get stolen away. Hurry up! You’re running an errand for me today."

"Me?" Jiang Xian found it odd.

Jin Niang nodded. "Yes, on the eighth day of the month, a household sent over a *Kesi Peacock Embroidery* for me to repair. Later, I discovered this family belonged to a renowned scholar. Not sure if it’ll be any use to you?"

Only after Jin Niang mentioned the name did Jiang Xian exclaim, "That’s actually him!"

"You know I don’t do this kind of social maneuvering—I’d rather just drop it off and be done with it. But you’re different. When you deliver it, teach him how to maintain it, and I’ll include a pair of gloves as a gift. With a few exchanges like this, won’t you naturally become acquainted?" Jin Niang explained.

After hearing her explanation, Jiang Xian couldn’t help but say, "Darling, you’re quite the social strategist."

Then he felt foolish—his wife wasn’t just anybody. Back in the Embroidery Academy, she had even secured a position for her younger brother under Academician Wu. She rarely intervened, even when she had made countless garments for Minister Song’s daughter without seeking favor.

Jin Niang pulled him up. "Up to you. If you think it’s worth it, deliver it for me. If not, I’ll send Shiliulang instead."

"I’ll go, I’ll go. I can’t pass up the chance."

"Don’t force yourself. If he turns out to be a cranky old man who doesn’t care for talent, we’ll just ignore him." Jin Niang added this, fearing he might face rejection.

Jiang Xian pulled her into an embrace, touched. Others might only feel sorry for his struggles, but his wife always kept his concerns in mind and acted on them.

This was the first time Jiang Xian delivered goods for her. Jin Niang wasn’t worried about mistakes—just that he might miss the scholar.

A Ying joked, "I’ve never seen you so nervous before."

Yet Jiang Xian’s visit went exceptionally smoothly. When the scholar saw his dignified manner, they ended up chatting for a while. Learning that Jiang Xian was also a scholar who had once studied under Academician Huang, the man tested him on the spot.

When Jiang Xian came back beaming—success was obvious—Jin Niang knew immediately.

"Thanks to you, darling, I’ve now met Xiao Hanlin—a real scholar’s scholar." Jiang Xian even brought back a few books, gifts from Xiao Hanlin.

Jin Niang shook her head. "What’s that got to do with me? It’s your talent that impressed him."

Jiang Xian added, "Turns out he’s even Jiang Guyuan’s teacher! Wife, I’ve read Jiang Guyuan’s essays—they’re brilliant and insightful. Everyone wants to befriend him."

"Oh, Jiang Guyuan is the husband of the Song family’s daughter, right? I worked on her dowry last year," Jin Niang recalled.

Jiang Xian nodded eagerly. "Yes, that’s him."

Jin Niang had him help her wind thread while she split strands, yawning. "Talk about luck. Must be our fortune."

"What luck? It’s all because you’ve put so much thought into my affairs." Jiang Xian understood Jin Niang well. Her exceptional embroidery skills, especially in solving intricate challenges, had made her strong-willed and independent—she never asked for help lightly. It was for his sake that she devised such a plan.

Yet afterward, she never took credit, always attributing his success to his own talent.

As they chatted and laughed, a guest arrived. Jin Niang sent Jiang Xian to the study while she went to greet them. To her surprise, it was Jiang Xian’s aunt—Liu Shi, the adoptive mother of his second brother—followed by Third Miss.

Jin Niang hurried to bow, but Liu Shi stopped her. "No bowing in your state. Please, sit."

"Of course." Jin Niang sat and reminisced with them about Madam Jiang Liu, exchanged pleasantries, then said, "Want me to take you to him? Shiliulang is studying in the library."

No matter how affectionately Liu Shi expressed concern for Jiang Xian or how much she lamented her hardships, Jin Niang kept her polite distance.

Liu Shi agreed and left Third Miss to chat with Jin Niang. Third Miss glanced around admiringly. "Your place is lovely," she praised before asking, "Have you hired a midwife and wet nurse yet?"

"We’ve got the midwife lined up. We’re still looking for a wet nurse," Jin Niang replied with a smile.

Third Miss had changed since her maiden days—once delicate and literary, she now devoted herself entirely to her husband’s family. Having already borne two sons, she’d filled out a bit.

She hadn't expected Jin Niang to not only manage the shop herself but also keep everything in perfect order.

They wanted to offer help, but never found the chance. Just like when Liu Shi handed Jiang Xian a land deed and said, "Your sister-in-law already accepted hers. Now that your mother is gone, it's just you three brothers left. I was unlucky not to have any children of my own. I heard your father even found a new wife already. You're the youngest—you've got no one to rely on. Your wife is good, but you can't always depend on her. Look how hard she’s working—so far along in her pregnancy and still sewing."

Liu Shi's words made Jiang Xian feel rather embarrassed. Jin Niang, who had only come over to check on things, walked in holding her belly and said, "Aunt, thank you for your kindness, but before my mother-in-law passed away, she gave us a few small plots of land. They won’t make us rich, but they’ll keep us fed and clothed."

Jin Niang didn’t understand lofty principles—she simply believed the saying: "Take favors, and you owe them; eat someone’s food, and you’re in their debt."

While she was alive, her mother-in-law wanted nothing to do with Liu Shi—not even accepting gifts from her. Now that they had two shops, a house, and land, why would they want more?

Even if they had nothing, they still shouldn’t accept such gifts.

A real man acts with honesty and honor, as bright as day.

Hearing Jin Niang’s words, Jiang Xian quickly added, "Yes, Aunt. Our family divided our assets early, and now my wife manages everything. We’re doing even better now than when we lived at home."

Liu Shi never imagined that a charming man like Jiang Xian—who once seemed so sharp—would end up under his wife’s thumb after marriage.

Still, since Wei Shi wasn’t *her* daughter-in-law, she couldn’t very well get angry. If she treated Wei Shi poorly, it might lead to her mistreating Jiang Xian later.

"Alright, alright. If you’re doing fine, then I won’t worry," Liu Shi finally said. Of course, she’d come to patch things up between the brothers and keep trouble from brewing later. Otherwise, if Jiang Fang rose higher in office and his own brother turned against him, that would be a disaster.

Jiang Yan and Xu Shi were quite close, but with Wei Shi getting in the way, her plan naturally failed.

Jin Niang didn’t want to offend her either and smiled as she said, "Aunt, your sudden visit caught us off guard. After the baby comes, we’ll have you over for a proper visit."

Liu Shi left with her daughter-in-law. Jin Niang glanced at Jiang Xian and asked, "You don’t blame me for not letting you take it, do you?"

Jiang Xian shook his head. "I didn’t want to take it anyway. She was only thinking of Second Brother’s future."

Jin Niang nodded. "We don’t need her things. If you don’t want anything, no one can push you around. If we took them, even if we were right, it would be hard to explain later."

"My wife is absolutely right," Jiang Xian agreed, fully understanding her intentions.

Jin Niang thought to herself, *Now that I’ve moved out with Jiang Xian, I’ll certainly take good care of this rare treasure of ours. Who needs other people’s nagging?*

Before they knew it, it was February. Jin Niang had just finished going through January’s accounts when she went into labor and gave birth to a daughter that very night.