Chapter 73

Chapter 73

After giving birth, Jin Niang finally understood how taxing childbirth could be for a woman. Even though she had enjoyed good food, good spirits, and decent living conditions, both her body and mind still felt unwell.

Outside, however, the mood was full of joy. Jiang Xian rewarded Old Lady Kong and the maids who had assisted during the delivery. He had always felt like a child himself, but now, seeing his daughter—her red, wrinkled, peach-like face—he felt a sudden surge of responsibility on his shoulders.

“Old Lady Kong, how is my wife?” Jiang Xian asked.

Old Lady Kong smiled. “Mother and child are both fine—you can relax.” But she added a reminder: “A woman’s body is weak after childbirth. She must take proper care during her postpartum recovery.”

Jiang Xian nodded repeatedly. “Don’t worry, I understand.”

He immediately sent Liu Douer to ask Lou Siniang to come the next morning. Lou Siniang was a female physician he had remembered from when Feng Sheng mentioned her. If not for Jin Niang giving birth at night, a doctor would have already been present.

Inside, Jin Niang overheard Jiang Xian making arrangements and felt slightly reassured. As the saying goes, “Better a godlike opponent than a piglike teammate.” People often said that since Jiang Xian was younger, she would suffer more in their marriage. But she believed such matters had nothing to do with age—only with emotional maturity.

From the way he had calmly resolved disputes at twelve or thirteen, and later handled every step of their wedding preparations so thoughtfully, it was clear how self-possessed and emotionally mature he was.

Look at him now—he called Ju Xiang over and said, “Make some millet congee with red dates.”

Ju Xiang quickly replied, “Yes, sir.”

Before long, Lou Siniang arrived. Being a woman herself, there were fewer restrictions, and Jin Niang felt comfortable discussing her physical discomforts with her.

Lou Siniang said, “You must take your postpartum recovery seriously. Don’t force yourself to get out of bed, sit for too long, or do needlework. Avoid any strenuous activity. Except for using the toilet, you should stay in bed. Postpartum bleeding usually lasts about a month, though for some it may last ten days longer.”

Though Lou Siniang was plain-looking, she spoke confidently and knowledgeably, and her medical skill inspired trust in Jin Niang. Jin Niang nodded and asked, “What should I watch for in terms of diet?”

Seeing that Jin Niang was having difficulty speaking, likely due to weakness, Jiang Xian cut in, “Lou Siniang, just tell me. My wife is weak from childbirth—let her rest.”

Lou Siniang was surprised. Most men wouldn’t bother with such details, but this young master Jiang acted as if it were perfectly natural. She couldn’t help but say, “Master Jiang truly dotes on his wife.”

She then explained dietary guidelines: “Don’t make the food too bland or too greasy. Meals should be soft and well-cooked—preferably porridge made with chicken broth or ground meat. But don’t make it too bland; add a little flavor so the mother will eat better. However, even if something tastes good, she shouldn’t eat too much—it can cause indigestion.”

She also covered bathing and other aspects of postpartum care, all of which Jiang Xian listened to intently. She added, “Madam Wei has suffered significant blood and energy loss after childbirth, making her prone to anxiety and mental fatigue. She needs peace and quiet to recover properly. Especially at night, being alone can easily lead to nervousness and overthinking, which harms her health.”

Jiang Xian listened intently to everything she said.

After Lou Siniang left, Jin Niang had already fallen asleep. Jiang Xian leaned down and kissed his wife gently, then told A Ying and Min Zhi to look after her carefully before going downstairs to spread the good news.

Uncle Jiang was delighted. Xu Shi, ever the expert at keeping up appearances, not only came in person but also brought many nourishing gifts. Since her brother-in-law’s family had moved out, her cousin’s father-in-law had become Commissioner of the Three Departments and thought highly of her husband. These days, talent mattered, but reputation mattered just as much.

Even when Xu Shi met Luo Yue, she was all politeness, saying that once the funeral expenses were repaid, she would have them move back home, and so on.

Luo Yue was no fool—she knew her daughter didn’t want to return. She simply said, “The young master is quite comfortable living here. Don’t worry, I’ll take care of him as if he were my own son.”

As they were speaking, Rong Niang arrived in person, bringing old clothes her sons had worn and some hand-sewn cloth diapers. Luo Yue added, “Perfect—the baby needs these. I’ll have them taken upstairs to the wet nurse.”

Rong Niang asked, “I heard Jin Niang hired a wet nurse?”

“Yes, for two years. She was originally a peddler’s wife, but her husband died suddenly of illness, leaving her with a one-month-old child. She had to find work to survive. Fortunately, our Jin Niang is kind-hearted—though there were better candidates, she took pity on her and agreed.”

Rong Niang quietly thought to herself that it was a waste of money—why not breastfeed the child herself?

But she wasn’t the same person anymore. Though Jin Niang now ran a business, she acted the part of a noble lady, so Rong Niang kept her thoughts to herself.

Xu Shi privately wondered why the wet nurse was only hired for two years. Were they short on funds? Although she resented her mother-in-law’s favoritism, now that the old lady was gone, if her brother-in-law fell into hardship, he might come asking for help later. Her husband would never stand by idly.

So, she genuinely hoped her brother-in-law’s family could manage to live comfortably.

Just as she was about to question Luo Yu’e further, envoys arrived from the households of Liu Jixiang, her maternal uncle, and the Zhou family. She had no choice but to assist with receiving the guests.

Because they were in mourning, Jiang Xian had no intention of hosting a baby-washing ceremony, yet everyone had already sent their gifts in advance.

As for all this external commotion, Jin Niang remained completely unaware. Her sole focus at present was recovering well during her postpartum confinement and regaining her strength. The child was being cared for by the wet nurse and Mama Luo, while her own parents frequently visited to lend support, allowing her to rest without worry.

As for Wei Family Embroidery Shop, business continued uninterrupted, although exactly how it was doing, she instructed A Ying not to tell her anything—she would handle it herself once her confinement ended.

Jiang Xian, on the other hand, was far busier than Jin Niang. Xiao Hanlin greatly admired him and often summoned him for discussions. He also needed to look after Jin Niang, worrying at night that the maids might not serve her properly, so he often slept on the daybed in her chamber.

He didn’t think much of it, but Third Miss overheard everything and later recounted it to Fourth Miss.

In their unmarried days, she and Fourth Miss hadn’t been especially close, but since marrying, both being daughters of concubines in similar circumstances, they had grown closer.

“That Jiang Sixteen is truly considerate. When I visited, he was personally giving orders to prepare porridge. Who would have thought he had it in him?”

Fourth Miss smiled. “Now that the brothers have divided the family assets, the Wei family certainly has money, and Jiang Sixteen knows how to play humble.”

Nothing else matters—only cash counts, Third Miss thought along the same lines. “I’ve been to Wei’s Embroidery Shop a few times. Though the shop isn't the largest, the garments are the most refined, each stitch perfect—even we can’t afford such pieces often.”

“Truly, ‘are kings and nobles born to their stations?’ She’s risen from rags to riches,” Fourth Miss mused. If this were a farming novel, Wei Jin Niang could easily be the heroine.

Third Miss laughed. “What kings and nobles? Although Sixteener comes from an official family, his father and grandfather were commoners, and he himself holds no title. Jin Niang, however, pulled herself up from nothing—with several thousand strings of coins in her dowry. I heard her embroidery shop now earns fifty strings monthly—that’s no small sum.”

In truth, Third Miss’s dowry was also substantial—five thousand strings in capital. After marrying Jiang Fang, her in-laws were skilled in making money, her husband held an official post, and the whole family lived comfortably and prosperously.

Yet even so, her money sat idle while Jin Niang’s kept growing.

Fourth Miss forced a smile and nodded, then heard Third Miss continue: “Since your husband failed the exams this time, don’t panic. He’s still young—if he passes next time, all will be fine.”

This was precisely what troubled Fourth Miss. Sun Shi Chen was also from an official family, yet having failed the metropolitan exam, he felt deeply discouraged.

Moreover, although the Sun family had sent three hundred taels of silver to the capital, rent alone cost ten strings per month, not to mention coal in winter, ice in summer, food, clothing, shelter, hauling water, and seasonal gifts. How could three hundred taels possibly last?

Take winter, for example—a fur robe costs sixty taels. Nothing is cheap.

As Fourth Miss lamented her financial worries, Third Miss warned, “Whatever you do, don’t spend recklessly. Not long ago I heard Second Sister-in-law suffered a major loss. She lent two thousand strings through one of her shops to two merchants from Pingjiang Prefecture, but they vanished.”

This was something Lü Xiaoniang had secretly told her, adding that Zhang Shi dared not make it public.

“Second Sister-in-law’s gone money-mad.” In Fourth Miss’s view, although the Zhou family wasn’t as prosperous as before, Zhang Shi wasn’t expected to contribute financially. Now that she’d lost so much, she must be in a foul mood—perhaps best not to visit her parents’ home for now.

Meanwhile, Zhang Jiulang and his wife went to the Zhou household to visit his elder sister, Zhang Shi. The siblings had always been close, and seeing her younger brother lifted Zhang Shi’s spirits slightly.

Zhang Jiulang said, “Sister, I came as soon as I heard you were ill. What exactly is wrong?”

Only upon seeing her younger brother did Zhang Shi finally confide in him. Zhang Jiulang frowned. “This is tricky. Official households aren’t allowed to engage in loan-sharking. Maybe I can put in a word with old friends in Pingjiang Prefecture.”

“Forget it. Those two probably used fake identities. Don’t say anything—if my brother-in-law finds out, I’ll get scolded again.” What Zhang Shi feared most was being looked down upon by her short-statured husband.

Zhang Jiulang agreed. Since he couldn’t stay long in the inner quarters, he left his wife behind to keep Zhang Shi company.

Noticing her sister-in-law’s peacock-blue underbodice looked lovely, and the embroidery on her jacket especially fine, Zhang Shi couldn’t help but praise them. Her sister-in-law smiled, “This was a gift from Jiang Sixteen’s wife. Now she’s playing the generous lady. Last time my husband went to their home for white Huai fish, I paid a visit later. She mentioned a merchant from Guazhou had ordered this outfit but disappeared before the deadline. Since it fit me, she gave it to me.”

“So it’s her. Now she plays the noblewoman—back when she used to wait on me.” Zhang Shi remarked bluntly.

Zhang’s sister-in-law found this inappropriate. After all, Jiang Xian was her husband’s good friend, and the couple had treated them kindly. Yet her sister-in-law spoke so dismissively. Still, she couldn’t openly contradict her, so she changed the subject.

Meanwhile, Zhang Jiulang and Zhou Cunzhi were deep in conversation, discussing this year’s zhuangyuan, Jiang Guyan, who would soon marry a daughter of the Song family.

"He's truly a talented young man. Have you met him, Jiulang?" Zhou Cunzhi asked.

Zhang Jiulang smiled. "I haven't met him in person, but Shushi (Jiang Xian’s courtesy name) speaks very highly of him."

Zhou Cunzhi was puzzled. "Where did Shiliulang get to know him?"

Zhang Jiulang shook his head. "I don’t know the specifics of how they became acquainted."

Returning to Jiang Xian, he was complaining to Jin Niang: "That Top Scholar Jiang doesn’t seem to like my clothes, thinking they’re too extravagant. But this *beizi* (embroidered jacket) you made for me is stitched so beautifully—why would I ever take it off?"

Jin Niang was indifferent. "Then what should we do in the future? Just make you plain clothes without embroidery."

For her, it would be easier—just cutting a simple robe without any embroidery, cutting her work in half.

Hearing this, Jiang Xian gave her a pitiful look, and Jin Niang burst into laughter. She knew her husband well—he truly loved looking good even more than she did.

"Alright, alright, I’ll make you a plain one for when you visit the Top Scholar’s residence. But for everyday wear, I’ll still make them myself, as fancy as can be." Jin Niang was more than happy to dress her husband up. She rarely made men’s clothing, and almost all the embroidered pieces she crafted were for him.

Only then was Jiang Xian satisfied. He then asked Jin Niang with concern, "Has your milk dried up yet?"

"No, I’m past that now, thanks to you." Jin Niang had never imagined that stopping breastfeeding would be so uncomfortable. Lou Siniang had prescribed roasted barley (to suppress lactation), and also used Siwu Decoction (a traditional herbal remedy) to replenish her energy—all arranged by Jiang Xian himself.

She had been in postpartum confinement for nearly a month, and many of the physical hardships were finally over. Resting all day without doing anything, she felt she had gained some weight and regained some strength.

But the family insisted she continue her confinement for another ten days to fully recover. Jin Niang had no choice but to agree.

On the third day of the third lunar month came the child’s full-month ritual. Jin Niang looked at her daughter, who, after just a month, was already plump and fair, with big round eyes that could soften the sternest heart.

"Yun Jieer, here to see Mama again?" Jin Niang kissed her daughter’s little cheek.

A one-month-old baby mostly ate, slept, and occasionally basked in the sun—though going through piles of diapers daily. Washing them kept someone busy full-time, but thankfully, Jin Niang didn’t have to worry about that.

She had originally planned to breastfeed but later reconsidered—she simply couldn’t endure it.

Now, the child had a dedicated caretaker, and Jin Niang focused on resting and recuperating, which was far more important. With Luo Mama supervising the wet nurse, she felt at ease.

The only downside was putting a dent in their savings. Hiring the wet nurse cost fifteen silver taels, and Luo Mama’s wages were three qian per month.

But there was no helping it—these expenses were necessary, and fortunately, they could afford them.

After their marriage last year, they had managed to save three hundred strings of cash (guan) after deducting all expenses. Combined with the rental income from their shop at Golden Beam Bridge, they now had eighteen hundred guan in cash on hand.

At this rate, in another two years, they would have at least three thousand silver taels. If Jiang Xian succeeded in the imperial exams and needed funds for official postings, she would have enough to cover it.

With this thought, she felt slightly reassured and soon fell asleep, while the wet nurse quickly carried the child away.

At noon, Ju Xiang brought her meal—shrimp tofu and two types of greens. Jin Niang knew all too well how easy it was to gain weight and how hard it was to lose it. Maintaining her figure was no small feat, so she was always careful.

"Madam, what shall I prepare for dinner?" Ju Xiang asked.

Jin Niang replied, "Just millet porridge, steamed fish, and two stir-fried vegetables."

"Understood." Ju Xiang nodded.

Being able to decide for herself was truly wonderful. If she had to eat the fatty pork trotters or braised chicken her mother served, she’d likely regain the weight. Speaking of her mother, she usually came to see the child every afternoon, but today, she was missing in action.

In reality, Luo Yü and Wei Xiong had been called to the Feng household. When they arrived, Rong Niang was kneeling on the ground, her thoughts scrambled.

Feng Sheng, however, remained calm. He told the servants to shut the doors, leaving only Wei Xiong and his wife, and the Fengs inside.

The spring breeze of March was warm, the perfect season for outings, yet upon hearing Feng Sheng’s words, Wei Xiong and Luo Yue felt as though they were trapped in an ice cellar.

"Uncle, Aunt," Feng Sheng said with a wronged expression, "I’ve been working diligently day and night to repay the debts early. Even during the New Year, I was seeing patients for others. Yet she ended up carrying on with a married man and was caught in the act."

Rong Niang hurriedly defended herself: "No, that's not true! I was just trying to settle things with him."

"Then why were you embracing?" Feng Sheng retorted sharply.

Rong Niang stammered. Seeing the situation worsen, Luo Yue quickly asked, "Rong Niang, what exactly did you do? Speak up!"

Rong Niang’s thoughts were muddled. Previously idle, she had often played card games with others—first with women, then gradually with men joining in. That man knew how to tend to flowers and plants, just like her. They both enjoyed simple, commoner’s food, happily eating a cheap bowl of offal stew for fifteen coins—completely unlike Feng Sheng.

Feng Sheng aspired to live an upper-class life and held himself to those standards. Whenever he had extra money, he splurged on keeping up appearances. Rong Niang loved cheap wine at three coins a cup, while Feng Sheng insisted on high-end wines like Huixianlou’s. She adored wildflowers and would happily display a bunch of wild chrysanthemums in a clay pot, but Feng Sheng only bought expensive flowers when guests visited.

Rong Niang didn’t love that man—they simply shared interests. He had flattered her relentlessly. At first, she resisted, but gradually, as she faced constant disapproval from her husband and sons, his constant flattery became her only comfort.

This time, it was because they were moving away, and she would never see him again. He had a pouch she had made, and she wanted it back to leave no evidence of their past.

Unexpectedly, the man said his final wish was to embrace her—after that, they would go their separate ways.

And just like that, as they embraced, Feng Sheng—who was rarely home—and the man’s wife walked in on them. She couldn’t explain herself, no matter how hard she tried.

Seeing Rong Niang like this, Luo Yue and Wei Xiong exchanged looks of dismay. Caught in adultery, she was undeniably at fault.

Feng Sheng noticed Luo Yue—usually quick to argue—had lost her fire. He knew that if Jin Niang were here, she might stir up more trouble, but Luo Yue lacked wit, and Wei Xiong was even less capable.

So, he spelled out his plan: "Uncle, Aunt, I paid a hundred strings of cash to silence the man and his wife. But Rong Niang has humiliated me with this scandal. I can’t bear it."

Luo Yue frowned. "Son-in-law Feng, you know we’re only her uncle and aunt. We can’t control her actions."

She feared Feng Sheng would demand she pay the hundred strings—absolutely unthinkable. Her husband had already helped Rong Niang’s parents greatly, yet Rong Niang and Ying Niang’s family thrived. Why should she spend money on a niece now?

True to form, Wei Xiong stayed silent at the mention of money.

Feng Sheng had intended to say more, but seeing the couple already refusing responsibility, he inwardly sighed in relief. Then, feigning reluctance, he said, "If I divorce her, our children will suffer gossip. So, I propose a peaceful divorce—you take her in."

"Take her where?" Luo Yue immediately rejected the idea.

Feng Sheng scoffed. "That’s for you to figure out."

Even if there were space in Sweetwater Lane, Luo Yue wouldn’t take in a divorced niece. Her daughter was in postpartum recovery, and her son-in-law often stayed in the study. What if Rong Niang, desperate, tried to seduce him?

A divorced woman with no options would naturally seek a new protector—and who better than her talented, handsome son-in-law? She wouldn’t risk it.

So Luo Yue snapped, "No! We have no room, and Rong Niang isn’t even my daughter—just a distant niece by marriage. Our families split long ago."

She turned to leave, then scolded Wei Xiong for lingering. "Are you waiting to drop dead here?"

Seeing their resolve, Feng Sheng glanced at Rong Niang and feigned reluctance. "Wait. I know your son-in-law Jiang lives in Sweetwater Lane. If this scandal spreads, Jin Niang will be mocked."

Luo Yue hadn’t considered this. Her daughter had married into a higher social class—the magistrate’s son—with connections to high society. If people learned her cousin was caught in adultery, how would they view her?

Her daughter had already married into a higher social class. She turned to Feng Sheng. "What do you suggest?"

Feng Sheng said, "I have a compromise. I’ve never touched Rong Niang’s dowry. Let her remarry elsewhere, take her dowry, and claim she drowned while visiting relatives. We’ll keep this quiet—for the sake of my sons, your family, and even Rong Niang."

Luo Yue and Wei Xiong exchanged glances. Feng Sheng was being generous. "We agree. What does Rong Niang say?"

"Rong Niang, consider the children," Feng Sheng pressed.

……

The news of Rong Niang drowning during her visit back home only reached Jin Niang after she had completed her postpartum confinement. She said, “As the saying goes, if someone’s alive, you see them; if they’re dead, you see the body. Did you actually see the body?”

“It was identified—your brother-in-law went to confirm it,” Luo Yüeh replied quickly.

Jin Niang looked puzzled. “Why would Big Sister go home alone to visit relatives? That was so unlike her. With bandits roaming both land and water routes, even I was worried when the three of you traveled together.”

Luo Yüeh adjusted her daughter’s belly wrap before answering, “It was because your grandmother sent word. But never mind that now. Brother Feng has always been a shrewd man. Now that your sister is gone, we’ll probably lose touch with their family, so there’s no point in talking about it anymore.”

“Fine. I still need to check on the shop. After a month and a half in confinement, I don’t know how the business is doing,” Jin Niang said anxiously.

Seeing her daughter drop the subject, Luo Yüeh felt relieved.