Chapter 75

Chapter 75

Before autumn set in, Jin Niang bought some plush rabbit fur to make a coat or cloak for her daughter. As for herself, she had already made two new fur coats in the past two years and had no need for more. Jiang Xian had also had a tiger-fur coat tailored last year, so he didn’t require another one either.

The shop now enjoyed a loyal customer base for children’s clothing and wedding supplies, and Jin Niang’s distinctively crafted garments brought in more income than before.

Her delicate patchwork baby clothes had even become fashionable gifts. Even Miss Zhou from the Zhou family sent a servant to purchase one from Wei’s Embroidery Shop, which A Ying had just neatly boxed up and presented.

Miss Zhou also stopped by to chat with Jin Niang, smiling as she said, “Your business seems quite prosperous.”

“Not many people come on ordinary days. It’s your good fortune, Miss Zhou. Your patronage has drawn in more customers,” Jin Niang replied with a smile.

Miss Zhou had spent several hundred coins on the patchwork garment, but she noticed someone else purchasing wedding quilts—each quilt cost thirteen guan, and the buyer bought two without batting an eye, totaling twenty-six guan.

Wei’s Embroidery Shop had once been a humble little shop, but now it was gaining recognition for its floral and bird-patterned skirts and children’s clothing. That was why Miss Zhou had come to buy.

It had truly made a name for itself and gained some modest renown.

Yet Jin Niang remained humble, even in front of her former mistress.

Miss Zhou quickly said, “You’re too modest.”

Jin Niang smiled and continued with her work. She and Miss Zhou had little else to say to each other. Just then, a new customer arrived, and Jin Niang gave Miss Zhou an apologetic smile before stepping forward to greet them. Miss Zhou, understanding the gesture, excused herself gracefully.

The customer had come to purchase bridal trousseau items for a relative. Jin Niang explained, “We have door curtains, wedding quilts, pouches, and embroidered shoes here. If you need more, we can have them made to order.”

Having been married herself and coming from the proper Jiang family, she was familiar with the needs of wealthy households and paid great attention to detail.

The customer examined the items and, impressed by the craftsmanship, ordered two bed canopies, two door curtains, two wedding quilts, and a complete bridal gown. Jin Niang calculated the total at fifty-five guan and included a pair of pouches complimentary.

Pleased with Jin Niang’s sincerity and the high-quality materials—and since everything was ready for immediate packing—the customer arranged for a cart to take the items away.

As a result, the bedding and covers on display were sold out entirely. To avoid leaving the shop looking bare, Jin Niang spread her own bridal linens over the beds to maintain a decent appearance.

She then asked Zhu Xiuniang to speed up stitching new wedding quilts. By the end of August, she gave her an extra guan as a bonus, along with two boxes of pastries.

Unlike her time at the Zhou household, here employees only needed to work diligently during the day without staying up late. In winter, there were charcoal stoves for warmth; in summer, ice was provided. If business was good, Jin Niang also gave out bonuses.

Once again, Jin Niang marveled at how lucrative the wedding industry truly was.

Sure enough, right after closing this deal, she heard that her father-in-law, Sixth Uncle, had arrived. Ever perceptive as she was, Jin Niang knew he had likely come regarding the betrothal gifts. Back when Madam Jiang Liu had arranged Jiang Xian’s marriage, she had drained her savings completely, which was why there hadn’t even been money left for her own burial clothes and coffin after her death.

Jin Niang had Sixth Uncle ushered into the study, where Xi Qiu served tea and snacks, allowing father and son to talk privately.

Sixth Uncle, facing his beloved youngest son, looked somewhat ashamed. “After your mother passed, I’ve had no one to care for me. Your uncle arranged a marriage for me…”

“Father is in his prime. Having someone to accompany you brings us children nothing but joy,” Jiang Xian replied. After Jin Niang’s earlier reassurances, he felt reassured, knowing they lived separately and wouldn’t have to interact much. Besides, if his father fell ill, no matter how devoted his children were, a spouse’s care would always be more convenient.

What the father and son discussed, Jin Niang did not know. She only learned that Sixth Uncle hadn’t taken anything from the Wei family. Instead, Jiang Xian gave her fifty mu of land.

Jiang Xian explained, “These fifty *mu* border the fifty *mu* we received from the family estate—perfect for building a small manor. Combined with the hundred *mu* Mother gave us, we now have two manors.”

Those unfamiliar with farming might not realize—a hundred *mu* is roughly the size of seven standard football fields. Jin Niang couldn’t help but remark, “This year has been eventful for our family—I gave birth to Yun Jie’er and couldn’t travel far. But now that we have these lands, we should inspect them properly. We ought to know where our property lies.”

“My wife speaks wisely,” Jiang Xian agreed, well aware of how much easier life was with a capable partner.

Still, Jin Niang was puzzled. “But with Father’s wedding approaching, why would he part with land?”

Jiang Xian smiled and said, "Of course, it was Auntie who promised him a hundred-acre estate to keep him quiet. Uncle helped arrange this marriage and, knowing our Sixth Branch is strapped for cash, also contributed some money."

Jin Niang sighed, "I misjudged them. Since Father has given us fifty acres, we can't just accept it without giving something in return. I'll have the embroiderers at our Embroidery Shop make Father's wedding attire, and I'll also send over the bride's veil and wedding dress as gifts."

Jiang Xian thought to himself how generous his wife was. His father had likely hoped to get these for free from Jin Niang's shop, but after his heartfelt talk, his father had voluntarily offered money. Now his wife felt obliged to do even more.

"Alright then, you've thought it through thoroughly. I'll send someone to inform Father," Jiang Xian said, calling Liu Douer to deliver the message to the Jiang household.

Fortunately, business in September wasn't too busy, so Jin Niang and Zhu Xiuniang worked on these items together. By the end of September, they had finished, and Jiang Xian personally delivered them. As the saying goes—familiarity breeds contempt (a cultural note: "distant fragrance, near stench" means that people who are close often become irritating). Xu Shi, who lived with Sixth Uncle daily, came across as stingy and less generous compared to Jin Niang. The gifts she sent would have cost dozens of taels of silver if bought elsewhere.

Jiang Xian knew just what to say: "Your son and daughter-in-law neglected their business this month to make these. They also sent twenty taels of silver to congratulate you on your wedding."

The two hundred taels of silver for Sixth Uncle's wedding gifts were provided by Chancellor Jiang. Although the Zheng family woman came from a decent background, at thirty-nine, her dowry wasn't substantial. Since Sixth Uncle was remarrying, it couldn't compare to his first marriage.

Still, the wedding gifts had to be prepared by Xu Shi, who was naturally displeased, though she didn't show it. Sixth Uncle wasn't a fool and sensed her resentment, growing somewhat dissatisfied with her.

Seeing Jin Niang's gifts and money, he recognized his younger daughter-in-law's kindness and virtue.

"How can I express my gratitude? On the wedding day, have your wife bring Yun Jie—I have something for her," Sixth Uncle said with a smile.

Jiang Xian quickly replied, "She's just a child—she shouldn't take your things."

Sixth Uncle waved his hand. "I see great fortune in Yun Jie."

After exchanging a few more words, Jiang Xian went to pay respects to his uncle, who had just returned from Minzhong, and they caught up at length.

When Xu Shi heard Jin Niang had sent wedding attire, she was relieved to save money but also annoyed at her father-in-law's praise of Jin Niang, which seemed to slight her.

Her father-in-law, at his age, was remarrying, and now she, who had long been in charge, had to serve a new mother-in-law. It was frustrating.

Jin Niang could easily imagine Xu Shi's feelings, but since she and her husband now lived separately from Sixth Uncle, they didn't have to deal with such matters daily.

Meanwhile, Liu Dalang visited, saying that Chancellor Liu had heard of Sixth Uncle's remarriage and thought of Jiang Xian, inviting him and Jiang Yan to study at the Liu residence. Jiang Yan, already studying under his brother-in-law's father, accepted on his brother's behalf. Jiang Xian, appreciating his brother's thoughtfulness, informed Jin Niang, adding, "I may need to stay over there."

Jin Niang nodded. "Then I'll prepare your seasonal robes and jackets. If you need anything else, just send someone back for it."

Still, she was puzzled. "Why is Chancellor Liu inviting you to study again?"

Jiang Xian hesitated to explain—it was surely Liu Dalang's doing, as he was always helpful. After the incident with Lady Xun, seeing Jiang Xian married with a child, she must have relented, leading to this opportunity.

Fortunately, Jin Niang didn't press for details. When he stayed silent, she didn't press further, simply packing his luggage and giving him fifty taels of silver. Jiang Xian tried to refuse.

Jin Niang insisted, "Money makes you bold. I know you're not wasteful, but when staying with others, you'll need it for special dishes, tips, or gifts."

Earning this money wasn't easy—during lean months, fifty taels in two months was already good. But Jin Niang knew being too tight-fisted might lead him astray.

As she was busy packing, Jiang Xian hugged her from behind. "Wife, I'll miss you."

"Don't miss me too much—just keep your heart true and avoid brothels," Jin Niang said with playful reproach.

Jiang Xian tickled her in response. "Oh, now you're mocking me!"

If anything, he was more worried about her.

Jin Niang grew serious. "Look, I've packed a week's worth of outfits for you—undergarments, beizi (traditional Chinese outerwear), seasonal robes, and socks. I know you sweat a lot, so I added two extra pairs of shoes and ten pairs of socks. Wear them as I've matched them—throwing them together won't look good."

Since marrying her, he'd never wanted for money or clothes. Touched, he said softly, "Let me wash your hair today."

Jin Niang smiled and nodded.

After their intimate night together, when Jin Niang woke the next morning, Jiang Xian had already gone to the Liu residence. She lingered over memories of the previous night before checking on their daughter and then heading to the shop.

Since she no longer needed to have lunch with Jiang Xian, she could focus more on painting and sewing at the shop. Marriage had brought such busyness—finding a moment’s peace was rare indeed.

In fact, after just three days apart, Jin Niang had already grown used to sleeping alone.

Jiang Xian, however, was deeply unsettled. Though the Liu family treated him well—giving him his own courtyard to stay in, Chancellor Liu personally overseeing his studies, and Liu Dalang helping him make connections—he still felt out of sorts. He usually lunched with his wife and visited their daughter, Yun Jieer; now he dined alone.

He reminded himself that a real man shouldn’t wallow in marital affection, yet he truly missed his wife.

Especially since she loved having her hair washed by him. Without him, she likely fumbled through it. If her hair wasn’t properly cared for, her day would be off.

Madam Liu had always been fond of Jiang Xian, and now that he was staying with them, she was quite pleased. If not for his mourning period, she’d have had his wife move in too.

Thus, with a little persuasion from Jiang Xian, Madam Liu sent someone to invite Jin Niang over.

Clueless about her husband’s meddling, Jin Niang assumed Madam Liu genuinely wished to see her and took great care with her preparations. It being hairy crab season, she selected two baskets of plump crabs from Mrs. Huang, along with two boxes of delicate candied orange peel, two boxes of rose cakes, and embroidered silk shawls for Madam Liu and Xu Shi.

Hearing of Jin Niang’s visit, Xu Shi came especially to size up Jiang Xian’s wife.

This was Jin Niang’s first time visiting the estate of the Minister of Personnel and Commissioner of the Three Departments. Determined not to embarrass Jiang Xian, she carried herself with quiet grace, keeping her eyes demurely lowered and avoiding any unnecessary glances.

Upon entering, she promptly greeted Madam Liu and Xu Shi with a bow.

Even the famously critical Xu Shi couldn’t deny Jin Niang’s beauty—her sky-blue silk tube top and ivory embroidered blouse accentuated her slender neck, while the crystal beads around her throat highlighted her fair complexion. The cerulean half-sleeved overdress paired with an apricot-hued shawl made her all the more captivating.

She wasn’t strikingly gorgeous, but standing there with a gentle smile and engaging in polished small talk, it was clear she was intelligent, refined, and quick-witted.

“You’ve outdone yourself,” Madam Liu said warmly, clearly pleased. “I treat Shiliulang like one of my own.”

These weren’t ordinary pastries—down to the ornate gift boxes, everything showed thoughtfulness.

Seeing that Madam Liu appreciated the effort, Jin Niang smiled slightly. She hated giving fine gifts only to have their worth go unnoticed. Thus, she replied sincerely, “My husband often speaks of how kind you and Madam Xu have been to him. I worried my choices might miss the mark—I do hope you’ll forgive me.”

When offering gifts, if someone says you’ve done too much, it means they’ve seen many luxuries—you must express humility without making your offerings seem cheap. Lavish gifts could imply ulterior motives, while modest ones risk appearing dismissive.

Madam Liu then asked, “How long have you been married?”

“Over a year now, Madam.”

“And children?”

“A daughter, seven months old—already quite a handful.” As she spoke, Jin Niang found herself missing the little girl, who delighted in playing at the shop.

Madam Liu tried a bite of the rose cake and remarked, “This is different from what I’m used to. Usually, the rose flavor is overpowering, but this one is delicately balanced.”

“Yes, I added some jasmine powder into the mix. Jasmine helps cut through sweetness while adding fragrance,” Jin Niang explained.

Madam Liu looked at her again, nodding approvingly. “I heard you live in Sweetwater Lane?”

Jin Niang didn’t mention how Xu Shi had forced them out—family shame should never be exposed unless absolutely necessary. Instead, she simply smiled. “Yes, it’s not far from here.”

Impressed by her tact and warm demeanor, Madam Liu was further delighted by the shawl Jin Niang had given her—a vibrant red with clustered floral patterns, elegant enough to match any blue, white, slate, or eggplant-toned outfit favored by older women.

“You must stay for lunch,” Madam Liu insisted. “It’ll be nice for you and your husband to see each other.”

Jin Niang demurred with a blush. “He’s only been here a few days. Let him settle in and focus on his studies for now.”

At her age, Madam Liu was quite fond of seeing young couples in love. After the midday meal, she had someone escort Jin Niang to Jiang Xian’s quarters. Though it had only been three days, when Jin Niang saw him looking sulky, she teased, "Could it be that it’s been so long since you last saw me? Do you not recognize me anymore?"

"Sweetheart," Jiang Xian quickly embraced her and pulled her inside, closing the door behind them. Jin Niang was startled. "Ah! If you act like this, people outside will think we’re being improper in here."

Jiang Xian replied, "We’re lawfully wedded. Why should we care what they think?"

Jin Niang then took his hand and sat down. "How have you been sleeping these past few days? I brought some orange peel candy—it’s a new kind I discovered. Oh, and since you love dried persimmons, I also brought a box of osmanthus persimmon cakes. Just remember not to eat them with crab."

"I just missed you, that’s all. Everything else has been fine," Jiang Xian said softly, gently stroking Jin Niang’s hand.

Jin Niang continued, "It’s already September now, and the New Year is just a few months away. We can’t possibly celebrate it in someone else’s home. If you want to come back, just say you miss our daughter and want to visit. No one will bat an eye."

She didn’t oppose her husband maintaining ties with the Liu family either. People often spoke of the struggles of humble backgrounds, but even the humblest families had their connections. Without any connections at all, like her younger brother, who came from a farming background, it would be nearly impossible to get ahead.

At this time, scholarly networking was still quite prevalent in the Northern Song, and Jiang Xian was actively making connections. She understood this well.

But she also felt for her husband.

For young couples, separation was the hardest to endure.

Jiang Xian thought this excuse was perfect—it would allow him to visit his wife often. His mood lifted, and the days no longer felt so unbearable. He then asked Jin Niang about her meeting with Madam Liu.

Jin Niang recounted everything in detail and added, "Madam Liu gave me a pair of gold bracelets as a welcoming gift. Let me show them to you."

As she spoke, she took them out from her pouch. Jiang Xian glanced at them and said, "Hold onto these. You don’t have much jewelry. I’ll take you to have a new set made by the end of the year."

Jin Niang knew that the year-end rent from the money shop would come in by then. Her face lit up with anticipation as she agreed.

After all, if a husband didn’t spend his money on his wife, who else would he spend it on?

The couple chatted for another hour over tea before Jin Niang patted his hand and took her leave.

Upon returning, Jin Niang first went to the shop to continue working on padded jackets. She also sent someone to buy cotton and rabbit fur in advance to prepare for making winter coats later.

A Ying smiled and said, "Madam, someone just bought three sets of children’s clothes in one go."

"Oh, that’s wonderful!" Jin Niang grinned.

After embroidering for a while, Luo Yue returned and said cheerfully, "Your father delivered padded jackets to the academy today. Your brother will be back in October for the Winter Stove Festival."

"Then we’ll all go for a stroll near the Tower of Encountering Immortals," Jin Niang said, clapping excitedly.

Jin Niang specialized in children’s clothing and wedding embroidery, and sales had been thriving. By mid-September, she had already earned five hundred guan, though expenses had been higher this year.

Luo Yue then asked about her daughter’s visit to the Liu residence. Hearing that everything had gone well, she sighed in relief and said, "That’s good. Our daughter isn’t afraid of any grand occasion."

"Mother, how are yours and Father’s business doing?" Jin Niang inquired.

Luo Yue explained that their shop had been obstructed for a long time, and business had declined. They planned to relocate after the New Year. She added, "There’s no helping it. Your brother’s school supplies—paper, ink, brushes, and inkstones—cost a pretty penny every month. We can’t afford to stop."

Over the past few years, the rent for their place in Stinky Water Alley had been over thirty guan a year. After deducting shop rent and their son’s education costs, they managed to save fifty guan a year. Their daily expenses were fully covered by their daughter, and they now had over a hundred and thirty guan in savings.

Jin Niang praised, "If you ever need money, just let me know. Also, my husband mentioned taking Yang Geer to visit the Liu family during the New Year. Tell him not to chicken out when the time comes."

"Of course," Luo Yue agreed. It was great how the family pulled together.

Soon enough, the Winter Stove Festival arrived. Yang Geer returned home, and Jin Niang helped her younger brother cut satin for a nice new outfit. Jiang Xian also came back, and the family went for a stroll near the Tower of Encountering Immortals. Luo Yue even specially bought Jiang Xian’s favorite roast goose and dried persimmons—the mother-in-law and son-in-law got along like mother and son.

Jiang Xian had originally planned to spend some intimate time with his wife, but Jin Niang was even busier than he was. She was embroidering a piece of Guanyin and said, "Wait a moment. I need to finish this Buddha embroidery first."

"Dear, when did you learn to embroider this?" Jiang Xian asked in confusion.

A Ying entered carrying water and stifled a laugh as she said, "Master, our lady is aiming to become the head of the guild."

"A Ying," Jin Niang chided gently.

Jiang Xian quickly asked, "I haven’t been home for a month—has my wife really set her sights on becoming guild leader?"

Jin Niang replied modestly, "Not at all. Don’t listen to A Ying’s nonsense. I just learned some needlework for embroidering Buddhist scriptures. It was nothing serious."

Jiang Xian mused that while the head of the guild was technically a merchant and not an official, they often moved between merchants and the government. In a way, they functioned like a clerk and acted as a sort of "industry powerhouse" within the trade, with influence sometimes surpassing that of government officials.

His wife wasn’t incapable—she had originally been the chief embroiderer at the Imperial Embroidery Academy. Now, Wei’s Embroidery Shop had gained a reputation in Bianjing over the past few years for its small yet exquisite works. Moreover, Jin Niang had an impeccable reputation and exceptional skills, making her respected by officials and commoners alike.

Many people needing repairs for kesi paintings were referred to her by the guild leader. Come to think of it, hadn’t she already been acting as head of the guild for two years?

"My dear wife, you truly put me to shame with your ambition," Jiang Xian said, wiping his brow.

Jin Niang confessed with a shy smile, "Actually, the current guild leader has fallen ill and needs to rest for a year. Even if I’m chosen, it would only be as an interim position—not the real thing."

"Once you’re in that position, who would dare remove you?" Jiang Xian remarked.

Jin Niang gave a mischievous chuckle.