Chapter 81

Chapter 81

Following the Dragon Boat Festival, the weather turned sweltering, with occasional rain showers. Jin Niang instructed Zhu Xiuniang—who had originally been embroidering bridal quilts—to switch to making book bags instead. The Provincial Exam was approaching, followed by the Metropolitan Exam, and scholars were always good customers who rarely haggled over prices.

Jin Niang even advertised that the book bags and poetry pouches they sold had been consecrated at Great Xiangguo Temple. Since their shop was conveniently close to the temple, she knew customers would come flocking.

Why was she so confident? Because last year during the Qixi Festival, her peach-blossom fragrance pouches had sold out completely.

Jiang Xian also quietly promoted Jin Niang’s work, often carrying the book bags and poetry pouches she made when he went out. He was quite the eye-catcher to begin with, and now that his fame had spread throughout the capital, people naturally imitated his style.

Jiang Xian had Liu Douer drop a casual hint that these items were made at Wei's Embroidery Shop in Sweet Water Lane, and soon, people came in droves.

Jin Niang was unaware of this. At the time, she was playing with her daughter in the shop. Yun Jie’er had become the shop’s little mascot—whenever she wore new clothes and sat in the shop, it attracted customers.

Just after seeing off a customer who had bought children’s clothes, Jin Niang noticed Chen Xiaolang outside, talking to someone. Since their shop primarily served female customers, Chen Xiaolang had been set up with an outdoor stall selling scholar’s supplies, so neither business would get in the other’s way.

Chen Xiaolang usually handled deliveries and customer service, but today, his stall saw nonstop customers.

At dinner, Jin Niang excitedly shared the good news with Jiang Xian: “Did you know? We sold over a dozen poetry pouches today—completely sold out!”

A dozen pouches amounted to nearly twenty strings of coins.

Jiang Xian wasn’t about to let his good deed go uncredited. He hinted that it might have been his doing, and Jin Niang rewarded him with a kiss. Jiang Xian wrapped an arm around her waist and chuckled, “Don’t get too excited—you’re pregnant, remember?”

She was nearly eight months along, with only a month or two left before the baby arrived. They had hired Old Lady Kong as the midwife again, and a wet nurse had been selected through a broker. After interviewing two or three candidates, they settled on one who was particularly skilled at soothing babies, with ample experience—even knowing how to relieve hiccups.

However, since their last nanny had lied about her tragic circumstances, Jiang Xian personally investigated this one’s background. Her background checked out, so Jin Niang chose her, arranging for her to arrive a few days before the birth. This time, they only signed a one-year contract.

Upstairs, they’d converted the storage room into a nursery, moving a cradle, bedding, and two old trunks in there.

When it was just the four of them living there, the house had felt spacious. But with a baby on the way, it already felt too small.

Jin Niang had always run the household like clockwork. She shared her plans regarding her parents with Jiang Xian, who was surprised and said, “Why not let your parents stay with us? I think it’d make the house livelier.”

“Now that we have our own family, my parents don’t want to intrude. But I was thinking—if you pass the imperial exams and get assigned to a post outside the capital, we can’t just leave this house empty. So I asked them to wait for now,” Jin Niang explained with a smile.

Jiang Xian admired her even more. His wife truly prioritized their own household.

The house originally belonged to her, so he had no objections to how she managed things. In fact, he hadn’t even considered these issues, but she had everything under control.

With that, there were no worries left.

“But are your parents really okay with this?” Jiang Xian asked, concerned.

Jin Niang smiled. “Everything has two sides—you can’t please everyone. If we discuss it openly now, we’ll remain close. But later, when our child grows up, we have more servants, and my brother gets married, there’d inevitably be friction. Things could escalate, even ruining years of goodwill. Would that really be better? Besides, my parents aren’t like that.”

Even if there were minor disagreements, they’d be temporary. But if familial bonds were completely worn away, they’d lose more than they’d gain.

This gave Jiang Xian much to reflect on. He realized that not everything had to be handled perfectly or resolved completely.

Just like the situation with Peng Sanlang—no wonder Jin Niang hadn’t pushed him to keep up the friendship. Instead, she had said, “Life is about having different friends at different stages. If he avoids you, it’s not because he dislikes you, but because the gap between you has grown too wide. Meeting would only be painful.”

He thought that most people would fear being called unfilial and wouldn’t dare let their parents live separately. But his wife wasn’t afraid of such judgments. She acted decisively to prevent future conflicts, even if it caused temporary displeasure. In the long run, it was for the best.

He had learned so much from her about handling situations.

In return, Jiang Xian took Yang Ge’er to poetry gatherings and introduced him to learned scholars. If his brother-in-law could study under a renowned teacher in the future, it would be a great opportunity.

On the eighth day of the sixth month, it was Jin Niang’s birthday. Since getting married, she felt time flew by. Back in the Zhou household, each day had dragged on forever. Perhaps hardship made time drag, while joy made the hours fly.

Jiang Xian made her favorite pork pastry. Jin Niang had avoided eating them for quite some time after overindulging and getting heaty before. Now that she could enjoy them again, she was naturally overjoyed.

This year, she turned twenty-four, her Benming year. Jin Niang caressed her belly and murmured, "You must come into this world safely."

While Jin Niang’s household remained peaceful, the ancestral home was bustling with activity. Jiang Fang and his wife had come for a visit. Zheng Shi had refreshments laid out, while Jiang Yan and Xu Shi brought Xuan Geer along. Everyone gathered together in harmony.

Jiang Fang even praised Xu Shi, saying, "Sister-in-law, you’ve raised Xuan Geer so well."

Xu Shi dismissed it modestly, and Zheng Shi chimed in with praise. However, Xu Shi remained silent while Zheng Shi spoke.

After the plague subsided, the relationship between this mother-in-law and daughter-in-law had soured. Xu Shi thought Zheng Shi wasteful and deliberately ingratiated herself with her father-in-law, while Zheng Shi believed Xu Shi to be overbearing.

Xu Shi even deliberately dressed poorly at times, leading outsiders to assume she mistreated her daughter-in-law after taking charge of the household—a situation where no explanation would suffice.

Their strained relationship forced them to put on a show of affection in front of others, only to resent each other once guests left. Yet, Xu Shi still had to retreat respectfully, and Zheng Shi had to offer a few gracious remarks.

Back in her room, Xu Shi felt pain in her back and chest but didn’t rest. Instead, she immediately urged Xuan Geer, "You’ve spent half the day playing with your uncle. Now, go to the study and practice your writing."

The Xu family had produced two scholars, and they had their own methods for nurturing learning.

Still, Xu Shi felt sorry for her son. The weather was unbearably hot, and he had grown exceptionally fast this year—his old clothes no longer fit. She asked Old Servant Ge, "Has anything arrived from the Embroidery Shop in Sweetwater Lane?"

In previous years, Wei Shi from Sweetwater Lane would send a fine inkstone and new clothes for her son.

Old Servant Ge shook her head. "No, this year Madam Wei is pregnant. She must have forgotten."

"She has several embroiderers in her shop—it's not like she has to do it herself," Xu Shi muttered, convinced she was being reasonable. After all, she had even sent courtesies for Wei Shi’s birthday.

In truth, Jin Niang hadn’t done much embroidery work this year. For one, she had already made plenty of clothes before. Secondly, she was mindful of her condition.

This pregnancy felt much heavier than the last, so apart from handling shop duties during the day, she avoided needlework in the evenings or during leisure time. Moreover, the two embroiderers in the shop were already busy. Having started as a regular embroiderer herself, Jin Niang didn’t want them staying up late to do personal work for her.

A Ying also privately remarked to Jin Niang, "This is for the best. She only ever sends pastries worth not even fifty coppers a box, while you've always given Young Master Xuan generous gifts."

"This year, I’ve had my hands full. Beyond major festivals, I can’t manage much else. On her birthday, I even sent a few feet of trendy silk. I don’t owe her anything," Jin Niang said dismissively.

As for Xuan Geer, she held no grudge against him, but household expenses had been high this year. Naturally, things couldn't be the same as before. Moreover, if Jiang Xian won his candidacy and advanced further, the financial demands would be substantial—even the recently paid wet nurse, arranged through a broker, wasn’t cheap, costing a good ten taels of silver per year.

Most importantly, Xu Shi had never given her daughter any decent gifts in return. It was only fair to reciprocate.

Especially after giving birth to Yun Jieer, people assumed she sent gifts to Xuan Geer out of some obligation—as if she were currying favor because she lacked a son. This annoyed Jin Niang, which was why she hadn’t argued further with her mother before.

Last Mid-Autumn Festival, when Jin Niang was still Head of the Guild, the merchant guild had sent many gifts. This year, only a few business associates from the Embroidery Shop did. Luo Yue sighed nostalgically, but Jin Niang laughed, "This is how it should be."

No sooner had she spoken than Zhuangyuan Jiang’s family sent extravagant presents. Jin Niang had Chen Xiaolang record them before informing Jiang Xian.

Jiang Xian smiled. "Wife, this is just the beginning. Don’t worry."

Usually, it was Jin Niang who spoke while Jiang Xian listened. But today, there was a commanding air about him that made Jin Niang blush slightly.

After Mid-Autumn, though nearing her due date, Jin Niang still helped her husband prepare his scholar’s case—a meticulous task. Scholar’s cases could be made of bamboo strips, willow twigs, brambles, or rattan. She chose a three-tiered square case woven from brambles, its corners reinforced with silver and patterned with delicate latticework for inspection. The handle was even adorned with golden floral inlays.

There was no helping it—her husband adored extravagance.

The first tier held the exam canopy, curtains, food bags, scroll cases, brush cases, and oiled paper for wrapping vegetables and candles—all neatly arranged. The second tier contained bowls, chopsticks, teacups, a travel brazier, candle scissors, nails, and a hammer. The third tier stored shelled longan pulp, boiled lotus seeds, rock sugar, snacks, halved salted eggs, small pieces of ham, flatbreads, rice, and pickled dishes like pickled eggplants and dried fish.

Naturally, there were many finer details—like oilcloth to protect exam papers from rain. In case of errors during transcription, a scraping knife and paste were also packed.

Jin Niang even prepared premium exam candles and specifically called Luo Yue over. "If your brother wins his candidacy, you’ll need to prepare the same. Study it carefully now."

Luo Yue felt dizzy just looking at it: "Why do we even need to prepare nails and a hammer?"

"Once you enter the examination hall, you have to nail these up to shelter from wind and rain and keep warm at night," Jin Niang said with a laugh.

Then she suddenly smacked her forehead. "I forgot to prepare a sachet. I’ve heard that if someone taking the imperial exams ends up near the latrine area, or needs to use the privy, the stench can be unbearable. You know your son-in-law—he’s especially particular about cleanliness."

In addition, they had to prepare several remedies—for coughs, and for cholera with vomiting and diarrhea—so they packed quite a bit more.

She had thought the small exam kit would be ready in no time, but it ended up taking two or three days to prepare.

On the day of the provincial exams in Kaifeng, Jin Niang was drowsy when she heard Jiang Xian get up in the dark. She knew that if she woke up, her husband would spend a long time comforting her, so she simply kept her eyes closed.

Before leaving, Jiang Xian leaned down and kissed Jin Niang’s forehead, then headed out.

Uncle Luo drove the carriage, while Luo Da and Liu Douer helped carry the luggage onto the cart...

Meanwhile, on the first day of Jiang Xian’s provincial exams, Jin Niang went into labor. Fortunately, her parents were by her side, and old lady Kong was an experienced midwife, so her mind was somewhat at ease.

Truth be told, childbirth was like a brush with death—no one could guarantee they’d be lucky.

Luckily, old lady Kong was very good at comforting people. "Don’t worry, Mrs. Wei," she said. "Your baby is in the right position, and your belly's pointy—it’s sure to be a boy. If your husband passes the exam, it’ll truly be two celebrations at once."

"Then I’ll take your kind words to heart," Jin Niang said, also hoping Jiang Xian would succeed.

This childbirth was even smoother than when she had Yun Jieer, but there was one issue—perhaps because she had strained her back too much, after giving birth, her back gave out completely, and she couldn't get up at all.

Still, everyone was happy for her because this time, she had given birth to a son.

Even A Ying let out a relieved breath. Though they had been observing mourning rites before and couldn’t have children, outsiders wouldn’t care about that. The master still had his whole future ahead of him at twenty-one, but the mistress was already twenty-four. If she didn’t bear a son, how could she secure her position?

Looking at Yun Jieer, A Ying suddenly felt her eyes pricked with tears for some reason. "Miss, the mistress is resting inside. Shall I take you to your grandmother’s place?"

"Okay, thank you, Sister A Ying," Yun Jieer said obediently, letting A Ying take her hand.

She was a remarkably sweet-natured little girl. These past few days, with Jin Niang heavy with pregnancy and rarely coming downstairs, she had let Luo Mama and Xi Qiu take her to the study to read.

But Yun Jieer’s good temperament was also the result of the mistress’s upbringing. Even A Ying herself, after coming to the Wei family, had learned to read, keep accounts, and handle affairs—all taught by the mistress. So, they all wished the mistress well.

After the little boy was born, Jin Niang, due to her discomfort, only saw her son a few times. But she had Luo Mama, A Ying, and Min Zhi keep watch in shifts—partly out of fear the child might get switched, and partly to ensure the nurse wouldn’t slack off.

Luo Yue had just gone to see her little grandson and returned joyfully. "They say sons take after their mothers, and I think the little one looks exactly like you."

"At this rate, I really don’t want to have any more children," Jin Niang said, pressing her temples.

Luo Yue wiped her daughter’s sweat. "I know you’ve suffered. Rest well during your confinement—recovering properly is more important than anything else."

"Mm, I understand," Jin Niang said, lying back down, her thoughts drifting to how Jiang Xian might be faring in the exams.

By then, Jiang Xian had already spent a day in the examination cell. He packed the transcribed essays into the special book bag his wife had made for him, feeling a bit hungry. So he took out the camp stove, a few small silverfish, and had a guard cook longan and lotus seed soup and steam some small pastries.

With money involved, things moved fast, and soon the food was brought over. Jiang Xian picked up a spoon and ate, inevitably thinking of his wife. How was her health?

He shook off the worry and pushed those thoughts aside. For now, he needed to focus on the provincial exams. If he didn’t pass, his wife would have to keep working hard.

His wife had started working in the embroidery workshop at nine and had been stitching for fifteen years straight. Though it wasn’t obvious from the outside, she really needed to rest and recuperate—otherwise, with her eyes going bad and her body growing frail, her vitality would decline even faster in a few years.

With that in mind, he quickly finished his meal and buried himself in writing again.

By the time the exams ended and he left the hall, though physically exhausted, he bolted straight home.

When he arrived home, the shopfront was open and Chen Xiaolang was standing in front of the stall at the entrance. Jiang Xian knew this was his wife's idea—she had always wanted to expand the business so everyone could earn more.

A Ying had just seen off a customer and smiled as she said, "This garment was personally made by our Mistress Wei."

Jiang Xian went around to the side door and entered. The house was bustling with activity. He took the stairs two at a time and found his mother-in-law in the small sitting room on the second floor, playing string figures with Yun Jie’er. When she saw him, she exclaimed excitedly, "Sixteenth Son! Jin Niang has given birth to a little boy! She’s inside now and has been worried about you, wondering how your exam went."

Jiang Xian thanked his mother-in-law and hurried in. Seeing his wife lying in bed, he immediately knelt beside her. "Jin Niang, I'm back."

This was the first time he had called her by her name. Tears welled up in Jin Niang’s eyes as she looked at him. "My back felt like it was giving out during childbirth. I was so scared—I never want to have another child again."

"Then don’t," Jiang Xian said flatly.

His own family had three sons, and when times were tough, his second brother wanted to adopt him out. After his mother died, her place was filled by another, and his father hadn’t intervened. He would rather have his wife safe and sound than see her suffer.

She was someone who got frustrated even during her monthly courses, yet now she had endured so much pain.

Jin Niang wanted to hug him, but when Jiang Xian leaned in, she quickly covered her nose. "You reek!"

Jiang Xian laughed helplessly. "Alright, I’ll go wash up."

He was usually meticulous with others, but with Jin Niang, he’d agree to anything, no questions asked.

After he left, Jin Niang realized something: he no longer called her "wife" but "Jin Niang" instead.

This time, her lying-in period lasted a full month and a half, and her back fully healed. By the time Jin Niang emerged from confinement, their son already had a name—a single character, Ning.

Eager to return to the Embroidery Shop, Jin Niang immediately instructed Zhu Xiuniang upon arrival: "Stop making book satchels. Start working on bridal veils, wedding quilts, bridal gowns, and wedding bed drapes. I’ll work alongside you to speed things up."

Zhu Xiuniang was puzzled. "But the Provincial Exam results haven’t been announced yet, and there’s still the Metropolitan Exam next year. Won’t scholars’ book satchels be in high demand?"

"Wrong!" Jin Niang laughed. "With so many young candidates passing the Provincial Exam this time, and wealthy families already snatching up grooms among the successful examinees, our shop’s wedding items are the best in town. Trust me—stop making book satchels. Focus on children’s clothes and wedding quilts. Prepare them in advance. Just follow my lead."

Zhu Xiuniang still found it odd. "Madam, you’ve just had a son, and your husband might pass the exam. Yet you seem cool as a cucumber. Anyone else would be restless with anticipation."

Jin Niang smiled. "Right now, all I’m worried about is our business."

Even if Jiang Xian passed, going on about it might not make others happy to share in her joy.

Even after discussing it with her mother for days, her mother eventually asked if her brother could pass, saying he was quite capable too.

For lunch, Jiang Xian cooked again. He had a refined palate and had learned to cook well just by observing a few times. As the couple sat down to eat together, Jiang Xian sighed. "After eating too much banquet food outside, it loses its appeal. Nothing beats simple home-cooked meals."

"Pfft, what kind of talk is that?" Jin Niang shot him a look.

Jiang Xian was confused.

Jin Niang explained, "Anyone hearing that would think you’ve been hanging around pleasure houses, talking like that."

"Cough, don’t pin that on me!" Jiang Xian abruptly stood up, but then, recalling his own words, he pointed at Jin Niang. "You’re really something, slandering me like that. Though, you’re no plain porridge either."

Jin Niang had been teasing him on purpose and couldn’t help but laugh at his response.

The Provincial Exam results wouldn’t be out for another two months. During this time, Jin Niang had Jiang Xian stay home and study, reminding him, "As *The Art of War* says, ‘One who can remain calm with storms raging inside is fit to be a great general.’”

Jiang Xian obeyed without question. He thought to himself—even when his wife became the Head of the Guild, she remained composed. Here he was, not even knowing if he had passed yet.

The Embroidery Shop had been peaceful, but half a month later, a family came to return a wedding quilt, claiming, "It’s fresh as the day we got it."

Jin Niang looked up their order and sneered. "You bought this three months ago. We had you put your seal on it then, confirming it was flawless. Now, who knows if you’ve used it or not? Why should I take it back? It’s worthless to me now."

"What kind of shop owner are you to act like this? My daughter died in the bridal sedan on her wedding day—of course she never used the quilt!" the man shouted at the top of his lungs.

A Ying could no longer hold back: "Your family's tragedy is bad enough, but bringing cursed items into our shop? Disgusting! Scram—we don't deal with this kind of crap."

Jin Niang naturally refused as well. Min Zhi and Zhu Xiuniang came out to support her. Seeing that the women of Wei’s Embroidery Shop stood united and formidable, the man slunk off in embarrassment.

After he left, Jin Niang couldn’t help but wonder aloud: “Didn’t the Du family marry their daughter into the wealthiest household in the southern part of town? How did she die so suddenly?”

A Ying, having gathered some information, explained: “Mistress, that wealthy family from the south used to be servants in the Du household before they came into fortune. Later, they insisted on marrying the daughter of their former master. As you can see, the Du family had long fallen into decline and were only too eager for the match. But the young lady felt deeply humiliated—she tried to take her own life several times at home, and finally swallowed gold [a traditional suicide method] in the bridal sedan.”

Jin Niang scoffed, “Such obsession with social standing is nothing but self-destructive. Go back three generations and the Dus were probably peasants or commoners themselves. Still stuck in their backward ways!”

After speaking, she glanced at Jin Niang, worried she might relate this story to herself. But Jin Niang held her head high, unshaken. A Ying thought to herself—her mistress always carried herself as though she deserved the finest things in the world, rarely giving in to self-pity.

Just then, the sound of gongs and drums cut through the air outside. The messengers of good news had arrived.

Jiang Xian had passed the exam! And not just any passing—he was Kaifeng’s top scholar in the Provincial Exam!