Chapter 82

Chapter 82

Prefectural top scholar? That meant he ranked first in the Kaifeng Prefectural Exam.

Jiang Xian had previously felt his luck was poor, but now having passed the provincial-level exam so smoothly and even achieving top honors, he couldn’t help but leap with joy. Jin Niang happily hugged his arm and said, “I’ve already prepared loose coins—go quickly and reward those heralds of good news.”

Fortunately, their embroidery shop often dealt in cash, so there was no need to exchange money elsewhere. Jin Niang personally opened the chest, filled a basket with loose coins, and had Luo Da and Liu Douer carry it downstairs.

By then, Jiang Xian had changed into the new robe Jin Niang had made for him and came out to accept everyone’s congratulations.

Jin Niang naturally received visits from nearby embroidery guild members and various well-wishers who came to pay respects to the wife of the prefectural top scholar. Even the guild leader who had succeeded her last year came to visit, but Jin Niang didn’t put on airs and treated everyone as usual.

Jiang Xian’s friends from official families, Zhang Jiulang and Han Xiao among others, also brought gifts. Zhang Jiulang even came in person. Then there were Jiang Xian’s maternal relatives, the Liu family, who had previously only been close to Xu Shi and looked down on their merchant background. Now, however, Uncle Liu and his wife personally came to visit.

Their attitude toward Jin Niang had completely changed. Aunt Liu beamed and said, “I always said Xian’er was exceptionally clever. When your mother-in-law was alive, her youngest son was her favorite. Now he’s proven himself and will surely earn you an imperial honorific title in the future. You just wait to enjoy your blessings.”

Jiang Xian’s elder brother, Jiang Yan, had also passed, but his ranking was lower than his younger brother’s. Moreover, Jiang Xian was still young and had limitless potential.

Hearing this, Jin Niang quickly humbled herself, “This is just the provincial exam—we still have the metropolitan exam ahead. Auntie, don’t praise him too soon.”

Aunt Liu was impressed by Jin Niang’s ability to remain composed despite her joy, admiring her late sister-in-law’s eye for a daughter-in-law. Xu Shi had been frugal and self-disciplined, urging her husband and sons to strive for success, while Wei Shi was skilled and open-minded.

After finally seeing off this wave of visitors, Jin Niang and Jiang Xian began discussing arrangements for the celebrations. Just then, Xi Qiu brought over the freshly awakened Yun Jie’er, her fair little face naturally flushed from sleep. The couple couldn’t get enough of looking at their daughter.

Meanwhile, Zhuangyuan Jiang, upon hearing the news, also breathed a sigh of relief. Madam Song smiled and said, “It seems your judgment was spot-on. I’d like to personally visit Sweetwater Lane.”

“I’ll trouble you, then,” Zhuangyuan Jiang said, pleased with his well-bred wife, who not only had sharp judgment but also excellent social skills.

Madam Song laughed lightly, “It’s nothing. A man needs connections in society. Fortunately, despite her merchant background, Madam Wei is a reasonable woman.”

Seeing his wife going out of her way to build ties, Zhuangyuan Jiang suggested, “Why not bring Madam Zhou, with whom you’re close?”

Having another person along would make it seem less like condescension.

But Madam Song smiled and said, “You don’t know the backstory—Madam Wei once worked for the Zhou family as an embroiderer for several years. Though she left after her contract ended, the employer-employee dynamic still exists. If I brought Madam Zhou along, wouldn’t that be an insult to her dignity?”

So that was how it was. Zhuangyuan Jiang sighed—as a man from a modest background, he had no idea about such intricate social dynamics.

Regardless, his wife, Madam Song, who had once been so picky, had now made such a change for his sake. She had truly exerted herself.

Meanwhile, Sixth Uncle Jiang, with both his sons having passed the provincial-level exam, decided to host a gathering for relatives and friends at the old family home. Knowing the old house was short on funds, Jiang Xian and Jin Niang sent over ten taels of silver.

Zheng Shi had initially worried about the expenses of a grand celebration, but when Jiang Xian and his wife sent the money, she was overjoyed. Sixth Uncle Jiang personally wrote invitations, inviting everyone. Even Xu Shi, who usually wore simple attire, retrieved her finest garments from the bottom of her chest and had them re-scented.

After her recovery following childbirth, Jin Niang realized her clothes no longer fit in her five large chests and overhead cabinet, so she stopped making new ones and instead wore outfits she had worn only once before.

On this crisp autumn day, she wore a tube top in off-white, embroidered with silver chrysanthemums, paired with a pine-green padded jacket and an amber-toned overcoat trimmed with rabbit fur at the collar.

Around her neck, she wore a string of white crystal beads, and atop her head, a velvet hairpin adorned with bluebirds, peonies, and pearls. The entire ensemble radiated understated opulence.

In the carriage, Jiang Xian kept nuzzling and pressing close to her. Seeing his wife sitting upright, he even grew a little annoyed. Unable to resist his antics, Jin Niang took his hand, and only then did he settle down.

Today, Sixth Uncle Jiang drank heavily, and Jin Niang noticed a rare smile on Xu Shi’s face. She thought, *If only Sixth Uncle’s wife were still here, how wonderful it would be!*

This was the sorrow of filial piety delayed.

Jiang Xian had also been invited to several scholarly salons. Being young and handsome, many probed about his availability. Each time, Jiang Xian replied, “I already have a devoted wife.”

And so, everyone had no choice but to drop the matter.

The Civil Service Examinations would be held in the second or third month of the following year, marking the main examination year. After attending the banquet hosted by the Kaifeng Prefecture for successful candidates, Jiang Xian presented gifts to those who had supported him and then immersed himself in studying.

Jin Niang didn’t treat Jiang Xian differently by preparing lavish dishes; instead, she kept meals simple, hoping to ease his pressure as much as possible.

Business continued as usual. As Jin Niang had predicted, after the Provincial Exam, matchmakers in Kaifeng bustled with activity, and her business flourished accordingly.

"Madam, we have an order for a set of 'Flourishing Wealth' peonies in four colors," A Ying reported.

A set included four pieces. Jin Niang agreed, as they had inventory on hand and could deliver quickly. Each piece cost 13 guan (a monetary unit), totaling 52 guan for the set. Deducting the 6 guan production cost, they still made over 40 guan profit. With no loans left to repay, all earnings were now recorded as profit.

Moreover, after Jiang Xian passed the prefectural exam as the top scorer, the government awarded him 50 taels of silver, which Jin Niang carefully saved.

Coincidentally, a Zhou family servant arrived that day, requesting clothing for Lady Zhang. Jin Niang sent A Ying to take measurements and brought along fabric samples for Lady Zhang to choose from.

When A Ying returned, however, she looked surprised: "Did you know that Xiang Ming has become the Zhou second son’s concubine?"

"No wonder I haven't seen her around much these past two years," Jin Niang remarked, not particularly surprised. Xiang Ming, also known as Si Er, was even-tempered and reasonably attractive. Most importantly, she had been a maid close to Lady Jiang Shi. With Jiang Shi and Lady Zhang locked in rivalry, it made sense to plant a loyal maid within the Zhou household.

Perhaps the Zhou family had been observing mourning rites before, but once the mourning period ended, they likely arranged for her transfer.

A Ying worried, "But Lady Zhang isn’t easy to deal with."

"Xiang Ming was sold under an irrevocable indenture. Now that the Zhang family is in decline while the Zhou family has produced a Metropolitan Exam graduate (jinshi), the situation may actually benefit her." It was simply how things were—if she didn’t serve as a concubine, she might be married off to some good-for-nothing drunkard. Those well-mannered sons born into the household were already promised to established families.

Thus, Jin Niang turned to A Ying and said, "Speaking of this, you're nearly eighteen. What are your thoughts on marriage? If you wish to marry outside, I can nullify your indenture."

A Ying replied quickly, "Madam, I want to stay and continue serving you."

"Very well, we'll wait until you find someone you truly care for," Jin Niang smiled.

A Ying thought to herself that life outside was harsh—take the recent epidemic, for example. Ordinary households struggled to survive. Besides, now that their master was a provincial graduate (juren) and likely soon a metropolitan graduate (jinshi), the Jiang family was clearly on the rise. She had no intention of leaving. In fact, she already considered Jin Niang part of her own family.

While A Ying's future remained uncertain, Min Zhi and Chen Xiaolang's wedding proceeded smoothly. Jin Niang naturally approved of the match. Both had decent monthly wages, and Jin Niang gifted Min Zhi ten guan for her dowry, entrusting Luo Mama to handle the arrangements. Since both were servants, there were no elaborate formalities, and soon Min Zhi adopted a married woman’s hairstyle.

From then on, Chen Xiaolang’s clothes were neatly pressed, his hair meticulously combed, and he was all smiles.

Chen Xiaolang wasn’t the only one happy—Ning Geer, now a hundred days old, was healthy and bore a strong resemblance to Jin Niang, wearing a little tiger hat. Don’t assume a three-month-old baby doesn’t understand words—when Jin Niang scolded him yesterday for crying too loudly, today he gave her the cold shoulder.

"Ning Geer, are you still mad at Mama? Mama apologizes, alright? You’re the best baby," Jin Niang crooned, planting a kiss on him.

Only then did he willingly snuggle into her arms.

Ning Geer’s wet nurse, a Mrs. Ma, was practically a baby-whisperer, far better than the previous caretaker for Yun Jieer. She taught Jin Niang how to burp the baby and care for him properly. Jin Niang, ever diligent, observed her children daily and took thorough notes.

Just as she soothed Ning Geer, A Ying called from the foot of the stairs, "Madam, Lady Liu, wife of Attendant Han Xiao, is here."

Jin Niang wondered—Lady Liu had visited years ago for a dress but hadn’t returned since. Why come now?

Straightening her attire, she went downstairs.

Lady Liu, Han Xiao’s second wife, came from a prominent family. Previously, Jin Niang found forced socializing awkward, making both sides uncomfortable. But now, with Jiang Xian having earned the title of prefectural top scorer and highly likely to pass the jinshi exam, it would be foolish not to visit.

"Madam Wei," Lady Liu greeted warmly.

Seeing that she wasn’t here for clothing, Jin Niang invited her to the small tearoom on the first floor. When Lady Liu saw Jin Niang again, she noted her pink headscarf tied neatly, adorned with fresh flowers at the front and pearl-inlaid side combs. Her makeup was light, giving her skin a youthful glow, and her movements retained a maidenly grace.

"Madam Wei, is your shop still open?" Lady Liu asked curiously.

"Of course," Jin Niang replied with a smile.

Unless Jiang Xian is assigned an out-of-town post and she has to go with him, she would never close the shop. As long as it's open, money keeps coming in—why would she shut it down?

Madam Liu also became more understanding: "That’s true. Your Wei Family Embroidery Shop is quite famous. Luckily, I have a job to offer you."

It turned out that Han Xiao had a cousin getting married and was preparing her wedding trousseau. Madam Liu thought she was doing them a big favor.

Jin Niang hesitated, however: "Thank you for bringing us business, but the items you mentioned likely won’t be ready until next spring. We’re booked solid until next year—we can’t even shut down for the holidays."

Even Min Zhi had nearly set aside her children’s clothing line—everyone was working around the clock to complete orders.

Madam Liu was taken aback, not expecting their business to be so booming.

Jin Niang apologized: "Maybe I could recommend another shop nearby? We really can’t..."

"No, I insist on having it done here," Madam Liu said firmly.

Jin Niang then went to the front and brought out the pattern book. She flipped to one page: "This is our most popular design—'Blooms and Prosperity.'" Then she turned to another: "This is my new design, 'Everlasting Harmony,' using lily patterns. The embroidered border uses silver thread."

They even had a special display bed for showing wedding quilts and canopies. Seeing the production schedules and prices marked clearly, Madam Liu immediately paid the deposit.

Before, they were separated by social status; now, things were different. Madam Liu found Jin Niang easy to get along with.

Jin Niang realized it too—relationships weren't just about shared interests, but mostly depended on status, and then personality.

Jiang Xian had a simple view on this: "Don’t overthink it, dear. Just remember, everyone looks out for themselves. Don’t take it too seriously, but don’t push people away either."

"That makes sense," Jin Niang laughed.

Thinking further, if she were just an ordinary commoner—without property or skills, and not earning her own money—no matter how beautiful she was, she probably wouldn’t have married Jiang Xian. Even he, despite being from a government official’s family, wouldn’t have impressed her if he hadn’t been educated and well-mannered.

Even the fact that they could often enjoy romantic moments together was because Jin Niang’s business was successful—she didn’t worry about money, the children were well looked after, and there were no conflicts with in-laws...

But hadn’t she created all of this herself? Thinking this way, she really was amazing.

After a quick moment of reflection, Jin Niang stood up: "No chance—I’ve got to hurry back to the embroidery shop to work."

"Won’t you rest a bit longer?" Jiang Xian asked.

Jin Niang smiled: "You have no idea how many orders we have now."

At the winter solstice, instead of having meals prepared at home, Jin Niang booked two tables at Hongbin Restaurant—one for the servants and hired workers, and one for the family.

Zhu Xiuniang even packed some leftovers for her husband. Both skilled artisans, she earned two strings of coins in commissions this month, not to mention the rice, flour, charcoal, firewood, and bolts of fabric given by the shop.

Her husband dug into the food hungrily: "This spread couldn’t have been cheap."

"It wasn’t. Nearly over a string of coins per table, and we even brought our own wine. Our boss treats us servants very well. But..." Zhu Xiuniang sighed faintly.

Her husband frowned: "If it’s so good, why are you sighing?"

Zhu Xiuniang explained: "Our boss’s husband aced the Kaifeng Prefecture exam this year—he’ll probably become a metropolitan graduate soon. Once he gets an official post, how will the shop continue? The latest orders we’ve taken are only through May."

Why May? Because the Metropolitan Exam is in February, results come out two months later in April, and official appointments follow—so May.

Because of next year’s February exam, the New Year celebrations had been toned down. This year, Sixth Uncle Jiang pushed hard for everyone to return to the ancestral home. Though reluctant, Jiang Xian had no choice—his parents were still alive, and though property had been divided, the family remained united.

The only amusing part was watching Xu Shi, who used to boast about her family’s status. Now that Jiang Xian had ranked higher than Jiang Yan, she tried throwing her weight around again as the elder sister-in-law—but this time, Jin Niang didn’t yield.

For example, before the New Year, Xu Shi told Jin Niang to prepare the sacrificial foods. Jin Niang asked what dishes were needed, offering to make them in Sweetwater Lane and deliver them. But Xu Shi insisted they must be prepared early in the morning and made by hand.

This was entirely Xu Shi digging her own grave, trying to drag others down with her.

Faced with these unreasonable demands, Jin Niang went straight to Zheng Shi and said, "Madam may not know, but I have a young child to care for at night, work at the embroidery shop during the day, and I can’t possibly make it over here as well."

Zheng Shi and Xu Shi had long been at odds. Upon hearing this, Zheng Shi quickly replied, "There’s no need for you to come. If word got out, people might think our family mistreats our daughters-in-law, which is not how our family operates."

Zheng Shi's words made Xu Shi see red.

After the New Year festivities ended, February came quickly. Jiang Xian stayed up later each night, struggling with insomnia.

Jin Niang had already warmed his bedding with a bed warmer. Seeing him lying beside her, she massaged his temples and patted his shoulders until he finally fell asleep. She had once struggled with insomnia herself—aches here and there—but a little massage always helped.

Because of this, Jiang Xian grew increasingly dependent on Jin Niang—truly, deeply dependent.

This time, Jin Niang personally prepared his examination basket. With her prior experience, she worked even more efficiently. While getting things ready, Jiang Fang and Third Miss Zhou paid a visit. Jin Niang noted inwardly that Jiang Fang had never visited before, but she showed no sign of it and ensured they were properly received.

Jiang Fang noticed Jiang Xian’s freshly written calligraphy set aside, remarking that his younger brother’s handwriting had improved greatly.

Knowing Jiang Fang’s temperament—much like Zhou Cunzhi’s, both stubborn as mules—and now family by marriage, Jiang Xian smiled and said, "Tenth Brother, please sit. I’ll have my wife come greet you."

He then summoned Jin Niang. Before their marriage, Jiang Fang had strongly disapproved of the match. But now, after all that had happened, seeing Jin Niang again—her clear gaze, lovely looks, and gentle demeanor—he found himself taking a liking to her.

"Second Uncle and Sister-in-law should stay for a meal. I’ve heard from my husband that you’re fond of donkey meat, and Pan’s donkey meat nearby is famous. I’ll have some sent over," Jin Niang offered with a smile.

Though Jiang Fang often spoke bluntly to Jiang Xian, he was taken aback by Jin Niang’s hospitality and quickly replied, "There’s no need to trouble yourself, Sister-in-law."

Jin Niang waved it off. "Don’t be silly, Second Uncle."

She simply had Chen Xiaolang place an order. She remembered Jiang Fang’s preference for donkey meat from an offhand comment Third Miss Zhou had once made.

The brothers dined together, while Jin Niang ate with Third Miss Zhou. She couldn’t help thinking—once, she would have stood while Third Miss Zhou sat, but now they shared the same table.

Jin Niang wasn't the only one moved by the moment; Third Miss Zhou felt it too.

How life turns out was truly unpredictable.

On the day of the Metropolitan Exam, Jin Niang personally escorted Jiang Xian. She adjusted his fur coat and urged, "Make sure to wear the hood. Though spring has begun, the chill still cuts deep."

"With the new fur coat you made me, what’s there to be cold about?" Jiang Xian replied, admiring the luxurious sable coat, lined with dark gold velvet. To keep him from looking too aged, Jin Niang had paired it with a lake-blue padded jacket. She had even crafted matching ear muffs in the same shade, fearing his ears might freeze.

When they arrived, Jiang Xian hopped down from the carriage and was immediately hit by a gust of wind. "No need to get out, my dear—it’s too cold," he said quickly.

"Got it. Focus on your exam, and don’t worry about home," Jin Niang reassured him.

Jiang Xian nodded.

As they exchanged a few more words, they noticed some southern candidates coughing or sniffling, some even calling for physicians. Jin Niang spotted Feng Sheng waiting nearby with his medicine box—always hustling.

Lou Siniang had been pondering the same issue earlier. While delivering herbs, she asked Feng Sheng, "You ride the children hard, hoping they’ll pass the exams one day. But with connections right before you, why not use them? Aunt Jiang seems perfectly pleasant."

Feng Sheng just gave a thin smile, saying nothing.

Lou Siniang wondered—her husband was usually so quick to schmooze. What was different now?

...

The Metropolitan Exam lasted three days. Jin Niang waited on pins and needles at home, though she kept her hands busy.

A Ying brought them all some chrysanthemum and wolfberry tea, a kind known to be good for the eyes—important for anyone doing embroidery. Setting down the teacups, she asked, “Jin Niang, is the Jia family’s order ready to go today?”

“Yep, the quilt covers for the Jias are all done with the embroidery. We just need to sew them up. I’ll do it later with Zhu Xiuniang,” Jin Niang said, rubbing her eyes.

After they finished stitching the quilts, Min Zhi wrapped them in a cloth bundle and went with Chen Xiaolang to deliver them.

At that moment, Jin Niang glanced at the sky, thinking that Jiang Xian should be back soon. And sure enough, he returned shortly after—but worn out from the exam. He ate a bowl of quail-filled dumplings and then collapsed into bed, sleeping straight through for two days before he recovered.

When he finally woke up, Jin Niang saw that he looked pale and quickly asked, “How did you do this time?”

If he didn’t pass the Metropolitan Exam, he’d have to retake the Provincial Exam. But if he passed, then the only thing left was the Palace Exam to determine his ranking.

Jiang Xian didn’t want his wife to get her hopes up for nothing, so he simply said, “That’s up to the examiners.”

He kept his mouth shut tight, leaving Jin Niang quite anxious. Luckily, there was plenty of embroidery work around, so she stayed busy and sometimes even forgot about it.

On the day the results were posted, everyone had changed into their spring clothes. Jiang Xian hated the idea of Jin Niang pushing through the crowd, so he hired a couple of helpers to check the list for him. But Jin Niang wouldn’t listen. She covered her head with a veil and forced her way to the front, scanning the names quickly until she found Jiang Xian’s.

She let out a sigh of relief and put a hand on her chest, then hurried back to find Jiang Xian. To her surprise, he was grinning to himself. “You tricked me on purpose, didn’t you? You made me so worried!” she scolded.

Jiang Xian raised his hands. “That’s not fair!”

After the Palace Exam, when Jin Niang had calmed down a bit, she sent the helpers to check the final rankings and even had them copy the list.

First Rank, Eighth Place: Jiang Xian, courtesy name Shushi, childhood name Xian’er. Strictly raised, age twenty-two, born in the early hours of the sixth day of the third month. Maternal surname Liu. Excelled in poetic composition, passed in one attempt. Elder brother Yan, also passed the exams that year, married to Wei Shi. Great-grandfather Hao served as Vice Grand Councilor, Co-Director of the Chancellery, and Grand Academician of the Jixian Hall, posthumously honored as Duke Ming. Grandfather Yao, father Tiancheng. Native of Kaifeng Prefecture; father registered as a commoner.

Jin Niang read it three times. Seeing how happy his wife was, Jiang Xian felt even happier than when he first saw his own name on the list.

“Heavens! Does this make me a jinshi’s wife now?” Jin Niang finally allowed herself to celebrate.

Jiang Xian smiled gently. “My wife’s done right by her husband.”