Chapter 85

Chapter 85

As Jin Niang wandered through the Dou residence, she marveled at its soaring eaves, intricately carved beams, and painted pillars—a lavish display of prosperity. She mused that Madam Dou had married into the Jiang family during its peak. While Jiang Shi was merely the niece of Chancellor Jiang, Madam Dou was his blood granddaughter, so her chosen husband must have been extraordinary indeed.

Just then, a man approached from the opposite direction. He appeared to be in his thirties, dressed in wide-sleeved robes with his hair tied up casually using a single ebony hairpin, giving him a carefree bohemian air.

Lan Mama quickly curtsied. “Fourth Lord Dou.”

She then hurriedly introduced Jiang Xian. “Young Lord Sixteen, this is our family’s Fourth Lord.”

Jiang Xian stepped forward and bowed respectfully, offering a humble greeting without any arrogance despite having earned his jinshi degree.

Observing Jiang Xian’s striking handsomeness, his fine robes and jade crown marking him clearly as the heir of an elite family with the bearing of a scholar, Fourth Lord Dou turned to Lan Mama and said, “If Second Sister-in-law permits, I’d like to take my nephew out for a tour around Yangzhou.”

Lan Mama smiled. “It’s already a great fortune that Young Lord Sixteen has come to see our lady. He is about to take up his post in Wu County.”

Fourth Lord Dou was taken aback—he hadn’t expected Jiang Xian to already hold an official position. His smile widened, and he became even more enthusiastic. Jin Niang noted this keenly; imperial examinations were highly valued these days, especially in Jiangnan, known for its literary culture.

“Fourth Lord,” Lan Mama reminded gently, “the lady is still waiting…”

Only then did Fourth Lord Dou exchange polite farewells before departing. His gait carried a free-spirited Wei-Jin dynasty style, exuding nonchalance.

Lan Mama explained, “Fourth Lord is the matriarch’s youngest son. He made his name in poetry by age twelve, gaining fame throughout Yangzhou. But for some reason, he never distinguished himself in the exams as he grew older. Eventually, he stopped sitting for them entirely. He enjoys the company of scholars.”

Jiang Xian merely smiled, rarely one to judge others hastily.

Madam Dou’s main quarters lay within the third courtyard—whitewashed walls and black tiles gave it the look of a delicate ink painting.

Before Jin Niang could admire the scenery further, she followed Jiang Xian inside. The ground floor served as a receiving hall, where soon a woman in her forties emerged, supported by a girl of about twelve or thirteen. Judging by her attire, this must be Second Madam Dou, née Jiang.

Sure enough, Lan Mama promptly introduced her as Aunt Eight.

Jin Niang was about to bow alongside Jiang Xian when Second Madam Dou grasped her hand. “No need for such formalities. It’s been ages since I’ve seen any of my Jiang relatives here in Yangzhou. This is truly a joy.”

As she spoke, she had tea brought in.

Though they were family, Jiang Xian had been born after Second Madam Dou’s marriage, making them practically strangers. Yet, they needed to pretend otherwise—a test of social finesse.

Jiang Xian excelled at it. Warmly, he said, “Once your nephew takes up his post in Wu County—even if it’s only a minor position—should you ever need anything, just send word. Wu County isn’t far from Yangzhou. You could even have my cousins visit. My wife is very accommodating.”

To Second Madam Dou, who had hoped precisely for Jiang Xian’s help, these words were exactly what she needed. She looked anew at her young nephew—successful yet humble, every bit the dependable man.

His thoughtful words moved her to tears. The girl beside her quickly handed her a handkerchief. “Mother, don’t cry. Now that Cousin is here, we’ll be fine. Just tell him what’s troubling you.”

Second Madam Dou dabbed her eyes slightly embarrassed. “This girl speaks too hastily.”

“Aunt,” Jin Niang chimed in, “if there’s anything you need, just say so. Isn’t helping each other what family is for?”

Originally, she should have addressed her as “Aunt Eight,” but since Jiang Xian omitted the “Eight,” Jin Niang followed suit.

Taking Jin Niang’s hand, Second Madam Dou said, “Just hearing you speak, I can tell you’re a virtuous woman.” Then she had a set of jewelry brought out for Jin Niang.

The set included a filigree phoenix hairpin, a gold comb, filigree earrings with gemstones, agate bead bracelets, and kingfisher-feather inlaid bracelets—all of the finest quality.

Jin Niang hurriedly declined. “Aunt, you’re too generous. Such lavish gifts—your nephew’s wife couldn’t possibly accept them.”

After all, when someone gives a gift, there’s usually something they want in return. Small favors were one thing, but she wouldn’t involve herself in anything unethical or anything that might hurt Jiang Xian’s career.

Jiang Xian was pleased. Though his wife enjoyed turning a profit, she preferred earning what was rightfully hers—she wouldn’t touch what wasn’t.

Second Madam Dou saw that Jin Niang persistently refused to accept the gifts and began weeping again, but Jin Niang pretended not to notice.

Only then did Second Madam Dou dismiss the servants before finally revealing the matter. It turned out that Second Master Dou had been doting on his concubine at his wife’s expense. After Second Madam Dou entered the household, the concubine followed shortly after, and both women bore sons in quick succession. The concubine bore two sons, securing a prominent position in the household, and three years ago even brought her niece into the residence.

“That niece is stunningly beautiful but lacks propriety. My Bo’er initially paid her no mind despite several chance encounters, but gradually he actually came to me saying he wanted to marry her.” Second Madam Dou was so furious she felt faint.

Jiang Xian said, “Young men being smitten is only natural. Simply send the girl away, and the matter will be resolved.”

Every family has its share of “infatuated souls.” Wasn’t fifteenth brother from the seventh branch of the Jiang family the same?

Second Madam Dou replied, “A few days ago he brought it up again, and I still refused. Yesterday, he disappeared—along with that girl.”

“Disappeared?” Jin Niang asked. “If they’re missing, why not just search for them?”

Second Madam Dou shook her head. “No, we can’t make a public fuss. We must keep it quiet.”

Jiang Xian and Jin Niang exchanged glances, both puzzled. Second Madam Dou then explained, “In two days, the eldest uncle will return. The main branch has no sons and had always held high hopes for your cousin.”

“Aunt,” Jiang Xian suddenly asked, “how are the concubine’s two sons in their studies?”

Though reluctant to admit it, Second Madam Dou said, “They’re somewhat cunning, but it’s all petty cleverness.”

With that, Jiang Xian understood everything. He stood and said, “Very well, I know how to find your son.”

He was exceedingly sharp-witted. Why did he quickly win people’s favor? Precisely because he specialized in handling thorny matters to please others.

Jin Niang had no idea what his plan was but followed Lan Mama to the guest quarters to rest. She mentioned her intention to buy household help and asked if Lan Mama knew any reputable matchmakers. Lan Mama chuckled, “No trouble at all—we can send some servants your way.”

“That’s too generous,” Jin Niang said.

After settling them in, Lan Mama brought over Second Madam Dou’s daughter. Jin Niang noticed she was learning embroidery and offered some guidance. The young lady, named Dou Yuan, was forthright by nature. Thrilled that Jiang Xian had come to help her mother, she chattered excitedly with Jin Niang: “What’s Bianjing like? Is it the same as Yangzhou?”

“Bianjing and Yangzhou have much in common, yet differ too,” Jin Niang replied, keeping the conversation light.

“Near Jinming Pond, many people play polo—some are even women. Then there’s the Great Xiangguo Temple, open five times a month. It’s a bustling marketplace where you can find all sorts of rare treasures and exotic beasts.”

For a sheltered young girl, the outside world was endlessly fascinating.

Jin Niang added with a smile, “No hurry. Once we settle in Wu County, we’ll invite you over for a visit.”

Dou Yuan sighed. “I’d love to go, but my mother can’t leave. Cousin-in-law, you don’t understand—that concubine in our household always torments my mother. My father listens to her in everything and often quarrels with my mother.”

Having witnessed many conflicts between wives and concubines in wealthy families, Jin Niang could only console her. “Adults navigate these matters in their own way. Focus on living your life well—that’s what truly matters.”

Just like her own parents’ lives—she could intervene temporarily but not forever. Or even her own life—present joy might not last.

According to Lan Mama, when Eighth Aunt first married into the family, Second Master Dou, though he had concubines, treated her courteously and harmoniously.

Dou Yuan took a liking to Jin Niang. Her embroidery was lovely; she had just taught her how to embroider a fan cover—more beautiful than market-bought ones. She was always smiling, and being around her felt peaceful, unlike the strife at home.

Her household was constantly plagued by squabbles between her mother, father, and the concubines. Her father complained about her mother’s harshness, the concubines stirred trouble, and her mother lamented her father’s incompetence and favoritism toward the concubines.

“Cousin-in-law,” Dou Yuan remarked, noticing Yun Jieer wearing a soft goose-yellow outfit with yellow bellflower embroidery along the collar and a koi-green pleated skirt adorned with golden loquats and sparrows, the loquats dusted with gold powder, looking glistening.

Jin Niang smiled, “If you like it, I’ll make you a set when I have time.”

“Thank you, cousin-in-law!” Dou Yuan hugged Jin Niang’s arm.

As it happened, they planned to rest at the Dou residence for a day. The Dou family knew their manners well—Second Madam Dou even introduced her to other elders in the household and she received many generous gifts. Meanwhile, Jiang Xian dined with the young men of the family, and caught up in the fun, even went for a spin in a little boat.

Jin Niang looked apologetically at Second Madam Dou and said, "My husband’s got a playful streak—please don’t take offense, Aunt."

Second Madam Dou glanced at the concubine behind her and remarked, "Shiliulang has always had that Wei-Jin era flair about him."

"Thank you for being so understanding, Aunt," Jin Niang replied with a smile.

She put the children to bed first. Today, Fang Ma was on hand to assist her, while she sent A Ying back to help Min Zhi and her husband watch over the luggage on the boat. Fortunately, the boat they had hired was scheduled to stay at the Yangzhou dock for a few more days, so Jin Niang took it all in stride.

Early the next morning, Jiang Xian returned full of energy, bringing back two famous Yangzhou pastries for Jin Niang.

Jin Niang was getting ready when he arrived. Seeing him, she immediately asked, "What're you up to now?"

"No need to rush," Jiang Xian said with a laugh.

In truth, Jin Niang already knew what Jiang Xian was up to. He was indeed a shrewd judge of people—he had likely figured out that the disappearance or sudden elopement of the Dou family’s young master was the concubine’s handiwork. Thus, he decided to scare her by making her son “disappear” as well. If the concubine bit, the Dou family’s son would be found quickly. If she remained stubborn, no one would come out looking good when the eldest master of the Dou family returned.

After checking on Jin Niang and the children, Jiang Xian went to see Second Madam Dou.

Second Madam Dou had been running around like a headless chicken before, but with Jiang Xian’s help, she perked right up. *If your niece lured my son away, then now my nephew has taken your son out. Let's cut the act.*

The concubine naturally came to inquire once, but as a woman, she couldn't speak directly to the male relatives. She sent someone to find Second Master Dou, but Jiang Xian was out wining and dining with Second Master Dou and Fourth Master Dou, so she was out of luck.

That evening, with Jiang Xian—a relative from her maiden family—present, Second Master Dou naturally spent the night with Second Madam Dou, which further unsettled the concubine.

Jiang Xian could hold his liquor well. Even after drinking heavily, he was mostly clear-headed again after drinking some honey water.

Jin Niang handed him a warm towel. "You’ve been having the occasional drink these past few days. Get some proper rest." She was genuinely concerned for her husband, knowing that while he enjoyed a drink or two, he wasn’t one to overindulge.

"It’s fine. I wrote a few landscape poems today—it lifted my spirits," Jiang Xian shared his thoughts with Jin Niang.

Jin Niang shook her head. "When literati arrive in Jiangnan, they always compose countless poems about it, leaving people in awe. But while I found Yu Xin’s *Lament for the South* decent, I was truly stunned by his talent when reading *Ode to the Withered Tree*—phrases like *'Layers of shattered brocade, petals of true blossoms; tangled grass and trees, scattered mist and clouds.'*"

Her words got him thinking. What one writes in the moment may not be their best, but when reminiscing about Jiangnan from afar, embellishing it in their mind, they might produce something even greater.

"My wife always refuses to discuss poetry with me, claiming she doesn’t understand. Yet I see you constantly reading, and your words are always unexpectedly insightful," Jiang Xian observed, looking at Jin Niang.

Jin Niang waved her hand. "I wouldn’t dare show off my rusty skills in front of an expert. But since you haven’t yet taken up your official post, you must remain cautious in all matters."

Jiang Xian nodded. "Don’t worry. Tomorrow, that concubine will likely crack under pressure."

After all, the eldest master of the Dou family was about to return home.

"But what if she doesn’t take the bait?" Jin Niang voiced her greatest concern.

Jiang Xian looked at her seriously. "If it were you, you might not fall for it—or do something so foolish in the first place. But for the average woman in the inner quarters, it’s entirely possible."

Jin Niang was taken aback. She stared at her husband, not knowing whether to laugh or sigh. "Thank you for the compliment."

"Still, if Eighth Aunt had to handle this alone, things might go sideways for the second branch. But with me here, I can certainly lend her a hand," Jiang Xian declared.

The next day, Jin Niang went to see Second Madam Dou first. Though anxious, Second Madam Dou couldn’t show it outwardly and tried to keep up appearances by making small talk with Jin Niang. Previously, Jin Niang had refrained from saying much, not wanting to interfere with Jiang Xian’s plans. But as the saying goes, one shouldn’t trouble two masters with the same task.

However, she knew that while Jiang Xian was resourceful, he was still a man and might not fully grasp the intricacies of the inner quarters. So after sipping her tea, she worked the talk around: "Aunt, yesterday I met your family’s Third Madam—she seemed very amiable. I heard she also has a son. What’s he like with his studies?"

"Ye'er?" Second Madam Dou considered. "Ye'er is quite good. But he was born in the seventh month and has always been frail—either troubled by one thing or another, constantly under the weather." Every time she saw her third sister-in-law’s child, she counted her blessings that her own son was healthy.

Jin Niang mused silently: among the four branches of the Dou family, the eldest had no sons, the fourth only three daughters, while the second branch alone had many sons. If the sons of the second branch turned against each other, the third branch would stand to gain.

The third branch's son was too sickly to sit for the imperial exams. In the future, he could rely on First Master Dou’s favor for an official title—even without being formally adopted, he’d be fine.

Even Third Madam Dou kept her hands clean. With just a few words of provocation, the petty and grasping concubine would act quickly enough.

Of course, these were only her suspicions.

"Cousin-in-law," Dou Yuan asked brightly, "could you help me sketch another floral pattern?"

Jin Niang sat at the octagonal table in the inner room, helping Dou Yuan draw a peony design. From copying to drawing freely, she quickly got into the flow. Dou Yuan watched with delight, buzzing around Jin Niang happily.

Only when Second Master Dou and the concubine arrived did Jin Niang finally step out with Dou Yuan.

Second Master Dou entered with a worried look and asked his wife, "Where are they? Why are both Second Son and Third Son missing?"

"What an odd thing to ask, husband," Second Madam Dou replied, spreading her hands. "If they’re missing, go report it to the authorities—what does it have to do with me? Those two boys have always been raised in the concubine’s quarters, off-limits for me to manage. Now that they're gone, you come looking to me?"

The concubine burst out, "But my son went out to dine with your nephews and never returned! My son—"

"Don’t just talk about your son—my son and your nephew are missing too!" Second Madam Dou shot her a sharp glance.

Second Master Dou frowned. "What? First Son is missing as well?"

"How strange—his son has been gone three days and the father knows nothing," Second Madam Dou gave a bitter laugh.

The concubine feigned ignorance, but Second Madam Dou fixed her with a stare. "If it comes to it, we’ll all go down together."

"Madam, what are you saying? How would I know anything?" The concubine panicked and stepped back.

Second Master Dou, however, looked at his strong-willed wife and defended the delicate concubine. "She’s merely a servant-concubine. Your own son is missing, yet you say nothing—why blame her?"

Sometimes, Second Madam Dou wondered whose fault it really was that their marriage had come to this. Hardening her heart, she glared at her husband and the concubine. "Let me say it again—if my son isn't returned to me, we all die together."

Seeing her like this, the concubine grew frightened and whispered, "Since they disappeared with Xue’er, I’ll go ask around."

How far could two people without papers get? They rarely left the house, and beyond Yangzhou City, they wouldn’t even know which direction was which. The concubine had her brother track them down immediately, and soon, her two sons returned as well.

The concubine rushed over in panic. "My sons! Have you suffered?"

But the two boys just laughed. "Not at all! Cousin Jiang took us out sketching, and we even brought paintings back!"

When the concubine tried to complain to Second Master Dou, he instead lit up. "Unroll your paintings—let me see!"

The two sons unfurled their works, and Second Master Dou admired them eagerly. The concubine realized her family lacked influence, while Second Madam Dou understood clearly—her husband simply didn’t dare offend the Jiang family outright.

Though she saw through her husband, she remained hopelessly spoiled toward her son.

This eldest son of the Dou family was thoroughly indulged. When he was found, showing no gratitude for his mother’s desperate search, he said only, "Mother, let me have my way."

Second Madam Dou was so furious she nearly fainted, but Jiang Xian interjected smoothly, "Ah, this must be our cousin? I’ve heard about your affair with that young lady—it truly moves me, like *The Peacock Flies Southeast*, lingering every five li."

Dou Dalang, deep in teenage defiance, doubled down on his obsession whenever opposed. Seeing Jiang Xian’s approval, his expression softened completely.

Then Jiang Xian added, "Come to think of it, I have a relative who was just like you—he ended up winning his lady love. Can you guess how?"

Dou Dalang leaned forward eagerly. "Cousin, do tell!"

Jiang Xian smiled and said, "This relative of mine originally faced family opposition, but later gained admission to the Imperial Academy and was chosen as a son-in-law by a wealthy household. The dowry alone amounted to over five thousand strings of cash. Later, his wife proved to be very virtuous. Seeing that her husband had a beloved woman, she took the initiative to help bring her into the household. Eloping like this is far too reckless. Without travel documents or legitimate status, you two would struggle to survive elsewhere. If she truly loves you, what does it matter if she becomes a concubine? As long as you stay together, isn’t that enough?"

...

Jin Niang listened for a while and clicked her tongue, saying, "You’re truly shameless."

"I reckon Old Master Dou will return soon. If the eldest son is truly adopted out, wouldn't that work in my favor?" Jiang Xian only shared his calculations with his wife.

His wife, however, shook her head.

"Do you disagree, my dear?"

Jin Niang smiled. "I’ve always believed one shouldn’t get too involved in others’ affairs. No advice can save someone hellbent on ruin. We came here to help relatives, and now that we’ve done so, we should head to our new post soon. This Dou Dalang—a full-grown man like him, yet blind to his mother’s sacrifices and his sister’s worries. Even if he passes the imperial exams, I’d say he’s still a fool through and through."

She had never believed in the saying that a prodigal’s return is worth more than gold. She continued, "First, he can’t tell right from wrong—that girl is his mother’s rival’s niece, yet he turns a blind eye. Second, he knows full well his father is useless, and his mother and sister’s futures depend on him, yet he remains oblivious—heartless and ungrateful. Even when you told him the truth about the concubine’s schemes, he was still muddle-headed, only focused on his starry-eyed romance. How can you expect anything from someone who treats his own mother like this?"

"My dear, you speak with true insight," Jiang Xian said, suddenly enlightened.

Jin Niang then recounted what she had observed in the Dou household. "The Dou family’s affairs are murky. I had Lan Mama inquire whether Third Madam Dou had visited that concubine’s courtyard—and she had, secretly. We’ve done all the warning we can. If our aunt and Dou Dalang can’t handle things themselves, even if we help now, they’ll likely fall into another trap later."

This was something Jiang Xian hadn’t considered. He had assumed it was just a feud between wives and concubines, never imagining it went this far.

"What do you suggest, my dear?" Jiang Xian asked sincerely.

Jin Niang smiled. "I know you want to build connections, but don’t forget what I told you—I’d rather be my own towering tree. Since this trip was only to help Auntie, let’s leave it at that. Otherwise, don’t blame me for not warning you about getting in over your head. Frankly, I don’t have high hopes for the Dou family."

For short-term gains, they’d end up cleaning up endless messes later—like trying to salvage tofu from ashes.

Somehow, Jiang Xian suddenly felt his wife was more suited to officialdom than he was. She seemed to get along so well with his aunt and cousin, yet when it came to action, she was level-headed, measured, clear-eyed—even cutting. He hadn’t even known about Third Madam Dou’s involvement.

What was rare was that despite the Dou family’s wealth, his wife had no interest in leveraging their connections. Instead, she believed the family was doomed in the long run.

Thus, she insisted they maintain only ordinary familial ties, keeping a distance.

"Alright, I promise, my dear," Jiang Xian agreed obediently.

Jin Niang nodded. "Good. Then let’s return to the ship."

Seeing the couple about to leave, Second Madam Dou hurriedly tried to persuade them to stay, with Dou Dalang joining in. Jiang Xian reluctantly said, "I came to see Auntie. Now that my cousin has returned, there’s no need for me to stay. Auntie, I must hurry to my post."

Second Madam Dou was deeply moved and prepared generous farewell gifts, even gifting Jin Niang three maidservants. Jin Niang, not one to accept gifts lightly, in return gave Dou Yuan a book of her own floral designs and two exquisite pleated skirts embroidered with full-branch floral patterns.

Jiang Xian glanced at Jin Niang. With everything else going on, his wife still remembered the purpose of adding servants to their household. No matter the circumstances, she always accomplished what she set out to do. She really was something else.