Chapter 91

Chapter 91

After purchasing the manor, Jin Niang summoned Manager Fan for a meeting. The manager proved to be quite capable.

Manager Fan said, "Rest assured, the rent rates have remained consistent for years—usually fifty percent, reduced to twenty percent in lean years. The land you bought is near the Deguang River. Ordinary fertile fields cost only one guan per mu, but yours is more valuable because of its favorable terrain and convenient irrigation."

Irrigation was crucial. Though Jin Niang had never farmed, she knew disputes over water sources often led to fights in her hometown. Higher ground meant less risk of flooding.

Moreover, among the fields she purchased, one hundred mu were planted with both early and late rice.

"To be honest," Manager Fan explained, "those two qing of land originally grew both early and late rice, but the poor yield forced a switch back to single-season rice. Only the land you bought at three guan per mu can sustain double-cropping, hence the higher price."

Jin Niang did the math in her head: one mu could yield two to three dan of grain, with rice selling for sixty to seventy wen per dou. If two hundred mu yielded three dan each at fifty percent rent, that would be 180 guan. The hundred mu of double-cropped land would also bring in 180 guan.

After deducting expenses for oxen, tools, and the manager’s wages, they could still net around 300 guan.

When Jin Niang voiced her calculations, Manager Fan was astonished. He had assumed the young lady knew little of farming, but her quick calculations earned his respect. "Also," he added quickly, "the grove and bamboo behind the manor can generate additional income."

"During my visit to the Judge's wife’s home," Jin Niang said, "I noticed they grew Dongting tangerines and brewed wine from them. Perhaps we could plant fruit trees too—not for sale, just for our own use."

Manager Fan nodded. "Consider it done."

Jin Niang rewarded him with a bolt of fine cloth and two kinds of pastries, delighting him. She also had Ju Xiang prepare dishes and invited Chen Xiaolang to share a drink with him.

Yun Jieer was now four years old, following a set schedule: calligraphy practice in the mornings while Jin Niang taught her needlework in the afternoons. Jin Niang, who had only started embroidery at nine, knew how disadvantaged she had been. In this era, a woman’s needlework was not just a display of skill but a way to earn a living.

Everyone needed a trade, and Jin Niang had built a comfortable living through embroidery. If her daughter ever faced hardship, she would at least have a craft to fall back on.

Jin Niang herself worked on double-sided embroidery while A Ying and Qing Rong quietly sewed sanitary pads nearby.

Previously, Jiang Xian had sold a chest of her stored pepper and tea. Now, another chest had been filled—mostly gifts received after his imperial examination success, including tea cakes from the Gu family.

As for Jiang Xian’s salary, two qing of hereditary land and two qing of official land had been allocated, giving them more financial security.

The Cold Food Festival was approaching, and the women of the household busied themselves with preparations. Jin Niang sent Chen Xiaolang to the manor to fetch a woman skilled in making Jiangnan-style cold food dishes to guide them.

Northern and southern cuisines differed, so they couldn’t generalize.

The woman, around thirty, was clean-cut and sharp. Jin Niang learned her husband’s surname was Hua, and they rented fifty mu from her. As the eldest daughter-in-law among five brothers, she shouldered more responsibility.

"The eldest daughter-in-law’s role is never easy," Jin Niang said kindly. "But your diligence will surely bring prosperity."

Impressed by Jin Niang’s grace and kindness—and learning she had three sons and a daughter—Jin Niang gifted her a bolt of blue wool fabric for the children’s clothes, along with a pair of white candles and a box of maltose candy.

With Hua Da Sao and Ju Xiang leading, they prepared cold food: sticky rice packets stuffed with chicken, fish, or goose meat, wrapped in ruo leaves and steamed. There was also jiangchi (aspic)—a Jiangling favorite was fish jelly, but here they used meat jelly—and maltose candy.

For wheat cakes, cheese, and milk cakes, they bought some from the town's baker.

With no cooking allowed during the Cold Food Festival, extra preparations were necessary to feed everyone.

Pleased with Hua Da Sao’s work, Jin Niang rewarded her with two pieces of preserved meat. "Try our hometown’s specialty."

Hua Da Sao was deeply grateful. Though their family had land, mouths to feed were many, and the County Sheriff's wife’s gifts were much needed.

Jin Niang’s generous preparations served another purpose—exchanging Cold Food Festival dishes with county officials and distributing some to the County Sheriff’s Office clerks.

Female coroner Jiang Liujie also received a Cold Food Festival gift from Jin Niang. "See?" she said to an elderly woman at home. "We won't have to slave over the preparations ourselves."

The woman, Jiang Liujie’s aunt, had lost an eye and fallen ill, rejected by her son and daughter-in-law. Jiang Liujie had taken her in and hired a young maid to care for her.

Here is the edited translation incorporating the expert suggestions:

Aunt Jiang looked at the various dumplings and cakes sent over and couldn't help but say, "The government office treats you so well."

"This isn't from the yamen, it's from the County Sheriff's wife. She's always been very courteous. During the Lantern Festival, her family even sent over glutinous rice balls," replied Jiang Liujie.

This was also why the clerks in the County Sheriff's office all said County Sheriff Jiang was better than County Sheriff Mei. Some petty officials were quite skilled at lining their pockets and lived comfortably, while others were honest and simple. Receiving a holiday gift like this to take home was a nice gesture.

Unlike Lady Bao, who looked down on these petty officials. Even her servants whined about lacking money for purchases—how miserly!

Some merchants also sent gifts to the door, but Jin Niang, as usual, refused to accept them. However, Lady Qi was busy taking inventory. These ordinary-looking gift boxes for Cold Food Festival actually contained silver ingots underneath—each box held fifty taels, two boxes making a hundred taels.

These silver ingots bore no official seal and could be used directly, leaving no evidence for others to trace.

Most of these merchants were lumber merchants profiting from river construction projects, who had made fortunes through Hou Gong.

Lady Qi, pregnant but keeping it quiet, sent someone to the temple with twenty taels to fulfill a vow. Then her sister-in-law, Hou Sanjie, dropped by, asking to join Lady Tian's sewing circle, to which Lady Qi naturally agreed.

She wasn't surprised—her sister-in-law liked Lady Tian, who was generous and open-handed.

Speaking of generosity, Lady Wei was also very generous, but they were different. Lady Tian freely spent her dowry on others, while Lady Wei knew how to make money with hers.

Yet County Sheriff Jiang's reputation was far better than Scribe Han's. It was said that County Sheriff Jiang never allowed merchants into his home—once, a wealthy merchant even offered his daughter as a second wife with a dowry, but he refused. In contrast, Scribe Han, a hereditary appointee, had no such scruples and was naturally criticized.

It happened to be Cold Food Festival, and County Sheriff Jiang was on leave. Rarely free from casework, he was chatting with Jin Niang at home when they heard a woman's piercing scream outside, like a stuck pig.

"A Ying, go see what's happening," Jin Niang urged.

A Ying immediately ran out and returned to report, "It's Chief Yang beating his wife—kicked her square in the chest. He accused her of spreading rumors that he spent money on other women while starving their children at home. He also said she mistreated his mother, refusing to feed her."

"If he had a grievance, he should've spoken up like a decent man. Why beat her so harshly? Husband, perhaps send Cao Da to check," Jin Niang suggested. She knew Chief Yang's wife wasn't exactly virtuous, but Chief Yang himself had another family outside and treated his wife cruelly.

Knowing his wife's kindness, County Sheriff Jiang had no choice but to instruct Cao Da, his retainer, to intervene. A visit from Cao Da would surely make the Yang household behave.

Sure enough, after Cao Da's visit, the Yang household quickly quieted down. Chief Yang even sent two boxes of fruits as an apology.

Jin Niang wouldn't touch his gifts. She sent half a box to the pregnant Min Zhi and had Fang Ma distribute the rest among the others.

Unbeknownst to them, Lady Bao and Qiao Er were gloating over their revenge. Chief Yang's beating of his wife had been instigated by Lady Bao, who remarked, "That woman deserved a good thrashing."

Qiao Er lamented, "Pity it stopped after just a few kicks—apparently, County Sheriff Jiang's household sent someone over."

"How disappointing," Lady Bao scoffed.

Qiao Er then asked, "Why didn't Lady Tian step in? Isn't she supposed to be kind?"

Lady Bao sneered, "That's why everyone praises her—I think she's hiding something, pretending to be a saint. She doles out trifles but ducks when things get serious."

After Cold Food Festival, County Sheriff Jiang took Jin Niang and the kids on a countryside outing to their estate, which was near the city walls. Though the children could usually play in the yamen's back garden, it wasn't the same as the natural scenery of the countryside.

Yun Jieer, the elder, fared fine, but Ning Geer, just over a year old, had to wear padded clothes and a hat.

Jin Niang had Chen Xiaolang stay with Min Zhi, who was pregnant, while Fang Ma, too old for the journey, stayed behind. Ju Xiang was busy cooking, and Legal Advisor Song remained to handle urgent documents. The others—Jiao Xing, Pei Lan, and A Ying—stayed behind. Among those going, Cao Da drove the carriage, while Liu Douer handled the donkey cart, with Qing Rong the wet nurse and Xi Qiu seated in the back. The main carriage carried the family of four.

In Bianjing, outings were rare—everyone was too busy. Jin Niang's family ran a business, and holidays were peak season—no time to shut down.

County Sheriff Mei watched, green with envy. Returning home, he told Lady Bao, "That Jiang's wife is rolling in money—she bought such a large estate so soon after arriving here."

Lady Bao glared, seething with envy, but more importantly, she wanted money for new clothes. "Indeed. Last winter, I saw her in a fine sable fur coat—you should get me one too." County Sheriff Mei replied, "It's April—who wears fur now?"

Madam Bao inwardly fumed that he had plenty of fine fur coats for himself but only bought her a cheap one. While others had several to rotate, she had just one, which had long made her seethe with jealousy.

As they spoke, word came that Madam Bao's brother and sister-in-law had arrived. Sheriff Mei stepped out to exchange pleasantries, while Madam Bao, seeing her sister-in-law rise, instructed servants to prepare the side room for her stay.

Sister-in-law Bao came with dual purposes: to enjoy some luxury for a few days and to mooch off them.

When Jin Niang's party returned from the manor and encountered this sister-in-law at Madam Bao's home, she sent over two platters of fruit purchased from the tenant farmers.

Seeing this, Sister-in-law Bao smiled obsequiously at Qing Rong: "Do thank your lady for her generosity, depriving her of such fine treats."

Qing Rong replied, "My lady insists you treat this place as your own home. We should become better acquainted and visit often."

These words greatly pleased Sister-in-law Bao. After Qing Rong left, she told Madam Bao: "That Mrs. Wei at your office seems quite decent - she was remarkably warm toward me."

"She's just tossing scraps our way," Madam Bao retorted. "If she had anything valuable, do you think you'd see it?" She'd long despised her brother and sister-in-law for their vulgarity - the same people who'd sold her into servitude, now sniffing around for handouts.

Sister-in-law Bao let out a strained chuckle.

When departure time came, Madam Bao gave her only a single string of cash and some day-old sweets from the pantry.

Meanwhile, Jin Niang was telling Jiang Xian: "I've heard even government post stations have light-fingered attendants. After we have Luo Da transfer the money this time, let's wait until your official review in two years to collect the remainder."

Jiang Xian frowned. "Will our coffers last until then?"

He perpetually worried about household expenses.

Jin Niang smiled. "Our funds are sufficient."

"Then summon Luo Da. I'd also inquire about capital affairs - written messages can't convey everything. Besides, when we eventually move to the capital, our Wu County rents must continue reaching us." Jiang Xian couldn't comprehend Jin Niang's softheartedness with the help - in his view, servants existed to serve.

Jin Niang acquiesced: "If you insist, write him accordingly."

Having settled official matters, Jin Niang brightened: "We'll collect summer rents in June. Steward Fan planted a half-mu plot of melons, several fruit trees, and trained grape arbors in the garden - we'll need no market fruits."

Jin Niang compensated Steward Fan handsomely: beyond keeping portion of the harvest, he received two lengths of good silk, two varieties of fine tea, and twenty strings of cash annually.

Similarly, Mother Fang now managed Jin Niang's affairs for five mace of silver monthly - above standard wages.

Some masters micromanaged until exhausted; Jin Niang preferred delegating to administrators, holding individuals accountable rather than spreading blame.

Jiang Xian listened halfheartedly to these domestic matters, content to let his wife decide.

Despite her contentment, Jin Niang believed in staying vigilant in good times. She resumed reading - whether legends or histories, the Extensive Records of the Taiping Era satisfied her eclectic tastes.

After two hours, she looked up to find Jiang Xian staring intensely. "Why are you looking at me like that?" she startled.

"What else?" Jiang Xian approached. "Jin Niang, you look like a glutinous rice ball - I could devour you whole."

"Nonsense." Dressed in pale yellow silks against her snow-white complexion, she did resemble a steamed milk bun - though she hadn't expected him to voice the thought.

Embracing her from behind, Jiang Xian murmured, "I only speak my heart."

"You... truly incorrigible." Ever indulgent, Jin Niang yielded to his whims.

After Qingming Festival, Jin Niang served as Fortune Matron for the Lin wedding. The Lin girl was betrothed to a county scholar from a lesser branch of a good family - admitted to county school at fourteen, now seventeen and entering Pingjiang's military academy.

The Lin family, though not as affluent and esteemed as the Gu family, was still a household of considerable wealth. They had previously sent gifts to Jin Niang, which she had politely declined. Now, they invited her to serve as the Complete Fortune Matron. Jin Niang wore a honey-colored gauze skirt without embroidery, except for a large phoenix tree leaf delicately stitched along the edge of her shawl. Her hair was adorned with delicate jade flowers, giving her an exceptionally fresh and charming appearance.

As part of her role, Jin Niang received a peaked crown made with intricate filigree work and inlaid with gemstones and pearls—an extremely luxurious piece. The Lin family also presented her with two boxes of Taihu pearls, six bolts of Song brocade, six boxes of fashionable silk flowers, a dan of tea cakes, and a pair of lacquerware items.

This was after Jin Niang had insisted on returning half of the gifts; otherwise, there would have been even more.

She understood that this was not merely a token of gratitude for saving a life but also a gesture of friendship. Although Jin Niang found the gifts overly generous and wished to refuse them, the matriarch of the Lin family insisted they were comparable to those given to the two matchmakers. Only after reviewing the list did Jin Niang finally accept.

A Ying laughed and said, "Thank goodness Madam didn’t listen to me suggestion to commission a gold crown—it would have been too wasteful."

"Silly girl," replied Jin Niang, "the master already spent hundreds of strings of cash privately hiring men to capture those kidnappers. We've even hired additional guards, fearing retaliation from their accomplices."

A Ying stuck out her tongue and fell silent.

Some ventures may yield great rewards, but the risks involved are equally high.

The gifts Jin Niang received as the Complete Fortune Matron left Madam Bao seething with envy. Childless, Madam Bao could not assume such a role even if her status allowed it. Consumed by bitterness, she secretly took pleasure upon hearing that Madam Tian’s son had fallen ill. Later, while in the garden, she encountered Nanny Ma playing with Ning Geer. Approaching them, she praised the child's cuteness—then pinched his cheek hard.

Nanny Ma immediately reported to Jin Niang: "I couldn't stop her in time—his cheek turned red from the pinch."

Jin Niang felt pained. She instructed Nanny Ma, "She's grown bolder lately. People like her have no scruples—best to avoid her."

It would be easy enough to reprimand her, but Jin Niang feared worse consequences. Rumor had it that Chief Yang’s wife had been beaten after being provoked by Madam Bao.

Meanwhile, Hou Sanjie, Madam Qi’s sister-in-law, was quickly betrothed to the son of the Vice-Prefect. Previously, the Vice-Prefect had sought to arrange a marriage between his grandson and Yun Jieer, but Jin Niang and Jiang Xian had declined. Finding Hou Sanjie attractive, virtuous, and well-endowed with dowry—and considering both families held official positions—they agreed to the engagement, setting the wedding for two years later.

Madam Qi invited Jin Niang to serve as the Complete Fortune Matron and presented her with two jars of Jinhua wine, two roasted geese, a bolt of undyed fine silk, two bolts of coarse silk, and a red silk gown.

Jin Niang had the gifts delivered home and performed her duties conscientiously, leaving only after the banquet ended.

Madam Qi was delighted—this was clearly a step up in social standing. From the bearing of the Vice-Prefect’s wife, her influence within Pingjiang’s military circles was evident.

Yet her happiness proved short-lived. The new Prefect Shen assumed office, sending shockwaves through Pingjiang’s bureaucracy. Known for his unyielding integrity and aggressive anti-corruption stance, his arrival unsettled many officials.

Jin Niang remarked, "This is well timed. The corruption within the officialdom needs cleansing."

Under Magistrate Hou’s oppressive rule, wealthy Jiangnan had deteriorated. The new Vice-Prefect hosted nearly daily banquets aimed at filling his own coffers, frustrating many officials’ wives.

Jiang Xian coughed. "Indeed."

Jin Niang added, "Then wear less often that willow-pattern robe I made for you when going out. And the jasmine gauze robe with heavy embroidery—it's too showy. People might accuse us of extravagance."

Jiang Xian groaned, "But it's my favorite!"

"Needs must. Those plain robes I made for visiting Zhuangyuan Jiang’s family will suffice." Jin Niang reassured him.

Jiang Xian thought wearing such clothes would make life unbearably dull.

Prefect Shen rejected all gifts and petitions, fully immersing himself in inspecting croplands, waterways, county schools, and military academies. Magistrate Hou—who likely had only one year left after five in office—doubled down on his excesses, attempting bribery to secure leverage. But Prefect Shen proved incorruptible and unshakable, leaving subordinates trembling. Even the Vice-Prefect and his wife curbed their lavish habits.

Jin Niang hadn’t received an invitation from the Vice-Prefect’s lady in over a month—a relief. Previously, each visit required extravagant "water gifts" to avoid social exclusion. This also explained Madam Bao’s worsening temper: while Madam Tian and Jin Niang could draw from their dowries, Madam Bao had to take from household funds, arousing suspicion from County Sheriff Mei if she withdrew too much.

The Shen household upheld strict principles. For Madam Shen’s birthday, they accepted only simple offerings: pastries, wine, or ladies' needlework—no silks, jades, or property deeds.

Jin Niang wisely sent a dan of homemade longevity peach-shaped buns through Ju Xiang. Hearing of Madam Shen’s devotion to Buddhism, she included a hand-embroidered image of Guanyin seated on a lotus throne—a piece that had taken months to complete. Surely, they wouldn’t reject it based solely on her craftsmanship.

At the banquet, Madam Bao stared in disbelief to see Jin Niang—usually exquisitely dressed—in a simple bun, a robe with only a single embroidered flower on the sleeve, and homespun silk shoes. Jin Niang even feigned modesty, murmuring, "Madam Shen, these homemade longevity buns are humble offerings. I hope you won’t think them too meager."

Madam Shen smiled reassuringly, "It's the thought that counts—how could I ever call it simple?"

Jin Niang replied gratefully, "Thank you for your understanding, Madam. Last year at Zijin Temple, I saw a painting of Guanyin seated on a lotus. I embroidered it myself, wishing you may thrive like the eternal pines."

As the embroidery scroll unfurled, it revealed the White-Robed Guanyin, her willow branch showering mercy below.

Madam Shen gazed at Jin Niang, lighting up with surprise...

Upon returning home, Jiang Xian heard Madam Shen had held his wife in high regard, even inviting her to join in listening to Buddhist teachings later. He praised her, "Out of everyone, who’d guess only your gift hit the mark?"

Jin Niang chuckled, "Sweetheart, you’re so gullible. I recited a few Buddhist verses to her, and she didn’t understand a word. But this gift is beyond reproach—whether she sells it later or gives it to her granddaughter as a dowry, it’s worth two hundred guan. Even if she cares nothing for the Buddha, she’d still have to mutter 'Amitabha.'"

As for the jade Buddha pendant from Madam Bao, Madam Shen dared not accept it—that would be outright bribery.

Jiang Xian suddenly understood, "Ah, so that’s how it is."

"Prefect Shen is deeply filial to his mother. We need not seek favors now, but if trouble arises, getting the old lady to put in a good word wouldn’t be hard." Jin Niang knew how swiftly officialdom could turn—one misstep and traps awaited. If Jiang Xian aimed higher and faced slander, they’d at least have recourse.

Just as she lived by: *In success, serve all; in struggle, guard your integrity.* In governance, she hoped her husband could both serve the state wisely and safeguard himself with prudence.