Chapter 92

Chapter 92

After the Dragon Boat Festival in early summer, following two months of practice, Jin Niang's double-sided embroidery had progressed from rudimentary forms to crafting a fan so lifelike it seemed real. Yun Jieer cherished this fan, and Jin Niang even added tassels to its handle for her.

"Mother, thank you for making this for me," Yun Jieer said, unable to put it down.

Jin Niang smiled. "You can’t use it daily yet—the weather isn’t that hot."

After breakfast together, Yun Jieer settled down to read and practice calligraphy alone while Jin Niang attended to household chores. With summer approaching, she sent the coarse silk received for serving as Hou Sanjie’s Complete Fortune Matron to be dyed—half in lake blue and half in water pink, costing 1,400 coppers. These would then be distributed to the servants for new clothes.

The household usually had Min Zhi do the tailoring, letting her earn extra, though they could also hire an outside seamstress. This was considered a staff perk. Having once been a laborer herself, Jin Niang understood how much small gifts from the Zhou family or the Embroidery Academy meant—it made their efforts feel worthwhile.

Within days, the Jiang servants were all in fresh attire. Clerk Huang’s wife noticed immediately and told Bao Niangzi. The two were cut from the same cloth, though Huang’s wife only spread gossip, never daring to take the lead.

"The Jiang servants all have new clothes—who knows where they got the money?"

Bao Niangzi sneered. "Pah! Corrupt to the core!"

Huang’s wife pretended to be scandalized. "You can’t say that! Everyone knows County Sheriff Jiang never accepts gifts."

"That’s just the public face of it. Who knows what happens behind closed doors?" Bao Niangzi spat.

In truth, she bore no real grudge against Jin Niang. But the world was full of people like her—those who, instead of improving themselves, dragged down anyone who outshone them.

Once, her target had been Tian Niangzi. Now, it was Jin Niang.

Paradoxically, this warmed relations between Bao Niangzi and Tian Niangzi. Tian Niangzi had always been eager to please, fearing Bao Niangzi’s sharp tongue. Now that they were on good terms again, Tian Niangzi was relieved and even gifted her a set of fine brocade robes.

In return, Bao Niangzi stitched shoe tops for Tian Niangzi and remarked, "We should visit Qi Niangzi less. I hear the higher-ups are investigating—and they mean business."

Tian Niangzi sighed. "Who would’ve thought?"

"What’s so surprising? Cling to power too long, and someone will come for you. Isn’t that obvious?" Bao Niangzi spoke as if she knew it all.

As Tian Niangzi opened her mouth to reply, news arrived that the tutor Scribe Han hired for his son had come. She hurried off, leaving Bao Niangzi to return alone.

Bao Niangzi reflected that she could’ve had children. Last time, she hadn’t realized she was pregnant, caught a cold, and had conjugal relations, leading to a miscarriage. Fortunately, she’d kept it hidden.

She didn’t care for children, but seeing Tian Niangzi’s situation, she thought hers would’ve been better.

Meanwhile, County Magistrate Hou’s river conservancy scandal had been exposed, along with corruption in the county school. The Prefect had requested an audit from the Liangzhe Circuit’s supervisory office. With the magistrate’s position now temporarily filled by Jiang Xian, even his ex-superior Scribe Han now answered to him.

This left Scribe Han sighing at home, telling Tian Niangzi, "Our Dong Geer must pass the imperial exams. If he ends up like me, he’ll suffer nothing but humiliation."

Tian Niangzi smiled. "Now that we’ve hired a tutor, Dong Geer will study hard."

Scribe Han sighed again. "The bureaucracy’s a snake pit."

He’d avoided confronting Hou Gong because he’d foreseen this. Though no diligent scholar in his youth, he had a sharp eye for people.

Tian Niangzi’s family had once been wealthy, but her father was penalized during his tenure. Her mother had swiftly sought refuge with an aunt, where her uncle made advances toward her mother. They endured for survival until her mother remarried into affluence, granting Tian Niangzi two years of comfort—until her stepfather died, and his relatives swarmed like vultures.

Though she and her mother escaped with valuables, without a man’s protection, they were vulnerable. When her cousin fell ill, her aunt asked her to help.

It was then she began an affair with her brother-in-law, Scribe Han. She even prayed in secret for her cousin’s death—otherwise, she and her mother would be forced to wander again. If her cousin died, she could marry Scribe Han with her dowry.

Later, when her cousin passed, the Han family took her as a replacement wife. Her aunt had accused her, but over time, her kindness to her cousin’s daughter earned stability. She now helped others as penance for her past.

Thus, hearing of recent events, she went stiff with fear. "We won’t get caught up in this, will we?"

Here is the improved translation incorporating the expert suggestions:

Scribe Han steadied her shoulders as she sat down: "Don't worry. Most of this won't affect me. We just need to live our lives well."

Since her husband said so, Tian Niangzi sighed in relief and smiled, "I heard Sheriff Jiang is serving as acting Magistrate. Should we send some gifts to congratulate him?"

"We can, but keep it modest—it'd be bad if someone used it against us. Besides, if Hou Gong actually gets demoted or removed, the court will send another Magistrate." Scribe Han knew the ropes of bureaucracy.

A major county like Wu would never entrust a young man barely in his twenties with full authority right away. But if he endured this period, had connections, and knew how to navigate politics, he could climb the ranks quickly.

Tian Niangzi understood her husband's meaning.

When Jin Niang heard Jiang Xian was now acting Magistrate, she advised him: "You're far more astute than I am in official matters. Just remember—though Hou Gong is detained, he isn't finished yet. And a new Magistrate may still arrive. You must handle this carefully."

"Wife, you're truly cautious. Most would be giddy with such power, yet you're still warning me." Jiang Xian joked but took her words to heart.

Jin Niang replied, "We're well-fed and clothed, with both son and daughter. Just having our family together makes me happy. Now that my husband serves the court, I only hope you won't wear yourself out."

Fang Ma, listening nearby, thought how well the mistress phrased it—fearing Shiliulang might overreach, yet framing it as concern for his health.

After their talk, Jiang Xian left for the yamen.

Jin Niang had tasks of her own. The manor sent a basket of duck eggs and twenty goose eggs. The duck eggs were easy—they could be salted.

Goose eggs were rarely eaten, so Jin Niang discussed preparation with Ju Xiang, who suggested, "Make steamed custard for the children."

"Not yet. They should have chicken eggs. Goose eggs cost a tael each—don't break them. But Min Zhi is pregnant? Boil one for her. I've heard goose eggs counteract fetal toxins. Store the others. I'll ask how to prepare them properly," Jin Niang said.

Ju Xiang nodded. "As you say."

She brought steamed goose egg custard to Min Zhi: "The children didn't get any—this was just for you. The mistress treats you well."

"How can I accept this?" Min Zhi, heavily pregnant, was already given red dates and longans regularly. This extra kindness overwhelmed her.

Ju Xiang wasn't quick-tongued like A Ying, but said honestly, "The mistress is kind."

Min Zhi was torn between laughter and tears.

As acting Magistrate, Jiang Xian consulted Prefect Shen on everything. With flood season approaching, he threw himself into preparations.

Normally fastidious, he returned from inspections mud-stained. Jin Niang arranged washing, fresh clothes, then had servants set out dinner. "I've asked about goose eggs—some say salt them, others stir-fry with Chinese mahogany shoots. They prevent colds and calm the heart, while cilantro aids digestion, so Ju Xiang stir-fried them with cilantro. Try it."

Jiang Xian hesitated at "cilantro," but under Jin Niang's gaze, he tasted it—unlike regular scrambled eggs.

Jin Niang explained, "I boiled one egg, chopped it, then stir-fried another and mixed them. The texture's tender yet bouncy."

"I'll have more." After the eggs, he drank chicken broth and ate vegetables, completely content.

With Magistrate Hou detained, his men sent two thousand taels to the capital to grease palms. But as Chancellor of Jixian's ally, censors attacked him relentlessly. Hou Gong stood accused of bribery, embezzling river funds, and implicating his in-law Vice-Prefect, Judge Yan, even the Liangzhe Circuit's surveillance commissioner.

Jiang Xian was interrogated too, but the yamen testified he'd been sidelined—left only catching thieves, with even that credit nearly stolen by Hou.

Hou Gong was sentenced to flogging, face-tattooing, and exile. His household scattered. Their once-obsequious steward absconded with thousands. Hou Sanjieer's engagement broke; her sister-in-law Qi Niangzi, already pregnant, had secured a divorce agreement before returning home.

Hou Sanjieer was registered in the courtesan registry, becoming a lowest-rank courtesan.

Jin Niang sighed at the tragedy. Jiang Xian shook his head: "Hou Gong couldn't quit while he was ahead. Now he's dragged into factional strife, ruining his family."

Because of Hou's downfall, Jin Niang declined future Complete Fortune Matron duties, keeping to her sewing, reading, and the children's lessons. Jiang Xian devoted himself to flood works. Jin Niang mobilized the household to plait straw sandals for laborers—a small contribution. Their efforts prevented any breaches during floods. Prefect Shen praised Jiang Xian as capable, adding: "I heard your wife sent oilcloth during rains and personally plaited sandals for workers. A touching gesture."

Moreover, Prefect Shen had also investigated and heard that Jiang Xian’s wife was merely a commoner’s daughter. Even after Jiang Xian rose to prominence, he remained loyal to her, which spoke volumes about his character. Although some had reported that Jiang Xian’s household was wealthy, upon investigation, it was clear he did not accept bribes—his wife simply managed their affairs well.

After all, still waters run deep. Being able to maintain such integrity on the surface was already commendable.

Even he himself occasionally accepted fees for his writing.

Soon, it was the seventh month. The rent from Tian Shui Xiang (Sweet Water Lane) arrived, totaling two hundred and forty strings of coins. The estate also delivered a season’s worth of land rent—seventy-five strings—along with two baskets of vegetables and fruits, a crate of eggs, three crates of fish, and a sack of water chestnuts.

Jin Niang sent six fish each to Tian Niangzi and Bao Niangzi, and to the retainers and minor officials she was on good terms with, she gave one fish each, keeping a crate for her own household.

In return, Tian Niangzi sent a box of rose-flavored pastries. Jin Niang shared a third with Ju Xiang, knowing how hard she worked in the summer heat. She also gave some to Yun Jieer and Ning Geer, keeping a few for herself. Bao Niangzi, meanwhile, sent a tray of sour jiaozi (tangy stuffed dumplings). Since summer made vegetable buns spoil easily, Jin Niang distributed them to Liu Douer, Chen Xiaolang, and two retainers—all big eaters.

The gifts Jin Niang sent weren’t particularly valuable, so she didn’t expect everyone to be grateful. As long as half of them appreciated the gesture, that was enough. Tian Niangzi had the fish pan-fried and stewed with tofu, savoring its delicious taste. Bao Niangzi, however, abruptly complained to Qiao Er, "She sends such small tokens, yet expects gifts in return."

County Sheriff Mei happened to overhear and remarked, "This Taihu white fish—a prized fish from Lake Tai—is tender. Six fish cost two hundred coins. Don’t belittle the gift. It’s not as if they lack anything—this is just ordinary courtesy."

Indeed, County Sheriff Mei spoke the truth. Outside of festivals, who exchanged lavish gifts? It was always local delicacies—that was how lasting relationships were maintained. But his remark—"It’s not as if they lack anything"—was what stung Bao Niangzi’s pride.

Still, there were those like Chief Yang’s wife and Jiang Sixth Jieer who remembered kindness. Jiang Sixth Jieer sent some snowflake rice cakes, while Chief Yang’s wife brought homemade rice cakes.

Before the mid-seventh month, Jin Niang accompanied Madam Shen to Woxue Nunnery (originally called Guzi’an, or Nun’s Nunnery), partly as thanks for the Buddha statue she had gifted them. It was renamed Woxue (Reclining Snow) Nunnery because, from afar during snowfall, it resembled a reclining figure.

Jin Niang traveled by carriage, with Liu Douer as the driver since Min Zhi was due to give birth. Liu Douer had a good temperament, and since they were heading to the mountains, Jin Niang worried he might go hungry waiting. She had A Ying bring him snacks—two kinds: *‘Camel’s Hoof’* and *‘Victory Meat.’*

*‘Victory Meat’* was made by finely chopped mushrooms, fresh bamboo shoots, walnuts, and pine nuts wrapped in dough and pan-fried, resembling vegetarian buns. *‘Camel’s Hoof’* used minced fatty goose, pork fat, and mutton fat wrapped in dough shaped like horse hooves and fried in lard and mutton tallow, akin to meat buns.

Seeing him hesitate, A Ying covered her mouth and giggled, "Don’t overthink it—take some of both!"

Liu Douer didn’t mind.

Jin Niang also gave him ten coppers to buy a drink if the heat became unbearable.

Despite the sweltering summer, Woxue Nunnery was speckled with devotees, mostly women visiting in groups. Though elderly, Madam Shen was spirited and energetic. She praised Jin Niang, "I noticed how considerate you are toward your servants—that’s commendable. They, too, are born of parents and deserve kindness."

Jin Niang nodded in agreement, though such things hardly needed praise. Though they were servants, living together long-term made them like family.

She accompanied Madam Shen inside. Having raised such an upright and incorruptible son, Madam Shen herself disliked causing a scene. Instead of clearing the place, she entered alongside the other devotees.

After offering incense, Madam Shen, fatigued, rested before listening to the abbess’s sermon. Jin Niang also retired to a western meditation room. A nun served tea, which refreshed them.

Feeling stifled inside, Jin Niang left Qing Rong and Fang Ma in the room and took A Ying for a stroll along the corridor.

By chance, she spotted a familiar face—Rong Niang.

Rong Niang’s appearance was entirely different from before. When she lived with Feng Sheng, though not in a wealthy household, she wore fine cotton and silk, even adorning her hair with hairpins. Her striking beauty had made her seem like a noble lady.

Now, she wore an autumn-scented linen tube top, an off-white ramie gown, an indigo bellyband, an indigo apron, and a linen headscarf.

Yet she was struck by her radiance, utterly unlike her days with Feng Sheng.

Jin Niang arranged for an empty room where they could talk. When they met again, they were momentarily speechless.

Finally, Jin Niang broke the silence, "Elder Sister Rong, have you been well? I only learned later that you were still alive."

After arriving in Wu County, she hadn’t mentioned this to Jiang Xian or sought Rong Niang out. Now that Rong Niang had reinvented herself, seeking her out might only cause her shame.

It was like dragging up someone’s painful past when they’d rather forget.

Here’s the improved translation incorporating the expert suggestions:

Running into each other like this, Jin Niang set aside the past and actually seemed worried about her.

Rong Niang looked lost in thought: "Those days in Bianjing feel like a dream to me now. I later realized Feng Sheng must have had this all planned out, but I can’t blame anyone. If I hadn’t walked right into it myself, what could others have done to me? Second Sister, how are Lin Geer and Guan Geer?"

"They’re well. They’ve even studied under good teachers. When I came to Wu County last year, Lou—well, people say they’ve earned much praise from their tutor." Jin Niang wasn’t exaggerating; Lou Siniang had indeed done right by the kids. Even the most critical person couldn’t find fault with them.

Even Feng Sheng’s clinic was managed by Lou Siniang—she truly was a capable and decent woman.

Rong Niang, who had once been out of it, now perked up at Jin Niang’s mention of "Lou." "Did Feng Sheng go and marry Lou Siniang?"

She didn’t ask because she still cared for Feng Sheng, but because she felt deceived—especially by Lou Siniang. Feng Sheng had always been close to the Lou family.

Though she suspected Feng Sheng had orchestrated it, she had no proof. Now, hearing from Jin Niang that Feng Sheng had remarried, she was certain.

Jin Niang naturally didn’t hide it: "Yes, he went and married Lou Siniang a few months after you left."

"Those who treat their wives bad will be struck by lightning—he’ll surely lose his wealth," Rong Niang said bitterly.

Seeing her like this, Jin Niang offered advice: "Eldest Sister, do you remember the couple you used to play cards with? Where were they from? If you want to investigate, you could start with them."

Rong Niang drew a blank: "I don’t know. Where would I even look? Besides, Second Sister, I’m remarried now. Though money’s tight, my in-laws and your brother-in-law treat me very well."

"What does your brother-in-law do now?" Jin Niang asked, seeing she had no interest in revenge.

Mentioning her current husband, Rong Niang smiled sweetly: "Your brother-in-law bought a boat. He takes folks across the river, and I make food for him to sell." Because she was pretty and didn’t want trouble, she stayed home to prepare the food.

She also mentioned they had a son, who was exceptionally handsome. "I came to Woxue Nunnery today to get a good luck charm for him."

Jin Niang couldn’t help but ask: "I heard Feng Sheng let you take your dowry back. Did you use all that money?"

Two hundred strings of cash was nothing to sneeze at. Back then, hiring a boat for a dozen people cost only three hundred strings, while two individual passengers would pay fifty at most.

Jin Niang had saved just over a hundred taels in six years at the Zhou household and the embroidery workshop—enough to open a shop. There was no need to rely on ferrying for a living.

Rong Niang had always been carefree, and her current husband, Shang Dalang, was the same. Shang Dalang’s family still had ten scrappy little plots of land, enough to put food on the table. After his sister married, she even sent money back to help renovate the family home. Rong Niang had food and shelter, spending most of her time doing chores with her mother-in-law. Though not wealthy, she was actually happy.

"We didn’t use all the money—there’s still over fifty strings left, saved for your nephew’s future schooling," Rong Niang explained.

Still, Jin Niang reminded her: "Sister, when you first argued with Feng Sheng about separation, I told you something. Now I’ll say it again: though Shang Dalang treats you well, and his family is kind, if one day he’s gone, you’ll have to fend for yourself..."

Even if your support is reliable, what if it disappears?

Unexpectedly, this angered Rong Niang. She shot back: "I don’t have your talents. Now that I’ve found your brother-in-law Shang, we mind our own business—does that offend you? Why must you root against me? Your husband may be an official, but if he ever schemes against you, do you really think you’d fare better than me?"

She felt she had been fine until Jin Niang kept reminding her: *You’re incompetent, so you don’t deserve happiness.* Don’t most women in the world support their husbands and raise children? Why was she the exception?

Jin Niang suddenly recalled a saying: *"Whenever you feel like criticizing anyone, remember that not everyone has had the advantages you’ve had."*

She knew Rong Niang was avoiding reality—too afraid to seek revenge on Feng Sheng or consider the future, content to drift along. But that was her life. Who was Jin Niang to demand she live the same way?

"Eldest Sister, I was wrong," Jin Niang said. She had tried to advise her, but now she would say no more.

Seeing Jin Niang like this, Rong Niang couldn’t stay angry. Jin Niang then took a ten-string banknote from her purse and handed it over: "Eldest Sister, I haven’t met your son yet. Consider this a gift for him."

In Anlu Prefecture, it was customary for relatives to give money when meeting a newborn. Rong Niang gave a wry smile at the money in her hand. This was likely Jin Niang’s way of cutting ties. She knew she should read between the lines.