Chapter 93

Chapter 93

Upon returning from Woxue Abbey, Jin Niang first went to see her children. Xi Qiu and Nanny Ma had obeyed her instructions strictly, keeping the two children indoors while she was away. Having witnessed too many disturbing news stories, Jin Niang remained highly vigilant about people’s intentions.

"Mommy, why didn’t you bring me any treats this time?" Yun Jieer clung to Jin Niang’s arm and asked.

Jin Niang patted her daughter’s head. "It’s Mommy’s fault. I forgot."

Yun Jieer shook her head. "You’re the best mommy ever. You could never be at fault."

Her daughter was such a sweetheart. Jin Niang hugged her and asked about her day—whether she had gone out or not. As mother and daughter chatted, Jiang Xian returned. Yun Jieer was taken away by the maidservant so the couple could speak alone.

Noticing Jin Niang’s troubled look, Jiang Xian quickly asked what had happened. Jin Niang replied, "Today, I saw my elder sister."

"Who?" A sudden gust of wind blew past, and Jiang Xian nearly thought he had encountered a ghost.

Jin Niang immediately stood up and grasped his hand. "Not a ghost—my real elder sister."

She had never mentioned this to Jiang Xian before, as it was a family disgrace. Theirs had been a marriage of convenience, and she feared it might be used against them. Now that they had met, she didn’t want Jiang Xian to be caught off guard later or for the servants to recognize her sister and cause awkwardness.

She explained everything in detail, adding, "My mother only told me just before I left. She must have promised Feng Sheng back then, likely fearing that if people found out, it would tarnish our reputation."

Jiang Xian thought to himself that Feng Sheng had truly schemed ruthlessly—deliberately making himself a cuckold, orchestrating his wife’s divorce, and then remarrying someone else. Yet, Rong Niang wasn’t entirely blameless either, so easily led astray and squandering two hundred guan to end up happy to live in squalor.

He didn’t understand, but his priority was to reassure his wife. After all, she always considered his well-being in everything.

"Wife, you trusting me with this shows you truly regard me as family. Honestly, for your elder sister to have safely reached Wu County and even given birth to a child is already quite fortunate. Sending holiday gifts now and then is enough to show our goodwill. You’re her cousin, not her parent," Jiang Xian said.

Jin Niang nodded. "That’s what I think too."

Jiang Xian smiled. "Don’t dwell on it. I heard the new county magistrate is about to take office."

That was the real matter at hand. After a moment of contemplation, Jin Niang added, "My sister asked me what I would do if my husband ever schemed against me. At the time, I only worried if she’d take it as me cursing her husband, but I forgot to answer the question."

Jiang Xian immediately vowed his devotion. "Wife, I would never scheme against you."

"Hmph. I just want to say that if you ever did, I’d get revenge like Wu Zixu. I wouldn’t be like Rong Niang—seething with anger but clueless how to act," Jin Niang warned her husband.

Jiang Xian mentally cursed Feng Sheng a thousand times.

Fortunately, Jin Niang wasn’t one to wallow in other people’s misery. She quickly returned to her usual self. However, when explaining the matter to A Ying and Chen Xiaolang, she gave a different reason—claiming Rong Niang had been rescued after falling into the water, and both had since remarried. She instructed them to keep it secret and only deliver seasonal gifts separately.

Even Fang Ma was not to be told—the fewer who knew, the better.

Jin Niang then had A Ying deliver a Mid-Autumn Festival gift to Rong Niang’s home. A Ying had never liked Rong Niang much, remembering how she and Ying Niang had acted superior toward Jin Niang before her marriage. She suspected Rong Niang’s story of being rescued was just another cover-up for some disgraceful act.

But since her mistress had ordered it, A Ying obeyed.

Rong Niang was delighted to see A Ying. Though initially annoyed by the long, muddy journey, A Ying’s irritation faded when she saw Rong Niang’s humble dwelling—straw bedding on the floor, hardly a decent place to step. She felt a pang of pity.

"Madam, our mistress asked me to see what you might need. I’ll bring more in a few days," A Ying said with a smile.

Rong Niang saw that Jin Niang had sent an indigo cotton jacket, a rough silk-padded coat, a jug of lamb wine, two boxes of pastries, half a side of pork, a small jar of salted duck eggs, two packets of cough medicine, and two types of loose tea.

A Ying added, "Our mistress said that in the countryside, fancy gifts might draw thieves. Please don’t take offense."

Rong Niang thought of how long it had been since her child had eaten meat. Knowing these items might be hard to buy even with money, she thanked her again and again. Once the gifts were delivered, A Ying prepared to leave quickly to report back.

Just as she was about to step out, Rong Niang called after her. "A Ying, could you tell your mistress something for me?"

A Ying froze for a second.

**

The newly appointed magistrate was a recent Jinshi graduate. After attaining his degree, he had served as an assistant judge in the Qin-Feng Circuit before taking three years off for mourning. Now reinstated, he was directly assigned to Wu County—clearly someone with connections.

This new magistrate was decidedly hands-off. Upon assuming office, he delegated responsibilities—county school affairs to Jiang Xian, theft-related matters to County Sheriff Mei, and tax collection to Scribe Han.

Life became easier for Jiang Xian and the others. But the magistrate's new wife proved far from easygoing.

The magistrate's wife, surnamed Wen, was an enigma to Jin Niang's circle. During their first meeting, each presented customary courtesies. Jin Niang offered two jars of Jinhua wine, a bolt of persimmon-patterned damask, another of square-patterned damask, two boxes of mooncakes, a box of dewy jade hairpin flowers, and southern incense.

Wife of Tian brought two jars of fine wine, two baskets of crabs, two boxes of small cakes, and agarwood. Wife of Bao's gifts were noticeably skimpier—just two cake boxes, knee pads, and fabric.

The three women followed their usual patterns—Jin Niang and Tian's wife giving standard offerings, while Bao's wife held back.

Madam Wen kept her cool but immediately set her attendants digging up dirt on the officials' families. Her companion Sheng Ma, an expert investigator, had the full picture within three days.

"Registrar Han's wife is the Dengzhou vice-prefect's daughter with a fat dowry. They call her 'the Bodhisattva' for her popularity. County Sheriff Jiang's wife isn't from official stock but comes from money—likely the wealthiest here, with a kind reputation. As for County Sheriff Mei's wife..." Sheng Ma's lip curled. "Her cheap gifts say it all. Pokes the bear constantly—making clerks miserable is second nature to her."

Madam Wen smiled. "Do sit, Mama. Impressive work."

Sheng Ma perched gingerly on the stool's edge.

"Invite Madam Bao later," Wen instructed.

"But she's—"

"Exactly." Wen's smile sharpened. "Having nothing makes her cling tighter."

Sheng Ma caught on. The other wives had money and connections—Han's family influence, Jiang's ministerial background. But Bao and her husband? Bottom-feeders needing patronage... and future scapegoats.

At the welcoming banquet, Jin Niang noted Wen's performative favoritism toward Bao, who reciprocated with sugar-coated words while the other wives fumed.

Chief Qin's wife pulled Jin Niang aside. "She's fooled Madam Wen into thinking she's decent."

Jin Niang shrugged. "Time tells all."

Qin's wife reasoned that since they answered to the county sheriff, the magistrate's wife held no sway over them. Madam Wei's calm demeanor suggested no cause for concern.

Unbeknownst to her, Jin Niang was stuck on another thought. Rong Niang's message via A Ying: Shang Dalang got canned from his clerk position in Bianjing because of her, and now she wanted Jin Niang to secure him a new post.

Her elder sister didn't mind living well—she just wanted the effortless kind. If content in poverty, why seek officialdom again?

The realization left a bitter taste. Had Jin Niang's striving merely paved the way for Rong Niang's silver-platter life?

True, you shunned effort and social niceties. But what woman wouldn't take that deal?

Your husband's betrayal was tragic, but privately Jin Niang thought: We didn't wrong you.

She lacked such saintly patience. Besides, Shang Dalang had been married while renting Feng Sheng's place—yet was carrying on with Rong Niang. If he'd cheat once...

"A Ying," she decided, "we'll send necessities to ease her life. Beyond that, I can't help." She'd go with her gut.

If Rong Niang used the aid to rebuild her life, fine. But Jin Niang wouldn't enable her further. Resentment be damned.

Having turned the page, she focused on Mid-Autumn preparations—arranging fruits and snacks in the courtyard, ordering vinegar-marinated crabs from a nearby tavern. Moon-viewing with crab feasts would make a fine way to ring in the festival.

Here is the edited translation incorporating the expert suggestions:

Elder Bao's wife came to visit during the Mid-Autumn Festival reunion. Bao's wife naturally wanted to send her away, giving her a few boxes of pastries others had sent, two chickens and ducks each, and some fabric.

Seeing such generous gifts, Elder Bao's wife remarked casually, "Recently I saw A Ying from Madam Wei's household in our village delivering holiday gifts too."

Bao's wife was puzzled, "Could there be some important figure in our village I don't know about?"

"Not at all. To be honest, they're just like our family," Elder Bao's wife laughed.

Bao's wife, who had been struggling to find dirt on Jin Niang, seized this clue without hesitation. She had Qiao Er open the coin purse for her sister-in-law and said, "Then help me find out what their relationship is."

Elder Bao's wife eagerly agreed.

After the festival, Jin Niang resumed embroidering the Purple-Robed Goddess of Mercy she'd previously messed up. This being a major project, she devoted herself entirely to it.

Each morning after chores, A Ying and Qing Rong would strip and wash bedding, then attend to Jin Niang's intimate garments. Under Jin Niang's guidance, Yun Jieer had learned sewing and could weave simple knots, her chubby hands growing nimble.

But Jin Niang limited her daughter's work sessions, alternating with reading lessons and calligraphy practice by tracing characters. Concentration was the child's most crucial skill—without it, she'd grow up distracted.

After lunch came a letter from Yang Geer, containing two good tidings: First, they'd acquired full ownership of the Stinky Water Alley house after negotiating an extra hundred strings of coins with the original owner who couldn't redeem it. Another hundred strings went into renovations. Second, Yang Geer had entered Kaifeng's government-school that spring.

Jin Niang rejoiced, especially reading her mother's gratitude—without her help, they couldn't have afforded both education and property.

Her left-behind belongings had been sold to fund a new shop. Unlike Bianjing landlords who raised rents on successful businesses, this arrangement was more secure.

Jiang Xian shared her joy. "Excellent. Now your parents needn't worry about Yang Geer's future."

"Indeed. Even without passing imperial exams, clearing the Provincial Exam would let him earn a living teaching," Jin Niang said practically. She knew successful candidates came from elite families or possessed rare talent. Yang Geer being neither, becoming a county school instructor after passing provincial exams would suffice.

Jiang Xian admired her practical outlook. Passing imperial exams was rare—their County Magistrate had succeeded at thirty-four, only becoming magistrate at forty.

This made Rong Niang's request for Jin Niang to seek office baffling. Jin Niang wouldn't seek favors even for her brother. Her strictness extended to their children—Yun Jieer practiced calligraphy, sewing, and arithmetic since age four, while two-year-old Ning Geer fed himself and studied daily with his sister.

Their celebration was interrupted by news of Elder Gu's passing. The Wu County magnate had built bridges, repaired roads, and paid taxes dutifully. As the new magistrate's wife, Madam Wen joined other officials' wives in mourning.

Jin Niang's group also attended in white. The Gu family, familiar with Jin Niang since Jiang Xian's respected tenure as interim magistrate, treated her more warmly than Madam Wen. While Madam Tian ignored such nuances, Madam Wen noticed acutely.

Despite her "gentle" surname, her temperament was anything but. Her husband, indifferent to fame, preferred enjoying seasonal changes to paperwork. As the second of three sisters in an official's family, she'd been overlooked until her husband's exam success brought pride to her birth family.

After one term, mourning retirement made him abandon official ambitions. Now with this good position, she hoped for achievement—but Wu County seemed completely in Jiang Xian's pocket. Her husband didn't mind; she couldn't ignore it.

The Gu family's preference for Jin Niang deepened her resentment.

Perceptive Jin Niang noticed Madam Wen's displeasure but didn't immediately bow and scrape. Their status difference wasn't vast—they weren't her servants.

"Miss Gu, Second Miss Gu, please accept my condolences," Jin Niang said, rising to comfort them.

The eldest daughter had a live-in son-in-law—a yamen official's son, no less. With Jiang Xian's support, troublemakers kept away. Still, Madam Gu confided, "Some are poking around, wanting to make trouble for the clan. Thankfully, County Sheriff Jiang's influence deters them."

"Good. Send word if difficulties arise—no one should bully you," said Jin Niang, knowing women's wealth-protection struggles.

Madam Gu nodded, wiping her eyes. Had her son lived, things would differ.

Jin Niang arranged Madam Gu's care and had a long talk with the elder Madam Gu.

Here’s the refined translation incorporating the expert suggestions:

All of this, of course, was a perfect opportunity for Madam Bao to plant seeds of doubt in Madam Wen’s ear. Madam Bao was a shrewd and observant woman, having long noticed Madam Wen’s expressions.

Sure enough, Madam Wen said to Madam Bao, "If not for you mentioning it, I wouldn’t have known her family had such deep ties with the Gus."

"Exactly. All that talk about being an 'auspicious matron'—who’s to say it wasn’t just a scheme to make money? I always wondered how her family could be so wealthy when both our husbands are county sheriffs," Madam Bao remarked.

But Madam Wen was clearly no hothead. After all, she was the wife of an official. If she wanted to deal with someone, she would aim for a decisive strike—or at least something with solid evidence. Otherwise, if her slander backfired, she might face retaliation.

By the time the Chongyang Festival arrived, Madam Wen suggested everyone go hiking in the countryside. It was her first time organizing such an outing, and naturally, Jin Niang and the others agreed.

Previously, Prefect Shen had advocated for frugality, and for a time, the atmosphere had improved. But before long, old habits returned. During Judge Yan’s recent banquet, nearly everyone had deliberately dressed up, even the newly arrived Madam Wen, who wore a pearl crown. A Ying urged Jin Niang to wear a new gold crown, but Jin Niang stuck to her silver crown adorned with auspicious cloud patterns and fashionable silk flowers on either side. It wouldn’t have been so noticeable if she alone wore silver, but Madam Tian also wore a silver crown, and Madam Bao—having been criticized by Chief Yang’s wife for her gold crown last time—had no choice but to wear silver as well.

With three women in silver crowns, only Madam Wen stood out in her lavish outfit, which briefly pleased her as she showed off her emerald crown. But she quickly composed herself, trying to play it cool.

After walking a short distance, the group rested in a pavilion. Madam Wen had her servants serve several varieties of Chongyang festival cakes, adding, "Do try my cook’s skills."

Jin Niang and the others found the taste mediocre—Madam Tian’s household was known for the best pastries—but in such company, they all praised Madam Wen’s offerings.

"I’ve heard there’s a commemorative stele up ahead. Years ago, when my father served as prefect of Qingzhou, I saw a similar one, though the shape was different," Madam Wen remarked with a smile.

Jin Niang thought to herself that Madam Wen’s father must have held a high-ranking position, but she kept her expression neutral.

Madam Wen, in turn, was inwardly startled by Jin Niang’s composure—such calmness suggested an even more formidable backing.

"Madam Wei, I heard you’ve acquired quite a large plot of land here?" Madam Bao cracked a pine nut, bringing it up casually.

Madam Wen looked surprised. "Don’t we already have government-assigned farmland and official plots? Why buy more?"

Jin Niang replied, "Those are government-owned, after all. I have a daughter to think of—I must plan ahead for her. Otherwise, if we wait until her marriage to buy land, who knows if we’d even find any? To be honest, our household has had to scrimp and save for this very reason."

"That’s true," Madam Wen conceded. She, too, had a daughter. When her eldest married, her husband had been strapped for cash—she had ended up giving her own dowry land to her daughter.

Jin Niang’s reasoning was sound, and Madam Bao, seeing how effortlessly she had swayed the group, was about to say more when Liu Douer arrived on horseback, announcing, "Madam, a letter from the Eighth Aunt has arrived."

It turned out that Second Madam Dou had arranged a marriage for her daughter, Dou Yuan, and wanted Jin Niang to serve as the auspicious matron. She had even sent a boat to fetch her.

Hearing this, Madam Wen immediately asked, "Is this the Dou family of Yangzhou—the family of Academician Dou?"

"Yes, Madam Dou is my husband’s father’s sister," Jin Niang replied with a smile.

Madam Wen exclaimed, "I had no idea County Sheriff Jiang came from such a prominent family! Why haven’t you mentioned it before?"

Jin Niang quickly deflected, "Prominent or not, my husband always insists we keep a low profile. The last thing we’d want is to bring shame to our ancestors."

Madam Wen praised Jin Niang a few more times.

The arrival of the Dou family’s messenger softened Madam Wen’s demeanor, while Madam Bao returned home in a huff, grumbling to Qiao Er, "Those two patched things up so easily—all my meddling got me nowhere."

Just then, word came that Madam Bao’s sister-in-law had arrived. Madam Bao scoffed, "Everyone else has such impressive relatives, while mine is just some needy relative always coming to me for handouts."

She refused to see her, but Qiao Er, worried that turning Madam Bao’s sister-in-law away would invite criticism, knew her mistress was all talk. She let her in anyway.

This time, however, Madam Bao’s sister-in-law brought a secret: "Little sister, I’ve uncovered something big—about that Wei Shi."

"Oh? Do tell," Madam Bao leaned in eagerly. As the wife of a fellow county sheriff, she had long resented being overshadowed by Wei Shi and was eager for any advantage. Madam Bao’s sister-in-law whispered in her ear for a long while, and the more Madam Bao heard, the more delighted she became. Clapping her hands, she exclaimed, "Aha! So she was just a servant girl all along! Let’s see how she keeps putting on airs in front of me now!"