Chapter 97

Chapter 97

From the Dragon Boat Festival through July, Wuxian County, typically rainy during plum season, experienced an unusual drought. Knowing the harvest would be poor this year, Jin Niang instructed Manor Manager Fan to collect only twenty percent of the usual rent. Concerned about their financial situation, Manager Fan sold a batch of bamboo and trees from the back garden and delivered seventy strings of coins in July.

Jin Niang gave A Ying a block of ice as reward and, as usual, sent two kinds of tea cakes. She also had Ju Xiang prepare a table of dishes.

In this sweltering heat, nothing was more valuable than ice.

After putting the money into a box, Jin Niang cut some crepe silk and asked Min Zhi to make two vests for Yun Jieer and Ning Geer. She then changed into an amber tube top, topped with a gauze beizi embroidered with jade hairpins and magnolias, paired with a pleated skirt adorned with flying bird patterns, and slid gold bracelets onto her arms.

With the window open to catch the breeze, she sat by it to sew a lightweight beizi for Jiang Xian.

When Jiang Xian returned home, he found her like this. He approached, stroked her arm, and teased, "Hmm, who is this for? Ning Geer?"

"Of course, it's for my most beloved husband," Jin Niang replied, unable to suppress a giggle.

Jiang Xian, realizing she'd seen through his act, feigned modesty, "I already have so many clothes. Why bother making more? I really don’t need them."

Jin Niang rolled her eyes. "Oh, stop it."

"Heh." Jiang Xian obediently picked up a fan and began fanning her.

The household ice was a major expense, but it was worth it. Heatstroke would cost more.

With the ice and someone fanning her, Jin Niang felt much cooler. After sewing a few more stitches, she remarked, "The Mid-Autumn Festival approaches. It’s been two years since we arrived in Wuxian."

"These two years have passed so quickly," Jiang Xian sighed.

Jin Niang smiled. "I heard Scribe Han will soon leave his post to take up a magistrate position in Liyang. I’ve prepared some farewell gifts—the list is on that table. Take a look and see if it’s appropriate."

Jiang Xian got up, walked over, and glanced at the list. He crossed out two items. "This should be enough. No need for too much—we likely won’t cross paths again."

"Why do you say that?" Jin Niang was puzzled.

Jiang Xian lowered his voice. "I heard he spent over a thousand taels to secure this position, all from Tian-shi’s dowry. It’s not that I look down on inherited official posts, but if even becoming a magistrate was this difficult for him, his future prospects are uncertain."

"Then we’ll follow your suggestion." Jin Niang knew Liyang was in the prosperous Liangzhe region, but Scribe Han had been an unremarkable official with little achievement. Such officials were not on the same path as Jiang Xian—one ambitious for great deeds, the other content to do the bare minimum.

Madam Tian, fearing she'd be forgotten after departure, was pleasantly surprised when Jin Niang specially sent farewell gifts. "You really shouldn’t have gone to such expense!"

"It’s nothing. I spoke with the Magistrate's Wife, and she mentioned holding a farewell feast in the gardens in a couple of days. Once you leave, even if it’s not too far, meeting again will be difficult." Jin Niang spoke the truth—in ancient times, many goodbyes were final.

She and Madam Tian weren’t particularly close, but they had always been cordial. Now that this pleasant woman was departing, Jin Niang wondered what kind of Madam Registrar would replace her.

Hearing this, Madam Tian became wistful. "Take care of yourselves too."

Jin Niang offered a few comforting words before preparing to leave. Just then, Madam Tian hesitated but finally confided, "The Zhaoxuan Commissioner has passed away. Sister Wei needn't worry anymore."

Jin Niang looked at Madam Tian, who gave her a bright smile.

The Zhaoxuan Commissioner had been Bao-shi’s protector. Bao-shi, notorious for her malice, had always been a lingering concern for Jin Niang. Now that the Commissioner was gone, it was uncertain whether County Sheriff Mei could retain his position.

At the farewell banquet, Jin Niang gifted Dong Geer two Huzhou brushes and an inkstone as a token of gratitude.

Bao-shi, who'd been lying low, also attended. Relieved that no one brought up past grievances, she relaxed. Madam Tian, however, was in high spirits—her husband was about to assume office as a full-fledged magistrate, free from the tangled web of higher authorities.

All gatherings must end, however grand.

Jin Niang said to Jiang Xian, "I can't explain why, but when we first left Bianjing, I felt so excited. Now, after witnessing so many partings, I think Bianjing had its merits after all."

Jiang Xian was not as sentimental as Jin Niang. With Scribe Han gone and the new scribe yet to arrive, Jiang Xian had to take on the scribe's duties as well. Since scribes typically assisted the county magistrate, he had to juggle his own responsibilities as County Sheriff while handling the magistrate's tasks, leaving him overwhelmed with work.

Of course, Jin Niang also had her own matters to attend to—her two-toned reversible embroidery had finally succeeded.

Another piece of good news was Luo Da's arrival from Bianjing, bringing with him plenty of updates. First, there were family matters: Sixth Uncle Jiang had fallen ill in the spring, but thanks to Zheng Shi's careful nursing, he had recovered. Jin Niang's younger brother, Yang Geer, had ranked third in the prefectural exams. However, it was said that Wei Third Aunt had brought Old Lady Wei to Bianjing.

Jin Niang asked, "Has my grandmother also moved to Sweetwater Lane?"

Luo Da shook his head. "No."

With that, Luo Da produced a letter written by Yang Geer on behalf of their mother. It mentioned that their grandmother had come to Bianjing and was initially supposed to stay at Sweetwater Lane for a while, moving out once Jin Niang and her family returned. However, Sheng Geer's wife was now pregnant, and Wei Third Aunt couldn't even cook, so their grandmother had to go take care of them. Since she had always doted on her youngest son's family, she naturally went to Sheng Geer's household.

Aside from family affairs, Luo Da also shared news about relatives. For instance, Zhou Cunzhi had offended a high-ranking official and voluntarily requested a transfer to Jiangling as Vice-Prefect. Jiang Xian's friend, Third Brother Peng, had become a retainer for Zhang Jiulang. Additionally, Third Brother Peng's sister—Jiang Yan's wife—had passed away from a sudden illness...

Even Jiang Xian sighed, "We've only been away for two years, yet so much has happened."

"Indeed, Second Young Master actually went to Jiangling as Vice-Prefect?" Jin Niang thought to herself that Jiangling Prefecture was her hometown. She had hoped to buy some land and property there once she had extra money—after all, it was wise to have a backup plan.

Jiang Xian, however, was immediately wary. He had long sensed that Zhou Cunzhi seemed to have some interest in his wife. But what about her? She had, after all, spent several years in the Zhou household...

So he quickly changed the subject: "Second Brother Zhou has always been headstrong, but this might also be a way to avoid trouble."

"True, staying away from conflicts is for the best," Jin Niang nodded.

There were also matters related to officialdom, which Jiang Xian said he would discuss with Luo Da in his study. Meanwhile, Jin Niang took inventory of the items Luo Da had brought: 500 strings of cash from the rental of Golden Beam Bridge, 300 strings from Sweetwater Lane, 150 strings from the harvest of two qing of land, and another 30 strings from the sale of poultry, livestock, eggs, and duck eggs—totaling 980 strings.

Jin Niang instructed A Ying to set aside two bolts of fine cloth, two cakes of tea, and a five-string exchange note as a reward for Luo Da later.

After resting at home for three days, Luo Da, with Jin Niang's help, boarded a Gu family boat back to Bianjing.

Once he left, Jin Niang visited a goldsmith’s shop to have some hairpins and jewelry made, bought several pieces of leather at a fur shop, and stocked up on silk thread at yarn and embroidery shops.

With her new hair ornaments ready, Jin Niang opened an old box and gave A Ying a pair of pearl hairpins and Qing Rong a silver hairpin. Both maids were delighted with their gifts.

After her shopping spree, Jin Niang sealed away the remaining silver, deciding not to spend any more for the time being.

"Madam, Madam Tongpan has invited you over," someone announced from outside.

Since Prefect Shen took office, Madam Tongpan had been much more at ease—no longer hosting small banquets every three days and grand feasts every five. Later, she had planned to arrange a marriage with Magistrate Hou's younger sister, but after Magistrate Hou was dismissed, the engagement was called off. Now, her granddaughter was betrothed, and she wanted Jin Niang to serve as the Complete Fortune Matron.

Jin Niang was quite experienced in this role and readily agreed. Just as embroidery was her profession, being a Complete Fortune Matron was another, and she took both seriously.

First, she inspected the betrothal gifts sent by the groom's family, discussing any discrepancies with the matchmaker. The gift boxes were placed in the main hall, where they would later prepare incense, candles, wine, and fruits to pray to heaven, earth, and ancestors before unveiling the ceremonial cloth.

At the Tongpan's residence, Jin Niang learned that the granddaughter was only two years older than Yun Jieer—surprisingly young to be engaged. Madam Wen, who had also come, approved wholeheartedly: "A perfect match isn’t something you find every day. Pingjiang is prosperous, and talented scholars here are as countless as fish in the Yangtze. If you don’t act early, all the good ones will be taken."

"You’re right, though I still feel Yun Jieer is too young. Her father hasn’t mentioned anything either, so I can’t make the decision," Jin Niang replied. Being a modern thinker, she hoped her daughter could marry for love and choose a husband she truly liked.

Madam Wen smiled knowingly. Everyone knew County Sheriff Jiang obeyed his wife’s every word—it was even said that once, a minor clerk visiting the sheriff’s residence was shocked to find the dignified sheriff cooking in the kitchen. For all her sharp tongue and arrogance, Madam Bao was nothing but a paper tiger. The truly formidable women were like Wei Shi, who maintained excellent relations with incorruptible officials like the Shen family while also getting along with local gentry and earning respect among the county office staff.

The key was that she never flaunted it, remaining exceptionally unassuming.

For Jin Niang, being a Complete Fortune Matron was about how much she could earn in rewards. Fortunately, Madam Tongpan was far more generous than the previous Madam Qi. Jin Niang received a bolt of crimson silk, a bolt of peacock-patterned gauze, two bolts of coarse silk, two cakes of young green tea, two boxes of dried fruit, and a jar of wine.

Back home, she cut the coarse silk into lengths to distribute among the maids and servants. Qing Rong skillfully helped tally the portions—each year, the household rewarded its servants with a few feet of cloth or silk, a benefit envied by outsiders. This was also why Nanny Ma refused to go home no matter what.

After distributing the fabric, Jin Niang shared some of the dried fruit and wine with Legal Advisor Song. This veteran legal advisor had been a great help to Jiang Xian in handling court cases.

Thus, she always prepared generous gifts for him, hoping to bolster Jiang Xian’s political achievements and secure future promotions.

Here’s the revised translation incorporating the expert suggestions:

Once everything was settled, Jin Niang finally took a short rest. When she woke, she found herself in bed, her underclothes already off. As she moved to rise, she saw Jiang Xian crouching nearby and quickly said, "I was so exhausted today I fainted. You... rather than waking me, you—"

"Darling, I’ve been away on official business for days. Please indulge me," Jiang Xian pleaded.

Jin Niang, left flushed and breathless, could only nod silently.

After the couple’s passionate embrace, Jiang Xian turned to official business: "The new Registrar’s appointment has been decided—he’ll likely take office early next year. They say he’s a late-blooming scholar in his forties, from Guanzhong."

"That’s a relief, isn’t it? Your workload will ease once he arrives," Jin Niang smiled.

Jiang Xian sighed. "True. The office politics are tangled, but these two years in Wu County have been fruitful. Still, my dear, word has come of an imperial inspector’s visit. With his favor, I might secure a promotion."

Though initially weary, his eyes brightened at the prospect.

Jin Niang considered this: "An inspector will certainly review your record. But should we grease a few palms? Just say the word."

"No need for now, my dear," Jiang Xian assured her.

Jin Niang smiled. "I’ve finished embroidering a Purple-Robed Guanyin and a scripture scroll, and recently begun a reversible embroidery. These three could bring in a tidy sum if funds run low—so don’t fret about money."

"My dear, we can’t possibly sell that Guanyin! You spent ten months on it," Jiang Xian protested.

As they spoke, a thunderclap shook the house. Lightning illuminated the clothes rack, and Jiang Xian pointed wildly: "A ghost! There!"

Jin Niang lit a candle with her tinderbox and investigated. Finding nothing, she returned, stroking his back. "Just my hanging clothes, my love. No ghosts haunt us."

"But I saw—" he insisted, shrinking back.

"None dare come. With me here, no water ghosts, leg-dragging spirits, or vengeful wraiths can touch you. I’ll chase them all away," she soothed.

It had been no small thing for Jiang Xian to hold the post of County Sheriff at twenty-two—keeping steady through ghastly cases before crowds. He was only human, and Jin Niang’s heart ached for him.

Comforted by her words, he slept soundly at last.

The next day brought drizzling autumn rain. Jin Niang went to the kitchen herself, directing Ju Xiang to prepare ginseng-infused chicken broth—a potent restorative for low vitality, often dispelling mental fog.

She made extra, sending A Ying to deliver a portion to Gu Qingru with fried lotus root fritters and noodle soup.

Returning, A Ying reported: "Madam Gu sent two boxes of buttery abalone-shaped pastries."

"How thoughtful of her," Jin Niang chuckled.

At noon, Jiang Xian returned for the meal. Jin Niang served him broth. "This will restore you."

Seeing his wife, Jiang Xian felt he beheld his protecting spirit—last night, her comfort had steadied him after capturing a six-year fugitive whose crimes still chilled his blood.

The solved case would certainly boost his reputation.

After the warming broth, he napped. Waking drowsily, he saw his wife’s silhouette at bedside needlework.

"Jin Niang…"

"Hmm?" She set aside the unfinished neck wrap.

"I’m so glad you’re here," he murmured.

Noting his unease, she stayed chatting until his spirits lifted. Though seldom one for temples, when Gu Qingru invited her to pray, Jin Niang agreed. Gu Qingru’s business thrived despite looming uncertainties—Jin Niang’s likely transfer next year, Old Madam Gu’s failing health—making it wise to ask the gods for direction, perhaps even guidance about future matches.

Here’s the improved translation incorporating the expert suggestions:

She could only confide these thoughts to Jin Niang, who naturally agreed but advised, "This time, find someone with good character who treats you well."

Gu Qingru was different from Ru Yan. She had her clan and dowry, was a shrewd businesswoman, and knew how to navigate social situations. Her first marriage had been unfortunate, but finding a good man later would be fine. As for someone like Ru Yan, who had no clan or family to rely on, Jin Niang couldn’t keep her as a servant either. If she had a skill, she could save up some property in the future and seek a good match later—it wouldn’t be too late.

"There are matchmakers, but I still feel uneasy. If you, sister..." Gu Qingru hesitated, embarrassed.

Jin Niang smiled. "If you’ve taken a liking to someone, I can ask my husband to inquire about him. But knowing a person’s face doesn’t mean knowing their heart—we can only see what’s on the surface. Ultimately, it depends on whether you’re satisfied."

Not even parents would show such care. Gu Qingru was deeply moved. "I owe you more and more, sister."

Jin Niang shook her head with a smile.

The two walked up the mountain together and happened to meet two young monks begging for alms. Jin Niang had Qing Rong share some provisions with them. Gu Qingru remarked, "Many of these young monks are said to be foundlings. You truly have a bodhisattva’s heart, sister."

"This year’s drought in Wuzhong left commoners struggling. Many were planning to sell their children, but thankfully the autumn rains finally came, and such scenes were avoided." Having come from humble beginnings herself, Jin Niang understood that for ordinary people, even a single illness could lead to ruin—let alone disasters.

As they spoke, they arrived at the temple. Following Jin Niang’s advice, Gu Qingru had maintained her health daily, and despite being in her thirties, she could pass for twenty. Jin Niang had also encouraged her not to shut herself away emotionally because of someone like Xiang Qilang—her luck might turn when least expected. So Gu Qingru specially donated twenty taels of offerings to pray for a good marriage. Jin Niang didn’t donate money but bought talismans instead—whether they worked or not, they brought peace of mind.

After bringing the talismans back, Jin Niang placed them in a pouch and asked Jiang Xian to wear it. Jiang Xian examined it. "Wife, did you make this?"

He was somewhat touched.

"No, I bought it at Binyun Pavilion before." Jin Niang remembered purchasing a stack when they were clearing stock.

His gratitude stuck in his throat. Jiang Xian forced a laugh. "You’ve got an eye for things, wife."

Jin Niang hid a grin. When the servants weren’t looking, she took his hand and swung it playfully, eyes sparkling like stars. Jiang Xian’s ears burned red as he lowered his head, not daring to meet her gaze.

...

This winter solstice, Jin Niang had Ju Xiang warm rice wine in the kitchen while preparing grilling tools and fresh melons. Stepping outside, she saw A Ying talking to Liu Douer—hands on hips, full of sass, while Liu Douer’s gaze held that quiet intensity that spoke volumes to anyone who’d loved before.

Who’d have thought they’d taken a shine to each other? Jin Niang first had Fang Ma discreetly confirm matters.

Once verified, she called A Ying over. At twenty-one, with a red flower by her temple, the girl had blossomed into a striking, capable woman.

"A Ying, I’ve watched you grow. Though mistress and servant, you’re like a sister to me. I hear you’ve grown fond of him?" Jin Niang smiled.

A Ying twisted her handkerchief. "He’s such a meek soul—if I didn’t stand up for him, he’d be pushed around from dawn till dusk."

She’d once considered marrying out. Jin Niang had even promised to have her papers cleared and provide a dowry. But leaving meant loneliness—only here, under Jin Niang’s protection, could she speak her mind freely.

Not that she’d admit this, lest Jin Niang chide her for having no spine.

Seeing her blush, Jin Niang chuckled. "Well, he clearly can’t do without you. I’ll speak to my husband—you’ll wed by year’s end. We’ll have Min Zhi make your gown, and I’ll commission jewelry."

A Ying whispered, "As you wish, mistress."

After Jiang Xian’s approval, Jin Niang visited the goldsmith for three plum hairpins, two silver-gilt floral pins, and gold lotus earrings. From her own chest came red silk, undyed cloth, fine linen, blue wool, and a red ensemble.

She then paid for Min Zhi to make new bedding and clothes for the couple.

Upon hearing the news, Gu Qingru sent a crate of wedding pastries and gold hairpins, while Madams Wen and Bao contributed gifts.

With A Ying becoming house manager, Fang Ma had Manor Fan send two new maids—one for Jin Niang, another for Yun Jieer.

Training the new girl Wisteria, A Ying soon snapped, "Not like that—stir one way!"

Listening from her chamber, Jin Niang smiled. "Fire and ice—a match made in heaven."

Fang Ma added, "Don’t let Liu Douer’s mild manner fool you—he’s quick-witted and resourceful. Why else would the master favor him?" Then, musing: "Like master, like servant. Isn’t Shiliulang the same—a fox’s cunning behind that harmless lamb’s face?"