Chapter 101

Chapter 101

Daming Prefecture was the strategic thoroughfare connecting the north and south. By the mid-Tang Dynasty, it had already become one of Hebei's four garrison towns, and even Li Bai once wrote a poem, "The Qi River flows with jade-green water, boats and carriages rush day and night," to record the prosperous scene of Daming Prefecture. By the Song Dynasty, it had further become an auxiliary capital, renowned alongside the Eastern Capital Kaifeng and the Southern Capital Yingtian.

Jin Niang had no time to admire the "thousands of dance halls and song towers, tens of thousands of splendid palaces and temples" before she had to first renovate their new residence.

Whenever moving into a new place, Jin Niang cared most about the outhouse. If it was too foul-smelling, she simply couldn’t use it.

Chen Xiaolang, who often ran errands for Jin Niang, was already quite experienced. In less than the time it took to drink a cup of tea, he had hired people to tidy it up. Dou Yuan also sent helpers, and in roughly three days, the entire household was able to move in.

The central gate led to the main entrance, with the front-facing rooms serving as quarters for the male servants, guards, and the private secretary. Passing through the ornamental gate, one entered the second courtyard, walking along the winding corridor. The three central main rooms were reserved for the couple, while the two western side rooms became a study, and the smaller eastern side room was designated as the outhouse, with a passageway beside it. The eastern wing of the second courtyard housed Ning Geer, his nanny, and maids, while the western wing accommodated Yun Jieer and her two maids. Another outhouse was placed beside the eastern wing, and the kitchen was situated next to the western wing.

Moving to the third courtyard, the low eastern rooms were assigned to Fang Ma, Qing Rong, Zi Teng, Ju Xiang, and Ru Yan. A tea room was also set up here, usually managed by A Ying. The western side featured a single-eaved, four-cornered pavilion surrounded by many woodbine flowers, hence named the Woodbine Pavilion.

Typically, the center of a three-courtyard compound would have a row of rear rooms, but this house only had three small chambers, with corridors on either side connecting directly to the pavilion. Since Jin Niang planned to hire a tutor for her children in the third courtyard, she left it unoccupied.

Even so, some had spacious quarters while others lived in cramped conditions—such was unavoidable. There were certainly grander residences, but those were far more expensive. The house they chose was flanked by five-courtyard mansions with seven rooms each, while the Zhen family across the street owned a seven-courtyard mansion with a garden.

Still, Jin Niang was quite satisfied. Unlike living in the county yamen, where everyone was too close and conflicts easily arose, now they could shut their doors and live their own lives in peace.

On their first night, Jiang Xian laughed and said, "It feels like a dream. Three years ago, when we went to Wu County, you also arranged everything. Now, in a new place, we’re starting over again."

"Young people should explore more. When we’re old and frail, we won’t be able to go anywhere," Jin Niang replied with a smile.

As a Prefectural Judge, handling lawsuits aligned well with his first job.

But Jin Niang said, "I’m new here and don’t know the taboos of Daming Prefecture’s official circles. It wouldn’t do to invite the wrong people or miss anyone. So, I’d like to only invite Cousin Dou Yuan for a housewarming. What do you think?"

Jiang Xian naturally agreed.

Jin Niang added, "Do put your mind to the matter of the children’s tutor."

Once settled, Jin Niang sent an invitation to the Zhen family for Dou Yuan, along with customary housewarming gifts: six bolts of fashionable Suzhou brocade, a box each of gauze and silk flowers, two packets of green bud tea, two packets of "frightfully fragrant" tea, two boxes of rose cakes, a jar of Pingjiang citrus wine, a jar of Yuxian Tower’s ambrosial wine, and two packets of southern incense.

The generous gifts were partly to thank Dou Yuan for helping with the house purchase and partly to show their support for her.

The Zhen family soon replied that they would visit shortly.

Since they now owned the house, they had their own well and no longer needed to fetch water elsewhere. The horses and donkeys bought in Wu County had been sold, so now Cao Da and Chen Xiaolang had to go to the livery stable to purchase new ones.

Fortunately, Jin Niang was quite adept—though not an expert—at handling banquets and feasts.

While she prepared the housewarming banquet, Jiang Xian officially assumed his post. The administrative setup of Daming Prefecture was similar to that of Kaifeng. Since the Prefect was not permanently stationed, the highest-ranking official was the Acting Daming Prefect, also known as the Daming Prefect, who concurrently served as the Military Commissioner of Hebei Circuit. Below the Prefect was the Vice-Prefect, a capital official tasked with supervising and recommending local officials to the court. Next was the Chief Judge, whose duties largely overlapped with the Prefectural Judge’s, though the Chief Judge held slightly higher authority. The Prefectural Judge served as the Chief Judge’s deputy, assisting in case adjudication.

Though Jiang Xian’s position as Prefectural Judge was the lowest in Daming Prefecture and merely a deputy, his workload was anything but light.

On his first day back from the office, Jin Niang, seeing how exhausted he was, remarked, "Is the hired carriage uncomfortable? Don’t worry, our own carriage will be ready in a few days."

After buying the horses, they still needed to prepare the carriage, furnish it, and wait several more days. Being unfamiliar with the area made everything more inconvenient.

Jiang Xian shook his head. "No, it’s just that the pile of unresolved cases is staggering. Daming Prefecture has suffered consecutive years of floods and droughts, leaving much of the land barren and unarable. The countryside teems with starving refugees, and banditry runs rampant—hence, so do cases."

Jin Niang had never seen Jiang Xian so worn out. Indeed, after the exhausting journey, while the rest of the family could rest at home, he had to immediately tackle a mountain of work—no wonder he was tired.

"Wash your face first, and I’ll have the meal served," Jin Niang said, instructing Fang Ma to hurry with dinner.

Jiang Xian drank a bowl of soup, ate a little, and then fell straight into bed. Of course, his energy was still robust—it was just the initial adjustment period. Soon enough, he got into his stride.

Meanwhile, Jin Niang wrapped up preparations and invited Dou Yuan, along with her mother-in-law and female relatives, for a feast.

Jin Niang welcomed them inside, and everyone exchanged greetings.

It turned out that the head of the Zhen family held an official post in Bianjing, serving as a fourth-rank Jishizhong, a supervisory official. Madam Zhen had not accompanied him to Bianjing but instead lived with the clan in Daming Prefecture. The eldest son of the Zhen family had passed away early, leaving behind a child, and his widow had vowed to remain chaste. Dou Yuan was married to the second son of the Zhen family, and there was also a third son who had just taken a wife the previous month.

Jin Niang invited them to the main hall for conversation first. A small annexed sitting area had been specially set aside in the main hall, with a leaning table placed in the center. On the leaning table sat a small black-lacquered occasional table. After seating Madam Zhen in the place of honor, Jin Niang took her seat on the opposite side of the table.

Behind the leaning table were two windows adorned with peony patterns. Beneath the windows stood a large blue-glazed vase filled with blooming chrysanthemums in pink, white, and yellow. To the east was a rosewood screen, while to the west hung a Guanyin embroidery in purple robes. Below the main seating area were four jichi mu armchairs, with a small table placed between each pair of chairs.

The small tables were set with silver plates of fruits, and the maids served tea in celadon-glazed Ru ware teacups adorned with gold rims. Ru ware teacups, known for their exquisite craftsmanship, signified the family's wealth and refined taste.

"When I was in Wu County, my favorite tea was 'Xia Sha Ren Xiang,' an early name for Biluochun tea. The brew is emerald green and clear, with a rich aroma and a refreshing taste," Jin Niang said, choosing a safe topic to break the ice with strangers.

Dou Yuan took a sip and nodded slowly, then glanced at her cousin-in-law. She noticed Jin Niang wore a pomegranate-red dudou, a traditional Chinese undergarment embroidered with crabapple blossoms, layered with a moon-white overrobe adorned with pearls, paired with a matching pleated skirt. Her hair was styled in a tongxin ji, or "shared-heart" hairstyle, with a golden arch hairpin at the center and two pairs of twin gold hairpins on either side. Though her makeup was understated, she looked exceptionally lively and elegant.

One might assume that noble families were less snobbish, but in truth, they could be even more so—just better at concealing it.

Thus, in Dou Yuan's eyes, Jin Niang's attire was neither overly extravagant nor too plain, striking the perfect balance to showcase her family's prosperity while maintaining grace.

Having married far away to Daming Prefecture, Dou Yuan had initially felt isolated. But now that her cousin and his wife had moved nearby, she finally had someone to rely on. A few days prior, the Suzhou silk Jin Niang had sent had delighted everyone in the Zhen household, as Su styles, or Suzhou fashions, were highly fashionable in Daming Prefecture.

As the conversation turned to food, Dou Yuan chimed in with a few remarks.

After the banquet concluded, Madam Zhen excused herself, citing poor health, while the eldest daughter-in-law, Madam Luan, and the third daughter-in-law, Zhuang Shi, attended to their mother-in-law's departure. Dou Yuan was deliberately left behind for a private chat.

Jin Niang naturally had gifts prepared specifically for her: "The last time was just a customary gesture, but these are specially for you."

Dou Yuan opened the package to find two boxes of scented body powder, three kerchiefs with gold-thread and kingfisher feather inlays, a length of peacock-design luo silk, a roll of Badahui brocade, an "eight-directional" geometric pattern, and two Songta ji ornaments, pinecone-inspired hair accessories. She quickly protested, "Cousin-in-law, you shouldn't have gone to such trouble for me."

Had it not been for Jin Niang and her husband, Dou Yuan’s brother might have eloped long ago, bringing ruin to the family.

"Just take them," Jin Niang insisted.

After Dou Yuan accepted the gifts, she shared more about the Zhen family: "Our household is quite uneventful. I’m currently managing the domestic affairs. My mother-in-law treats me decently, and as for my elder sister-in-law—well, as you saw, she’s a widow and doesn’t dare interfere in anything."

Jin Niang nodded. "When we stopped in Yangzhou three years ago, I could already tell you were a sensible person. Now that we live across from each other, if you ever need help, just send word."

"Having you here puts my mind at ease," Dou Yuan said with a smile.

For women married into noble families, those with nearby relatives could at least reunite during festivals. But for those from distant homes, some might never see their families again.

Jin Niang had grown fond of this young woman and naturally wished her well.

After catching up, Jin Niang inquired about the local gentry circles of Daming Prefecture. As the household manager, Dou Yuan was well-informed: "The prefect’s surname is Wang. Lady Wang is about the same age as my mother-in-law and appears very down-to-earth. Her daughter-in-law, however, comes from a prestigious family and handles everything impeccably. I’ve heard her husband serves in Xiangzhou, but she remains here to care for her mother-in-law. As for Vice-Prefect Ji’s family—well, he favors his concubine over his wife. They have three daughters; only the youngest is born of the principal wife, around the same age as our Yun Jie'er. Judicial Officer Dong’s wife is the most affable woman, skilled at hosting gatherings, so everyone loves visiting their home."

Jin Niang committed this to memory and expressed her gratitude. Dou Yuan brushed it off, saying it was nothing, but she couldn’t stay much longer and soon departed with her gifts.

While her memory was still fresh, Jin Niang noted down all these key figures.

After the Zhen family’s visit, the two young servants set off firecrackers outside, a traditional way to celebrate housewarmings and ward off evil spirits, and neighbors also sent housewarming gifts—mostly food. Jin Niang reciprocated by sending over some steamed fruit buns.

It took about a month for them to fully settle in.

One evening, Jiang Xian returned from drinking with companions, washed up, and then said to Jin Niang, "Do you know who I drank with today? Third Master He."

"Who’s Third Master He?" Jin Niang was puzzled.

Jiang Xian laughed. "He’s the husband of Second Miss Zhou. How could you not know?"

So it was the husband of Second Miss Zhou—that Third Master He. Shanjie’s dismissal from service seemed to be related to this matter.

"But I remember his family held official posts in Yangzhou back then?" said Jin Niang.

Jiang Xian waved his hand: "That was over ten years ago. Uncle Zhou hasn’t sought office since observing filial mourning. Even Second Brother Zhou relies on others now. The He family spent five thousand guan to build a villa here—by chance. Today, while investigating a case, I happened to run into him. We knew each other before, so we had a drink together."

Jin Niang had initially wanted to mention her past grievances with Second Miss Zhou, but thinking it had been so many years, bringing it up now seemed pointless.

So, she simply listened.

Jiang Xian, however, was somewhat reflective. Even after getting into bed, he remarked, "Third Brother He is actually a better man than Sun Shichen, but his luck with exams has been terrible. The first time he took the National University examination, there was heavy snowfall, his carriage broke down on the way, and he missed it. Three years later, he fell ill before the next attempt. After that, he lost heart."

Jin Niang could understand—sometimes luck plays a crucial role in success.

Still, she said, "Fourth Miss Zhou’s husband holds office in Guantao County, just a day or two away from Daming Prefecture. The sisters might reunite."

Jiang Xian chuckled, "No need to tell me. According to Third Brother He, that’s exactly why they’re feeling uneasy."

This made Jin Niang recall someone’s remark that the two Zhou family’s daughters born of concubines had married better, while the carefully chosen main-line daughters ended up worse off.

"It seems heaven is fair. I had both parents, and they treated me well, so my match was delayed." Jin Niang had always felt that no one in life was completely fulfilled.

Hearing this, Jiang Xian looked at her incredulously, "How could your marriage not be ideal? Aren’t we doing just fine?"

Jin Niang smiled, "Think about it—I was almost twenty-one when we married. Most girls are ready to wed at sixteen or seventeen after their hair-pinning ceremony. But everything happens for the best. I’ve always believed: if you meet the right person, marry first; if you meet a benefactor, pursue your career first."

Just like when luck isn’t on your side, you can’t keep blaming fate. You must better yourself so you’re ready when opportunity comes.

"Wife, with such spirit, many men might not compare. Even I sometimes lack that persistence." Jiang Xian drew Jin Niang close, his fingers massaging her stiff neck from hours of needlework.

Comforted by his touch, Jin Niang soon fell asleep. Jiang Xian leaned down and kissed her lips lightly.

Meanwhile, Second Miss Zhou tossed and turned in bed. Reuniting with family might have stirred excitement, but upon learning her younger sister was now a county magistrate’s wife married to a jinshi, any warmth vanished.

Watching his wife fidget, Third Brother He sighed, "I knew you’d be like this. Why insist on hosting them?"

Second Miss Zhou scoffed, "I urged you to take the exams, but now you won’t even try for the provincial examinations. If not for this, how could a concubine-born girl look down on me?"

Harsh words flew between the quarreling couple. Third Brother He retorted, "Why not blame yourself? Always fighting with this one, cursing that one—our home is never peaceful. How could I study well?"

They turned their backs to each other, silent.

As for Fourth Miss Zhou and Sun Shichen, whom Second Miss Zhou resented, they rested comfortably. The next day, they would travel from Daming Prefecture to Guantao County for his new post. Though weary from the journey, Aunt He’s enthusiastic hospitality—including arranging a carriage for them—set their minds at ease.

She hadn’t mentioned to Second Sister that Jin Niang was now Jiang Xian’s wife. Someone as proud as her would likely take it badly. Best not stir trouble—especially since Uncle He was living in retirement at home now, meaning they’d miss many official gatherings and likely wouldn’t cross paths.

The next morning, Aunt He personally saw Sun Shichen and Fourth Miss Zhou off to Guantao. Noticing Second Miss Zhou’s persistent ill humor, she thought, "Thank goodness she married into our family. In another household, who knows how she’d be treated?"

Her own life fell short compared to her sister Jiang Shi’s—none of her three sons became jinshi, and the most promising, Third Brother, buckled under pressure. His wife never encouraged him, only found fault or quarreled with sisters-in-law.

But so what? One can’t always be strong—sometimes, it's wiser to yield.

See? She’d made efforts to befriend the Zhen family’s second daughter-in-law. When the Zhen matriarch turned seventy, she’d even received an invitation. If one envied everyone better off, how could life go on?

Everyone must forge their own path.

Jin Niang also received an invitation from the Zhen family—and another from the Wife of Judicial Officer Dong, Madam Qian, whom Dou Yuan praised as highly sociable.

Fang Ma advised, "Since the Judicial Officer’s lady has invited you, do as before: don’t speak too much at first. Let familiarity grow gradually."

"I thought the same," Jin Niang agreed. She used to be overly forthcoming upon meeting people, only to find they drew back once they knew her well. Maintaining some reserve kept them curious, eager to know more.

The master and servant discussed what gifts to bring, and just as they finished, Jiang Xian invited the private tutor, Mr. Du, a provincial graduate, to their home. This Du, aged twenty-seven, was quite renowned in the local area and was said to have excellent calligraphy skills, with an annual tuition fee of thirty guan.

Of course, hiring someone didn’t mean the decision was final. He had to teach for a few days first to prove he could manage the two children.

On the first day of teaching, Jin Niang had Jiang Xian listen outside the door while Xi Qiu, a female attendant, stayed inside the room. Seeing that Du was indeed skilled, effortlessly engaging the children in lessons, the couple agreed to keep him.

Naturally, Jin Niang also reminded her daughter, "You’re grown now, and I’m not just talking about gender boundaries. If anyone—whether a man or a woman—makes you uncomfortable or touches the areas I’ve told you about, that’s wrong. Understand?"

"I understand, Mother," Yun Jieer replied with a smile.

Jin Niang looked at her daughter and added, "Don’t be alone with a male teacher casually, understand?"

Yun Jieer nodded.

Jin Niang was highly sensitive. Having been born with memories of her past life, she had always known how to protect herself. But her daughter was still just a child. She had to constantly watch over her life, ensuring she came to no harm.

She knew all too well how deceptive people could be. Look at County Sheriff Mei, who had abandoned Madam Bao in the end. Though it was said he drowned when his boat leaked while fleeing with his concubine—a fitting end—he had still sold off his wife and concubines. If not for the compassion of the female matchmaker, arranging for Madam Bao to marry a traveling merchant as his second wife, ensuring she wouldn’t starve, what if she had been sold into a brothel? How dreadful would that have been?

Seeing her daughter take her words to heart, Jin Niang was pleased. She then went inside to have Jiang Xian speak to their son.

"About what?" Jiang Xian asked, puzzled.

Jin Niang said, "Girls must learn to protect themselves, and so must boys. No one should touch them there, and they shouldn’t—"

After hearing her lengthy explanation, Jiang Xian sat up from the bed. "Wife, aren’t you worrying too much?" Though he said this, he secretly felt she was right. Recently, the rise in exploitation of children had surged, and he had endured gossip about it since childhood.

The couple acted separately. Jiang Xian, once concerned, went overboard—even discussing with Jin Niang the idea of sending their daughter to the Wei Family Female Academy.

"The Wei family has produced five imperial scholars, and their women also have a private school for women. They teach the classics, history, philosophy, and literature, and the sisters gather to play polo, play chuiwan, and learn the qin. I heard the Vice-Prefect’s daughter studies there too. Speaking of which, the Wei family is actually your relatives."

Jin Niang was stunned. "Shiliulang, how do you suddenly know so many people?"

To Jiang Xian, this was nothing. Just as Jin Niang quickly mastered embroidery, networking came as naturally as breathing.

The couple made a special trip to visit the Wei family for their daughter’s sake. On the carriage ride, Jiang Xian explained the academy’s situation: "The female teacher is surnamed Shen, from Wuxing, and comes from a prominent family. She was originally betrothed to a Wei family member but became a widow before her wedding and chose not to remarry, supporting herself through teaching. I also had someone secretly copy a collection of her poetry. What do you think? You’ve been studying poetry lately—how does it measure up?"

"How did you even get this?" Jin Niang flipped through the poems, finding them excellent. But she couldn’t help thinking that with Jiang Xian’s resourcefulness, if he didn’t pursue the imperial exams, he could easily climb the ranks in the Imperial City Bureau.

Jiang Xian said casually, "Just took a bit of money. So, how’s her poetry? Is she qualified to teach our daughter?"

After careful reading, Jin Niang nodded. "It’s very good."

"Then it’s settled. Wife, you’re way too detail-oriented. I never thought of these things. You’re always so thorough—I truly admire you." Jiang Xian grinned.

Jin Niang retorted, "Don’t flatter me. I just want our daughter to socialize more with other girls. Otherwise, being secluded in the inner chambers all the time might make her timid. But I also worry the outside world is a corrupting influence, so I’m conflicted."

Jiang Xian laughed. "Wife, don’t worry. We’re here for her. If it doesn’t work out, she can always come back. We have plenty of opportunities."

Hearing this, Jin Niang suddenly realized—yes, her daughter wasn’t like her. She didn’t have only one chance at choices. With her parents backing her, she had options.