Chapter 102

Chapter 102

Madam Shen of the Wei family was in her forties, far from the stereotypical image of a gloomy and plain widow. Her fair complexion and petite figure were accentuated by a long indigo-blue beizi, while her dark hair was pinned up with a white jade hairpin, exuding an air of scholarly elegance.

Accompanied by Madam Wei, Jin Niang met her and promptly said, "We are honored that you have accepted. My daughter will be under your guidance."

Madam Shen quickly returned the greeting. "You flatter me, Madam."

"My daughter has only received basic instruction at home from me. Please be patient with her," Jin Niang added.

Madam Shen responded politely.

Next, Jin Niang discussed the tuition fees with Madam Wei, who smiled and said, "This is no big matter. Why bother with formalities?"

Jin Niang laughed. "If you refuse, we would not dare impose."

Only then did Madam Wei reveal the tuition amount to Jin Niang, instructing her to pay Madam Shen directly. The annual fee was twenty-four guan (strings of coins), to which Jin Niang added a plain silk headscarf and two lavender crepe kerchiefs.

Yun Jieer asked, "Mother, why must I attend the Wei Family Female Academy when I'm already learning well with my brother under Tutor Du?"

"The Wei Family Female Academy has seven female students. Once you're there, you won't just study—you'll also learn incense-making, tea preparation, polo, and even make close friends. Isn't that wonderful?" Jin Niang replied.

Hearing about all these activities, Yun Jieer became willing to go. She even picked out a pair of handmade sachets to bring along. Jin Niang nodded approvingly—such gifts were customary when meeting Madam Wei. Fortunately, under her guidance, Yun Jieer was already skilled at sewing sachets, socks, and weaving decorative knots.

Mother and daughter then selected the outfits for the day. It was already October, just after the Winter Clothes Festival (Nuanyi Jie), and the weather in Daming Prefecture had turned chilly. The padded jackets stored at the bottom of their trunks needed to be aired out and perfumed again, keeping them busy.

Only Ning Geer pouted, "Wahh, I want to study with Sister!"

Jin Niang chuckled. "If you keep this up, I’ll tell Tutor Du."

At that, Ning Geer stopped pretending to cry and snuggled into Jin Niang’s arms. Yun Jieer pinched her brother’s plump little hand. "We can still do our homework together every day."

"Exactly. Come to me every day after lessons, finish your homework, have dinner, and then we'll play in the back garden. How does that sound?" Jin Niang patted both children's heads.

Upon hearing the word "play," Ning Geer perked up.

The next day, Jiao Xing styled Yun Jieer's hair into twin buns adorned with pink begonia-patterned ribbons with beaded tassels and a pair of gold-washed hairpins. She wore a camellia-patterned lined jacket, a matching sash, pale silk trousers, and tea-colored flat shoes.

Dressed formally with a gold coronet, Jin Niang saw her daughter off but refrained from attending the lesson. After inspecting the surroundings and finding everything satisfactory, she returned home.

Returning from the Wei residence, Fang Ma noticed Jin Niang deep in thought and teased, "Feeling lonely? Sixth Madam used to say the same thing—when the children are around, it's noisy, but when they're gone, you miss them."

Jin Niang merely wanted to say she was finally free—she had too much to do to dwell on it. For example, continuing her painstaking study of poetry, spending an hour memorizing verses daily and two to three more hours reluctantly composing.

At noon, she rested for half an hour, then relaxed a bit before turning to her favorite embroidery.

There was no shortage of tasks!

So, in response to Fang Ma's remark, Jin Niang offered only a hollow laugh.

Now that her daughter was away, she pulled out Wang Wei's poems to recite. Half were familiar from her past life, but lines like *"Over the wide watery fields fly white egrets; In the dense summer woods golden orioles trill."* from *"After Rain at Wangchuan Villa"* gave her pause.

"Why can't I write like this? Well, if I could, I'd earn my living teaching poetry too," she mused, shaking her head.

A Ying brought over hot tea and asked, "Madam, why hasn't Madam Shen married? She has no children."

Jin Niang took a sip and replied, "Not every woman wants to marry. With an annual income of over a hundred taels from tuition, she could teach another decade or two, saving enough for a secure retirement."

Come to think of it, the children’s tuition alone cost nearly sixty guan, and household expenses exceeded five hundred guan—not counting daily necessities. This posting in Daming Prefecture seemed to cost more than it paid.

"You're right," A Ying agreed, she conceded.

Jin Niang sipped her tea and began reading Yu Shinan's *Cicada*: "With drooping tassels, it drinks the clear dew; its flowing song emerges from sparse paulownia. High and lofty, its voice carries far—not by borrowing the autumn wind."

At lunch, she asked Ju Xiang to prepare her usual weight-loss meal: two portions of greens, one portion of protein, and one portion of carbs.

When dining with the children, she used to worry about them being picky eaters. Now that both the older and younger children were off studying—even Ning Geer ate at Linglong Hall—Jin Niang could finally enjoy her meal in peace.

In the afternoon, she tentatively wrote a poem and nervously left it on the desk, waiting for Jiang Xian’s critique.

Ning Geer returned from school early. As soon as he arrived, he went to Jin Niang’s place for snacks before starting his homework. It had been their family habit—finish tasks first, then play—lest they develop the bad habit of procrastination.

"Mother, why aren’t you eating these snacks?" Ning Geer noticed she had set aside the ones he handed her.

Jin Niang shook her head. "Mother can’t eat these. You have more. We’ll wait for your sister and dad to come back before dinner, alright?"

Ning Geer nodded vigorously. Soon after, Yun Jieer returned, and Jin Niang naturally asked, "How was your first day? Did you get along well with the other girls?"

"*Elder Sister Wei* was very kind to me—she even personally took me to the privy. And *Elder Sister Ji* was so helpful with my homework. Third Sister Ji, who shares my desk, is two months younger than me," Yun Jieer replied.

Jin Niang was relieved to see her adjusting well, and urged her to finish her homework quickly so they could play in the garden afterward.

Jin Niang carefully checked both children’s assignments—the younger child recited texts, while the older child practiced calligraphy alongside recitation.

Yun Jieer had to write two calligraphy sheets of regular script and one of running script. Since Jin Niang often had her trace characters at home, she completed the task smoothly.

Once their assignments were done, the children went to the back garden to kick shuttlecocks and spin tops.

When Jiang Xian returned and heard the three of them playing—especially Jin Niang kicking the shuttlecock, looking even more lively and spirited under the sunlight—he quickly joined in...

Fang Ma shook her head, smiling at the laughter in the garden. "Such childlike hearts."

Yet Ru Yan, watching the scene, was adrift. She had studied the coroner’s craft and medicine under Sister Jiang for two years, but her skills were far from mastery. After all, how could she be proficient after such a short time? Now in Daming Prefecture, where several coroners were already employed, she found herself with no opportunity to practice.

Though *Madam Wei* treated her well, their relationship was neither master nor servant, and she still received a stipend from them—hardly a long-term solution.

But where else could she go?

At dinner, Jin Niang first had the children wipe their sweat. Today, no urging was needed—after exercise, everyone wolfed down their food like a whirlwind. Even the usually picky Yun Jieer finished her meal cleanly.

Once the children had washed up and gone to bed, Jin Niang presented her poem to Jiang Xian for critique. Jiang Xian raised an eyebrow. "This is much better than the last one." Still, he pointed out flaws, such as excessive rigidity and misused allusions.

"Thanks for the feedback. I’ll show you again when I think it’s truly good," Jin Niang said.

Jiang Xian chuckled. "No need for formalities."

Being too eager to share wasn’t wise. Jin Niang believed in quiet preparation before dazzling results.

Yet now, she slowly drew closer and wrapped her arms around him. "Are you tired today?"

Seeing her clad only in a sheer outer robe over a jade-hued undergarment—her skin as fair as mutton-fat jade—and wearing pomegranate-red flat shoes, her every glance smoldering with allure, Jiang Xian found it impossible to resist. He considered himself truly fortunate.

The two tangled together, the mandarin-duck-embroidered bed curtains drawn. Outside, the autumn wind rustled, while inside, passion flared.

Daming Prefecture had turned colder overnight. Yesterday, they had shed their padded jackets to play outside, but today, they had to bundle up in thick coats. Jin Niang wore a light-purple gold-embroidered jacket with lotus-root-hued pleated skirts and crimson high-platform shoes with phoenix motifs. Her hair was adorned with a silver-and-gold crown in ruyi cloud patterns, flanked by velvet flowers and a forehead comb.

Observing the women of the *Wei* and *Zhen* households, she noticed their preference for opulent styles—unlike Wu County, where intricate embroidery and subdued colors were favored, with no towering headpieces. Here, many women dressed boldly: scarlet brocade jackets, emerald satin skirts, and high buns.

Originally, Jin Niang thought of wearing a red jacket and green skirt, but it didn’t suit her temperament, so she stuck to her own taste.

After making all the preparations, she brought several gifts and arrived with a calling card in hand.

Unexpectedly, Madam Qian was so warm and welcoming. Just as she entered the second gate, a petite and efficient woman came forward to greet her: "I should have invited you earlier. Sister, you are truly a lovely figure."

Here, the term "sister" wasn’t meant to imply seniority in age but rather as a sign of respect. Jin Niang quickly replied, "Sister, you flatter me. It should have been my duty to pay a visit first, but with household affairs being so busy and unfamiliar with the customs here, I feared that an abrupt visit might offend the other ladies."

Seeing Jin Niang’s elegant attire and deferential tone, Madam Qian grew even more fond of her. Linking arms, they walked inside while chatting about the latest happenings in Daming Prefecture. Jin Niang thought to herself, *This is truly the way to receive guests.*

Madam Qian then led her to a flower hall where several ladies were already seated. After exchanging greetings, Jin Niang observed them. The Vice-Prefect's Lady, Madam Ji, was in her late thirties, not particularly striking in appearance but wearing a tiered floral headdress and a green jacket with rosette embroidery, radiating luxury. Another young woman, adorned with a row of chrysanthemum hairpins and white jade combs, carried herself with grace and dignity—this turned out to be Madam Wu, the illustrious daughter-in-law of Prefect Wang.

Wives of the department officials also came forward to greet her.

Madam Qian, skilled at breaking the ice, suggested, "Since Judge Jiang’s wife is new here, why not enjoy a floating wine-cup banquet in my little garden? I’ve called for two musical maidservants to entertain us while we get acquainted."

Passing through the moon gate from the flower hall, then another ceremonial gate, and winding around a rockery, they arrived at a garden filled with fragrant blooms and murmuring streams—utterly delightful. It was clear that Judicial Officer Dong’s family was well-off; even in Daming Prefecture, such a grand residence with a garden and pond likely cost around five thousand taels of silver.

Her own small garden had been carved out by sacrificing part of the third courtyard, making the estate less than a fifth the size of Madam Qian’s.

Once seated, Jin Niang took her place seated below Madam Qian, facing Madam Wu and Madam Ji.

Madam Wu initiated the conversation: "May I ask your age, Madam?"

"Twenty-eight," Jin Niang replied.

Madam Wu smiled. "We share the same birth year. Why not address each other as sisters?"

Jin Niang demurred, "How could I presume to claim such kinship?"

The two exchanged pleasantries, and soon they were deep in conversation. Madam Wu’s husband served as Vice-Prefect in Xiangzhou, and she had a son and a daughter—the son raised by her mother-in-law, the daughter by her side. Married at sixteen, her daughter was already eleven and betrothed.

At this point, Madam Qian chimed in, "She’s engaged to the sixth son of the prominent Wei family in this prefecture."

"So it’s him." Jin Niang had visited the Wei family twice and even met Wei Liulang, said to be from a secondary branch.

Madam Wu asked curiously, "Do you have dealings with the Wei family?"

Jin Niang smiled. "My daughter attends the Wei Family School. When I took her there last time, I heard about it."

"Oh, Madam Ji, aren’t your three daughters, delicate as spring onions, also at the Wei Family Female Academy?" Madam Qian skillfully steered the conversation.

Jin Niang thought, *No wonder everyone enjoys visiting Madam Qian. Despite never having met, she effortlessly introduced me into their circle. Whatever her motives, it’s been nothing but a kindness to me.*

Madam Ji then said warmly, "Madam Jiang, do bring your children to visit us sometime."

Jin Niang exchanged more casual remarks with her as dishes began to be served, accompanied by the melodies of strings and flutes. Madam Qian whispered to Jin Niang, "Madam Wu always greets others warmly—she’s kind and generous."

"I must thank you, sister, for introducing me to everyone," Jin Niang replied softly.

Madam Qian thought to herself that Judge Jiang’s wife was quite quick-witted—not only could she converse easily with anyone, but she also recognized goodwill. "You must visit more often in the future," she said.

Jin Niang smiled in agreement.

After the meal, the ladies engaged in various games—tossing arrows, playing backgammon, or chess—with no pressure to participate. Initially part of the general crowd, Jin Niang was soon pulled aside by Madam Qian to join Madam Ji and Madam Wu for a game of mahjong.

As they played, Madam Ji asked Madam Wu, "Why didn’t your mother-in-law come today?"

"She originally intended to, but the sudden cold weather made her feel unwell this morning, so she sent me instead," Madam Wu explained.

Madam Ji "tsk"ed. "One mustn’t take such things lightly—a minor illness can easily turn grave."

Wu Shi earnestly agreed, while Mrs. Qian also shared many skin care remedies and reminded Jin Niang, "The winters in Daming Prefecture are bitterly cold, sister. You must prepare thick clothing."

"I’ve prepared the clothes, but my skin is dry. In the first few days after arriving, my heels even cracked. I didn’t know what was wrong—turns out it was just dryness," Jin Niang admitted, still adjusting.

Mrs. Qian chuckled, "That won’t do. You must apply some ointment."

Among the three, Jin Niang and Madam Ji had exchanged few words, while Mrs. Qian and Wu Shi were quite friendly.

Mrs. Qian also reintroduced Madam Lan, whose husband was a newly appointed scholar, assigned as the Judge of Daming Prefecture after his official appointment. She had arrived a few days earlier than Jin Niang.

Madam Lan was three years younger than Jin Niang, tall and full of energy. Earlier, Jin Niang had noticed her winning repeatedly at tossing arrows, and now she looked even more radiant. She asked Jin Niang, "What do you usually do at home, Mrs. Jiang?"

"Nothing much—just reading and needlework and embroidery, the same as everyone else," Jin Niang replied.

"Perfect! I was thinking of hosting a poetry club once the plum blossoms bloom at Mrs. Qian’s place. How about it?" Madam Lan suggested with a smile.

Jin Niang readily agreed. Though she was still learning, she wasn’t opposed to participating. A little pressure never hurts, she thought.

Mrs. Qian laughed heartily, "I’m not skilled in poetry, but I’d love to help organize the gathering. We can invite more people to join the fun."

"Wonderful," Jin Niang said, eager to return the favor. After all, friendships grow through frequent interactions.

As the three chatted animatedly, Jin Niang caught a glimpse of Madam Ji’s displeased expression but couldn’t fathom the reason.

Madam Ji was furious. On the way back, she vented to her confidante maid, Chun Xian, "That Qian woman is building her little clique again, always wanting everyone to praise her about her popularity."

As the higher-ranking official’s wife, Madam Ji naturally outranked Mrs. Qian in status, not to mention her family background. Though her father had retired, he had once been the late emperor’s tutor, a position of great prestige. Mrs. Qian’s father, in contrast, was merely an ordinary official, and she had been married before. Both had arrived in Daming Prefecture around the same time, yet Mrs. Qian had effortlessly won everyone over, leaving Madam Ji feeling left out.

Chun Xian understood Madam Ji’s frustration—ignored at home by her husband, who favored Concubine Ji, and overshadowed outside by Mrs. Qian, who was inferior in every way.

"But we still have opportunities. Our young ladies study at the Wei family’s school. Through that connection, you could win over the Judge’s wife," Chun Xian suggested.

One must have supporters—no one wants to be a lone general.

Madam Ji brightened at the idea. "That’s an excellent idea."

Meanwhile, upon returning home, Jin Niang was served tea by Ru Yan. After a sip, she remarked, "Your tea-making skills surpass A Ying’s. But why trouble yourself with this when we have servants?"

"It’s the least I can do. You’ve taken me in and treated me so kindly—I can’t just accept it without giving back," Ru Yan replied, uneasy about being idle.

This couldn’t last. Back when she worked for Sister Jiang, earning her own way, she had felt at ease. Now, uncertain of her future, she couldn’t help but worry.

Sensing her concern, Jin Niang reassured her, "It’s fine. My household can certainly feed one more. But I’m not sure how to arrange things for you yet."

Having just arrived in Daming Prefecture, she couldn’t immediately send Ru Yan to study medicine or become a coroner—especially since the city was already full of seasoned coroners.

"Madam, I have an idea. I’m good at making tea and snacks. If I opened a teahouse... well, to be honest, I’d never dare go solo. But with your support, I’d like to try here," Ru Yan proposed.

Jin Niang agreed but hesitated. "In Wu County, I would’ve said yes without a second thought. But now, between buying a house, outfitting it, and the children’s schooling, I can’t afford to purchase a property for you."

She could offer some financial support, but investing in a business was beyond her means.

Ru Yan blushed slightly. "Actually, I’ve kept something from you, Madam. When I jumped into the water, my silver locket hid a banknote."

That money had been her emergency fund, something she’d never intended to reveal. But she trusted Jin Niang’s integrity and knew she wouldn’t covet it. Besides, starting a business required backing—she needed the Jiang name behind her.

Nearby, A Ying almost scowled. Ru Yan was sneaky! After being saved, she insisted on staying, mooching off us all this time—only to reveal she had money all along.

Jin Niang breathed a sigh of relief. Since Ru Yan had her own money and wanted to start a business, this worked out well. So she smiled and said, "Since you have a plan, just go ahead with it. If you need help finding a shop or an agent, I can mention it to Chen Xiaolang and have him help you find one."

Ru Yan was overjoyed to see Jin Niang agree.

Fang Ma, standing behind Jin Niang, thought it might be best for the girl to leave. Otherwise, having such a clever and capable young woman in the household could become a serious rival to her mistress if she ever rose in status.

After Ru Yan left the main room to return to her quarters, Fang Ma noticed A Ying was upset about Ru Yan's dishonesty and tried to console her: "Look, even our mistress isn’t angry—why should you be? It’s better for her to leave. Did you really want her to stay here forever?"

Their conversation in the side room reached Jin Niang’s ears, but she couldn’t blame Fang Ma or A Ying. Fang Ma had been brought back by her, and they were on the same boat. If Jin Niang lost her standing, Fang Ma would face the same fate as when Sixth Madam passed away—being thrown out. So Fang Ma was vigilant against anyone who might threaten Jin Niang’s position.

As for A Ying, her thoughts weren’t as far-reaching. She was loyal to Jin Niang, treated the Jiang family as her own, and saw Jin Niang as family, which was why she felt deceived.

Jin Niang could only pretend she hadn’t heard.

Leaving aside Ru Yan’s busy preparations, Jin Niang also had to prepare a birthday gift for Old Lady Zhen. Over ten days later, she took her two children to the Zhen residence to offer their congratulations.

Just as the family got settled, word came from outside that Aunt He had arrived. Dou Yuan smiled and said, "Cousin-in-law, let me introduce you to a relative—my aunt, who is also your husband’s aunt, Madam He."