Chapter 103

Chapter 103

Today, Madam He only brought Second Zhou Madam along. It wasn’t because she favored this daughter-in-law, but because she was also a Jiang by birth and thus a cousin to Dou Yuan. Everyone was connected by kinship, so bringing her along wouldn’t seem out of place.

Fortunately, her niece Dou Yuan paid her full respects by personally coming out to greet them. Now that her husband no longer held an official position and they were just mere local gentry, receiving such courtesy moved Madam He. She warmly took Dou Yuan’s hand and exchanged family gossip.

Dou Yuan smiled and said, “Please come with me to the west hall first, Aunt. There are some other relatives of ours there as well.”

“Oh? Who might that be?” Madam He asked.

Dou Yuan then replied, “Shiliulang from Sixth Uncle’s branch. He’s now serving as a Judge in Daming Prefecture and has just taken office recently. Later, we can all gather as relatives and catch up.”

Madam He was delighted once again.

When they entered, Jin Niang hurried over to greet them. It had been over a decade since she last saw Madam He and Second Zhou Madam. Back then, Madam He was still the wife of a prefect, aloof and untouchable, while Madam Chen didn’t dare breathe in her presence. Now, however, she had aged considerably, her figure heavier, though her face still wore a smile. Behind her stood Second Zhou Madam, who had grown much taller and was dressed exquisitely. While her expression was cheerful, her eyes betrayed a flicker of disdain.

Jin Niang didn’t know why, after that one time He Sanlang and Jiang Xian drank together, the two had no further contact, nor had Jiang Xian ever mentioned it. Fang Ma knew Jin Niang had once been a maid in the Zhou household, and had advised against maintaining ties.

Back then, Jiang Shi had interfered in her marriage to Jiang Xian, and there had been past conflicts with Second Zhou Madam. Given all these reasons, Jin Niang naturally had no intention of reconnecting.

Now, meeting again, Jin Niang treated it as a fresh acquaintance. Following Dou Yuan’s introduction, she addressed Madam He as “Aunt He” and Second Zhou Madam as “Cousin-in-law.”

Madam He observed Jin Niang’s hair coiled high, adorned with a jade-inlaid headdress and emerald hairpins, her natural gentleness and glow, yet poised and dignified. Pleased, she said, “We’re all family here. Let’s sit together and chat.”

With that, Madam He even took off one of her bracelets and gave it to Jin Niang, asking many questions. When she learned of Sixth Madam’s passing, she nearly shed tears. Jin Niang couldn’t help but admire Madam He’s performance—likely, after her marriage, Madam He had rarely, if ever, met Sixth Madam, yet her performance was flawless.

The Madam Qian she had met some time ago and Madam He today were both figures not to be trifled with.

Jin Niang had been wondering whether Second Zhou Madam would recognize her and cause a stir. To her surprise, Second Zhou Madam looked at her as if she were a complete stranger, showing no reaction whatsoever. Jin Niang decided not to dwell on it further.

“Is Shiliulang’s elder brother serving as an official in the capital?” Madam He asked.

Having two *jinshi* in one family—not counting Jiang Fang, who had been adopted out—was exceedingly rare. Moreover, both brothers were still young. In official circles, it was well known that one should never underestimate the young. Since Jiang Xian was also her nephew by marriage, it was all the more important to foster good relations.

When Jin Niang heard her inquire about Jiang Yan, she replied, “Elder Brother is currently serving in the Remonstrance Bureau.”

In truth, Second Zhou Madam was well aware of Jiang Xian. Back then, in a fit of bad temper, she had taken it out on a servant, only to be sent to the Jiang household by her mother. During her time with her maternal relatives, she had interacted frequently with the Jiang family. She knew Jiang Xian’s father had repeatedly failed the imperial exams—how could she have thought much of them?

Truly, fortunes change over time. Now, looking at Jiang Xian’s wife, there was something vaguely familiar about her appearance, as if she had seen her somewhere before, yet she was certain they had never met. The woman wore a lavish emerald-studded headpiece, a full set of brocade robes, and her maiden family seemed to be a scholarly one.

At this moment, Second Zhou Madam remarked, “My younger brother earned his provincial candidacy last year but didn’t succeed in the Metropolitan Exam this year. Fortunately, he’s now enrolled in the Imperial Academy.”

“Does your family reside in the Eastern Capital?” Second Zhou Madam asked, remarking on Jin Niang’s accent, which didn’t sound like a native of Dongjing.

This was the first sentence Second Zhou Madam had directed at her. Jin Niang kept her expression neutral and merely smiled. “We moved there over a decade ago. Our ancestral home isn’t there.”

Madam He was annoyed at her daughter-in-law’s lack of tact. Honeyed words moved the world—why not just say something pleasant? She quickly smoothed things over. “You came from Wu County, didn’t you? Back then, you were also posted in Yangzhou. The Jiangnan region is truly a wonderful place.”

“You’re absolutely right,” Jin Niang replied with a smile. “Incidentally, I brought some Suzhou silk back with me. I’ll send a couple of bolts to you later—I hope they’ll suit your taste.”

As the two exchanged pleasantries, Lan Shi, the wife of the Judge, approached and called out to Jin Niang, “Sister, why are you still here? Old Madam Wang has arrived, and Madam Qian sent me to fetch you.”

Jin Niang quickly smiled at Madam He and said, “Aunt, please wait here for a moment. I must first pay my respects to the Prefectress, then I’ll return to chat with you.”

As the wife of a Judge, it was only proper for her to greet the wife of her superior. Back when Madam He’s husband had served as the Prefect of Yangzhou, every underling had kowtowed to her. Thus, she said, “By all means, Niece.”

Jin Niang hurried off with Lan Shi. Madam Qian had specifically reserved a seat for her, having clearly saved her a seat.

“My thanks, Sister,” Jin Niang said with a smile.

It must be said that Madam Qian is a pretty decent boss. In the workplace, backing the right person is what really counts. These days, she has also met with Madam Ji, but Madam Ji just sees her as an underling. Compared to Madam Qian, the better choice is obvious.

Moreover, Madam Ji hasn’t reached the status of Old Madam Wang. She probably can’t even get a word in with Old Madam Wang, so why should she fear her?

Originally, she wanted to remain neutral, but she realized her situation was like a lone tree with no shelter—isolated and unsupported. Although the Zhen family was related to hers, she always had to rely on them, which only made others look down on her. It would be better to find a good superior to follow for now and build her own influence in the future.

Don’t underestimate these officials’ wives. Matters that men cannot openly discuss or handle can often be managed privately through them.

However, Jin Niang isn’t as blindly loyal to Madam Qian as Lan Shi is. She simply returns favors in kind.

The Zhen family invited Old Madam Wang to take the seat of honor as a sign of respect, but Old Madam Wang insisted that Old Madam Zhen, as the birthday celebrant, should sit there instead. The two went back and forth politely for a while before finally sitting down together.

Old Madam Zhen must’ve been a real looker in her day. Even now, she hasn’t gained weight, with delicate features and an elegant demeanor. In comparison, Old Madam Wang appears much more approachable, like your average grandma.

Wu Shi naturally accompanied Old Madam Wang and was also chatting with everyone.

The two elderly women were discussing opera, and those around them chimed in. Jin Niang, who wasn’t very knowledgeable about opera, wasn’t totally lost, but it bored her.

Fortunately, as the wife of a minor official in the prefecture, nobody really noticed her.

Madam Ji sat opposite Madam Qian. She had previously invited Jin Niang, only to find her still aligned with Madam Qian instead of accepting her overtures, which really ticked her off.

As they spoke, word came that the Wei family had arrived. The Wei family was a big deal. Last time, when her daughter attended their school, even though Jiang Xian was the Judge of Daming Prefecture, it still took pulling strings twice over to secure her daughter’s admission.

Madam Wei’s husband currently served as the Fiscal Commissioner of Huainan, a high-ranking third-tier official in the court. Thus, her arrival changed the vibe all over again.

Madam Wei was thirty-seven this year. Her husband had aced the imperial exams at eighteen and, though he had served for twenty years, was still only in his thirties. Wearing a pearl crown, she hurried in with a smile and said, “Birthday Honoree, I’ve arrived late.”

Madam Zhen invited her to take a seat. With Madam Wei, a relatively younger wife, joining, the atmosphere changed again.

“Living to seventy is rare indeed. Birthday Honoree, your health remains so robust—the rest of us pale in comparison,” Madam Wei said with a smile.

Old Madam Zhen, wise with age, replied, “You young people are nothing like me, with missing teeth and all. As the saying goes, the lucky don’t hustle; the unlucky bust their backs. Your husband sends people from Luoyang every year to bring you peonies to admire. With such daily luxuries, why should you toil? What do you say to that?”

This teasing made Madam Wei blush—a rare sight. Jin Niang was floored. Why did wealthy families all adore peonies, and with such extravagance? Madam Wei had peonies delivered directly from Luoyang just for her viewing.

Still, Jin Niang thought she might visit the Wei family later and design a peony-patterned garment or collar panel to gift on Madam Wei’s birthday. That way, she’d be remembered.

Once everyone had arrived, Old Madam Zhen, given her advanced age, had Madam Zhen arrange the seating. The first table included Madam Wei, Old Madam Wang, the Fiscal Commissioner of Hebei Circuit, the Pacification Commissioner, the Judicial Commissioner, and the Superintendent of Ever-Normal Granaries.

The second table seated Madam Ji, Madam Qian, Jin Niang, Lan Shi, and the wife of the Registrar, among others.

The third table was for relatives and friends, such as Madam Zhen’s family members and Madam He.

The banquet was a lavish display of land and sea delicacies, a dazzling spectacle of wealth. No wonder Second Madam Dou had brought two boatloads of dowry. But after a cup of wine, Jin Niang snapped out of it. It’s human nature to covet more, but who doesn’t accumulate little by little? Small streams form great rivers.

As long as she and Jiang Xian worked hard, they might one day build their own fortune. There was no need to be blinded by wealth. Her vision cleared considerably.

Meanwhile, Madam Tuesday sat at the third table with her mother-in-law, thanks to Dou Yuan’s favor. Madam He didn’t mind—though she had once been a prefect’s wife, she now knew a has-been is worse than a nobody, and she had to swallow the bitterness alone. But Madam Tuesday was indignant. In her youth, her father had overseen official promotions, and her uncle had been wealthy. Hadn’t they once been just as grand? Even high-ranking ministers had visited their home.

Now, no one paid them any attention. Even Jiang Xian’s wife, who had just been chatting with them, was seated at the second table. A mere seventh-rank Judge was treated better than they were—the disparity was too great, and her expression darkened.

After the banquet, Dou Yuan helped see guests off and said to Jin Niang, “In my household, my elder sister-in-law doesn’t manage affairs, and my third sister-in-law is useless. Sis, could you give me a hand?”

Jin Niang readily agreed: “With so many official wives here, it’s impressive that your mother-in-law handled it so well. You’re young but capable. I’ll handle the small stuff, but major decisions are still yours to make.”

“I’m endlessly grateful for your help, sister,” Dou Yuan said warmly, linking arms with Jin Niang.

Dou Yuan had always been close to Jin Niang, and they lived across from each other, so it was natural to ask her. But Madam Tuesday, seeing this, was displeased. On the way home, she complained to Madam He, “You’re her own aunt—she should have asked you first. Why’d she get picked over you?”

Madam He sighed, "At my age, I can’t manage so much anymore."

Seeing Madam He so dispirited, Second Miss Zhou had no choice but to swallow her irritation.

Meanwhile, Jin Niang returned from the Zhen residence and said to Jiang Xian, "Their family entertained close relatives and official connections today, and tomorrow they’ll invite distant relatives and old friends. They asked for my help, and seeing how swamped she was—plus, we live right across from them and have troubled them with many things before—I agreed."

Jiang Xian simply replied, "As long as you don’t tire yourself out."

Jin Niang then mentioned meeting Madam He and her daughter-in-law: "How come you’ve shared drinks with He Sanlang, yet his family acted as if they were just learning of me today? Should I send seasonal gifts to avoid them thinking you’ve become arrogant after becoming an official? After all, we’re somewhat related."

"My dear, listen, Second Miss Zhou is trouble. She once abused a maid and even took refuge at our Jiang household. You used to work in her household—if she were sensible, she’d treat you like a sister-in-law, as Second Sister-in-law (Third Miss Zhou) does. But she isn’t. That kind of fool will drag you into endless drama later. Better to steer clear. If anyone asks, pin it on me—say I was too busy and forgot to send gifts after you asked me to." Jiang Xian’s words reassured Jin Niang, and she stifled a giggle behind her hand.

Jiang Xian was puzzled. "Why are you laughing?"

"When you mentioned humiliating a maid, you meant me." She then recounted how Second Miss Zhou had vented her anger on her, forcing her to kneel.

Enraged, Jiang Xian slammed the table. "That vicious woman! I’ll make her pay."

"Don’t. I already paid her back." Jin Niang explained how she had feigned dizziness. "Though it didn’t really damage her, it was the only way I could retaliate among your relatives."

Jiang Xian, still seething, pushed up Jin Niang’s skirt hem, his heart aching.

But Jin Niang said, "I used to dream of humiliating her one day when fortunes reversed. But today, seeing her—my status higher, my clothes finer, my husband more successful—why stoop to her level? If I did, it’d be like breaking precious china to crush a bug, harming your reputation."

To forgive is divine. Clinging to bitterness poisons the soul.

Jiang Xian refused to listen, but Jin Niang coaxed him relentlessly: "You’ve got bigger problems—bandits and court cases in Daming Prefecture. Why make more enemies?"

"Alright, alright. If she backs off, I’ll drop it. But if she spreads nonsense, she’ll regret it." Seeing Jin Niang’s earnest pleas, Jiang Xian reluctantly agreed.

Moved by his devotion, Jin Niang kissed wine into his mouth, and the two grew intimate once more.

The next day, after breakfast, Jin Niang went to Madam Zhen’s. Madam Zhen said, "We’re grateful for your assistance, sister-in-law."

"Not at all. I’m just a meddler—forgive my nosiness." Jin Niang replied.

Madam Zhen then asked her to go to Dou Yuan’s quarters. En route, Jin Niang ran into Zhen Erlang, Dou Yuan’s husband, who promptly bowed. Jin Niang returned the courtesy before meeting Dou Yuan.

That day, Jin Niang assisted Dou Yuan in entertaining guests, making conversation, and arranging seats. By nightfall, she was dead on her feet.

But she also picked up on how elite families entertained—not all at once, but in batches, lest high-status guests find the gathering disorderly and improper.

After days of labor, Jin Niang finally relaxed at home, composing poems daily—some imitations, some original—digging through books for classical references.

In the afternoon, Yun Jieer returned, looking upset. Jin Niang asked, "What’s wrong? Tell me if something’s bothering you."

"Mother, what does ‘a concubine’s child’ mean?" Yun Jieer asked.

Jin Niang frowned. "That’s an insult. Where did you hear it?"

"From Third Miss Ji. She called her eldest sister ‘a concubine’s brat’ who’s got airs." Yun Jieer replied.

This hinted at the strife between the Ji sisters—discord between legitimate and illegitimate children, common in households where wives and concubines clashed.

Jin Niang pressed, "What caused it?"

Yun Jieer giggled. "I know! It’s all over that flirt Wei Qilang!"

"Wei Qilang? Madam Wei's youngest son?" Jin Niang had heard that Madam Wei stayed behind instead of accompanying her husband to his post precisely because her youngest son was in poor health, so they remained at home.

Seeing her daughter mention "fox spirit," she couldn't help but remark, "Where did you little girls learn such things?"

Children, though young, absorb much more information as they interact with people outside. They're not little babies anymore. In their eyes, anyone exceptionally beautiful is a "fox spirit," likely stemming from envy of their looks.

Yun Jieer simply giggled.

"Mother, let them all be bewitched by the male fox spirit. That way, I can focus on studying and surely come in first on the tests."

She had previously fallen behind in her studies, forcing Jin Niang and Jiang Xian to take turns tutoring her at night. Fortunately, the child was diligent and managed to catch up.

Jin Niang had worried about her daughter developing an early crush, but hearing this, she couldn’t help but laugh. "Good child, such ambition. As for the disputes between the Ji sisters, don’t involve yourself."

"I understand, Mother. Madam Wei’s birthday is coming soon, and Madam Shen suggested we send some needlework as gifts," Yun Jieer said.

Jin Niang replied, "Yesterday, I heard she loves peonies. I’ve drawn a peony pattern for you—trace it and embroider it. Let’s make a pair of peony-patterned sachets, how does that sound?"

Yun Jieer was delighted.

Since Jiang Xian was working through the night at the government office, Jin Niang sent over food and soup. The mother and children dined alone. That evening, Jin Niang let Yun Jieer sleep in her room. Seeing her mother had already designed the peony-patterned sachet, Yun Jieer cut the fabric and began separating the embroidery threads.

In teaching needlework, Jin Niang was strict—not for any trivial reason, but to ensure her daughter could rely on this skill to earn her own living.

Yun Jieer also mentioned wanting to buy a guqin, as Madam Shen would teach them to play. She also needed to bring incense materials to class the next day, as Madam Shen would instruct them in incense-making.

"Tomorrow, I’ll speak to your father and have him carefully select a qin for you. As for the incense, I’ll open the chest and pack small portions of each for you to take in the morning." Having been a student herself, Jin Niang knew what seemed trivial to adults was hugely important to children, so she agreed immediately to spare her daughter any embarrassment.

The next day, Jiang Xian sent someone home for clothes, as he was sent on government business to another county. Jin Niang prepared two sets of clothes, shoes, socks, and remedies for aches, pains, and chills.

However, the arrangements for the qin couldn’t be entrusted to him, and Jin Niang herself knew little about it. She first asked Chen Xiaolang to inquire and then summoned Ru Yan.

After openly cashing in her silver, Ru Yan had inspected several unsatisfactory locations before finally settling on a shop. Hearing Jin Niang summon her, she tensed, only to learn it was about the qin. Looking for ways to return the favor, she saw this as a perfect opportunity and offered to help.

Within two or three days, she found a qin from the Lei family of Shu, its tone clear and resonant, engraved with ancient seal script.

"How much does this cost? I’ll pay you."

Ru Yan insisted on gifting it to Yun Jieer, but Jin Niang refused. "This qin looks expensive. If you won’t take payment, I can’t accept it."

To Jin Niang, a child’s qin only needed to be playable and reasonably priced. A renowned qin could wait until genuine talent emerged. Otherwise, a bad player with a fancy instrument would be like a struggling student hoarding fancy stationery.

Ru Yan said, "It only cost ten strings of coins. If you don’t believe me, I’ll show you the receipt. You saved my life—this qin is but a small token of thanks. If you refuse, you must despise me."

Jin Niang had no choice but to accept. Knowing Ru Yan was opening a teahouse, she gave her several catties of fine tea and two tea sets as capital.

By the time the qin arrived, Yun Jieer was almost done with the sachet for Madam Wei, who reportedly adored it. Impressed by the embroidery from a child under ten, Madam Wei even gifted her a bracelet.

Kids thrive on praise. After receiving the praise, Yun Jieer often asked Jin Niang to teach her more embroidery.

Before long, winter arrived. Lan Shi sent an invitation, praising the Qian family’s blooming red plums and inviting Jin Niang to a poetry gathering. Meanwhile, Madam Qian sent over fruits and vegetables, which Jin Niang sent gifts in return.

Unexpectedly, Madam He also sent produce. Though Jin Niang wanted nothing to do with her, she couldn’t refuse at her doorstep. She gave a tip to the messenger and returned the gesture with ginger, fermented beans, red silk, chopped organ meats, pears, and clams.

Had Madam He not sent anything, Jin Niang wouldn’t have initiated the exchange.

Madam He was no fool. Noticing Jiang Xian hadn’t visited since he took up his post and that Jin Niang wasn't as polite as Madam Dou, she was puzzled—especially since Jin Niang didn’t strike her as frivolous.

But unlike Jiang Shi, who loved stirring up trouble, Madam He preferred letting mysteries lie. She disliked prying and believed some things were better left unresolved.

Years ago, she had placed a servant in the Zhou household to study the Zhou daughters’ temperaments. Even after learning her third daughter-in-law was troublesome, she kept silent for the sake of family ties.

Meanwhile, Third Madam Zhou, upon learning from Sixth Uncle Jiang that Jiang Xian held office in Daming Prefecture, recalled her second sister’s past bad blood with Jin Niang. Fearing her foolish sister might stir trouble and ignite old grudges, she immediately sent holiday presents, including a letter specifically for Second Madam Zhou.