Chapter 105

Chapter 105

Luo Da stayed in Daming Prefecture for three days. As usual, Jin Niang rewarded him with two bolts of fabric and five guan worth of banknotes, along with travel expenses and several local specialties from Daming Prefecture for him to take back to his parents and Sixth Uncle.

Before Little New Year, Manor Manager Fan and Innkeeper Yao hurried over as well. Jiang Xian also came out to meet them. Manor Manager Fan brought 360 taels of silver, along with two jars of fermented shad and two jars of salted duck eggs, while Innkeeper Yao delivered 200 taels.

Jin Niang specifically rewarded Manor Manager Fan with 20 taels and Innkeeper Yao with 15 taels, not to mention additional fabrics and clothing. She then had Liu Douer show them around Daming Prefecture for two days and arranged for their return by boat. The two of them had brought all the money upfront this time, allowing Jin Niang to distribute their wages later. As for Luo Da, she had him withdraw his share in advance before submitting the rest.

Jin Niang put all the money in the cashbox, setting aside Jiang Xian’s monthly salary of 20 guan specifically for the New Year celebrations.

There was no other choice—this year had seen too many expenses, and they needed to cut back on spending. Otherwise, their dream of buying a house would remain distant. At present, apart from the 4,000 taels set aside, they only had 3,700 guan in readily available cash.

After sorting out their finances, Jin Niang let out a sigh of relief.

“On our way to Daming Prefecture, we already had our new clothes made. Now we can just focus on celebrating the New Year,” Jin Niang said with a smile.

Jiang Xian replied, “It’s all thanks to your excellent management.”

“What excellent management? We just have a thin foundation, so we have to be meticulous. Thankfully, your monthly salary has increased, so we don’t need to dip into our savings. Legal Advisor Song earns eight guan a month, while the others make a total of three guan. After deducting food and drink expenses, we can still save two guan out of the remaining nine.” Jin Niang calculated carefully.

Jiang Xian loved this about her—she was clear-headed and decisive in all matters. Watching her take charge so effortlessly was truly a sight to behold…

After discussing their plans, Ning Geer came in wearing a hood, his exposed nose bright red.

The little one entered, bowed first, and then ran over.

Jin Niang teased, “Our Ning Geer is truly a scholar now—he even knows proper etiquette.”

“Mother, when are we having the grilled meat feast?” Ning Geer still remembered Jin Niang’s promise from last time.

Originally, Jin Niang had planned to have the grilled meat feast earlier, but Wu Shi’s son had passed away, and she had been too busy with subsequent matters to follow through. She hadn’t expected the little one to still remember.

When it came to the children’s requests, Jin Niang always took them seriously. She turned to Jiang Xian and said, “How about we have the grilled meat feast tomorrow? We can do it behind the small partition in the Linglong Pavilion. What do you think?”

Why ask Jiang Xian’s opinion? Mainly because she wanted him to do the grilling.

Jiang Xian readily agreed.

“Sweetheart, give your father a kiss,” Jin Niang joked.

Ning Geer actually went to kiss Jiang Xian, and the father-son pair started playing around. Meanwhile, Jin Niang got up and went to Yun Jieer’s west chamber. Without anyone supervising her, the girl was actually doing needlework on her own.

After exchanging a few words with her daughter, Jin Niang mentioned the grilled meat feast planned for the next day and instructed the maids to make sure Yun Jieer didn’t wear light-colored clothes. She also told her daughter to go to bed early before returning to the main room.

To her surprise, the father and son who had been playing earlier were already fast asleep in bed, with Ning Geer pursing his lips. Jin Niang tucked them in and sat nearby reading poetry.

The next morning, she went with Madam Qian to Prefect Wang’s residence. By then, Wu Shi had regained some composure, though it was still obvious she wasn’t quite right. The two women comforted her at length. Old Madam Wang, however, appeared strangely calm despite the loss of her grandson.

Truly, one’s own child is always dearest.

But even in front of Madam Qian, Jin Niang kept these thoughts to herself.

On their way out of the Wang residence, Madam Qian smiled and said, “I heard you’ve formed kinship ties with the Wei family. That’s wonderful news. Madam Wei is someone who is very selective about company—this isn’t easy.”

“I don’t know how we took to each other,” Jin Niang mused, feeling that the heavens favored her. Though her luck was usually average, it always seemed to come through at critical moments.

Madam Qian noticed that Jin Niang wasn’t one to scheme. Though she got along well with them, she kept to herself mostly. Whenever topics like salt certificates or bribery came up, she kept quiet. It was said that she even returned tributes from underlings if they were too extravagant. With her family’s wealth, she didn’t need such tributes.

Then again, not all wealthy people were uninterested in money—many were still greedy though wealthy.

Returning from outside, the cold wind was howling. Once inside, A Ying quickly helped her take off her fur-lined sleeves and shivered, "Madam, it's really cold out there."

"You should take better care of yourself too. Take another bed warmer from my place. Rest early after finishing your tasks—don’t be like how I used to be, working late just to earn money, throwing off my monthly cycle. And don’t always scold Dou’er for eating and drinking. I still have a box of steamed fruit buns sent by Madam Qian—take some back with you." Jin Niang fussed over her.

A Ying loved these thoughtful words the most. Her mistress often privately helped her out, so she despised those who stole from their masters.

At noon, the servants carried a celadon-glazed brazier and some ingredients to Linglong Pavilion. Jin Niang and Jiang Xian took their children there together.

A Ying, in charge of the tea room, first brewed shiso leaf tea, then went to steep jasmine tea. Ju Xiang was toasting buns, while Chun Xian brought over a fruit platter.

Only then did Jiang Xian start grilling. After the first round, he saw Jin Niang and the children sitting in a row, watching him. He placed the first serving on Jin Niang’s plate—he simply wanted her to have it first.

Unlike other mothers who would give the food to their children, Jin Niang wrapped the meat in lettuce and ate it herself, then made one for Jiang Xian: "Just open your mouth."

Jiang Xian eagerly complied, beaming at Jin Niang.

He used to think he had many friends and relatives, but in truth, he'd been truly alone without reliable kin. Thankfully, he married a wife who planned everything for him, gave him her whole heart, and built him such a wonderful home.

Jiang Xian grilled lamb, pork, and crucian carp in turns. Jin Niang ate the first batch but refused more, letting the children indulge a little before switching them to tea and juice. As they chatted, someone announced that Madam Zhen the Second had arrived.

Jin Niang smiled. "Perfect timing—we’re having grilled meat. Invite her over for a plate."

Jiang Xian excused himself to the study, as it wouldn’t be proper for him to stay.

Soon, Dou Yuan arrived, dressed in a delicate red jacket and a soft yellow skirt, looking as delicate as carved jade. Finding the room warm and filled with the aroma of grilled meat, she sat without hesitation, ate half a plate, and sipped her drink before saying, "I never imagined you and cousin lived so comfortably."

Jin Niang laughed. "It’s rare to have him home like this. Usually, the children are studying, your cousin is on duty, and I’m busy running around—we hardly get to gather."

After some small talk, Jin Niang noticed Dou Yuan had something on her mind and took her to the front hall.

It turned out Dou Yuan was there for her sister-in-law’s relative. She didn’t actually want Jin Niang’s help: "Her cousin quarreled over a singsong girl and killed someone. The case couldn’t be handled in Guantao and was transferred to Daming Prefecture. Now they’re asking us to intervene. My mother-in-law insists that since they’re family, we should settle the matter quietly."

Despite their good relationship, Jin Niang’s first reaction was refusal: "This is a murder case. Feign agreement but claim your cousin refuses—that’s your answer. This way, you’ve done your part for the family."

"A life for a life, debts must be paid" was the simplest justice. She didn’t even need to consult Jiang Xian—she could reject it outright. Still, she made sure Dou Yuan had a way out to avoid blame.

Dou Yuan said gratefully, "Won’t this cause trouble for Cousin?"

"If we help one today, we’ll be expected to help another tomorrow, only making more enemies. Besides, your cousin is upright—he even returns expensive gifts from petty officials. You’ve done your best. ‘Fatal brawls’ are among the Ten Abominations," Jin Niang stated firmly.

Dou Yuan knew her cousin’s wife was shrewd. Recently, many stewards and shopkeepers had come offering money—not just silver but connections. She was close to Madam Qian and even established kinship ties with the Wei family. And she’d only been here a few months! That’s what it meant to handle big matters. Those who only knew how to flatter were just playing small games.

After a short stay, Dou Yuan left. Facing her mother-in-law, she feigned helplessness: "I tried my best, but Cousin wouldn’t relent. There’s nothing I can do."

Her sister-in-law, Zhuang Shi, pressed, "Sister-in-law, they’re family... My cousin sent 500 taels. Let’s go together."

"Money? You probably can’t even get it in. His family doesn’t take bribes—they’re strictly impartial." Dou Yuan sighed.

Zhuang Shi was displeased but held back, sending her husband to speak with Zhen Erlang instead. Zhen Erlang visited, and Jiang Xian had the kitchen prepare four hot dishes, four cold dishes, two soups, and six fine pastries. Once the feast was ready, Jiang Xian smiled and asked, "Erlang, you’re well-read. If you were to govern a region, how would you proceed?"

He was probing his aspirations. Zhen Erlang gave a lofty answer but was thinking of his relative’s issue, waiting for the right moment to bring it up. Then Jiang Xian said, "I’ll say this: as a scholar, let no litigation papers cross your threshold. Focus on your studies, and you’ll soar to greatness—leaving even me behind."

Zhuang Erlang was sharp enough to realize the topic was closed and humbly replied, "Cousin, you flatter me."

After the meal, Zhen Erlang left.

Jin Niang smiled. "The wise guard their words, a peacock its feathers, a tiger its claws—all to cultivate virtue."

Jiang Xian agreed, "My wife speaks truth." But he thought privately: *Some distant kin of a fourth-rank official isn’t worth tarnishing my reputation over. What's 500 taels? My wife manages our household and earns 1,000 to 2,000 taels a year, not to mention the 4,000 taels we’ve saved.*

But these were just thoughts in his heart—how could he dare voice them to his wife?

Last time, he wrote poems to help her win more easily, but she refused. Only after he cooked her a fine meal did she relent.

On the twenty-sixth of the twelfth month, Jin Niang first delivered New Year gifts to colleagues, the Wei family, now connected through marriage, and the Zhen family across the street. Each received a fresh lamb, two jars of premium *diliu* wine, a bolt of bright red silk, a bolt of brocade, and a hundred rose-filled pastries.

The house was decked out with new door gods, couplets, hanging plaques, and peachwood charms.

The servants came to kowtow to Jin Niang and Jiang Xian, who rewarded them with handkerchiefs, money, and fabric. The Wei family also sent return gifts: two rolls of lake-blue patterned silk, a bolt of heavy crimson brocade, a fresh pig, a crate of hundred-fruit pastries, two pots of narcissus, and two pots of wintersweet. The gifts from other families were similarly generous, and Jin Niang accepted them all—this back-and-forth gifting was a net gain.

Meanwhile, Dou Yuan was also busy with return gifts. Old Madam Zhen thrived on merrymaking, so Dou Yuan had to prepare the *Yunxiao Festival* program in advance, leaving her swamped. Just then, word came that the third daughter of the He family had arrived with New Year gifts, so Dou Yuan had no choice but to set aside her list and have her brought in.

The so-called "third daughter of the He family"? It was Zhou Er Niangzi. She had told Madam He that she would personally deliver the gifts to show sincerity, and Madam He, taking it as a sign of growth, gave her leave.

Swamped as she was, Dou Yuan still managed a smile when Zhou Er Niangzi entered. "Cousin, please have a seat. You shouldn’t have troubled yourself—sending someone would have sufficed."

"I had nothing else to do, so I thought I’d drop by," Zhou Er Niangzi replied, though she had ulterior motives.

Dou Yuan, unfamiliar with Zhou Er Niangzi despite their relation, intended to keep the conversation brief. Zhou Er Niangzi, however, had come to probe Jin Niang’s current influence. She wanted to speak freely but feared disbelief or retaliation.

After some strained small talk, Zhou Er Niangzi set down her teacup. "By the way, what’s the background of Judge Jiang’s wife, whom I met the other day? As family, I’d hate to step on her toes unwittingly."

Dou Yuan, unsuspecting, answered, "Oh, my cousin-in-law? Her family’s not official gentry, but they’re well-off. She’s well-read, and though her brother didn’t pass the exams, he’s a student at the Imperial Academy. Don’t worry—she’s very easygoing."

The more Zhou Er Niangzi heard, the stranger it seemed. A lowly maid wedding into nobility? Impossible! And where did she get so much money? Could she have stolen from the Zhou family?

But one more question might tip her hand, so Zhou Er Niangzi dropped the subject.

She could’ve asked Zhou Si Niangzi, but she feared being mocked for the maid she once scorned now being an official’s wife. She decided to wait until the third day of the New Year, during the New Year’s opera festivities, to inquire further.

**

On New Year’s Eve, the children grew drowsy after staying up for a while. Jin Niang ordered jasmine tea brewed and sat with Jiang Xian.

"Later, I’ll show you a poem I wrote. Despite being busy, I haven’t neglected my studies," Jin Niang said.

Jiang Xian nodded lazily, aware of his wife’s skill—or lack thereof—but reluctant to say so.

Yet when Jin Niang presented her poem, he found it surprisingly decent. If her past efforts scored one out of ten, this one was a five or six—at least the couplets were well-balanced.

"Wife, I’m not just flattering you, but your poetry is improving."

Jin Niang beamed. "That’s wonderful!"

Seeing her joy, Jiang Xian couldn’t help but laugh. "I thought you’d given up, but you’re persistent. Well done."

Praise from her scholar husband greatly encouraged her. So delighted, she soon dozed off, her head nodding like a drowsy sparrow.

On the second day of the New Year, Madam Wei specially sent someone to fetch Jin Niang, treating her as if she were blood kin. Jin Niang brought Jiang Xian and their children along. The Wei family was large, and though Jin Niang wasn’t truly a Wei, her husband was a Judge in Daming Prefecture, and the Jiangs counted two scholars among them. She herself was no sycophant.

She came as family, seeking nothing—thus her calm demeanor.

The Wei family had married daughters—some to Kaifeng, some to officials by hereditary privilege—yet Jin Niang now outranked them.

"Third Aunt, let me pour you wine," Wei Qilang said, holding a silver flask.

Jin Niang quickly took it with a smile. "Ah, child, this is no task for you."

Wei Qilang grinned. "Mother told me to."

Now, a cold typically ran its course in a week. Jin Niang knew he was nearly recovered, and she had sent the Purplerobed Guanyin embroidery. Madam Wei, crediting it with her son’s recovery, overflowed with gratitude.

Jin Niang knew that Madam Ji must have intended for her daughter to marry into the Wei family, but she had no such thoughts herself, so she never mentioned inviting Wei Qilang to her home or letting Yun Jieer play with him.

After he finished pouring the wine, Jin Niang rewarded him with a pair of lucky red envelopes, each containing six small silver fish.

On the third day of the New Year, Madam Wei first brought Wei Qilang to Jin Niang's home. Jin Niang specially served hot drinks in golden cups and said, "The house is casually arranged—please don’t mind the mess."

Madam Wei saw that the outer room was adorned with a rosewood screen, while the inner room had a peony double-sided embroidery gauze screen, giving off a luxurious vibe.

"Third Aunt, you’re too modest. I think your home is beautifully arranged," Madam Wei said with a smile.

At this point, Wei Qilang needed to use the bathroom, so Jin Niang directed him to the privy next to her house. When the child came out, he remarked, "How come your privy has flowers, sandalwood, and a brazier? I almost didn’t think it was a privy."

In truth, wealthy households at the time often placed incense burners and braziers in their privies, but Jin Niang had gone a step further by adding fresh flowers, gauze lanterns, and wind chimes.

Jin Niang laughed and said, "To be honest, your uncle always insists on coming home to use the bathroom. Wherever I go, other things may be fine, but the privy must be clean and tidy."

Madam Wei chided her son, "Look at you, what kind of talk is this?"

"I actually think Qilang is a very observant child," Jin Niang thought. So many people had visited her home, yet few had ever complimented her privy. Today, someone had finally noticed its beauty—and it turned out to be an eight-year-old boy.

Madam Wei then asked, "What do you usually do at home?"

"At home, I mostly do needlework, manage household chores, and my two children don’t require much attention from me."

Ning Geer, at the age of being most talkative, chimed in, "Mother also takes us to roast meat at the Linglong Pavilion in the back. Father does the roasting, and the whole family eats together."

Upon hearing about the roasted meat, Wei Qilang’s eyes widened. "It’s right in the back?"

Ning Geer nodded emphatically. "Yes."

Wei Qilang was very interested, but Jin Niang did not extend an invitation. A delicate child like him—what if he ended up with an upset stomach? She couldn’t handle the consequences. She was very mindful of boundaries. Just because they were related by marriage didn’t mean she could treat him as her own nephew.

So, Jin Niang smiled and said, "Your little mouth is craving again, isn’t it?" Then, she turned to Madam Wei and said, "This child of mine is such a glutton—please don’t mind him, Eldest Sister."

"On the contrary, I like Ning Geer’s spiritedness," Madam Wei said, admiring how the little boy looked in his vivid red brocade robe, green sash, and a blue gauze hooded cap printed with gold. Such a delightful child.

After chatting for a while, the two went together to the Zhen family, where the house was already filled with guests. Lady Zhou and her mother-in-law, Madam He, were also present. They watched as Madam Zhen abandoned a room full of guests to fawningly greet Madam Wei. And beside Madam Wei stood none other than Jin Niang.

They heard Madam Zhen say, "You sisters-in-law came together."

As the saying goes, "Even a prime minister’s doorman holds a seventh-rank title." The Wei family next door, now connected to this Wei family, naturally held higher status—especially since they already had a seventh-grade official in their ranks.

Lady Zhou frowned. "Sisters-in-law? Since when was Jin Niang part of the Wei family?"

But this was just as well. The more she flaunted her status, the more it showed how much she valued her current life—and the more afraid she must be of her past being exposed.

Once Madam Wei was seated, Jin Niang sat with Madam Qian. She was discussing poetry with Lan Shi: "The peonies I planted at home are blooming beautifully. How about we start a poetry gathering again?"

Lan Shi happily replied, "Wonderful! As long as you provide good wine, I’ll definitely come."

Jin Niang was in high spirits when she happened to notice Lady Zhou looking at her with a hint of malice. Without hesitation, Jin Niang shot her a defiant look. She wasn’t afraid of Lady Zhou recognizing her—in such a setting, the latter wasn’t even allowed to speak.

The conversation above was led by Old Madam Wang, Old Madam Zhen, and Wei Shi, with occasional interjections from Madam Zhen and Madam Ji. Others had to think twice before speaking. Even Madam Qian found it hard to get a word in, let alone Lady Zhou.

Lady Zhou did try to speak to others. She said to Zhuang Shi, who was accompanying the guests, "That Judge Jiang’s lady could pass for a servant from my household."

Zhuang Shi frowned. "How could you say that, Sister-in-law?"

"Indeed, she’s the Wei family’s chief transport commissioner’s aunt," Madam Luan added.

Second Madam Zhou was fuming. Seizing the moment when Jin Niang was watching the play, she approached her and said, "I have something to tell you. If you don’t come with me, I’ll shout it out for everyone to hear. I know you’re the same Jin Niang who once worked as a maid in my household. Don’t act ignorant—my third sister told me everything."

Jin Niang couldn’t help but laugh scornfully. "Madam He the Third, go ahead and shout all you want. I’m not afraid of you."

To her surprise, Jin Niang truly wasn’t intimidated and simply calmly walked away.

By now, Jin Niang had already endured similar situations before, like the incident with Madam Bao. She could handle far more than in the past.

Seeing her chance, Second Madam Zhou immediately stepped forward and blocked Jin Niang’s path.

Jin Niang looked at her coldly. "What more do you want?"

"If you give me fifteen thousand guan, we’ll cut ties for good from now on, and I won’t expose your shameful past," Second Madam Zhou declared confidently. She was certain of her leverage—Wei Jinniang had only recently managed to forge ties with Madam Wei’s family, and many were already watching her with envy, eager to see her fall from grace.

Thus, she was determined to extort a hefty sum. With that money, her daughter’s dowry would be secured, and even if they had to divide the family estate later, their lives wouldn’t be difficult.

Jin Niang narrowed her eyes. "Are you blackmailing me?"

"Look at you now—wearing a kingfisher-feather headdress, a sable fur coat, and brocade robes, with your husband holding an official post. This amount is nothing to you, isn’t it?" Second Madam Zhou sneered.

But Jin Niang only laughed. "The once-proud Second Miss of the Zhou family, who married with a dowry of ten thousand strings, has now sunk to begging. To be honest, I couldn’t care less about you. Like a mad dog barking at the sun—how delusional. What a fool."

"You really aren’t afraid?" Second Madam Zhou suspected she was putting on a brave front.

Jin Niang smiled again. "Look at me, then look at yourself. Who’d ever believe I was once your servant and you my mistress?" Her smile faded as she continued coldly, "You humiliated me in the past, and I chose to let it go. Yet instead of reflecting on your own faults, you dare to extort me now. I won’t go easy on you this time."