Chapter 108

Chapter 108

After the festivities of the Dragon Boat Festival, Dou Yuan came over, and Jin Niang immediately called for a doctor. After a thorough examination behind a curtain, it was confirmed that she was indeed three months pregnant.

The physician listed some dos and don'ts, which Jin Niang noted down before paying the consultation fee. Then, turning to Dou Yuan, who was beside herself with joy, she said, "Look at you—grinning like a fool!"

Having Jin Niang as a confidante, Dou Yuan could handle matters she didn’t want others to know about much more conveniently. Her menstrual cycle had been irregular, and she hadn’t had her period for two months. Her maid suggested she might be pregnant, but she hesitated to call a physician, fearing it might be a false hope and only invite ridicule.

Fortunately, her cousin-in-law promptly arranged for a physician. Yet, after the confirmation, Dou Yuan felt somewhat unsettled.

Jin Niang advised, "Now that you’re with child, you must be mindful of your diet. Don’t overexert yourself, and don’t overdo the tonics or food. If the baby grows too large, it could lead to a difficult birth."

Only someone who truly cared would say this.

Dou Yuan listened attentively, noting each point carefully, and gradually felt more at ease.

After the diagnosis, Dou Yuan returned home and had the news spread. Madam Zhen also summoned a physician and was naturally delighted. Jin Niang, having learned of it in advance, asked Min Zhi to make a patchwork baby robe—something their Embroidery Shop had done before. Jin Niang herself crafted flat shoes, personally hand-pasting the shoe tops, and also made a pregnancy pillow. As for tonics, there was no need to elaborate.

Not even a mother could’ve been this thoughtful. Dou Yuan finally understood why her mother had always been so warm toward her cousin and his wife—now she truly grasped the meaning of "one generation plants the trees, another enjoys the shade."

Even her mother-in-law, because her relatives lived across the street, couldn’t bully her as easily.

Zhuang Shi seethed with envy. Her own family had visited, but they hadn’t been nearly as considerate, just harping on about her bearing a son, which added to her stress. She even paid twenty taels to a temple nun, asking for blessings.

After tending to Dou Yuan’s matters, Jin Niang got to work sewing a quilt cover. In the afternoon, she set aside an hour to memorize poetry and study its references. Ning Geer and Yun Jieer, having finished their studies, were free to do as they pleased.

Yun Jieer, preparing for the upcoming Qixi Festival, busied herself with needlework, while Ning Geer went to the backyard to practice arrow-throwing and jump rope.

"Yun Jieer," Jin Niang said after embroidering a flower, "last winter when it snowed, A Ying got your ears pierced, and you’ve been wearing those studs ever since. Now that your ears have healed, I’ll give you a pair of earrings later, alright?" She then dug through her jewelry box and handed her a pair of golden lotus earrings.

A girl your age should stay neat and tidy, but dressing up for grand occasions could make them feel more sure of themselves.

Yun Jieer happily handed them to Jiao Xing to put away, but just as she was about to speak, someone announced Ru Yan’s arrival. Jin Niang invited her in. Since Ru Yan’s tea shop opened last year, her business had thrived thanks to her capital, skill, and influential backing.

What’s she doing here now?

As Ru Yan entered and prepared to bow, Jin Niang smiled and said, "No need for formalities. You rarely visit in such a hurry—has something happened?"

Ru Yan, still rattled, replied, "I always thought learning medicine and coroner skills was useless, but today I nearly got entangled in a murder case."

A regular customer of hers had died shortly after drinking tea at her shop at noon. His family barged in, accusing her. Ru Yan examined the body and immediately discerned the time of death and even the type of poison involved. Standing her ground, she reported it to the authorities, resolving the matter.

Jin Niang handed her a cup of tea. "Here, drink this to steady your nerves. Such incidents are rare in business. Now that you’ve proven yourself capable, no one’ll try to shake you down again."

But Ru Yan hadn’t come solely for this. She said, "One of my customers used to run a lodging house in the capital, but he lacked capital. We partnered—he took seven shares, I took three, investing a total of fifteen thousand taels."

"Don’t go flashing your money around," Jin Niang cautioned softly.

Ru Yan smiled. "I’ve remembered your advice, Madam. I wanted to offer you one of my shares. Please don’t refuse—hear me out. I’ve been alone here, fortunate to have your protection. You even sent me to study medicine and coroner work—"

"Ru Yan," Jin Niang interjected, "we’ve been stationed here for nearly a year. In two more years, we’ll likely move elsewhere, and I may not be able to shield you then." She eyed the money, seeing only trouble.

But Ru Yan insisted, "Madam, even if you’re not here, the Wei family remains. Truthfully, it’s not about connections. You’ve been so kind to me, and I’ve never repaid you. It’s been eating at me."

Jin Niang understood—debts of gratitude were hard to settle. She had saved Ru Yan, supported her for years, and even now asked for nothing in return, only offering protection.

Such a great favor, if repaid with money, would mean she could no longer use it to pressure her in the future.

With that, Jin Niang finally agreed.

"This stake is worth five thousand taels, with no management role, only receiving dividends at year-end."

Jin Niang discussed this matter with Jiang Xian, asking him to investigate first. Jiang Xian thought his wife was being cautious, so he conducted an inquiry before agreeing. Jin Niang said to Jiang Xian, "Ru Yan is different from Madam Gu. Madam Gu sought pure protection and also had the kindness of recognizing my worth—I won’t take her money. But with Ru Yan, if I don’t accept it, she’d only worry more. Perhaps she also knows I have connections with the powerful Zhen and Wei families here. Even if I leave in the future, she can still rely on my protective influence."

With the Zhen and Wei families as guarantors, Ru Yan could do business in Daming Prefecture for thirty years without issue.

"She’s quite shrewd, then. If she truly wanted to repay your kindness, why didn’t she offer it earlier? Now that she sees you’ve connected with the Wei family, she comes running," Jiang Xian remarked.

Jin Niang quickly replied, "She’s not that kind of person. To be honest, she’s had a hard life, so it’s normal for her to be wary of others. Since I’ve accepted this share, I’ll introduce her to Cousin Dou Yuan and Madam Wei later. That way, I won’t let her down."

Jiang Xian knew his wife disliked owing others, so he let her handle it. He found it strange—those who schemed to exploit others for money often ended up with little, while someone like Jin Niang, who feared receiving gifts, always found wealth coming her way.

Thus, during Dou Yuan’s pregnancy, Jin Niang had Ru Yan check her pulse every few days and sent peony-shaped pastries to the Wei family on her behalf. Additionally, Ru Yan’s lodging business saved on bribing officials, as Jiang Xian personally arranged for connections to be made.

By June, Jiang Xian was out on official duty. Ever since Jin Niang told him about Di Renjie, he had emulated the famous judge, thoroughly investigating cases and overturning over twenty wrongful convictions. This time, he set out again for another case.

"Who’s accompanying you?" Jin Niang asked.

Jiang Xian replied, "Aside from Legal Advisor Song and two retainers, there are several clerks from the Judge’s Office."

Jin Niang suggested, "What if we give each of them a flask of wine and a roast goose?"

"Whatever you say, dear." Jiang Xian thought his wife had always been generous, never shortchanging them, which was one reason he got along so well with his subordinates.

Jin Niang had Chen Xiaolang prepare and deliver the gifts. She also picked out two gauze robes and a cloak, packing a small bundle for her husband: "You can’t change outer clothes every day, but I’ve prepared ten sets of underclothes—one for each day—and socks too."

Once inside their chamber, Jiang Xian embraced his wife from behind. "Come with me..."

Family members, of course, couldn’t tag along on official business—it wouldn’t be professional. But Jin Niang knew her husband was being affectionate. She smiled softly. "Alright, then I’ll shrink myself small and cling to your chest."

After some sweet moments, they parted when Ning Geer returned from school.

Seeing the piled luggage, Ning Geer asked, "Mother, where are we going? Why so much baggage?"

"Your father is traveling for official business," Jin Niang replied with a smile.

Ning Geer clenched his fists. "I’ll eat well and grow fast, so I can help Father fight bad guys in the future!"

"Of course. Brothers hunt tigers together, fathers and sons go to battle side by side," Jin Niang and Jiang Xian both laughed.

Jiang Xian left that very night—he threw himself into his work. Jin Niang slept alone, unusually unable to sleep. She was far happier in Daming Prefecture than in Wu County. Being around so many officials’ wives in Wu County had been stifling, but now she was more familiar with official circles, made a few friends, and felt much more at ease.

The next morning, as she managed household chores and did some needlework, a letter came from Wu County. It was from Gu Qingru, who wrote that after marrying Yamen Scion He, they were deeply in love and soon expecting a child. However, her ex-husband, Shang Qilang, had learned of her remarriage and started causing trouble. So, she and Yamen Scion He returned to his hometown in Chen County, asking Jin Niang to send future correspondence there.

Jin Niang sighed. "Since Shang Qilang and Sister Gu divorced and both remarried, why does he act as if she wronged him? Does he think only he’s allowed to remarry?"

Fang Ma fanned herself. "At least Yamen Scion He treats her right—that’s the main thing. Shang Qilang probably wants his cake and to eat it too, thinking Madam Gu would wait for him in Pingjiang, leaving him with no losses."

"Hah! Serves him right—Sister Gu’s happy now," Jin Niang said, with a touch of smugness.

Across the way, Dou Yuan also received a letter from Zhen Erlang. When she was pregnant, Madam Zhen had someone notify him. To her surprise, he replied, saying he was glad about her pregnancy and urging her to take care.

Now, Dou Yuan wasn’t as anxious anymore. In the past, such a letter would have thrilled her, but now it meant little. Young and once full of romantic notions, she had dreamed of a husband who fell for her at first sight. Yet reality was that even if he became an official, she, as the lady of the house, would be trapped in this house for life.

Seeing Miss Yang’s barely hidden envy, Dou Yuan felt no satisfaction.

What was the point of a marriage where husband and wife were rarely together? Yet somehow, people still envied her.

The maidservant beside Madam Zhen came in again and said, "Madam, Judge Jiang’s wife has sent two lengths of lightweight qingrong gauze. She said although the gauze isn't the finest, the colors—one in greenish-yellow and the other in begonia—are exceptionally beautiful. She thought they'd make lovely headscarves or skirts, so she sent them over."

"How thoughtful of her. Give the cloth-delivering servant a reward," Madam Zhen replied, admiring the delicate hues of the fabric.

Miss Yang mused that since Judge Jiang was Dou Yuan's cousin, his wife often sent gifts like this. Madam Zhen couldn't treat her daughter-in-law poorly and instead had to acknowledge the kindness.

Having family support was truly a blessing.

When Dou Yuan heard it was Jin Niang who had sent the gifts, she felt grateful that her cousin-in-law always thought of her, indirectly bolstering her standing.

This year was exceptionally hot, and the fields were suffering from drought. Jin Niang distributed two lengths of summer fabric, cutting lengths for the servants. Min Zhi’s workload surged—this was extra income, as people would either barter goods or pay her directly to make clothes. She usually only sewed for the four heads of the household, so others had to pay separately.

Of course, some sought other tailors. Fang Ma had hers made by the widow next door, while A Ying went to Tailor Huang.

Min Zhi's earnings were substantial, and Chen Xiaolang joked to his wife, "Now you're making much more than I do."

"Hardly! You run errands for the mistress and get plenty of rewards too," Min Zhi laughed.

The couple worked hard together, striving for a better life. Min Zhi thought of her aunt, who had served the Jiang family her whole life, only to be dismissed when the household could no longer afford to keep her. She had assumed she would live and die in the Jiang household, never expecting such an end—left with no means to survive, she died destitute.

Jin Niang also bought plenty of mung beans, planning to have Ju Xiang make chilled mung bean soup once summer arrived.

In the evening, Yun Jieer returned from school, bubbling with excitement after riding class. "Eldest Miss Ji isn’t learning polo—I think she finds it dirty. But since we’ve spent so much, skipping it would be a waste."

"That Eldest Miss Ji seems quite refined. It’s just as well she doesn’t join—fewer students mean the teacher can focus more. Go clean up first, then come back for needlework. The Qixi Festival is in half a month—let’s shoot for top three," Jin Niang said, cupping her daughter’s cheek.

Yun Jieer nodded and returned to the west wing. Xi Qiu soon had the maids bring water for her to wash. Once refreshed, she returned to the main room, where Jin Niang guided her in needlework.

"Mother, do you think I can win?" Yun Jieer asked uncertainly.

Jin Niang smiled. "Give it your all. Even if you don’t succeed, your skills will have improved."

"That’s true," Yun Jieer agreed.

Jin Niang sat nearby, stitching a quilt cover with peonies and songbirds, quietly wondering how Madam Ji would handle organizing the event.

The day before Qixi arrived, and Jin Niang first visited Madam Qian. Madam Qian was blunt by nature; she had initially been critical of her daughter-in-law’s background but treated her well after marriage, even gifting her a trunk of decor to furnish her room.

She said to Jin Niang and Lan Shi, "I just hope she bears a grandson—or granddaughter, either is fine—and I’ll thank the gods."

"Why the hurry? They’ve only just married," Jin Niang laughed.

Women back then couldn’t avoid the topic of childbirth. Jin Niang quickly changed the subject, and Lan Shi chimed in, "Exactly, it’s still early. Your eldest still has his studies—isn’t that good?"

Madam Qian had two sons: the elder, tall and thin like bamboo, was mediocre in academics, while the younger, chubby but sharp as a tack, focused not on officialdom but on making money. The younger Dong, studying at Bailudong Academy, dealt in bulk gauze, just like Jin Niang, from whom she had purchased twelve lengths of lightweight qingrong gauze.

After some small talk, Madam Qian said, "Tomorrow’s Qixi—someone might just hog the spotlight for their daughter at others’ expense. Maybe Yun Jieer shouldn’t attend."

"It’s fine. She’s prepared for so long—I can’t tell her not to go. People aren’t blind; they’ll see if her embroidery is good or not," Jin Niang replied.

Sometimes, setbacks weren’t bad for children. If they imagined the world too perfectly, the disappointment would be greater later.

Madam Qian patted Jin Niang’s shoulder. "You’ve got the right attitude. It’s just children playing—no use losing sleep over it."

"Mm," Jin Niang agreed before taking her leave.

Unexpectedly, she passed Zhou Si’s carriage. Zhou Si had rented an inn, as Guantao County was quite far from the prefecture, requiring an early arrival.

Staying with Madam He would’ve been possible, but with trouble in the He household, Zhou Si wouldn’t dream of intruding. Fortunately, her two well-behaved daughters didn’t complain after hours in the carriage.

"Things will be better tomorrow," Zhou Si comforted her two daughters.

Soon, it was the evening of the next day. Jin Niang brought Yun Jieer to the Ji family. Nearly every family with daughters came dressed in their best attire. Originally, the event was hosted by the prefect's household, but now Madam Ji was in charge. Old Madam Wang had come early—clearly here to back Madam Ji.

Remarkably, Madam Wu kept her cool. When she saw Jin Niang and the others arrive, she greeted them warmly.

"You look a bit thinner," Madam Wu remarked to Jin Niang.

Jin Niang wiped her sweat with a handkerchief. "The summer heat gets to me. This year is unusually hot—I hardly dare step outside."

Fortunately, Madam Ji had spared no expense. Ice basins sat under the terrace seats, and Jin Niang soon felt much cooler. She then noticed Zhou Si had also arrived. Though the journey from Guantao to the prefectural city wasn’t terribly far, her being here meant she’d become one of Old Madam Wang’s favorites.

However, today’s event wasn’t about their rivalry—it was about the children’s competition.

Yun Jieer, now eight years old, still had a bit of baby fat. Her hair was braided into three loops, adorned with two gauze flowers, and her ears were decorated with lotus-shaped earrings. Her eyes shone bright, her posture perfect.

Madam Ji had prepared an incense table laden with fruits and dried goods. The girls gathered first to pay respects to the Weaving Maid. After the ritual, musicians performed the *Qiqiao Song*, and the girls joined in singing. Only then did the formal Qiqiao festivities begin.

The first contest was threading a needle with seven holes. The more holes one threaded, the more skill they were said to possess. Whoever lost had to give the winner a gift they’d brought.

Each girl was given a table with lanterns hung on either side. Jin Niang saw Yun Jieer dart the needle through at lightning speed the moment the signal sounded.

A person’s surroundings shape who they become. Jin Niang was never idle, and Jiang Xian was also busy, so their daughter rarely entertained lazy thoughts—she was always striving to improve.

Before an incense stick could burn down, a gong sounded. Some girls desperately tried to sneak in another thread, while others wore expressions of regret. Yun Jieer, however, was confident. She’d drilled it over and over at home. Glancing at Second Miss Ji beside her—whose needlework was usually excellent—she noted that even fast as she was today, Second Miss Ji still lagged behind.

If she won today, her mother would surely be proud.

Then, out of nowhere, Old Madam Wang declared, "Third Miss Ji wins—she threaded the most." She then displayed the results for all to see.

Yun Jieer gaped at Third Miss Ji, stunned. But upon seeing the threaded needles, she had to concede defeat. Her mother always said: lose with dignity.

Perhaps Third Miss Ji had practiced day and night at home—she must have worked harder.

Still, second place wasn’t disappointing. With a smile, Yun Jieer handed over the gift she’d painstakingly prepared to Third Miss Ji—a handwoven knot adorned with a small jade bead she had saved up for with her own pocket money.

Third Miss Ji flushed—she hadn’t even done the work herself. But Old Madam Wang’s praise and the gifts from others soon filled her with pride and delight.

Jin Niang saw right through it all. She swelled with pride at her daughter’s poise—no cursing, regret, or tantrums after losing. Still, she beckoned Yun Jieer over, who immediately ran to her.

"My daughter is amazing! Watching your hands zip through those needles made my heart burst," Jin Niang said, stroking her daughter’s cheek.

Yun Jieer rubbed the back of her head. "I thought I was the fastest—I should’ve been first."

"To me, you’ll always be first. You were wonderful today," Jin Niang reassured her.

Yun Jieer’s eyes shone at her mother’s praise.

Arms around Yun Jieer, Jin Niang shot Madam Ji a sidelong look. She suspected Madam Ji had miscalculated. Even in imperial examinations, if a commoner and a noble’s child were equally qualified, the title often went to the commoner to avoid accusations of unfairness. Madam Ji’s little scheme might just blow up in her face.

It’s like giving an Oscar to a nobody over a legend—no one’s buying it.

In the end, this could backfire spectacularly, harming both the schemer and the victim.

As for Old Madam Wang—if she remained aloof, people would respect her. But meddling like this? That respect could vanish fast.

Old Madam Wang believed she knew how to win people over. Jin Niang had once heard Madam Ji mention needing a Complete Fortune Matron for her niece’s wedding. Since both women were under Old Madam Wang’s influence, why not bring them closer?

"Madam Ji, didn’t you say your niece’s wedding lacks a Complete Fortune Matron? What if I have Madam Sun do it?"

Madam Ji had always been one to wear her emotions on her sleeve. She glanced at Zhou Si and noticed that although the latter wore gold and jade in her hair, her skirt was rather plain. Compared to Jin Niang, who sat beside her in a gold-brocaded skirt and a golden crown, Zhou Si seemed far less put-together.

But when Old Madam Wang spoke, Madam Ji quickly complied.

As for Zhou Si, she knew Jiang Shi had always been reluctant when giving gifts to the Complete Fortune Matron, so she saw this as a lucrative opportunity. Playfully, she said to Old Madam Wang, "If there are such good opportunities in the future, please do introduce them to me."

Old Madam Wang chuckled and lightly tapped her finger in the air. "Look at you, such a little gold-digger."

Jin Niang thought to herself, *Well, isn’t this perfect? First, my daughter’s top spot gets stolen. Now they’re coming for my side hustle. Do I really look like a pushover? Fine—you asked for it.*