Chapter 109

Chapter 109

As they left the Ji residence, Jiang Xian was already waiting outside. Jin Niang knew he was afraid of ghosts and didn’t dare to stay alone, so she quickly hurried over to him. "Were you scared and came out to find us?"

Seeing the undisguised concern in his wife’s eyes, Jiang Xian felt the emptiness in his chest instantly filled. He nodded shyly in response.

Jin Niang took his hand. "Let’s get in the carriage."

They arrived home shortly after. The children were already sleepy, so Jin Niang had them taken to their rooms first before recounting the day’s events to Jiang Xian.

"This might actually be for the best. Let her be a stepping stone for Yun Jieer to sharpen her skills—she can redouble her efforts and master floral embroidery, double-sided embroidery, and even double-sided polychrome embroidery." Jin Niang always believed that "every setback is an opportunity," so she wasn’t fixated on momentary disputes. As long as one was strong enough, opportunities to reclaim one’s dignity would always arise.

Fairness wasn’t something achieved by mere words—it came only with absolute capability.

Jiang Xian admired this very trait in Jin Niang—her resilience, her refusal to admit defeat.

He had once envied his elder brother Jiang Yan for being recalled to the capital and Han Xiao for marrying the daughter of Chancellor Liu, which paved a smooth path for his career. But now, as he grew more seasoned, he realized that steady accumulation and delayed success brought greater confidence.

Still, Jiang Xian remarked, "You mentioned that Zhou Si seems to have won Lady Wang’s favor. Could it be for Zhou Er’s sake—"

"Hard to say. There’s no way to tell yet." Jin Niang didn’t want to speculate without basis.

Even if Zhou Si intended to become a *Complete Fortune Matron*, as long as she did so openly, Jin Niang saw no issue. It wasn’t as if she had a monopoly on the role—everyone would compete fairly in the future.

Meanwhile, with Old Madam Wang’s patronage, Madam Ji not only hosted a Weaver Maid Festival but also secured the top spot for her daughter, much to her delight. Zhou Si, too, received generous gifts as the Complete Fortune Matron for Madam Ji’s niece’s wedding, which only tightened her grip on Old Madam Wang’s coattails.

Under Jin Niang’s guidance, Yun Jieer successfully learned tailoring. Before the Mid-Autumn Festival, she made a half-sleeved robe for her younger brother—already a vast improvement from her earlier uneven sleeves—and even mastered double-sided embroidery.

In Jin Niang’s eyes, she had long planned for her daughter’s future: a house and shop in *Sweetwater Lane*, two qǐng of land for a manor, not to mention fabrics and clothing, along with three thousand guan and a Buddhist ordination certificate. This way, whether Yun Jieer married or not, she would have a substantial dowry or enough wealth to live comfortably for the rest of her life.

She’d be prepared for any outcome.

But money in hand was one thing—managing it and safeguarding it required skill. After all, parents wouldn’t be around forever, and siblings might have their own families, possibly even coveting her wealth. How would she handle that?

Even if disaster struck and she lost everything, her craftsmanship could still help her rebuild. Jin Niang herself was the best example, having risen from nothing to prosperity.

Moreover, once a person succeeded in one endeavor, future successes would follow naturally.

Otherwise, if one couldn’t focus or excel in a single task, they’d only ever be half-hearted in everything.

This year’s Mid-Autumn Festival was spent at Linglong Pavilion (their residence). Jiang Xian usually had a martial retainer teach Ning Geer martial arts, and the boy was currently practicing mǎbù (horse stance), which he eagerly showed off for everyone.

Jin Niang clapped. "Wonderful!"

"Mother, I want to swing with you," Yun Jieer said, her eyes lighting up at the sight of the outdoor swing.

Jin Niang happily agreed. She stood on the swing with her daughter while Xi Qiu and Qing Rong took turns pushing them. Each ascent gave them a thrilling, lightheaded feeling, and even after getting off, they still craved more.

It was Jiang Xian who said, "Yun Jieer looks a bit dizzy. Go play the grass-pulling game with your brother. I’ll push your mother."

With Jiang Xian’s greater strength, Jin Niang soared even higher. They played for a long time before she finally felt satisfied.

The moon that night was full and bright. Exhausted from the fun, Jin Niang washed up and fell straight asleep. The next day, she took the children across the street to the Zhen family for a baby’s Full Moon celebration.

Third Madam Zhuang, the third daughter-in-law of the Zhen family, had given birth to a son two days prior, and Old Madam Zhen was overjoyed. Combined with Master Zhen’s promotion to Minister of the Imperial Ancestral Temple (Taichang Siqing)—one of the Nine High Ministers—the Zhen residence was packed with guests, including even Madam Wei, who arrived early.

Dou Yuan, grateful for Jin Niang’s care during her pregnancy, made a point to praise Yun Jieer and Ning Geer. Upon learning that the embroidered linen robe Ning Geer wore was made by Yun Jieer, she eagerly spread the word: "Our Yun Jieer is so talented for her age—she can both tailor and embroider!"

"I just did it haphazardly. Last time, I made one sleeve longer than the other," Yun Jieer said, a little embarrassed.

Madam Wei also chimed in, "This girl is so hardworking. The sachet she gifted me last time was beautifully embroidered."

Jin Niang laughed, "Don’t praise her too much—you’ll turn her head! When it comes to needlework, the Ji family’s daughters are far more skilled, especially Third Miss Ji."

"Yes, Third Sister Ji threaded so many needles with the seven-hole needle last time," Yun Jieer added.

Nearby, Madam Qian, always happy to stir up trouble, remarked, "It was too late that day, and we couldn’t see clearly. Since we’re killing time here anyway, why not let the girls show off their needle-threading skills for everyone?"

Madam Ji froze in her seat, a cold sweat running down her back.

Before Old Madam Wang could speak, Madam Zhen cheerfully suggested, "That’s a wonderful idea! The purification ceremony hasn’t started yet. Let’s admire the girls’ handiwork—everyone can take a turn. At our age, nothing brings more joy than watching these bright young girls."

Yun Jieer didn’t mind. "Sure!"

Last time, a young lady from the Wei family had been shown up. Though not Madam Wei’s own daughter, she was still part of the Wei clan, and Madam Wei had been displeased. Today, she watched coolly from the sidelines.

What girl didn’t carry a sewing kit when she went out? Yun Jieer promptly produced hers, while Third Miss Ji hastily declined, claiming she didn’t have one. Eldest Miss Ji then said, "Third Sister, take mine."

Everyone knew about the feud between Madam Ji and her husband’s concubines. By offering her own kit, Eldest Miss Ji was openly rubbing Madam Ji’s nose in it.

But if one truly had skill, what was there to fear?

Third Miss Ji hesitated, pursing her lips, unwilling to accept the sewing pouch Eldest Miss Ji handed her. Madam Qian chuckled, "Third Miss, don’t be nervous—it’s just for fun."

"Alright," Third Miss Ji finally said, slowly retrieving her needle and thread.

Madam Ji clutched the back of her chair, watching as the four girls of similar ages threaded their needles. Yun Jieer finished swiftly and flawlessly, while Third Miss Ji was nowhere near as good as the daughters of Tixing Luo and the Zhuang family, let alone Yun Jieer.

Even Old Madam Wang couldn’t bear to watch. Madam Wei pretended to be shocked, casting a pointed glance at Madam Ji, who hastily defended, "She used to be so skilled—what’s wrong with her now?"

Jin Niang held her children close, remaining silent as the atmosphere grew tense. As the hostess, Madam Zhen tried to calm things down, "Everyone makes mistakes—even the best slip up sometimes. It’s perfectly normal."

Madam Qian also laughed, "Indeed, it’s no big deal."

Jin Niang couldn’t help but smile. No wonder so many admired and followed Madam Qian—she protected those loyal to her, and such integrity was truly charismatic.

Madam Ji had made a complete fool of herself. After this spectacle, not only would the Wei family never consider marrying into her family, but even the prominent clans of Daming Prefecture would want nothing to do with them.

Jin Niang had reclaimed her daughter’s dignity in her own way. Old Madam Wang, too humiliated to stay, went back to hiding in the nunnery once more.

After the Zhen family’s purification banquet came the tenth birthday celebration of Tixing Luo’s daughter. Jiang Xian was unfamiliar with the custom, but Jin Niang knew it well—she had the same kind of tenth birthday celebration.

"I remember my two uncles even had new clothes made for me and sent longevity noodles. Since Tixing Luo is from Ninghua, their customs are likely similar to ours."

Jin Niang promptly prepared gifts—a pair of pig’s trotters, four fresh chickens, two roasted ducks, a plate of longevity noodles, and a bolt of sheer silk—and went with Madam Qian. Their bond had grown exponentially stronger since Madam Qian had stood up for Yun Jieer.

"I heard Madam Wu’s husband was promoted, and she’s preparing to accompany him to his new post," Jin Niang mentioned, recalling their encounter at the Wei residence.

Madam Qian smiled. "No surprise there. After losing her eldest son, she naturally wants another child. She’s still young—why would she stay here forever?"

Moreover, with Madam Ji’s disgrace and Old Madam Wang’s loss of face—reportedly retreating to Guangyun Nunnery again, accompanied by the Guantao County Magistrate’s wife—Madam Wu saw no reason to remain now that her mother-in-law was in such a state.

As they chatted, they arrived at Tixing Luo’s home, which was rather cramped, with barely enough room to move. The rumors of his incorruptibility were clearly true.

Yet, his daughter was well-mannered and educated. The moment Yun Jieer arrived, the girl looked after her like a big sister. Jin Niang, meanwhile, continued expanding her social influence, working to establish herself as a Complete Fortune Matron.

You couldn’t just wait for opportunities to come to you—you had to seize them.

The next day at the girls’ school, Yun Jieer asked the Ji sisters, "Why didn’t I see any of you at Tixing Luo’s house yesterday? Miss Luo was wondering where you were."

Eldest Miss Ji gave a faint, knowing smile, while Second Miss Ji said, "Mother is unwell, so it's not appropriate for us to go out."

"I see, that's understandable." Yun Jieer mused that when she had lost to Third Miss Ji last time, she hadn't been upset. Now that Third Miss Ji had lost to her, the latter acted so put out, as if she herself had done something wrong.

After the girls exchanged a few words, Madam Shen entered, and they instantly sat up straight.

As summer was nearly over, Jin Niang realized she still had two bolts of fine gauze unused. Noticing the lack of rain this year, she spent extra money to buy several shi of rice to store at home. Though she owned estates, they were too distant to oversee personally, so it was better to stock up on rice—it would always come in handy.

After handling household affairs, she went to visit Dou Yuan, who was now over seven months pregnant. Following Jin Niang's advice, Dou Yuan had been careful not to overeat or indulge in unhealthy foods, so her belly wasn't overly large.

"Sister-in-law, do you think I'm carrying a boy or a girl?" Dou Yuan was under immense pressure. Her younger sister-in-law had given birth to a son, and her elder sister-in-law had also borne a son. If she delivered a daughter this time, her husband would surely have something to say.

Jin Niang reassured her, "I think either is fine. Look at me—I had Yun Jieer first, then Ning Geer. What does it matter? You're still young; don’t fret over outcomes."

But Dou Yuan grew anxious. "You don’t get it, sister-in-law. Last time I mentioned asking Mother-in-law to help find a match for Miss Yang, but she completely ignored it. In two months, Second Master will return. I just—"

"Don’t panic. The more you stress now, the worse it is for your health. Your father-in-law has just been promoted, and he’s under scrutiny. As long as you hold your position firmly, no one can take it from you. Perhaps they’re waiting for you to falter. You’re pregnant—if anything happens to you, you’d be handing them your position on a platter." Jin Niang soothed her.

Soothed by Jin Niang’s words, Dou Yuan gradually calmed down and took a nap.

When she woke, Jin Niang had naturally already left. Dou Yuan had her maids help her up and went to visit her mother-in-law, Madam Zhen. As she approached, she heard a clear, pleasant voice—it was Miss Yang, reading aloud.

She was reciting a travelogue. Madam Zhen disliked reading but enjoyed travel stories, so she had Miss Yang read to her.

When Dou Yuan entered, Miss Yang hurried to curtsey, and they exchanged greetings.

Madam Zhen smiled. "I heard your cousin’s wife came by and even stayed for a meal. Who knew she’d leave so quickly."

"My cousin’s wife has a large household to manage. Besides, I ended up falling asleep while talking to her." Dou Yuan patted her belly.

Madam Zhen waved off her daughter-in-law’s informality. Her eldest son was dead, and the second son stood as heir apparent. If Dou Yuan bore a son, he would be the rightful eldest grandson.

As for Miss Yang, she was Madam Zhen’s niece by marriage, so of course she had to be looked after.

The relationship between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law wasn’t hostile—Madam Zhen wasn’t a bad person—but its nuances escaped outsiders.

As Dou Yuan left her mother-in-law’s quarters, she ran into Zhuang Shi, who had just emerged from her postpartum confinement. Zhuang Shi still carried her baby weight and looked soft and plump. She greeted Dou Yuan with a "Second Sister-in-law" before going in to pay respects to Madam Zhen. Madam Zhen favored her youngest son, and by extension, his wife, so the room soon filled with laughter. Dou Yuan walked away, one hand cradling her belly, feeling oddly alone.

By October, Dou Yuan received more bad news: her uncle, Elder Dou, had been implicated in a land dispute case because his nephew, Dou Dalang, had used his name to intervene. Political opponents seized this as leverage. Dou Dalang fled with his wife and children to his father-in-law’s home, while Elder Dou, who had worked hard to secure a position in the capital, found himself exiled to a provincial post.

This news struck Jiang Xian silent. He had initially planned to befriend Dou Dalang to eventually connect with the Dou family. At the time, Jin Niang had advised against it, and he’d felt some regret. Now, it turned out her instincts had been spot-on.

Jin Niang didn’t gloat over her accurate prediction. She simply said, "Dou Dalang was born with a silver spoon. Though not a wastrel, he’s easily misled. He doesn’t even consider his own mother’s feelings—how could he empathize with his uncle, Elder Dou?"

Just as Jin Niang didn’t believe in the saying "a prodigal’s return is worth more than gold," she knew leopards don’t change their spots.

After this incident, Jiang Xian regarded her with even greater respect.

As winter arrived, the weather turned cold. Jin Niang and the others broke out their winter wear. Old Madam Wang also received a pair of knee pads, a gift from Zhou Si.

Mountain life was peaceful and slow. Zhou Si had stayed with Old Madam Wang for several months, which touched the latter deeply.

Zhou Si, however, thought Madam Ji had shown poor form. Old Madam Wang had helped her so much, yet after her own disgrace, she abandoned the old lady. Zhou Si, on the other hand, had a conscience and wasn’t so mercenary.

"Child, I’ll soon return to Daming Prefecture. I still have some influence when it comes to getting your two daughters into the Wei Family Female Academy. The Weis are related to us by marriage—just wait for good news." Old Madam Wang promised.

Zhou Si smiled. "That’s wonderful!"

As for renting a house in Daming Prefecture’s city, that was her own responsibility—she couldn’t trouble Old Madam Wang with such matters. She quickly shared the good news with Sun Shichen, who, however, had other concerns. His father had served as prefect for years, and now even his father-in-law was idle at home, with no connections left to lean on.

Even he was serving as a county magistrate in Guantao, swamped with official documents daily. If he could forge ties with the Wei family and gain some support in the future, his official career would surely benefit.

The couple thus rented a house for twenty-four taels of silver, prepared sixty strings of coins for Madam Shen’s tuition fees, and assigned five or six servants to attend to them. On top of that, they had to cover living expenses.

"If only we could have a Complete Blessings Matron to assist," thought Zhou Si.

A hundred strings of coins vanished so quickly, pinching her purse painfully.

Their official salary was meager—how could it possibly suffice? With winter approaching, they still needed to have winter clothes made, buy firewood, and prepare New Year goods, all requiring additional funds. Since they had only been in Guantao for two or three years, purchasing property would be wasteful, so they had to rely on their savings to get by.

Meanwhile, Jin Niang soon heard from Yun Jieer that two new students had joined the girls' school. She asked, "Which family are they from?"

"I don’t know, only that their surname is Sun," Yun Jieer replied, continuing to write small characters after finishing larger ones without looking up.

Jin Niang pondered for a moment—the Sun surname likely referred to Zhou Si’s two daughters. She gave an understanding "Oh" and said, "Since they’re your classmates, treat them well."

Yun Jieer smiled. "Don’t worry, I’ll help them if they don’t understand something."

"That’s good." Jin Niang ruffled her daughter’s hair and instructed the servants to prepare dinner.

When the first snowfall arrived, Yun Jieer discussed with Jin Niang the idea of inviting her classmates over for a barbecue. Jin Niang readily agreed and even encouraged her, saying, "You’ll turn nine next year, and I was already planning to teach you how to manage accounts. Consider this practice. Decide how many people to invite, what else to do besides eating barbecue, and what drinks they prefer—you’ll handle all of this yourself."

Yun Jieer pouted. "Mother, please help me prepare..."

"I’ll arrange the servants for the barbecue and tidy up the Linglong Pavilion for you, as well as prepare the charcoal heaters," Jin Niang replied.

Yun Jieer clung to Jin Niang, continuing to wheedle until Jin Niang tapped her forehead. "Fine, fine, I’ll do it all for you. You’re such a little spoiled thing."

Despite her words, Yun Jieer still asked her classmates about their preferences at school and noted them down carefully. She also sent out invitations in advance. The Wei sisters confirmed their attendance immediately, and the Ji sisters also agreed to come. After that incident, the adults never mentioned it again, and the girls gradually forgot, their relationships restored as before. The two new Sun sisters were also invited.

Additionally, there were Tixing Luo’s daughter and Lan Shi’s daughter by a concubine—close friends who visited frequently.

Since this was her daughter’s first time hosting, Jin Niang took great care in decorating the Linglong Pavilion. The door curtain was replaced with one of fresh green silk embroidered with crabapple blossoms, a rug was spread on the couch, and a large flower basket filled with vibrant blooms adorned the table, filling the room with fragrance.

The young girls arrived before noon, all well-mannered. Even the livelier ones behaved appropriately in someone else’s home. They played backgammon, played pitch-pot, played chess, or played the zither.

As for the barbecue, the girls naturally didn’t cook themselves. Ju Xiang and Chun Xian handled the grilling, setting the food aside to cool before serving it.

Jin Niang also brought in some fruits and, worried that some girls might be lightly dressed and catch a chill, delivered padded jackets.

Seeing the girls chatting in a circle, she quickly withdrew—children needed their own space as they grew older. Unbeknownst to her, Yun Jieer was already discussing the next gathering with her friends. Though Lan Shi’s daughter by a concubine was of lower status, Lan Shi had no daughters of her own and raised her as her own. Thus, she was the first to suggest, "Come to my house in a few days to admire the plum blossoms. My mother transplanted a plum tree from Madam Qian’s garden—it’s truly beautiful."

Yun Jieer smiled. "Wonderful! Next time, we’ll visit Sister Lan’s home."

The Luo, Eldest Miss Ji, and Wei sisters all said they would ask permission from their elders, while the Sun sisters, who were only accompanied by a few elderly maids and had no adults present, remained silent, too embarrassed to invite anyone to their rented house.

When the next gathering at the Lan residence came around, the Sun sisters excused themselves, claiming family obligations.

Jin Niang always instructed Fang Ma and Xi Qiu to accompany Yun Jieer on these outings. She had never experienced such social opportunities in her youth and hoped her daughter could enjoy more interactions.

Coincidentally, Luo Da, Manor Manager Fan, and Innkeeper Yao all delivered their rental payments. Due to a poor harvest, the Wu County estate only contributed 320 taels, while Innkeeper Yao sent five hundred taels, and Luo Da brought nine hundred and forty taels.

Jin Niang closely questioned Manor Manager Fan and Luo Da about the crops. Both were skilled managers—when harvests were poor, they made up the difference with proceeds from fruits, vegetables, bamboo groves, or eggs. Innkeeper Yao mentioned that many merchants from Pingjiang and Lin’an were shipping grain north to sell, so their inn was often fully booked, and business was thriving.

After reviewing the account books and pointing out discrepancies in two places, Jin Niang rewarded each of them with twenty strings of coins, a bolt of silk, a bolt of fine cloth, and a bonus pair of leather boots this year.

The leather was repurposed from Ning Geer and Yun Jieer’s old padded jackets—nothing went to waste, and it served as a practical gift. Jin Niang also had Luo Da deliver two light green silk jackets to Luo Mama (Jiang Xian’s wet nurse), a set of fine scholar's implements for Yang Geer, and two new jackets for her parents.

She didn’t want Luo Da to carry too much, to avoid extra shipping fees.

After the three men delivered the money, Fan Si and Chen Xiaolang invited them to dine at the Cuiyun Tower. Suddenly, a man in rich merchant's garb entered. Luo Da quickly asked Chen Xiaolang, "Who is this?"

"Oh, he’s the manager of the riverside granary. Our lady owns a stake in it—he’s here to bring the profit share," Chen Xiaolang explained with a smile.

Luo Da thought to himself. Last year, when he came to deliver money, the lady had formed kinship ties with the Weis. This year, she even had money in granaries. What an impressive woman. It seemed their master was truly riding the lady's coattails.