Chapter 115

Chapter 115

This year, Jin Niang instructed all those who delivered money not to come to Daming Prefecture next year, and to wait until a new location was chosen. Estate Steward Fan was getting old, so Jin Niang suggested his son gain some experience in the future. As for Tavernkeeper Yao, since he still made a profit by selling raw silk each time he visited, she didn’t say anything further.

The real issue still lay in Jiang Xian’s promotion. With the other shoe still hanging, the uncertainty weighed on their minds.

Seeing Jin Niang more anxious than himself, Jiang Xian couldn’t help but laugh. “Set your mind at ease. You’re on good terms with Madam Wei. The other day, I ran into Wei Qilang’s elder brother, Wei Dalang, and he conversed with me at length.”

“You mean…?” Jin Niang lit up with hope.

Jiang Xian nodded. “Exactly what you’re thinking. Lord Wei has agreed to sponsor my promotion. Our families are now connected by marriage—his in-law is none other than Grand Secretary Fan Zhen.”

Jin Niang finally relaxed. “That’s excellent.”

With two strings to our bow, even if one failed, the other might succeed.

Seeing his wife’s anxiety lift, Jiang Xian was moved. “Dearest, about what you mentioned last time—looking for a potential son-in-law—have you found any candidates?”

He intended to change the subject.

But Jin Niang replied, “After looking around, the only one I find promising is Wei Qilang. However, his family’s status is high, and our daughter doesn’t necessarily need to marry beyond our standing. Let’s discuss it again after returning to the capital.”

“Alright. If we can return to the capital, that’s all that matters,” Jiang Xian agreed.

Jin Niang shook her head. “Actually, I think another reason is that we’ve always served as junior officials. Since ancient times, dealing with human relations has been the most exhausting part. It might be easier if we held magistrate posts.”

Hearing this, Jiang Xian found her reasoning sound.

Just like their own household—when they lived independently, being their own masters, they were far freer than those entangled in large, extended families.

However, Jiang Xian was puzzled. “Last time I invited Han Xiao to dine alone, he could hardly eat. Yet when he had Ju Xiang’s cooking that day, he finished everything. Why is that?”

Jin Niang had no idea and shook her head.

Jiang Xian was usually perceptive in other matters, but when it came to human relations, he had his own insights. So he arranged another meeting and noticed that he ate in exactly the same manner as his wife. He began to understand.

His first suspicion was whether Han Xiao harbored feelings for his wife, but he quickly dismissed the thought—that couldn’t be. He wasn’t dead yet; how could such a thing happen so blatantly?

Thus, he observed his wife’s dining habits. Though she didn’t eat much, her manners were impeccable—she savored each bite with relish yet without vulgarity. This was why he enjoyed cooking for her—she ate with such genuine enjoyment and wasn’t picky, and would even eat several helpings of eggplant.

Finally comprehending, he subtly proposed buying a maid to gift to Han Xiao.

Jin Niang, however, firmly refused. “That’s inappropriate.”

“You misunderstand,” Jiang Xian clarified. “I meant to buy a stout serving girl who eats heartily, so Han Xiao could watch her eat and regain his appetite.”

Jin Niang scratched her head. “Is that really a thing?”

Wasn’t this just like those food-watching performances?

Seeing her confusion, Jiang Xian reassured her, “The girl I choose will surely serve the purpose.”

Some things Jin Niang excelled at—like managing finances or steady progress—but this was beyond her expertise.

“These unorthodox approaches are my forte,” Jiang Xian said dismissively.

What he admired most about his wife was her integrity and brightness. The fact that she had built such fortune without resorting to trickery or coercion was near miraculous.

Certain matters were best left to him.

Ten days after sending the plump maid, Madam Liu personally came to express her gratitude: "Thanks to this girl, my husband now eats an extra bowl of rice every day. It’s been such a blessing."

"No need for thanks—it was all my husband’s idea. He genuinely cares about Secretary Han’s health, which is why he thought of this," Jin Niang replied.

Since marrying Han Xiao, Madam Liu’s life had become much smoother. She was no longer the woman branded as ill-fated for her parents. Now, all she wanted was her husband’s success and safety—nothing more.

Listening to Madam Liu, Jin Niang reflected on how people’s aspirations differed based on their circumstances.

For someone like Madam Liu, born noble yet burdened with the stigma of being ill-fated for her parents, and who spent years living under others’ roofs, all she desired was a harmonious family, free from being seen as an unlucky presence. Or someone like Dou Yuan, whose parents’ discord and irresponsible brother drove her to pursue status and power, content with mere mutual respect in marriage.

As for Jin Niang, who had climbed up from the bottom, years of rootlessness, with no one to fall back on, left her unable to unwind. Worry came too quickly. She didn’t mind being posted elsewhere, but the uncertainty of the future kept her tense.

These were habits carved into her bones—hard to shake.

After the New Year, with Han Xiao’s support, Jiang Xian successfully raided a bandit den and turned some to their cause—a remarkable feat. However, one of Jiang Xian’s locally hired retainers in Daming Prefecture was tragically killed by an arrow. Jin Niang swiftly gave a hundred taels to settle his family’s needs and had Chen Xiaolang assist with the funeral arrangements.

Knowing his widow struggled to raise three children, Jin Niang specially picked out two winter coats, two padded jackets, a trunk of children’s clothes, and provisions of rice and flour to send over.

"He was newly recruited—a former gambler who had just quit, hoping to earn enough merits to support his family. Who’d have thought it’d end this way? Life’s cruel like that. When he was deep in gambling, constantly chased by debt collectors, he survived unscathed. Yet the moment he turned over a new leaf, this happened," Jiang Xian sighed.

Jin Niang agreed, "Life is truly unpredictable. You’d best watch yourself more closely from now on."

"Mm," Jiang Xian nodded solemnly.

...

Come the third month of spring, the weather hadn’t improved. Instead, due to the leap month, a cold snap arrived. Jin Niang had visited the Zhen family several times to check on Old Madam Zhen’s health, the wind left her chilled, and her left temple throbbed in pain. She swore off going out.

Unexpectedly, Madam Wei arrived with Wei Qilang to visit. "I heard from your husband that you’ve been suffering from headaches after the wind exposure, so I came specially," she said with a smile.

"How could I trouble you to visit? I thought it was just a short walk to the Zhens’ and didn’t bother with a hat—now I’m paying for it," Jin Niang replied wryly.

Madam Wei chided her, "This is no way to look after your health. You must be more careful. By the way, this year I plan to take Qilang to Luoyang to see the peonies, then head to Bianjing. My husband’s appointment has come through—he’s been named Drafting Official."

The news of Madam Wei’s departure to Bianjing left Jin Niang feeling a pang of nostalgia. Her smooth experience in Daming Prefecture owed much to the Wei family’s backing. When they had allied as kin, she never expected the Weis to treat her as true family. This New Year, Madam Wei’s eldest son and Jiang Xian had grown quite close.

Jin Niang couldn’t hide her reluctance. "With you gone, sister-in-law, I won’t even have anyone to talk to anymore."

Madam Wei quickly reassured her, "Don’t say that. You’ve already established yourself firmly in Daming. Secretary Han and your husband are childhood friends—what is there to fear?"

"Who knows when we’ll meet again after this parting," Jin Niang said, putting on a show of gloom. In her heart, she knew the Weis had already smoothed the path for them, but she pretended ignorance—until things were certain, anything could happen.

Madam Wei nearly mentioned how assured the matter was but held back.

Instead, Jin Niang had A Ying bring over a pair of jade pendants. "I originally planned to gift these to Qilang when your term ended this year. Who knew you’d leave before us?"

They were a pair of green jade cranes—cranes and pines mean long life, and also the grace of a nobleman.

Even Madam Wei, accustomed to fine things, admired the exquisite craftsmanship and promptly had Wei Qilang express his thanks.

Jin Niang added with a smile, "Ning Geer happens to be free today. Why don’t the two boys go play together?"

Once Wei Qilang left, Jin Niang hesitated but ultimately brought out the Guanyin embroidery on a lotus throne. She’d held back before, not wanting it to seem cheap. Now, its value was undeniable.

Madam Wei’s face brightened with delight before she feigned sternness. "What is this, madam? I couldn’t possibly take what you cherish."

In truth, after completing the lotus throne Guanyin, Jin Niang had embroidered another—a Guanyin with a basket.

Now, with visible reluctance, she said, "You and brother have shown us so much kindness, and I’ve had no way to repay you. Last time, when I saw you suddenly faint, I thought—though this may not help, if it eases your mind even a little, I’ll be glad."

After some back-and-forth, Madam Wei finally accepted the gift. Jin Niang then accompanied her and her son for lunch, and they said their goodbyes reluctantly.

Three days later, Madam Wei set off on her journey, and Jin Niang and Jiang Xian made a special trip to see them off.

Because Jin Niang had given her the embroidered portrait at the last moment, Madam Wei’s fondness for her grew even stronger. Unable to hold back, she finally said, "Don’t worry, we might see each other again very soon."

Jin Niang smiled. "I’ll hold you to that!"

After bidding farewell to the Wei family, Zhen Erlang returned from the Southern Imperial Academy, having secured an official post through family connections.

Of course, even after receiving such an appointment, one could still sit for the imperial examinations. Zhen Erlang planned to study at home to prepare for the exams—after all, the Zhen family could certainly afford to support him. However, upon his return, Dou Yuan wasn’t used to it.

From the time of their marriage, the couple had grown accustomed to long separations. Now, suddenly reunited and spending every moment together, Dou Yuan even found it a little annoying.

Jin Niang secretly gifted her a seductive nightgown. She had held off earlier, fearing that Dou Yuan hadn’t yet established herself firmly in the household. Acting rashly might invite accusations of impropriety and harm her reputation. But now that the once-beloved Miss Yang had married, and Zhen Erlang doted on Luo Jieer, Jin Niang saw progress in their relationship and decided it was time to present the gift.

"Made especially for you—don’t be shy," Jin Niang said, patting Dou Yuan’s shoulder.

Dou Yuan blushed at the sight—not because the garment was particularly revealing, but because wearing it was downright suggestive. She protested, "Sis, I can’t accept this."

Jin Niang tapped her forehead lightly. "Who was it that said she wanted to give Luo Jieer a little brother?"

Blushing and giggling, Dou Yuan eventually took the garment, her cheeks burning.

The next day, her glowing face made it clear just how well last night went. Jin Niang didn’t bring it up, only smiling and saying, "Yun Jieer’s tutor has caught a chill and is resting at home these days. If you need anything, you can send the children to me."

"Cousin-in-law, have you made any progress regarding Cousin’s transfer?" Dou Yuan quickly changed the subject.

Jin Niang replied, "We’ve done our part—now it’s in heaven’s hands. Your cousin has performed well in his post." On top of that, the Wei family had asked the close confidant Grand Scholar Fan to recommend him, Han Xiao had promised to put in a word for Jiang Xian’s performance review, and even Jiang Xian’s elder brother, Jiang Yan, had spoken on his behalf.

Naturally, besides these influential figures, they had also greased the palms of the Judicial Officer and Vice-Prefect, sending gifts directly to them.

Knowing that her cousin and his wife had everything under control, Dou Yuan relaxed. Just then, word came that Madam He had arrived. Dou Yuan frowned. "Probably here to butter us up."

"What do you mean?" Jin Niang was puzzled.

"It’s likely about the Guantao County Magistrate. He’s supposedly a relative, but as a young wife whose natal family’s already fallen on hard times, how could I possibly intervene in matters of official appointments?" Dou Yuan shook her head.

Even among relatives, one had to act within one’s means. Just as Jin Niang understood that Dou Yuan couldn’t make certain decisions—like when her mother-in-law had helped herself to something—she hadn’t blamed her. Instead, she and her husband had handled it themselves.

If Dou Yuan called the shots at home, she might have acted differently, but that wasn’t the case now.

Jin Niang wondered, "Didn’t Second Brother Zhou already return to the capital? Why not write to the Zhou family?"

Dou Yuan shook her head again. Not wanting to meet Madam He, Jin Niang excused herself and left.

Meanwhile, Madam He returned empty-handed and reported back to Zhou Si. Zhou Si had been closer to Old Madam Wang, but the old lady had long since departed.

Dan Ruo helped Zhou Si into the carriage and asked, "Madam, should we try the Han family?"

"I sent a visiting card, but after one meeting, Madam Liu gave her the cold shoulder," Zhou Si replied with a sigh.

Originally, she had no desire to bust her hump for Sun Shichen’s career—especially since he had never respected her. But with three children to consider, she had no choice but to step forward.

Once, she had despised those who bowed their heads to scrub dirty linens, yet now she had become just that.

How laughable.

Zhou Si sent another visiting card to the Han residence, coincidentally while Jin Niang was also there. Since Jiang Xian had gifted that maid who livestreams eating, the relationship between the two families had grown even closer. Moreover, thanks to Jiang Xian’s efforts, the prefecture’s achievements had increased significantly, which also made Han Xiao look good.

Jin Niang thought to herself that gift-giving was all about knowing the recipient's tastes—it wasn't always about gold and silver. Some folks avoided such gifts to dodge bribery rumors.

Jiang Xian was indeed meticulous in his considerations. Jin Niang never realized seeing someone eat could make her hungry...

"Go and tell them we have guests today. I’ll invite her another time," Lady Liu said to the maid.

That was a polite way of turning Lady Zhou Si away. Jin Niang didn’t understand why.

Lady Liu wasn’t the forgiving type. Han Xiao had already been in marriage discussions with the Liu family, yet the Zhou family had suddenly interfered—did they really think she didn’t know?

Moreover, Lady Liu said to Jin Niang, "You may not know this, but County Magistrate Sun’s track record was middling at best, and he’s even been the target of anonymous accusations."

Truthfully, such accusations were common—even Jiang Xian had faced them. But Han Xiao valued Jiang Xian and was willing to vouch for him, not just because they were childhood friends. Most importantly, Jiang Xian was genuinely capable, with an excellent official reputation. He led by example, even rallying villagers near bandit territory to present Han Xiao with a "Ten Thousand People’s Umbrella" in gratitude.

Even Jin Niang often fell for his charm—let alone Han Xiao.

Take his relationship with the Wei family, for instance. Wei Dalang took an instant liking to Jiang Xian after just one meeting.

Lady Zhou Si returned disappointed and told Sun Shichen, "They were hosting guests today and said they’d invite me over another time."

"Probably just blowing you off," Sun Shichen said, shaking his head.

Lady Zhou Si agreed, "Yes, it was definitely an excuse."

Local officials’ evaluations heavily depended on their superiors’ assessments before being sent to the Bureau of Military Affairs. Naturally, Sun Shichen wanted to return to Bianjing—local postings were a headache—too much red tape.

"Second Brother has already returned to the capital, so our letter should have reached Dongjing by now." Sun Shichen and Lady Zhou Si were banking on Zhou Cunzhi.

As for why they hadn’t written to Lady Zhou San, the reason was simple: Jiang Fang had already been assigned to an external post.

Lady Zhou Si’s letter had indeed reached Zhou Cunzhi, who had returned to the capital for his new appointment. Along with the letter, she had sent two hundred taels of silver. Zhou Cunzhi promptly headed to the Jiang residence in Nanxunfang—of course, he was looking for Jiang Yan, who was now related by marriage to the Wu family.

Jiang Yan played clean, but the Wu family? Not so much.

Setting aside matters of official appointments, when the eldest Miss Wei married, Jin Niang sent over a quilt covered in intricate embroidery and a dowry gift. With the weather warming up, she began embroidering cherry blossom double-sided fans—one with pink blossoms on white gauze and the other with white blossoms on black gauze.

One for her, one for her daughter. Jiang Xian, hardly ever off duty, overheard Jin Niang discussing the fan distribution and couldn’t help but ask, "Hey, what about me?"

"You? Do you want one too?" Jin Niang glanced at the pink blossoms, thinking they might not suit him.

Jiang Xian looked at her. "Then why not make one for you and me?"

Catching his pout, Jin Niang laughed. "Haven’t you had enough of me? These are for us women." Seeing him about to sulk, she quickly added, "Fine, we’ll share."

Jiang Fang flopped onto the couch, giving her the cold shoulder.

Honestly, he could be such a kid sometimes, Jin Niang mused.

By evening, she had finished one fan. Jiang Xian got up and began massaging her shoulders. "See? I’m the one who treats you best."

"Yes, right there—so good. Press harder," Jin Niang said, her shoulders sore.

Jiang Xian kneaded her shoulders for a solid half-hour, even working on her arms and neck. Pure bliss. Touched, Jin Niang tugged him down to return the favor.

But Jiang Xian refused. "I don’t need it. I train with my sword at dawn."

"Suit yourself. By the way, I heard Cao Da and Zhao Wu both want to swear loyalty to our house."

Jiang Xian nodded, "Indeed. They said if they don't bring it up this time, they fear that once I rise in status, many more will seek to join my household, and they might not have such an opportunity then."

Swearing fealty meant binding themselves as servants. Jin Niang couldn't fully project her own standards onto others. If they were willing to submit to Jiang Xian, and Jiang Xian felt more at ease having their indentures in hand, and both parties found it acceptable, then she naturally had no objections.

As late March was about to pass, Mrs. Xia suddenly paid a visit. Since she came with the Subprefect's Lady, Jin Niang couldn’t very well refuse to see them. Both were officials' wives, so she had to dress properly and greet them at the inner gate: "What brings you two here? You’re usually visitors we rarely see."

The Subprefect's Lady and Mrs. Xia both took their seats. Before they had even finished their tea, Mrs. Xia spoke up: "Last year, when the Yellow River flooded, Puji Temple sheltered many parentless children. Those children are truly pitiable. If we merely make a one-time donation, they’ll remain in hardship. So, the Subprefect's Lady thought it best for childless families to adopt these orphans—wouldn’t that be a perfect solution?"

"That does sound good," Jin Niang said.

Mrs. Xia smiled. "I’m glad you agree. We’d like you to take the lead in this. After all, your maiden family, the Weis, knows far more people here than we do."

"I’ve heard that prospective parents must be forty or older, childless, and not of robust health. Moreover, adoption is only possible from families of equivalent status. And adopting someone of a different surname is very difficult unless the entire clan has died out. I haven’t heard of the Wei family being without heirs. Perhaps you two could ask someone else?" As Jin Niang spoke, she noticed Mrs. Xia looking utterly bewildered, realizing she had no idea about these rules.

Honestly, why couldn’t they handle their own affairs instead of dragging her into it?

The Subprefect's Lady let out an "Oh," then said, "In that case, it might be better to just give alms. Oh, and we should also hold a memorial service."

Jin Niang thought to herself that the money spent on such ceremonies could save so many more orphans—especially since the government already had Futian Orphanage for orphan care. But knowing the Subprefect's Lady was keen on this, she didn’t mind, as long as she wasn’t involved.

She had no desire to deal with these two. If it was about alms, she’d rather go on her own.

Mrs. Xia then turned to Jin Niang. "Mrs. Jiang, you could actually donate your Guanyin embroidery to hang there. It would surely bring blessings to the children, wouldn’t it?"

Jin Niang quickly replied, "If only you’d mentioned it earlier! My brother was promoted to Drafter of Edicts, and my sister-in-law is taking my nephew to the capital. She suffers chronic ailments, so I gave it to her."

Upon hearing that her embroidery had been gifted to Madam Wei, the two women didn’t even finish their tea before taking their leave without ceremony.

...

A Ying grumbled, "What kind of people are they?"

Jin Niang shook her head. "Those two actually thought they could trick me out of my Guanyin embroidery. How presumptuous."

"Ah, lately you’ve really been beset by opportunists," A Ying sighed, thinking how much better it was when Madam Qian and the others were around.

Jin Niang counted on her fingers. "March is almost over. In about three more months, the postings should come through."

Little did she know Jiang Yan was also counting the days. At that moment, he was speaking to Xu Shi: "Shiliulang will return in a few months. It’s been six years—I wonder how he’s been?"

Xu Shi smiled. "You’ll see when the time comes. By the way, what did Second Master Zhou come for?"

"Nothing much. It was about his brother-in-law, Sun Shichen. He wanted me to speak to the Wu family about relocating him."

Xu Shi looked at him. "Did you agree?"

"It hinges on his service record. We can’t just seek favors for kin and openly take shortcuts."

Jiang Yan had suppressed local strongmen, stabilized prices, and—thanks to his family alliance through marriage with the Chancellor of Jixian—was quickly promoted.

Xu Shi chuckled. "You’re ever the unbending magistrate. In that case, what about Shiliulang?"

"Shiliulang once wrote an essay that impressed Grand Scholar Fan, who thought highly of him and even recommended him to the Chancellor. The Chancellor examined his service dossier and told me Shiliulang might rise to become another Yi Yin or Huo Guang. So, I believe he’ll surely be transferred to the capital. That’s why I also recommended Shiliulang to the former Chancellor and Minister Wu—after all, one shouldn’t avoid recommending one’s own kin. All these years, Shiliulang has been assiduous in his duties."

Xu Shi found this curious. Since when had Jiang Xian had ties with Grand Scholar Fan?