Chapter 118

Chapter 118

After finalizing the house purchase, Jin Niang took Luo Yue and Wei Xiong for a tour. They both fell in love with it at first sight. Jin Niang smiled and said, "I’ve already spoken to Shiliulang—the eastern wing of the second courtyard will be for you and Father, while the western wing opposite will be for my younger brother and the tutor we’ll hire for Ning Geer in the future."

Luo Yue and Wei Xiong felt uneasy and declined the offer.

"If he gets married, I won’t be able to keep him here. But for now, Yang Geer is studying, and his brother-in-law can guide him. The provincial exams are coming up in August," Jin Niang explained.

Luo Yue thought her daughter and son-in-law were very kind, but she couldn’t live there for free. Once her son married, they planned to buy a few acres of land in the outskirts of the capital and build a small house in the countryside. They could visit the city occasionally and stay with their daughter for short periods.

After all, this house wasn’t bought by Jin Niang alone. If they stayed long-term, people would surely gossip.

Seeing her parents’ delight, Jin Niang and Jiang Xian summoned the broker and paid Elder Pang 7,000 strings of cash. The remaining 600 strings were covered by four leftover gold bracelets, a pair of gold hairpins, sixty three-pound bricks of Jian tea, twenty bolts of old silk, twenty bolts of patterned gauze, and some spices.

With the deed in hand, Jin Niang and her family moved in immediately. The couple took the main house, the eastern wing went to their son, and the western wing to their daughter. Married staff like A Ying could stay in the side rooms of the first courtyard. Jiang Xian’s wet nurse, Luo Mama, was assigned to oversee the garden, while Jin Niang sent Luo Da’s wife to cultivate flowers and plants there.

Nanny Ma was put in charge of laundry and moved to the outer courtyard. Jin Niang also arranged for Min Zhi and Chen Xiaolang’s son to serve as Ning Geer’s study companions, and she bought a reliable maid to assist Pei Lan in attending to him.

Once personnel matters were settled, household tasks followed—renovating the privy, repairing tiles and paintwork, and decorating the interiors. Bamboo blinds were hung along the corridors to block the harsh sun, while two potted plants were placed at the entrance—one planted with water lilies, the other with camellias.

The furnishings inside were even more lavish. Jin Niang bought a new six-poster bed inlaid with boxwood carvings and gave her former mother-of-pearl bed to Yun Jieer. She also acquired a black-lacquered long table with gold tracery, paired with bamboo-patterned stools, and placed a curved-head reclining couch in the outer chamber. Behind it hung an embroidered Guanyin holding a basket she had made, surrounded by gauze screens she had also embroidered.

After swiftly arranging everything, Jin Niang and Jiang Xian went their separate ways. Jiang Xian returned home to inform Sixth Uncle Jiang and Jiang Yan about their move, while Jin Niang took Luo Yue to visit Madam Wei.

The Wei family was not only an influential family in Daming Prefecture but also owned a grand residence in Bianjing. Luo Yue, wearing new clothes from Jin Niang, still felt uneasy.

"Mother, though Madam Wei is no stranger, we needn’t reveal all our circumstances. In this world, few people don’t size people up by their status," Jin Niang reminded her.

Luo Yue nodded in understanding. Jin Niang then carefully drilled her on proper responses before finally relaxing.

Their sedan chairs entered the second gate, where Madam Wei’s trusted servant, You Mama, greeted them. Jin Niang, familiar with her, quickly said, "Now that we’re in the capital, I wanted to bring my mother to see Sister-in-law first."

You Mama smiled. "Ever since your invitation arrived, our madam has been eagerly awaiting your visit."

Madam Wei didn’t reside in the main house but in a tree-shaded western quarters. As Jin Niang approached, she could feel the coolness in the air. At the entrance, Madam Wei’s daughter-in-law, Fan Shi, welcomed them inside.

Fan Shi, around twenty years old, was dignified and refined in demeanor. Her father was a Hanlin Academician in the imperial court.

"Sister-in-law, I’ve brought my mother to chat and to invite you to visit our home soon for a proper housewarming," Jin Niang said cheerfully.

Madam Wei readily agreed. "That sounds wonderful, though I’ve been sluggish with the heat. We’ll have to pick a good day."

"Don’t worry, we plan to host the meal in the garden pavilion—it’s quite cool there," Jin Niang assured her.

Luo Yue, standing by, kept respectfully silent. She had always thought her daughter was sharp, but now, after six years away, Jin Niang’s social graces had grown more refined.

Madam Wei observed Luo Yue—a woman in her forties or fifties, fair-complexioned and graceful, like a country gentlewoman. Yet her hands bore signs of winter-chapped skin and rough labor, though her lively expression showed no trace of hardship.

When Jin Niang mentioned Jiang Xian’s transfer to the Eastern Capital, Madam Wei remarked, "I hadn’t expected that."

Madam Wei chuckled. "Why not? My kinsman, Grand Scholar Fan, thinks highly of your husband and personally recommended him to the Prime Minister. It’s also due to his governance record and literary talents."

Jin Niang understood now—it was Grand Scholar Fan’s recommendation. But why had Jiang Yan claimed credit for helping?

What was really going on?

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Jin Niang promptly made their farewells. Once outside, she reassured Luo Yue, "Now that we’ve made this introductory call, you needn’t come often in the future. Don’t be nervous."

"People like us aren’t suited for such elevated circles," Luo Yue said with visible relief.

Jin Niang shook her head: "Mother, once my brother passes the imperial examination someday, everything will improve. Then I'll help him find a wife, and our family will prosper more and more."

Her disadvantage lay solely in her humble background. The Wei family aimed to climb the social ladder, and all their hopes rested on her brother.

Luo Yue held her daughter's hand and said, "Without you, who knows what would have become of our family?"

"Why mention that? I've bought you a maidservant. First, purchase fifty mu of land—no need to keep running the business anymore." Jin Niang knew her parents had toiled from dawn to dusk for too many years, their health worn down, and she wished for them to rest more.

Luo Yue calculated that she still had two hundred strings of coins. Spending one hundred strings to buy fifty mu of land was feasible, while the other hundred could be saved for her son's marriage.

Returning home, Jin Niang bathed again. The best part now was having a dedicated bathing room in the western side chamber. After washing her hair and body, she lay on the daybed by the window, enjoying the breeze—perfectly relaxed.

Meanwhile, Xu Shi was also drenched in sweat. Jiang Yan never pocketed a single dishonest penny, and Xu Shi relied solely on his salary and the income from their fields. This was already quite good for her, but upon hearing that Jiang Xian's family had bought a grand estate of six mu with over a hundred pavilions and buildings, she couldn't help but say to Jiang Yan, "Not to spread rumors, but that estate must cost over ten thousand strings. Where did they get so much money?"

Jiang Yan chuckled, "I asked. Shiliulang said his wife has a real head for business."

"She's a woman. Even if she ran that embroidery shop before, a few hundred strings a year would be the absolute limit. But an estate like that requires ten thousand strings in silver. Third Uncle's official rank isn't high—his salary wouldn’t even cover that many mouths to feed!" Xu Shi suspected Jiang Xian might have embezzled public funds. If her husband had recommended him, could he be implicated?

Jiang Yan also grew doubtful, pondering carefully before saying, "No worries. We’ll drop by their place in a few days and ask."

After a short nap, Jin Niang rose when Jiang Xian returned and said, "This estate purchase wiped out almost all the tea, silk, and spices we’d saved up. Today, Madam Wei mentioned it was Hanlin Academician Fan Zhen who recommended you. We ought to put together another nice gift for you to take over. What do you think?"

"Big Brother also told me he heard Grand Scholar Fan admired me, so he recommended me to the Chief Minister." Jiang Xian wondered: his elder brother had never mentioned anything when he was in Wu County, yet now that Grand Scholar Fan had recommended him, he immediately did the same. Was it just to avoid looking like a bad brother, doing the bare minimum? Or did he genuinely want to help?

Unconsciously, their gratitude toward Jiang Yan diminished.

All they had left now were three bolts of kesi silk, sixty catties of pepper, and the ginseng and bezoar given by the old doctor who sold them the estate.

Jin Niang opened the money box and said: "Use these twenty strings to get a proper gift together. Let’s keep the ginseng and bezoar for ourselves."

Fortunately, they had only spent seven thousand strings in cash and still had nearly two thousand left. Jin Niang couldn’t afford to waste any more. Yun Jieer was already ten—she had to start saving for her dowry now, lest they end up empty-handed when the time came.

Jiang Xian took the money and instructed Luo Da to procure the gifts. First thing next morning, he threw on a fresh new robe and personally visited Fan Zhen’s residence.

Fan Zhen, upon receiving his visiting card and hearing him speak, recognized his considerable talent and was quite impressed.

They now lived near Jinliang Bridge, where another property was leased to a shop selling hair extensions. Jin Niang thought they were charging peanuts for rent, so when the tenant sought to renew the lease this year, she refused outright.

"Clean and repair the shop properly. We’ll lease it to someone else," Jin Niang said.

Luo Da kept his mouth shut. He figured any lease meant income—less was still profit. But Jin Niang figured if they lowballed it now, they’d never get decent rent later.

Meanwhile, the manager of their shop in Tianshui Alley had allowed people to live in the property without permission. Jin Niang axed the deal, made them pay back rent, and booted them out.

Her approach differed from Jiang Xian’s. He cared more about what people could do than who they were, while Jin Niang now prioritized integrity. Even if someone was highly skilled, dishonesty, deceit, or cunning made them unreliable—thinking you could handle folks like that usually backfired.

With two shops now vacant, Luo Yue and her husband spent about a hundred strings to buy fifty mu of land and leased it out. For now, everyone felt like they were burning through savings.

Even Yun Jieer told Jin Niang, "Mother, I won’t eat snacks or wear new clothes anymore. I still have plenty of old ones."

Jin Niang smiled. "Don’t be silly. We have guests tomorrow—don’t worry, I’ve got it all handled."

Yun Jieer held a pull-toy wooden bird and said, "Uncle gave this to me. When you pull the string, the bird flaps its wings and runs. It’s so fun!"

"Your uncle’s always been good with his hands, even as a child." After chatting with her daughter and guiding her needlework, Jin Niang went to see Yang Geer.

Yang Geer had grown tall—a young man of twenty-one or twenty-two now. Perhaps he ate too many fried dough rings and chicken bones, as his face was breaking out in spots.

He was hiding in his room, eating, and jumped up to share when Jin Niang entered. She laughed. "Keep it for yourself. Afraid I’d yell at you for filling up on junk instead of real food?"

"Hehe." Yang Geer scratched his head and grinned.

Jin Niang continued, "The civil service exams will restart in August soon. Are you confident?"

Yang Geer kept his lips sealed like a clam, cautious to a fault: "Can't say for sure."

"Alright, alright, I won’t push." Jin Niang shook her head with a smile.

Given Yang Geer’s status as a student of the Imperial Academy and having an official brother-in-law, even if he didn’t pass, he could still secure a decent marriage. Starting a family and career would be a given.

Still, she instructed, "Tomorrow, I’ll introduce you to Madam Wei. We’ve formally linked our lineage to theirs, so you’ll address her as sister-in-law, just like me. Understand?"

"Mm. Sister, does that mean we’ll now claim to be from the Wei clan of Hebei?" Yang Geer, at his age, was quite intrigued by such matters.

Jin Niang nodded. "That’s one way to put it. From now on, our branch belongs to the Anlu sub-lineage."

Yang Geer chuckled. "I used to hear people brag about their family roots but never knew how to answer. Now it’s settled."

Having gone through adolescence herself, Jin Niang understood such vanity but reminded him, "If you pass the imperial exams, people will respect you. If not, in three to five years, who’d still care?"

"You’re right, sister." Yang Geer agreed.

Yet he seemed just born low-energy—after finishing his fried bones, he dozed off. Knowing he usually studied diligently at the Imperial Academy, Jin Niang let him be.

People’s energy levels truly seemed innate. Jin Niang, Ning Geer, and her mother Luo Yu’e were all exceptionally vigorous, while Yang Geer was always half-asleep, even getting headaches from studying.

The next day, the Jiang residence was bustling. The first to arrive were Jiang Xian’s father and stepmother, followed by brothers, sisters-in-law, nephews, and nieces, bringing gifts: two bolts of Hu silk, six handkerchiefs, a lamb, two boxes of fresh fruits, and a jar of wine.

Jin Niang hadn’t seen Xu Shi during her last visit to the old house. Now, she was startled—Xu Shi, once slender, had puffed up like a risen dough ball.

"Sister-in-law," Jin Niang greeted.

Xu Shi put on a show of warmth. "So glad you’re back, so glad."

They exchanged pleasantries while the men conversed in the second courtyard’s hall, and the women gathered in the third. Xu Shi noted with surprise how opulent Jin Niang’s home was—black-lacquered chairs with gold tracery, gauze screens, and complete sets of golden plates and silver cups.

"Sister-in-law, you’ve truly prospered—buying such a grand house. Your brother couldn’t stop praising you," Xu Shi fished for details.

Jin Niang sighed. "Don’t judge, but we spent all our savings and borrowed some money. Otherwise, how could we afford it?"

Xu Shi suddenly understood—it was living on borrowed money. No wonder they could buy a house so suddenly. This couple lived lavishly on debt; would they come begging for loans later?

Just then, word came that the Second Madam Zhou and Mrs. Zhang had arrived. Jin Niang rose to greet them—Zhang Shi and her sister-in-law arrived together. Zhang Shi had never accompanied Zhou Cunzhi on his official postings; rumors said their marriage was strained, but Jin Niang avoided prying. Zhang Shi wore an openwork five-Buddha gold headpiece, a pale blue underrobe, and a painted camellia gown, dripping with wealth.

"What esteemed guests! Second Sister-in-law Zhou and Ninth Sister-in-law Zhang, please sit and chat with us." Jin Niang gestured warmly.

Zhang Shi observed Jin Niang’s emerald-studded crown, crystal hairpin, matching emerald bracelets, and silver-gilt perfume pouch—utterly transformed, like a whole new person, even more luxurious than herself.

These official’s wives now lived less splendidly than a country bumpkin? How galling! But unlike Second Miss Zhou, they were too polished to say it aloud.

Then someone announced, "Madam Wei, the Hanlin Academician’s wife, has arrived."

"Madam Wei?" Xu Shi asked hurriedly. "The wife of Commissioner Wei?"

"Indeed," Jin Niang smiled, rushing to welcome her. Despite the heat, Madam Wei honored them by coming. Jin Niang introduced the other ladies, addressing her as sister-in-law while Madam Wei called her "Third Aunt," making everyone think Jin Niang hailed from the Hebei Wei clan, merely fallen on hard times earlier.

Even Xu Shi was disheartened. She’d always prided herself on her father and uncle being Jinshi degree-holders, born an official’s daughter. Now her sister-in-law held the same standing.

No wonder Grand Scholar Fan was willing to put in a good word for Jiang Xian—it was for this reason.

Jin Niang ignored her, of course. When Jiang Xian’s aunts arrived, she led the group to the flower pavilion. The guests marveled at the garden, which blended three parts man-made with seven parts natural, giving off a natural coolness and sweet floral scents.

The musicians had already arrived. Jin Niang instructed them not to perform anything too lively or melancholic, opting instead for soft, elegant melodies, allowing everyone to enjoy the banquet in peace.

The feast was specially prepared by the chefs from Huixianlou, featuring a lavish spread of dishes from land and sea—a feast fit for royalty.

After the banquet, Jin Niang summoned Yang Geer to pay his respects. Madam Wei, noting his scholarly demeanor and youthful charm, rewarded him with a pair of gold and silver trinkets.

Jin Niang smiled. "He’s sitting for the imperial exams this year—may your luck rub off on him."

"Your boy here is quite the bright young man—he’s sure to succeed," Madam Wei replied warmly.

Privately, Jin Niang gifted Madam Wei some bezoar and top-grade musk. "You’ve gone out of your way for my husband’s sake, sister-in-law. I’ve nothing better to offer, but please accept these as a token of gratitude."

With that, Madam Wei took her leave first.

Aside from the Jiang family members, the other guests departed after the meal. Sixth Uncle couldn’t take his eyes off the garden study. It was Jiang Xian’s current study, converted from a waterside pavilion.

Jiang Xian chuckled. "Our turret was originally a library. Once we’re properly moved in, we’ll fix it up."

"In that case, I’ll chip in some books too," Sixth Uncle declared, half-tempted to move right in—especially since it included a small courtyard annex.

Though a short stay was feasible, a permanent one was impractical, as they were expected to live with their eldest son.

Jiang Xian said, "You must come stay for a few days then." Turning to Jiang Yan, he added, "Brother, allow me to fulfill my filial duty."

Jiang Yan merely smiled.

After seeing off the guests, Jin Niang oversaw the cleanup, dead on her feet.

Luo Da then reported that someone wished to rent the shop in Tianshui Lane, planning to convert the entire space—the three front-facing shops and the rear building, including Jiang Xian’s study—into a restaurant, offering 38 strings of coins a month.

"Though it might get a little grubby—"

"Is the tenant trustworthy?" Jin Niang asked.

Luo Da quickly replied, "They’re from Liangzhe."

Tianshui Lane already housed numerous teahouses catering to northern and southern tastes, always packed. Converting it into a restaurant seemed acceptable, especially given the generous offer. Jin Niang agreed, and the contract was swiftly drawn up, with an extra month’s deposit and a one-year lease, stipulating no rent increases for three years.

Thus, Jin Niang received an immediate payment of 494 strings of cash, finally putting her mind at ease.

Jiang Xian was delighted to hear of the rental income from Tianshui Lane. Jin Niang remarked, "I’ve also written to Innkeeper Yao and Manor Manager Fan, telling them to take their time coming next spring."

"You’ve always been thorough—no need for me to intervene," Jiang Xian said cheerfully. Now serving as Imperial Diarist and riding high on good luck, he was overjoyed to see their financial burdens lifted.

Jin Niang smiled. "We spent so much all at once—I was losing sleep over it. Thankfully, the shop’s earnings have put my mind at ease."

With Jiang Xian now holding a post in the capital rather than toiling in the provinces, Jin Niang no longer had to force herself to schmooze with officials’ wives. In her newfound leisure, she went through the housewarming gifts they’d received.

Xu Shi’s two bolts of Hu silk were unsuitable for the season, but the six handkerchiefs could be used daily. Madam Wei had gifted two peony plants, two large red rugs, and two baskets of crabs—which they’d already eaten.

Zhang Jiulang’s family had sent fashionable fabrics, food, and two goldwoven handkerchiefs. While others’ gifts were unremarkable, Zhang Shi’s Jiangnan brocade stood out—until Jin Niang cut some for a tablecloth, only to find it faded upon first washing.

Did Zhang Shi get tricked into buying fake silk?

Jin Niang doubted Zhang Shi would knowingly give fakes. Privately, she confided in Mrs. Zhang, "Perhaps Second Sister-in-law Zhou was swindled by a dishonest merchant. It’s not just her—you can’t trust anything you buy these days."

"Oh dear, rest assured, I will definitely speak to our aunt about this." Mrs. Zhang was quite anxious herself. Fortunately, it was Jin Niang and not someone else, or else it would surely be taken as an intentional act.

Seeing her so reasonable, Jin Niang felt reassured.

Mrs. Zhang left Jin Niang’s place and first discussed the matter with Zhang Jiulang. Thanks to the influence of his father and father-in-law, Zhang Jiulang now held a minor official post through hereditary privilege, living a cushy life.

"I suspect my sister was deceived by her servants. Right now, with her son’s betrothal and the household so busy, how could she have noticed such things? Thankfully, Wei Shi told me privately—she’s family, after all. If this had been sent to someone else, what would they think of her?"

Zhang Jiulang closed his folding fan, pondered for a moment, and then said, "It’s not appropriate for me to intervene in the inner household. Tomorrow, feign illness and invite my sister back. If we find that swindler, we must have the authorities arrest them."

After discussing the matter, the couple invited Zhang Shi back the next day. Mrs. Zhang then relayed the issue to her, but Zhang Shi outright denied it: "How could I have sent her fakes? She’s probably trying to ruin my reputation to extort money. I heard from her sister-in-law that she spent a fortune on that house and even borrowed money. Who knows—maybe she’s so desperate for cash that she’s making up lies about me?"