Chapter 122

Chapter 122

After Jin Niang's belly grew larger, she frequently needed to urinate and had to get up often to visit the bathroom, so she wasn't keen on entertaining visitors. Following Yang Geer's wedding banquet, Manor Manager Fan and Innkeeper Yao had already returned to Wu County. Jin Niang had instructed Manor Manager Fan to select some good-quality timber to bring back on his next trip.

At the same time, Jin Niang was inquiring with brokers about the availability of prime farmland, as she still needed to purchase around two hundred mu as dowry property for her daughter.

Coming back from the bathroom, her sister-in-law Zhang Shi came over. Jin Niang wiped her hands clean with a handkerchief before saying, "Come, sit down. Your mother-in-law just left—she went to Xingjia Garden to see the flowers."

Luo Yue loved flowers. Ever since Jin Niang read in a tabloid about which gardens had beautiful blooms and shared the information with her, along with the cheap ticket prices—just ten or so coins—the older couple would simply bring some tea and snacks and set off.

Zhang Shi said nervously, "I should have come earlier."

"Don’t worry about it. If they wanted you to join, they would have sent someone to fetch you in advance. Come, let’s chat." Jin Niang was nearly fifteen years older than this sister-in-law, and though they were of the same generation, she treated her more like a junior.

After sitting down, Zhang Shi noticed Jin Niang embroidering hollyhocks on a piece of pale green satin, nearly finishing what appeared to be a pleated skirt. She said with admiration, "Your needlework is so skilled."

Jin Niang smiled. "I hate sitting idle—I fear my hands will grow clumsy if I don’t practice daily. What about you? Do you enjoy anything, like tossing arrows or playing backgammon?"

Zhang Shi quickly shook her head. "I usually do needlework at home or help my mother manage household affairs."

She wanted to leave a good impression on her elder sister-in-law, but Jin Niang said, "You should pick up those hobbies again. Once you’re assigned to another post, banquets will be full of such pastimes."

Mentioning the posting made Zhang Shi uneasy. "Sister, I’ve heard it’s not very safe out there. How do we protect ourselves?"

This was good—she wasn’t shrinking back out of fear.

Jin Niang nodded approvingly. "Spare no expense in hiring official boats and bringing along a few skilled martial artists. But don’t worry—your brother-in-law has arranged for Ding San and Zhao Wu to accompany you. Their monthly wages are five qian of silver each, plus a measure of wine. They’ve traveled far and wide with us before. Also, if traveling by land, remember to display an official plaque and stay at post stations whenever possible—they’re usually spaced sixty li apart. Avoid random inns—many are outlaw inns."

"Outlaw inns?" Zhang Shi gasped.

Jin Niang nodded. "Yes, so be cautious. At each stop, top up your water skins and food supplies, and try not to eat local food. That said, for very distant places, traveling by boat is actually more convenient."

She then explained how to store money safely and even gave Zhang Shi the maps and compass she had once purchased.

Zhang Shi gained valuable knowledge and felt enriched. She thought her own mother was one type of matriarch—adept at hosting feasts and managing clan affairs, a model household manager. But her sister-in-law was another kind—well-traveled and knowledgeable, especially about the outside world, even versed in financial matters and learning.

Jin Niang didn’t go on too long, knowing well-intentioned advice could sometimes feel preachy. She simply said, "If there’s anything you don’t understand, just ask me."

After some casual conversation between the sisters-in-law, someone announced that Ning Geer and Yun Jieer had returned from school, prompting Zhang Shi to politely take her leave.

Wei Yang’s official assignment soon arrived—he was to be the Registrar of Xuanzhou (a government registrar position), much to the family’s great joy.

"Xuanzhou is part of Jiangnan Circuit, neighboring Pingjiang Prefecture and Lin’an Prefecture—an excellent location," Jin Niang said happily.

Jiang Xian laughed. "I know your brother isn’t particularly skilled in administrative matters. Serving as Registrar will be good practice for him, without the burdens of hunting down criminals as I must."

With the support of the Wei family and Jiang Xian, Yang Geer secured this favorable posting as hoped.

Zhang Jiulang arrived immediately upon hearing the news—this was precisely why he had decisively chosen Wei Yang as his son-in-law. The family had strong connections, with Jiang Xian, the Weis, and Grand Scholar Fan backing them. Once he passed the imperial exams, his future looked much brighter.

However, Wei Yang and Zhang Shi were still very young, neither having traveled independently before. Wei Xiong and Luo Yue, on the other hand, had journeyed extensively, so the four of them would set off together for the new post.

Zhang Shi placed a hand on her chest in relief. "With my parents-in-law accompanying us, I feel much more at ease."

Her father-in-law, though over fifty, was robust and strong, while her mother-in-law was highly capable.

They busied themselves hiring boats to transport their luggage. Meanwhile, Jin Niang had the tea kitchen prepare snacks, instructed Ju Xiang to make travel rations for them, and hosted a send-off feast in the garden.

All this left Jin Niang both amused and frustrated. She had originally intended to separate the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law to let the young couple bond. But since the two lacked experience, having their parents around was a relief to them. Jin Niang couldn’t impose her own arrangements on them.

However, for the dowry items that Zhang Shi couldn't take with her, Jin Niang had them moved to the house that came with her own dowry. It was better to sort things out now to avoid any confusion or missing items when they returned.

"Sister is being too formal," Zhang Shi said to Mrs. Zhang.

Mrs. Zhang laughed. "If I were being formal, would I have helped you secure an official post? If not for your brother-in-law, your husband might not have passed the exams so easily. Alright, my Madam Jinshi, off you go to your new post."

Three days later, the four members of the Wei family, along with their servants, left with their full retinue. The side courtyard and east wing of Jin Niang’s residence were now empty, so she had them locked up.

Jiang Xian returned after seeing them off and collapsed onto the bed. "It’s strange—it feels much quieter now, but also more relaxed."

"Of course. Now that the four of them have left, I feel relieved," Jin Niang shook her head.

Jiang Xian, however, was puzzled. "My dear, back when I first took up an official post, I was even younger than your brother. Why weren’t we afraid at all?"

Jin Niang shook her head. "I don’t know either."

"No, if I were alone, I’d be a wreck. But with you by my side, I felt completely at ease," Jiang Xian concluded.

The couple sighed in reflection. Jiang Xian then converted the east wing into a small study where he could work, and where Ning Geer could also study. Since teaching Yang Geer, he had realized the importance of teaching to the student’s strengths. If he could raise his own son well, the future could be bright indeed.

In June, Jin Niang turned thirty-three. At her age, many women were already mothers-in-law, but Jin Niang had married late, and her children were still young. She herself felt no different from before.

Both her natal and marital families sent gifts. The Wei family dispatched Wei Qilang with presents: four platters of fresh delicacies, a basket of longevity peaches, a jar of wine, a box of longevity noodles, a bolt of golden silk, and a pair of shoes and socks.

Not having seen Wei Qilang for some time, Jin Niang noticed how much taller he had grown. She had the kitchen staff prepare some tasty snacks and remarked, "Your mother is willing to let you come all this way."

Wei Qilang, now twelve—a year older than Yun Jieer—had missed Wei Yang’s wedding, having gone to visit his tutor that day.

"My mother said it was only right for me to come for Third Aunt’s birthday. She also wanted me to see how Ning Geer is doing with his studies," he explained.

"Ning Geer and his sister are both studying with their tutor now. What about you? Still with that tutor from Shaoxing?" Jin Niang inquired.

Wei Qilang popped a flaky pastry into his mouth before answering. "I’ve taken on a new tutor now, studying under a renowned scholar, Master Kuang. I have to get up early every day to go to the You family’s residence."

"The You family? Which one is that?" Jin Niang wasn’t entirely familiar.

Wei Qilang clarified, "It’s the household of the Vice Minister of the Left Bureau."

Jin Niang nodded, though she didn’t know them well. She then called Ning Geer over, and the two boys went to the small study to chat.

Turning to the gifts from her marital family, delivered by Ge Ma, there were two roasted geese, a pair of pig’s trotters, four fresh chickens, two roasted ducks, and a platter of longevity noodles.

"Your belly looks quite big now. Not long until the birth, right?" Ge Ma asked while discreetly eyeing the room. The screen had been changed again—previously a four-panel gauze screen, now replaced with a huanghuali wood screen painted with flowers and birds.

Jin Niang smiled. "Probably next month."

Ge Ma wasn’t particularly concerned about Jin Niang’s pregnancy. "Oh, is this screen new? It’s quite lovely."

"Not exactly new," Jin Niang dodged. It had been a gift from her younger brother Wei Yang over a month ago, but there was no point telling Ge Ma.

Ge Ma also noted that Jin Niang was wearing a lotus-beaded gauze crown—fitting for June, when the lotus was the flower of the month. Her attire consisted of a cream-colored bodice embroidered with water chestnut flowers, a hibiscus-colored beizi over it, and a sky-blue pleated silk skirt embroidered with hollyhocks. She looked a full decade younger than her age, standing beside her mother-in-law like someone from a different generation.

Life wasn’t fair. Both were daughters-in-law of Sixth Madam, yet the younger son had been given the most profitable shop. The family’s private funds had likely gone to him too—no wonder their fortunes kept rising.

Upon returning, Ge Ma recounted everything she had seen to Xu Shi, who happened to have Xu Sanjinzi visiting. Hearing the details, Xu Sanjinzi couldn’t help but voice indignation on Xu Shi’s behalf: "Madam has been with the Jiang family for so many years, managing everything, yet in the end, the youngest son neither supports his parents nor shares the wealth. It’s truly..."

Though Ge Ma also felt some resentment, Xu Sanjinzi’s tone was blatantly provocative.

So Ge Ma smiled and said, "When this old maid arrived, Grand Academician Wei’s family had also sent someone. Perhaps the Wei family has been helping them a great deal." Xu Shi scoffed. "The Wei family has held the post of Fiscal Commissioner multiple times—money slips through their fingers like sand. But why would they share any with them?"

She used to disparage Jin Niang as a merchant’s daughter, but now her brother is a jinshi (metropolitan graduate), and the Wei family visits frequently. She's afraid her words might slip out and cause trouble, so she holds her tongue.

"Exactly. Aunt, no offense, but as the eldest sister-in-law, you must show some authority. With two elders to look after, if you don’t take charge, will you foot the entire bill for their illnesses and funerals?" said Third Aunt Xu.

Xu Shi hadn’t thought much about it before, but considering her father-in-law had remarried Zheng Shi, there would indeed be two elderly people to care for in the future, requiring a large sum of money. Shiliulang and his wife were shrewd—they knew her husband was filial and honest, so they’d surely push everything onto him. She’d had enough and wasn’t about to take more.

She needed a plan, something to give her leverage over them. Otherwise, they’d be left bearing all the burdens in the future.

Jin Niang, blissfully unaware of these troubles in the old house, was celebrating her birthday today, and Jiang Xian had returned early. Their two children joined them for dinner, and the family enjoyed a happy time together.

Jiang Xian raised his cup to Jin Niang. "The household runs smoothly thanks to your efforts. You’ve worked hard—today’s your day to take it easy."

Jin Niang toasted him with water instead of wine. "If not for your hard work, our family wouldn’t be living so comfortably in the capital. I only hope we continue to prosper."

After clinking cups, as dusk approached, Jiang Xian brought out lotus-shaped water lanterns and took Jin Niang’s hand. "Come, let’s release these lanterns and make a wish."

Surprised he knew more about this than she did, Jin Niang let him lead her. "How did you know about making wishes with water lanterns on birthdays?"

"When I used to handle cases outside, I saw women in Jiangnan releasing lanterns by the river. Now that we have our own pond, we can do it at home without any fuss," Jiang Xian explained with a smile.

Jin Niang, pregnant, watched as Jiang Xian set two lanterns afloat. She clasped her hands and silently made a wish.

When she opened her eyes, Jiang Xian asked, "What did you wish for?"

"Saying it out loud would jinx it," Jin Niang teased.

Jiang Xian looked at her knowingly. "Even if you don’t say it, I know—you wished for a safe delivery, didn’t you?"

Secretly, Jin Niang had wished for them to grow old together, but she pretended to agree.

July marked both the Qixi Festival and the start of Ghost Month, filling the streets with people burning paper offerings. Jiang Xian returned home holding his nose. "So much ash, everywhere!"

Jin Niang laughed. "Change your clothes first. Today, we secured a wet nurse and took on three new maids—two to serve me, while Zi Teng and another newcomer will attend to the baby."

"Wife, I have news—I might be promoted," Jiang Xian said, unable to contain his joy. Outside, he feared appearing boastful, but with Jin Niang, he could be completely open.

Jin Niang fetched fresh clothes for him. "Is it true?"

"Almost certain. My current position keeps me close to the emperor, and today, His Majesty spoke to me—it felt like a hint," Jiang Xian replied with a grin.

Though delighted, Jin Niang cautioned, "Keep it quiet—loose lips sink ships. Let’s not speak of this yet. The baby is due this month, so I’ll prepare everything in advance."

Preparations for the baby’s third-day and full-month celebrations had to be made. Back in Sweetwater Lane, they had no space for guests, but now, they’d likely have a flood of well-wishers. She had to plan ahead—though they lived freely, they had no one to lean on for big occasions.

After changing, Jiang Xian freshened up in the next room before coming back. "I heard Wei Qilang is studying at the You residence?"

"Yes, they’ve hired a renowned scholar."

"Wife, do you really want Wei Qilang as our son-in-law?"

Through Zhang Jiulang’s choice of his brother-in-law, Jiang Xian had to admit the man had good judgment—landing a jinshi as a son-in-law. Their daughter was already twelve or thirteen (by traditional count), so they needed to act fast.

But Jin Niang waved her hand. "We want the best for our daughter, but the Wei family also seeks the best match. It doesn’t have to be him. Begging doesn’t make for a fair deal—our daughter is wonderful and will thrive no matter whom she marries."

Jiang Xian nodded inwardly. "You’re absolutely right."

Meanwhile, Madam Wei was also considering her son’s marriage prospects. Wei Qilang had been exceptionally handsome since childhood—so much so that a single word from him could charm anyone, earning him admiration wherever he went.

But in the future, maintaining the family’s standing won't rely on looks. Take Jiang Xian for example—even at thirty, he remains dashing, and every time he visits, the maids here blush. Yet if he hadn't passed the imperial exams and become an official, who would respect him?

Enough of that. My son is only thirteen (by Chinese reckoning, counting the newborn as one year old) now. Let him focus on his studies first.

But while she thought this way, her husband might not. Scholar Wei said to her, "Shen Ziqi (styled Gongming) has a niece the same age as Qilang. It would be excellent if they could be betrothed."

Madam Wei knew that "Gongming" referred to Shen Ziqi, a scholar of the Jixian Academy. This man was a brilliant scholar, had outstanding political achievements, and was of sterling integrity. Now that he had returned to the capital from the provinces, he was widely praised. His niece was the daughter of Shen Zijia, an editorial official in the Imperial Library.

"That would indeed be good," Madam Wei gave a slow nod.

Generally, whatever Wei-daren decided, Madam Wei would comply.

The couple made their decision privately, but Madam Wei restrained herself from acting, as Madam Shen had gone home for mourning and had not yet returned. It wasn’t the right time to bring up such matters.

Wei Qilang remained unaware of all this and only said, "Yesterday, when I visited Third Auntie’s place, Ning Geer and I were studying at almost the same pace. I can’t fall behind."

"Ning Geer is only seven or eight, isn’t he?" Madam Wei was uncertain, feeling that Jiang Ning was still a child.

Wei Qilang replied, "Yes, he’ll turn eight in August."

"Though you must study, don’t push yourself too hard. Take it gradually." Madam Wei worried her son might overexert himself and fall ill.

Wei Qilang nodded.

Meanwhile, in Jin Niang’s household, the newly hired Nanny Bai was neat and efficient, with a delicate appearance. She was settled in the vacant east side room, ready to nurse the baby once it was born.

This wet nurse came from a struggling family. Jin Niang had hired her for two years, paying two guan (strings of coins) per month and promising two sets of clothes annually.

Granny Fang sat on a low stool, eating snacks. Whenever there were leftover treats from guests, Jin Niang distributed them among the servants. Granny Fang now lived in the garden, and without a snack, she tended to grow restless.

Seeing Nanny Bai enter, she handed her two pieces of pastry. "The mistress is very kind. If you take good care of the child, you’ll be well rewarded."

Nanny Bai was both grateful and nervous.

A Ying then brought her two sets of her own clothes. "You seem about my size, so wear these for now. By Mid-Autumn, the mistress will have fabric measured for everyone, and you can make new clothes then."

"Thank you, thank you!" Nanny Bai felt she had hit the jackpot. The estate was grand, and even the stewards or young maids were polished and well-dressed.

Ning Geer had now developed the habit of rising early to study. Every day, he would sit in the schoolroom at dawn, chanting his lessons. But he didn’t study from morning till night—after returning from school in the afternoon, if his assignments were light, he finished them before dinner; if heavy, he ate first and then worked.

Every ten days, he had a full day off, free to do whatever he liked.

Previously, his mother would take him visiting relatives, or his father would bring him to bookshops. But now, with his mother about to give birth, she had no time for him. So he read in the outer study—books were truly wonderful. He read serious texts during school hours, but now, he indulged in leisure reading without guilt.

At sunset, his father arrived. Ning Geer looked up at Jiang Xian. "Father, why are you here?"

"Your mother said you were here and asked me to come get you. It’s time for dinner." Jiang Xian had meant to scold his son for reading non-scholarly books, but remembering his wife’s agreement—that children should be left to enjoy themselves during playtime—he held his tongue.

Ning Geer immediately set the book aside. "Then I should hurry back. Father, since you’re resting today, what have you been doing?"

Jiang Xian thought to himself, *This child is young but knows how to converse with adults. He’s bright in his studies and strong in health.* He longed to show him off but restrained himself.

At dinner, the family of four sat down together. It was the height of summer, and Jin Niang remarked, "We’ll need to lay out mats in the children’s rooms. One basin of ice at night, two during the day."

Ice was a major expense in summer, but it was unavoidable—people fell ill from both cold and heat. The siblings each had "cooling quilts" Jin Niang had designed based on modern ideas. Thanks to her meticulous and methodical care, both children were in excellent health.

Xi Qiu and Pei Lan, attending to the siblings, made a mental note of the instructions.

Jin Niang smiled as she had the dishes cleared, but then her stomach began to ache. She had thought she had two more days, but the baby was coming sooner than she’d thought, the pressure was intense.

At this moment, she remained calm and composed. "Go fetch the midwife, bring the prepared sanitary straw paper, diapers, and swaddling clothes, and have the kitchen boil hot water quickly."

A Ying, having given birth once before, first said to Jiang Xian, "My lord, please send someone to summon Granny Zou. She has already received the deposit from our lady."

Jiang Xian couldn’t leave just then, as his mother-in-law wasn’t present, and he worried someone among the servants might cause trouble. He replied, "Have Chen Xiaolang fetch her. I’ll stay outside and keep watch."

The children were quickly taken away by their respective maids and nannies. In less than forty-five minutes, Chen Xiaolang arrived with Granny Zou in tow.

Upon arrival, Granny Zou saw everything was well-prepared. Noticing Jin Niang’s water had broken, she hurried to assist with the delivery. Jin Niang knew she was now considered an older mother, so she had eaten lightly to keep the baby smaller for easier delivery. She also had ginseng and other tonics ready nearby, just in case.

"The fetal position is perfect, don’t worry," Granny Zou reassured her. She wasn’t just a midwife but a well-known woman physician. While other midwives charged five strings of coins per delivery, she demanded ten for her services.

Under her guidance, Jin Niang, whose health had actually improved since giving birth to Yun Jieer years ago, pushed through and successfully delivered the baby.

Jiang Xian didn’t have to wait long before someone brought the newborn out. The baby’s skin was exceptionally fair, and upon hearing Jin Niang was safe, he instructed A Ying to give a reward. A Ying handed Granny Zou ten strings of coins and a bolt of cloud-embroidered satin, to which the midwife expressed profuse gratitude before leaving.

Just as Jiang Xian was about to send servants to announce the joyous news to the old residence, a messenger from the Messenger Office arrived. It turned out his promotion decree had been issued—he was elevated from the Associate Sixth Rank of Imperial Diarist to the Principal Sixth Rank of Vice Minister of the Court of Imperial Treasury.

Overjoyed, Jiang Xian held his newborn son and declared, "Even though he was born in Ghost Month, this child is truly blessed. Prepare the rewards!"

Inside the room, Jin Niang heard the news and finally relaxed. The position of Vice Minister of the Court of Imperial Treasury was comparable to the Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank.