Chapter 124

Chapter 124

After the children turned six, Jin Niang gave them a monthly allowance of two *guan* of cash each to help them understand the value of money. If they grew up idle and ignorant, they wouldn’t know how to manage even vast wealth. Jiang Xian’s sister, for instance, had married with several thousand *guan* of cash as her dowry, yet upon returning to the capital, the family could only afford to rent a house so cramped you could barely move.

When Jiang Xian returned home and changed his shoes, Jin Niang asked, "So? Will your sister and brother-in-law stay in the capital?"

"Not quite. Brother-in-law has been appointed as the Prefect of Yingzhou," Jiang Xian replied.

Her brother-in-law (the Xue family’s husband) had previously served as a Censor, and now his promotion to Prefect of Yingzhou was certainly good news. Jin Niang smiled. "Then I’ll prepare some *cheng yi* (customary travel gifts/money) for them in advance, so we won’t be caught off guard when they leave."

Jiang Xian nodded. "Good, go ahead and make the arrangements."

With that, they parted ways—Jiang Xian headed to the study in the garden, while Jin Niang went to the storeroom to prepare. Her sister-in-law had never been particularly close to Jiang Xian, nor had she ever stood up for him, so Jin Niang made sure to include more food and local specialties in the gifts.

Returning to the main quarters, Jin Niang washed her hands and went to check on Ding Geer. Though the nanny was there to care for him, Jin Niang still checked on him every day.

Now three months old, the baby loved chewing on his fingers. Jin Niang smiled as she touched his forehead and said to Zi Teng, "Make sure to change his diapers promptly, or his bottom will get sore."

"Don’t worry, I check every half hour," Zi Teng assured her earnestly.

Jin Niang nodded. "Good. Once the second young master grows older, things will be easier for you."

Just then, Yun Jieer came in to see her little brother, holding an exquisitely crafted delicate silk doll. Jin Niang quickly warned, "Don’t let him play with that yet—he’s still too young and puts everything in his mouth. He’ll just drool all over it."

Yun Jieer laughed. "I just wanted to show it to him, Mother. I saved for half a year to buy this."

Since Xi Qiu was her nanny, Yun Jieer could ask her for anything, and Xi Qiu would have Fan Si buy it for her. This time, Jin Niang had sent Liu Douer to Luoyang to purchase land. With Luo Da busy in the capital, she had Fan Si inspect nearby estates to see if they could diversify their crops.

Fan Si was truly skilled. He suggested planting Champa rice (a drought-resistant strain from Vietnam) in the northern fields, as it matured early and was drought-resistant. Jin Niang naturally agreed.

Before, Luo Da had shouldered all responsibilities alone, but now Jin Niang was determined to train others.

Returning to the matter at hand, Jin Niang reminded her daughter, "I understand, but he really loves putting things in his mouth—you must be careful." Hearing this, Yun Jieer handed the doll to Jiao Xing and crouched down to talk to her baby brother.

Mother and daughter then went to the main quarters to chat. Yun Jieer played the Yueqin for her, while Jin Niang resumed her embroidery.

She was currently working on another Guanyin piece—having already completed the *Basket-Bearing Guanyin* and the *Child-Granting Guanyin*, she was now embroidering a *White-Robed Guanyin*. Jin Niang treated embroidery as daily practice, using Jiang Xian’s clothes as a relaxing diversion in her spare time.

What else could she do? Her husband had a boyish whims, and sometimes a new robe was enough to make him light up with happiness.

As the music ended, Jin Niang smiled. "That sounded even lovelier than before."

"Mother, are we going to the Chancellor of the Directorate of Education’s house tomorrow? Will Ning Geer come too?" Yun Jieer asked.

Jin Niang nodded. "Yes, all four of us will go. It’s almost winter now, so seeing the flowers in full bloom will be an unexpected delight."

This wasn’t a formal matchmaking visit yet—just a chance to observe. Jiang Xian would assess whether the young man excelled in current examination essays, while Jin Niang would size up the mother’s disposition, the family’s financial stability, and whether they were merely a front.

Most importantly, she wanted to see if her daughter’s vibes aligned with the young man’s. If not, they could always consider someone else.

For now, no one had brought it up directly—it was just an opportunity to feel things out casually.

Yun Jieer grinned. "Thank you for burning the midnight oil to make this dress for me, Mother. It’s so beautiful."

"Shh, keep your voice down, or Ning Geer will get jealous again," Jin Niang whispered conspiratorially.

Yun Jieer made a cheeky face.

Jin Niang gazed at her daughter, thinking how wonderful it would be if she could stay at home forever. But even if she did, it wouldn’t be so bad—after all, the garden quarters were sitting empty anyway.

Even if she were to marry, it would be at least by the age of eighteen. She wanted to keep her daughter at home for a few more years.

Yun Jieer had no idea what her mother was thinking. Happily, she returned to her room for an afternoon nap, while Jin Niang shook her head and continued with her needlework.

As autumn deepened, nightfall came early. When Jiang Xian returned home, the boiling broth in the hot pot was bubbling away, accompanied by steaming lamb spine on the side. Each person had a bowl of noodles, with a generous serving of greens placed in front.

"Too much meat will make you heat-inducing, so you must eat your greens," Jin Niang reminded them.

Jiang Xian pointed his chopsticks at the two children. "Did you hear that? She’s talking to you."

Yun Jieer and Ning Geer both pouted in unison.

The family enjoyed their meal together, and the next day, they all went to the Chancellor of the Directorate of Education’s residence. Coincidentally, Xu Shi was also there. Jin Niang exchanged a slight nod with her before heading over to greet Madam Li, wife of the Chancellor of the Education, where Madam Wei was also present. Since everyone was acquainted, Jin Niang quickly integrated into the circle. She had always been like this—first establishing herself within her own circle before expanding outward.

Yun Jieer, who used to wear her hair in childlike twin buns, now styled it in double coiled buns, adorned with a butterfly-shaped pearl hairpin. A delicate pearl comb decorated her forehead, while a tasseled hairpin swayed at the back. She wore a long crimson cherry-patterned brocade fur coat, with a collar panel embroidered with the twelve lunar month flowers, paired with an autumn-hued pleated skirt and upturned satin shoes.

Everyone marveled at the young girl’s radiant attire—her eyes like stars, brows like distant mountains, and graceful posture—wondering what stunning beauty she would grow into.

Jin Niang didn’t overly praise her daughter, as she knew Yun Jieer was already outstanding in every way. Just sitting there, her elegance was evident.

"Your daughter is truly lovely," many couldn’t help but compliment.

Jin Niang modestly replied, "Oh, you’re too kind. I only brought her out to broaden her horizons. You wouldn’t believe how much she annoys me at home."

Madam Wei pointed at Jin Niang and laughed. "There you go again, talking nonsense."

Amid the laughter, Madam Li inquired where Jin Niang’s family was from, adding, "It must not be too far from here, right?"

"Not at all. We live near Jinliang Bridge—quite close," Jin Niang replied with a smile, well aware that this was a subtle probe to gauge their property’s worth.

But since no betrothal talks had commenced, she wouldn’t reveal their precise whereabouts.

Madam Li then remarked, "I adore cotton rose hibiscus, so I’ve planted many in my garden, while chrysanthemums and camellias serve as mere accents. Madam Wei, don’t tease me."

"Our garden also has some hibiscus—truly their colors shift thrice daily. Now only the red ones remain," Jin Niang responded, careful not to appear impoverished, even if marriage prospects were uncertain.

Hearing that Jin Niang had a garden, Madam Li nodded discreetly. As for Xu Shi, she had her own circle of acquaintances. After all, her cousin was the daughter-in-law of the Chancellor of Jixian, so some people naturally engaged with her. However, Xu Shi and Jin Niang rarely mentioned each other.

After some conversation, the group rose to admire the flowers in the garden. Yun Jieer stayed close to Jin Niang, and the mother-daughter pair enjoyed the blooms and drinks without any unusual behavior.

Xu Shi didn’t pay much attention, assuming this was merely an ordinary flower-viewing gathering rather than a proper arranged-marriage meeting.

However, upon returning from the gathering, Jin Niang and Jiang Xian, without even pausing for a drink of water, hurried into their inner quarters. The serving girls flushed, minds racing, thinking the couple was up to something.

"You go first," Jin Niang said as she sat down.

Jiang Xian replied, "I saw that he had published an anthology of verse before and seemed like a renowned scholar. But when I asked about current essays, he stumbled over his words."

Jin Niang added, "The Li family appears prosperous on the surface, but when I deliberately tipped the maid serving us drinks a small sum, I learned that their master has already decided to retire due to poor health, requiring constant medication. Worse still, the two female in-laws in the household don’t get along."

Comparing notes, both agreed it wasn’t a suitable match. So when Madam Li invited Jin Niang again, she declined several times. Everyone was perceptive—Madam Li, being the wife of the Chancellor of the Directorate of Education, had plenty of other prospects. By the time Liu Douer returned from Luoyang around the winter solstice, the Li family’s third son had already been spoken for.

As for Liu Douer, he brought back the land deeds. The prime-grade fertile plots had already been bought out, so he had to settle for second-grade land at two taels of silver per mu, purchasing three hundred mu in total.

Jin Niang smiled. "You’ve done well."

"Not at all, Madam. I’m honored to serve," Liu Douer replied courteously.

Jin Niang rewarded him with a ten-tael paper currency note, a length of raw silk, and a bolt of fine silk.

At the end of the year, outstanding employees were specially rewarded with five qian in silver, along with an extra pair of lambskin gloves. This year's top performers were Fan Si and Xiao Yun. Fan Si had reorganized the estate's fields in the capital, increasing productivity, while Hui Zhu excelled in making pastries, candied fruits, and crab-stuffed oranges—quickly, skillfully, and without shirking.

Fan Si received a length of heavyweight silk, and Hui Zhu was gifted a set of scented powder, rouge, and a jade-green kerchief.

At every staff gathering, there were always some delighted, others envious. A Ying was overjoyed for Liu Douer, and the couple even splurged on a feast, sharing a drink together. Fan Si and Xi Qiu carefully stored away the length of heavyweight silk, while Hui Zhu, initially hired from outside, felt so honored by the recognition that she began considering a long-term stay with the Jiang family...

As for Hu Tou, he even cried upon not receiving a reward, complaining to his mother, Luo Da, in the back garden: "I worked really hard this year, and I’ll keep doing my best next year."

Coincidentally, Jiang Xian overheard this and rubbed his forehead in exasperation.

Meanwhile, Jin Niang was tallying the accounts—income from the rental properties, earnings from the Sweetwater Lane shop, Jiang Xian’s salary over the past few months, and the revenue from the capital estate—adding up to over 1,900 guan.

For the New Year's preparations, they spent about fifty guan on new clothes, monthly wages, and festival gifts, while the rest of the money was saved.

Previously, the funds had been used to buy a house and save for Yun Jieer’s dowry of 3,000 guan. Now, they were setting aside some ready cash for themselves. With this in mind, Jin Niang went to check on Ding Geer, who, now four months old, had started to roll over. After playing with him for a while, she grew tired and yawned, then went to rest in bed.

The next day was New Year’s Eve, and the whole family was to celebrate at the main family residence. Jin Niang left the experienced Fang Ma behind to look after the house and care for Ding Geer, as the baby was too young to brave the cold. The other children, however, all went along.

Everyone was dressed in brand-new outfits as they first visited the household of the eldest Jiang uncle, where the ancestral hall was located, to pay respects to their forebears before dining together. In the past, after the family division, such formalities had been less strict. But now, with two Jinshi graduates—Jiang Yan and Jiang Xian—serving in government offices, the Jiang family had begun to emphasize unity. They even helped capable Jiang relatives secure minor official posts, contributing to the clan’s prestige.

Jin Niang chatted with Xu Shi and her daughter-in-law, Xiao Wu Shi, while Yun Jieer mingled with the other young girls in the clan. Since their family often invited Jiang relatives over, Yun Jieer was already familiar with hosting young guests.

Xu Shi said warmly, "Sister-in-law, Yun Jieer is truly wonderful. If my daughter could be like her, I’d be endlessly grateful."

"You’re too kind," Jin Niang replied, though she wondered why Xu Shi was suddenly praising her daughter. "Your Zheng Jieer is just as lovely."

Xu Shi smiled. "I’m too old to manage everything, but she gets along well with her sister-in-law."

Jin Niang glanced at Xiao Wu Shi and said to Xu Shi, "No wonder everyone envies you for bringing such a good daughter-in-law into the family."

Xu Shi wondered whether her husband had spoken to his brother. Even if there was an ulterior motive in arranging a marriage between her nephew and Yun Jieer, her nephew was still a fine young man. It wouldn’t be easy for Jiang Xian and his wife to find a more outstanding match.

Unexpectedly, Jiang Xian dismissed the idea outright.

Earlier, Jiang Yan had brought his nephew Xu Kang to Jiang Xian for evaluation. After Jiang Xian praised the young man a few times, Jiang Yan tentatively broached the subject.

"Since Shiliulang speaks so highly of him, and this young Xu is still unmarried, what do you think?"

Jiang Xian, of course, could not agree. They hadn’t even consented to the Chancellor’s son—why would they consider Xu Kang? Though the boy had some talent, the Xu family was simply not suitable, let alone for a daughter’s marriage.

Unlike Zhang Jiulang, who held an official by hereditary privilege and thus sought a scholar son-in-law to maintain status, Jiang Xian was a Jinshi graduate himself. His son, still young but already a promising scholar, and his daughter could easily marry someone both wealthy and talented—there was no conflict.

But since Xu Kang was his elder brother’s nephew, Jiang Xian smiled and said, "Yun Jieer is still young, and my wife and I would like to keep her with us a while longer."

This was a tactful rejection. Jiang Yan had only asked on behalf of his wife, and since his brother disagreed, the matter was dropped as they moved on to other topics.

They discussed Jiang Fang, who was returning to the capital for his official review. "I wonder how he’s doing? Shiliulang, perhaps we could both recommend him. If he can stay in the capital, that would be ideal."

Jiang Xian felt a surge of irritation at this suggestion. He maintained only a superficial peace with Jiang Fang—how could he be expected to support the brother who had been given in adoption?

Since Jiang Fang had chosen to leave, he was no longer part of their immediate family. Treating him as a relative was one thing, but acting as though they were still close brothers was another.

Even someone as reserved as Jiang Xian couldn’t help but say, "Elder Brother, since Second Brother was given in adoption, shouldn’t we…?"

"Third Brother, how can you think that way? He’s still our blood brother. Besides, Auntie personally came to apologize to Mother, and we’ve been in frequent contact during festivals. It’s better to resolve grievances than to hold onto them," Jiang Yan insisted.

Jiang Xian didn’t argue further but left feeling frustrated.

Upon returning home, he and his wife first checked on their youngest son before retreating to their room to talk it over.

Upon hearing this, Jin Niang slapped the table and exclaimed, "So that's why Sister-in-law was praising Yun Jieer out of the blue! She had an ulterior motive all along. What a ridiculous idea!"

"I've already declined. Brother understands my stance, but he actually asked me to recommend Jiang Fang to Grand Scholar Fan? How ridiculous." Jiang Xian said resentfully.

That brother of his who’d always scorned the whole family—just because he’d failed in life, did the whole family owe him help? He might forgive his brother, but he wasn’t that big-hearted.

Jin Niang supported him: "Back then, when your aunt offered land to reconcile, we refused. All these years, we've maintained only ordinary relations with them. I'm glad you stood your ground. Mother’s spirit would surely be at peace."

Jiang Xian was glad no one saw him as petty. He held Jin Niang's hand and said, "My dear, now I only have our own family left."

Since Mother’s death, nothing had been the same.

Meanwhile, the Zhou family’s New Year’s Eve was anything but festive. Zhang Shi wore a gloomy expression, Jiang Shi missed her two daughters, and Zhou Cunzhi's beloved son had fallen ill while his beloved concubine was on her deathbed, leaving the household in a somber mood.

A proud and aloof man by nature, Zhou Cunzhi suddenly felt a pang of loneliness.

Suddenly, he remembered how years ago when the house was full of life—his father was still a powerful official, their gate was never without visitors, and his mother was generous and kind. Everything had been perfect.

Now all he could do was sigh.

Then out of nowhere, he laughed, remembering that plump girl who once made clothes for him. Life really had its ups and downs. Now, she was an official's wife.

Compared to Zhou Cunzhi's gloom, Xu Shi was even more frustrated: "Does Brother-in-law look down on Kang'er?"

Jiang Yan replied, "Not at all. As you know, Yun Jieer is still young, and as their eldest daughter, they naturally want to keep her a few more years. Let's not bring this up again. If your cousin has a suitable match, consider them instead."

"Yes," Xu Shi conceded, not daring to criticize her brother-in-law too much in front of her husband.

As Jiang Yan went out to observe the New Year's Eve customs, Xu Shi complained to Ge Mama: "Such a good match, yet they refuse. Fine words, but it’s plain snobbery."

Ge Mama quickly advised, "Mistress, if this match falls through, what about the Zheng family?"

Since Zheng Shi married into the Zheng family, the Zhengs had been visiting frequently—especially after Jiang Yan and Jiang Xian became imperial scholars—acting like they owned the Jiang household.

"True. Doesn’t my stepmother keep inviting her grandniece over? She’s around Ning Geer's age. Surely she has her own plans?" Xu Shi remarked.

...

On New Year's Day, Jin Niang and Jiang Xian visited their maternal uncle's Liu family for a meal before returning. On the second day, they went to the Wei household, but Yun Jieer and Ning Geer didn’t join. Madam Wei inquired about them.

"The kids came down with a chill yesterday at their uncle’s place, so I let them rest at home. Tomorrow, my sisters-in-law and their daughters-in-law will visit us for opera and drinks," Jin Niang explained, having arranged the gathering for the third day.

The New Year’s rounds were always tiring—endless visits, socializing, and conversations.

But this time, Jin Niang was surprised not to see Fan Shi: "Where is Liu Dalang's wife?"

Madam Wei awkwardly replied, "She’s unwell."

Sensing something amiss, Jin Niang later asked You Mama discreetly and learned Fan Shi had angrily fled back to her parents' house. You Mama sighed, "Liu Dalang crossed the line—trying to move his mistress into the house."

This sounded all too familiar—wasn’t this exactly what Liu Dalang had done years ago?

"What now?" Jin Niang thought. Fan Shi had borne children and been a devoted wife—why wasn’t that enough? Did men really need a harem to feel like men?

You Mama warned, "Best not get involved in this mess."

"I know," Jin Niang sighed.

On the third day, Jin Niang hosted musicians at home. One guest was Madam Cheng, wife of the Attendant Scholar of Tianzhang Pavilion, who brought her son along for the occasion.

"This is my second son," Madam Cheng introduced.

Jin Niang observed young Cheng Erlang, who appeared to be around fourteen or fifteen, looking quite refined and charming. She couldn’t help but ask, "Is he currently studying?"

Madam Cheng replied, "He studies at Yingtianfu Academy."

"He’s every bit the refined scholar," Jin Niang praised.

Several ladies were seated in the hall, while the boys—Wei Qilang, Ning Geer, two nephews from the Jiang family, Zhang Jiulang’s son Mengran, two young masters from the Liu family, and a nephew from the Xue family—were all present. Wei Qilang promptly stood up to assist with hosting.

Jin Niang glanced at Madam Wei and remarked, "Our Qilang has grown so much more sensible now."

He was like one of our own, even helping with the hosting—perhaps because Ning Geer was still too young.

Madam Wei shook her head with a smile. "Oh, he’s just showing off."

When the boys went off to play arrow-tossing and pitch-pot, Yun Jieer and the young Miss Zheng chatted in the adjacent room. Miss Zheng, now nine years old, had a calm, almost angelic face.

As the servants served tea and snacks, Miss Zheng thought to herself how her family had once been even more illustrious. Now, her father merely held an Official by hereditary privilege, and their fortunes had declined—unlike the Jiang family, which was always bustling with guests.

Jin Niang, unaware of these thoughts, was more interested in learning from Madam Cheng. The Cheng family originally hailed from Luoyang in western Jingxi, and the three hundred acres of land she had bought for her daughter were also in Luoyang—a fortunate coincidence.

After the guests had left, Jin Niang called her son over and asked, "I told you to seek academic advice from that young Master Cheng. What did you think of him?"

Ning Geer smacked his forehead. "I forgot, Mother. You wouldn’t believe it—today, Brother Wei Qilang and this Brother Cheng were going head-to-head all day, competing in archery and pitch-pot. They even played drinking rules games at the table, and we all just watched the fun."

Those boys were a whirlwind of energy!

Meanwhile, Madam Wei spoke to her son in the carriage on their way home. "What got into you today? You usually get along well with young Master Cheng."

Attendant Scholar Cheng was also a disciple of Grand Academician Wei, making their families quite close.

Wei Qilang laughed. "I didn’t do anything wrong—just having a bit of fun."

Madam Wei sighed, realizing her son was growing older and harder to understand. One by one, they were all becoming harder to manage.