Chapter 125

Chapter 125

After the third day's New Year celebrations at home, Jin Niang visited Grand Scholar Fan's residence on the fourth day, and she didn’t stop until the eighth. Then she just lazed around at home, doing nothing.

Only when idle did she have time to reflect on the past few days’ events.

The family of Attendant Scholar Cheng seemed quite suitable and could be considered a prospective match. Additionally, gold prices seemed much lower this year, so she planned to take advantage of the lower prices to have a gold coronet made for her daughter.

These were tasks to be done. Moreover, this year, she needed to look for a few more eligible bachelors, evaluate them for a year or two before arranging a betrothal.

Otherwise, even Xu Shi’s family would start plotting against us. That’s the annoying thing about relatives—can’t just cut ties completely, but dealing with them leaves a bad taste.

"Mistress, the County Princess next door has sent a calling card," A Ying brought over the card.

Jin Niang saw it was County Princess Le'an requesting a visit. She accepted the card but remained silent, indicating she had no intention of inviting her in.

"Though the hundred-day mourning period has passed, she should still be in mourning for her late husband. I wouldn’t want to compromise her reputation."

A Ying nodded. "You’re right. Next time they send gifts, we’ll return them."

"Best to have no contact at all. While she’s in mourning, she keeps trying to visit—I don’t know her intentions. I fear she either has a troublesome matter or a hidden agenda."

A Ying was puzzled. "What hidden agenda could she have? As a County Princess, she wouldn’t stoop to being a concubine."

Jin Niang chuckled. "Not as a concubine, but what if she aims to be the principal wife?"

"Ah? How could she dare think that while you’re still here?" A Ying found it impossible.

Jin Niang replied, "Why wouldn’t she dare? Such things only require a meeting of minds to come naturally. Of course, my husband is sharp-minded and wouldn’t make such a mistake, but I must still keep our house in order. Otherwise, it’d be a shame to let others cause unnecessary drama."

Come to think of it, having fewer family members also had its downsides. If her parents lived here, would Xu Shi have dared to stir the pot so brazenly?

County Princess Le'an was disheartened when her calling card vanished without a trace. Her attendant suggested, "County Princess, we don’t necessarily need officials to help us. We can appeal to the Imperial Clan Court. As long as they speak for you, everything will be resolved."

In truth, County Princess Le'an wasn’t unaware of this option—she had simply harbored a foolish notion. That brief but striking glimpse of Jiang Xian’s remarkable presence had made her wish to acquaint herself with him. Yet, the neighboring Mrs. Jiang refused to engage, returning every lavish gift she sent without accepting any favor.

Thus, with her in-laws growing increasingly insistent, she had no choice but to proceed this way.

On the fifteenth day of the first month, the Lantern Festival, Jin Niang, having rested for several days, finally took her two children out to see the lanterns. Most women on the streets wore white, and Jin Niang was no exception—dressed in a white silk jacket with pink sleeves, paired with a pearl-white pleated skirt, and adorned with pearls and jade. Her daughter wore a similar outfit, though as a young maiden, she also wore decorative hairpins like fluttering moths and snow willow branches.

The Imperial Street was bustling with performers swallowing swords and walking tightropes, while Ning Geer watched, mesmerized.

Jin Niang, meanwhile, listened to a storyteller recounting the history of the Five Dynasties, surrounded by scenes of prosperity.

Amid the lively stroll, Jiang Xian approached cheerfully and introduced, "Mistress, this is Brother Shen."

It turned out to be Shen Zijia, the younger brother of the late Prefect Shen. The two had met at the Wei residence on the third day. Jin Niang noted that while Shen Zijia’s name was elegant, his appearance was rather stout. Fortunately, his younger sister was quite fair.

After Jiang Xian’s pleasantries, Jin Niang asked him, "The Chancellor of Jixian seems at odds with Shen Ziqi. When the new emperor ascended, Shen Ziqi was sent to Pingjiang. Later, after the emperor’s passing and the crown prince’s succession, Shen Ziqi became the prince’s tutor. I wonder what the future holds..."

"Mistress, you truly grasp the subtle to foresee the obvious," Jiang Xian remarked, pacing with his hands behind his back.

In officialdom, he took no sides, positioning himself as a useful asset to all factions. Thus, regardless of partisan strife, he remained unshaken.

Yet Jin Niang countered, "That may sound ideal, but as humans, how can we have no preferences? Unless you forever follow the wisest ruler, even the most capable may end up reviled by history. Think—were all infamous ministers in history mere scheming opportunists? Of course not. Choices matter greatly."

She knew all too well how swiftly Jiang Xian wavered, so she had to steady his resolve first.

Jiang Xian snapped back to attention and smiled awkwardly. "You speak wisely, Mistress."

"In terms of being an official, my lord, you outshine me a hundred times over. However, with our current eight hundred acres of land and the profitable shops in both Tokyo and Wu County, if we work hard until we're forty, we can live a life gardening and enjoying leisure, free from bureaucratic drudgery. There’s no need to rush, my lord. Whatever we do, we must always preserve our dignity," said Jin Niang.

Jiang Xian nodded. "You're right, my lady."

After the New Year festivities ended, Jin Niang went to Tokyo’s largest goldsmith to have a nine-liang gold coronet made for her daughter, costing 160 guan. For herself, she spent twenty-four strings on a pair of gold filigree bracelets with colored enameling, and another seventeen strings on a gold tassel necklace.

After purchasing these, she came home, stashed the jewelry safely, and only then let herself unwind.

Come February, it was Yun Jieer’s birthday. Shortly after her celebration, news arrived of the Wei and Shen families’ marriage alliance.

Jin Niang hurriedly donned her newly bought jewelry to offer congratulations. She hadn’t expected Wei Qilang’s match to be with the Shen family—back in Daming Prefecture, the young man had been quite popular.

However, when she went to congratulate Madam Wei, the latter laughed and said, "You’ve got it wrong—it’s not me you should congratulate, but your second sister-in-law."

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

Madam Wei explained, "The Shen family’s daughter is engaged to Wei Balang."

Jin Niang was taken aback. Madam Wei added, "It’s because the match with Qilang’s birth signs didn’t align."

Such phrasing usually indicated dissatisfaction with the match. Jin Niang wondered why Madam Wei would react this way, given the Shen family’s growing clout in politics. In truth, Madam Wei was also perplexed. In terms of age and appearance, her own son was the better fit, yet she wasn’t upset—if anything, she was relieved—that the Shens had chosen Wei Balang instead.

Jin Niang later learned the reason from Jiang Xian. It turned out that Prefect Shen’s youngest daughter, Shen Wuniang, had already secured an exceptionally prestigious marriage. Shen Wuniang was skilled in poetry, often producing fine works in her boudoir, which had led to discord with her in-laws.

When the Wei family proposed the match, Grand Academician Wei had not acted high-and-mighty, bringing both his son and Wei Balang (from a collateral branch) to meet the Shens. The Shen family, wary of all the high-society rules in such high-ranking households and mindful of Fan Shi’s past troubles, ultimately chose Wei Balang.

Wei Qilang was handsome and always cheerful, seeming a bit flighty, while Wei Balang was solid as a rock. Moreover, Wei Balang’s father served as a Secretariat Assistant, known for his integrity—quite unlike the extravagant main branch.

Thus, Jin Niang went to congratulate Second Madam Wei, who grasped her hand and said, "I’ve no head for running a household—I’ll need your help when the time comes, dear sister."

"Of course," Jin Niang replied, though inwardly she felt somewhat indignant on Wei Qilang’s behalf.

After all, men in this world—whether handsome or plain—were equally prone to infidelity. One might as well marry a good-looking one.

But such thoughts were not for her to voice. At most, she shared them with Jiang Xian, who protested in dismay, "My lady, what are you saying? I’ve never betrayed you!"

Flustered, Jin Niang said, "I was just speaking idly—don’t take it to heart."

"Words spoken without thought reveal the truth. You’ve truly hurt me, my lady. I’ve always been utterly loyal to you." Jiang Xian kept needling her till she gave in—only after humoring him did he relent.

"You did that on purpose, didn’t you? Normally so agreeable, yet today you refused to indulge me," Jin Niang accused, pointing at him.

Jiang Xian didn’t deny it, and Jin Niang thought to herself how he was getting craftier by the day.

When the two finally rose, their children brought their studies. Ning Geer excelled in poetry—his lively imagination made his poems fresh and delightful. During the New Year, Jiang Xian, worried Jin Niang would chide him for bragging, had secretly shared Ning Geer’s poems with others, claiming they were written by a young friend. Only after receiving praise did he reveal they were his eldest son’s work.

Their daughter, however, was even more skilled in argumentative essays. She had a gift for cutting straight to the heart of a topic and privately studied exemplary examination essays, making her arguments razor-sharp.

Jiang Xian sometimes wished his daughter had been born a son, but his wife was right—girls too deserved a proper education.

After reviewing their lessons, Jiang Xian took Ning Geer out for horseback riding, while Jin Niang taught her daughter the art of two-sided embroidery. Such was their daily routine.

As mother and daughter worked on their needlework—Jin Niang embroidering a white-robed Guanyin while guiding her daughter—they shared a meal in the afternoon. The table was spread with seasonal dishes: shepherd’s purse dumplings, wild chive scrambled eggs, and braised pork with spring bamboo shoots.

When Yun Jieer was young, she had refused to eat vegetables, but now she enjoyed them. "Mother," she remarked, "I guess I’ll eat anything now."

"That’s a good thing," Jin Niang replied with a smile. "Those who are picky miss half the fun."

Yun Jieer nodded: "Cousin Wei Qilang is extremely picky with food. Last year on Mother's birthday, he came to deliver gifts. Mother first had him chat with my younger brother, then sent some tea and food over. He wouldn't even eat chicken wings with bones, only chestnuts, and he refused vegetables. When I happened to go over and saw such waste, I scolded him. I told him how hard the farmers worked to grow this food, how Sister Ju Xiang cooked specially in such heat, yet he was wasting food. I said if he didn't want to eat it, he should tell you directly. Then he stuffed all the food down."

Jin Niang gave a thumbs-up: "Good for you! We don't waste food. See how I always tell Ju Xiang not to cook too much—just enough for what we'll eat."

Though they were better off now, and Jin Niang occasionally indulged in luxuries, most of her habits hadn't changed much.

After finishing her meal, Yun Jieer asked Jin Niang to accompany her for a walk, which Jin Niang naturally agreed to. In truth, her daughter was exceptionally beautiful and had a generous dowry, but most marriage proposals now came for younger sons—almost all clearly eyeing the dowry. If Jiang Xian hadn't been driven out, their family would have suffered under Xu Shi's tyranny forever.

While parents lived, families didn't divide. Even now, no matter what family matters arose, the couple had to return, or risk being branded unfilial.

So Jin Niang wanted to wait until her husband's official rank rose a bit more. As for Wei Qilang, she'd completely written him off. Though Madam Wei spoke as she did, if she truly wanted the match, she wouldn't let her son be outshone—she'd likely aim for someone better.

Their daughter deserved a husband who was talented, handsome, and well-established. That required effort from the parents.

After the walk, it was evening by the time mother and daughter returned.

By the third month, another year had passed. Manor Manager Fan came with Innkeeper Yao. This time, Yao sent timber and four hundred taels of silver, as this year's harvest was bountiful—the estate's fruit trees, poultry, and eggs had sold well. Knowing his youngest son was to marry, Jin Niang rewarded him with two rolls of red satin, four silver-gilt hairpins, two sets of brand-new men's clothing, and a satin-silk outfit.

Manor Manager Fan bowed his thanks repeatedly and mentioned fifty acres of mulberry fields and fifty acres of orchard land for sale nearby, both fertile and riverside. Jin Niang gave him two hundred strings of coins to handle the purchase.

Innkeeper Yao first congratulated her: "Word has reached me that the master is now Vice Minister of the Court of Imperial Treasury. I've specially prepared gifts for you both."

Jin Niang skimmed through the account books and smiled. "You've managed very well, Innkeeper Yao."

"I hired a renowned chef and had articles written in the gazettes. No wonder business picked up this year," Yao replied cheerfully.

Seeing he'd brought seven hundred strings of coins this year, plus separate gifts for her, Jin Niang only said: "I have two demands. First, no bullying others with our influence—if I find out, I won't tolerate it. Anyone harming my husband's reputation will face me first. Second, I won't allow a proper shop to become some disreputable establishment."

"Rest assured," Yao said hastily.

Jin Niang sternly added, "This is no joke."

Yao began sweating nervously.

Satisfied, Jin Niang let him proceed. As usual, Yao took silk to the capital to sell to familiar merchants, while Manor Manager Fan took the money to quickly secure the mulberry and orchard lands.

With this addition of over eleven hundred strings of coins and last year's nineteen hundred, Jin Niang now had around three thousand strings of coins. Of course, they'd spent two or three hundred strings on jewelry and clothes.

Still, they now had plenty of ready cash, with little need for major expenses.

Their neighbor the county princess seemed to have sold her residence and returned to the princely estate. The new occupants were the family of the newly appointed Vice-Minister of War—coincidentally also surnamed Li, said to be descendants of the previous dynasty's imperial family.

This Li family had only one daughter, whose fiancé was a child prodigy the father had spotted while serving as Vice-Prefect—just thirteen years old, said to be taking the child prodigy examinations next year.

Yun Jieer had met this Li girl twice and invited her to their garden. Madam Shi, wife of Vice-Minister Li, asked Jin Niang: "Has your young lady been betrothed yet?"

"Not yet. We're still looking," Jin Niang smiled.

The second son of Attendant Scholar Cheng was suitable, but after long observation, Jin Niang felt the boy—sandwiched between older and younger brothers—might suffer unnoticed parental favoritism. So the couple kept searching.

Madam Shi avoided commenting on others' family matters, only praising her own future son-in-law: "Exceptionally bright and diligent—my husband adores him. Sometimes aiming slightly lower isn't bad."

"I think so too," Jin Niang said, though privately she vowed never to compromise. Why shouldn't her splendid daughter marry the finest man?

Even Wei Qilang was no longer under consideration.

Some might tell her "good enough is good enough," but Jin Niang thought otherwise. Back in the day, she would rather go without than settle for second-best, let alone now when it concerned her daughter, who was merely twelve—still so young.

After seeing off the visiting Madam Shi, Jin Niang went back to her normal routine.

She felt as if she had been in a daze lately. When March arrived, she took advantage of Jiang Xian’s day of leisure to bring the children out to the countryside to welcome spring. Spring was the most pleasant season—neither too hot nor too cold. Dressed in light spring robes and with some snacks prepared, it was truly delightful.

The two children were flying kites not far away. Jin Niang remarked, "No matter what others say, our family must hold firm. Better to keep our daughter at home than to marry her off to someone unworthy."

"You’re absolutely right, my dear. Our daughter is still young, and plenty would come courting," Jiang Xian chuckled, thinking to himself how resolute his wife was once she made up her mind—she couldn't be swayed by sweet talk or harsh words.

She had her own strong opinions and the tenacity to stand by them.

After flying kites for half the day, Jiang Xian wove flower crowns for their daughter and son, and finally, with deft hands, crafted one for Jin Niang as well.

"When did you learn to do this?" Jin Niang asked, delighted as she perched it on her head.

Jiang Xian raised an eyebrow. "There’s a lot I can do—it’s just that some people refuse to believe me."

Jin Niang made to swat at him, while Jiang Xian dodged nimbly. The two children watched in astonishment—they rarely saw their mother so lively. At home, she was the dignified matriarch, commanding respect from all the servants in both the inner and outer courtyards. Yet now, she was roughhousing with their father.

Of course, after suffering a slipped disc from childbirth years ago, she had spent nearly a decade recuperating. Following the birth of their youngest, Ding Geer, she took even greater care of her health, avoiding strenuous movements. But now, out with her husband, she somehow seemed to recapture her girlhood spark.

No—perhaps it was more about making up for the girlhood she never had.

After all, her own youth had been spent in backbreaking work, forced to interact with countless people while burying herself in the pursuit of wealth.

Jiang Xian, too, felt the weight of official documents lift from his shoulders after this bit of horseplay, his mood much lighter.

Having enjoyed themselves, the couple no longer obsessed with finding a husband for their daughter, and their spirits were greatly lifted. However, news soon arrived that disappointed Jin Niang—the eligibility age for the Child Prodigy Exams had been extended to children under fifteen, and the exam content had been expanded to resemble the actual civil service exams.

"Well, forget it then. Our son can focus on his studies and properly take the imperial examinations when the time comes," Jin Niang said.

Jiang Xian looked at his wife. "Just like that? You’ve been looking forward to this for years, putting in so much effort."

Jin Niang smiled. "Ning Geer is the one studying, and the tutors are the ones teaching. I haven’t done much. Don’t worry—I’m not disappointed. I’ve said before that even if our son couldn’t take the Child Prodigy Exams, he’s still learned a great deal. As parents, we shouldn’t put too much pressure on our children."

"My dear, how are you so at peace with this?" Jiang Xian was puzzled. While he knew his wife was generally open-minded, she was also quite ambitious.

Jin Niang wrapped her arm around Jiang Xian’s. "Because my life is already so good. A few missing pieces here and there keeps things from becoming ‘overflowing water or a waning moon.’ Besides, my husband is handsome, talented, and holds government rank—most importantly, he treats me exceedingly well. Our children are obedient and sensible, and my health is good. There’s nothing in this world better than this. I count myself blessed."

Though the couple gave up on the Child Prodigy Exams, they did not abandon their son’s education.

In fact, Ning Geer was relieved.

"I was afraid that if I really became an official at ten, how would I even govern? That’s something for grown-ups to do."

Jin Niang poked her son’s forehead. "They would surely wait until you were older before assigning you an actual post. But never mind—since we no longer need to prepare for the Child Prodigy Exams, let’s relax a little. Today, I’ll have Xiao Yun from the tea room make those little pavilion cakes you love, alright?"

Ning Geer hugged Jin Niang around the waist. "My mother is the best in the world!"

Jiang Xian quickly separated the two, casually positioning himself beside Jin Niang under the pretense of conversation. "We’re all tired of the usual home-cooked meals. Let’s change things up and have a feast catered from outside."

Jin Niang, of course, agreed.

As it turned out, the one most disappointed by Ning Geer’s withdrawal from the Child Prodigy Exams was Madam Wei. Last time, seeing her son and the Cheng family’s second son trying to outdo each other, she had inquired and assumed her son fancied Yun Jieer—after all, they had grown up together, and she’d have been pleased with the match.

So she had turned down the Shen family’s proposal, thinking that if Ning Geer passed the Child Prodigy Exams and was granted official status, her husband would surely approve. But now that Ning Geer wasn’t participating, and Jiang Xian’s promotion might take years, with the Jiang family still reliant on the Wei family, perhaps it was better to choose a more advantageous marriage. Yet soon, she changed her mind again.

Jiang Fang arrived in the capital at the end of March. His adoptive parents had gone to great lengths for his future, even advising him, "Your eldest brother is quite close with the Chancellor of Jixian. Why not seek his help?"

"It was I who left the family back then. I can’t go begging for their assistance now. If anything, I should be the one making amends to them. Besides, the Chancellor of Jixian is currently under attack from the censors and has his hands full already. It would be inappropriate for my son to trouble him at such a time." Jiang Fang had his own convictions.

News of the impending downfall of the Chancellor of Jixian had even reached Jin Niang, a lady of the household in the capital. She had previously advised Jiang Xian that even if he wanted to change sides, he should wait until the man had stepped down and not act too hastily, lest others see him as an opportunist.

However, though Jiang Xian agreed outwardly, he had already paid a private visit to the Shen family—something Jin Niang couldn’t dissuade him from. As Jiang Xian put it, if he didn’t establish connections in advance, others might assume he wasn’t part of their faction, and he’d be the first to be cast aside.

For Jiang Xian, he had no desire for historical fame—that would make life far too exhausting. All he wanted was an official position to protect his family, and that was enough.

Jin Niang understood. Some people viewed work merely as a means to support their families, while others pursued lofty ambitions in their careers. Neither approach was right or wrong.

Shortly after the Cold Food Festival, the Chancellor of Jixian, who had held power for nearly a decade, stepped down and prepared to compile books in Yingtian Prefecture. Jiang Yan immediately resigned from his post to follow him. Meanwhile, Shen Ziqi ascended as the new Assistant Grand Councilor, and Jiang Xian was promoted to Fifth-Rank Deputy Secretariat Director.