Chapter 126

Chapter 126

The spring rain drizzled, its misty touch tingling against the skin. Jin Niang handed her husband a pale blue oil-paper umbrella and waited for him to open it before stepping under its shelter beside him.

The couple was heading to the old family residence. With Jiang Yan resigning from his official post, as his younger brother, Jiang Xian couldn’t just stay out of it.

After helping Jin Niang into the carriage, Jiang Xian quickly climbed in after her and said with a hint of smugness, "Usually, sister-in-law lords it over you as the Chancellor of Jixian’s in-law. Let’s see how high and mighty she acts now."

"Though I should probably remind you that 'the wheel of fortune turns,' I must admit I feel quite vindicated too. Call me petty, but I never pretended to be noble." Jin Niang raised her brows and smiled at Jiang Xian. "But really, it’s all thanks to my dear husband’s kindness."

Jiang Xian rubbed his neck, embarrassed. "I was afraid you’d scold me for not being upright enough."

Jin Niang shook her head. "Back then, when the Wei family recommended you to the Chancellor of Jixian, you performed exceptionally well in every position he assigned you. We’ve always kept up appearances—festival visits, gifts—just now, I even had supplements delivered to him. But you’re an imperial official, not his private subordinate. Your duty is to the throne. Who could fault you for that?"

Jiang Xian nodded. "Don’t worry, my dear. No matter where I am, I’ll always do my best."

"That’s the right attitude. Still, one mustn’t lack principles. The Chancellor of Jixian is one thing—after all, it was the Wei family who recommended you. But State Councilor Shen also endorsed you back in Pingjiang, and now that he’s risen to the position of State Councilor, he’s promoted you immediately. You must tread carefully..." Jin Niang’s main concern was that if State Councilor Shen were to fall later, Jiang Xian might be tempted to turn against him.

Quick wins can backfire later.

Perhaps only Jin Niang’s words could make Jiang Xian truly listen. She often thought her advice went in one ear and out the other, but in truth, he did take her words to heart—otherwise, he might have found himself caught in the crossfire this time.

"My dear, I understand," Jiang Xian said, adopting a playful tone.

Jin Niang patted his head. "Alright, enough of that."

When the couple arrived at the old residence, Jiang Yan seemed unbothered, like he was just off on a stroll. Xu Shi’s face was like stone.

"Shiliulang, I’ll leave the family matters in your hands," Jiang Yan said plainly.

Jiang Xian quickly replied, "Don’t worry, elder brother. I’ll take good care of Father and Mother." Then, turning to Xu Shi, he added, "Sister-in-law, if there’s anything inconvenient for you, just let Ning Geer’s mother know."

Xu Shi forced a smile. "You’re too kind, brother-in-law." Inside, however, she seethed at their gloating.

But there was nothing she could do to stop Jiang Yan. His principles were set in stone, and no amount of protest would sway him. With his salary gone, they would have to rely solely on their farmland. Fortunately, after both Jiang Yan and Jiang Xian passed the imperial exams, the clan had gifted them additional fields—enough to sustain the family.

Seeing Xu Shi seething silently, Jin Niang relished the moment. Sometimes, playing the villain felt good—at least one could freely indulge in spiteful glee.

After some stiff small talk, Jiang Xian hinted that if he ever had the chance to speak before the emperor, he would surely put in a good word for the Chancellor of Jixian.

Meanwhile, Jin Niang said to Xu Shi, "We only just learned that elder brother is leaving for Yingtian Prefecture, so we threw together some travel expenses. Please don’t think it too little, sister-in-law."

Though her words sounded perfectly polite to outsiders, to Xu Shi, they were like a thorn in her throat. She knew that the decade-long superiority she had held over her sister-in-law—her status as an official’s daughter, her powerful connections—was now a thing of the past. With her connections crumbled, their positions had reversed.

Now, it was her sister-in-law’s brother who had become a jinshi, her family linked to the prestigious Wei clan, and her family rolling in silver—not to mention her brother-in-law’s recent promotion.

"Th-thank you," Xu Shi gritted out.

Jin Niang smiled. "Why the formality? What goes around comes around, right?"

Xu Shi’s stomach twisted.

After the couple left, Xu Shi opened the travel expenses Jin Niang had given her—only to find it was nothing but pastries and flatbreads. The only real gift was a measly pouch containing exactly two taels and six maces of silver.

Precisely double what Xu Shi had once paid for that necklace she gave Jin Niang.

After Jiang Yan’s departure, Jiang Fang aced the exams but got dragged through the mud. He sought the recommendation of a disciple under State Councilor Shen, who, upon meeting him, was astonished by his talent and appointed him as a collator in the Jixian Hall and a reviewer in the Secretariat.

As for Jiang Fang, Jin Niang couldn’t care less. He’d been cut from the family tree years ago.

As the Dragon Boat Festival (a traditional holiday) approached, Jin Niang prepared the customary gifts, first sending them to the Wei and Liu families—both receiving identical items: six strands of multicolored silk threads, a box of mugwort decorations, two gauze fans, two gilt-painted fans, along with candied fruits, zongzi, glutinous rice cakes, aromatic perilla leaves, calamus herbs, and papayas.

She also sent gifts to the old residence, Jiang Xian’s teachers, and colleagues.

In return, their household received many gifts as well, accumulating half a chest of silver-embossed drum-patterned fans. Jin Niang kept two of the most exquisite ones for herself, while the slightly less ornate ones were used by the family. The extras were given as rewards to servants like A Ying and Qing Rong.

Speaking of Qing Rong, she was no longer young. Originally given by Second Madam Dou when they were assigned to Wu County, she was now twenty.

Thus, Jin Niang asked A Ying to inquire about Qing Rong’s preferences for a future husband, intending to arrange a match for her. Unexpectedly, Qing Rong firmly stated she had no wish to marry—not out of coyness, but genuine reluctance.

"Why not?" A Ying couldn’t understand.

Now married, with Liu Douer treating her tenderly and herself pregnant, she advised, "You’re only twenty—don’t decide so soon. Let me help you look slowly."

Qing Rong shook her head. "A Ying, I know you and Madam have good intentions. But I truly don’t wish to marry. I’m content serving Madam. Marriage could be good, but if it’s bad, my life would be ruined. Besides, the household cares for elderly servants—I won’t fear old age."

A Ying tried to persuade her further, but Qing Rong remained resolute. "I earn six qian of silver a month, not counting Madam’s frequent gifts of snacks and fabric. Why leave?"

People’s greatest worry is support in old age. As long as one can work, with food, shelter, and tasks in the household, it’s better than anything else.

At first, Jin Niang thought Qing Rong was hesitant like A Ying had been, but seeing her determination, she accepted her decision.

Meanwhile, Pei Lan, serving Ning Geer, and Jiao Xing, serving Yun Jieer, were both matched. Pei Lan was betrothed to the servant Gao Si—a skilled, handsome, and sober man. Jiao Xing was matched to Bailiff Hu’s son, Hu Cheng, who was assigned to manage an estate in Luoyang. Thus, Gao Si and Pei Lan’s wedding was arranged first.

Jin Niang then selected six new maids under lifetime contracts—three young girls assigned to Yun Jieer, one maid and one young male servant to Ning Geer, and another to Ding Geer.

Since Ning Geer had turned eight and would soon be nine, he was to move to the outer courtyard, occupying the renovated eastern wing. The maids would stay in the side rooms of the main hall, no longer freely entering the young master’s quarters at night.

These were necessary household costs.

Her daughter, nearly thirteen, also needed personal maids.

Managing servants required more than scolding—it demanded fairness and authority to earn respect and loyalty. Jin Niang entrusted A Ying with oversight, whose fair and principled manner commanded obedience.

These were household matters, requiring meticulous handling.

"Madam, Third Miss Zhou is here," A Ying announced.

This was Third Miss Zhou, who had accompanied Jiang Fang to the capital. With his promotion, her status had risen. She entered cheerfully, saying, "I heard you moved when I returned to Nanxun Lane yesterday, so I came to visit."

Jin Niang smiled. "Just a three-courtyard residence—with more children, space is tight."

She observed Third Madam Zhou, mother of four sons, respected by Jiang Fang and favored by her in-laws.

Indeed, she was more tactful than Madam Zhou (Jiang Shi), avoiding any mention of Second Miss Zhou and only sharing her post-return troubles: "I’m clueless about the capital’s fashions."

Jin Niang replied, "Not much has changed. Scarlet silk was popular, but now deep cherry-red is favored, with gold-woven skirts—two-toned ones are even better."

As they spoke, the children came to greet her. Third Madam Zhou gave them gifts, admiring Yun Jieer’s graceful appearance—her lotus-hued beizi, pearl hairpins, silk flowers, and gold bracelets.

"What a lovely child," she praised—her full forehead, delicate nose, and oval face exuding elegance.

Yun Jieer curtsied. "You’re too kind."

Jin Niang smiled. "Go with your brothers now."

Third Madam Zhou looked at Jin Niang, her mind in a whirlwind. When they had returned to the capital, they passed by the official posting of her fourth brother-in-law and met her fourth younger sister. It was said that her fourth sister’s two daughters also studied poetry and books, and their ages were similar to Yun Jieer’s, yet they were completely different. Yun Jieer appeared bright and poised, the very image of a noble young lady, while those two nieces seemed more like petty-bourgeois girls.

After returning, Third Madam Zhou mentioned it to Jiang Fang, and both found it strange: "Who would have thought Wei Shi was so good at raising children? Back in our household, we only thought she was good at making clothes."

Many believe women admire strength, but in truth, men admire it even more.

Jiang Fang had indeed spoken ill of Jin Niang before, believing her background as a servant and a merchant’s daughter would disgrace their family if married. With his younger brother’s qualifications, he could have easily married a daughter of an official family. In this dynasty, marriages often formed alliances, and marrying her would be like cutting off one’s own arm.

Who would have thought such a person would thrive so remarkably—not only buying estates and land but also becoming kin with Grand Academician Wei’s family, with her younger brother even becoming a palace graduate.

Life is truly unpredictable.

"It’s been so many years; let’s not bring up the past. Even heroes aren’t asked about their backgrounds. It wouldn’t be good if Shiliulang heard," Jiang Fang said.

Third Madam Zhou was taken aback. Her husband rarely spoke in such a lecturing tone. Now that he had said so, she could only reply, "You’re right."

...

After the Dragon Boat Festival, the weather grew increasingly hot. Jin Niang’s favorite part of the day now was helping Ding Geer bathe together with Jiang Xian. The child loved baths to begin with, and with a multicolored ball placed in the water, he was very obedient. Jiang Xian would pour water while Jin Niang gently scrubbed him, washing his hair until he was fragrant before dressing him and carrying him out.

When Madam Wei arrived with Wei Qilang, the family of three had just emerged from the bathing room. Jin Niang, still somewhat embarrassed, quickly changed her clothes, settled her son for his nap, and then went out to chat.

"If we bathed him at night, I’d worry he might catch a chill, so we always choose a time during the day," Jin Niang explained with a smile.

Unless it was a big holiday like New Year’s, Madam Wei rarely visited. Jin Niang wondered what had brought her here today.

After exchanging pleasantries, Madam Wei sighed and said, "I plan to go to Luoyang for some time, but Qilang has his studies and I can’t take him with me. He’ll have to stay at home. Our master is busy, and his sisters-in-law have their own children to care for, so I was hoping Aunt Third could look after him for a few days."

Jin Niang glanced at Wei Qilang and smiled. "Of course, I’ll visit often to check on him. Don’t worry, sister-in-law."

As the saying goes, "There are many fine horses, but few who recognize them." The Wei family had treated her like a true aunt all these years. How could she refuse such a simple request as caring for a child?

But then Madam Wei added, "Actually, I was thinking of having Qilang stay at your house for a few days. It would be good for him and Ning Geer to study together." At this point, she dismissed Wei Qilang and whispered to Jin Niang, "I’m driven to despair. While studying at the You family, the girls there vied for his attention, and he just complained they were annoying."

So that was the reason. Still, Jin Niang said, "I’d be happy to have him, but our home isn’t as comfortable as yours. I worry Qilang might not adjust well."

The Wei family’s daughters were given dowries of a hundred thousand strings of cash, living in pampered luxury. Their own household was much simpler, and she feared good intentions might lead to trouble.

Madam Wei had her own concerns, but she had observed how well Jin Niang and Jiang Xian treated children. Moreover, her father in Luoyang was in urgent need, and Wei Qilang himself had insisted on coming, pestering both his father and her. Thus, Madam Wei said, "It’s no trouble. Let him stay here. Thank you for your kindness, sister."

"Very well. I’ll prepare the garden annex," Jin Niang readily agreed.

With everything settled, Jin Niang sent two maids to thoroughly clean the courtyard. She then opened the storeroom and had Manor Manager Fan bring in a new four-poster bed made of huanghuali wood, carved with wan patterns. Originally intended as part of her daughter’s dowry, she couldn’t very well buy another one now.

Fortunately, she still had extra wood and could commission another bed later.

She also had gauze curtains hung, brought out a screen she had embroidered earlier, arranged new porcelain, a slightly worn desk, a floor lamp, and a bookshelf, piece by piece.

Jiang Xian teased, "Truly a nephew indeed—you’re working so hard for him."

"You’re jealous of everyone. I should give you a nickname—‘King of Vinegar’ of Golden Beam Bridge," Jin Niang laughed behind her hand.

Of course, the couple knew they had to treat Wei Qilang well. This was just playful banter.

When Wei Qilang moved in, he brought quite an entourage: six senior maidservants, four junior maidservants, four young male servants, and four attendants. Only one of his four nannies and one of his two instructress matrons accompanied him.

His maids were housed in the east and west side chambers, while the young male servants and attendants were lodged in the front corridor of the garden.

Yun Jieer whispered, "Seventh Cousin truly comes from vast family wealth."

"Hush." Jin Niang thought their surprise stemmed from their daughter's different upbringing—perhaps they didn't even realize how many attendants they had.

Yun Jieer playfully stuck out her tongue.

Once everyone settled in, Jin Niang sent A Ying to inquire about Wei Qilang’s daily routine. It turned out he also rose early to study at the You family’s academy, staying there the entire day and having lunch there before returning home after classes.

Jin Niang arranged a welcoming feast for Wei Qilang, adding a few extra dishes through Ju Xiang. Having heard that Wei Qilang loved plum-blossom soup cakes, she had the kitchen prepare chive-stuffed dumplings shaped like willow leaves, candied kumquats, lotus blossom pastries, and several sweet drinks kids love.

However, Jiang Xian couldn’t join them for dinner that day—he had been invited by a colleague to a tavern and couldn’t turn it down.

When Wei Qilang returned, changed his clothes, and came over, Jin Niang first offered him a drink and asked, "Do you have much homework?"

"Not too much," Wei Qilang replied, assuming dinner was ready.

To his surprise, Jin Niang smiled and said, "Then take your homework and go to the study with Ning Geer to finish it first. Once you’re done, I’ll have dinner served."

Wei Qilang had his books fetched and went straight to the front courtyard, where Ning Geer was already working. Upon seeing Wei Qilang, Ning Geer called out "Cousin Seven!" before burying himself back in his studies.

While naturally clever, Wei Qilang had grown up in such a cushy life that studying felt arduous, distractions were plentiful, and he often preferred playing over studying. But now, with Ning Geer beside him and the surroundings quiet, he found himself immersed in his work.

The servants and nursemaids attending Wei Qilang chatted with Jin Niang, remarking, "Seventh Young Master usually eats first and leaves his homework for last. It’s rare to see him settle down like this today."

Jin Niang laughed. "That’s my rule—have them finish their work before eating. If it’s too much and will take a long time, then they can eat first. Otherwise, a full belly makes you sleepy."

In her youth, she had often stayed up late—sometimes out of necessity, sometimes from poor habits. After having children, she made sure to instill better routines in them.

Afterward, once she’d finished the Guanyin embroidery, Jin Niang sewed a gauze robe for Ning Geer—white crepe edged with emerald satin, embroidered with clusters of bamboo and fastened with a mustard-yellow silk sash.

An hour later, the robe was done. Yun Jieer came by and asked, "Haven’t Brother and Cousin Seven come back yet?"

"Not yet. If they aren’t done in another incense stick’s worth of time, we’ll have them eat first so they don’t go hungry," Jin Niang replied.

She sent someone to check, only to learn they needed the time it takes to drink two more cups of tea. They waited a while longer before the two cousins finally arrived. Jin Niang immediately had dinner served and said cheerfully to Wei Qilang, "Let’s eat now. Afterward, we’ll take a stroll in the garden and relax. Once your uncle returns, he’ll check your homework."

Wei Qilang had never truly known hunger before, but today’s studies had drained him. The smell of food had him drooling.

The maid serving him noted in surprise that while he usually took medicine as routinely as meals at home, today he finished an entire bowl of ordinary steamed egg with quail and bamboo shoot soup.

Ning Geer even fought him for the honey-glazed chicken wings, and Wei Qilang ended up having an extra bowl of rice with pork with pickled mustard greens.

Jin Niang clapped. "Well done, Qilang! You hardly ate anything before, but now you’re eating so well!"

Wei Qilang smiled shyly.

After dinner, Jin Niang brought out the new clothes for Ning Geer. "Try these on first to see if they need adjustments."

When Ning Geer emerged in the short-sleeved robe—cool and comfortable—Jin Niang tied a matching headband on him. "If you like it, keep it on. After our walk, we’ll wash it tomorrow, and you can wear it again. Alright?"

Ning Geer nodded. "Mother, the clothes you make are so beautiful."

"Of course." Jin Niang chuckled, then noticed Wei Qilang watching her and couldn’t resist asking, "Qilang, would you like Auntie to make you a set too?"

At thirteen, Wei Qilang was already quite tactful. "Auntie, it’s so hot—wouldn’t that be too much work?"

Jin Niang could tell he wanted one but was being polite. She insisted it was no trouble—after all, if he took a set home, the Wei family would see her effort.

"Then tomorrow I’ll draw up two patterns, and you can pick the one you like," she said.

With that, the group headed to the garden through the side gate. As they strolled, Ning Geer shared his thoughts: "Today, the teacher discussed 'Spring River Flower Moon Night.' It reminded me of when we returned from Daming Prefecture—seeing someone play the zither on a boat, with moonlight dancing on the water."

"Mother, do you think if we set the table by the pond this Mid-Autumn Festival, with sister playing the yueqin and me playing the flute, it would also be like 'Moonlit River in Spring' (a classical Chinese poem)?"

Jin Niang nodded, "What a wonderful idea."

With that, Jin Niang felt it inappropriate to let her daughter walk with her teenage nephew, so she said, "Ning Geer, go play with your cousin—or you could visit the library. Your sister and I will gather some petals."

Ning Geer nodded, but Wei Qilang spoke up, "Aunt, shall I teach my cousin archery?"

"That would be perfect," Jin Niang smiled.

Strangely, she’d always thought of Wei Qilang as a child before, but now she realized he was actually quite emotionally intelligent.

They played until sunset when Jiang Xian returned. Jin Niang took the children to greet him and had them present their homework for review. Wei Qilang noticed that Jiang Xian didn’t lecture the children but instead cracked a few jokes, which he quickly understood. It was such a relief—unlike his own father, who always scowled and made him nervous.

After Uncle Jiang Xian finished, Jin Niang dismissed everyone. Yun Jieer went back to soak in a petal bath, while Ning Geer and Wei Qilang headed to the front courtyard to play chess.

...

Madam Wei was due to leave for Luoyang the next day but was so worried about her son that she couldn’t sleep past midnight. Fortunately, Wei Qilang’s nanny sent word, and upon hearing it, Madam Wei was stunned—he’d devoured two bowls of rice and then fallen straight asleep.

Good—now she could stop worrying about her son anymore.