Chapter 128

Chapter 128

Although Yun Jieer felt a bit miffed, she was truly broad-minded—never one to play tricks or exclude others. She just thought this person was too good at charming others.

Ding Geer, with his snow-white complexion, had earned the nickname "Snow Boy." He was so well-behaved, sitting in the bathtub while Jiang Xian washed his hair and Wei Qilang scrubbed his body. Both couldn’t get over how soft and squishy the little cousin’s chubby arms were.

Jiang Xian chuckled and said to Wei Qilang, "Your aunt usually loves bathing Ding Geer herself, but she always frets about getting wet. When she heard you were willing to help, she was both relieved and a little worried."

"I’ve never seen such an obedient child like Ding Geer. Being the youngest in my family, I’ve always wished for a little brother," Wei Qilang replied with a smile.

As Jin Niang was about to enter, she overheard their conversation and thought to herself, *What a masterclass in subtlety.*

Lifting the curtain, she stepped in and asked cheerfully, "Are you done yet? We don’t want the baby catching a cold."

Jiang Xian answered, "We’re almost finished. Look how much our son loves playing in the water."

With that, he lifted the child and dried him off. Jin Niang sprinkled him with powder, dressed him, and then handed him to Wet nurse Bai, who was waiting outside. Years of sewing had given Jin Niang a bad back. While it hadn’t troubled her much in her youth, childbirth and age had weakened her back, making it impossible to carry heavy objects or hold her child for long.

"Thank you so much, Qilang. You’re so thoughtful—I don’t know how to thank you enough," Jin Niang said warmly.

Wei Qilang shook his head. "I adore little cousin Ding Geer. No trouble at all—I’m having fun!"

Jin Niang smiled. "That’s good to hear. When Ding Geer grows up and learns about this, he’ll surely be delighted."

As they chatted and laughed, Wei Qilang excused himself to return to his studies. Not wanting to disturb him, Jin Niang let him go and turned to Jiang Xian. "It’s getting late. Let’s have dinner and retire early."

Leaving aside how the couple spent their evening, Jin Niang rested at home for several days before attending the polo match with her daughter. Though called a polo gathering, the hostess—a princess—had taken the weather into account and treated them to a floating wine banquet by the lake. The scale far surpassed the event at Madam Qian’s, but given Jiang Xian’s modest official rank, Jin Niang and Yun Jieer were seated at the lowest end of the table.

Neither of them was the type to push for the spotlight. They dug in happily, even sampling a chilled rose wine.

"Mother, this wine is so refreshing!" Yun Jieer whispered.

"Yun Jieer, the crispy pigeon is delicious too," Jin Niang hinted with her eyes.

The two food lovers waddled home, full and happy, grateful to Wei Qilang for the unexpected feast. They had braced themselves for a sweltering polo match but ended up indulging in a grand banquet instead.

Meanwhile, the Wei servants had a hard time settling in at first at the Jiang household. The food wasn’t as refined, the rules weren’t as strict, and the estate was smaller. Yet there were perks—the bosses were easygoing but fair, and rewards were generous. Most importantly, Wei Qilang’s studies flourished.

However, some servants grumbled about Wei Qilang’s closeness to Jin Niang’s family. Though he bathed Ding Geer purely for fun, they muttered that Jin Niang was taking advantage of him. To her face, they kissed up, but behind her back, they spread petty complaints.

Jin Niang ignored them. After all, Wei Qilang was a guest who wouldn’t stay forever. Her priority was keeping him content; mingling too much with the Wei servants might backfire.

She picked who to butter up carefully. You Mama, Madam Wei’s confidante, was worth the effort. But Wei Qilang’s nannies and maids? Not worth it. Like Jiang Xian, Wei Qilang was easy to talk to but stubborn as a mule. Besides, those servants would be dismissed in a few years anyway.

With A Ying heavily pregnant, Qing Rong handled minor tasks. She came in and said, "Madam, the Shen family has sent an invitation for Madam Shen’s birthday celebration."

Jin Niang nodded. "We’ve dealt with the Shens before. Fancy gifts might come off as pushy, so I’ll make some embroidery myself and send longevity peaches and noodles."

She discussed this with Jiang Xian, who agreed, "Whatever you think best, dear."

Jin Niang smirked. "When my ideas align with yours, you say, ‘Whatever you think best.’ But if you disagree, it’s always, ‘My dear, your thought is good, but perhaps this alternative would be better.’"

Jiang Xian, caught red-handed, merely chuckled and tweaked her nose. "You see right through me!"

When the birthday arrived, since Madam Wei was still in Luoyang, Jin Niang attended with Fan Shi.

Fan Shi asked kindly, "With Qilang studying under Uncle and Mother away in Luoyang, please let me know if there’s anything inconvenient for you, Auntie."

"Young Master Qi is very sensible when studying at my place; you can rest assured," Jin Niang said with a smile.

Fan Shi, afraid that Jin Niang might misunderstand, quickly added, "I was just saying it in passing."

Jin Niang smiled and let the matter drop.

The two rode in a sedan chair and soon arrived at the Shen residence. Although Old Madam Shen wasn't as spry as Old Madam Wang, she was still in good health. Madam Shen, meanwhile, presented quite a different image—dressed elegantly and accompanied by her married daughter, Fifth Miss Shen.

Jin Niang sighed inwardly. The little girl she had once known was now a mother—how time flies!

Fifth Miss Shen was also surprised to see Jin Niang and Yun Jieer. The last time she had seen Yun Jieer, the girl had been merely a child, but now she had grown into a graceful young lady.

"Miss Jiang, what a lovely young lady," Fifth Miss Shen remarked, looking Yun Jieer up and down.

Yun Jieer did not act shy and smiled warmly, "Fifth Sister Shen, it's been a long time."

Madam Shen sized up Yun Jieer, knowing that such a girl would be highly sought after by many families. First, her father was young and promising, and her maternal uncle was a jinshi. Second, rumors suggested her family was wealthy. Third, she was dignified, beautiful, and well-educated. Lastly, her mother had borne two sons and a daughter, indicating good health and fertility.

However, the Jiang family held high standards—not just anyone could propose a match. It was even rumored they had declined the son of Attendant Scholar Cheng.

As Madam Shen pondered this, another guest approached, and she turned her attention to the new arrival.

Jin Niang followed the servants to pay respects to Old Madam Shen, who smiled and said, "I don't see you often. I was thinking of going to the temple soon—why don't we go together?"

"Old Madam, you should wait for cooler weather. I went recently, and my arms got sunburned," Jin Niang replied, knowing Old Madam Shen was a devoted yet superficial Buddhist. She humored the old woman—it was a harmless pastime.

Old Madam Shen nodded slightly, "Indeed, the weather has been unusually hot lately."

Jin Niang added, "I just saw your Fifth Miss. She’s so poised—I heard she organized this birthday banquet. She’s truly capable."

Having known Jin Niang for years and being of an older generation, Old Madam Shen waved dismissively, "Fifth Daughter used to be the liveliest in our household. Now... well, never mind."

Old Madam Shen could say such things, but Jin Niang couldn’t comment. She simply said, "Children make their own luck. Fifth Miss is still young."

"Women oughtn't read too much," Old Madam Shen muttered.

Jin Niang disagreed but didn't argue. She didn't know Fifth Miss Shen's personal circumstances, but in this era of arranged marriages, few couples truly loved each other. Books at least provided company—better than a dull life.

But this was not the time for debates.

After leaving Old Madam Shen, Yun Jieer asked, "Mother, why did Old Madam Shen say that?"

"Old Madam Shen comes from another time. What she meant is that women who read too much become harder to deceive. In short, she wants women to think little, stay obedient, bear children, and manage the household. Too much knowledge brings too much pain—better to live in blissful ignorance," Jin Niang explained.

Yun Jieer knit her brows, "But what if I marry the wrong person? Should I pretend not to know?"

Jin Niang shook her head, "No. Your father and I will always welcome you back with open arms. Whether you remarry or decide not to, it's fine. I haven't told you this before because you were too young, but now you're old enough. At your age, I had already been working for years."

"Remarry?" The idea was foreign to her.

Jin Niang smiled, "If the marriage doesn't work out, you leave. It's not a big deal. Yun Jieer, I'll give you a dowry—no less than your aunt's. But remember, your family supports you, yet if you can't stand on your own, you won't thrive, whether in your husband's home or your own."

Yun Jieer didn't fully understand, but she knew her mother meant well.

At Madam Shen's banquet, a certain Madam Su, whose husband served in the censorate and whose daughter was married to the second son of the Shen family, took Yun Jieer's hand and examined her closely, praising and scrutinizing her until Yun Jieer grew uncomfortable.

Jin Niang gently pulled her daughter back and said with a smile, "You honor my daughter too much, Madam Su."

Madam Su laughed, "Your daughter is truly beautiful."

"You flatter me too much. I think your daughter is the one raised well—look how capable Madam Shen the Second is," Jin Niang said.

...

Upon returning home, Jin Niang complained to Jiang Xian, "Our daughter isn’t engaged yet, and already she’s being looked over like livestock. It’s truly annoying."

"The Su family? They share local connections with the Shens, which is why the marriage was arranged. But their sons aren’t particularly accomplished. Look at our Ning Geer—young as he is, his poem 'Moon Over the West River' is already being circulated," Jiang Xian remarked.

"Ahem, wasn’t that spread by you?" Jin Niang shot him a glance.

Jiang Xian laughed. "If it were mediocre, no one would recite it. The Su family is just mediocre—let’s maintain appearances."

"Yes, I think so too," Jin Niang nodded.

Their standards weren’t excessive: the prospective groom must at least be handsome, given their daughter’s beauty. He should also be scholarly, financially secure, and of good character—all four qualities were essential.

Jin Niang’s birthday passed quickly this year. By the seventh month, it was time for Ding Geer’s first birthday banquet. Jin Niang had Yun Jieer take charge of the arrangements, using this as training to manage a household. Though seemingly minor, such tasks laid the groundwork for managing estates and shops in the future.

For instance, she had recently sent Liu Douer to Wu County to collect rent and investigate whether Manor Manager Fan and Innkeeper Yao were skimming off the top. The manors in the capital would be inspected personally in autumn to prevent any funny business.

Of course, this year also brought income from the three hundred acres of land in Luoyang.

Yun Jieer had often made arrangements when hosting classmates before, but now she had to work independently. She asked Xi Qiu, "Rong Mama, where should I start? Mother wants me to draft a plan on my own."

Xi Qiu thought for a moment. "Why not refer to past examples? See how your mother handled the eldest young master’s first birthday celebration and other past events."

Yun Jieer shook her head. "That won’t quite work. The circumstances are different now—we can’t apply the same approach."

Xi Qiu nodded. "You’re right, Miss."

Though Xi Qiu wasn’t particularly sharp or outstanding, she was loyal and not overly opinionated. Jin Niang had raised Yun Jieer to make her own decisions, so a domineering servant wouldn’t have lasted long.

While Yun Jieer busied herself, Jin Niang focused on teaching Ding Geer to walk. He could now stand while holding onto a chair for quite some time. Jin Niang rolled a rattan ball and coaxed her barefoot son, "Ding’er, come to Mama quickly."

Ding Geer glanced at her but remained seated, playing with a small wooden toy. After much coaxing, he finally toddled over, and Jin Niang swept him into her arms.

"Ding Geer, look at you—so lazy," Jin Niang teased.

After some cuddling, Jin Niang handed the child to Wet Nurse Bai and began embroidering a lotus scene. The Purplerobed Guanyin was a daily devotional piece, but she also chose designs that interested her.

As she worked, a visitor arrived—Madam Shi from next door. Her son-in-law had passed the child scholar exams and been granted the equivalent of a jinshi (metropolitan graduate) rank by the court, meaning his marriage needed hastening. But why was she here now? Jin Niang rose to greet her.

"Mrs. Jiang, I’ve come to ask a favor," Madam Shi said.

Jin Niang immediately guessed it was about the Guanyin embroidery but played dumb. "What are you saying? Given our families’ friendship, anything of mine you desire, I’d gladly part with."

Madam Shi pointed to the Child-Bestowing Guanyin hanging in the hall. "Nothing else, but this Guanyin embroidery of yours is so exquisitely crafted. I’d like to give it to my daughter as part of her dowry—I fear she might have trouble conceiving, as I did."

Such was the heart of a parent. When a woman couldn’t conceive, the blame often fell on her, even if the issue lay elsewhere.

But Jin Niang wasn't about to hand it over gratis, no matter how sympathetic she felt. She left the opening. "We’re both mothers—everything we do is for our children. However..."

If Madam Shi was sincere, she’d make an offer. If she expected it for free, Jin Niang wouldn’t comply.

Sure enough, Madam Shi smiled and said, "Mrs. Jiang, I can offer a white jade ruyi (auspicious scepter) for your daughter’s dowry in exchange."

Jin Niang, however, was not quick to relent. She cared little for jade ornaments, and besides, this was something she had embroidered herself. Any proceeds from selling it would be her pin money, certainly not to be pooled into the household funds.

Eventually, the two reached an agreement, and Jin Niang pocketed two hundred guan as her private income.

By now, she had seen how official circles worked—unless interests aligned, no one would speak up for you in times of trouble, no matter how many favors you had done them before. That was why Jin Niang preferred clear-cut deals where goods and money were exchanged cleanly, leaving no debts and allowing normal interactions to continue.

She mentioned this to Jiang Xian as well: "I haven’t even finished embroidering the Purplerobed Guanyin yet, and the Child-Granting Guanyin has already been sold. Now I’ll have to start another one."

"Wife, did you sell it for two hundred guan?" Jiang Xian asked.

Jin Niang nodded. "Indeed. I’m not very skilled at appraising jade, and besides, fashions change every year. What’s in vogue now might be outdated later. So I opted for ready cash."

Jiang Xian agreed. "You make a fair point."

Especially in the capital, trends shifted rapidly—even fabrics were subject to this. What was once fashionable could now make one look terribly old-fashioned if worn.

With this sum secured, Jin Niang took everyone out to eat at Huixianlou. The proprietor of Huixianlou was an old acquaintance of hers and had reserved a private room well in advance.

Wei Qilang counted up—he had only been with the Jiang family for a little over a month, yet they dined out frequently, always at places like Huixianlou or Panlou. He simply followed along and feasted, living the good life.

During the banquet, he, Ning Geer, and Yun Jieer composed chain poems, drew flower lots, drank sweet drinks, and even played pitch-pot. They listened to music performances outside, thoroughly enjoying themselves.

Upon returning home, his uncle had friends who wanted to go on a night outing, so he took Wei Qilang and Ning Geer along.

Wei Qilang, born into a noble family, had matured considerably since frequently accompanying Jiang Xian and venturing out on his own.

Knowing Jiang Xian wouldn’t return until late that night, Jin Niang retired early. Still, she rose at dawn to have the kitchen prepare some plum-blossom soup cakes, fearing the men would return hungry in the morning.

Sure enough, Jiang Xian came back with the two boys in the morning. Ning Geer was exhilarated: "Last night, Uncle Xiao had someone grill fish for us. After we disembarked from the boat, we slept at a summer house—it was so refreshing at night!"

"A summer house? You’re having me on," Jin Niang said skeptically.

Wei Qilang, taking a bite of the plum-blossom soup cake, chimed in, "Auntie, it’s true. The little room I stayed in had glazed tiles, and through them, I could see magnolia flowers shimmering like stars. It was wonderfully cool."

Jin Niang eyed them both. "And the mosquitoes must’ve been just as wonderful."

"Ahem, dear, it was fine. They used mugwort smoke for us—hardly any mosquitoes. I only got one bite on my arm," Jiang Xian quickly interjected.

The boys also mentioned being invited for another night outing during the Lantern Festival, both eager to go. Jin Niang shook her head.

After finishing his soup cake, Wei Qilang returned to his courtyard. His Nanny fretted, "My young master, you’re finally back! You had us worried sick."

"It was just a visit to a distinguished scholar—what’s the fuss?" Wei Qilang saw no issue.

His uncle had even taught him how to distinguish true scholars—those who were genuinely above worldly fame but undeniably capable. Those who put on airs of talent yet lived in destitution were usually imposters.

Scholars sought reputation. For instance, last night, someone composed a poem mentioning both him and Ning Geer—wasn’t that a way to gain fame?

The Wei family nanny noticed mosquito bites peeking from his sleeves and grew distressed. Wei Qilang snapped impatiently, "Don’t fuss—people will laugh. Ning Geer got bitten too, but did you see Auntie carrying on?"

These old nannies really overstepped, still treating him like a child.

Jin Niang had heard about this. When Wei Qilang came by, she reassured him, "Don’t worry—your uncle cleared this with your father, and he fully approves."

Jiang Xian wouldn’t do things carelessly; otherwise, Jin Niang wouldn’t have let the boys go out at night so casually.

Back when they lacked means, people like them might have wasted five to ten extra years finding their path. Some weren’t lacking in talent but only made it as jinshi in their thirties or forties, while those who succeeded young could serve as officials for over twenty years and still be in their thirties.

"Auntie, my old nannies—they’re always like this, still babying me as if I were a child," Wei Qilang complained to Jin Niang.

Jin Niang smiled and said, "They care about you, and to be honest, the servants around me are the same—always stopping me from doing this or that. But we must have our own judgment. Otherwise, if one person says this is good today and another says that is good tomorrow, we’d have no discernment of our own."

"Your guidance is appreciated, Aunt," Wei Qilang replied earnestly.

Word came from outside that Yun Jieer had arrived, so Wei Qilang took his leave. As soon as Yun Jieer entered, she remarked, "Cousin Qilang comes to see you more than your own daughter does!"

"He only stops by when there’s business to attend to. How is your own task progressing?" Jin Niang inquired.

Yun Jieer shared the plan she’d drafted. Jin Niang marked corrections in red ink, after which Yun Jieer went to finalize arrangements with the others.

It was then that she realized things never went as planned.

For instance, Xiao Yun, who was skilled at making ting'er cakes (a type of delicate pastry), suddenly fell ill, so she had to order pastries from town instead. It cost extra, and the budget was tight.

What seemed simple was, in reality, a tangled web of details.

Jin Niang only stepped in to guide when absolutely necessary, leaving Yun Jieer to manage most of the arrangements herself. Fortunately, the first birthday ceremony proceeded smoothly, and Yun Jieer could finally relax.

Still, she confided in Jin Niang, "Mother, I really hate handling all this."

"I was just like you before. But the more something scares you, the more you’ve got to face it. That way, you won’t be afraid anymore," Jin Niang encouraged her.

Yun Jieer looked at her mother. "Were you ever afraid too?"

"Of course I was," Jin Niang replied matter-of-factly. "I used to dread even visiting relatives. But now, everything goes smoothly. The more you fear something, the more it seems to happen. Better to toughen up—then nothing can shake you later."

Yun Jieer pondered this thoughtfully.

Later, when July passed and Madam Wei returned from Luoyang, before she could even speak with Jin Niang, Wei Qilang’s nanny hurried to greet her before anyone else could.