Chapter 130

Chapter 130

Arranging a marriage can move quickly or slowly. For the Wei and Jiang families, since both come from prominent families, careful consideration was required in every step.

Madam Wei first sent a matchmaker to the Jiang household, and the Jiang family responded with an initial marriage proposal letter. This letter not only had to detail the family’s lineage, the exact birth hour and date of the individual, but also the names, official positions, and assets of the ancestors for three generations. Landholdings, properties, and dowry arrangements were also included.

Jin Niang had long been preparing her daughter’s dowry, and now she discussed with Jiang Xian the need to add more.

"We should at least keep our daughter until she’s seventeen before marrying her off. In these four-plus years, we can set aside another two thousand guan in cash for her dowry," Jin Niang said.

Jiang Xian agreed. Their daughter’s dowry reflected their family’s status, and besides, she was their only daughter. Who else would we provide for? There was no need to compare with the wealthiest families, but they couldn’t let it be too lacking either.

By the time Jin Niang and her family finished drafting the preliminary letter and sent it over, it was already the ninth month. The Wei family then took the girl’s birth details for divination.

Once their birth signs matched favorably, both families exchanged detailed betrothal letters. The preliminary letter had only provided general information—for example, "300 mu of farmland"—but the detailed letter had to specify "300 mu (about 50 acres) of land in the Wang Family Village of Luoyang." Similarly, where the preliminary letter mentioned "one residence," the detailed letter had to state "one property in Tianshui Lane, comprising eighteen rooms, and one shopfront in Tianshui Lane, three spacious bays." There were also eight sets of jewelry totaling ninety-six pieces, a set of Huanghuali rosewood furniture, and further details: two beds, screens, tea sets, camphorwood chests, twelve cases of makeup powders...

After exchanging the detailed letters, since the families were already acquainted, there was no need for a formal meeting.

The Wei family chose the eighteenth day of the twelfth month at year’s end for the formal betrothal ceremony. Jin Niang’s side also had to prepare counter-gifts: twelve bolts of purple and patterned silks, as well as hair ornaments with pearls and jade, silk scarves with black patterns, gold and jade hairpins, seven-treasure hair rings, and embroidered items like handkerchiefs, shoes, and socks. They also had to return half of the original betrothal gifts—tea cakes, fruits, sheep, and wine—and in addition, send back a pair of fish-shaped chopsticks as reciprocal gift.

The embroidered items had to be made by Yun Jieer herself. Jin Niang called her daughter over, and Yun Jieer, who had clearly already heard the news, seemed a little shy.

"Come next year, our Yun Jieer will be a marriageable young woman," Jin Niang said with a smile.

Yun Jieer, somewhat embarrassed, asked, "Mother, is it really Seventh Cousin?"

"Yes, Madam Wei came personally to ask for your hand. We’re just settling the engagement first—you won’t marry until you’re seventeen. That way, you can stay at home peacefully and do whatever you wish in the meantime," Jin Niang reassured her.

But Yun Jieer was troubled. "I’ve never even thought about such things."

"You’re still studying now—these matters are for us adults to handle. I’ll just explain the pros and cons to you. Our family and the Weis are already connected by kinship, and you know everyone in the Wei household. That’s much better than going to a completely unfamiliar family. Besides, your Seventh Cousin is good-looking, scholarly, and independent-minded—not the type to be swayed by just a few words. Lastly, the Wei family is prominent. Even if your Seventh Cousin doesn’t pass the imperial exams, he can still become an official by yin-granted official position. The two of you won’t have to worry about money," Jin Niang laid out the practicalities.

Having recently helped her mother manage household affairs, Yun Jieer understood the importance of finances—how to organize accounts, how to give gifts, how social interactions all revolved around money.

She found her mother’s reasoning sound, but the idea of "marriage" was still too foreign and uncertain for a young girl. She simply wished to stay at home with her parents and younger brothers.

"Mother, I know you and Father only want what’s best for me," Yun Jieer said.

Jin Niang smiled. "Of course. Actually, your father and I considered the second son of the Cheng family, but as you know, Madam Cheng favors her eldest and youngest sons, so we didn’t pursue that match. Living under a partial mother-in-law is very difficult—your grandmother suffered greatly because of her mother-in-law’s favoritism."

She didn’t expect any special treatment for her daughter from her future in-laws—just fairness would suffice.

This was a topic Yun Jieer had rarely touched upon. She would always remember that evening when her mother spoke to her about many things she had never known before.

The news of Wei Qilang’s engagement, of course, spread among the Wei family, and even the Shen family heard of it. Though surprised, they found it reasonable.

After all, a desirable girl attracts many suitors. Though the Jiang family wasn’t as prominent as the Shen or Fan families, with two imperial scholars in their family and a comfortable lifestyle, and with the added connection of being cousins, it was a match everyone could celebrate.

When Wei Liulang’s wife, Wang Shi, returned home, she mentioned this to her mother, Madam Wu. Madam Wu remembered how picky Madam Wei used to be about matches, yet now she was marrying her son to the Jiang family’s daughter.

"Though the distinction between main wife's children and concubine's children isn’t major, your husband isn’t Madam Wei’s own son. You must still urge him to study diligently," Madam Wu advised.

Wang Shi sighed. "Mother, I understand."

When they had arranged the marriage with the Wei family, they hadn’t paid much attention to the distinction between primary and secondary wives' children, and Wei Liulang had simply been the closest in age to her daughter. At the time, she had felt the Wei family’s standards were so high that merely marrying into it was an achievement.

Yet now, with the Jiang family, those standards seemed to have relaxed.

Madam Wu absentmindedly rubbed her stomach and said, "Your sister-in-law, Fan Shi, is too emotional. She becomes distraught when her husband brings in a concubine, and that only gives others an advantage. My child, don’t make the same mistake. As women, we must adhere to the Three Followings and Four Virtues—not because we're meek, but because we must use these principles to maintain an unassailable position."

Wang Shi nodded to herself. Her father held great respect for her mother. Even though there were also sons born of concubines, whenever her mother was pregnant, her father would only acknowledge the unborn child in her belly—such was his reverence for his primary wife. Since she could remember, she had never seen a woman as perfect as her mother—virtuous, gentle, thrifty, disciplined, dignified, and generous.

She’d rather bear hardship herself than let others suffer.

It was precisely because of such "perfection" that she earned her father’s respect. Wang Shi doubted she could ever reach such heights in her lifetime.

"How much dowry does the Jiang family’s daughter have?" Lady Wu inquired.

Wang Shi thought for a moment. "From the initial betrothal letter, I heard it was ten thousand strings of coins."

Madam Wu arched her eyebrows. "So, it’s even more than yours?"

Wang Shi’s dowry had amounted to six thousand strings, which was already considerable. Beneath her were younger half-sisters and half-brothers, so her mother couldn’t show favoritism. Her dowry included eight hundred mu of land in Xiangzhou Prefecture, three thousand strings in hard cash, along with clothing, jewelry, and the like—already quite substantial.

She hadn’t expected Jiang Shi’s dowry to be even larger—ten thousand strings!

Wang Shi lowered her head. "I’ve heard that Mrs. Jiang has a sharp business mind. It’s no surprise she has so much."

"Hmm. That aside, your husband must still study diligently. Whether he becomes a hereditary official or passes the imperial exams, your future will be secure. Unlike your cousin, who married into the main branch of the Jiang family—her father-in-law resigned from office, and her mother-in-law is so miserly she has to pay for her own bird’s nest." Lady Wu’s heart ached for her niece.

Wang Shi thought her cousin shared a similar temperament with her mother, but her luck had been poor—no sooner had she married than her husband’s family declined. Her mother, however, had been different. When she married, her grandfather was merely a Vice-Prefect, and her father was just an ordinary scholar, far inferior to the Wu family. Yet, gradually, the Wang family rose in status and even managed to lift the Wu family along.

The twists of fate were truly unpredictable. Her grandfather had once been the Prefect of Daming Prefecture, while Jiang Lijing’s (Yun Jieer’s) father was only a Judge. Yet she had married a son born of a concubine, while Jiang’s daughter was marrying the eldest legitimate son.

Meanwhile, Jin Niang was busy with needlework alongside her daughter. She had just finished embroidering the Purplerobed Guanyin and was now working on the Child-Granting Guanyin. In between, she also sewed a gold-brocaded robe with tassels for her daughter, instructing Min Zhi to set aside other tasks and help Yun Jieer with the embroidery.

Even A Ying and Qing Rong gathered to sew shoe soles and glue uppers, all bustling with activity.

Yet everyone was in high spirits. The Jiang family’s marriage alliance with the Wei family was a grand affair—they had seen the Wei family’s grandeur firsthand, and such a household was no ordinary one.

Xi Qiu was even more delighted. Following her mistress’s instructions, she served the young lady diligently, knowing that in the future, she and her husband could accompany her to the Wei household—a bright future ahead.

Just then, Fan Si returned from collecting rent in Luoyang—a total of two hundred and seventy strings. Twenty strings had been spent on oxen and farming tools, while the rest was brought back in full. Even so, Fan Si had some money left over, as the estate yielded not just grain but also poultry, livestock, and timber. His mistress had instructed him to handle the surplus locally for travel expenses.

With the extra, he bought Xi Qiu silk flowers, face powder, and a stylish Luoyang kerchief.

Xi Qiu arranged tea and a meal for him in the kitchen and said cheerfully, "Our young lady is betrothed to the Wei family’s young master—what fantastic news! We’ll surely be going with her. The mistress has already told me we’ll be helping the young lady manage the estates and fields outside."

"Truly?" Fan Si was overjoyed. He hadn’t expected the young lady’s betrothal to be settled so quickly.

"Indeed! The Wei family’s young master stayed with us for over two months and charmed our master and mistress. Madam Wei personally came to propose—you can imagine how pleased they were." Xi Qiu, of course, knew how outstanding her young lady was. She added, "Now that our lady has such a fine match, many might try to meddle. We mustn’t let our guard down."

Fan Si nodded solemnly. "Rest assured."

News of Yun Jieer’s betrothal naturally reached the old residence—after all, it was a major family affair, and the whole Jiang clan basked in the honor. Only Xu Shi found it hard to believe. "The Wei family? The Hebei Weis? The household of Grand Academician Wei?"

"Indeed, Madam Xu. Our mistress initially objected, saying the match was too lofty, but Madam Wei insisted—she adores our young lady and praised our mistress’s upbringing," A Ying replied pointedly. She had no patience for Xu Shi, who had previously suggested matches with impoverished families—as if they were worthy of her young lady!

This wasn’t a marriage proposal—it was practically pushing their girl into a pit of fire.

Now, her young lady was betrothed to the son of a vice chancellor, a man of talent and handsome looks. It was a moment of triumph.

Xu Shi, however, smiled faintly. "As the saying goes, marrying up means swallowing needles; marrying equal means swallowing anger; marrying down means swallowing gold. It’s not the best time to say this, but as your elder aunt, having seen much of the world, I couldn’t help but reflect."

"How true! Then here’s hoping Miss Zheng ‘marries down’—may she choke on gold daily!" A Ying shot back sharply but cleverly excused herself and slipped away before Xu Shi could react.

Furious, Xu Shi wanted to have her seized, but Ge Ma intervened. "Mistress, we mustn’t give outsiders a chance to laugh at us."

Xu Shi slumped into her chair. "I’m already a laughingstock—even a maid from the third branch dares to insult me. Just wait till my husband returns. I’ll settle accounts with her then."

Jin Niang also chided A Ying: "While it's good that you defended Yun Jieer, she is still the mistress after all. If she were to suddenly lose her temper and order punishment, you'd be the one suffering. In the future, refrain from indulging in sharp words."

"I just can't stand her attitude. Our young lady's marriage is such a joyous occasion, yet she looks sour and says such things." A Ying had disliked Xu Shi from the very beginning—a hypocrite—mean, petty, and selfish.

Even if sisters-in-law quarreled, what had Yun Jieer, just a girl, done to provoke such words from her?

Jin Niang smiled. "I understand your anger, but as the saying goes, 'Don't kick someone when they're down.' The better our lives become, the more it likely pains her. There's no need to provoke her further."

"Mistress, do you think the elder master will have a chance to regain his post after going to Yingtian Prefecture?" A Ying asked.

Jin Niang nodded. "Perhaps. But even if he returns, rises to the highest ranks, and ascends rapidly, what would Xu Shi gain from it?"

Even Jin Niang was already thirty-four this year. In a few more years, she'd be forty, and Xu Shi was several years older than her. By the standards of the time, most of one's life would already be past—hardly matters now.

Of course, the best outcome would be if Jiang Yan could return in a few years. But if it took ten years, Xu Shi would have to endure for a full decade.

Suddenly, in that moment, Jin Niang understood Jiang Xian. He might not have been some great official serving the nation and its people, but being able to protect his family was enough.

Because the Jiang family had also experienced dramatic rises and falls. Though they remained within this circle, having to curry favor with others while their own family declined was telling. No one was born knowing how to speak smoothly or guess others' thoughts. Wei Qilang, at his age, was far less adept at reading people than Jiang Xian—all because of their different upbringings.

Thinking of this, Jin Niang had the kitchen prepare two extra dishes that Jiang Xian liked.

When Jiang Xian returned from his official duties and saw Jin Niang personally pouring his wine, he was taken aback. "Dearest, what's all this?"

"Since I'm serving you this once, just enjoy it," Jin Niang replied with a smile.

Jiang Xian held her hand. "You're already busy preparing our daughter's dowry and managing the household—why add to your burdens?"

He knew his wife had been working hard lately, helping their daughter begin dowry preparations and overseeing family affairs.

Jin Niang took his hand and recounted Xu Shi's words about "swallowing needles in high marriages." Jiang Xian scoffed. "Those who claim to disdain fame and wealth—do they truly not want high office? Do the poor not wish to be rich? Clearly, they lack the ability. Didn't her family rejoice when they married into the Wu family? Why is she spouting such nonsense now?"

"Exactly. But I think we should still keep a low profile. Not for her sake, but because 'keep quiet and prosper,' as the old saying goes." Jin Niang had good reason for saying this—when people stand out too much, even if they've done nothing wrong, they easily attract unwarranted resentment.

Jiang Xian agreed wholeheartedly. "In the past, when I handled matters well, everyone praised me. But now, just because I've risen quickly, they accuse me of being greedy and reckless."

"Enough of that. The rent from Sweetwater Lane has arrived, and Dou'er will return by year's end, so Manor Manager Fan and Innkeeper Yao won't need to make an extra trip. We have more income coming in—thinking of these things lifts my spirits." Jin Niang smiled.

This year, they also had over two hundred strings of coins from the Luoyang land rent—another windfall. With Fan Si managing the land in Bianjing, they at least didn’t need to buy food as often.

After the meal, Jin Niang had Wet nurse Bai bring Ding Geer over.

Ding Geer already had eight teeth. Teething made him itchy, so he was gnawing on a pepperwood teething stick. Jin Niang took the child, asked carefully about his daily routine, then dismissed Wet nurse Bai to rest. She said to Jiang Xian, "I was thinking that next year, when the child turns two, he can move into the eastern wing of our courtyard."

"Good, but we must arrange the staff carefully," Jiang Xian replied.

"I know. A Ying's son will be old enough to serve in a couple of years—we can have him be a page for our Ding Geer then." Jin Niang discussed.

Speaking of Ding Geer, there was also Ning Geer, who was preparing to sit for the prefectural exams this September. He was very young for it, but Ning Geer had begun his studies at three and had already studied for seven years.

These were top priorities, and Jin Niang still had to worry over her eldest son's education.

As for Yun Jieer, she was bent over her embroidery. Even the neighboring Miss Li, upon seeing her, remarked, "Why not have an embroidery shop do it? Why slave over it yourself?"

"My mother says these things must be done by hand to show sincerity," Yun Jieer thought to herself, *If I bought everything from an embroidery shop, you’d blab about it soon enough.*

Previously, because they were neighbors and close in age, Yun Jieer had exchanged words with this Miss Li a few times—only to quickly realize she repeated everything.

She wasn’t about to make that mistake.

From a young age, she attended finishing schools, learned social graces, and frequently interacted with people.

Miss Li's father was also quite renowned for his virtue, and her future husband was a gifted scholar. By all accounts, her life should have been free of worries. But the grandeur of the Wei family, the dignity of Madam Wei, and the bearing of Wei Qilang were beyond ordinary comparison. Her father-in-law was merely a low-ranking yamen clerk, and her mother-in-law was rather uncultured—utterly incomparable.

She then observed Yun Jieer's attire: a honey-toned day dress, her hair loosely tied into a small bun adorned with two golden hairpins, and pale jade bangles on her wrists. Even in leisure, she exuded an air of wealth.

After sitting briefly, Miss Li soon left. Yun Jieer shook her head—in this world, there are those who genuinely rejoice for you and those who envy you. But should one remain obscure just to avoid attention? She couldn’t do that.

Meanwhile, Miss Li returned home to find her mother coughing, her chronic condition acting up again. "Why not summon Lady Lou? She often treats my mother," she said.

"Lady Lou is away on a long journey, and her clinic is closed," the servant sighed.

...

On the first day of the tenth month, Wei Qilang personally delivered warm food: crispy yellow taro, golden jade soup, and preserved melon relish.

Jin Niang had always gotten along well with this nephew, and now, with their new familial ties, their relationship grew even closer.

"Why did your mother send you over? Come, sit," Jin Niang urged, calling for hot tea.

Wei Qilang smiled. "Mother said you particularly enjoy preserved melon relish, so she insisted I bring it."

"Your uncle mentioned yesterday how fortunate it was that we took you both swimming in August. Now it’s too cold—no chance for a swim," Jin Niang remarked.

Wei Qilang quickly replied, "Aunt, there are hot springs! We could visit the hot spring villa."

Hot springs? Jin Niang hadn’t considered that.

After chatting for a while, Wei Qilang went to speak with Ning Geer, who was busy writing an essay.

"Still writing today?" Wei Qilang teased.

Ning Geer replied, "It’s a holiday, so I’m only writing one essay—usually, I write two. If I skip a day, I feel like I’ve missed something."

Wei Qilang felt a pang of shame, resolving not to fall behind. He withdrew to his study upon returning home.

After finishing his essay, Ning Geer practiced archery in the backyard, then headed to the library to read. He devoured books—they were his world. Even family gatherings required repeated summons.

After dinner, he vanished back into the library. Jin Niang sent Chen Xiaolang to the bookstore to fetch new titles for the library. She believed reading was life’s shortcut—experiences one hadn’t lived could be learned through books. Thus, she never hindered her children’s reading; instead, she bought them all kinds of books available in the market.

From exam essays and exemplary essays to travelogues and even storybooks and legends—everything was there.

After dinner, Jin Niang retrieved fabric from the storeroom to sew a bridal quilt for her daughter, along with gauze curtains and door hangings. With years still ahead, she could take her time—it was her heartfelt contribution.

Jiang Xian napped briefly on the couch after dinner before retreating to his study. With the next year’s official review approaching and promotions uncertain, anxiety gnawed at him.

Since their daughter’s betrothal, the entire household had grown quieter. Even Madam Wei remarked, "The Jiang family truly knows how to keep their composure," her excitement for the marriage mounting.

By the twelfth month, Jin Niang had invited Mrs. Zhang, their in-law and old acquaintance, to serve as the Complete Fortune Matron. The Wei family arrived early that day, bearing gifts: pearls, jewelry, goldware, gold-trimmed pleated skirts, brocade, tea cakes, a pair of sheep, eight bottles of gilded wine adorned with silver floral medallions, and red-and-green gold-trimmed wine covers.

The Wei family presented four sets of gold, silver, and jade hair ornaments, each comprising twenty-eight pieces and weighing about fifty taels. The designs—peonies, pomegranates, peaches, lilies, plum blossoms, orchids, bamboo, chrysanthemums, and phoenix hairpins—were exquisite and richly symbolic.

Jin Niang reciprocated generously, giving the matchmaker four bolts of gold-threaded gauze, a hundred strings of coins, tea, wine sets, two sets of jewelry, and similar gifts for the Complete Fortune Matron, Mrs. Zhang, and the matchmaker.

Though the Zhang family wanted for nothing, receiving such gifts was a mark of honor.

In the auspicious second month of the following year, the Wei family delivered the betrothal gifts. Alongside the traditional "three golds," they sent pearl-and-jade hair ornaments, pearl-and-jade coronets, seasonal floral crowns, pearl-and-jade hair rings, and more—not to mention premium brocade, cloth, tea cakes, and fruits.

The bride’s family reciprocated with eight bolts of court-approved green gauze, eight bolts of figured purple gauze, two sets of premium scholar’s accoutrements, two hair crowns (one jade, one purple-gold), a pair of jade pendants, and six full sets of robes, shoes, and socks for Wei Qilang, plus two riding hats.

By June, the groom's family sent another round of betrothal gifts, totaling one thousand strings of coins.

The people from the Wei family were all dressed in blue gowns with red sashes tied around their waists, looking quite festive.

Zhou Si was asking Zhou San, "Whose family is holding a wedding celebration?"

"You still don’t know? It’s your husband’s exam-year peer, and also my husband’s younger brother, Jiang Shiliu. His daughter is marrying into the family of the current Grand Secretary (a high-ranking official) Wei—no wonder there’s such a fuss! I even attended their betrothal ceremony last time," Zhou San replied with a laugh.

Zhou Si was taken aback. "It couldn’t be Wei Qilang, could it?"

"Yes, how did you know?" Zhou San asked curiously.

Zhou Si leaned back—it really was Wei Qilang. She remembered that in the book, he was supposed to marry a girl from the Shen family. The book even mentioned that the Shen girl was skilled in poetry and wrote poems airing grievances against her mother-in-law, leading to marital discord and eventually a falling-out between the Wei and Shen families.

Since that part was near the end of the book, she’d made sure to read that part carefully.