Chapter 132

Chapter 132

The Wei family also received news of Ning Geer's admission to the prefectural school. Since Jin Niang wanted to invite Wei Qilang to oversee household matters, Madam Wei had some reservations and asked her eldest son, Wei Dalang, to accompany him.

Given their paternal aunt-nephew relationship, Jin Niang didn’t need to be overly reserved and simply said, "Your uncle isn’t home, so if any guests arrive, I’ll have to trouble you."

"Aunt, you’re too kind. It’s our duty," Wei Dalang replied with a smile.

Jin Niang then called Ning Geer over and entrusted him to them: "I’ll leave him in your care."

Wei Qilang, being closer to them, quickly added, "Don’t worry, Aunt. My elder brother and I will be in the anteroom. Congratulations to Ning Geer—so young and already admitted to the prefectural school! Uncle would be overjoyed if he were home."

His words were very considerate. Jin Niang looked at him and said, "Yes, your uncle couldn't set his mind at ease about him alone when he left."

After exchanging pleasantries, the Wei brothers took Ning Geer to the anteroom to await visitors. Soon, Jiang Yan from the Jiang family arrived, close behind him came Xuan Geer. Zhang Jiulang also came quickly, along with some of Jiang Xian’s fellow officials.

Jin Niang had Luo Da and Chen Xiaolang serve in the front hall and brought out the Xiasherenxiang tea Hao Erlang had gifted her during his visit to the capital, instructing the kitchen staff to brew it and serve snacks.

"Mother, with Father away, we have to rely on others for everything," Yun Jieer mused.

Jin Niang nodded. "Indeed. Even if we’re capable, men and women can’t openly socialize, so we must ask others to handle it. Complete equality isn’t possible now, but at least we can see to the serving of refreshments—better than doing nothing."

Yun Jieer agreed. "You’re right. Someone should record the gift list later, shouldn’t they?"

"Mm, I’ve already mentioned it to Qilang," Jin Niang replied.

Yun Jieer thought to herself that her seventh cousin was truly dependable in crucial moments—likely why her mother had chosen him. She often spoke her mind freely to her mother: "Mother, some people have been saying lately that our marriage alliance with the Wei family is social climbing."

Jin Niang laughed. "When your father and I married, your aunt openly mocked me. But so what? What woman wouldn’t want to marry a husband accomplished in both looks and talent, of good character, and unparalleled in wealth and status? I dislike pretentious moral posturing. If such a match isn’t possible, that’s one thing—but why feign reluctance when it is? People say marrying above one's station is like swallowing needles, but is marrying down necessarily better? Truly good people are one in ten thousand. Most are just ordinary, with both virtues and flaws."

"Mother, you’re all good," Yun Jieer said.

Jin Niang shook her head. "No, I have my faults too. I’m not broad-minded—I expect returns for my efforts and always hold something in reserve. I also desire many benefits for myself and sometimes envy others."

"Ah?" Yun Jieer was surprised—her mother didn’t seem that way at all. She thought her mother was selfless toward her and her brothers and exceptionally devoted to her father.

Jin Niang smiled. "But when I realize these thoughts are wrong, I stop them and strive to improve. No one is perfect. You can’t expect flawlessness—as long as their basic nature is kind, minor shortcomings don’t matter. But if they have serious issues—like gambling, philandering, stealing, or wife-beating—then no matter how good they seem otherwise, it’s unacceptable."

At the very least, she had observed Wei Qilang since childhood and found no such flaws in him now.

Yun Jieer understood. She leaned against her mother’s shoulder. "Mother, I just want to stay like this with you forever."

"Even after you marry, as long as I’m alive, this will always be your home. I don’t care what others say—I’ll always welcome you. But if you ever do wrong, I won’t condone it either," Jin Niang said.

As Yun Jieer matured, their conversations became more like those between friends.

Outside, the festivities were in full swing. Jin Niang had the staff from Huixianlou restaurant prepare tea and meals. Wei Dalang and Jiang Yan diligently attended to the guests. After the guests began to depart and all the visitors had left, only Wei Qilang remained to speak privately. On the corridor, he happened to run into Yun Jieer.

Wei Qilang paused, then cleared his throat. "Is Aunt in the main room?"

"Yes, Mother is inside. Thank you for today, Seventh Cousin," Yun Jieer said with a slight bow.

Flustered, Wei Qilang replied, "Cousin, don’t mention it. It was my duty."

Yun Jieer smiled. "Cousin, please go ahead. I’ll bring tea shortly."

"Ah!" Wei Qilang brightened.

Jin Niang was speaking with Ning Geer when Wei Qilang entered. They chatted warmly, and soon Yun Jieer arrived bearing tea. Though Wei Qilang didn’t exchange another word with her, the tea he drank was exceptionally fragrant and refreshing.

It was already late, and Wei Qilang headed home.

Jin Niang personally inspected the reception hall again, first having A Ying copy the gift list, then had the place tidied up. She was busy until midnight before finally getting some rest.

The next day, Jin Niang and Yun Jieer helped Ning Geer pack his things. It was already September, so they packed both thin and thick quilts, and chose simple, comfortable clothes without fancy embroidery.

They also packed snacks, flatbreads, money, tea, and more, enough to fill a whole trunk and two large bundles.

Ning Geer, taking after Jin Niang in temperament, had initially been nervous about boarding at the school. But when he arrived at the academy gate, he seemed calmer than the adults.

"Mother, sister, don’t worry. I’ll be fine."

Jin Niang held his hand and said, "Every three days, I’ll send Steward Chen and your attendant Chen Tong with food. If there’s anything inconvenient for you, just ask them to help."

Ning Geer waved goodbye. When he turned around, tears welled up in his eyes, but he still walked forward resolutely.

After Ning Geer left for the academy, Jin Niang at first lost her appetite and sleep. Fortunately, after three days, Chen Xiaolang went to check on him and reported that Ning Geer was adapting well. Knowing he was young, others were quite considerate toward him, which put Jin Niang at ease.

She had always been someone who could sit still for long periods, so she kept busy with needlework. By October, she’d completed embroidering another quilt cover. The rent from Jinliang Bridge, Sweetwater Lane, and the Luoyang estate all came in, and Jin Niang checked them before storing them in the east side room.

Now that Ding Geer had moved to the side chamber, the east room was empty, perfect for storing fabrics and money. If Jiang Xian had been home, they could have kept it in the cellar instead.

However, mother and daughter grew even closer.

Yun Jieer rose early to do needlework with her, and in the afternoon, the two would go to the study to read and write. In the evenings, they dined together, talking nonstop, never running out of things to say.

Of course, Ding Geer was often by their side as well. At night, Jin Niang slept with her youngest son, listening to Yun Jieer tell him stories, making their days pass peacefully.

When winter arrived, Liu Dalang’s daughter got engaged, and Jin Niang was invited to be the Complete Fortune Matron. She visited the Liu family beforehand. Chancellor Liu’s wife had aged noticeably, her skin now wrinkled, and she’d grown much more talkative.

Upon seeing Jin Niang, she said, "Last time you came, we barely had time to talk. Now we can chat a bit."

"You’re right. With my husband on a diplomatic assignment and children at home, I couldn’t often come to pay my respects. Please forgive me," Jin Niang replied with a smile.

Old Lady Liu waved her hand. "With your husband away, it’s only right to keep your household secure."

Jin Niang nodded.

Old Lady Liu went on about this and that, and Jin Niang simply nodded in agreement. When the conversation finally wound down, she went to see Lady Xun. Over the years, since Chancellor Liu had been away and Jin Niang had returned to the capital, they’d exchanged generous gifts, so their relationship remained cordial.

"Did she bend your ear? That’s just how it is with age," Lady Xun said with a laugh.

Liu Dalang and Lady Xun used to clash constantly, but now they treated each other politely. Jin Niang exchanged a few more words before leaving.

Unexpectedly, upon returning home, Luo Da sent word that the two young masters of the Feng family had come. Jin Niang was taken aback—Feng Sheng had avoided them ever since marrying Lou Siniang. What brought them here now?

With that in mind, she first instructed Luo Da to ask what they wanted.

Luo Da invited them to the reception hall for tea and said, "May I ask what brings you two here? To be honest, our master is not in the capital."

Feng Lin sighed. "We only recently learned that Second Aunt was in the capital. After Father divided the family estate, we wanted to come and express our gratitude. Back then, Second Aunt often sent us clothes and stationery. We brothers remain deeply grateful."

...

In the inner courtyard, Jin Niang ultimately decided not to meet them. Sometimes, staying away might make them think you heartless, but meeting them might lead to future resentment.

So, she simply had someone inform them that she wasn’t home.

A Ying quickly went to the front courtyard, first greeting Feng Lin and Feng Guan before saying with a smile, "What bad timing! Our mistress has gone to the Liu family to help and likely won’t return for a while. But it’s funny how things work out—our mistress has been thinking of you two young masters and even prepared gifts for you. She just wasn’t sure how you two were. Let me fetch them for you now."

Upon hearing this, Feng Guan laughed and said, "We had no idea Aunt remembered us so kindly. We’ll visit again another time."

Feng Lin smiled on the surface, but his heart had turned cold. Once outside, he said to his younger brother, "No one cares about the poor in a crowded city, but the rich have relatives crawling out of the woodwork. This aunt is now an official’s wife, mingling with high-ranking officials and nobles. She doesn’t wish to associate with us, so let’s not visit again in the future."

"Brother, why say that? Look, these gifts aren’t light at all," Feng Guan replied.

The brothers each received a pair of jade pendants, two rolls of the latest silk, six tea cakes, a slab inkstone, and a pair of New Year’s pouches.

But Feng Lin remarked, "She’s just tossing these at us to get rid of us."

Having failed to meet her, the brothers gave up on maintaining ties with this aunt and simply went about their lives. Feng Lin continued running his medical clinic, while Feng Guan, though he hadn’t passed the Imperial College entrance exam this time, remained in school studying.

Jin Niang had learned her lesson from Rong Niang’s incident. Seeing that the Feng brothers didn’t visit again, she breathed a sigh of relief.

The next morning, once she was all dolled up, Jin Niang had her maidservant help her daughter with her attire. As the Complete Fortune Matron for the day, Jin Niang was adorned luxuriously—wearing a crimson underdress with a plain beizi over it, the collar panel embroidered with golden peonies. Her hair was topped with a silver-gilt headdress, her forehead adorned with a pearl net, from which a teardrop-shaped ruby dangled at the center, enhancing her radiant beauty.

Her daughter, wearing a peony crown with a pearl diadem at her brow, looked equally charming.

When the mother and daughter arrived at the Liu residence, they found Zhang Shi and Zhou Si already there, chatting with Madam Xun. Upon seeing Jin Niang and Yun Jieer, Madam Xun stood and said, "We were starting to wonder if our Complete Fortune Matron would show up!"

"I had to get my eldest off to school this morning, so I’m a bit late," Jin Niang replied with a smile as she took her seat.

Knowing that Yun Jieer was betrothed to the Wei family, Madam Xun treated her with even greater respect. Yun Jieer thought to herself that this was just people buttering up those in good graces—it wasn’t for her sake but for the advantageous marriage. Thus, she remained humble rather than acting arrogantly.

Jin Niang was pleased with the scene.

Yun Jieer, however, reflected that her composure came from having everything she needed, allowing her to be modest without struggling desperately. Yet, life had its ups and downs like churning waves, and she must maintain equanimity.

Zhou Si could clearly see Madam Xun’s preferential treatment of Jin Niang and her daughter, a gap no one bothered hiding anymore. She herself didn’t mind, but her two daughters…

Yet, who in this dog-eat-dog world would spare a thought for her little complaints? Even her own presence here was only due to the Zhou family’s connections.

Focused on her Complete Fortune Matron duties, Jin Niang excused herself after a few words. The Liu family’s granddaughter was betrothed to the son of a renowned official—she was even younger than Yun Jieer!

The Lius went all out for the Complete Fortune Matron’s gifts: two hundred silver ingots, thirty silk camellia flowers, a whole crate of tea cakes, eight bolts of brocade in four colors, and a set of twenty-eight pieces of jewelry.

Upon returning home, Jin Niang stored the jewelry and silver ingots properly, set aside some tea for the pantry, and placed the rest in the western side chamber. The fabrics, of course, were set aside.

Since the New Year required gift exchanges, Jin Niang directly commissioned a tailor to make several sets of clothing from the brocade—two sets for Wei Qilang, one for Madam Wei, one for Sixth Uncle Jiang, and one for Zheng Shi.

"For regular clothes, a tailor’s good enough. Making them ourselves is a gesture of sincerity, but we’re not their hired help," Jin Niang said to her daughter with a laugh.

Yun Jieer nodded.

The Jiang household servants now received at least one new set of clothes per season, along with wages, and were never punished without cause. Thus, everyone worked diligently.

After all, jobs here were scarce—leave, and good luck getting back in.

Fang Ma smiled and said, "Mistress, in this old servant’s opinion, 'Snow means good luck for the harvest.' I believe this year will surely be a good one."

"Yes, I think so too. Last year and the first half of this year were spent busy with Yun Jieer’s betrothal, and the latter half with Ning Geer’s exams. With so much happening, time flew by. Takes me back to my Embroidery Shop days—always counting down to the next big festival when customers would come for custom embroidery. Now, it’s much the same," Jin Niang mused.

As they chatted, a ruckus outside signaled Wei Qilang was back with Ning Geer.

Seeing the two cousins enter through the snow, the maids dusted the snow off their coats while Jin Niang hurriedly served hot tea. She asked Wei Qilang, "What brought you out to fetch him today?"

"It was a coincidence. I was on my way out from the Yous’ place when I ran into Luo Da, so we tagged along together," Wei Qilang replied.

Ning Geer said, "Mother, I'd like to have dinner with my cousin and then go to the library to read."

"Alright, I'll have someone send a brazier over. You two can go afterward," Jin Niang replied.

Since Ning Geer only returned home once a month from school, Jin Niang asked him more questions at the table: "Last time, you mentioned another student moved into your dormitory at the Diligence Hall. Doesn’t that make five of you now?"

Ning Geer nodded. "Yes, his surname is Fang. Though his family is poor, he earned his place through his own efforts. He may not be wealthy, but whenever we go out for meals, he’s the quickest to pay. We all compete to pay—I’ve only managed to win twice."

"That’s wonderful. How about the other halls?" Jin Niang had worried her son might face bullying due to his young age, but it seemed he got along well with his peers.

Ning Geer said, "The other halls aren’t as harmonious as ours. Some even frame others for theft—I’ve even spoken up in defense. There are a few yamen scions who like to bully others, but they don’t dare target someone like me, who’s poor but diligent and focused on studies."

Jin Niang widened her eyes. "Wait, you’re a yamen scion?"

"Perhaps because when I first arrived, you told me not to dress conspicuously, and I’ve always been frugal. They probably assumed I came from a humble background," Ning Geer explained.

Jin Niang disliked the idea of teachers giving her children special treatment—she believed they should stand on their own two feet.

Wei Qilang glanced at his brother-in-law and couldn’t help but say, "You should cut this out. If you keep deceiving others, they might think you’re untrustworthy. It’s better to interact normally."

"Cousin is right," Ning Geer admitted, realizing his behavior wasn’t proper—though it wasn’t outright deception, since no one had asked directly about his background.

After the meal, the two cousins went to the library to read. Only then did Yun Jieer come over.

Though Jin Niang arranged "chance encounters" for her daughter and son-in-law, she would never allow them to be alone together and risk gossip.

By the end of the twelfth month, the eldest son of the Zhou family married. Jin Niang didn’t attend in person but sent wedding gifts. Meanwhile, Xu Shi’s daughter-in-law, Xiao Wu Shi, gave birth to a daughter. This time, Jin Niang did visit, bringing seasonal gifts—clothes for Sixth Uncle Jiang, fashionable satin for Zheng Shi, and a "third-day celebration" gift for the newborn.

Though Jin Niang had previously sent only two taels and six mace of silver to spite Xu Shi, she bore no grudge against the child—especially since Xuan Geer and Xiao Wu Shi had always been respectful toward her. She had a silver-gilded necklace and a pair of anklets made at the silversmith’s to gift them.

The Xu family’s attitude this time was far less imposing than before. Even Xu Shi’s nephew, Xu Kang, was still unmarried.

While it was true that dowries were a big deal in their dynasty, that applied mainly to marriages with scholars of merit—not penniless nobodies. Of course, Jin Niang wouldn’t mock anyone; this wasn’t Xu Kang’s fault but rather Xu Shi’s own scheming ways.

Zeng Shi, Jiang Yan’s wife, asked, "Why didn’t Yun Jieer and Ning Geer come?"

"Ning Geer hasn’t returned from the prefectural school yet, and the house can’t be left unattended, so I had Yun Jieer stay home to look after things and her younger brother," Jin Niang explained, avoiding certain details.

Zeng Shi nodded. "I see."

Just then, the slightly plump Wu Niangzi arrived with her daughter, Madam Wang, wife of Wei Sixth—unsurprising, as they were relatives of Xiao Wu Shi. Jin Niang and Wu Niangzi were old acquaintances. Hanging back, Wu Niangzi called out first, as always: "Sister Wei, how are you?"

"Wu Niangzi, what a coincidence," Jin Niang said, stepping forward to take her hands.

And indeed, it was fate—their daughters would soon be sisters-in-law.

Wu Niangzi had just finished her postpartum recovery, having finally had the son she’d wanted. She told Jin Niang, "I’d wanted to invite you over earlier, but the child was born weak and was too delicate for drafts—we didn’t even hold the third-day bath."

Like her, Jin Niang had also recently given birth to a young son. Both were older mothers and had much to discuss. "You have no idea—my little one was born with a small red dot on his head. He’s so pale-skinned we thought it was a birthmark. But one day, it accidentally broke, and the bleeding wouldn’t stop. My husband and I were terrified. The physician said it was a scalp cyst—needed acupuncture and medicine for over a month before it healed. The poor thing went through so much."

Wu Niangzi’s heart clenched. "Such an illness exists?"

"Indeed. Babies are so delicate—they can’t be left unattended for even a day. Especially the umbilical cord—I kept a close watch, fearing umbilical infection."

Wu Niangzi, who had initially planned to exchange only pleasantries, found Jin Niang’s words deeply relevant. "How should it be handled?"

Thus, Jin Niang shared her experiences in detail. Wu Niangzi, who now cared for her child personally instead of leaving it to her mother-in-law, listened attentively, hanging on her every word.

As they chatted animatedly, Jin Niang even suggested visiting Wu Niangzi’s home in a few days—an invitation Wu Niangzi gladly accepted.

Jin Niang thought to herself that while the Wei family's eldest daughter-in-law, Fan Shi, was one thing, her own daughter would truly become Wang Shi's sister-in-law in the future. It would be wise to gather more information—forewarned is forearmed.

After finishing her conversation with Jin Niang, Mrs. Wu entered the room to visit her niece. Seeing that Xiao Wu Shi had just finished drinking brown sugar water—which helps expel lochia—she nodded approvingly.

However, glancing around, she noticed the baby was left alone and couldn’t help but remark, “Where is the wet nurse? You’ve just given birth and need rest. Leaving the child here might disturb you if they fuss.”

Xiao Wu Shi sighed, “That’s the issue. The wet nurse we hired yesterday gorged herself on a bowl of pig’s trotters and gave herself diarrhea from overeating. We didn’t dare let her nurse the baby. My husband is currently arranging for a new wet nurse.”

Wang Shi, puzzled, asked, “Cousin, how could that wet nurse be so careless? How much did she even eat?”

Xiao Wu Shi remained silent, but her trusted maid spoke up, “Aunt and Cousin may not know, but our household’s mistress is devout in her Buddhist practices and keeps a very plain diet, with little meat. It was only because of today’s baby’s third-day blessing ceremony that some meat dishes were prepared. Not just the wet nurse, but many servants, used to meager meals, wolfed down the rich food—so much so that quite a few ended up with diarrhea.”

The listeners exchanged uneasy glances.