Chapter 134

Chapter 134

When the Zhou family first heard the news, it hit them like a thunderbolt. Surprisingly, Zhang Shi ended up being the calmest one. She said to her mother-in-law, Jiang Shi, "The journey to Lingnan is long, and the children are still too young. Could you, Mother, take care of them for a while? The boys will grow up well, able to read and write, and as for the girls—they’ll only need their dowries. Our family still has some land left."

Jiang Shi had long been at odds with Zhang Shi, but seeing her speak so reasonably, even Lv Xiaoniang added, "Madam, you should probably agree."

After all, the Zhou family still had Second Master Zhou, and their ancestral home in Hangzhou remained. Jiang Shi nodded, "My child, it’s thoughtful of you to consider this."

Zhang Shi then took the opportunity to send away the concubines: "Xiang Ming and Concubine Guo are still young—should they really follow us into exile? If any wish to go, I won’t stop them. But if they’d rather not, they can take their things and remarry."

Zhou Cunzhi was reluctant to part with Concubine Guo, but thinking of his young son, he said to her, "Though I’m in disgrace now, once I’m reinstated, I’ll surely return to power. You’ve always been frail—why not go to Hangzhou with Madam and focus on raising our son?"

"Yes," Concubine Guo agreed. After years of drifting, she had finally found someone like Zhou Cunzhi, who treated her like precious jade. Now, faced with sudden separation, she could do nothing but weep silently.

For Zhou Cunzhi’s sake, Jiang Fang worked tirelessly, but to little avail.

"State Councilor Shen values talent and is broad-minded, but Lü Fangzhi is a petty man. I’ll have to wait and plan carefully."

Zhou Cunzhi, however, seemed to have accepted his fate: "There’s no need. Ever since the Chancellor of Jixian fell from power, I’ve had a feeling—I just held onto false hopes."

Sun Shichen, who was nearby, remarked, "If only Jiang Xian were here—he had good relations with both Lü Fangzhi and Attendant Scholar Cheng."

Sun Shichen became a censor thanks to these two men’s patronage, yet when Zhou Cunzhi was in trouble, he did nothing. Jiang Fang couldn’t stomach his hypocrisy, especially when Sun Shichen brought up Jiang Xian. "Yanran," he said sharply, "since you’re in the Censorate, why did you stay silent this time?"

"I—I’m new here. I didn’t dare say anything," Sun Shichen stammered, sensing trouble.

The three left angrily. When Sun Shichen returned home, he told Zhou Si, "I don’t know how long I’ll keep this post. While I still have it, we should arrange marriages quickly for our eldest and second daughters."

At least the Sun family still had land in their hometown, and Zhou Si had some property of her own—enough to sustain the family.

"In such haste, what good matches can we find?" Zhou Si shook her head.

Sun Shichen said, "Last time, I suggested marrying our eldest to her third aunt’s son, but you refused."

They’re cousins! People back then didn’t understand, but as a modern woman, Zhou Si knew better.

"It’s fine," she said. "Who knows? Second Brother might return soon."

"Return? That’s unlikely. Never mind, never mind." Sun Shichen sighed.

Meanwhile, Xiang Ming was also hesitating. She had a daughter, but what would happen after her daughter married? Clearly, Zhang Shi believed Zhou Cunzhi would eventually return, and by dismissing the concubines now, she could later claim the title of a loyal wife who stood by him in hardship.

No—she couldn’t waste her life in this household.

Unlike Concubine Guo, who had a son and the protection of the madams, Xiang Ming only had a daughter. Once her daughter married, she’d be left to a life of lonely prayer.

For the first time, she sent a letter to the Jiang residence at Jinliang Bridge.

Jin Niang had been pretending to be sick at home to avoid involvement, but upon receiving Xiang Ming’s letter, she called Yun Jieer to discuss the matter.

"Xiang Ming grew up with me—we were as close as sisters. I can’t ignore her plea. Let me test you with this, child—how should I help her?"

Yun Jieer had learned of her mother’s past only after growing up, so she understood the situation well. After a moment’s thought, she said, "Since Second Madam Zhou intends to dismiss the concubines, we could find someone—preferably a stranger—to pretend to be family and take her in first."

Jin Niang nodded approvingly. "Good thinking. And after that?"

Yun Jieer continued, "Once she’s out, we can’t keep her here. Why not send her to Daming Prefecture? Aunt Ru Yan could arrange a good marriage for her, and in the future... I could look out for her too."

Daming Prefecture?

"My daughter has outshone her mentor—you're absolutely right. Ru Yan is an astute woman who knows that only by relying on our family can she enjoy the protection of both the Zhen and Wei families in Daming Prefecture. Xiang Ming, also known as Si Er, is also a clear-sighted person. She will surely live well in the future," Jin Niang praised approvingly.

Flattered by her mother's praise, Yun Jieer smiled and said, "Thank you for your kind words, Mother."

In the past, her mother rarely involved her in such household matters, but now she frequently consulted her—partly out of trust and partly to assess her. Somehow, she had grown more methodical at handling such matters.

A few days later, at the Bianjing docks, a lavish carriage stood not far away.

Xiang Ming—no, Si Er—smiled as she clasped Jin Niang's hands and said, "Sister, you’ve taken such pains to arrange everything for me. My daughter has already been taken under Mrs. Zhang’s care. Once I remarry (after widowhood), I’ll still be her support in the future."

"Yes, it’s good that you have the courage to leave. Here are four chests I’ve prepared for you as your dowry—don’t think it too meager," Jin Niang said with a smile.

Si Er replied gratefully, "Sister, you arranged for someone to fetch me, sent me to Daming Prefecture, and even entrusted my marriage to others. I don’t know how to thank you enough."

Jin Niang shook her head. "Many things may not turn out as perfectly as hoped, but they won’t be too bad either. The man you marry may not be as wealthy as the Zhou family, but a life that’s predictable, though lacking in dramatic ups and downs, isn’t necessarily a bad one."

Si Er nodded in agreement.

Fan Si announced that the boat was about to depart, so Jin Niang bid her farewell.

Accompanying Si Er was a maidservant, also purchased by Jin Niang as a gift. Once aboard, Si Er opened the four chests Jin Niang had given her. One contained fabrics—coarse and fine silks, soft satins, and crepe. Another held a sewing kit, a vanity case, mandarin duck pillows, and a dragon-and-phoenix quilt. The third was packed with a copper basin, vases, two sets of fine porcelain, and a silver pot, all carefully wrapped. The last trunk, when opened, revealed a bottom layer filled with copper coins—about fifty strings of cash—topped with a layer of tea leaves, a set of twenty-eight silver hair ornaments, a pair of twin gold hairpins, an apricot-blossom silk headdress, and finally, a red bridal veil.

"Sister Jin Niang truly treats me like her own kin," Si Er murmured. Over the years, she had saved some private savings, half of which she had given to her daughter, leaving her with little. But the dowry Jin Niang provided was worth at least two hundred strings—equivalent to what an affluent family in the capital would prepare for a bridal trousseau.

Though Daming Prefecture was not as prosperous as the Eastern Capital, this dowry would ensure she lived comfortably there.

Leaving aside Si Er’s future adventures in Daming Prefecture, Jin Niang had just seen her off and was about to board her carriage when a gust of wind lifted the veil of her hat, revealing her face to a handsome young gentleman standing opposite. Flustered, Jin Niang quickly entered the carriage and ordered the driver to depart.

The young man, however, noticed the "Jiang" character on the carriage lantern and, surrounded by attendants, inquired about her. One of his companions said, "That is the wife of Jiang Shaopeng, a daughter of the powerful Wei family from Hebei. Zhongfeng, do you know her?"

Du Qing shook his head. "No."

He thought to himself that since the woman was already a married woman (like the virtuous Luo Fu), it would be improper to pursue the matter.

His companion, however, remarked, "Brother Zhongfeng, it’s been years since you lost your wife, and you’re not yet thirty. With your father being the esteemed County Magistrate, it would be fitting to remarry."

Du Qing replied, "Originally, I came to the capital to study at the Imperial Academy, relying on the Zhou family’s connections. But now that the Zhou family has fallen into trouble, and the capital is rife with disputes, how could I spare the thought?"

His companion mused silently that this young master Du was undeniably handsome and an Imperial College scholar, though he had always been by nature indolent. Still, coming from an official family, he was astutely aware of political currents, so the companion refrained from further persuasion.

**

A month after Si Er’s departure, Jin Niang had just finished embroidering a jasmine-patterned bed curtain, which Yun Jieer then scented with jasmine incense before storing it away.

Having gone through the ordeal with Si Er together, mother and daughter grew closer, and their household thrived in harmony. Ding Geer was about to turn three, and Jin Niang had already begun teaching him poetry. When busy, Yun Jieer would take over, instructing her younger brother. The child now bounded in, clutching a little wooden bird his uncle carved.

"Mother, I’m here!" Ding Geer peeked in shyly before skipping inside.

Jin Niang patted the chaise lounge beside her. "Come play with me here."

Ding Geer giggled as he approached. Unlike Ning Geer, he had a gentler, more endearing temperament. He immediately clung to Jin Niang, making it impossible for her to continue embroidering, so she indulged him in play.

Yun Jieer, watching nearby, asked, "Mother, when will Father return? If he delays much longer, Ding Geer might forget him."

"I really don’t know. Truthfully, I longed for him in the first few days after he left, but with so much happening these past months, the longing faded," Jin Niang admitted, though she didn’t wish to dwell on it in front of her daughter.

Just as Yun Jieer was about to respond, a servant announced Mrs. Zhang’s arrival. Jin Niang instructed Yun Jieer to take Ding Geer out and invited the guest in.

Mrs. Zhang said, "I don’t know what’s gotten into my elder sister-in-law. When my brother-in-law was given an external appointment, she refused to follow him. But now that he’s been exiled to Lingnan, she insists on going—without taking a single concubine."

Jin Niang thought to herself that it was precisely because of past negligence that someone had undermined the household. Now, she must be determined to accompany Zhou Cunzhi, likely believing he would eventually be restored to office. But unlike modern times, long journeys and unfamiliar climates posed serious health risks. Zhou Cunzhi was probably in his forties, and Zhang Shi was no longer young—this would be a harsh ordeal for them.

But in front of Mrs. Zhang, she couldn’t say such things and only remarked, “We all admire her principles.”

Mrs. Zhang was now full of complaints. She had held back while Zhang Shi was in the capital, but now she poured them all out: “What noble righteousness? Who knows what will become of her on this journey? And we’re the ones paying the costs.”

“What do you mean?” Jin Niang frowned.

Even if the Zhou family no longer had money to burn, they certainly couldn’t be considered poor—after all, it was wealth accumulated over three generations. Even someone like Jiang Xian, a fourth-generation official, still inherited a shop and a hundred acres of land when the family divided its assets.

The Zhou family had served as officials for generations. Even though marrying off four daughters had cost a considerable sum, their management over the past decade or two shouldn’t have brought them to this state.

Seeing Jin Niang’s reaction, Mrs. Zhang quickly added, “Since you’re no outsider, I’ll speak plainly. My sister-in-law tried her hand at business years ago and lost everything. The Zhou family’s situation isn’t easy to explain. Brother-in-law Zhou Cunzhi was once a young scholar who excelled in his career, but after years of mourning, and with Master Zhou never reinstated, his own career hit repeated setbacks. Just paying off officials alone cost a fortune, not to mention the Zhou family’s insistence on maintaining appearances. Madam Zhou often regularly took expensive tonics and fine clothing, all paid for from the family coffers, while Master Zhou had a passion for collecting rare artifacts. Outwardly, they seemed prosperous, but inside, they were in dire straits.”

Jin Niang suddenly understood. The reason Jiang Xian’s family could still divide such assets was precisely because Sixth Uncle was the only son, inheriting nearly the entire estate. Madam Jiang Liu was also skilled in management—not only expanding the property they received but also ensuring all their children were well settled, all while keeping Sixth Uncle’s lifestyle refined.

Still, Jin Niang was puzzled: “Even so, how could things have gotten this bad?”

Mrs. Zhang sighed, “My sister-in-law spent almost all her personal savings on my nephew, hoping he’d succeed in his studies and outshine the child born of a concubine. But now she’s left with nothing. You know my husband—he’s the most family-minded man, nicknamed ‘the Impoverished Lord Mengchang.’ He still managed to give two hundred taels, but with our youngest daughter about to marry, I’m quite worried.”

No wonder families like the Zhangs, holding official posts by hereditary privilege, sought ties with scholars. Now that Zhou Cunzhi had left, it was fortunate the Zhangs had the Wei family as in-laws, ensuring Zhang Jiulang’s hereditary position wasn’t revoked. But without an actual appointment, there was no salary—just reliance on the family’s waning influence.

Yet Jin Niang knew Zhang Jiulang was no “Impoverished Lord Mengchang.” His family might not have millions, but tens of thousands were certainly within reach.

So Jin Niang smiled faintly, “That sum is but a trifling sum for your family. You’re just venting—but if you say such things in front of your husband, it’ll only cause discord.”

Mrs. Zhang sighed, “You’re right. I shouldn’t say too much. The Zhangs’ affairs are theirs to handle.”

“Enough grumbling. A few days ago, one of my shopkeepers presented me with some new tea. I thought it might suit your taste, so I had some prepared for you.” With that, she had fresh tea brought in.

After a cup, Mrs. Zhang calmed down. When Yun Jieer came to pay respects, she took her hand and said, “Such a fine girl—it’s a shame the Wei family arranged the match so early.”

Jin Niang, who would normally be modest, today replied, “Her father’s been gone nearly a year. My health has never been strong, so I’ve relied on her to manage everything.”

Mrs. Zhang praised her a few more times, and after staying for a meal, she took her leave.

Once Mrs. Zhang had gone, mother and daughter strolled in the garden. Yun Jieer asked, “Mother, what was Mrs. Zhang’s real purpose in visiting?”

“Zhang Shi once sent me fake fabric, and now that the Zhou family has fallen, Mrs. Zhang came to mock and criticize them first, ensuring I wouldn’t add to their troubles,” Jin Niang said coolly.

Yun Jieer hadn’t expected such motives.

She thought she had become adept at running the household and social dealings, but new complexities always arose.

“Mother, Mrs. Zhang is quite clever. It’s true—no one should be underestimated.”

Jin Niang smiled, “Mrs. Zhang was once the daughter of a Privy Councilor. ‘Swallows that once nested before noble halls...’ You see, even if your starting point is higher, it doesn’t guarantee it’ll stay that way.”

Yun Jieer mused, “You’re right, Mother. Just like our Jiang family.”

“Take your father and uncle—both learned men. But if the next generation becomes corrupted by luxury, they might lose everything.” Jin Niang herself was clear-eyed. Where is the family that stays wealthy for a thousand years? Even imperial dynasties last only a few centuries.

It was late spring, and the garden’s crabapple blossoms flourished like a waterfall, making the nearby peach blossoms seem sparse in comparison.

“Mother, you’ve had me study, manage the household, and given me such a dowry—does that mean nothing can go wrong?” Yun Jieer watched a petal drift down and looked up at her mother.

But Jin Niang shook her head. “These are just surface matters. If your will isn’t strong enough, they won’t suffice. Look at Si Er—most might think having a child and relying on a great family means no worries, yet she had the courage to strike out on her own, unafraid of failure. All I’ve taught you is merely support. The most important thing is to persevere as long as you live, keep pushing forward, and opportunities will come.”

Take Zhang Jiulang—as a hereditary official, he idled by with a title without real duties, so lacking an appointment wasn’t dire. But Sun Shichen nearly lost his position entirely, saved only by Jiang Fang’s intervention, barely avoiding disgrace.

Zhou Si never imagined officialdom could be so perilous. Though the Song Dynasty didn’t execute scholars, once someone lost power, others quickly turned against him, eager to undermine them.

Even someone as a minor figure like Sun Shichen had people going out of their way to frame him with false accusations. It was a dilemma—damned if you pick a side, damned if you don’t.

"If only I were like Jiang Shiliu, with solid in-law connections and a prominent maternal uncle’s family. Now that he's back, he’s bound to climb the ranks," Sun Shichen lamented, feeling the heavens were unfair.

Zhou Si thought to herself that the higher you climb, the harder you fall. It was better to stay low-key, like them, for longevity. So she smiled and said, "In my opinion, whether it's the Chancellor of Jixian or the Zhaowen Chancellor, weren't they all illustrious for a time? But once they lost power, those around them were crushed like ants. Better to be like us—do less, err less."

Though Sun Shichen had brought Ruoliu into the household, their marriage turned frosty for months. Eventually, given Ruoliu's age—already in her late thirties—Sun Shichen grew dissatisfied and asked Zhou Si to cast her out. Zhou Si had her escorted out. For someone who had betrayed her, not selling her off and even returning her deed of sale was already showing her mercy.

After Ruoliu left, Sun Shichen and Zhou Si grew closer.

This time, Sun Shichen managed to retain his official position thanks to his marital ties with the Zhou family, and he naturally played along.

Meanwhile, with the Dragon Boat Festival around the corner, Jin Niang and Yun Jieer first distributed the holiday offerings. Then Hu Tou, who had accompanied Jiang Xian, returned with a smile. "Madam, my lord has entered the city and will first report to the palace. He sent me ahead to bring good news."

Jin Niang stood up abruptly. "Really?"

Hu Tou nodded emphatically.

Jin Niang said, "You've worked hard. Your parents miss you—go see them first before handling other duties." She then instructed Qing Rong to see to his reward.

Unexpectedly, Jiang Xian was back. Jin Niang first had Cuihuan and Yingluo clean the chambers, changed the drapes, and burned new incense sticks. She also oversaw the pruning of the garden, the sweeping of the courtyard, and personally led the cleaning of Jiang Xian’s study, even laying out a newly purchased rug.

The kitchen was no exception—she instructed Ju Xiang to prepare Jiang Xian’s favorite dishes and extra refreshments.

Yun Jieer thought to herself, *Mother never seemed particularly eager for Father’s return before—why such effort today?* She voiced her curiosity.

Jin Niang laughed. "Silly child, your father has traveled thousands of miles to return home. If the house were in disarray, his study musty, how could he feel at ease? A home must look like a home. Normally, it’s fine, but after nearly a year apart, he might even feel some homesick jitters. We must show him how warm and welcoming our home is."

Of course, if Jiang Xian had quietly brought another woman home, forget warmth—he’d be thrown out on his ear. After all, she held the deeds now.

By the time Jiang Xian left the palace, dusk had fallen. Sitting in the sedan chair, he touched his face—years on the frontier, a diet heavy on rich, meat-heavy meals, and constant horseback riding had roughened his skin. He’d put on a little weight around the middle, though it wasn’t obvious to others. He was well aware.

*Would my wife find me unappealing now?*

Lost in thought, he lingered uncertainly for a long time. By the time he reached home, the sky was dim.

To his surprise, his wife was waiting at the courtyard gate, holding a gauze lantern, its glow hazy and ethereal. Jiang Xian rushed toward her in great strides. "My love."

Jin Niang took his hand. "The bath is ready with hot water. I’ve prepared new sleepwear for you. Go freshen up while I arrange dinner. I’ll join you afterward."

Jiang Xian nodded firmly.

In the bathhouse, fresh clothes and toiletries were laid out—facial cleanser, tooth powder, and shampoo, all pleasantly scented. He washed quickly, emerging refreshed.

In the small dining room, dinner was already set. His wife handed him a bowl of mung bean and pork rib soup. "To soothe the fire within."

Jiang Xian felt as though this day was no different from any other—as if he had never left.

After finishing the soup, he held Jin Niang’s hand tightly. "Everything was fine outside, but I missed you day and night."

"What a silver tongue!" Jin Niang chided playfully.

Jiang Xian longed to embrace her, but with maids bringing dishes, he restrained himself. Instead, they caught up on recent events. Jiang Xian mentioned the Zhou family’s decline, which was expected. But what he really wanted to say was, "His Majesty has promoted me to Imperial Secretary."

"Imperial Secretary? A transitional post? Fifth Rank?" Jin Niang realized it was a nominal position.

Jiang Xian smiled. "Yes."

Jin Niang congratulated him at once.

"Jin Niang, the Emperor praised my work and asked if I had any wishes. I said I wanted to bring honor to my family." Jiang Xian said, worried she might be upset—he had requested a posthumous title for his birth mother, leaving Jin Niang without a noble title for his wife. His mother’s sacrifices were undeniable, but his wife had shared his hardships.

To his surprise, Jin Niang—unaware he had requested it for his mother—replied, "That’s good. Without your mother, we wouldn’t have this family. If she’s honored posthumously, she’ll rejoice for you in the afterlife. Just last time, when Ning Geer and I visited her grave, I noticed it needed repairs. We should contribute to its restoration."

Jiang Xian bit his lip. "Wife, I thought you might resent it. Once I rise higher, I’ll secure a title for you too."

Jin Niang hadn’t even considered herself. Hearing this, she simply smiled. "Good. I’ll look forward to it."