Chapter 135

Chapter 135

After the meal, the couple rinsed their mouths and freshened up before retiring to bed.

Jiang Xian personally held the lamp and handed a small box to Jin Niang. When she opened it, she found a box of pearls from the North. Knowing how expensive they were, she looked at her husband and asked, "Where did you get these?"

"They were a gift from the king of that country to us envoys. Rest assured—I wasn’t singled out; another official from the Ministry of Rites also received them." Jiang Xian knew Jin Niang never accepted bribes and was strict with him as well.

Relieved, Jin Niang said, "Then I’ll keep them."

Jiang Xian replied, "Don’t give them all to the children. Keep some for yourself—you rarely indulge yourself."

"I know. I’ll save them to make jewelry," Jin Niang said with a smile.

Jiang Xian then learned that Ning Geer had already settled well into the prefectural school and praised him repeatedly, "That’s my boy—showing his brilliance!"

"Look at you," Jin Niang teased, resting her chin on her hand and smiling at him.

Jiang Xian had much more to say, but seeing his wife like this, he lowered his voice and asked, "Did you prepare what we discussed?"

Jin Niang pointed to a bowl nearby. In the next moment, Jiang Xian lifted his wife’s chin, and behind the bed curtains, they embraced like mandarin ducks, their intimacy beyond words.

The next morning, Jiang Xian went to the old residence to discuss the honorific titles with Sixth Uncle. Thanks to his son’s official rank, Sixth Uncle could now receive an honorific title, as could the late Madam Jiang Liu. Zheng Shi had no grounds to argue, as Jiang Xian mentioned that even his own wife hadn’t been granted a title.

The Jiang clan naturally praised him. Jiang Xian also brought up the matter of repairing his mother’s grave. Previously, with Jiang Yan as the eldest son, he couldn’t overstep his brother. But now that Jiang Yan had left for Yingtian Prefecture and Jiang Xian held the highest rank, no one would question his actions.

Jiang Yan had always been on good terms with Jiang Xian. The two drank in the garden, and despite Jiang Xian’s high position, he never acted superior in front of his clansmen. Jin Niang had also prepared good wine and hearty dishes for the occasion.

"After all that rich Liao cuisine, all I crave now are radishes and greens," Jiang Xian said with a laugh.

Jiang Yan remarked, "Shiliulang, you’ve certainly filled out."

Jiang Xian thought to himself that he needed to maintain his figure—his wife looked lovely with a little plumpness, but he couldn’t afford the same. He merely chuckled in response.

They then discussed the grave repairs. Following Jin Niang’s advice, Jiang Xian first played poor, sighing, "Ah, my eldest daughter’s dowry nearly cleaned us out. We also bought this house recently, so we’ll need to gather funds for the grave repairs."

Jiang Yan recalled something: "Back when you and eighth brother passed the imperial exams, my father allocated 600 *mu* (about 100 acres) of clan land to your family—"

Of course, Jiang Yan was well aware of Xu Shi’s actions, but as the saying goes, "Don’t air dirty laundry." Now that Jiang Xian needed money, he quietly mentioned it.

Jiang Xian thought to himself that this matched exactly what his wife had said—his sister-in-law was withholding their land. But demanding it back now would be difficult, so it was better to take the high road. He waved his hand and said, "My sister-in-law has been managing these matters. Now that my brother has resigned and gone to Yingtian Prefecture, it’s even harder for me to reclaim them."

"Shiliulang, everyone in the clan knows about your family affairs. It’s only because of your and your wife’s generosity that things have been peaceful," Jiang Yan said tactfully, raising his cup.

Jiang Xian smiled. "From ancient times, cultivating oneself, managing the household, governing the state, and bringing peace to the world—none of these are easy. As long as you understand my heart, Yan Ge, that’s all that matters. I can only vent these frustrations to you."

Jiang Yan, now middle-aged, was most troubled by the lack of an heir. Jiang Xian said, "Yan Ge, I know a physician. Let me arrange for both you and your wife to undergo some *tiaoli* (tonic treatment). Sometimes, even if both partners are healthy, there’s just that one missing factor."

His wife had once told him that infertility was often the man’s issue—if a woman menstruated normally, fertility was rarely a problem. But he couldn’t outright say Jiang Yan was at fault, so he phrased it this way. Keen to have an heir, Jiang Yan agreed.

After three rounds of drinks, the two parted ways. Jiang Xian saw Jiang Yan off before returning to his study, his eyes clear. Jin Niang brought over a hangover remedy, which he drank, then pointed to a chair and invited his wife to sit.

Grinning, Jin Niang sat down. "Dearest, you just got back, yet you’re already busy with so much. Why not rest a little?"

"There’s still much to do. Keep me company today," Jiang Xian said, wanting his wife by his side.

Jin Niang naturally agreed.

Three days later, Jiang Xian took up his new office. Friends, relatives, and colleagues came to congratulate him, and Jin Niang prepared another feast, even bringing Ning Geer back from the prefectural school. The Weis and Zhangs, along with the Jiang clan, made for quite the celebration.

The three Wei brothers also came together. Wei Dalang said to Wei Qilang, "Your father-in-law has been promoted to the official rank of Fifth Rank, a stepping-stone position, and is likely to rise further. Our family’s marriage alliance is a real stroke of luck."

Wei Qilang replied, "Elder Brother, you’d best not say that where my father-in-law might hear."

"I’m well aware," Wei Dalang said, though he had his own misgivings. Although he held an official position by hereditary privilege, he had failed the lock-hall examination and thus had no official assignment for the past two or three years.

Seeing others rise swiftly in rank left a sour taste in his mouth.

Wei Qilang, however, cut straight to the heart of it, forcing Wei Dalang to change the subject. As the son of a concubine, Wei Liulang and his brothers appeared harmonious on the surface, but each had their own calculations.

Meanwhile, Zhang Jiulang and his wife remarked, "Fortunately, we secured such a favorable marriage."

Though Zhang Jiulang and Jiang Xian were close friends, without this marital connection, their ties wouldn’t have been this strong. Now that the Zhou family had fallen, they could latch onto this new connection.

Mrs. Zhang was even more pleased. "Our son-in-law was transferred from Registrar of Shuzhou to Magistrate of Songyang County this year, all thanks to the Weis’ influence."

"Indeed, it’s Pingjun’s good fortune," Zhang Jiulang chuckled.

Mrs. Zhang praised her husband, "All thanks to your quick thinking."

The house was filled with high-status guests, and Jin Niang was overwhelmed with hosting duties. Fortunately, her niece-in-law, Xiao Wu Shi, lent a hand. Xu Shi excused herself, claiming illness, but Jin Niang knew it was spite—she just couldn’t stand others doing well.

Luckily, Xiao Wu Shi handled social interactions well. After Ning Geer was admitted to the prefectural school, Xuan Geer had personally set off firecrackers in celebration.

Though not particularly close, they were always polite, and Xu Shi’s dignity was preserved. Now that her husband held a high position, Jin Niang only exposed Xu Shi’s seizure of their land within the clan without further reprimand.

Why? Pushing too far would make them look bad. Just as when the two Feng nephews visited, Jin Niang declined to meet them but sent generous gifts, leaving no room for criticism.

Putting up with small slights on the surface only made the clan more sympathetic to her—what did it cost her?

"Xuan Geer’s wife, rest a while," Jin Niang said.

Xiao Wu Shi smiled. "Aunt, the caterers from Huixian Tower you hired are so quick."

"Indeed, and cheaper than the Professional Caterers, with a greater variety of dishes," Jin Niang replied, as she had a long-standing relationship with Huixian Tower.

In truth, Xuan Geer was no longer young—he was in his prime, but his prospects were shaky. As a child, Xu Shi had sat beside his desk, bamboo whip in hand, urging him to study. Yet when he truly became eager to learn, she neglected him. Initially, Jiang Yan had arranged for Xuan Geer to study under a renowned scholar, but the man resigned and returned to his hometown, leaving Xuan Geer stuck.

Jiang Xian had his own son to worry about—how could he fuss over this nephew?

Moreover, even his own son received no special treatment, studying in the prefectural school and eating the same modest meals as commoner students.

As his wife often said, if you could climb on your own, why rely on others?

Xiao Wu Shi, however, was looking out for her husband, maintaining a good relationship with Jin Niang and introducing him to her uncle and father.

Jin Niang praised her, saying, "Since ancient times, a husband’s glory elevates his wife. If Xuan Geer succeeds in the examinations, you’ll share in the rewards."

Xiao Wu Shi believed that mingling with the Wei, Fan, and even Shen families could open doors. Opportunities were given, but one had to seize them.

Outside, Ning Geer dug in. At his growing age, the prefectural school’s meals were meager, so he devoured the feast. He said to Wei Qilang, "Seventh Brother, thank heavens my mother packs me meals every three days—otherwise, I’d be starving."

Wei Qilang laughed. "Why not come out for a treat?"

"It’s only fun if we all go together. Going alone wouldn’t be proper," Ning Geer replied, mindful of propriety. As a yamen scion, showing off his status wouldn’t look right.

Wei Qilang silently admired him and placed a piece of sweet-and-sour pork ribs on his plate. "Here, eat more."

"Thank you, Seventh Cousin," Ning Geer said with a grin.

By the end of the banquet, most guests had dispersed, leaving Jiang Xian to speak privately with Wei Qilang, his own son-in-law by blood. Wei Qilang got along very well with Jin Niang. In his eyes, though his mother-in-law wasn’t the easiest to get along with, she was warm-hearted—if you treated her well, she would repay you tenfold.

His father-in-law, however, was different. Though outwardly polished and guarded about his likes/dislikes, Wei Qilang found him a bit daunting.

"How are your studies lately, Qilang?" Jiang Xian asked.

Wei Qilang replied, "I am currently studying..."

Jiang Xian pointed to a book and said, "This contains poems and essays written yesterday by promising young scholars from Scholar Fan’s circle. I found it quite impressive—take it back and study it."

Wei Qilang bowed and accepted it. After leaving the study, he went to bid farewell to Jin Niang, only to find her still reading. Feeling slightly embarrassed, he remarked, "Aunt, your home truly cultivates a scholarly air."

"I just read to pass the time. Did your uncle ask about your studies?" Jin Niang asked with a smile.

Wei Qilang nodded. "Yes."

Seeing his nervousness, Jin Niang reassured him, "Your uncle expects much of you, but don’t take it to heart. Elders are always like this—just follow your own plans."

Her words were comforting, and Wei Qilang felt relieved.

The couple’s mix of strictness and kindness ensured Wei Qilang wouldn’t take things lightly upon returning home.

Late at night, Jiang Xian returned from the study, washed up briefly, and slipped into bed. Seeing his wife sleeping soundly, her dark hair spilling over her pale cheeks, he couldn’t resist leaning down to kiss her.

Meanwhile, the house opposite Jin Niang’s had new residents. Once just tended by a few servants, it now bustled with activity as the master had been recalled to the capital. They even sent over a box of osmanthus rice cakes and two expertly carved roast ducks.

Jin Niang reciprocated with two boxes of trendy sweets and made some inquiries.

Soon, A Ying returned and reported, "Madam, the family across from us is sizable. The master’s surname is Meng, currently serving as a Vice Director in the Ministry of Revenue. Madam Meng is around forty years old and hails from imperial kin—her younger sister is Jie Yu Qiao in the palace."

A Jie Yu held the third rank for imperial consorts. The new emperor had only recently ascended the throne but had already granted her this title—quite impressive.

"Sounds favorable," Jin Niang mused to herself.

The Meng family soon sent out invitations. Jin Niang brought her daughter to attend their housewarming banquet. Madam Meng had a round face, heavy eye bags, and a loud voice. Her eldest daughter was already married to a palace guard, while her second daughter was around the same age as Yun Jieer. There was also a younger daughter, about twelve or thirteen, said to be born of a concubine.

"Your daughters are all as fresh and delicate as spring shoots—truly enviable," Jin Niang remarked with a smile.

Madam Meng, however, took Yun Jieer’s hand and said, "Your daughter is the one who’s truly lovely—so graceful! Has she been betrothed yet?"

Such questions were common among women. Jin Niang replied, "She was engaged last year—to my nephew from my maiden family."

"Family marrying family—how nice," Madam Meng sighed.

As they spoke, the young ladies were ushered outside to chat.

After sipping her tea, Jin Niang said, "As mothers, we fear our daughters suffering. Better an aunt as mother-in-law than a stranger." Her words were partly true—Madam Wei was strict, but at least Jin Niang and Yun Jieer understood her ways, which was better than being left guessing.

"You speak wisely, Mrs. Jiang. I’ve had the same thought," Madam Meng said, as if finding a kindred spirit.

They exchanged a few more pleasantries before a maidservant hesitantly entered. Frowning, Madam Meng asked, "What now?"

"Madam, Lady Huang is going into labor..."

Hearing this, Jin Niang immediately called for Yun Jieer and excused herself, much to Madam Meng’s annoyance. "A concubine giving birth—so what? Who does she think she is? Now Mrs. Jiang from across the street has left, and Madam Li turned back at the door."

The maidservant added, "But Lady Huang seems to be having a difficult delivery..."

Madam Meng stood up. "What a nuisance. Just summon a physician."

Take the Meng family across the street—just after they moved in, a concubine had a difficult labor. The concubine struggled to give birth to a son but lost her own life. Madam Meng had her hastily buried with barely any funeral rites.

Yun Jieer remarked, "Mother, Madam Meng isn’t very kind." The noble ladies she knew, even if they disliked concubines, would handle matters discreetly, never this blatantly.

For instance, Zhang Shi disliked both Concubine Guo and Xiang Ming but never dared to act so brazenly.

Jin Niang, however, said, "This whole mess is the master’s fault. If he’d put his foot down, would Madam Meng have dared defy him? Madam Meng and that concubine had no real quarrel."

If men didn’t take multiple wives, such situations wouldn’t arise. Concubines may be lowly, but they bore children and even died for it, while the men vanish into the background.

Yun Jieer thought of her own father, who had no concubines, so the household was peaceful and the family united. It showed that men didn’t necessarily need concubines, and her mother wasn’t the shrew others claimed—she knew when to be firm and when to yield, and Father adored her for it.

By Mid-Autumn Festival, the Meng household was back to its usual merry self. The second daughter of the Meng family was betrothed, and Madam Meng invited her sister-in-law to serve as the Complete Fortune Matron. Jin Niang and Madam Li sent gifts together.

As if that poor woman had never existed.

Yun Jieer told Jin Niang that the deceased Lady Huang was the birth mother of the Meng family’s third daughter and expressed sympathy for her: "Mother, did you know? I heard that Master Meng plans to betroth her to one of his disciples, some poor scholar."

By the end, Yun Jieer couldn’t help feeling grateful for her own lot.

From Madam Meng, Jin Niang heard a different version. By now, Madam Meng and Jin Niang were now on friendly terms, with no conflicting interests. However, the incident with Lady Huang had tarnished Madam Meng’s image, so she slipped it into conversation.

"That Lady Huang originally served my mother-in-law. After I married into the family, she was assigned to attend to my husband. First, she bore a son, then a daughter, and began challenging my authority at home. You’d think running the household in the capital makes me powerful, but it wasn’t always like this. I endured harsh treatment from my mother-in-law and provocations from concubines. When Lady Huang was pregnant, she controlled the household, hogging all the finest tonics and treats. After moving to the capital, when she learned my sister had become Jie Yu Qiao and was pregnant, she grew fearful, inspecting her meals three or four times a day—working herself into a panic." By the end, Madam Meng laughed bitterly.

Jin Niang couldn’t care less about other households’ squabbles, but upon hearing that Jie Yu Qiao was pregnant, she feigned ignorance: "Madam Meng carries herself with such grace—you must be from an official family, aren’t you?"

"Mrs. Jiang, you flatter me. My father was a jinshi, and when I married, he served as a military governor. My younger sister was a posthumous child—otherwise, she wouldn’t have entered the palace." Speaking of her sister, Madam Meng sighed—once you enter the palace, there’s no turning back.

Jin Niang nodded slightly and added, "As the saying goes, truth will out. In time, everyone will understand that you couldn’t possibly be that kind of person."

Flattered by Jin Niang’s attentive ear, and noting her elegant speech, graceful demeanor, and refined air, Madam Meng smiled warmly. "You’re absolutely right."

After Madam Meng left, Jin Niang mentioned Jie Yu Qiao to Jiang Xian over dinner: "She’s still just a Jie Yu for now, but after giving birth, her status may change."

"The empress has no sons. Though Jie Yu Qiao isn’t as favored as Consort Lan, she’s already borne a princess. If she delivers a prince this time, her position will rise further," Jin Niang remarked.

Jiang Xian knew Jin Niang never spoke idly. When they first moved to Wu County, she enjoyed socializing, but after relocating to Daming Prefecture, she became more selective, understanding the value of strategic alliances.

That was why she cultivated ties with the Wei family and secured an excellent match for their daughter.

Now, he realized that Jin Niang’s reserved demeanor and selective socializing had a purpose.

"It’s too early to speculate," Jiang Xian said.

Jin Niang smiled. "We’re not courting the imperial harem, but the Mengs are our neighbors. No harm in keeping our ears open." She shook her head. "A new emperor brings sweeping changes."

The formidable Chancellor of Jixian stepped down, replaced by State Councilor Shen.

What would happen if, years later, State Councilor Shen was no longer in power?

Jiang Xian nodded. "You’ve always been prudent with words. Follow your instincts."

After dinner, they received an invitation from the Zheng family. Jin Niang handed it to her husband with a smile. "Ever since you petitioned for your mother’s honorary title, the Zhengs have been visiting more frequently."

Jiang Xian wasn’t one to stand on principle, but the idea of petitioning for Zheng Shi’s honorary title repulsed him deeply.

Yet, if he were promoted, etiquette dictated that he petition for his stepmother’s title before Jin Niang’s, which galled him even more. He still had an elder brother—let him handle Zheng Shi’s title. Jiang Xian could claim he hadn’t served Zheng Shi and prioritize Jin Niang instead.

Zheng Shi had done him no wrong, but he resented her for usurping his mother’s place.

This awkwardness stemmed from Madam Jiang Liu, so Jin Niang didn’t offer much comfort, as she always felt indebted to Madam Jiang Liu for recognizing her worth. A woman’s marriage determines her lifelong happiness, and Madam Jiang Liu had given her such an excellent husband, even settling the inheritance early so that their household could separate cleanly from the main branch.

Zheng Shi, of course, desired the honorary title—it represented a woman’s status and dignity, something she dreamed of night and day.

But Jin Niang didn’t visit the Zheng family often, only showing up for one out of every three invitations, just to keep up appearances.

Zheng Shi’s younger sister, seeing her sister like this, couldn’t help but say, “You’re just too meek. Even though you’re a stepmother, a stepmother is still a mother. Acting so timid only makes it seem like you’re afraid of them.”

“How is this being afraid of them? Shiliulang didn’t even request an honorary title for Wei Shi. The emperor is only granting one title now, and he’s just a Fifth Rank official.” Though she said this, Zheng Shi still secretly yearned for it.

“Sister, have you ever considered—what if your third son ends up like the eldest, failing to secure an official position? At least even the deceased received an honorary title, but you’ll have nothing?”

Indeed, the tides of officialdom were unpredictable. The Zhou family had once been illustrious, yet now they were banished to that backwater Lingnan. And hadn’t her stepson Jiang Yan once been highly favored, waltzing in and out of the prime minister’s residence like family? Now, who knew where he was, stuck in some backwater editing texts?

This was what made Zheng Shi truly anxious.

Clearly, Jiang Xian and his wife didn’t take her seriously. Not only did they rarely attend Zheng family banquets, but Jiang Xian also couldn't be bothered when Zheng family members encountered difficulties.

Then there was Xu Shi, who was already displeased after Jiang Xian and Jin Niang publicly called her out for seizing their three hundred acres of land. Seeing Jiang Xian’s promotion, the lavish renovation of Madam Jiang Liu’s tomb, and all the attention they garnered only deepened her resentment.

She could easily sense Zheng Shi’s anxiety and said to Ge Ma with a laugh, “That's what she gets. She always opposed us before—now let her sweat it out.”

Ge Ma replied, “But no matter how anxious she gets, it won’t harm them in the slightest.”

Though Xu Shi disliked Jiang Xian and his wife, she had no desire to let Zheng Shi, her stepmother-in-law, lord it over her. So she kept silent and offered no advice.

Because of this matter, Zheng Shi took a fall one morning and had to be helped back to bed. At first, she thought a few days of rest would suffice—after all, a bone injury took a hundred days to heal—and she could recuperate properly.

But when she saw Jin Niang and Yun Jieer come to visit her, a scheme occurred to her.

She needed a promise—that the next time Jiang Xian was promoted, he would secure the honorary title for her first, not Wei Shi. After all, Wei Shi was the first wife. In most families, titles were granted to wives first. If Jiang Xian had only one opportunity for a title, he would undoubtedly give it to his wife—Wei Shi had the upper hand.