Chapter 137

Chapter 137

Jiang Xian was now a trusted imperial official. Jin Niang had initially thought he would be under great pressure, but to her surprise, he bore his duties effortlessly, appearing quite relaxed. He truly had a natural talent for officialdom—interacting with others as pleasantly as a spring breeze and handling affairs with impeccable precision, making him an outstanding official.

However, once he returned home…

He became an entirely different person.

Today was Jin Niang’s birthday. After the banquet ended, he loosened his collar and lounged on the daybed, legs crossed in such a manner that Jin Niang could hardly let servants in.

"Look at you…" Jin Niang had barely spoken when Jiang Xian tossed her a money pouch. She opened it and found four silver ingots inside, each worth twenty-five taels—a total of one hundred taels.

Jiang Xian chuckled, "Just wrote an epitaph for someone—a little side job."

Though he made it sound effortless, Jiang Xian often practiced hundreds of times in his study, honing his craft with deep dedication.

Jin Niang clutched the money and immediately crouched beside him. "Then I won’t refuse your generosity."

"Wife, I’ve already applied for your noble title, but the Ministry of Rites drags its feet with formalities." Jiang Xian had originally wanted to surprise her before her birthday, but the process was unexpectedly slow.

Jin Niang frowned. "How can this be? Zheng Shi is, after all, your father's widow. Won’t this invite gossip?"

Jiang Xian laughed. "What gossip? I initially thought to wait a few more years until my rank was higher, so we could receive the honors together. But I refuse to let you suffer any indignities. Besides, though Zheng Shi is my father's widow, she never raised me. You are my true partner who has shared both hardship and comfort with me—why should I let others take precedence? And it’s not as if I’m the only son in our family."

"Alright." Jin Niang knew there were underlying concerns, but she couldn’t bring herself to dampen Jiang Xian’s enthusiasm.

After Jin Niang’s birthday, Madam Li invited her and Madam Meng to take their daughters boating on the lake. Jin Niang, feeling stifled from staying indoors all day, jumped at the chance.

In the palace, Jie Yu Qiao had given birth to a prince and was promoted to Zhaoyi. Madam Meng was also riding high—she was a straightforward woman whose emotions were always written plainly on her face.

Everyone knew her temperament and seldom took offense.

From Jin Niang’s observations, Madam Meng was at most more partial to her own children, maintaining only a polished courtesy for the children of concubines. But even that was already commendable.

In Jin Niang’s opinion, Zhou Si had shown some discernment. The Meng family was well-off, and even if they divided the family estate in the future, Meng Sanlang’s share wouldn’t be meager. Moreover, Meng Sanlang was diligent in his studies and might yet achieve great things. Additionally, Madam Meng’s eldest daughter-in-law, Lin Shi, was a model of propriety—truly an excellent wife who would ensure harmony in the household.

Madam Li plucked a green plum and nibbled on it. "This tastes wonderful."

Jin Niang noticed Lin Shi hovering attentively beside Madam Meng the entire time and couldn’t help but feel sympathy. "Why don’t you sit down? There’s a bridge ahead—be careful not to take a tumble when the boat sways."

Only then, in front of everyone, did Madam Meng say to Lin Shi, "You may sit as well."

The conversation turned to the green plums. Madam Meng mentioned they were prepared by her dowry maid. Jin Niang praised them lavishly. "Next time my estate sends plums, I’ll ask your family to pickle them. Your plums are even better than those from the fancy grocers in town."

Madam Meng readily agreed. She was more than willing to maintain good relations with Jin Niang—after all, Jiang Xian’s promotions had been rapid, and he now held a higher rank than her own husband.

Willows trailed their fronds along the shore as the painted boat glided forward, a cool breeze sweeping over them, bringing instant relief.

Yun Jieer was playing chess with Miss Li, while Second Miss Meng gazed at the scenery outside and sighed. "We’re still able to enjoy outings like this now, but once we marry, we may not have such fortune. My sister’s mother-in-law always smiles, but she runs a tight household—she gives my brother-in-law beautiful maids, insists on being served at meals, and never stops talking about ‘family rules.’ I ache for her."

But Yun Jieer glanced ahead and saw Lin Shi finally sitting down. She couldn’t help but think, *Your sister-in-law was just standing there serving your mother—why didn’t you feel heartbroken then? At least my mother is considerate.*

Miss Li, however, looked at both Yun Jieer and Second Miss Meng and sighed. "At least you two are marrying into familiar families—it’s better than my situation."

Little did she know, each of the three girls had her own worries. Second Miss Meng’s cousin was an honest gentleman, but he admired learned women—and she was no scholar. Her mother had boasted to her aunt about her vast erudition, but once married, the truth would surely come out.

Yun Jieer, meanwhile, thought of Wei Qilang, who seemed to attract women vying for his favor wherever he went. Moreover, Madam Wei doted on her youngest son so much that Wei Qilang hadn't known hardship—who knew what the future held?

Their minds wandered different paths, but the adults simply basked in the breeze, relishing this hard-won peace.

Upon returning home, Jin Niang was surprised to find officials from the Ministry of Rites delivering an imperial decree, announcing her conferment as a fourth-rank Shuoren (a fourth-rank honorary title for women). At the time, Jiang Xian had not yet returned from the government office. Jin Niang instructed Luo Da to reward the messengers, then knelt before the incense altar to offer thanks. After everyone left, overwhelmed with emotion, she couldn't help but clutch her chest.

Yun Jieer quickly congratulated her with a smile, "Congratulations, Mother, on receiving the imperial title! Why not invite relatives and friends to celebrate?"

Though delighted by the joyous occasion, Jin Niang hesitated before shaking her head. "Your father petitioned for this honor on my behalf, and I am truly grateful. Now that I hold a fourth-rank title, why draw attention? Don’t forget, Zheng Shi from the old residence has been green with envy over such honors."

Yun Jieer sighed, "Such a happy occasion, yet you remain so cautious."

"Truthfully, I’m already overjoyed by your father’s rapid promotions. No longer must I endure mistreatment from the wives of his superiors. Now, with this title—neither too high nor too low—those below me might assume I’m showing off, while those above may see me as an upstart." Jin Niang understood how envy could poison others’ perceptions.

Moreover, she worried that political adversaries might exploit this to accuse Jiang Xian of disrespecting his stepmother.

Though she refrained from inviting outsiders, family celebrations were still in order. Jin Niang dipped into her personal savings, distributing five strings of cash, along with portions of pork-stuffed scallion pancakes, vegetable pies, a pair of spicy braised trotters, and pickled papaya.

Last time, the roasted chicken had been ordered from a nearby restaurant—expensive and overly greasy. This time, she opted for a local diner, finding it both affordable and delicious.

When Jiang Xian returned, he caught the scent and grinned—Jin Niang had saved a portion for him. The couple exchanged a glance; no words were needed.

"I’d hoped to surprise you with this on your birthday, but the bureaucratic process dragged on," Jiang Xian admitted regretfully.

Jin Niang shook her head. "Good things take time. Your swift petition for your late mother’s posthumous honor was fast-tracked, reaching the emperor directly. This time, the Ministry of Rites’ procedures naturally took longer."

Special requests and routine procedures were worlds apart.

At the old residence, Zheng Shi had recovered fully, even gaining weight, yet her mood remained sour—especially days later, when the Jiang family’s second branch invited Jin Niang to serve as the Complete Fortune Matron (a woman auspiciously blessed with living parents, spouse, and children) at their granddaughter’s betrothal. "Madam Wei of the sixth branch now holds an imperial title, with both parents living and children thriving. Her presence will bless our girl’s future marriage," they reasoned.

Only then did Zheng Shi learn of Jin Niang’s new status. She erupted in fury, hounding Sixth Uncle until he relented: "I’ll speak to Shiliulang again."

"It’s not the title I crave, nor do I compete with his late mother. But must I be treated like a ghost?" Zheng Shi lamented.

Sixth Uncle approached Jiang Xian, who inwardly scoffed. That night, venting to Jin Niang in bed, he fumed, "Father bends to whoever he marries."

"Deny her what she wants. Later, when you’re promoted, resign outright. Let’s live freely—infuriating her," Jin Niang suggested.

Jiang Xian chuckled. "Agreed. Ning Geer is diligent in his studies; we’ll enjoy our golden years." Her words soothed his anger completely.

Zheng Shi, no fool, had been blinded by title envy. Noticing the Mid-Autumn gifts—similar in quantity but of poorer quality—she gradually realized her misstep. As neither birth mother nor foster mother, she ought to plead, not demand. Push too hard, and resentment festers.

By the Chongyang Festival (Double Ninth Festival, a day for mountain climbing), during the family’s mountain ascent, she paid earnest prayers at Jiang Liu Furen’s grave, even bowing repeatedly. Jin Niang observed that Zheng Shi, unlike Xu Shi, understood the tact of deference—feigned or not. Despite lacking a title, Zheng Shi refrained from publicly criticizing Jiang Xian.

Xu Shi, though inwardly resentful of Jiang Liu Furen, wept a theatrical, watery display, prompting Xiao Wu Shi—who’d never met the deceased—to join in.

Returning from the hike, Jin Niang and Jiang Xian flopped onto the bed, too weary to move. Years of hunching over documents had wrecked his back; her endless embroidery had done the same. Only lying down brought relief.

"Dearest, it’s wonderful—no matter what, you’re always with me," Jiang Xian murmured, pulling her closer.

Jin Niang smiled. "Of course. Our children will start their own families, but we two will grow old together."

Though in their prime, their shared hardships lent them a sense of world-weariness.

Jin Niang brought snacks to bed—sharing sweetmeats until news arrived: Zeng Shi, wife of Jiang Yan, was pregnant. Jin Niang promptly sent tonics and delicacies.

Moreover, the neighboring official Li had been assigned to a provincial post, so Jin Niang also had to prepare parting gifts.

Regardless, Madam Li had once done business with her and even introduced a deal, so Jin Niang’s parting gifts were quite generous. The Li family had to leave as soon as the appointment was issued, taking everything they could carry and giving the rest to Jin Niang and Madam Meng.

Jin Niang acquired a heavy redwood daybed and a square table, which she had moved to the guest room.

The neighboring residence was vacant again, and no one knew who the next tenant would be.

Meanwhile, Jiang Fang, highly favored by State Councilor Shen, was not only appointed as Attendant Scholar of Tianzhang Pavilion but also assigned as a third-rank Pacification Commissioner—his promotion was a meteoric rise.

Jiang Xian watched with envy, for he was naturally ambitious. However, Jin Niang advised, "Throughout history, reformers like Shang Yang and Wu Qi rarely met good ends. If you truly believe in your cause and are unafraid of the consequences, then go ahead. But if you’re merely tempted by envy to join the Shen Party, you may end up wavering later."

"My dear, I just think—"

Jin Niang smiled. "I understand your thoughts—that opportunities are fleeting. But extremes are never good. If you genuinely support State Councilor Shen’s reform agenda, I’ll stand by you. But if it’s just for personal advancement, forget it. Historical reformers like Shang Yang and Wu Qi were admirable, but they also had to be prepared to sacrifice everything. Otherwise, hesitation leads to wavering."

With such persuasion, Jiang Xian let the matter drop.

This time, when Jiang Fang was assigned to his post, Madam Zhou the Third did not accompany him, as their sons were older—some needed betrothals arranged, others had to study, and the household couldn’t be without its mistress.

Jin Niang went to deliver parting gifts, accompanied by Yun Jieer, where they happened to meet the Sun family. Jin Niang and Fourth Sister Zhou had always kept their distance, limited to frosty civilities.

Meanwhile, Yun Jieer chatted animatedly with the two Sun sisters. Now grown, they were no longer like their childhood selves. Eldest Miss Sun was in good spirits—though her father’s brother’s promotion made her parents sigh, wishing they could leverage it for a better marriage alliance, she believed that since the engagement was already settled, why change it? Heaven’s will cannot be forced.

Fourth Sister Zhou, however, seemed to think her eldest daughter was too reckless. For her second daughter’s marriage, she wanted to capitalize on her husband’s brother’s rise to secure an excellent match.

Thus, she was casting her net wide.

Eldest Miss Sun said to Yun Jieer, "Your needlework has improved so much—this handkerchief’s reversible two-tone embroidery is exquisite!"

"Don’t say that—my mother still calls me lazy," Yun Jieer replied. She had been holding a needle since age three, sewing every year, though her mother barred late-night stitching. Still, her skills combined the best of Shu and Su embroidery, and she could even tailor clothes—even a full screen posed no difficulty.

Many knew needlework, but few mastered it.

Eldest Miss Sun could also sew, though not expertly, as her mother said proper mistresses needn’t stoop to this—stewards managed households, seamstresses handled needlework, and women should focus on education and character.

But Eldest Miss Sun wondered—educated women couldn’t take the imperial exams anyway. Still, she didn’t argue.

Her mother’s words often seemed lofty in theory but impractical in reality. Take Jiang Yun—her superb needlework earned praise everywhere, yet she was also well-read and elegantly dressed.

"So you live across from the Meng family?" Second Daughter Sun asked in surprise.

Yun Jieer nodded. "Yes, the Mengs moved to the capital only two years ago, but I heard they bought the house opposite ours decades ago. It’s a five-section compound—the refurbishment spanned two months, and now it’s restored to grandeur."

To Yun Jieer, Madam Meng had a temper but wasn’t underhanded. Third Daughter Meng played the martyr, yet wore fully embroidered clothes, gold-wefted gauze for summer, and a full complement of hairpins and ornaments. Second Daughter Meng might be more refined, but even siblings differ in favor.

The gap wasn’t vast—Second Daughter Meng’s dowry included 300 mu of land and 3,000 strings of coins, while Third Daughter Meng received 300 mu of land and 2,000 strings.

Of course, Madam Meng favored her own daughter, adding a two-section townhouse—but it came from her own dowry.

Thus, Yun Jieer felt Eldest Miss Sun, already betrothed, should know.

Eldest Miss Sun listened thoughtfully.

After returning from Jiang Fang’s home, a few days later, Jin Niang was obliged to call upon the Wei family—this time without her daughter. Madam Wei had been taken ill with autumn chills, and though Fan Shi’s son was marking his hundred-days ceremony with Wang Shi’s help, she feared it might be overwhelming, so she asked Jin Niang to assist.

Jin Niang first sat with Madam Wei, who smiled and said, "It’s been a while."

"If we weren’t in-laws, it’d be fine—but now, meetings feel fraught," Jin Niang replied frankly.

Madam Wei chuckled, "That makes sense. It's a pity Qilang isn't here, otherwise he could often come by to greet you."

"Our whole family adores Qilang. Last time when his uncle wasn't home, despite his young age, he handled everything with ease, carrying himself like the head of the household. You’ve done such a fine job raising him, sister-in-law." Jin Niang knew exactly how to offer praise that would please.

Madam Wei was indeed delighted and asked her, "What has Yun Jieer been up to at home? I haven’t seen her much lately."

Though she often took her out for outings, Jin Niang replied, "She's already betrothed; she shouldn’t be running around everywhere."

Jin Niang felt that many things in ancient times were like scholars taking the imperial exams—dancing in chains. Marriage was no exception. One couldn’t be as individualistic as the Shen family women nor as dogmatic as Madam Wu, who preached morality while barely managing herself.

Madam Wei wholeheartedly agreed. Nowadays, too many women lacked propriety, losing the refinement expected of a well-bred lady.

They had just been chatting when Second Madam Wei arrived. Compared to Madam Wei, Second Madam Wei was far more easygoing. Jin Niang recalled the three Madams of the Zhou family back then—the eldest was strong-willed, while the second and third were mild-tempered, allowing the three sisters-in-law to get along just fine.

But in the Wei family’s eldest branch, Fan Shi had noble bearing, Wang Shi was steady, and her own daughter, of course, knew better than to cause trouble. How would these three sisters-in-law fare in the future?

Soon, guests began arriving. Jin Niang was acquainted with most of the Wei family’s relatives, having interacted with them for years.

However, a few faces were unfamiliar. When she asked, she found out they were from the You family. The You family had connections mainly because Wei Qilang studied under them. Madam You initially wore a smile, but upon hearing Jin Niang was Jiang Xian’s wife, her smile slowly faded.

The Shen family was now closely tied to the Wei family, so they arrived early. Jiang Xian was on good terms with Shen Zijia, father of Shen Qiniang. When Second Madam Shen arrived with Shen Qiniang, the two exchanged pleasantries.

Shen Qiniang asked about Yun Jieer, "Why hasn’t Liqing come?"

"She has her younger brother at home to look after." Jin Niang couldn’t very well say it was improper for a betrothed girl to visit, as that would be adding insult to injury.

After welcoming the guests, Jin Niang slipped away to chat with You Mama. "How’s everything at home lately?"

She discreetly handed her a gold lock. "Here, let your grandson have this to play with."

You Mama said, "The eldest young master hasn’t mentioned his mistress much recently. He’s been stuck at home studying, but he’s still causing trouble—he favored a maid, and the eldest young mistress had her whipped and dismissed."

Jin Niang nodded silently, then heard You Mama sigh. "The eldest young mistress is still reasonable, but the sixth young mistress is a real piece of work. She insists on being virtuous, pushing her maids onto her husband. If the sixth young master refuses, she accuses him of making her appear unvirtuous. If he complies, she cracks down hard on the maid, all in the name of household rules."

"How could she be like that?" Jin Niang shook her head.

You Mama smiled. "Usually, both young mistresses usually let things slide. They only intervene when things go too far."

Jin Niang thought such affairs were common not only among wealthy families but even in the Li household next door, where Miss Li had married down yet brought along two exceptionally talented maids as dowry.

The Meng family was no exception. The eldest young master of the Meng family had married into the prestigious Lin family, and he too had concubines.

But what others considered normal, she could not accept. The thought of Jiang Xian taking a concubine was unbearable to her. So when she later spoke to Yun Jieer, she said, "Right now, Qilang has no one by his side. After you marry, don’t go handing him women like some fool."

Having grown up in a household without concubines and with loving parents, Yun Jieer couldn’t imagine letting someone else into their marriage.

But she was puzzled. "Then why does the sixth young mistress act this way?"

"Because she wants to appear virtuous but can’t truly be so. You don’t know her mother, Madam Wu—now she was truly virtuous, just like your sister-in-law Xuan. Virtue was their shield, but unless you’re heartless, who would willingly share their husband?" Jin Niang said.

Yun Jieer shook her head. "I certainly wouldn’t want to, unless I no longer cared for him."

"That’s how I feel too. Never throw yourself away just for appearances," Jin Niang advised her daughter.

Still, Jin Niang added, "Though know yourself and your enemy, and you’ll never lose, I’ve never truly been part of the Wei family’s inner workings, so I can’t influence your judgment. In the future, choose whatever makes you comfortable."

You Mama’s words came from her perspective as a servant—there might be more to the story.

Yun Jieer learned much from her mother: work diligently but don’t flaunt your gains, and remember that everyone views things differently—don’t rely solely on others’ judgments; see with your own eyes.

While the mother and daughter were talking, Jiang Xian returned from outside, bringing Ding Geer back from the front courtyard.

Jiang Xian asked Jin Niang, "Did you go to the Wei family today?"

"Yes, I went to help with their child's hundred-day celebration," Jin Niang replied with a smile.

Jiang Xian sat down and asked, "Do you still remember Zhuangyuan Jiang?"

"Of course. When you were assigned to Wuxian, his wife, Madam Song, gave me generous travel expenses. But after we returned to the capital, I heard they were assigned to another post," Jin Niang said.

Jiang Xian pointed toward the neighboring house. "I just saw them at the gate—they’re going to be our new neighbors. Zhuangyuan Jiang even greeted me first."

Jin Niang found it odd. "That Zhuangyuan Jiang was once highly praised by everyone, a rising star. What position does he hold now?"

"Compiling Editor of the Jiying Hall," Jiang Xian answered.

Jin Niang calculated. "Isn’t that a sixth-rank post? How could this happen?"

Jiang Xian explained, "Back then, he was favored by the Song family. Later, the Songs expected him to handle all their affairs. If he refused to help, he’d be accused of ingratitude. How could his career advance under such circumstances?"

Jin Niang thought back to the days when they used to court favor with Madam Song. Now, Zhuangyuan Jiang held a lower rank than Jiang Xian, and she herself was a fourth-rank titled wife. How should they handle being neighbors now?