Chapter 139

Chapter 139

Yun Jie'er moved in broad social circles, though none of her relationships ran particularly deep. Having learned from her mother's ways, she had come to understand one truth deeply: keeping some distance and courtesy between people worked best, as getting too close too quickly could lead to just as swift a parting.

Thus, when the Jiang family moved in next door and Madam Song brought her daughter over for a visit, Yun Jie'er merely treated them with proper but distant manners.

Jiang Song studied Yun Jie'er and couldn't help but feel that there was always someone better. She prided herself on her beauty, her talents, and her family background—her mother was the daughter of a prime minister, and her father was a zhuangyuan (top imperial examination graduate).

But this Jiang family girl was exceptional in both appearance and temperament. Her needlework put others to shame, and her conversation was refined and elegant.

Meanwhile, Jin Niang was chatting with Madam Song: "You've just moved in—how are you settling in?"

"It feels like everything has changed. Bianjing's hustle has doubled. Back in Jiangzhou, it was so quiet—almost too quiet," Madam Song replied with a smile.

Jin Niang said, "Actually, this area is quite nice. Most of the residents are officials' families, and since it's in the outer city, the houses are generally spacious with courtyards. It's lively yet still peaceful—a rare balance."

As they spoke, Cui Huan and Ying Luo served tea.

Since last month's bout of inner heat, Jin Niang had been drinking teas to reduce internal heat. Though the nights weren't bitterly cold, wearing too little risked catching a chill, while wearing too much could lead to overheating again.

Taking a sip of tea, Jin Niang listened as Madam Song remarked, "I believe your daughter is a bit older than mine."

"She'll be seventeen soon (fifteen in Western reckoning, turning sixteen next year), so yes, likely a bit older than yours," Jin Niang replied.

Madam Song asked, "Has she been betrothed yet?"

"She was engaged a few years ago—to my brother's son from my natal family," Jin Niang said with a smile.

Madam Song thought to herself that Wei Jinniang had once been merely a merchant's daughter, so her nephew must be a merchant's son—how shortsighted. But not a flicker betrayed her thoughts, instead saying, "Kinship marriages have their merits."

Jin Niang had no intention of explaining her ties to the Wei family. When one had everything, there was no need to boast—in fact, she feared others might try to take advantage. She had encountered such situations many times before.

So she offered no further explanation, merely turning to Jiang Song and asking, "Is your daughter betrothed yet?"

"Not yet. If you know of any fine young men, don't hesitate to recommend them," Madam Song said.

Jin Niang smiled. "Of course. Your daughter is truly exceptional—her grace and bearing are unmatched in Bianjing."

This pleased Madam Song greatly, though she waved it away with proper humility.

After leaving the Jiang residence, Madam Song soon invited her old friend Zhou Si over. Though Zhou Si was currently overwhelmed with preparing furniture for her daughter, she came quickly when summoned.

The two were much closer, catching up for a long while.

After their reunion, Zhou Si even stayed for a twelve-dish banquet at the Song household. Jiang Song, however, found her conversation with Second Daughter Sun rather dull.

Once they left, Jiang Song told her mother, "That Sun girl was so simple-minded—I didn't like her."

"Her mother boasted of her scholarly upbringing," Madam Song remarked.

Jiang Song shook her head. "It didn't show. Among everyone I've met since returning, only the Jiang family's eldest daughter impressed me—she spoke like a scholar. I noticed a Guanyin embroidery hanging in their home, woven with rare skill. When I mentioned the Five Dynasties painters Hu Yi, Zhu Yao, and Zhang Tu, she knew them all. But that Second Daughter Sun couldn't so much as name Diao Guangyin."

Madam Song mused that Zhou Si, after all, came from the prestigious Lin'an Zhou family, while Wei Jinniang was just a common garrison family's daughter. Truly, fortunes reversed over time.

Still, she admonished her daughter: "You've always been proud, but that's not good. As the saying goes, 'Never judge a scroll by its case.' Whether you like or dislike someone, don't let it show."

"Your daughter hears you," Jiang Song said. She knew her mother had recently begun renewing old guanxi—for her father's career and her own marriage prospects.

The Songs' affairs were none of Jin Niang's concern. At first light, she dispatched New Year's tributes to various households and had hot meals sent to the prefectural school for her eldest son.

Ning Geer took the meal box and handed the previous one to Chen Xiaolang to bring back. Returning to the dining hall of the scholars' quarters, he opened the meal box to find a bowl of chicken broth wontons, a bowl of rice, a plate of meat-stuffed flatbreads, and several of his favorite dishes: a full plate of jellied pork trotters, fried young pigeon, jellyfish with dressing, shrimp stir-fried with green peas, and two seasonal vegetables. There was also a bag of crispy fried silverfish, which he knew was meant to be shared with his dormmates.

This was his mother’s thoughtfulness—whenever there was good food, she always made sure to share some with his peers.

Currently, there were six people in his dorm. Ning Geer wasn’t overly generous, but he carried the food inside, first taking out the meat-stuffed flatbreads and arranging portions of each dish on a shared plate in the middle of the table for everyone to enjoy. He then distributed the fried silverfish into each of their bowls before settling down to eat his own meal.

Of course, some of his dormmates also had meals delivered by their families. One even had stewed pig brains—supposedly to "nourish the brain"—but Ning Geer politely declined, finding it not to his taste.

In the dormitory, Ning Geer wasn’t the most hardworking student, but he balanced study and rest well. Nor was he the most sociable, but like Jin Niang, he got along well with those around him.

"Jiang Xian, these fried fish from your home are excellent. Even the tiny intestines and innards are completely cleaned out," remarked Kuang Xiaolang.

Ning Geer smiled. "Eat as much as you like. If it’s not enough, feel free to take more from mine later."

His dormmates all responded politely, "We have enough, thank you."

After finishing his meal, Ning Geer went outside to wash his dishes with drawn water. Returning to his room, he put on the fur coat and boots sent from home and added an extra layer of felt blanket under his bed for warmth before starting his studies.

From nearby, he heard Kuang Xiaolang sigh, "If I don’t get into the Imperial College, my family won’t let me continue studying."

Ning Geer looked at him. "You’re only a few years older than me. Why would your family stop you? Don’t lose heart—give it your all, and you’ll succeed."

He wasn’t some child genius, nor was he particularly resilient, but he had his own methods and perseverance, aiming just to pass the Imperial College exams. After all, the quotas for the National University were far more generous than those outside.

If he could pass the imperial exams, his mother would gain honor through her son. In the future, he wouldn’t need his father—he could request imperial honors for her himself. Then, who would dare look down on her?

Thinking back to their time in the Wei family, when his mother, not being a blood relative of the Wei family, had to work harder than anyone else, gifting away her painstakingly embroidered works for free, and how they had to treat Seventh Cousin like an honored guest whenever he visited—it still made him tear up.

He had also heard how, when his father was studying, his mother had worked needlework while pregnant with him, forced to sit and embroider even with a heavy belly. The thought made him cry.

December passed in a flash, and by the time Ning Geer returned home, it was already New Year's time.

The house was bustling—the Daming estate manager had sent money, and the estate in Bianjing had delivered chickens, ducks, and sheep, all gathered together.

Seeing her son return, Jin Niang immediately said, "Come, have a cup of hot tea, and then we’ll talk properly."

Ning Geer grinned. "Mother, last time you mentioned wanting to try the buns from our academy. I brought some back for you."

"Really? Let's have them taken to the kitchen to warm them up. I’ll eat them later." Jin Niang had long wanted to try the famed Imperial College buns, and since the academy’s baker was the son of the Imperial College’s baker, she was especially eager. Yang Geer, always so forgetful, never remembered such things—only her son was so attentive.

Seeing his mother’s eyes light up, Ning Geer quickly added, "Next time, I’ll bring more for you."

"Just eat them yourself—don’t go hungry," Jin Niang said, touched by her son’s thoughtfulness.

Ning Geer then told her many stories about life at the academy. Jin Niang rarely overreacted, always analyzing things from her son’s perspective and offering praise where due.

She also mentioned, "You always sleep hugging that little horse I made for you. Since you refused to throw it away, I’ve repaired it. Remember to check on it later."

The little horse was his childhood keepsake, and she never believed that growing up meant discarding childhood toys.

Ning Geer then made a request: "If I get into the Imperial College, can I live at home? I really don’t want to stay in the dormitory anymore."

Seeing his hopeful expression, Jin Niang couldn’t help but nod. "Alright, I’ll grant you this small request."

Ning Geer was overjoyed.

Just then, Jiang Xian walked in, smiling. "What are you two talking about?"

Ning Geer made a playful face and slipped out, while Jin Niang turned to her husband. "How come you’re fine, but I’m suffering from 'internal heat' again?"

Jiang Xian didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. "I don’t know either."

"The warehouse profits arrived today. I was thinking that next year, we should buy a house with two courtyards and three wings. That way, if our sons ever decide to separate, they’ll both have a place to live," Jin Niang said with a smile.

Jiang Xian scratched his head. "Wife, you’re getting ahead of yourself. Our eldest isn’t even thirteen yet, and the youngest is only five."

Jin Niang looked at him and said, "Don’t assume that just because we’re older, we’ll have more money. The truth is, the time when one can earn big money is limited to just a few years. While we have the means, we should put money into property—nothing that would break the bank."

"Alright, I’ll listen to you," Jiang Xian replied, thinking that though their sons were still young, he could relate to their future struggles from his own hard experience.

Jin Niang’s family had already saved up nearly ninety percent of their daughter’s dowry, so there weren’t many extra expenses, and her mood was naturally quite good.

At lunch, Jin Niang’s meals always made everyone’s mouths water. Today, she was eating the stuffed buns her son had brought back. After just one bite, Ding Geer licked his lips eagerly and said, "Mom..."

Jin Niang chuckled. "This was given to me by your brother. Ask him if you can have a bite. If he agrees, I’ll share it with you."

Ding Geer immediately turned to Ning Geer, who, of course, agreed—partly because his mother had shown him respect. Seeing this, Jin Niang let her younger son take a bite of the bun. Ding Geer swallowed it and bobbed his head like he’d tasted ambrosia, making everyone laugh.

After the meal, Jin Niang and Yun Jieer turned to household management. Yun Jieer, who had once been Jin Niang’s little helper, was now almost capable of managing the household affairs on her own—going over the accounts, assigning tasks, and overseeing staff discipline.

As her mother often said, no one was born to handle great matters; it all started with small tasks and gradually accumulated.

"Mom, I’ve learned the Suzhou numerals for the warehouse accounts. Since these are just dividends and we’re not involved in the operations, I only skimmed through them. But this entry from the estate seems a bit off," Yun Jieer pointed out.

Jin Niang glanced at it, hummed in acknowledgment, and then had Luo Da summon the bailiff for questioning, giving him a proper dressing-down.

By the time the household matters were settled, it was already dark—winter brought early nights. Jin Niang had been saving furs for her daughter every year, planning to have an embroiderer make twelve pieces by the end of next year. Soon, their family would have more outfits than they could ever use, just like Jin Niang’s own wardrobe, which was already overflowing.

That night, as the couple settled in, Jiang Xian, whose feet were cold, insisted on placing them against Jin Niang’s legs. She kicked him lightly, and he put on a show of being wounded.

"Wife, you’re my personal warmer."

Jin Niang turned to face him. "But you shouldn’t freeze me like that."

Jiang Xian obediently replied, "I know I was wrong, alright?"

Jin Niang smiled and hugged him, then brought up another matter. "You mentioned wanting to transfer Yang Geer to the capital. He’s my own brother, and of course I want the best for him. But he must be competent for the position. Otherwise, if he’s not up to the job, disaster will follow."

If you can’t handle official duties but end up in a critical government office, you’ll have many enemies.

Jiang Xian laughed. "Don’t worry, it’s a junior seventh-rank post in the Ministry of Works."

"Really? That’s a capital official post—do you know how hard that is to get?" Jin Niang was well aware of the challenges.

Jiang Xian said, "I’ll have his back. Your brother is naturally skilled in these areas. But in officialdom, no matter how capable you are, without someone to recommend you, it’s impossible to advance."

Relying on the Zhang family was out of the question—they were just hereditary officials these days.

As for the Wei family, they didn’t know Wei Yang well enough. The best option was for Jiang Xian to help. Hearing this, Jin Niang also hoped Wei Yang would work hard and provide for his own household.

The next morning, the snow was coming down harder than ever. Meanwhile, Jiang Song from next door sent invitations to Yun Jieer and the Meng and Sun sisters to come over for a snow-viewing and poetry gathering.

Under Jin Niang’s guidance, the Jiang children couldn’t stand being idle. They preferred to snatch moments of free time amidst their busy lives, finding it far more enjoyable.

Yun Jieer, living nearby, finished embroidering the last pair of shoe uppers before donning her fur coat and with a servant holding an umbrella over her as she headed over.

Jin Niang reminded her, "Don’t let the cold get to you."

"Yes, Mother." With that, Yun Jieer headed off.

Young ladies seldom had much free time for idle play, and Jin Niang hoped her daughter could enjoy herself. She reclined on the couch with a book. In the afternoon, Yun Jieer returned, having won a prize.

Jin Niang asked, "Did you all have fun today?"

"It was fine. We didn’t focus much on winning or losing—everyone got a little something," Yun Jieer replied with a smile.

Jin Niang patted her daughter’s head. "Our children are always so tightly wound. It’s good for you to go out and play like this."

Jin Niang herself struggled to relax, and the children were much the same. She hoped her daughter could fare better than she had. But Yun Jieer said, "Mother, I think Jiang Song seems to have a bit of a rivalry with me."

"Oh? How so?" Jin Niang asked.

Yun Jieer chuckled. "I was the first to befriend the Meng sisters, and we get along well. As for the Sun sisters, Second Daughter Sun is very easygoing, while Eldest Miss Sun brings her younger sister out to socialize. She’s due to marry into the Meng family next year, so I helped introduce them. Miss Jiang didn’t seem pleased."

This subtle rivalry among women needed no words—it was plain to see.

Jin Niang didn’t press the matter. Even between parents and children, some privacy was necessary.

The Sun sisters, though, had quite the productive day. Not only did they bring back two pots of camellias, but they also got along well with their future sisters-in-law. As the Tang dynasty poet Wang Jian once wrote, *"Three days into the kitchen, washing hands to make soup. Unfamiliar with the mother-in-law’s taste, first let the sister-in-law try."*

Getting on good terms with sisters-in-law early beats making an enemy any day.

In the carriage, Second Daughter Sun said to her sister, "Eldest Sister, the second Miss Meng is quite straightforward, while the third is gentler—both seem easy to get along with. We should also thank Miss Jiang today. She helped introduce us and said many kind things about us."

"Foolish child, she has it all, so she can afford to be generous. When you have everything, you’ll be just as carefree."

The Sun family had pinched pennies for her dowry—furniture, jewelry, tea sets, tableware, even fabric for the bride’s new clothes—all costing a hefty sum.

But the Jiangs were clearly well-off, which gave them that air of ease.

As the saying goes, *"When the granary is full, one learns propriety."* When you’ve got it all, why sweat the small stuff?

Second Daughter Sun thought her sister had taken too bold a hand in settling her own match. Fortunately, their mother was open-minded, though she was now marrying a lesser-born man.

Now she envied Miss Jiang, not realizing it was this very match that kept her father climbing the ranks.

The Sun sisters later visited Zhou Si, who was busy calculating expenses. The New Year gifts had cost quite a bit, and when Third Madam Zhou saw that she had given her daughter chicken-wing wood, she lectured at length. Even common gentry families used red sandalwood, yet here was an official’s family with a shabby dowry, inviting ridicule. Reluctantly, she had to switch to red sandalwood.

The whole ordeal spoiled her New Year.

Jin Niang, too, was busy—mostly sewing her daughter’s wedding gown. Thanks to Jin Niang’s planning, Yun Jieer had this year off from needlework to rest. She even hired a renowned physician to check her daughter’s pulse—many women had poor blood circulation and needed fortifying tonics.

The wedding was set for next March, still a year away, but time flew quickly.

By then, Jin Niang had already beaded the hems of the undergarments and begun cutting the outer sleeves. While she worked, Yun Jieer helped tutor Ding Geer with his studies, easing her mother’s burden.

"Your hair’s looking better after all this rest," Jin Niang remarked with a smile.

Yun Jieer laughed. "It’s all because you made me drink sesame tea every morning and jump rope. I feel full of energy now."

Jin Niang was relieved. "Don’t turn out like me—aching from sitting too much. Oh, I’ve spoken to Hui Zhu—she’ll teach you how to make crab-stuffed oranges. It’s a specialty dish, something only you’ll know."

"That sounds wonderful, but why would she part with her secret recipe?" Yun Jieer wondered.

Jin Niang smiled. "Hui Zhu wants to convert her temporary contract to a permanent one. Once she’s bound to our household, there’s no reason to hold back."

Now understanding, Yun Jieer realized her mother had also mastered many skills over time. With nothing else to do, she sought out Hui Zhu, who, eager to curry favor, even taught her to pickle duck eggs and make spicy preserves.

"Miss, don't underestimate my spicy preserved vegetables. I used to cook for a wealthy family where they had lost their appetite, and it was all thanks to my spicy preserved vegetables that kept them eating," Hui Zhu now considered herself part of the Jiang family and naturally had Yun Jieer's best interests at heart.

Jin Niang also approved of her daughter learning this skill. The spicy preserved vegetables were quite similar to the Sichuan-style pickled vegetables from her past life—absolutely delicious.

As for pickling duck eggs, some turn out too salty, while others have a strong fishy taste. Mastering the art of pickling duck eggs is no easy feat.

Hui Zhu's secret was adding cabbage: "The cabbage turns the radish pink, a very pretty color. Also, some people casually add water at the final step—that won’t do. You must use boiled water that’s been cooled, so it doesn’t develop white scum."

Yun Jieer quickly took notes. After seven days, she took them out and had Ju Xiang stir-fry beef with the spicy preserved vegetables. Wow, it was so flavorful! Jin Niang even sent a plate to her eldest son at the prefectural school as a little treat.

"Mother, I never thought such ordinary side dishes could taste so wonderful," Yun Jieer said, surprised herself.

Jin Niang laughed. "What are you saying? Food isn’t about status—it’s all about personal taste. You don’t have to do everything yourself, though. Chun Xian has already learned these skills from them."

But even if the kitchen maids knew how, the lady of the house shouldn’t be clueless about household tasks. Just as Jin Niang had seamstresses at home, her own embroidery was far more refined.

Understanding her mother’s meaning, Yun Jieer also learned from Hui Zhu how to pickle duck eggs. First, connoisseurs knew that the choice of duck eggs mattered—speckled ducks’ green-shelled eggs were best.

But the most crucial part was the ratio of mud slurry to wood ash. After kneading it well, the mixture was placed in a jar for a month and a half.

"So does that mean we won’t get to taste Yun Jieer’s pickled duck eggs until the month after next?" Jin Niang asked.

Yun Jieer nodded with a smile.

After a month and a half, Jin Niang finished the wedding dress and finally breathed a sigh of relief—her hard work hadn’t been in vain. The gown, paired with an exquisite shoulder crown, looked stunningly luxurious.

Yun Jieer couldn’t take her eyes off the dress. Jin Niang added, "I’ve been embroidering this for years for you. I’ll need two of your duck eggs as payment!"

"You can have the whole jar, Mother," Yun Jieer quickly said, calling for Hui Zhu.

Just then, Wei Qilang returned from outside. He was at the gate when Madam Song and Jiang Song, who were visiting the Meng family, spotted him. They were about to speak when Wei Qilang walked straight into the Jiang residence next door.

Madam Song hadn’t expected them to have any connection. She had been fretting over how to approach the Wei family—talk about luck—no effort needed!

Rumor had it that the Complete Fortune Matron in Bianjing commanded a high fee, but her family wasn’t short on money. Last time, Wei Jinniang had brought up the matter of being a Complete Fortune Matron to Madam Meng, proving she wasn’t above chasing money. If Madam Song could tempt her with money and have Wei Jinniang make introductions, that would be perfect.

Unable to resist, Madam Song asked Madam Meng, "Is Mrs. Jiang close with Grand Academician Wei’s family? I just saw Wei Qilang from the Wei household enter her home."

Madam Meng giggled behind her hand. "What are you talking about? Grand Academician Wei is Wei Jinniang’s cousin, and Wei Qilang is her soon-to-be son-in-law—they’re getting married next year."

"What?" Madam Song was floored.