Chapter 141

Chapter 141

For outsiders, a son being admitted to the National University might not seem like a big deal, but for the Jiang family, it was a major event. Though Jin Niang acted casual to outsiders, she prepared a feast for her own family, inviting everyone to celebrate Ning Geer’s achievement.

In the blink of an eye, Ning Geer had turned thirteen, looking more like a young adult. Today was his special day, and Jinniang had even stayed up late to make him a new beizi, bursting with pride for him.

Luo Yue arrived early, and Jinniang said to her, "Mother and Father should stay for a while this time. The countryside may be peaceful, but it can get lonely. The Winter Solstice Festival is coming soon—why not spend it with us?"

At their son’s home, Luo Yue and Wei Xiong often felt constrained, but at their daughter’s, they felt much more at ease. Seeing Yun Jieer chime in, "Grandmother, please stay! I’ve missed you," Luo Yue softened.

Jiang Xian added, "Indeed, I’m often away during the day. Having Father and Mother here will help keep the home lively, and we can all enjoy each other’s company."

"You two can visit the gardens during the day, eat at nice restaurants, and when my husband has a day off, we can all go out together. Doesn’t that sound wonderful?" Jinniang said with a smile.

Thus, Luo Yue and Wei Xiong agreed. They had always lived with Jinniang for long periods anyway. This time, Jinniang arranged for them to stay in a three-room cottage in the garden. Now that she had more free time—her daughter’s dowry prepared, her son admitted to the National University, and her younger son studying diligently—she felt she’d checked off all her duties.

Nearby, Zhang Pingjun watched Jiang Xian thoughtfully, wondering how he handled his in-laws. Observing him, whether he meant it or not, his demeanor was far more enthusiastic than hers.

How does he put up with it?

She didn’t understand.

Yet some things couldn’t be voiced. Zhang Pingjun could only say, "Sister, this is too much trouble for you."

"What trouble? I told you before your wedding. You and your husband can live on your own, and when Father and Mother want company, they can stay with me. If they prefer peace, they can return to the countryside for a few days." Jinniang laughed, brushing it off like it was nothing.

Only then did Zhang Pingjun realize that Jinniang had truly meant well for her back then.

Once the banquet ended, the guests gradually departed.

Jinniang first got her parents settled in, then said to Yun Jieer, "Our estate in Suzhou grows mulberry fields, so we receive undyed silk every year. For your estate in Luoyang, you could buy a few looms and have the women produce a fixed amount of cloth annually. After dyeing, some can be tailored for the servants, and they can keep or sell the extra—it benefits everyone."

Her daughter was set to marry next March, just six months away. She had to teach her everything she knew.

"Mother, I understand," Yun Jieer replied cheerfully.

Jinniang reflected that though she had gone through tough times after crossing over—struggling and persevering until her twenties—she was fortunate to have a good husband and children.

Still, she cautioned her daughter, "When you first enter the Wei family, adapt to their customs and get Qi Lang on your side. That way, no matter what you do later, you won’t be left isolated. Otherwise, no matter how skilled you are, if you don’t earn their trust, no one will listen to you."

This was wisdom from experience, and Yun Jieer took it to heart.

Meanwhile, Zhou Si had finally prepared most of her daughter’s dowry. Her husband, Sun Shichen, had recently been promoted to the rank of Left Court Minister of the Grand Court of Judicial Review (a mid-ranking judicial official).

However, she had nearly exhausted her savings. She had originally wanted to keep her daughter at home a few more years, but as the saying goes, you can’t hold back a daughter ready to marry—she had no choice.

Just as she was thinking this, Song Niangzi arrived, and Zhou Si rose to greet her.

"Sister Song, what brings you here? You should have sent word ahead—I could have made arrangements."

Song Niangzi mused how those who once flattered her had all changed. Wei Jinniang was one thing, but even Zhou Si was different now.

But she had no choice. Her husband was like a hidden dragon in the abyss, needing a patron—and that someone had to be introduced to Jiang Fang through Zhou Si.

Zhou Si was no fool. Jiang Fang was gifted but cutting; he hardly lifted a finger for his own kin. Her husband only maintained surface-level ties with him, but outsiders didn’t know this, so Sun Shichen could still get by.

How could she introduce someone else to him under these circumstances?

Thus, Zhou Si dodged the subject all along, leaving Song Niangzi no choice but to depart in a huff.

After Madam Song left, Eldest Miss Sun approached and asked, "Mother, why didn’t Eldest Miss Jiang come?"

"How should I know? Last time she said she was ill. She was perfectly fine before—who knows what happened?" Madam Zhou Si also found it strange.

Eldest Miss Sun seemed to have a hunch: "Last time, she asked me about Eldest Miss Jiang’s fiancé. Could she have taken an interest in Wei Qilang?"

Madam Zhou Si suddenly recalled—Madam Song had specifically asked about Wei Jinniang and the Wei family's connections. She couldn't help but admire her daughter’s keen insight, as if she had eyes that saw through everything.

"Does Eldest Miss Jiang know about this?"

That was the key question.

Eldest Miss Sun smiled. "Even if she knew, she would pretend not to. Eldest Miss Jiang can't influence anything—why bother paying attention to her?"

They simply weren’t on the same level. The Jiang family had long been in decline, while the Wei family was rising like the morning sun.

Every three years, officials underwent evaluations. Jiang Xian had previously served as a fourth-rank attendant in the Baohe Hall, a close aide to the emperor. Though not a staunch ally of Prefect Shen, he often completed tasks assigned by him most efficiently. Moreover, his excellent calligraphy and literary talent allowed him to remain in the position of Baohe Hall attendant even after Grand Academician Wei was promoted to Right Remonstrance Minister and Deputy Military Commissioner. Now, Jiang Xian concurrently held the post of Prefect of Kaifeng.

Jin Niang also understood that this was likely the peak of State Councilor Shen’s power in recent years, hence the rapid promotions of both Jiang Xian and Jiang Fang. This time, Jin Niang and the late Madam Jiang Liu were both granted the third-rank title of Shuren.

Guests streamed in continuously to offer congratulations, including the rarely seen Madam Song, who brought her daughter Jiang Song. In truth, if not for being neighbors, Jin Niang probably wouldn’t have received her.

"Madam, Madam Wei and your son-in-law have arrived," A Ying reported.

At the word "son-in-law," Jiang Song froze momentarily. However, Jin Niang said, "Madam Song, my sister-in-law has arrived. Please excuse me."

Qing Rong was already preparing to see the guests out. Madam Song felt bitter inside—a fallen phoenix is worse than a chicken—and prepared to leave with her daughter. In the front corridor, they naturally encountered Madam Wei and her daughters-in-law. Seeing her daughter’s infatuated gaze, Madam Song inwardly sighed, "Silly girl, silly girl."

In the past, Jin Niang and her family had looked up to the Wei family. But now, with Jiang Xian serving as Prefect of Kaifeng, even if not entirely equal, Jin Niang no longer needed to defer.

"Sister-in-law, welcome," Jin Niang greeted at the door.

Madam Wei mused that since the marriage alliance, Jiang Xian had risen to the third-rank position. Her judgment had indeed been correct.

Since Madam Wei had come, Jin Niang called Yun Jieer out. Blushing slightly, Yun Jieer appeared.

Over the past year, Jin Niang had nurtured her daughter like tending a flower—ensuring she rested and ate well, and frequently sent her out for exercise. Even Madam Wei couldn’t take her eyes off her.

"The young lady has blossomed."

Yun Jieer replied, "You’re too kind. I’ll go prepare tea for you."

The ladies covered their mouths and laughed. Outside, Yun Jieer breathed in relief. Her current goal was to live independently after marriage, just like her mother, and bring her parents to live with her—nothing could be happier.

To her surprise, she met Wei Qilang in the corridor, who had come with Ning Geer. Although Jin Niang maintained a strict household, they were family, so there was no need for avoidance. Recalling her mother’s words, Yun Jieer realized she hadn’t paid much attention to Wei Qilang before. But if she married into the Wei family, she would first need an ally. She shot him a meaningful glance.

Wei Qilang wondered whether he had done something wrong.

The cousins came to greet them. Jin Niang and Madam Wei happily sent them to the garden to entertain guests—after all, a son-in-law is half a son.

Meanwhile, Madam Wei asked Luo Yue, "Dear in-law, why haven’t you visited us since returning?"

Nearby, Zhang Pingjun noticed how highly Madam Wei regarded her mother-in-law and realized she had forgotten—one might say that although the Wei dowry was modest, they were now connected by marriage. Moreover, the dowry belonged entirely to her, and she was now an official’s wife. It wasn’t a bad match at all.

That’s how people are—living together often bred friction, but now that they were apart, she felt guilty toward her in-laws, thinking herself unfilial and a poor daughter-in-law.

Luo Yue never criticized her family publicly. She merely smiled and said, "We’re getting on in years. Besides visiting Jin Niang and her brother, going anywhere else tires us out. It’s nice that you’ve come to my daughter’s home—we can meet here."

"You raised a devoted daughter," Madam Wei said, giving Zhang Pingjun a meaningful look.

Clearly, although Jin Niang didn't speak of it openly, Madam Wei, sharp as she was, saw through it at a glance. If the daughter-in-law were truly filial, how could she still be living at her daughter's home?

However, she also knew that this marriage had been a match between a poor scholar marrying into a wealthy family. Fortunately, the Wei family had raised a sensible daughter like Mrs. Jiang, who understood propriety, so there was no bad blood between them.

Luo Yue chuckled, "Indeed, I raised this daughter like a boy from the start."

Amid the laughter and cheer here, the Jiang household was enveloped in gloom. Zhuangyuan Jiang had just arrived, but his influence had long waned. Jiang Xian treated him no differently than before, yet he found himself stuck at the lowest seat—even the physician Meng across the street was seated ahead of him.

Mrs. Jiang had to console her husband while also speaking to her daughter. She said in frustration, "In a few days, we’d rather offer a larger dowry to secure a match with a scholar. At least things won’t turn out too badly."

Yet even Mrs. Jiang knew that sons of officials had far better connections and smoother career paths than those from humble backgrounds. Back then, Jiang Xian lacked not connections but money, which was why he married Wei Jinniang. Thanks to this, his status never declined, and his career flourished, leaving him in high spirits.

Little did they know, though Jin Niang and Jiang Xian were happy, both had their own plans.

Earlier in the year, they had viewed two houses with three sections, but neither suited them. It wasn’t until after the Winter Stove Festival that the property agent found a house near the Imperial Academy. As the wife of the Prefect of Kaifeng, Jin Niang was not someone the agent dared to offend—he knew better than to rip her off. The house was secured for 2,300 taels, and he even recommended an affordable decorator.

Jin Niang spent another 200 strings of cash on renovations and commissioned furniture from carpenters. She didn’t relax until the deed was in her hands.

"Now, even if our family divides in the future, we’ll have no worries. For now, let’s not rent it out. Send Fang Ma and her nephew over to look after the place."

Back then, Fang Ma had been chosen to accompany them on assignments—first because she was an old retainer of the late Sixth Madam Jiang, and second because she was a sharp old hand.

But after more than a decade, Fang Ma had aged, now in her sixties, always sore somewhere. Jin Niang didn’t have the heart to keep working her, especially since she now had A Ying and Qing Rong—both literate and capable—as her new attendants. Thus, assigning Fang Ma to oversee the new house was the best arrangement.

She wouldn’t have to work and would still earn two qian a month.

By the time Fang Ma moved into the new house, the Laba Festival had already passed.

As the weather turned cold, Luo Yue and Wei Xiong rarely ventured out, preferring to stay indoors. Jiang Yun, however, was strictly forbidden from leaving—she was to marry next spring, and better safe than sorry. If she grew bored, Luo Yue would visit, and they would play cards or chat.

Today, a light snow was falling over Bianjing, and the main hall was lively. Jin Niang had a small pot of pear soup and two kinds of pastries by her side. Jiang Yun smiled and said, "Mother, the moment I get a pimple, you prepare this—it’s like you read my mind."

Jin Niang glanced at her daughter and couldn’t help teasing, "You always know how to sweet-talk me. Why couldn’t you say anything nice when Madam Wei was here?"

Jiang Yun blushed slightly. "Mother, you’re teasing me again."

Luo Yue came to her granddaughter’s defense. "Originally, this marriage was considered us marrying up, but now it’s no longer the case. Our Yun Jieer is doing just fine."

"Regardless, we mustn’t forget the kindness shown to us. Back then, your father held a low rank, yet they still agreed to the marriage—it was a sign of respect for us." Jin Niang believed that for men, such gratitude lay in their careers, while for women—unless, like her, they had opportunities like the Embroidery Academy—marriage was often the only path to changing their fate.

Jiang Yun nodded in agreement. "You’re right." But she didn’t want to dwell on herself and quickly switched topics. "Mother, I heard Eldest Miss Sun is marrying into the Meng family this month. I wonder how that will turn out."

Hearing her mention Eldest Miss Sun, Jin Niang realized how quickly time had flown.

Zhou Si felt the same way. After preparing her dowry, she was worn out but relieved it was done. Yet the thought of her eldest daughter leaving soon made her dread the day.

Eldest Miss Sun consoled her younger sister, Second Daughter Sun, "Don’t get too choosy. While Uncle and Aunt are willing to arrange a match for us, choose a well-off family to marry into—it’s a way to land on your feet."

As children, they didn’t want to criticize their mother, but sometimes she seemed wise one minute, while other times she was stubborn and naive.

She often said it wasn’t good for daughters to remain unmarried, but if they stayed single, wouldn’t they eventually get the side-eye from their sister-in-law? Once their parents passed, wouldn’t they be driven out?

If they truly remained unmarried, they’d need a backup plan.

Jiang Yun’s younger brother had entered the Imperial Academy at thirteen, and another brother could later secure an official post through hereditary privilege. With brothers in office and the family thriving, feeding a few extra mouths wouldn’t be an issue.

But Second Daughter Sun retorted, "Sister, I’m still young—what’s the rush? That Madam Meng doesn’t seem easy to get along with, and Meng Sanlang is a concubine’s son. Once you marry in, you’ll likely face mistreatment."

She had no interest in marrying a concubine’s son—people loved to mock such origins, throwing around "concubine’s brat," didn’t they?

Eldest Miss Sun was cut off by her younger sister and pursed her lips, saying no more.

On the twelfth day of the twelfth lunar month, Eldest Miss Sun’s dowry was delivered first, drawing the attention of the entire street. People naturally love a spectacle, and A Ying was no exception. She returned from watching and shook her head. "Just thirty-six dowry chests total. Madam Meng's face fell, unhappy with how little she brought."

"That can’t be. Xiang Ming told me that when Old Lady Zhou passed away, she left Fourth Miss Zhou quite a few valuable things," Jin Niang remarked.

A Ying chuckled. "I heard their family bought a house and spent all their money. You wouldn’t believe it—she only has two sets of jewelry. One looks decent, but the other has just eight pieces, and one gold coronet is practically weightless."

People loved making such comparisons, especially with the Meng family having three sons, making the comparisons even more brutal.

But Zhou Si’s dowry was downright pathetic...

"Did she bring any land as dowry?" Jin Niang asked, puzzled.

A Ying shook her head. "Seems not."

Even Yun Jieer piped up, "Mother, don’t you know? Even Third Miss Meng, who’s a daughter born to a concubine, was given three hundred mu of dowry land. Though Second Miss Meng received premium farmland in Kaifeng while Third Miss Meng only got lower to mid-grade land, at least it's something to boast about."

Jin Niang sighed. "Indeed, the Meng family at least maintains an appearance of fairness. How could the Sun family be like this?"

Meanwhile, Madam Meng complained to Meng Dalang at home, "And you praised the Suns as a scholarly family, relatives of high officials—yet this dowry is embarrassingly meager."

Meng Dalang countered, "Counting a bride's dowry is vulgar. What matters is the girl’s character."

Madam Meng had initially thought the Suns weren’t wealthy, but such a paltry dowry wounded her pride. Hearing Meng Dalang’s pretentious moralizing, she nearly laughed. Every single thing in this household required money—even the inkstone on his desk cost a hundred strings.

Refinement costs money.

Despite Madam Meng’s grumbling, Eldest Miss Sun was married into the family the next day with all the usual pomp. Jin Niang attended for a toast, though Yun Jieer naturally stayed out of sight—gentlefolk shouldn't demean themselves, especially at such a crucial time.

Meanwhile, Lady Song brought her daughter Jiang Song along. After all, the Mengs were mid-ranking officials with imperial relatives, attracting many distinguished guests.

Jin Niang, as the wife of the Prefect of Kaifeng, sat at the head table, while Lady Song was seated at a secondary table. Her proud daughter Jiang Song was scrutinized by the wives of fifth and sixth-rank officials, some even pawing at her for inspection. Lady Song could barely endure it, let alone her proud daughter.

Both Jin Niang and Yun Jieer had endured such treatment before. These busybodies were unbearable, treating girls like merchandise. Jin Niang stepped in to help. "Lady Yi, with so many daughters of your own, must you still eye other people's?"

Lady Yi laughed. "I just can't resist good gossip!"

"This year, let’s not overlap our banquet dates like last time. We should each pick a separate day," Jin Niang smoothly changed the subject.

Everyone agreed.

Jin Niang reflected on how privilege brought comfort, but for someone like Lady Song, who had fallen in status, it must be unbearable. Truly, it was easy to adapt to luxury but hard to return to simplicity.

Pushing the thought further, she realized that as a third-rank noblewoman, her household thrived like flowers in bloom and fire fed with oil. But if she ever fell from grace, she'd have to keep her composure.

At dusk, Meng Sanlang welcomed Eldest Miss Sun into the household. Jin Niang noted that Meng Sanlang was better looking than his elder brother, thinking the deceased Lady Huang—though she'd never seen her—must have been quite the beauty.

After the newlyweds made their bows, Jin Niang left the Meng residence. At her doorstep, she unexpectedly saw Jiang Xian.

"What are you doing here?" she asked with a smile.

Jiang Xian stepped forward. "Since becoming Prefect of Kaifeng, I’ve had to balance not offending nobles above while solving commoners’ problems below. Scarcely a moment to myself. Luckily, I stole a moment today."

With him, Jin Niang never put on airs. She dished the latest news, mentioning the neighboring Miss Jiang. "Thank goodness we secured our daughter’s marriage early. Otherwise, she’d be looked over like market goods—how pitiful."

Jiang Xian had a different view. "Being noticed means there’s still hope. If you're not worth a second look, that’s true sorrow."

"That's true." Jin Niang reflected that everyone sees things differently.

And then there was Jiang Song—she went home and cried all over again. As for Eldest Miss Sun, though Madam Meng left her waiting for a while on the first day of the marriage, she still greeted her with a smile, showing no trace of resentment.

Eldest Miss Sun’s maid was indignant on her behalf: "Madam, you treated them with such respect and even personally made so many needlework gifts, yet she still played the mother-in-law card."

To the maid’s surprise, Eldest Miss Sun smiled and said, "This just proves my mother-in-law is the type who doesn’t hide her feelings. Besides, she’s given me everything she should. That’s still better than dealing with backstabbers."

The maid suddenly understood: "That’s actually quite true."

Eldest Miss Sun continued, "With an overly shrewd mother-in-law, you’d only ever be the one being schemed against—never the one doing the scheming. You can’t win against someone like that, and as a daughter-in-law, you’d just have to swallow your grievances."

Moreover, after marrying Meng Sanlang the day before, she discovered that he was indeed quite learned, and the furnishings in his room were elegant. Clearly, though he was a son born of a concubine, he hadn’t been treated harshly in daily life.

In this marriage, she cared not for appearances but for substance. Once Meng Sanlang aced the imperial exams and became an official, she could seek recommendations from her uncle. With the backing of imperial relatives, his future would rely on her family. For now, she could endure a little cold treatment.

Jiang Yun was the tricky one—Madam Wei didn’t miss a trick.