Chapter 142

Chapter 142

Before the Little New Year, Zhang Pingjun brought her in-laws to stay with her for the New Year celebrations, claiming she had arranged everything perfectly at home. Jin Niang remarked to Luo Yue, "Living right next to each other, you're both highly sought after. But if you truly devote yourselves wholeheartedly to others, they’ll take advantage of you and stop valuing you."

Luo Yue felt a pang of sadness upon hearing this, thinking how deeply her daughter cared for them.

She always considered their needs before they even voiced them.

In the past, they had assumed that owning a house and living with their son and daughter-in-law would suffice—after all, that was how things had been done for centuries. But now, with their own land, they could retreat to their estate whenever they pleased. When they returned to the countryside, they could bring local produce back to the capital, and it always made them feel more dignified.

After seeing her parents off, she welcomed Ning Geer back home. Since turning thirteen, Ning Geer had grown like a weed.

"Mother, it’s so much warmer at home," Ning Geer said with a smile.

Originally, Ning Geer had planned to stay at the National Academy for a few days before returning home, and Jin Niang had agreed. But after a few days, he decided he shouldn’t seek special treatment and chose to remain at the academy.

Jin Niang chuckled, "Come here and sit down. Let’s have a warm cup of almond tea."

Ning Geer, feeling parched, drank the almond tea in one gulp—it wasn’t overly sweet but had a pleasant aftertaste. Wiping his mouth hastily with a handkerchief, he grinned, "You see, our dorm supervisor at the academy has to go out to buy firewood. I’ve often heard you talk about household expenses, so I can tell what’s expensive and what’s cheap."

Hall Prefects and dorm supervisors at the National Academy often had to purchase food and charcoal for their fellow students, which served as good training.

Still, Jin Niang asked, "You’re still young. Does your dorm supervisor really take you along?"

"You see, when the end-of-term exams approach, everyone’s too busy studying to bother with these tasks. I got roped into helping! But it’s nice to get a break." Ning Geer recalled how some students at the academy spent their time carousing, hardly acting like scholars.

If they came from wealthy families, it might be excusable, but some came from poor backgrounds yet blew their family's money on such vices.

As mother and son chatted happily, Ding Geer arrived, followed by Yun Jieer, who carried a hand warmer. The room soon filled with laughter and lively conversation.

Yun Jieer felt happy and content, but once she stepped outside, she felt a pang of sadness. In just a few days after the New Year, she would be wed. The Wei household would never be as warm as her own, even though it was the place she knew best outside her family home.

Since childhood, she had studied at the Wei residence, and over the years, their families had exchanged frequent visits during festivals.

Yet the atmosphere in the Wei household was entirely different—far more formal, with strict hierarchies between parents and children, emphasizing respect and order.

Would she ever feel as at ease there as she did at home?

Take Song Niangzi, for example. Once the proud daughter of the Song family, she had never tolerated discomfort from others. But after the Song family’s downfall, even minor grievances from old political enemies were magnified. The Song descendants could only live as idle rich, and those who clung to past arrogance harmed not only others but themselves.

Even Song Niangzi now sat at the lowest seat, and someone as proud as Jiang Song had to soften her edges.

After the Little New Year, New Year’s Eve arrived swiftly.

The door gods and couplets on the gates were refreshed, and the old peachwood talismans were replaced with new ones.

Jiang Xian was reading in his study. In the past, he had studied for status, but now he read purely for pleasure. Hu Tou entered carrying a tray with a plate of spring pancakes paper-thin and a dish of cold bean sprouts.

Though he indulged in rich foods, he exercised restraint—after a day of heavy meals, he would eat lightly for the next three days.

Noticing Hu Tou setting down the dishes, he asked, "What is my lady having?"

"My lady is having congee with greens and meat with a few side dishes and a fried dumpling," Hu Tou replied.

They always fetched their meals from the main kitchen, so everything was open.

Jiang Xian nodded. "Then bring me some congee with greens and meat as well."

Hu Tou hurried out, thinking to himself that the master was copying the lady’s habits more and more these days—whatever she did, he did the same. It was ridiculous.

After lunch, he went to the main chamber and saw his wife quietly sketching floral patterns, as calm as still water.

"Darling, you’ve only rested for half a year, and now you’re back to needlework?" Jiang Xian asked with a smile.

Jin Niang replied, "You don’t realize how fashions have changed from before. Look, the collar panels used to be most beautiful when fully embroidered, but now they’re trimmed with gold and small floral motifs along the edges, making them look delicate."

Delicate yet still exuding luxury—that was the current fashion.

Though Jiang Xian loved fine food and elegant attire, he now wore official robes all day and only sought comfort and simplicity at home. Hearing Jin Niang’s description, he quickly said, "Darling, make one for me too."

"If I’d known, I wouldn’t have mentioned it. You always do this. Whenever I say something tastes good, you say, 'Darling, I love it too, buy some for me.' If I mention a pretty outfit, you ask me to make one for you," Jin Niang said with playful irritation.

Jiang Xian laughed and hugged her. "That’s because I have the best wife in the world."

Jin Niang gave him a scolding look but couldn’t stay mad at him.

This year, they didn’t go to the ancestral home for New Year’s Eve, celebrating just their own little family. Yet Jin Niang didn’t feel lonely at all—instead, she was delighted. This was their true little home.

But when she looked at her daughter, her heart twinged slightly. "Yun Jieer, this is your last New Year’s Eve at home. In the future—"

Yun Jieer also hung her head, disheartened.

Then her mother added, "In the future, bring a son-in-law home for New Year’s."

Yun Jieer burst into laughter.

Jiang Xian, however, interjected, "Darling, don’t talk nonsense. If the Wei family hears, Wei Qilang might be barred from visiting us."

Jin Niang raised an eyebrow. "That’s up to our daughter’s charm."

The Wei family, on the other hand, was merry for New Year’s Eve. Fan Shi and Wang Shi were serving dishes to their mother-in-law when Madam Wei said, "You may sit down now."

Fan Shi cheerfully added, "Madam, next year, our family will have a new member, and you’ll have one more person to attend to you. But if anyone’s happiest, it must be Seventh Brother."

Rarely did Madam Wei tease her son, but she remarked, "These days, he’s stopped eating beef and lamb, calling them 'rich foods'—afraid too much will cause breakouts."

"Our Seventh Brother was already handsome, and now with such meticulous care, his bride-to-be might pale in comparison," Fan Shi said playfully, though she was older, her temperament was livelier.

Wang Shi simply smiled without comment.

Wei Qilang was indeed very particular about his appearance. Though he didn’t go as far as applying powder, he ensured his hair and clothes were immaculate, his face clean—he owned about ten bottles of just face washes.

On this New Year’s Eve, he went all out with his appearance.

This wasn’t always the case. It was only after staying with the Jiang family years ago that he noticed how Jiang Xian carried himself—his clothes always perfectly pressed, his accessories impeccably matched. It was then he realized men could also indulge in grooming.

No wonder Jiang Xian was praised wherever he went as a man like a celestial being.

Not long after the New Year, Yun Jieer would marry into the family. If he usually took good care of himself but broke out right before the wedding, it would be disastrous. Counting on his fingers, in less than two months, he’d have a wife.

Compared to Wei Qilang’s joy and Yun Jieer’s bittersweet farewell, Eldest Miss Sun knew firsthand the hardships of being a daughter-in-law. It wasn’t that Madam Meng mistreated her, but custom demanded that a daughter-in-law was subordinate to her mother-in-law. Enduring grievances without complaint was considered virtuous—talking back, even when justified, was unacceptable.

These festive days brought joy to the men but left the women scrambling.

Even Lin Shi, a noblewoman from a prestigious family, was humble and eager to please before Madam Meng. She had no room to complain.

On the second day of the New Year, she returned to her parents’ home with Meng Sanlang. Zhou Si, upon seeing her daughter, burst into happy tears. "My dear child, you’re home at last. Your father and I have long waited for you."

"Mother, these are top-grade bird’s nest and red ginseng, a package of each. You can have the bird's nest for daily nourishment, and use the red ginseng when stewing chicken soup—both are excellent," said Eldest Miss Sun.

These items had been scarce in the household for a long time due to Eldest Miss Sun's dowry preparations.

Though Zhou Si was born into a middle-ranking official family like the Zhous, the early years after her marriage were tough before Sun Shichen passed the imperial exams. They relied entirely on the Sun family's support, spending hundreds of strings of cash annually on rented housing. After finally passing the exams, expenses for gatherings, networking, and travel costs also consumed a considerable amount of money. In the years since becoming an official, though there were occasional surpluses, household expenses were high, and after buying a house, they were nearly broke.

Then came their daughter's dowry preparations—500 strings of cash had to be spent upfront, not to mention clothing, jewelry, furniture, and utensils. It was a huge strain.

Yet, even these items were seen as paltry by the Meng family. Eldest Miss Sun wouldn’t mention this to her mother to avoid making her feel guilty. No matter what, her mother had already given her the best.

On the third day of the new year, Jin Niang's family hosted an opera banquet. Performances like singing, acrobatics, and storytelling had been booked long before the new year. All that was left was for the kitchen to prepare chickens and lamb. The chickens now came from their own estate, the lamb was bought from Hexi, and the wine was, as usual, ordered from Huixian Tower—there was no helping it, as Huixian Tower knew how to run a business. They would send a new jar of wine whenever they had something fresh, unlike other shops that only sought to take advantage of loyal customers.

Neighbors like Madam Meng arrived early to help. Though Madam Meng wasn’t on good terms with most people, she had a good relationship with Jin Niang.

Jin Niang also had her mother and younger siblings helping, and Wei Qilang had arrived early as well. Everyone even had a meal together beforehand.

"Sister, I specially brought some tangerine-peel duck. It’s a family heirloom recipe, and everyone who’s tried it says it’s excellent," Zhang Pingjun said with a smile.

Most women, after marriage, tend to adopt a mindset where they feel their status is higher as daughters of their birth family. But for Jin Niang, she was her own pillar of strength. To put it bluntly, she once thought having a brother would elevate the family’s standing, but later, when others' sons excelled in their studies, that issue became irrelevant.

When Zhang Pingjun took Luo Yue home that day, her sister-in-law had subtly reminded her: "Getting Yang Geer transferred to Bianjing was your brother-in-law’s doing. We don’t need your thanks, but you should still offer some tokens of gratitude to the higher-ups in the Ministry of Works. Otherwise, people won’t blame you—they’ll blame us."

On the surface, she was talking about the Ministry of Works officials, but in reality, she meant Jiang Xian.

You don’t have to thank me, but you must thank Jiang Xian.

Thus, Zhang Pingjun and Wei Yang prepared Jiang Xian’s favorite tea, a set of high-quality scholar’s treasures, and specially selected silk for Jin Niang. True to her word, Jin Niang declined the gifts meant for herself and only accepted Jiang Xian’s.

The sister-in-law she once remembered, when the two families interacted merely as acquaintances, seemed gentle-faced and capable. But upon closer contact, she realized this woman was decisive and unyielding, seemingly indifferent to outsiders’ opinions—she was the undisputed matriarch of her household.

Snapping back to the present, everyone was socializing with Madam Meng, and Eldest Miss Sun was naturally among them. Her usually critical mother-in-law was fawning over Mrs. Jiang, and the topic turned to fish.

"Shad is delicious too. In another month or two, our bailiff will deliver some. You can come over and enjoy it then. Southerners really know how to prepare fish well," Jin Niang said with a smile, remembering she had already instructed Manor Manager Fan and others to arrive earlier this year.

Though Dou Yuan and Ru Yan wouldn’t be coming, Jin Niang had personally written to them.

Madam Meng smiled. "Then I’ll be benefiting from your kindness."

"As the saying goes, a close neighbor is better than a far-off relative. It’s only natural," Jin Niang replied with a laugh.

The group chatted in the main hall, and soon Madam Fan, Madam Wei, and Madam Shen arrived—all high-ranking power brokers in the capital. Jin Niang was related to Madam Wei, had old ties with the Shen family, and Madam Fan was a relative by marriage. Moreover, Jiang Xian was close with Academician Fan.

Among them, Jin Niang always kept a respectful junior’s demeanor and never meddled in others' affairs. Their presence was an honor, but she didn’t grovel before them like others might. Keeping a friendly distance was best—getting too involved could easily lead to unnecessary trouble.

Yun Jieer made a brief appearance before retreating inside, and everyone understood. As a new bride, it wasn’t appropriate for her to socialize too much.

At such a prestigious gathering, Xu Shi naturally couldn’t be bothered to attend, sending only her daughter-in-law Xiao Wu Shi instead. She complained endlessly to Ge Ma: "As an uncle, he won’t lift a finger to help his nephew. If it weren’t for my husband back then, could he have been transferred to the capital? He doesn’t show an ounce of gratitude."

Ge Ma also felt indignant. Sixth Uncle Jiang and his wife had long lived under the main branch’s care, relying on their support, while the younger uncle and his wife lived freely. Now that the younger uncle had risen to Kaifeng Prefect—a high-ranking third-grade official—he completely turned a blind eye to his own nephew.

But no one was willing to listen to Xu Shi’s complaints anymore. Even the Jiang clan members paid no heed, as everyone knew Jiang Xian had always entrusted his 300 acres of land to the main branch. Moreover, after the death of Jiang Liu’s wife, Jiang Xian and his wife had moved out immediately.

Of course, once you achieve fame and success, scholars will bend over backward to justify your actions.

At the new year’s banquet on the third day, Madam Song also attended. She didn’t dare skip it—there had been no prior conflict between the families, and her absence could be taken the wrong way.

Yet even after coming, she wasn’t seated in the inner rooms but had to dine in the corridor.

It wasn’t that Jin Niang slighted her; such arrangements were based on status. Even Madam Meng, the wife of a Fifth Rank official, could only be seated at the third table.

At the banquet, some meddlesome ladies gossiped with Song Niangzi about the Jiang family’s marital connections: "This Prefect of Kaifeng is so young yet already holds the Third Rank—truly remarkable. But truth be told, it was only after marrying the daughter of the Wei family from Hebei that his career soared."

Song Niangzi sneered to herself. What Wei family of Hebei? These people knew nothing of Wei Jinniang’s background.

But those who did know were mostly merchants, hardly the type to mingle in high society. The Zhou family also knew, but Zhou San was now her sister-in-law, and family wouldn’t undermine each other. Zhou San was sharp, but Zhou Si? Now there was a strange one.

After the feast, Jin Niang instructed the servants to clear away the tables and dishes overnight so everyone could rest the next day without extra chores.

Yun Jieer didn’t need to appear in public, but behind the scenes, she was busy helping—storing the gold and silverware, washing and packing the fine porcelain carefully to avoid breakage, as they would be needed again. Missing even one piece would leave the set incomplete.

Jin Niang urged her daughter, "Don’t push yourself too hard. It’s late—rest first. I’ll oversee things here."

These were the same words Luo Yue had once said to her, and now she repeated them to her daughter. She’d rather wear herself out than let her children exhaust themselves. It wasn’t that they weren’t exhausted themselves—the words just came naturally.

But Yun Jieer shook her head. "Mother, I’ve always done these things with you. You should rest more."

"Then let’s work together," Jin Niang smiled.

Yun Jieer agreed cheerfully.

Time flew by, and before they knew it, the Lantern Festival arrived. Every year, Kaifeng Prefecture saw stampedes and kidnappings amid the crowded festivities, so Jiang Xian was taking no chances.

Since Yun Jieer couldn’t go out, Jin Niang stayed home with her, dispatching Chen Xiaolang to buy lanterns to hang in the corridor for a family viewing.

Among the children, Ding Geer was the youngest. Ning Geer took out a riddle book and quizzed his little brother. If Ding Geer guessed correctly, he’d have Chen Tong fetch a lantern for him. Yun Jieer, worried they’d catch cold, soon called them in for tea.

Without anyone realizing, Yun Jieer had stepped into the role of the eldest sister.

Watching them, Jin Niang wiped away tears. She’d always been quick to tears, but tears didn’t make her weak. She knew parental love meant planning for the future. Wei Qilang was exceptional in looks, family, character, and talent—how could she not let her daughter go?

You had to leave the nest to truly spread your wings.

By mid-February, the Jiang household began setting up wedding tents. Matchmakers and the Complete Fortune Matron were everywhere at once, and even uninvited performers turned up.

This time, Jin Niang hired Professional Caterers. With Jiang Xian now the Prefect of Kaifeng, relatives, friends, and colleagues had swelled in number, and Ju Xiang couldn’t handle it alone. Luo Yue and Zhang Pingjun were also enlisted to help—but unexpectedly, Dou Yuan arrived.

It turned out Dou’s second son had been granted an Official by hereditary privilege, moving the family from Daming Prefecture to the capital.

Jin Niang and Dou Yuan had been close in Daming. Even more eager than Zhang Pingjun, Dou Yuan clasped Jin Niang’s hands warmly. "I was overjoyed when I got your letter. Wei Qilang grew up before our eyes—he’s flawless."

"Look at you—you’ve only grown more radiant over the years," Jin Niang replied affectionately, quickly introducing her to Luo Yue and Zhang Pingjun.

Zhang Pingjun couldn’t help feeling a pang of jealousy—it was clear Jin Niang and Dou Yuan shared a deep bond.

Mrs. Zhang, the Complete Fortune Matron, darted between the two groups. She knew her daughter’s thoughts well. But after marriage, her daughter had endured long journeys and borne two children in succession—her heart went out to her.

"You spend more effort and money buttering up superiors. Why pinch pennies with family? You’re an official’s wife now, with your husband’s salary in your hands and no in-laws to manage. Shouldn’t you be more proactive?"

Zhang Pingjun turned away. "I tried, but my sister-in-law still treats me the same."

Mrs. Zhang laughed. "You’re still behaving like a spoiled child. Before marriage, you saw things clearly—why be stubborn now? With normal people, sincerity begets sincerity. Even water drips hollow out stone. If you won’t put in the effort, how can they trust you?"

Most women would naturally favor their natal family’s in-laws, but Madam Jiang was cut from a different cloth—no pushover.

Heeding her mother’s advice, Zhang Pingjun became more considerate toward Jin Niang, no longer as before.

Jin Niang noticed too, entrusting her with household tasks. Zhang Pingjun executed them flawlessly, running about so diligently that even Yun Jieer remarked, "Mother, Auntie’s like a whole new person."

"There's nothing strange about it. We don't need to read others' moods—they'll naturally read ours instead. When your status is high, everyone around you becomes a good person."

Yun Jieer seemed to understand.

Half a month later, on the day of delivering the dowry, several people volunteered to escort the dowry. Jin Niang agreed to let them all go together—Zhang Pingjun, Dou Yuan, and Xiao Wu Shi.

Yun Jieer’s dowry consisted of a full one hundred twenty loads. Gold, silver, jewelry, antiques, and paintings were a given. There were also twelve chests of clothing—two chests of fur-lined jackets, two chests of padded jackets, three chests of spring garments, four chests of summer outfits, and one chest of sleepwear.

Madam Meng looked at the dowry being sent over and exclaimed in surprise, "Oh? A full Huanghuali furniture set! The Jiang family is truly prosperous."

Eldest Miss Sun only knew Yun Jieer’s dowry was substantial but never imagined it would be this extravagant—a full one hundred twenty loads, a dowry worth a fortune! Even when delivered to the Wei family, Madam Wei would find it a great honor.

Wei Qilang grinned from ear to ear amid the crowd’s teasing.

Yet, the Jiang household was unusually quiet. This was the last meal Yun Jieer would eat at home as an unmarried girl. The scrape of chopsticks on porcelain grated harshly.

"Yun Jieer, come, have some stuffed eggplant. Your father made this himself," Jin Niang said, pressing her lips tightly together, fighting back tears.

Jiang Xian quickly took out a handkerchief for Jin Niang and said to Yun Jieer, "Be happy, and your mother and I will have peace of mind."

Yun Jieer was already sobbing uncontrollably.

Ning Geer then made a startling remark: "Father, Mother, Sister, I see that Wei the *canzheng* [assistant administrator] is already in his forties. Even if he becomes *tong zhongshu menxia pingzhangshi* [chief councilor] in the future, his political views differ from those of the Shen family. Right now, the court is dominated by the Shen Party, mainly because the emperor supports their policies. In a few years, the Wei family may not last long in court. But Father, you maintain good relations with both the old and new factions. Besides, in a few more years, I’ll be able to take the imperial exams and enter officialdom. Then, we can have Brother-in-law study at our house, and we’ll all be together again."