Chapter 143

Chapter 143

Late at night, Jiang Xian and Jin Niang finally retired for the night. Perhaps the family was so warm and loving, making every member reluctant to part. Jiang Xian, knowing his wife was distressed, spoke up, "Do you remember when we helped her find a tutor back in Daming Prefecture? It seems it was all predestined."

"Yes, without that, we might not have had this connection with the Wei family." Jin Niang felt as though finding a tutor for their daughter and hosting her schoolmates were just yesterday.

Now, their daughter had reached the age of marriage and was about to become someone else's wife, embarking on a new chapter of life.

Jin Niang, shaking off her melancholy, said instead, "Let’s be happy for her, so she doesn’t feel too sad about leaving. After all, marrying a good husband is a wonderful thing."

"Ahem, weren’t you the one crying earlier?" Jiang Xian shook his head.

Jin Niang smiled. "After raising her for so long, seeing her marry far away—of course I’m reluctant. But reluctance aside, as parents, we can’t protect her forever. Finding her a good match is a blessing too."

After all, one must walk their own path in life.

The next morning, the bridal hair stylist arrived early. Jin Niang went to see her daughter, who was dressed in the wedding attire she had sewn herself, wearing a ceremonial headdress, standing tall, poised and radiant.

"My daughter is truly beautiful. They say even an unremarkable bride must face her in-laws, but my daughter will surely captivate everyone." Jin Niang held her daughter’s hand, filled with pride.

Yun Jieer felt she couldn’t bear to leave her mother, clinging to her like a fledgling unwilling to part.

Jin Niang laughed. "The Wei household is bustling with activity. Once you’re married, you’ll hear many new stories to share with us."

"Mother, do you think what Ning Geer said is true?" Yun Jieer genuinely wished to bring her husband back to her maternal home, so she wouldn’t have to part from her mother. As for Wei Qilang, he liked staying with them anyway—it would be a win-win.

But she also knew she had to win Wei Qilang over as her ally, just as her father listened to her mother.

Thinking of the bridal manual, Yun Jieer’s face flushed slightly.

Leaving her daughter’s room, Jin Niang noticed Ding Geer hiding behind a pillar. She quickly asked, "Oh, what are you doing here? Did you miss me?"

With all the wedding preparations, she had been preoccupied with her daughter and had somewhat neglected her youngest son. Her heart ached at the thought.

Ding Geer stretched out his small, fair hand. "Mother, I wanted to see you, but I knew you were talking to Sister, so I hid here."

The eldest daughter resembled Jiang Xian in looks but had Jin Niang’s spirited personality. Ning Geer took after Jin Niang in both appearance and temperament, while Ding Geer looked like Jin Niang but had Jiang Xian’s gentle nature—every word he spoke was endearing.

"My little snowflake, come, let’s greet the guests together. You can sit beside me, alright?" Jin Niang patted her son’s little head.

Ding Geer giggled. "I’ll be Mother’s little tail."

Today, the house was, of course, packed with guests. In the past, Yun Jieer had always helped with banquets, even taking on major tasks. Now, Jin Niang had to manage everything alone.

Amid the lively scene, Jin Niang felt as though she were drifting through a dreamlike state. When Wei Qilang arrived to fetch his bride, she was still somewhat dazed, her mind oddly fixated on whether one of the main table’s golden plates was missing.

After Jiang Xian finished his speech, Jin Niang added, "As you become husband and wife, may you love and trust each other, grow old together, and remain united in heart."

She didn’t know her daughter’s expression behind the wedding fan but spoke her heartfelt wishes.

Once the words were said, the maids escorted Yun Jieer out, carried out on her cousin Xuan Geer’s back, and into the bridal sedan.

Outside, Wei Qilang rode a white horse, dressed in wedding robes, his dashing looks drawing cheers from onlookers who called out, "Wei Qilang!"

Among the spectators, Miss Meng the Third and Jiang Song laughed. "These people are truly infatuated, throwing maidenly modesty to the wind, chasing after a man like this."

Jiang Song’s heart felt as if a piece had been torn out, but she forced a dry laugh at Miss Meng’s words.

Miss Meng continued, "These two families are well-matched, families uniting through marriage, a brilliant groom and a lovely bride—truly a match made in heaven."

That night, Jin Niang couldn't sleep peacefully. Although there were Four Offices and Six Bureaus, and capable helpers like A Ying and Qing Rong at home, the tasks were too miscellaneous—dismantling the wedding canopy, tidying up utensils and lanterns.

"I remember back in the first month, Yun Jieer was still by my side helping with all this."

Not just Jin Niang, even A Ying and Ju Xiang, who'd watched Yun Jieer grow up, couldn’t help but feel sorrowful. A Ying, however, was quick-witted and said, "Yesterday, the dowry procession stretched for miles, and today, she’s married in such splendor. Half the town must envy our young lady. And it’s all thanks to you raising her so well—her dowry is complete, and she’s beautiful. I’d say she could match someone even better if she wanted."

"Of course," Jin Niang replied cheerfully.

Ju Xiang secretly gave A Ying a thumbs-up—she really was sharp, having served the mistress for nearly twenty years and still so quick-witted.

"Alright, let’s finish packing up and all go rest. Tomorrow, take a proper break for a few days and wait for the young lady’s return visit," Jin Niang waved her hand.

Ju Xiang, being less articulate, didn’t know what to say and just stood there motionless.

Jin Niang seemed to understand her feelings and patted her shoulder. "My dear Ju, go rest. And you too, A Ying—you have a daughter to take care of."

Only then did the two of them leave.

Ju Xiang had always been the head chef in the kitchen. Once, Jin Niang had Fang Ma ask her if she wanted to marry, to which she replied straightforwardly, "I manage the kitchen every day, eating and drinking well—so much rich food it makes me dizzy. The mistress even pays me a full string of coins monthly, three or four new outfits a year, and I have people under me. When I’m old, I can be like Fang Ma, with the mistress giving me two qian silver monthly for retirement. If someone can offer me all that, then I’ll marry."

Of course, no one could meet those conditions, but she just laughed it off, completely unbothered.

For her, she wasn’t good at scheming or quick wit, and her skills weren’t top-tier either. The mistress was far more reliable than any husband. Besides, after all these years, she doubted she’d make a good wife anyway.

The *sān cóng sì dé*—those old Confucian rules for wives—serving in-laws—just thinking about it gave her a headache. She’d rather *be* served than serve.

With that thought, she realized she’d already reached her door. Pushing it open, she collapsed onto the bed—nothing could be more comfortable. Tomorrow, she could sleep in till almost noon. What wife gets to live this well?

...

When Jin Niang returned to her room, Jiang Xian called out to her, "Come here, wife, help me pluck this white hair?"

"You’re crazy! Pull one, and ten sprout! Don’t do it. Let me tell you, I’ve counted thirty-six white hairs on my own head," Jin Niang sat down and said.

"What? You’ve actually counted them?" Jiang Xian looked at her in surprise.

Jin Niang nodded seriously. "Of course. Actually, I noticed I had more white hair than others even when I was eighteen. I always thought it was from staying up late doing needlework. You stayed up late studying, I stayed up late sewing—both of us ended up with white hair. So, we’re fated to go gray together."

Jiang Xian had expected Jin Niang to sigh in melancholy, but instead, she managed to make him laugh.

He patted his wife’s hand. "Let’s wash up early and talk in bed awhile."

"How about wine first? Neither of us is at an age where we can stay up late anymore," Jin Niang chuckled.

The couple shared two small cups of wine, even using crystal glasses Jiang Xian had somehow scavenged. After drinking, Jin Niang was nodding off. She was the type who couldn’t sleep when troubled, but once the worst of her worries passed, she could snap right out of it.

While the couple slept soundly, two homes lay sleepless—one being their neighbors, the Jiang family.

Jiang Song was burning the portraits she had painted of Wei Qilang and the poems she had written for him. Madam Song feared her daughter might act rashly. She knew her daughter usually hid these things meticulously, afraid of outsiders discovering them—even her maids didn’t know. Yet now, she was willing to burn them.

"Song’er, he’s already married. It’s time to let go," Madam Song pleaded.

The die was cast. How could it be changed?

Last month, her husband had offended someone and had to beg Jiang Xian to intervene. Jiang Xian didn’t even step forward himself—his steward Liu fixed it with a word.

It showed just how influential their family was—people were willing to give them face.

Jiang Song nodded, "I’ve failed in my filial duty, causing you worry, Mother. I will gradually forget him in the future."

The best way to move on from a relationship is to quickly start another. Madam Song deeply felt that she had been too lenient and permissive with her daughter in the past, giving her too much freedom, which led to her overthinking things.

"Song'er, Deputy Secretariat Director Ke (Ke being the surname) is your father's colleague. His wife praised you when she met you last time. Director Ke is also very adept in his official duties, and his son has a steady temperament, free from the frivolous and spoiled habits of other official families' children. How does that sound to you?" Madam Song knew very well that they were attracted by the dowry of thirty thousand guan.

But money was a trivial matter to Madam Song. She only had this one daughter—who else would she give it to?

"Mother, I agree."

Madam Song was still pondering when she heard her daughter's response and was somewhat surprised. But since her daughter was willing to speak up, she quickly agreed, "Good."

Jiang Song tightly clutched her handkerchief. "Mother, the sooner the better."

Madam Song nodded firmly.

On the other side was Madam Zhou Si. She had visited her daughter the day before and unexpectedly saw Yun Jieer’s dowry procession—the top-quality furniture and trunks upon trunks of belongings, all exuding dignity.

She’d grown pragmatic now.

Sun Shichen asked, "Why are you still awake?"

"I was thinking whether the dowry we prepared for our eldest daughter is too little," Madam Zhou Si often wavered, torn between idealism and practicality, wanting to ignore worldly matters entirely yet feeling it wasn't right.

Sun Shichen told the truth, "We've already done our best. It's not that we're unwilling to provide such a generous dowry—the Meng family doesn't care about this anyway."

Their eldest daughter was marrying a Meng family son born of a concubine, so there was no question of one side being superior. The dowry was naturally given according to their means.

Moreover, in Sun Shichen's view, while good marriages for their daughters were beneficial, it was still their sons who carried the family name forward. The Sun family had even sold a hundred acres of land to prepare their daughter's dowry, and his wife had pawned a set of her jewelry. After all, they still had a second daughter whose dowry also needed to be prepared, and the family was still short on funds.

At the rooster’s crow, daybreak arrived.

Madam Jin had just gotten out of bed, feeling her eyes swollen. Seeing Jiang Xian still sound asleep, she poked him, and he simply rolled over.

He was never one to wake up grouchy, just like Ding Geer—always well-behaved.

In reality, he handled many thorny matters. Though he was indeed capable, she knew he also felt nervous, faced difficult situations, and was sometimes terrified inside.

"Dear..."

"Rise and shine! We need to have breakfast—I'm starving," Madam Jin said with a laugh.

Only then did Jiang Xian rise with her. The two dressed and called for the maids to assist them. After washing up, a servant brought breakfast from nearby, and the couple ate together.

As it happened, Jiang Xian was on his day off today. Having married off their daughter yesterday, he now walked into the courtyard, where remnants of firecrackers still lingered, echoing yesterday’s celebrations.

Ning Geer had left early for the Imperial Academy. Like Madam Jin, he wasn't picky about food and often ate breakfast outside. Even if people said street food was dirty or unclean, Ning Geer thought cheap was good enough—it wasn't worth fussing over.

After breakfast, Jiang Xian went to his study, while Madam Jin inspected the storerooms. The rents from Sweetwater Alley and Luoyang would now belong to their daughter. Fortunately, she had bought another property, but it still wasn't enough.

Luckily, Jiang Xian's salary was now quite high—thirty guan per month (twenty for his position and ten for meals), plus one hundred and fifty dan of rice, ten bolts of damask, thirty-four bolts of silk, and even two thousand mu (about 0.16 acres) of official farmland, with all tenant rents going to him personally.

This was already more than enough—they had more than they could ever spend.

After some financial calculations and checking for damaged items the next day, it was nearly lunchtime. Ju Xiang reheated yesterday’s dishes and stir-fried two seasonal dishes: julienned water bamboo shoots with lean meat and translucent slices of cured pork stir-fried with bamboo shoots.

Madam Jin ate with Luo Yue, who said, "Your father and I will head home after this and we’ll be back soon with garden-fresh produce."

Vegetables in the city were expensive, and meat wasn't cheap either—and hardly tasty at that. She’d grow her own and send them to her son and daughter.

Jin Niang couldn't insist on keeping them longer and simply said, "Come visit the capital after you’ve settled in at the manor for a while."

"Don't worry. Your father and I were originally country folk, and now we live in our own manor. All the tenants answer to us, so we’re well taken care of." Luo Yue wasn’t concerned about anyone causing trouble—her son was an official, and her son-in-law was the Prefect of Kaifeng. Who’d dare cross them?

After seeing off Wei Xiong and Luo Yue, A Ying came over to chat. "It seems the wedding of the eighth son of the Wei family is also coming up soon. Two brides joining the family back-to-back, I’m afraid there’ll be comparisons."

Jin Niang laughed. "Why worry about that? Even though they’re both marrying into the Weis, they’re from separate branches. If they’re not sharing meals under the same roof, there won’t be conflicts of interest."

A Ying wasn’t so optimistic. "Madam, people always play favorites, lifting one up while putting another down. Even if neither means to compete, over time, grievances might still arise."

"That’s true, but worrying won’t help. These are things Yun Jieer must handle herself. Only by doing so can she truly grow." Jin Niang replied.

Take Zhang Pingjun—before marriage, she seemed like such a sensible girl, but once married, all her former wisdom seemed to vanish. She started grumbling like her aunt, always in a sour mood.

It’s easy to have answers for other people’s problems, but when faced with their own troubles, they often falter.

But they’re still young. They’ve got time to learn.

Meanwhile, the Jiang family next door had surprisingly arranged their daughter’s marriage so quickly—and to a decent match, the Deputy Secretariat Director’s Ke family. Madam Meng pursed her lips talking about the Jiang girl. "A girl that fine, and they rushed the match like they had something to hide."

Jin Niang didn’t take the bait and changed the subject. "I saw your second daughter yesterday—is she expecting?"

"Yes, just starting to show." Madam Meng was delighted. A son cemented a woman’s standing. Even if she wasn’t liked at first, time would bring affection.

Diverted, Madam Meng sighed. "My second daughter is different from the eldest. Marry her off recklessly, and she’d crumble under hardship. But with her own aunts and uncles, it’s always better."

Jin Niang nodded. "Yes, familiarity helps."

Three days later, Jin Niang sent the traditional post-wedding gifts—jewelry, brocade, honeyed oil, steamed cakes, goose eggs, tea cakes, geese, sheep, fruits, and the like.

She then welcomed her daughter and son-in-law back. Seeing Yun Jieer again, her hair was now pinned up, adorned with the pearl crown Jin Niang had made for her. She had on a red bodice under a gold-trimmed purple brocade dress, looking dignified and lovely. Wei Qilang wore a purple robe, a golden crown, and black boots with white soles.

The pair made a striking pair. After they finished their greetings, Jin Niang smiled. "No need for formalities among family—I’d rather keep it small. Why don’t we set a table in the garden later and chat freely?"

Wei Qilang replied, "Mother-in-law, you’re too kind. I actually have studies to discuss with Father-in-law."

Her son-in-law was quick on the uptake—sparing Jin Niang a lecture. "Go ahead. Your father-in-law came home early today just for this."

Wei Qilang withdrew with a smile, and Jin Niang quickly pulled her daughter aside. "How’s married life treating you?"

Once the servants had left, Yun Jieer said, "The Weis run a tighter ship than we do. Fortunately, I studied there for a few years and know all the relatives. But Madam Wei, whom I used to be close to, has grown distant. Right now, Qilang and I are in Qixia Courtyard—a two-winged house, not huge but exquisitely arranged."

"Madam Wei wouldn’t mistreat her own son. I meant, how are you and Qilang getting along?" Jin Niang smiled.

Yun Jieer wasn’t overly shy. "I followed your advice and befriended him first. We get along well—he loved the incense I made—even called it masterful. The day after the wedding, we made incense together, with me guiding him."

Jin Niang smiled—then paused, struck by déjà vu.

She hadn’t invited many relatives today, wanting mother and daughter to speak freely. So Jin Niang chatted about household matters as if her daughter had never left.

Yun Jieer spoke openly too. "It’s only been a few days, but everyone around me seems decent. My mother-in-law hasn’t scold me once. My sisters-in-law—the first and sixth wives—are older and doting."

"Well, it’s still early. Be cautious," Jin Niang reminded her.

Yun Jieer nodded. "Don’t worry."

After a brief conversation and a meal, the couple prepared to leave. As Wei Qilang handed her daughter into the carriage, Jin Niang’s heart swelled.

Upon returning to the Wei household, Wei Qilang and Yun Jieer first paid respects to Madam Wei, who exchanged pleasantries before sending them off.

Previously, Yun Jieer's activities were confined to her own household, but now she was unfamiliar with the Wei family residence, still a bit unfamiliar. After all, when she had visited the Wei family before, it was only to the flower hall and never this far into the household.

"Qilang, what did Father discuss with you today?" Yun Jieer asked with a smile, looking at Wei Qilang.

Wei Qilang replied, "Nothing much, just some academic matters. And you? How did it feel returning home? I noticed Auntie seemed sad to see you leave."

Yun Jieer nodded. "Mom missed me, but she missed you too. She said since you stayed in the side courtyard before, they’ll keep it ready for us whenever we visit in the future."

"Really?" Wei Qilang was pleasantly surprised.

Yun Jieer shot him a look that said, *What kind of question is that?* "Of course! Mom and Dad adore you—they always praise you for being clever and talented. It’s just—"

She deliberately paused at this point.

Wei Qilang tensed and looked at her. "Just what?"

Yun Jieer glanced at him, covering her lips with a handkerchief as she laughed. "Just that you’re perfect in every way. Look how nervous you got!"

Wei Qilang chuckled. "You’re teasing me now."

"I wouldn’t dare tease you. It’s still so early—what do you think we should do?" Though Yun Jieer was close to the Wei family, she wasn’t entirely sure what Wei Qilang’s hobbies were.

But this was precisely Wei Qilang’s dilemma. Born into privilege, he had everything and thus never truly discovered his own interests.

Only at the Jiang family did people treat him like an ordinary person—learning what needed to be learned, doing what needed to be done. When one has everything, life can become rather dull.

Wei Qilang turned to her. "What do you think we should do? What do you usually do?"

He assumed it would be needlework or some refined pastime, but Yun Jieer surprised him. "Shuttlecock kicking is too rowdy, chess requires too much thinking, and backgammon is too old-fashioned. I have two ideas: either we pull out some exam essays and see who can solve them fastest, or I give you a facial. I’m really good at it—my mother’s skin is so soft because of me."

"Facial treatment," Wei Qilang answered without hesitation.

Yun Jieer had all the supplies. Once back in their room, she had him recline on a lounge chair with a small pillow tucked under his head. At his age, his skin was naturally prone to oiliness.

"First, I’ll use aloe gel to cleanse your face."

Wei Qilang immediately felt his skin relax. After leaving it on for about as long as it takes to drink tea, she wiped it off with a cotton cloth, focusing especially on the oily spots around his nose. His face truly felt refreshed. Next, she took out a thin gauze soaked in some kind of liquid and pressed it gently against his skin.

Then, she began cleaning out his ears and massaging his pressure points with a sandalwood comb...

At first, he made small talk, but soon he drifted off—until Yun Jieer woke him.

"Well? How was that? Comfortable, wasn’t it?" Yun Jieer raised an eyebrow.

Wei Qilang touched his face, feeling as though his skin and scalp had completely relaxed. He immediately said, "Darling, can we do this again tomorrow?"

"Maybe in a few days. Next time, I’ll treat your eyes—it’ll be even more soothing than today." Yun Jieer was skilled at the art of delay.

Wei Qilang thought to himself that he’d have to pamper his wife in the coming days. Why had no one ever told him about how great facials are before?