Chapter 144

Chapter 144

Yun Jieer had been married for over a month when Eldest Miss Sun across the street became pregnant. Jin Niang sent Qing Rong over with some nourishing gifts. Upon returning, Qing Rong reported, "Eldest Miss Sun has made one of her maids a tongfang."

How could this happen? Zhou Si, presumably a woman from modern times, how could she raise a daughter who would arrange for a tongfang?

A tongfang wasn’t a proper concubine—just slightly higher in status than an ordinary maid, acting as the man’s intimate attendant. If she bore children in the future, she might fare better, but if not, she’d remain on a maid’s allowance while still serving the master in bed.

Jin Niang found it hard to believe. "Was it Madam Meng’s idea?"

Qing Rong shook her head. "I don’t know, but it’s possible. Madam Meng is truly something—she despises concubines yet has no qualms making things hard for her daughter-in-law."

Unbeknownst to her, Madam Meng had only hinted at it. She couldn’t openly send concubines over—after all, theirs was a scholarly family, not some shameless household where concubines were casually gifted. Meng Sanlang still had his studies to focus on.

Her daughter-in-law, however, got the message. Madam Meng even used this to lecture her own daughter: "You’re too greedy. Don’t you know that if a man finds no novelty at home, he’ll seek it outside? You can discipline those at home, but you can’t control those outside. Look at Sanlang’s wife—now there’s a clever, virtuous woman! That tongfang is her own trusted maid. They’re united, and the household remains harmonious."

Second Miss Meng scoffed. "Mother, what’s so good about that? Third Brother hasn’t even been married long, and now there’s already a tongfang. If a few baseborn children pop up later, she’ll have plenty to worry about."

"Baseborn children are just mouths to feed. If any show promise, the principal wife must still be honored first—that’s the rule of propriety. Why worry?" Madam Meng disliked Lady Huang not because she was a concubine, but because she was defiant.

Zhou Si, however, reacted entirely differently. She looked at her daughter and said, "What are you doing? You’ve only just married—how could you already be turning a maid into a tongfang?"

In Zhou Si’s eyes, Meng Sanlang was someone her daughter had chosen herself. How could she be so generous as to share her husband?

Eldest Miss Sun sighed softly. "Mother, if I didn’t do this, my mother-in-law would send someone over, and that person would surely challenge me. Rather than that, I might as well make it seem like my own choice. I know what you mean, but I’m not so lucky."

She had some family background, but not an exceptional one; some beauty, but not breathtaking; some talent, but Meng Sanlang didn’t favor women whose intellect surpassed his—he only enjoyed the pleasure of a docile companion. A wife who was too clever made him wary.

She had two role models: one was Lady Wu, virtuous, frugal, and self-restrained, earning others’ respect; the other was Lady Wei, capable and strong-willed, unafraid of gossip.

The former sometimes swallowed bitter pills but reaped rewards, her status unshakable. The latter, though some called her jealous and mocked her humble origins, never acted beneath men and thrived as an official’s wife, as if born to it.

Becoming the latter was difficult for her—she couldn’t endure the gossip, and Meng Sanlang wasn’t like Jiang Xian, who remained devoted to his wife even after rising in status. The former, however, was easier to emulate.

Zhou Si hugged her daughter. "You’ve suffered."

"What’s there to suffer? Song’er grew up with me. Now that she’s a tongfang, I can openly elevate her. She gains dignity and is grateful for my favor. We’re tied together—isn’t that more harmonious?" Eldest Miss Sun had her own wisdom for survival.

Her daughter had her own thoughts and opinions. Zhou Si had instilled many modern ideas in her, yet her daughter was thoroughly a product of her time.

But Eldest Miss Sun didn’t see anything wrong with herself. She was praised by the Meng family and respected by Meng Sanlang.

Of course, Jin Niang knew none of this. She only saw the surface—what people truly thought was beyond her. The Meng family’s affairs were merely neighborly courtesies, recorded for the sake of etiquette and gift exchanges.

Next door, the Jiang family sold their house and reportedly moved to Yiqiu Gate. Not that Lady Song lacked funds.

Jin Niang remarked to Jiang Xian, "How many families have lived next to us? I’ve lost count."

Jiang Xian laughed. "Wife, why fuss over others? No matter who moves in next, don’t get too close. Though they say ‘a near neighbor is better than a distant relative,’ with how often they change, there’s no need to take it too seriously."

"I just feel like everything changes, but we remain the same," Jin Niang said.

After their conversation, Dou Yuan arrived. Years ago in Daming Prefecture, Jin Niang had served as the Complete Fortune Matron (a woman who blesses weddings) for Dou Yuan’s daughter, who was now betrothed to Han Xiao’s eldest son. Luo Jieer had also blossomed into a young lady. If only Yun Jieer hadn’t married—the cousins could have chatted together.

But now, Jin Niang could only have the servants take the children to the garden. "Don’t keep her here listening to us adults—it’s too dull."

Meeting Jin Niang again after seven years, Dou Yuan found her even more composed than before. At Sixteenth Cousin’s age, without a single tongfang or concubine—that was true love, and the source of her confidence as a wife.

That was what Dou Yuan thought, and she said as much: "You’ve truly won Cousin’s heart."

"Please don't say that. I have no special methods—it's just your cousin's own self-discipline." Jin Niang didn't feel she had done anything to make Jiang Xian completely devoted. Perhaps it was because he married her when he was young and seldom went out to meet other women.

Some men, no matter how good or pretty their wives are, will still cheat.

So it's really Jiang Xian himself who is exceptional.

Dou Yuan had lived more comfortably these past few years, though not without troubles—sister-in-law conflicts, the eldest brother's grown son pushing for his share of the family wealth, and so on. But now that she was in the capital, it seemed like her luck had finally turned around. More importantly, she was reunited with her cousin's wife.

The Dou family was indeed in decline, while the Jiang family was flourishing with talent.

As the two spoke, Third Madam Zhou arrived, and Jin Niang introduced them.

Third Madam Zhou was the wife of Jiang Fang, whose career was thriving. He had become Chancellor Shen's right-hand man, rising swiftly in rank and now serving as a Grand Scholar of the Dragon Diagram Pavilion.

Yet Third Madam Zhou had grown more low-key, not as much of a social butterfly as she used to be.

They chatted about neutral topics, with Jin Niang asking, "In the past, collar panels were wide, with rich, detailed embroidery. Now the trend is for narrow ones."

Third Madam Zhou replied, "Exactly. Look at what I'm wearing now—it's just like that. By the way, the wedding dress you made for your Yun Jieer was truly exquisite. I heard you crafted it yourself."

"Yes, the child said she wanted the dress I wore at my own wedding. I told her it was an old garment and not really appropriate, so I made her a new one instead," Jin Niang said with a smile.

Third Madam Zhou praised, "Your skills are unmatched."

Since Jiang Fang was Chancellor Shen's staunch supporter, Third Madam Zhou also mentioned Shen Qiniang's upcoming marriage: "The dowry is all prepared. Waiting until the seventh month wouldn’t be proper, so it'll likely happen soon."

Jin Niang smiled. "That's wonderful. The Wei family will soon have two new daughters-in-law."

Dou Yuan, who had attended the Wei family's bridal chamber ceremony, remarked, "Second Madam Wei has such a gentle temperament—people even call her 'the Second Bodhisattva.' The Shen girl marrying into that family is truly landing in a bed of roses."

Married women know it's not enough for just the husband to be good—the mother-in-law is equally crucial.

In the inner quarters, a woman interacts most with her mother-in-law, and even a hint of disrespect toward elders is a problem. Dou Yuan felt this deeply, though it was also the only advantage—after all, the Wei family's eldest branch held real power.

For instance, her husband, Zhen Erlang, was the eldest son in practice, entitled to all privileges first. Once he passed the Locked Hall Examination, he was immediately appointed to office.

Dou Yuan wouldn't gossip about such matters. As she often thought, those who aren't skilled with words should speak less—better to say too little than the wrong thing.

Jin Niang agreed, "Indeed. I've known Second Madam Wei for years and have never seen her quarrel with anyone."

Shen Qiniang and Wei Balang finally set their wedding for the sixteenth day of the fifth month. Both families had prepared for years, with everything taken care of.

Jin Niang took the opportunity to offer congratulations to both households. The Wei family even had Yun Jieer receive her personally. Knowing her daughter, as a new bride, couldn't easily go out, Jin Niang jumped at the chance to see her—her true purpose for visiting.

"Mother, I knew you'd come today. Let’s go to my quarters first—Second Aunt is busy," Yun Jieer said.

She accompanied her daughter to their residence, the Qixia Courtyard, surprised to find it a two-courtyard house. "Do the servants live in the outer section?"

Yun Jieer nodded. "Yes, the maids stay there. We’ve turned the side chamber into a small study, and the east and west wings are empty for now."

The empty rooms were clearly reserved for future children.

Seeing her daughter settled, Jin Niang said, "I sent Xi Qiu to accompany you—she’s experienced. If your period is late or you feel nauseous, don’t foolishly take medicines that stimulate blood flow."

Yun Jieer led Jin Niang to the inner chamber and, while serving tea, reassured her, "Don’t worry, I’m being careful."

"Good." Jin Niang then surveyed the room’s furnishings: a bronze floral vase, jade ruyi (a ceremonial scepter), incense burner, and books arranged on the desk; the guest area’s incense table held bergamots and citrons, separated by a speckled bamboo curtain. The curio shelf displayed an array of novelties—cloth dolls and clay figurines.

The bed was draped with Jin Niang’s own embroidered jasmine gauze canopy, its azure satin sheets paired with pink cloud-embroidered quilts. At the head hung a pair of glass lanterns, a gift from Ru Yan.

The room was not cluttered at all, exuding an air of elegance and tranquility.

"You've kept the place very well," Jin Niang said sincerely.

Yun Jieer was delighted by her mother's praise. "Thank you for the compliment."

Of course, what Jin Niang cared about most was whether her daughter was doing well in the Wei household. "How have you been? I couldn’t visit this past month—have you had any disagreements with anyone?"

"Not at all. Eldest Brother-in-law passed the Civil Service Examination and is now an Imperial Diarist. Eldest Brother-in-law’s wife is thrilled. As for Sixth Sister-in-law, she’s pregnant and resting, so after morning and evening greetings, I mostly stay in my own courtyard and rarely go out," Yun Jieer replied.

Jin Niang asked about Wei Qilang. "And how is your husband?"

Yun Jieer smiled. "He’s just studying, as usual. Let me tell you—when I helped him with his facial grooming, he was so happy he kept pleading for me to repeat it. But I don’t indulge him too much, so he often tries to please me."

"Oh, seeing you young ones so happy together puts my mind at ease. Silly girl, I’ve often heard that in high-ranking official families like theirs, once the wife is pregnant, the husband usually takes on concubines or maids. Don’t act naively and agree to it just to appear virtuous. Even if your mother-in-law sends someone over, treat them as maids if they’re truly meant to serve you," Jin Niang advised.

Yun Jieer hesitated. "But wouldn’t that displease my mother-in-law?"

"You’ll be pregnant—what’s there for her to be displeased about? Once you have a child, whether it’s a boy or a girl, she won’t make things difficult for you for the child’s sake. In this world, as long as you refuse to do something, no one can truly force you. A little displeasure now is just a trial—life is long. Once you’ve secured your position as the lady of the house, these things will be trivial."

Hearing her mother’s words one by one, Yun Jieer felt reassured. But then she wondered—what if Wei Qilang himself became unfaithful? Well, if he dared, she could always divorce him and return home.

Jin Niang had countermeasures for every scenario, and Yun Jieer took them to heart.

After chatting for a while, the mother and daughter went to the Second Household of the Wei family, where everyone was congratulating Second Madame Wei. Madame Wei, seated nearby, said to Jin Niang, "Third Madame, this truly is a heaven-sent match."

"Indeed," Jin Niang agreed.

Madame Wei smiled. "Now that our families are related by marriage, we’ve grown less close than before. I say you should visit more often."

Visiting too often would only invite annoyance—Jin Niang knew the boundaries well. She teased, "I’d say it’s you who refuses to visit my humble home. Just the other day, I thought—if there are still lotus seed pods in my little pond in a couple of months, you should come over. We can enjoy the breeze by the pavilion, drink last year’s lotus wine, and admire the flowers."

Truth be told, Madame Wei did like Jin Niang’s character—she didn’t stir trouble and always spoke pleasantly. Since their families became connected, Jin Niang had never relied on them for anything beyond necessary interactions. Even when her own circumstances improved, she remained modest.

This time, Yun Jieer’s dowry was more substantial than Fan Shi’s or Wang Shi’s, which certainly added to Madame Wei’s pride.

Not to mention, after Yun Jieer entered the household, when Madame Wei lost her appetite a few days prior, Yun Jieer suggested spicy dishes to stimulate it. She prepared spicy pink radish pickles, served on a white porcelain plate with gilded edges, and it truly revived Madame Wei’s appetite.

She also made an embroidered satin headband with peonies for Madame Wei, showing utmost respect.

Moreover, Madame Wei knew her own son—he now came home at every opportunity, all because he had a wife. He’d never been this diligent before.

Naturally, she wouldn’t mention these things to Jin Niang, and Jin Niang wouldn’t pry about her daughter’s situation. Both knew without saying more.

Shortly after returning from the Wei residence, Jin Niang had her maids knead her legs and shoulders. She had spent most of the day traveling between two households by carriage and felt utterly exhausted.

"Madame, Hui Zhu has sent over some rock sugar and pear soup," a young maid announced from outside.

"Bring it in," Jin Niang said.

After finishing a bowl of the sweet soup, she took a nap and woke up as dusk was falling.

Just then, Jiang Xian returned home. Jin Niang yawned. "I’ve been out all day and felt so tired I slept until now. Go change, and we’ll have dinner."

Jiang Xian smiled. "It’s good for you to rest more."

"Yes, I used to think that if I didn’t do anything, the day would pass too quickly. But now I realize I overworked myself when I was younger. At this stage, I should rest when I can," Jin Niang said philosophically.

Jiang Xian thought to himself that his wife had endured enough hardships. Though she had high self-esteem, she undervalued herself—without work, she felt useless, as if the days were passing her by.

Other wives of officials might think it perfectly normal to buy hairpins one day, have new clothes tailored the next, and apply makeup the day after, splurging on expensive outfits and accessories. Yet she always considered it wasteful.

This attitude wasn't good—his wife could change clothes ten times a day, and he’d still adore it.

So, Jiang Xian said, "My dear, now that our daughter is married, and Ning Geer and Ding Geer are still young, the two of us can finally breathe easier."

"Indeed. You know, people spend their days rushing about, and by the time they truly have leisure, they’re already older, their bodies less nimble, their legs and backs not as strong. You'd never guess it now, but I was strong enough to lift a whole pot of flowers. Now, just walking a bit too long makes me ache all over." Jin Niang sighed.

Jiang Xian knowingly rubbed her lower back. "That’s from years of needlework. Don’t worry, just take good care of yourself now."

"Then wash my hair for me. I slept all afternoon, so I won’t be able to sleep tonight anyway." Jin Niang tugged at his hand, playfully coaxing him.

Naturally, Jiang Xian agreed.

After washing up, Jin Niang felt refreshed and smelling lovely all over. So comfortable that the next morning, she could barely get out of bed. It wasn’t until noon that she finally rose and began planning her next steps.

Her daughter's wedding preparations had consumed her like a full-time job. Now that her daughter was married, she had rested long enough and was ready to find her next project.

Truly, she was someone who couldn’t stay idle.

She called Wei Xiong and Luo Yue to accompany her to the Great Xiangguo Temple, which remained as bustling as ever, filled with artisans selling the latest patterns.

Luo Yue now had steady income from her estate and had no interest in luxury items—simple pleasures satisfied her.

"Jin Niang, let me buy you some candied chestnuts. We can share them, mother and daughter."

"Mother, after all these years, you still haven’t gotten tired of them?" Jin Niang laughed.

Luo Yue replied, "How could I ever tire of them? Even though your brother passed the imperial exams, your father and I never had to worry about money. But we’re simple folk at heart—fancy dishes don't suit us. Pickled vegetables, radishes, and a bit of meat are what really make a satisfying meal."

Jin Niang said, "Even if you love them, eat less pickled vegetables. Too much salt isn’t good for your health. What a wonderful life we have—we can eat, drink, enjoy ourselves, and see the world."

"You’re right. Jin Niang, who’d have thought people like us would ever have such a life? It feels like a dream." Luo Yue still found it hard to believe.

Jin Niang shook her head with a smile.

Soon after, she spotted a scholar in worn clothes selling illustrated albums. The paintings were quite good, so Jin Niang spent 3 guan to buy ten large and small flower-and-bird paintings.

Luo Yue was puzzled. "Why spend so much on these?"

"To excel in embroidery, one needs not just skill with the needle but also outstanding draftsmanship. Though this artist’s work can’t compare to the imperial painters, it has a unique freshness and natural charm—something you won’t find elsewhere. If I embroider these, they’ll turn out beautifully." Her hands were eager to begin.

After returning home, Jin Niang began drafting embroidery patterns. Her first thought was of Jiang Xian—after all, he had just washed her hair the day before.

But while she struggled to design his clothes, designs for her own beizi came easily. The painting *Lychees and Magpies* was exquisite—the magpies in bright emerald, the leaves in deep emerald, and the lychees not the usual bright red but a delicate blush pink.

Inspired by these delicate hues, Jin Niang finished the piece in just a few days.

Another design was more sophisticated—a dark green bodice edged with cream-colored camellias, paired with a warm honey-toned sheer double-layered gauze beizi. The highlight was the yellow finches embroidered on the sash, adding the perfect finishing touch.

Only after finishing both did she realize she hadn’t made anything for Jiang Xian. After some thought, she crafted a warm honey-toned traditional cross-collar top for him, layered with a deep indigo patterned silk beizi. The focal point was the collar—one side embroidered with camellias, the other with a finch.

His face lit up with pleasure. "Perfect! We can wear these to the Wei family’s wedding banquet."

"So eager to match as a couple?" Jin Niang teased with a playful look.

Jiang Xian drew her into an embrace. "Of course."

Jin Niang also made coordinating outfits for her daughter and son-in-law, sending A Ying to deliver them. It had been a whim, but when Yun Jieer saw the clothes, she was moved to tears.

She and her mother-in-law had both worked on needlework, but it hadn’t occurred to her to make anything for her own mother.

Wei Qilang was unaware of all this, only knowing that his mother-in-law had made clothes for him, and he was thrilled and immediately tried them on. Noticing Yun Jieer's somber expression, he asked, "What's the matter?"

Yun Jieer shook her head—some things weren’t easy to bring up with her husband. After all, how could she say that being filial to her mother-in-law was a bad thing?

Wei Qilang, however, thought that since his mother-in-law had been so kind to them, and his wife had been sitting at home feeling down, he told Madam Wei he wanted to consult Jiang Xian about his studies. The two returned loaded down with bundles of all sizes.

When they arrived, Jin Niang was helping Luo Yue paste the shoe tops, intending to make two pairs of shoes for her parents.

Luo Yue’s pair was purple satin with a fish-and-lotus pattern, while Wei Xiong’s was black satin with Western floral motifs.

As Jin Niang worked on the shoes, Luo Yue shelled pine nuts, feeding them one by one to her daughter. No one had expected their daughter and son-in-law to return at this moment.

Seeing her daughter’s tearful eyes, Jin Niang initially thought she had been wronged. Upon closer questioning, she learned the truth.

"Oh, my dear daughter, your grandmother and I just went out for fun, bought a few paintings, and thought of you. And here you are, crying your little heart out..." Still, Jin Niang was deeply moved. As the saying goes, you don’t raise kids just to get something back, but when they remember you, it brings immense joy.

Luo Yue, moved to tears, added, "That husband of yours is so considerate. Without you even saying a word, he knew you missed home and made a special trip to bring you home."