Chapter 146

Chapter 146

Knowing her daughter was pregnant, Jin Niang instructed Min Zhi to start making pregnancy pillows and baby swaddles. Worried her daughter might feel bulky during pregnancy, she specially designed several maternity outfits. She provided silk and satin to an outside embroiderer, who crafted them according to her sketches.

Afterward, she had pigs slaughtered at the estate, specifically selecting only lean meat. She also had rice and short-grain rice prepared. In the early stages of pregnancy, one shouldn’t eat overly strong-flavored foods but could consume more whole grains, vegetables, and fruits.

Luo Yue, following Jin Niang’s advice, sent over fresh vegetables she and her husband had grown themselves, freshly dug, dirt still clinging to them.

Once the embroiderer finished the clothes and comfortable flats overnight, Jin Niang went to the Wei family to visit. She prepared practical items for her daughter but gifted Madam Wei with luxurious goods: two boxes of pearl powder, six cakes of Jian tea, yellow citrus wine, sea cucumbers, snow frog, and dendrobium.

She added, “They’re still young and will need your guidance, sister-in-law. I’m not worried about Young Master Qi, but my daughter is a bit naive—please instruct her well.”

Jin Niang was careful not to overstep, knowing that in ancient times, a married woman’s natal family had little say in her new household. She couldn’t visit too often, lest the Wei family think she didn’t trust them.

Madam Wei smiled. “What are you saying? Honestly, I find Young Master Qi’s wife to be exceptionally filial.”

“Hearing such praise from you, her mother-in-law, puts this mother’s heart at ease,” Jin Niang replied.

She chatted leisurely with Madam Wei until the latter suggested visiting her daughter. Only then did Jin Niang go. Mother and daughter exchanged warm greetings.

Jin Niang smiled. “Don’t listen to those who say pregnant women should eat more. If the baby grows too large, childbirth becomes difficult.”

Seeing her mother, Yun Jieer felt reassured. “Mother, I’m a little scared.”

“What’s there to fear? I’m here for you.” Jin Niang tucked a loose strand of hair behind her daughter’s ear and asked, “Where does your husband sleep?”

“I’ve prepared the east chamber for him. At night, he washes up here before going there. He usually eats and chats with me here but studies and sleeps there,” Yun Jieer explained.

Jin Niang nodded. “Use your judgment.” She then added with a smile, “I’ve made you some clothes based on my designs, crafted by an outside embroiderer. You can wear them when your baby bump appears—they’re breathable, stylish, with no long hems to trip over. They’re excellent.”

“Mother thinks of everything for me,” Yun Jieer said, feeling deeply fortunate.

Jin Niang continued, “The estate recently started raising geese. I’ll have goose eggs sent over later—just keep a portable stove ready in your courtyard for the late stages of pregnancy. Our estate in Wu County grows citrus; I’ll send some for your morning sickness…”

She shared many such details. When Yun Jieer invited her to stay for lunch, Jin Niang declined and left promptly.

Yun Jieer was reluctant, but Jin Niang said, “I can only help a little. Your life is yours to live—be well. I’ll send A Ying to check on you soon.”

Jin Niang left quickly. At noon, Yun Jieer ate alone. Now pregnant, she was excused from daily rituals. As she wasn’t the eldest daughter-in-law nor in charge of household affairs, resting at home suited her well.

Rong Mama entered and announced, “Madam, the fourth and eighth wives are here to visit.”

They had come to see her. Yun Jieer invited them in. The fourth wife was stiff and quiet, barely speaking, while Shen Qiniang said, “We didn’t visit earlier, fearing we might disturb you. Today, hearing your mother had come, we decided to join.”

Since marrying, Shen Qiniang, though not fond of socializing, had become slightly more tactful.

Yun Jieer smiled. “My mother just came to check on me and bring some things.”

Originally, Shen Qiniang, as the newest bride, should have been the center of attention. But Yun Jieer’s pregnancy stole the spotlight. Shen Qiniang didn’t mind, though she found the Wei family’s social obligations tedious—obligatory small talk with people she barely got along with.

Fortunately, Yun Jieer grew drowsy after lunch, allowing them to leave promptly.

By the time Yun Jieer’s pregnancy became visibly apparent, the *Mid-Autumn Festival* had passed. Xuan Geer from the old residence took the *Bietou Exam*—a privilege as Jiang Xian’s nephew, allowing him to bypass the standard *Provincial Exam*.

Having passed the *Bietou Exam*, Xuan Geer now awaited the Metropolitan Exam, which Jiang Xian didn’t need to intervene further. The Wu and Wang families pulled strings for him, but after reviewing his essays, Jiang Xian shook his head in disapproval.

“The *Bietou Exam* is easy, but the Metropolitan Exam is tough. Honestly, I doubted he’d even pass the *Bietou Exam*, given his recent essays,” Jiang Xian observed bluntly.

Jin Niang stopped him. “Don’t say such things. We’re already on thin ice with his mother. Now that he’s taking the Metropolitan Exam, we’ll send some writing supplies. When you have time, put in a good word for him with a few connections—just do your best.”

Jiang Xian nodded in agreement.

After the couple finished their conversation, word came from outside that Ning Geer had returned. The boy had just turned fourteen. Like Jin Niang, he wasn’t fussy about food and had a strong will. After just a year at the Imperial Academy, he’d already been made a dormitory leader and was soon to be appointed Hall Prefect.

Jin Niang quickly had the meal served. As the family of four ate together, Ning Geer said, “The instructor wants me to be Hall Prefect. I couldn’t refuse, but managing people feels harder than studying.”

Such were the troubles of a young boy. He was meticulous by nature and very upright. As a deputy who didn’t hog the spotlight, he was fine, but as the leader, doing more often led to complaints.

Jiang Xian laughed and said, “You need to rally those who are on your side to suppress those who don’t listen to you. People go with the flow.”

“Is that really necessary?” Ning Geer realized his father had plenty of schemes.

Jiang Xian replied, “With some people, you’ve got to show who’s in charge. Don’t be overly polite.”

Ning Geer knew his father wore two masks—he was absolutely considerate and humble in front of high-ranking officials, anticipating their needs without being told, and spoke eloquently. He was kind to useful underlings but harsh on petty officials, which was also part of his strategy.

Previously, Ning Geer thought studying alone was enough, but now it seemed he had to learn some management skills too.

However, his mother had another approach: “First, set the rules. Start polite, then get tough if needed. If someone breaks them, use that person to establish your authority. Everything must be done to earn genuine respect.”

Ning Geer nodded inwardly. “I’ll remember your advice, Father and Mother.”

After the meal, Ning Geer asked about Ding Geer’s studies. Ding Geer tried to weasel out of it by whining, but Jin Niang looked at her younger son and said, “Listen to your brother when it comes to studying.”

Ning Geer then helped his younger brother draft a study plan before retiring to his study to read—a habit of his. Jin Niang respected her kids’ routines, boy or girl.

The next morning, Luo Yue came over and had breakfast with Jin Niang. Madam Meng, their neighbor, stopped in, asking if Jin Niang knew any reliable midwives or wet nurses, as she wanted to prepare for her second daughter.

“Why do you need to arrange this?” Jin Niang worried she’d bend over backwards to help, only for the daughter’s in-laws to have already made arrangements, leaving Madam Meng no longer in need.

Madam Meng said, “I want to prepare in advance. The in-laws aren’t lifting a finger.”

Jin Niang found it strange. “Their own grandchild is about to be born—how could they not care?”

If it were anyone else, Jin Niang would have dropped the subject. But Madam Meng, like Luo Yue, could talk in circles forever, so Jin Niang quickly steered the conversation.

Sure enough, Madam Meng began airing her grievances. “They try, but the help they find is useless—all mouth, no action.”

Having lived in Bianjing for years, Jin Niang knew a few good midwives and wet nurses. She called A Ying over and instructed her to send a few candidates for Madam Meng to choose from. Madam Meng showered her with thanks.

By October, the second daughter of the Meng family had given birth to a healthy baby boy. The midwife and two wet nurses were all arranged by Madam Meng. Jin Niang didn’t understand why Madam Meng, who had previously praised her daughter’s marriage to a cousin, now found the in-laws neglectful—after all, they were relatives.

But Eldest Miss Sun knew the truth. She said to her maid Song’er, “Madam has been in a bad mood these days. Let’s not bother her.”

Song’er was puzzled. “Second Miss has given birth to a son—why is Madam still unhappy?”

Eldest Miss Sun, shrewd as ever, had long since bought off Madam Meng’s maids. It turned out that the Yamen scion of the Yan family had always wanted to marry a talented woman, one who could inspire him with her literary grace. Madam Meng had recommended her second daughter, claiming she was highly skilled in writing, even presenting a collection of poems from who-knows-where. The Yan and Meng families were already related by marriage, so the match seemed perfect.

At first, the second Miss Meng could keep up the act, but over time, her true nature showed. Young Master Yan couldn’t help but feel his wife was dishonest. A wife in the women’s quarters, once fallen from her husband’s grace, could still rely on her aunt-mother-in-law. But Madam Yan preferred the third Miss Meng over the second. She blamed Madam Meng for throwing her family’s weight around, and back then, Lady Huang, Meng Sanlang’s mother, had been close to her. Thus, the second Miss Meng was neglected.

Of course, Madam Meng wouldn’t speak of such things. She was thick-skinned, and those around her saw the truth but avoided upsetting her by speaking plainly.

Eldest Miss Sun stuck by her husband but couldn’t help sympathizing with her mother-in-law.

If a wife’s family outshone her husband’s, even if she did nothing wrong, it could create a sense of oppression for the man.

But feelings aside, she had to look out for herself. Just then, word spread that Mrs. Jiang, their neighbor, had come calling. Song’er said, “Mrs. Jiang hardly ever stops by—what’s the occasion?”

Eldest Miss Sun replied, “That’s the Prefect’s wife—I’d better go welcome her.”

As it happened, Jin Niang had heard Madam Meng was feeling unwell and thus came specially to visit. Although their relationship wasn't at the level of confiding in each other, Madam Meng was quite straightforward and sincere. As neighbors, it was only right to come and check on her.

Madam Meng, seeing Jin Niang arrive, said, "I'm just feeling a bit down, nothing serious. How could I trouble you to come see me?"

"What kind of talk is that? I heard you weren’t feeling well and came to check. I don’t know if the medicine I sent suits your condition, so I just picked some mild tonics to bring over," Jin Niang said with a smile.

Empty words meant little—tangible gifts spoke volumes, and people even recorded them in ledgers.

Madam Meng knew the Jiang family was wealthy. Mrs. Jiang came from a prestigious family, her own younger brother was a jinshi, her son was a student at the Imperial Academy, and her husband had only her as his woman. A woman like her likely never knew real hardship.

She looked at Jin Niang and said, "I’m fine, thank you for your concern."

Jin Niang casually offered a few words of advice before leaving promptly. When Luo Yue asked about it, she waved her hand. "Others’ business—if they share, we listen. If not, we shouldn’t pry. I used to be very curious about everything, but later I realized all household matters are tangled messes. Hear less, fret less."

"That makes sense," Luo Yue sighed softly.

After a shared sigh, Jin Niang touched her belly and suddenly said, "A month of morning noodles has bloated my belly and face. No, starting today, I need to eat less."

Luo Yue disagreed. "Eat up! Food is fuel."

Jin Niang glanced at her naturally slender mother and lamented, "You and my brother are born thin—you can eat anything without gaining weight. But someone like me, if I eat a little more, I’ll plump up easily. As the saying goes, 'You can’t buy health in old age.' I don’t need to be very thin, but if I stay like before, who knows how many illnesses I’ll develop?"

"True. Then let’s have congee later. Do you know why you gain weight easily? Because your brother and I prefer watery foods, while you like dry ones. A bowl of millet porridge and a boiled egg in the morning are enough for us, but you insist on eating noodles or fried dumplings. If you skip them for a few days, you complain about not being full." Luo Yue had a clear understanding of her daughter’s eating habits.

From then on, Jin Niang also started having millet porridge and eggs for breakfast. Lunch was two vegetables, one protein, one carb for weight loss, and for dinner, she fasted for 16 hours, eating only within an 8-hour window—finishing supper by mid-afternoon. Unlike before, when she would wait to eat with Jiang Xian, lingering over meals and eating more and more.

After about two months of this, she had lost roughly ten pounds. On the garden balance scale, she’d dropped from 110 to 100 pounds.

At night, when Jiang Xian lay beside her, he could feel her bones. "My lady, you’ve grown too thin. Are you alright?"

"I’m fine. It’s just that I was eating too many noodles before, or heavy meat and vegetables at night. I had to think about my health. Now I move like a breeze," Jin Niang said with a smile.

Jiang Xian replied, "Wife, you’re truly disciplined."

Jin Niang thought to herself that losing weight was something only those with money and leisure could manage. She avoided hair loss or side effects because her diet was rich in protein—steamed perch for lunch, two kinds of greens, half a bowl of rice, or a few slices of beef. Common folk could only dream of such meals.

In the Song Dynasty, there were no sweet potatoes or corn yet, but there were still coarse grains like japonica rice and buckwheat.

Most days, Jiang Xian was at the magistrate’s office, Ning Geer at the Imperial Academy, leaving only her and Ding Geer as the masters of the house. When Luo Yue and Wei Xiong visited, the three of them—along with Ding Geer—would share a pot of food, prepared by the kitchen as she instructed.

Most importantly, apart from a fixed hour each day for needlework and household chores, she now spent her time reading, living quite leisurely.

At year’s end, Fan Dalang, Manor Manager Fan’s son, came in his father’s place, delivering rent from 60 acres of land, along with the citrus fruits and aquatic products Jin Niang had requested. Innkeeper Yao didn’t come this year, as Jin Niang had already received his letter agreeing to expand the inn with this year’s profits. There was still the 1,200 strings of copper coins from the warehouse and 720 strings from the Jinliang Bridge.

Thus, this year’s income from properties totaled 2,660 strings. Combined with Jiang Xian’s earnings, even after deducting higher expenses this year, they still saved 1,000 strings, totaling over 3,000 strings.

After handling the New Year goods, Jin Niang rewarded Fan Dalang with 36 strings of cash, six bolts of silk, two jugs of Huixian Tower’s finest, and a fine piece of fur.

Having received these, Fan Dalang stayed in the capital for the New Year—his first time. Liu Douer hosted him and suggested he wait until the snow melted before returning, staying to celebrate the New Year here.

Meanwhile, Jin Niang personally brought New Year gifts to visit her daughter. After several months apart, Yun Jieer was now eight months pregnant, her belly strained against her robes as she adjusted her seat.

"These are specially transported from Suzhou—Taihu whitebait, pufferfish, whitefish, and white shrimp. Don’t eat one type daily—rotate them in the water tanks. And since your husband likes shad, I brought some pickled shad, along with pickled goose feet and citrus wine. Plus a basket of goose eggs—good for the baby," Jin Niang prattled on.

Yun Jieer’s heart swelled—after marriage, she’d learned not every family was like hers. Even though Madam Wei spoiled Wei Qilang rotten, yet she wasn’t as considerate and meticulous as her own mother.

She added, "Mother, I’ll have these taken to the kitchen later. Stay and chat with me for a while."

Jin Niang dragged a stool close to sit beside her daughter and yawned. "I tossed all night, too excited to sleep."

Yun Jieer was genuinely concerned and added, "Why don't you stay for a meal before heading back today? I've been terribly bored this whole month."

Seeing her daughter's earnest plea, she had no choice but to agree.

When Madam Wei heard of this, she said to You Mama, "Tell the kitchen to prepare a few dishes that Auntie Third likes and send them over."

You Mama hurried off to relay the order.

Little did they know, another relative, Mother Wu, had also come to visit that day. She had arrived early to see her daughter, whose son was about to celebrate his hundredth day.

Wang Shi had already finished her confinement and was chatting idly with her mother: "Now that the elder sister-in-law manages the household, neither I nor Seventh Sister-in-law were vying for control. The newly arrived sister-in-law also shows me considerable respect."

"That's good. Back in Daming Prefecture, I always thought Mrs. Jiang had a good sense of propriety, and her daughter would naturally be no different." Mother Wu also breathed a sigh of relief.

But then Wang Shi added, "After I became pregnant, I made Taoye a concubine, and Mother-in-law didn't say anything. Yet Seventh Sister-in-law keeps making Seventh Brother endure hardships, and Mother-in-law keeps making pointed remarks..."

"Is that so? What petty jealousy." Mother Wu thought that Jiang girl wasn't too clever—no matter how much he doted on concubines, they could never surpass her in status. Otherwise, outsiders would accuse her of lacking virtue. Once a woman is labeled as "jealous," no matter how good she is in other ways, people will still think poorly of her.

Wang Shi nodded. "Indeed. I think Mother-in-law is holding back because they're relatives and doesn't want to say too much."

Mother Wu cautioned her daughter, "Stay out of it. Jiang Shi's mother is the Wei family's aunt. If she bears a son, your mother-in-law probably won't be so harsh anymore."

Meanwhile, Jin Niang also heard Yun Jieer mention this matter. Yun Jieer said, "Mother, you're truly amazing—you guessed it so accurately."

"Nothing amazing about it. I've just seen enough to know how these things go. Not only someone as outstanding as your husband, but even your father had two maids back then—Rong Mama by your side was one, and the wife of Steward Chen was another. I took precautions early on. You mustn't give them an inch, or people will think they can walk all over you. A few snide comments won't hurt you—after all, we come from respectable families." Jin Niang laughed.

Yun Jieer nodded. "You're right. That's what I think too."

"And don't worry about whether it's a boy or a girl. Look at me—I had you first, and only years later did I have your brother. So what? You're more capable and devoted than any son." Jin Niang comforted her daughter.

In life, if you have your husband's full devotion, you might later have a lovely son or daughter. As for the words of your mother-in-law or outsiders, don't pay them too much mind.

Yun Jieer, still quite young, felt reassured after Jin Niang's words and smiled. "You praise me so much, I'm almost embarrassed."

Jin Niang then used herself as an example: "I didn't marry until I was twenty. If I had rushed into marriage and children right after leaving the Zhou family, at best I'd probably just be peddling wares now—nothing like the good life I have today."

"True." Yun Jieer instantly felt more confident.

One shouldn't blindly follow the crowd. You must have your own thoughts. If something feels wrong to you, don't force yourself to conform.

After the meal, Wei Qilang returned home. Jin Niang spoke to him: "I heard you like shad fish, so I had some brought over."

Wei Qilang happily replied, "Thank you, Mother-in-law."

"Don't mention it—it's nothing. Just now, Yun Jieer told me how well you treat her, and I was very glad to hear it. Back when I first married your father-in-law and was pregnant with your wife, I was scared out of my wits, but thankfully, he was there for me. So now, I'm at ease." Jin Niang said.

Wei Qilang was about to say more, but Jin Niang cut in, "Go keep her company. I have many things to attend to at home, so I'll take my leave now."

"Let me see you out," Wei Qilang offered politely.

But Jin Niang declined. "No need, no need. Stay here where it's warm."

Wei Qilang had his wet nurse escort Jin Niang out while he went inside. He found Yun Jieer walking around the room, supporting her belly. He quickly stepped forward. "Why didn't you tell me Mother-in-law was coming today?"

"You were studying—how could I disturb you? Have you eaten?" Yun Jieer had hot tea brought for him.

Wei Qilang smiled. "I meant to come back to eat with you, but Magistrate Wu came to see Father and insisted on meeting me. I couldn't refuse."

Magistrate Wu referred to the Director of the Ministry of Personnel. At his age, Wei Qilang was still expected to focus on his studies. If he failed the exams a few times, he would have to rely on family connections for an official post, so his family naturally had to pave the way for him.

Yun Jieer smiled gently. "Just focus on your own affairs. By the way, there's something else I wanted to discuss with you. Your sixth brother passed the qualifying exam and will take the Metropolitan Exam early next year. What should we send as a gift? If he passes next year, it'll be a major event for the family. Haven't you noticed how Sixth Sister-in-law's been putting on airs lately?"

Though Wei Qilang's eyes still held a smile, his smile faltered. He maintained his composure. "You handle it."

"I was just thinking that by the time he takes the exam, I'll likely still be recovering. You know, my mother has already sent gifts to my cousin. My father endured so much gossip before he passed the imperial exams—only after he succeeded did people start treating him well. It shows how important imperial degrees are for a man. Our gift can't be too modest." Yun Jieer sighed quietly.

After speaking, she called Rong Mama in to discuss the gifts. Wei Qilang listened, narrowing his eyes slightly. His wife wasn't directly criticizing him, but her words were a not-so-subtle hint. He, too, would strive harder. After all, face matters to a man like bark to a tree.