Chapter 148

Chapter 148

Originally, they thought they would stay for several days, but unexpectedly, the baby was born that very night. Afterward, Jin Niang waited until the baby’s third-day ceremony before returning home. Ding Geer couldn’t focus on studying at home, but at the Wei residence, he put on a show of studying with a book. Jin Niang thought this fake-studying act needed to change.

Fortunately, within a month of returning, Ding Geer was back to normal.

Good habits must be cultivated when children are young. Luckily, Jin Niang now devoted all her energy to her younger son. At Ding Geer’s age, he would be around first grade in modern times—still young enough to learn.

Jiang Xian was not at home during the day and couldn’t oversee the children, so Jin Niang made sure he kept up with his lessons every day. As long as the lessons were kept up and the child found achievement in learning, developing good study habits, even if he didn’t succeed in the imperial exams, he could still pass the inherited privilege exams in the future.

In any case, reading comes first.

Only after Ding Geer finished his homework did Jin Niang serve dinner. Coincidentally, Jiang Xian returned and was surprised to see them: "Haven’t you usually finished eating by this time?"

"If the homework isn’t done, it must be completed first," Jin Niang replied calmly.

Jiang Xian, slightly chastened, shot his son a pitying glance. Even with their younger son, his wife didn’t cut him any slack. Quickly adjusting his mood, he sat down and asked with a smile, "What’s for dinner today?"

Jin Niang went back to her normal self: "Today we have shrimp and winter melon meatball soup. Both of you, eat more."

The shrimp was for her, while the meat dishes were for the father and son. Jin Niang ate half a bowl of rice, a small plate of boiled shrimp, and some garlicky greens.

After dinner came time with the boy. Jin Niang and Jiang Xian accompanied their son to the garden to play. Ding Geer wanted to swing and asked Jiang Xian to make him a flower wreath, while Jin Niang had some private words with Jiang Xian.

"These past few days, your son has been infuriating. He says yes to everything in front of me but goes his own way when I’m not looking. So I had to sit right beside him to keep an eye on him. It’s exhausting—more tiring than needlework," Jin Niang complained to Jiang Xian.

Jiang Xian couldn’t help but laugh. "You’re overdoing it."

Jin Niang said, "I know that academic talent is innate. Those gifted children from poor families would study by candlelight if they had to. But if he develops good habits now, at least in the future, he won’t drag his feet or lose focus when doing other things."

Good habits must be instilled while they’re still young.

Whether he goes into business, studies, or manages family affairs later, someone who keeps their head down and works will succeed in anything.

Jiang Xian nodded in agreement and added, "We’ve bought a hundred acres of land. Let’s build a manor there so we can stay occasionally."

"I’m way ahead of you—I’ve already sent someone to handle it," Jin Niang said with a smile.

Jiang Xian sighed. "The court is now split into clear-cut camps. Even I, being part of it, can barely keep my footing."

Though Jiang Xian was moving in Shen Party circles, he hadn’t fully committed. He still corresponded with the Chancellor of Jixian and stayed on good terms with Grand Scholar Fan.

But the greater the pressure, the more he thrived. Pressure just made him sharper.

In this regard, the couple differed. Jin Niang preferred to resolve pressure quickly, while Jiang Xian saw greater opportunities under greater pressure.

"Your second brother is truly outstanding now, but I think he can be too arrogant at times," Jin Niang remarked, having heard some things about Jiang Fang.

Jiang Xian said, "To be fair, he’s an extremely capable man, but he’s too much of a lone wolf. His personal abilities are formidable, but the tasks he undertakes aren’t just about individual strength. Moreover, he’s prone to acting on impulse."

Since taking office, Jiang Fang had strictly forbidden his sons from corruption and accomplished many good deeds.

But as Jiang Xian said, pushing too hard just brings trouble.

Though in a sense, this made him a maverick official, you never knew with the emperor.

Throughout history, good ministers seldom find good masters.

The conversation grew somewhat heavy, so Jin Niang changed the subject with a smile: "By the way, I have some fabric at home that I’m worried might get damp. I plan to give it away as gifts during the Dragon Boat Festival."

"Just leave these matters to your discretion, Madam Jiang." After saying this, Jiang Xian couldn't help but smile as he watched Ding Geer's infectious giggles as he played on the swing.

By May, Jin Niang had finished completing the ceremonial gift exchanges, coinciding with her granddaughter Mingyue's hundred-day celebration. The Wei family had only held an intimate family ceremony for the baby's third-day bath due to the cold weather, but this time, they went all out for the hundred-day banquet.

Jin Niang naturally arrived early. Yun Jieer was dressed in a pomegranate-colored beizi (a traditional Chinese jacket) embroidered with peony clusters and wore an ornate gold headdress, looking both youthful and dignified.

Mother and daughter had endless things to talk about.

"Mother, I’ve been looking forward to your visit! Honestly, when I gave birth, it was all thanks to your guidance, and you even came to check on me during my confinement. But once I recovered, you stopped visiting," Yun Jieer complained.

Jin Niang laughed. "It’s all because of your second brother—he’s always trying to skirt his responsibilities, so I have to supervise his studies."

Yun Jieer understood. Now that she was married, she couldn’t expect her mother to revolve around her anymore. This was one of the things she loved about her mother—she spoke frankly, helped when needed, and never held back only to resent later.

Speaking of studies, Xuan Geer failed this year’s Metropolitan Exam, as did Wei Liulang. Surprisingly, the impoverished orphan from the third branch of the Jiang family passed, albeit in the fifth rank. But with Jiang Xian as a relative, he could still receive some support.

Yun Jieer said, "Sixth Sister-in-law looked absolutely beside herself. Eldest Brother secured an official position by patrimonial appointment, so his future is stable. Nowadays, though the prime minister can secure positions for ten, senior ministers for eight, and attendants for six, ever since the reduction of redundant posts, seventy percent of these hereditary officials end up in peripheral posts like the archives or secretariats, with very few reaching core positions. My father-in-law isn’t the prime minister, but he still has quotas. She hoped her husband and Sixth Brother could both secure hereditary positions."

"That’s not good. Hereditary privileges are already excessive—unless absolutely necessary, it’s not the right path," Jin Niang made a brushing-aside gesture.

She still hoped her son-in-law could rely on his own abilities. After all, he wasn’t even twenty yet—this was the time to study. Otherwise, even if he took shortcuts now, he might regret it later.

Yun Jieer nodded. "That’s what I think too. My husband feels the same way. From what I see, there’s some… not exactly rivalry, but a sense of competition between him and Sixth Brother. I can use that to encourage him to study harder."

Jin Niang was pleased. "The Son of Heaven prizes merit; literature teaches the young. All other paths pale before the pursuit of learning."

Entering Qixia Courtyard, Jin Niang took one look at Mingyue and couldn’t help but say, "This child is already so beautiful at just a hundred days old—she’s sure to grow into a stunning beauty."

"Mother, I think beauty is just skin-deep. Take Ning Geer, for example—once he speaks, no one notices his appearance. They only admire his scholarship, reliability, and refined speech. He’s bound to be a phoenix among men," Yun Jieer said, feeling the same sense of security thinking of her brother as she did with her mother.

Jin Niang looked at her daughter. "Hearing you say that shows you’ve truly grown up."

The two shared more private words before Yun Jieer suddenly asked, "Mother, do you remember Jiang Song, who used to live next to us?"

"Of course I remember. Her family only moved away a year or two ago," Jin Niang said, trying to recall. She’d been so focused on managing her son at home lately that she’d paid little attention to outside matters.

Yun Jieer said, "She married into the Ke family, but things aren’t going well. The Kes were after her dowry. Her husband seems honest, but he only listens to his mother."

"Rushing into marriage without proper consideration—haste makes waste," Jin Niang shook her head.

But she was surprised. "How did you find out?"

"Rong Mama went to collect rent in Sweetwater Lane for me and broke down weeping at the sight of Jiang Song’s mother on the way—that’s how I learned of it. But I’m just a young daughter-in-law in the Wei family now, barely settled myself. Besides, she has brothers and parents—it’s not my place to intervene."

Nowadays, Yun Jieer was a woman of independent means, with income from Sweetwater Lane and a 300-acre estate in Luoyang, totaling several hundred guan annually, plus her monthly allowance. So she lived comfortably and wasn't one to meddle.

Jin Niang nodded. "Family matters are hard to meddle in. Her mother really should’ve known better—the girl’s even younger than you, married off in such a hurry. No wonder a dowry worth tens of thousands is being steadily siphoned away."

The two dropped the subject—after all, the best solution was simply to divorce and remarry. Otherwise, she’d remain trapped in that quagmire.

Just then, Madam Wei sent someone to send for Madam Jiang.

Seeing Jin Niang, Madam Wei noticed she wasn’t wearing a coronet. Instead, her hair was wrapped in diaphanous raw silk embroidered with faint pink lotuses, adorned with hairpins of mutton-fat jade. She wore a crystal necklace and white jade bracelets, looking with understated elegance.

"You look so refreshing," Madam Wei smiled.

Jin Niang replied, "You know I have little patience for wearing gold coronets. To be honest, they’re too heavy—last time, they left angry red grooves on my scalp."

Madam Wei always felt that Jiang Xian and his wife lacked the awareness of being elders; they still seemed very young, and Jin Niang appeared just as lively, speaking no differently than Yun Jieer.

"You, why are you still saying such childish things?" Madam Wei couldn't help but laugh.

Jin Niang replied, "In front of you, sister-in-law, I won’t put on airs."

As they spoke, guests began to gather. Jin Niang, amidst the crowd, noticed how grand the banquet was—a hundred-day celebration also known as the "Naming Banquet." Ning Geer and Ding Geer both arrived together, with Ning Geer presenting his niece a long-life lock on behalf of the whole family.

The guests even playfully urged Ning Geer to hold Mingyue. He carefully took her in his arms—Mingyue being her milk name, as her formal name had yet to be chosen. Seeing Wei Qilang still standing there grinning, Old Master Wei grew irritated. It wasn’t that Ning Geer, a young man, was doing anything wrong, but a gesture of goodwill was expected.

"Nephew, how about giving my granddaughter a formal name?" Old Master Wei took the initiative.

Ning Geer was surprised but humbly pondered for a moment before smiling and saying, "The *Book of Songs: Chen Feng—'Moonrise'* mentions, 'The moon rises bright.' 'Jiao' (bright) also signifies purity. What do you think, Respected Elder and Cousin?"

Both Old Master Wei and Wei Qilang approved. Jin Niang, listening nearby, felt relieved and privately thought that the name "Jiao" was simple and elegant—a fine choice.

Thus, the granddaughter’s name was settled. Regardless of why Ning Geer was asked to name her, those who understood the nuances saw it as a gesture of respect from the Wei family toward the Jiang family. After all, the Jiangs were descendants of Duke Shao, a chancellor’s lineage. With both brothers now Jinshi scholars (highest imperial exam graduates), their descendants remained exceptional, promising future success.

On the way back from the Wei residence, Ning Geer read in the carriage while Ding Geer fidgeted—sometimes climbing into his brother’s lap, other times begging him to play. After being scolded, he tried to coax forgiveness, amusing Jin Niang.

Last winter was cold, and this summer was sweltering. Jin Niang enjoyed strolling in the garden after dinner when the evening glow lingered. But after half a month, she noticed sun-induced freckles and a darker complexion, making her hesitant to go out casually again.

For summer, she bought a summer gauze and hired a tailor to make two outfits for the whole family.

Ding Geer didn’t get many new clothes—his brother’s slightly worn ones were passed down to him. It wasn’t that Jin Niang was stingy, but the garments were of excellent quality, and discarding them would be wasteful.

Family wouldn’t mind reused clothes, but outsiders might see it as charity.

As summer ended and Mid-Autumn approached, Ding Geer turned seven, and Ning Geer fifteen.

Sister-in-law Zhang Pingjun was about to give birth. Jin Niang personally visited her and, hearing the pregnancy was smooth, felt reassured.

"I’ve already gone through two deliveries, sister. Don’t worry—I know what to expect," Zhang Pingjun spoke reassuringly.

Jin Niang smiled. "Well, I’ve already prepared the gifts for the washing-third ceremony. I’ll come directly then. How about having Father and Mother come from the estate these days to help? What do you think?"

Zhang Pingjun agreed—having elders around was better. She had privately hoped her own parents could assist, but her sister-in-law’s suggestion made sense. When Yun Jieer gave birth, the Wei family couldn’t even persuade her to stay. This was the way to maintain long-term harmony.

Sometimes, Zhang Pingjun admired Jin Niang—how could someone have so few desires?

She handled matters well without claiming credit, yet if offended, she wouldn’t hesitate to stand her ground.

"Sister, your arrangements are perfect," Zhang Pingjun said with a smile.

By September, the baby arrived—another daughter. Jin Niang showed no favoritism, bestowing the newborn the same as she had for the older children.

At the baby’s hundred-day celebration, another year had passed. Jin Niang felt time passed far too quickly—her granddaughter Jiao Jiao was already one. During the first-birthday *zhua zhou* (grasping ceremony), the child grabbed a rouge box, prompting everyone to say she’d grow up to be a lady fond of adornment.

Jin Niang and Zhang Pingjun visited the Wei family again. After the ceremony, the women gathered to chat.

Yun Jieer remarked, "I don’t know what’s gotten into Sixth Sister-in-law—she assigned another bedchamber maid for Sixth Brother. That girl in green earlier was just newly elevated."

"How can her husband focus on studies like this? I won’t allow such distractions in your brother’s quarters. At this age, studying should come first. Otherwise, once distracted, it’s hard to regain focus. Of course, for the exceptionally gifted, it’s no issue, but ordinary people should avoid it." Jin Niang disapproved.

Even for Ning Geer, she wouldn’t permit any chamber maids before marriage—afterward, it’d be up to the couple.

Yun Jieer agreed. "I think so too, but perhaps Sixth Sister-in-law believes this will make Sixth Brother happier."

Jin Niang understood the logic—like how some unfaithful men, out of guilt, treat their wives better afterward. Wang Shi had initially resisted but now had adapted smoothly.

Jin Niang said to her, "Everyone has their own way of living. Since your husband’s studying for the exams, he absolutely must not be distracted."

Yun Jieer nodded in agreement.

Zhang Pingjun, who was listening nearby, also chimed in, "Exactly. Even in our own household, my mother is extremely strict with the servants and would never allow such things casually."

Yun Jieer smiled and said, "You’re right, Auntie."

"Next year is another Provincial Exam, so it’s time for a new round. Let’s prepare well," Jin Niang remarked.

Zhang Pingjun asked, "I heard our Ning Geer will also be taking the Provincial Exam next year."

Jin Niang smiled. "He’s already qualified, but he’s still young. His father and I agreed to let him participate once, just to get a feel for it."

No one expected Ning Geer to ace it. In fact, his recent performances at the Imperial Academy hadn’t been ideal, but he was grinding through practice essays. He wasn’t a naturally gifted scholar—he once thought of reading extensively, but later realized that approach was all over the place.

To succeed in the imperial examinations, one had to repeatedly drill model essays and strictly follow the exam requirements.

As they entered Qixia Courtyard, Yun Jieer added, "For next year’s Provincial Exam, I heard Second Uncle’s Eighth Son is also planning to participate."

"That’s wonderful! Competing together will push everyone to do their best. Even the young master from the Hao family in Suzhou is coming," Jin Niang said with a grin.

Meanwhile, Meng Sanlang also intended to take the Provincial Exam. With no family connections available to him, the imperial exams were his only path forward. Eldest Miss Sun said to her mother, "With so many scholars heading to the capital next year, perhaps you could find a good catch for my younger sister among them."

Zhou Si retorted, "You married into the Meng family, an official household. Would you really have your sister marry an ordinary scholar?"

"Mother, that’s not what I meant," Eldest Miss Sun replied, feeling her and her mother drifting apart over the years.

Realizing her misstep, Zhou Si quickly corrected herself, "Never mind, there’s no need for you to worry about this. Your sister is only seventeen this year—girls in Bianjing aren’t considered late at this age. Look at Jiang Song, who married hastily and is a total mess now. Her family had to haul her back, fuming, to recuperate, but eventually, she’ll still have to return to her in-laws."

With Jiang Song’s example, Eldest Miss Sun had little to argue.

She then gently touched her belly. "Mother, I think I might be pregnant again. Same as when I was pregnant with my girl."

This time, she hoped for a son—that would round things out.

Zhou Si counted the days—it had been over a year since her last childbirth—and looked at her daughter. "Then take good care of yourself. Though, I must say, your mother-in-law seems too out for herself in daily matters."

During her time in the Zhou household, Jiang Shi had eventually showed her hand over dowry matters, though monthly allowances, clothes, and jewelry were equally distributed among the four daughters.

Eldest Miss Sun didn’t mind. "She’s actually quite manageable. You see how I can visit home so often—it shows she’s a pushover, not the type to be deliberately harsh."

Zhou Si felt her daughter was getting played but chose not to press further.

Eldest Miss Sun then asked, "Mother, with Uncle’s clout these days, why hasn’t he brought back our uncles?"

This puzzled Zhou Si as well. The records mentioned Jiang Xian facilitating their return, but Zhou Cunzhi remained excluded, and Jiang Fang’s case was even harder.

Sun Shichen had once explained that Zhou Cunzhi had aligned with the Shen Party, and even the Chancellor of Jixian was now keeping his head down. No one would dare defy public opinion to help Zhou Cunzhi.

But she couldn’t say this to Zhou Si. Truthfully, her relationship with Zhou Cunzhi was distant at best. As the biggest beneficiary in the Zhou family, Zhou Cunzhi’s younger brother had been ruined by coddling into incompetence by Jiang Shi, knowing only indulgence and lacking real ability.

These matters were best left unspoken. Even Third Sister, who was close to them, put her own folks first—Zhou Si had no reason to interfere.

Meanwhile, after returning from the Wei household, Jin Niang took her hair down and relaxed.

But before she could rest long, Jiang Xian sent word that Chancellor Shen had stormed out, and Jiang Fang was appointed as the new Commissioner of the Three Departments.

This marked Jiang Fang’s career high, as the Emperor sought to suppress the stubborn old Chancellor Shen and utilize the loyal lone wolf Jiang Fang while still relying on the Shen Party.

Jin Niang immediately prepared congratulatory gifts and went straight over, only to find that Xu Shi had arrived even faster and was already seated inside.

Despite Xu Shi's usual devotion to Buddhism and her calm demeanor, when it came to such social niceties, she moved much quicker than Jin Niang. Upon entering, Jin Niang said to the overwhelmed Zhousan Guniang, "Congratulations indeed!"

Zhousan Guniang smiled, "You’re too kind. Please help me entertain the guests—I’m completely swamped."

Jin Niang naturally assisted with hosting, while Xu Shi wanted to join in but was no longer an official’s wife. Introducing her as the elder sister-in-law wasn’t appropriate either, since Jiang Fang had adoptive parents. Unlike Jin Niang, whom everyone recognized as the wife of the Prefect of Kaifeng, Xu Shi didn’t warrant introductions.

After a busy half-day at Jiang Fang’s house, barely eating a bite, Jin Niang couldn’t stick to her diet when she returned. She polished off a few spareribs and a piece of pork belly before finally feeling satisfied.

"Next time, we’ll go later—just deliver the gifts and leave. Otherwise, we’ll be dragged into working the whole time."

A Ying massaged her own legs and asked, "Madam, now that Chancellor Shen has stepped down and Master Fang has risen, what about our master…?"

Jin Niang shook her head. "The imperial court always saw Chancellor Shen as forming factions, while Jiang Fang was seen as a principled outsider acting purely for the public good. But everyone knows he’s part of the Shen Party. Who knows what will happen now?"

"What should we do then?" A Ying pressed.

Jin Niang smiled. "Next year, Ning Geer will take the Provincial Exam, and our Ding Geer needs a tutor—we’ll focus on keeping to our studies. As for our master’s affairs, he knows best."

Jiang Fang’s promotion didn’t threaten Jiang Xian, who remained the Prefect of Kaifeng. His track record spoke for itself in cracking down on counterfeit goods, arresting criminals, and resolving long-pending cases.

However, by the eighth month of the following year, the court underwent a whirlwind shift. The once-powerful Jiang Fang was demoted to Bozhou, while the long-disgraced Chancellor of Jixian was reinstated.

Zhousi Guniang was gobsmacked. Glancing at her youngest daughter, she sighed inwardly—her second daughter’s once-favorable marriage options were now likely compromised.

For Jin Niang’s family, the greatest joy was that seventeen-year-old Ning Geer aced the Provincial Exam, ranking in the top three, and was now preparing for next year’s Metropolitan Exam.