Chapter 152

Chapter 152

After Ning Geer arrived, Jin Niang personally instructed Aunt Bai to prepare a lavish feast. A Ying, who had accompanied Jin Niang since she was a twelve or thirteen-year-old girl, felt deeply sentimental.

Stepping out of the room, both mistress and maid sighed with emotion.

A Ying smiled and said, "Back when you married Shiliulang, my heart was in knots—I couldn’t wait for you to have a son soon so you could hold your head high. Now, seeing our eldest young master so clever, diligent, and even earning his jinshi degree, I’m truly happy for you."

"For me, it’s also a marvel. I never expected him to achieve this at such a young age. But this isn’t the end—becoming an official is a new challenge, a new beginning," Jin Niang replied.

Once the meal was ready, the four of them reunited. Jin Niang raised her cup and said, "Our family is finally reunited, and my heart can finally rest at ease."

Ning Geer patted his younger brother’s head and said to Jin Niang and Jiang Xian, "I feel the same way. As soon as I settled matters in Bianjing, I rushed here."

Though Jiang Xian rarely showed genuine emotion, he loved this atmosphere. He couldn’t help but glance around, grinning without realizing it.

His eldest son resembled his wife the most—filial and deeply sentimental. He truly felt blessed!

As they shared their feelings of separation, Ding Geer even planted his hands on his hips and declared, "When I have time off, I’ll visit Brother’s place!"

"Visit? You might as well stay over at your brother’s, how about that?" Jin Niang teased her younger son.

Bringing up the yamen, Jiang Xian looked at his eldest son and said, "I’ve found you a shrewd legal secretary named Cheng. He’s very experienced—consult him often. He even knows some forensic methods."

Ning Geer sighed. "Back when I struggled with studies, I somehow passed the imperial exams. Now, I know nothing about judging cases, yet I’m made a Judge. Truly, ‘The road to Shu is harder than climbing to the sky,’ as the old saying goes."

"You’re being too modest," Jin Niang thought to herself. Her son had always been a humblebragger—even as a child, he was adept at settling disputes among servants over theft cases.

Jiang Xian chuckled. "Your father is here. If you don’t understand anything, just ask me. Also, if you’re short on money, have your mother withdraw some from the accounts for you."

Ning Geer waved his hand. "The thousand taels of silver Mother left in the capital—I spent three hundred on daily costs and scholar gatherings, leaving seven hundred. Before coming, I sold the fabrics and tea from the east wing as Mother suggested, along with the parting gifts of money others gave me. Now, I still have a thousand taels. Honestly, with this much money, I couldn’t even sleep well."

He sensibly took only a hundred taels and left the rest for Jin Niang.

Jin Niang said, "You’re just starting your new post—you’ll need money everywhere. How can you take so little?"

"Really, it’s enough. A hundred taels is already plenty. Besides, I’ll have my salary. Now that I’m an official, it’s bad enough I can’t support my parents—how can I take your money? Truly, it’s unnecessary." Ning Geer was genuinely embarrassed and unwilling to accept the funds.

Jiang Xian, resting his chin on his hand, mused—why hadn’t he been this conscientious back then? He used to pester his wife for this and that.

After the meal, he shared many officialdom tips with his son. The father and son even slept in the study that night. The next morning, Ning Geer left for the Henan Prefecture yamen without even eating breakfast, saying he’d pick up a bite on the way.

Jiang Xian and Jin Niang ate breakfast together. She said, "These dumplings are made with bone broth. Your back may seem better, but you still need to take care of it."

Jiang Xian nodded, eating the dumplings, then sighed. "Pity about our son-in-law’s results."

For some reason, hearing him mention Wei Qilang, Jin Niang smiled. "Our son-in-law is only twenty-one. Besides, born to such privilege like the Weis, he still had to work hard himself. Many come to grief in the imperial exams. Just look at our Ding Geer—who knows how he’ll fare in the future."

"If Ding Geer doesn’t pass, he can still secure a petty official post by inheritance and stay by our side to care for us," Jiang Xian said.

Jin Niang affectionately replied, "Let’s not think about them caring for us. Staying healthy ourselves is what matters most. Don’t you think so? As long as we’re together, no hardship is too great."

After breakfast, Jin Niang reviewed the invitations that had arrived, picked two, instructing A Ying to prepare for the visits.

It couldn’t be helped—if she wanted to find a daughter-in-law, she had to observe and meet more people.

Lady Sui shared the same mindset as Jin Niang. She also had a son, her eldest, now sixteen. Lady Sui wanted to find him a wife with a generous dowry, refined and dutiful—what with Luoyang’s many noble houses and imperial clans.

However, she told Matron Yang, "Forget about those imperial clan girls. My son will need to pursue the examination path in the future—marrying an imperial clan girl would only be a political liability."

"Nurse Yang smiled and said, 'Madame, if I may say so, marrying a girl from an established family is indeed more advantageous. But you mustn't be too hasty—marriage is a significant matter that requires careful consideration.'

Madame Sui waved her round fan nonchalantly and replied, 'Exactly. I'm just afraid of those haughty young ladies who, relying on their family's prestige, might bully our young master.'

Soon, it was the hair-pinning ceremony for Fourth Miss Fan, whose father currently served as the Shaanxi Fiscal Commissioner. Jin Niang arrived first at the Fan residence, as she had taken a liking to Miss Fan after meeting her during the Dragon Boat Festival. The girl had struck her as dignified and courteous, so naturally, Jin Niang made it a priority to attend today.

Madame Fan personally greeted her at the door, saying, 'Madame Jiang, we’ve been eagerly awaiting your arrival.'

'You’re far too kind,' Jin Niang replied.

The Fan family was a prominent local clan, with six branches residing together in Luoyang. Jin Niang was led to a hall called Yihua Hall, where Fourth Miss Fan and Sixth Miss Fan came forward to greet her.

Jin Niang smiled and said, 'Today, your fourth daughter is the guest of honor. It wouldn’t be right for her to greet me.'

Madame Fan offered modest words in response, while Jin Niang presented each girl with a jade ring set in gold and a pearl necklace.

Fourth Miss Fan and her sister quickly stepped forward to express their gratitude. Jin Niang then took their hands and asked, 'You both look so refined and intelligent. Have you had the chance to study?'

'We’ve only learned a little reading and writing and haven’t read much,' Fourth Miss Fan replied softly, lowering her head.

Jin Niang nodded slightly and asked a few more questions before Madame Fan inquired, 'May I ask how many children you have, Madame?'

'Oh, my eldest daughter was married years ago. I also have two sons,' Jin Niang answered with a smile.

Madame Fan spoke unhurriedly as more guests gradually arrived. Jin Niang observed how Madame Fan and Fourth Miss Fan interacted with others, then gave A Ying a meaningful glance.

After the ceremony concluded and Jin Niang returned home, A Ying reported, 'It’s hard to gather much information this way. Aside from the personal maids, I wouldn’t trust the gossip from the menial servants.'

However, what A Ying failed to uncover, her son Liu Quan managed to discover. The boy, who usually studied with Ding Geer but was occasionally assigned tasks by Jin Niang, had accompanied the coachman Zhang Laoshi to the event. The Fan family had entertained the servants of the Fiscal Commissioner’s household in the front courtyard, where Liu Quan dined with one of the Fan family’s attendants. Through their boastful chatter, he learned quite a bit.

Upon returning, Liu Quan reported, 'This fourth young lady has a calm temperament, and everyone says she’s virtuous. But in reality, she tends to keep to herself. They also say her maids are quite feisty and always squabbling.'

'Good, I understand. A Ying, give Quan’er a reward,' Jin Niang noted this information.

A Ying was delighted to see her son excel. Chen Xiaolang had married first, and Min Zhi’s son, Chen Tong, served as Ning Geer’s attendant—his future was bright. Her own son, who followed Ding Geer, was also doing well, but now that he had gained the mistress’s favor, he would surely be entrusted with more responsibilities.

After Liu Quan left, Jin Niang remarked, 'We shouldn’t rely solely on one account. We need to learn more.'

'I agree. By the way, will you still attend the Lü family’s event? Their daughter-in-law’s child is celebrating its Red Egg and Ginger party,' A Ying asked.

Jin Niang smiled. 'Of course I’ll go.'

She couldn’t decide based on just one family.

A Ying added, 'It seems Madame Sui has her eyes set on Fourth Miss Fan, doesn’t it?'

'You’re mistaken. That’s Madame Fan deliberately playing games with me, hoping I’ll feel pressured to make an early decision.' As a mother herself, Jin Niang was well aware of such tricks.

Why was this happening? Because Ning Geer was now the most eligible bachelor.

Madame Sui, oblivious to these subtleties, simply saw the Fan family as prestigious and happily told Nurse Yang, 'I think that fourth young lady has a very auspicious look—perfect for our young master. Today, Madame Fan treated me quite exceptionally.'

Nurse Yang shared her joy.

Little did they know that Fourth Miss Fan had lofty ambitions and had no regard for someone like the Sui family’s son. Privately, she admired someone more like Eldest Master Jiang.

Unfortunately, Madame Jiang wasn’t especially warm toward her.

Meanwhile, after arriving at the yamen, Ning Geer spent his first month studying case records and consulting with Advisor Cheng, careful not to voice opinions too hastily. For him, the priority was to familiarize himself with procedures—avoiding rashness that might reveal his inexperience."

The first case he handled was the decapitated woman case at the Cao family's gold and silver shop.

Such a case was indeed frightening to him, but he overcame his fear and began to piece together the clues. He often visited Jiang Xian for advice—though he already knew what his father would say, he still listened with genuine attention.

Like his mother said, when seeking guidance from others, one must never be complacent but humbly heed their teachings.

After the discussion, Jin Niang urged him several times before he finally came to eat.

"I think these fish balls are perfectly cooked. Try them." Jin Niang served her son a bowl of fish ball soup.

Ning Geer smiled and agreed, then asked, "Mother, I’ll be turning eighteen soon. What are your plans for my birthday this year?"

Jin Niang thought for a moment. "Your father and I have found a secluded garden—a very quiet place with dishes you can’t find elsewhere. We’ll have a family meal there, and afterward, we’ll stroll through the streets. Both you and your father serve as officials in Luoyang—you can’t govern properly without knowing the people under your care."

Only through firsthand experience can one truly understand a place.

Ning Geer clapped his hands. "Wonderful! That’s exactly what I wanted—to go out with you both."

"Alright, eat first. Ju Xiang mentioned you didn’t eat well at noon, so you should have a proper meal now. Look at this beef—rice-powder steamed with fermented tofu. It’s delicious and gives you energy." Jin Niang pointed at the dish, urging him to take some.

Ning Geer thought how nice it was to be at home, where he could eat whatever he liked and speak freely. He also wanted some osmanthus milk pudding: "Mother, could you make osmanthus milk pudding tomorrow?"

"I’ll have your father make it, and we’ll chill it with ice," Jin Niang said with a smile.

Jiang Xian shook his head. "So now you remember your old man? Luckily, I know your mother loves this, so I’ve kept dried osmanthus flowers every year. I’ll make it tomorrow."

"Thank you, Father!" Ning Geer felt incredibly fortunate.

After dinner, he returned to the yamen. If not for fear of gossip, he would have loved to stay with his parents.

Once their eldest son left, Ding Geer began yawning. Jin Niang had Liu Quan attend to him for rest before sitting down with Jiang Xian for tea and digestion. She sighed softly. "If we were still in Bianjing, we’d probably be taking a walk in the garden right now."

After Ning Geer arrived, Jin Niang had Chen Xiaolang’s family and Ju Xiang accompany him at the Judge’s office, so they didn’t need to come over. In Bianjing, Luo Da was left to look after the house, while his son Hu Tou stayed with Jiang Xian. This year, Jin Niang even planned to arrange a marriage for him.

As for Ning Geer’s marriage, Jin Niang had been keeping an eye out, but she wouldn’t rush into an unsuitable match just for speed.

"True, but Luoyang is quite nice too," Jiang Xian remarked.

Jin Niang added, "I can’t shake the feeling that the fourth daughter of the Fan family is a mismatch—like a sparrow eyeing a phoenix. Reading her poetry, it’s clear she’s no ordinary girl—she’s got the ambition of a Wu Zetian in the making. But you know Ning Geer better than anyone—he’s a homebody at heart. So, this girl might not be the right fit for us."

Jiang Xian thought to himself that this wasn’t necessarily true. His son often downplayed himself—staying up late studying, staining his bed curtains with lamp soot, yet claiming he never studied in private. Though practically a born talent, he insisted he was inadequate, always saying Wei Qilang or others were smarter. He talked about being a homebody, yet once immersed in a case, he’d skip meals—too busy even for family.

Who knew where the boy got his temperament? Certainly not from him.

The Fan family was unaware of Jin Niang’s thoughts. Mrs. Fan was writing to her husband in Shaanxi, expressing her wish to match their daughter with the eldest son of the Jiang family. The letter mentioned Jiang Ning, now eighteen, handsome and spirited, already serving as Judge of the Western Capital, with his father as Fiscal Commissioner of Jingxi and his uncle as Assistant Minister of State.

An ideal bureaucratic pedigree, and the young man himself was exceptionally capable. If they could secure him as a son-in-law, their daughter would have no regrets in life.

Little did they know the Lü family had the same idea. Thus, when Jin Niang attended Mrs. Lü’s grandson’s 100-day-old banquet, she was received with extraordinary warmth. Jin Niang mused that she was truly riding her son’s coattails.

Both she and Jiang Xian had no powerful kin to lean on—they had built everything themselves. Now, watching their family grow step by step, they felt a deep sense of security.

Mrs. Lü’s maiden name was Shangguan, and she came from a prominent family. She had only one daughter—willowy and elegant, a true beauty. Mr. Lü served as Vice Commissioner of Military Affairs at court. While not as wealthy as the Fan family, they held refined prestige.

Others placed great importance on childbearing, but Jin Niang didn’t share such concerns. In her view, barrenness wasn’t usually the wife’s doing. As long as a woman’s menstruation was regular, there were usually no major issues. She herself had once suffered from severe blood deficiency and poor health, but because Jiang Xian was robust, she got pregnant easily.

Still, this wasn’t something to rush into things.

"Fourteen this year? My, what a beauty—I was just staring in awe earlier," Jin Niang remarked.

Miss Lü’s family had originally planned for her to marry a cousin, but the other party deemed her too frail, so the engagement was called off. In truth, she was somewhat slender, but it wasn’t a major issue.

Mrs. Lü took a liking to Jin Niang because she didn’t inspect her daughter like others did. Many women would examine young ladies as if appraising goods.

After Miss Lü paid her respects and left, Jin Niang and Mrs. Lü chatted casually, everything appearing perfectly ordinary.

Upon leaving the Lü residence, Jin Niang visited the Liu family to purchase land, buying a thousand mu of fertile land from Madam Liu the Fourth. They had profitable ties and got along well, so Jin Niang took the opportunity to inquire about the Lü family.

Madam Liu the Fourth remarked, "Mrs. Lü originally had a son and a daughter, but sadly, the son passed away young. Fortunately, Mrs. Lü is virtuous and has two sons born to concubines. As for talent, Miss Lü is truly brilliant and sharp-minded."

After leaving Madam Liu the Fourth, A Ying arrived, and they sought out local gossips to investigate the actual circumstances of the Lü and Fan families, even consulting matchmakers and brokers.

The results were unexpected. A Ying reported, "The Fan family may appear grand as Fiscal Commissioners, but they lack generosity—ostentatious yet frugal. Though Mrs. Fan has two sons, they only indulge in romantic pursuits, spending lavishly, and one is a frequent visitor to brothels, keeping a courtesan on the side. The Lüs aren’t as rich as the Fans, but they are generous to their servants. Even the matchmakers on Central Street say the Lü family gives the most tips."

"Good, I understand now. In matters of marriage, I can only choose what seems best at present. If Ning Geer weren’t scholarly, finding a family with influential connections would be ideal. But since he is capable, we should seek a match with both talent and beauty, so they’ll suit each other," Jin Niang said.

A Ying hesitated before adding, "But Madam, Miss Lü does seem rather frail."

"I’ve already consulted Physicians Hu and Song, who often treat her. I even copied her prescriptions, and the master physician said it’s nothing serious—just a minor qi and blood imbalance, with no impact on childbearing," Jin Niang replied.

Of course, Jin Niang also received a letter from Ning Geer’s teacher recommending his own daughter. She shook her head at once: "A sheltered family tends to be overly sensitive."

As the wife of the eldest son, she couldn’t afford to be too sensitive—folks might step on her toes without knowing why.

Having settled on the Lü family, Jin Niang still presented all the gathered information to her son. "If you agree, I’ll first test the waters with Mrs. Lü. The girl is still young—you can wait three years to marry, focusing on your career in the meantime."

"I was thinking the same. When my sister married, the rites were such a hassle," Ning Geer sighed.

Jin Niang laughed. "Exactly. Just focus on your cases."

To her, love’s a nice spice for life, but the most important thing was having one’s own career—vital for both men and women.

Oddly enough, the Fan and Lü families got along well. Fan Si’s daughter paid a visit to Miss Lü: "Qionghua, I was just wondering where you’d been! What have you been up to at home?"

Lv Qionghua gestured to the rouge before her. "I’ve just made some new rouge balm."

"Your blends are always the best," Fan Si’s daughter said, picking some up with a hairpin and dabbing it on her lips.

Though born into privileged families, the two girls had their own troubles. Lv Qionghua’s two brothers were born of concubines, not the same mother, so they’re not close. Fan Si’s daughter had two elder brothers and a younger sister, all full siblings, but her brothers were hopeless at the exams.

"If you like it, take some home," Lv Qionghua offered with a smile.

Fan Si’s daughter nodded, then added, "When I arrived, I heard your aunt had come."

She rarely brought up painful topics, but Lv Qionghua had initially been betrothed to her cousin—until her aunt claimed their horoscopes clashed. Later, they learned it was because they thought her too sickly, like her mother, who struggled with fertility. The revelation had nearly made her mother faint, and Lv Qionghua herself was heartbroken.

At the question, her eyes reddened. "I could bear it if it were just about me, but they dragged my mother into it."

"This has nothing to do with you or your mother—it’s those people causing trouble. Don’t let it eat at you. Your father is Vice Commissioner of Military Affairs; you’ll surely find a good match," Fan Si’s daughter consoled her.

Lv Qionghua pointed at her. "A proper young lady shouldn’t talk so much about marriage!"

Fan Si’s daughter felt she had it better than Lv Qionghua—at least she had a fortunate appearance. While men might admire Lv Qionghua’s delicate beauty, mothers-in-law might not.

A month later, to everyone’s surprise, the Jiang family sent a matchmaker in a purple overdress to the Lü residence.

Jin Niang was at home reading Yun Jieer’s reply. She had shared her decision to choose the Lü family, and Yun Jieer agreed, praising the Lü family’s enduring influence and calling it a wise choice.

On the Lü side, Mrs. Lü didn’t hesitate—she accepted at once, telling her daughter, "Mrs. Jiang said she’s met many girls but rarely met a girl as clear-headed as you. I saw young Master Jiang the other day—truly outstanding, dashing on horseback, a rare talent."

Lv Qionghua herself never expected that Mrs. Jiang would propose a marriage match for her. She asked in confusion, "Wasn't it said to be the Fan family?"

Mrs. Lü smiled and replied, "The Fan family is indeed decent, but their girl is quite calculating—likely to need the Jiang family's support in the future. Moreover, they simply took a liking to you at first sight."

Lv Qionghua thought to herself that Mrs. Jiang, though shrewd and capable, had shown her special favor. If she were to marry into their household, she ought to show proper respect to her elders.

Seeing her daughter's expression, Mrs. Lü chuckled, "In the future, you'll be the lady of their household, so you should start learning household management from me now."

"Managing the household comes second. Since he serves as a Judge in Luoyang, I recall our family has a copy of *Lü's Secret Cases*—why not gift it to him?" Lv Qionghua said shyly.

Mrs. Lü pointed at her daughter and teased, "You haven't even crossed their threshold yet, but your heart is already there. Well, it's good this way—they consider you in everything, and you do the same for them."

...

On her end, Jin Niang was surprised to see the Lü family's reply, which mentioned a dowry of thirty thousand guan—well beyond anything she’d imagined.