Chapter 154

Chapter 154

After Jin Niang finished the ash-gray padded jacket, the weather began to turn cold. Jiang Xian was invited by prominent literati to gatherings, while Jin Niang also had her own social engagements, such as the birthday banquet of Princess Kangshan and the flower banquet hosted by the Princess of Qingping, both of which she had to attend.

"Luoyang is truly a wonderful place," A Ying couldn’t help but praise.

The people she interacted with were all affluent and cultivated, quite unlike those she had encountered in Wu County or Daming Prefecture. To put it bluntly, everyone had money and dignity, so naturally, they all got along well.

However, the Fan family, entangled in some interests, treated her rather coldly because they had not chosen their own daughter but instead selected Lv Xiaoniang. Jin Niang didn’t particularly mind this.

After all, marriage arrangements required mutual agreement, and she hadn’t made any promises. Yet, she still ended up being resented.

During the New Year festivities, Ning Geer temporarily moved from the Judge’s office to stay here. Jin Niang took the opportunity to have her son inspect the rents from nearby estates and shops. The Silk and Velvet Shop alone earned nine thousand taels this year, while the farmland rents in Luoyang amounted to nine hundred strings of cash, and the rents from the estate in Bianjing and the shop at Jinliang Bridge in Bianjing meant they were practically swimming in silver.

Because of this, Jiang Xian distributed the remaining silver from the Fiscal Commissioner’s office to his staff and petty officials, ensuring everyone had a good New Year.

This year’s New Year gifts sent to Bianjing were also lavish. Yun Jieer had only received various foods from Jin Niang in August, but the New Year gifts were even more generous. First came a jar of fermented sparrow paste, followed by delicacies like lychee honey cakes, candied peach strips, and crispy walnuts—gilded delicacies.

In addition to food, there were also floral teas, including six varieties of tea cakes: jasmine, rose, wild rose, orchid, gardenia, and rosewood. There were also fruit wines—one jar each of plum wine and lychee wine—and medicinal wines—a jar each of pit viper wine and wolfberry wine.

Not to mention, Jin Niang designed patterns and had the embroiderers make several sets of clothes for her grandchildren.

And then there were the gifts for Yun Jieer herself: two bolts of greenish-white Song brocade and a sheet of Chenxintang art paper.

The pit viper wine was a gift from Ning Geer to Jiang Xian—two jars in total—excellent for rheumatism and joint pain. Jin Niang sent one jar to the Wei family and instructed Yun Jieer to keep the other, explaining that it could expel wind and dampness, detoxify, calm convulsions, and even alleviate leprosy to some extent. She told Yun Jieer to share a small portion with her grandfather.

When Yun Jieer received the gifts, Wei Qilang took a glance and couldn’t help but remark, "This is truly good stuff. I heard it even contains pit viper and ginseng."

"Indeed," Yun Jieer replied. "I heard Ning Geer helped a snake catcher solve a case, and the man gifted him the snakes. Ning Geer, being young, didn’t know what to do with them, but later learned they could be infused with ginseng to make wine, so he prepared two jars."

However, she added, "My mother said this wine shouldn’t be consumed daily—it could be toxic. It’s best taken when feeling unwell. As for the wolfberry wine, it strengthens weakness, builds muscle, replenishes vitality, dispels cold, and strengthens male vitality. These are medicinal wines—we shouldn’t drink them casually, right?"

But Wei Qilang insisted on trying it. Since childhood, he had always thought the neighbor's pot smelled better, and the more Yun Jieer tried to stop him, the more determined he became. Yun Jieer eventually complained to Madam Wei: "These are medicinal wines—he shouldn’t drink them like this. Do admonish him for me."

Their current harmonious relationship as mother- and daughter-in-law gave Yun Jieer the confidence to speak up.

But Madam Wei couldn’t bear to scold her beloved son and only gave him a half-hearted reprimand, which Wei Qilang ignored.

After paying respects to her mother-in-law, Yun Jieer had Hu Tou and his spouse, who had delivered the New Year gifts, take a cartload of her own prepared gifts back to her parents.

Though her mother had told her not to send anything, she insisted on expressing her filial devotion.

Jiang Xian received knee and waist protectors from Yun Jieer, while Jin Niang got two pairs of shoes made by her daughter. For her younger brother Ning Geer, Yun Jieer made a scholar's robe, and for her youngest brother Ding Geer, a windproof hood. There were also silks and food items.

"Our children are all so filial," Jin Niang said, her eyes brimming with tears.

"Yes," Jiang Xian agreed. "My mother passed away early, and my father cared little for me, but my wife and children have been so good to me." He truly felt as if he were living in clover.

This year, his wife had even splurged three hundred taels of silver for him to indulge in calligraphy and antiques. Somehow, this made him love her even more.

Naturally, Jin Niang’s in-laws, the Lü family, also sent thoughtful gifts in return, including a new book for Ding Geer. But Ding Geer cried out, "I don’t want to read during New Year—I want to go out and play!"

"You’re twelve or thirteen now—stop thinking only about fun," Jin Niang chided, giving him a look.

Ding Geer just grinned.

Meanwhile, Ning Geer glanced at his younger brother and said to Jin Niang, "Mother, Second Brother is too good-looking. Since he’s studying with the old scholar now, perhaps when he’s older, you could send him to a private academy or the Imperial College for advanced studies."

Good-looking women often faced harassment—and men were no exception. Ning Geer himself had been spared during his studies, but he had often heard and even witnessed such cases in school—some falling into ruin or being forced into depravity.

Of course, after becoming a Prefectural Judge, he truly realized how unpredictable the world could be—he had been far too sheltered by his family.

Looking at his younger brother, who was exceptionally handsome, he thought it best for him to stay at home.

Jin Niang immediately understood her son’s meaning. With two sons, the elder outstanding and the younger not as resilient, she believed that as long as he remained upright in character, securing an inherited official post in the future and staying close to them would be fine.

Among her three children, the eldest daughter was sharp and capable, the eldest son steadfast and determined, while the youngest, delicate as a girl, was fiercely protected by everyone.

But Jin Niang hoped he would at least be as socially adept as her son-in-law, Wei Qilang—whether he became an official or not was secondary.

"Ning Geer is right. Our Second Son should focus on his studies," Jin Niang said with a smile.

Ding Geer patted his chest and declared, "I will definitely study hard!"

On the Lantern Festival (Yuanxiao Festival), the fifteenth of the first lunar month, Jin Niang and Jiang Xian took their youngest son to see the lanterns. Much like Wei Qilang in his youth, the boy drew constant attention due to his striking looks.

Even Jiang Xian sighed, "I was also quite handsome as a child. While it had its advantages, it also brought many troubles. Back then, as you know, my father repeatedly failed the imperial exams, and our family struggled financially. I was forced to socialize early. Though no one dared to truly cross me, some reckless people still tried to provoke or humiliate me."

"That’s all in the past. Look how wonderful our life is now—our family is unshakable," Jin Niang replied warmly.

Jiang Xian nodded earnestly and added, "Our son is getting married early next year, just as my term ends."

Speaking of marriage, Eldest Miss Sun’s younger sister was sent to the capital by her parents to prepare for her wedding.

Zhou Si, originally from their hometown, had initially been respected when her husband returned, given his status as a former official and a jinshi. But later, people saw him merely as a dismissed commoner, and the respect faded. Though there were marriage proposals, none were satisfactory.

Fortunately, their daughter was matched with the son of a Taichang Boshi (an eighth-rank official in the Court of Imperial Sacrifices). Though not high-ranking, the family was upright in conduct. Had it not been for Master Meng being his colleague and Madam Meng socializing mostly with higher officials, delegating minor official interactions to Eldest Miss Sun, this match might not have happened.

Eldest Miss Sun, known for her kindness and fairness, had helped arrange this match purely out of goodwill.

She told Zhou Si, "I know younger sister was once proposed to by high-ranking families, at the very least mid-level officials. But times have changed, and she’s no longer young. We shouldn’t aim for those who only seek to flaunt status. This family may be of modest means, but they are good people."

Zhou Si understood her elder daughter’s intentions but couldn’t help protesting, "But they don’t even own a house in the capital—they’re renting!"

"Mother, why say such things now? Very few can afford to buy property in Bianjing (the capital, modern-day Kaifeng). Most officials rent. My father-in-law says this man is both learned and virtuous, and his wife is kind-hearted. Character matters more than anything. If we’d sought a status-conscious family, given our situation, they might not have accepted her at all." Eldest Miss Sun had hoped to avoid spelling it out, but her mother’s stubbornness forced her hand.

Zhou Si sighed, realizing her daughter’s struggles. Her younger daughter, desperate to marry, had grown increasingly resentful, blaming them for not securing a match earlier. Now, she had to settle for a minor official’s family.

Eldest Miss Sun then pulled her sister into her room and confided, "You know how political factionalism rises and falls unpredictably. Jiang Song was married off to the provinces."

"The provinces?" Second Daughter Sun gasped.

Eldest Miss Sun scoffed, "The Ke family, with the esteemed Deputy Secretariat Director, seemed prestigious. Jiang Song brought a dowry of tens of thousands of strings of cash, but the Ke family coveted it so greedily they nearly exploited her ruthlessly. Thankfully, her mother, Madam Song, intervened fiercely, securing a divorce—though it cost them dearly. But do you think that was the end? The Ke family rose in power while Jiang’s father was framed. Madam Song then married her off as a second wife to a high-ranking official. Though the man was strikingly handsome and only in his forties, it was still a bitter compromise..."

Second Daughter Sun listened, shaken. "I had no idea..."

"When I married your brother-in-law, many doubted it. But though the Mengs aren’t top-tier nobility, being Imperial relatives shields us from the worst. And since he’s a son by a concubine, his mother’s support was never guaranteed. I had to earn my place by bearing children and winning her favor—only then did life stabilize." Eldest Miss Sun reflected on her own journey.

She then advised her sister, "Your father-in-law is diligent, often mentoring scholars from humble backgrounds—his influence is vast. Your mother-in-law even cooks herself, a truly down-to-earth woman. Don’t put on airs when you marry in. Earn their respect with sincerity, and no matter how politics shift, you’ll keep your life secure."

Second Daughter Sun nodded slowly.

On the Huazhao Festival (Flower Festival), Second Daughter Sun married, while in Luoyang, Miss Fan Si also wed, traveling to the capital for the ceremony. Her family’s status matched her groom’s—a high-ranking official’s household—and her dowry procession stretched for ten li (several miles).

Meanwhile, Jin Niang’s Silk and Velvet Shop thrived with the spring wedding season. She received a letter from her daughter, announcing that Wei Qilang had secured an inherited official post as a Dali Sicheng (a secretary in the Court of Judicial Review).

"That's good too. Even with hereditary appointment, one can still take the imperial exams. It's better than gaining nothing at all," said Jin Niang.

Since the imperial decree has come down, it's best to accept the hereditary appointment first.

Jiang Xian said, "I said the same thing. Someone like Ning Geer is one in a million—even our Ding Geer can hardly compare to his brother."

"It doesn’t matter. I’ve heard that even a chancellor’s retainers can receive hereditary appointment. You have the talent of a high minister—even if our son-in-law doesn’t have his father’s status, he’ll still have you. But in the end, earning it through the exams is the real proof of merit," Jin Niang replied.

If you’ve already done your best, then so be it. But if you still have some intelligence, you should strive harder.

However, Madam Wei clearly wouldn’t force her son—in this regard, Jin Niang and Madam Wei were quite different. She also doted on her younger son, but she wouldn’t tolerate negligence in his studies.

By the third month, a major shift occurred in the court—the Chancellor of Jixian had passed away...

Over the past two years, the Chancellor of Jixian had taken office and naturally implemented sweeping reforms. Yet the emperor still missed the Shen Party. However, Shen Ziqi was far too unyielding, so Jiang Fang was recalled instead. Jiang Fang was a man who held grudges fiercely.

The capital was in mourning, but Sun Shichen was unusually delighted. Previously, he had ridden on his brother-in-law’s coattails to secure an official post.

Now, this very matter became his political capital.

Jiang Fang had once been steady, but after years of demotion and hardship, along with the Shen Party’s purge, he returned to power as a Deputy Chief Councillor. He immediately orchestrated the demotion of officials like Jiang Yan—even his own elder brother, Jiang Yan, was demoted from the Bureau of Military Affairs to serve as a prefect in Jiangning.

Jiang Yan accepted this without hesitation. He even said to Xu Shi, "I may not return for many years. You must oversee Zheng Jieer’s marriage at home and take care of my parents. I leave everything to you."

"What kind of situation is this...?" Xu Shi could only lament the injustice of fate. Barely three years of peace had passed, and now her husband was leaving again.

Jiang Xuan comforted his mother, "I’ve heard Father is still fortunate. Others were exiled to disease-ridden regions—some may never return alive. Like Uncle, who died in office before."

Xu Shi held her head in her hands.

But soon, another incident made her exclaim at the unfairness—the emperor appointed Jiang Xian as Hanlin Academician and drafter of imperial edicts, praising the brilliance of the books Jiang Xian had written during his tenure.

Some said this was a tactic of playing factions against each other. Everyone knew Jiang Xian and his brother were at odds. Jiang Fang’s policies were clear-cut, while Jiang Xian was the type who neither opposed anyone nor failed in any task assigned to him.

For Jin Niang and her family, this meant returning to the capital. Ning Geer still had a year left in his term. Jiang Xian considered using connections for his son, but Ning Geer firmly refused.

"Since there’s still a year left, I might as well stay and finish it," Ning Geer said.

Jin Niang smiled. "That’s fine too. Once we return, we’ll prepare your new residence. When you come back to the capital for your official reassignment, the Lü family can send their daughter over for the wedding."

Ning Geer was fine with everything else, but he couldn’t help feeling reluctant. "Mother, I didn’t expect we’d have to part again so soon. I’ll miss you."

"Your future comes first," Jin Niang patted her son’s shoulder.

She had many matters to attend to—first informing the Lü family, then summoning Shopkeeper Xiao from the Silk and Velvet Shop to instruct him to deliver profits biannually. She also called the bailiff from their Luoyang estate to arrange the delivery of tenant payments.

These were the most pressing matters. Only after settling everything did Jiang Xian and she departed.

Returning to Bianjing at last, Jin Niang let out a sigh of relief. She discussed with Jiang Xian, "Let’s wait until we’re settled before telling Yun Jieer and the others. The house still needs tidying."

Jiang Xian naturally agreed. The couple first checked the cellar and were relieved to find their money still there.

They stored their trunks in the side rooms for the time being and locked them. Coincidentally, they heard the neighboring house was for sale. Jin Niang made a bold decision: "Why don’t we buy the house next door? Ours has three sections—the second for receiving guests and your study, the third for us. The neighboring house also has three sections—perfect as an extension. When Ning Geer marries, they can live there. What do you think?"

When they first bought this house, they thought it was spacious enough, even imagining Ning Geer passing the exams in his twenties and marrying, with Ding Geer’s wedding coming much later.

But now, with a future daughter-in-law’s arrival—bringing a sizable dowry and many attendants—space would inevitably feel cramped. Besides, though Jin Niang couldn’t compare to families of immense wealth, purchasing the neighboring house was within their means.

The neighboring house had several owners and was now priced at 5,800 strings of cash. Its layout differed from Jin Niang’s home—past the main gate, the front courtyard featured a pond and rockery, with an ornamental gate flanked by waterside pavilions. A covered corridor led to the second courtyard, which had an arched roof with rounded ridges. A few small annex rooms stood in front, with three main rooms and three annex rooms on either side. In front of the annex rooms were small pavilions, and five wing rooms lined the east and west. The third courtyard consisted of a row of rear quarters—the kitchen to the west and the storage shed and bell tower to the east.

This house was connected to Jin Niang's garden, and after being merged, the path to the library and the neighboring pavilions and rockeries became one, making it appear even more spacious.

Jin Niang, of course, haggled the price down to 5,200 strings of coins before purchasing it. She then hired craftsmen to open a passage between this house and the garden, rebuilt the front wall, and spent another 500 strings specifically on renovations.

Since Ning Geer would be living there, the eastern side of the second courtyard was set aside as a small study, while the western wing became Ding Geer’s bedroom. Once he married, he would stay in the small side courtyard for a while before eventually moving to the Tai Xue compound after the family division.

Just as she was thinking this, Madam Meng from across the street arrived. Jin Niang smiled and said, “I’ve been so busy with my eldest son’s wedding preparations that I forgot to inform you.”

Madam Meng noticed that after two or three years, Jin Niang had become even more composed in demeanor. She had effortlessly bought and connected the neighboring house—a display of no ordinary means.

“Who are we to compare? Your eldest son’s marriage is far more important. I heard it’s the daughter of Vice Commissioner of Military Affairs Lü?” Madam Meng inquired.

Jin Niang nodded. “Indeed. To be honest, this match is somewhat a stretch for our family. I’ve met the girl a few times—she comes from a very distinguished family and is quite lovely.”

Hearing Jin Niang describe the girl as ethereal, Madam Meng grew even more curious. Jin Niang then turned to Eldest Miss Sun and casually asked about her family.

Eldest Miss Sun replied, “My parents are now both in Bianjing. My father has been appointed as the Vice Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices (a Fifth Rank post).”

That was a Fifth Rank official. Jin Niang smiled. “That’s truly wonderful.”

Truthfully, if not for seeing Eldest Miss Sun, she would have forgotten that her mother was also a time-traveler. But Jin Niang sometimes felt that whether one was a time-traveler or not didn’t matter much—just like in modern society, people were diverse, and being a time-traveler didn’t necessarily make one superior.

Eldest Miss Sun nursed a quiet resentment. Her younger sister had just married, and her father had been promoted. Though her parents never said it outright, they still blamed her. But she was genuinely innocent—she had truly acted in her sister’s best interest.

Jin Niang, however, believed that Jiang Fang’s swift vengeance upon rising to power didn’t bode well for his longevity. His resentment after setbacks and his hasty purge of factions suggested he would merely become the emperor’s pawn in the future.

But she couldn’t voice such thoughts—they were merely her private musings.

Besides, some people couldn’t even manage to become someone else’s tool.

They returned in April, and by July—just three months later—the two residences had been merged into one, blended effortlessly. Of course, this was largely because Jin Niang poured money into renovations, ensuring everything was done swiftly.

To celebrate, Jin Niang specially invited relatives and friends for a tour and hosted a banquet.

The Wei family was naturally invited, and this time, almost everyone attended. Madam Wei smiled and said, “Now your residence is much more spacious.”

“Indeed! The pavilions in the front courtyard blend perfectly with our garden. Ning Geer and his wife will live there—it’s ideal. Ning Geer loves reading, and the Lü girl is learned, so the quiet setting suits them well,” Jin Niang replied cheerfully.

Madam Wei knew Jin Niang was unlike other women who merely lived off their dowries. She knew how to grow wealth and managed household finances exceptionally well—otherwise, she wouldn’t be able to make such bold ventures so effortlessly.

Yun Jieer laughed. “Mother, you and your daughter-in-law will be living a good distance away!”

Separated by an entire garden, it would take at least a quarter of an hour to walk from one side to the other.

Jin Niang thought living farther apart might actually be better. As the saying went, “A wise father-in-law hears and sees no evil.” If they lived too close, every little remark might breed resentment—hardly a good thing.

Besides, as a mother-in-law, she had gone to great lengths to buy a new house for her son and his wife. Any reasonable person wouldn’t cross her. And even if they did, Jin Niang had the strength and means to handle it.

After the banquet, Madam Wei seemed hesitant to speak but eventually left.

It wasn’t until after the Mid-Autumn Festival that Jin Niang learned Chancellor Wei had been dismissed, left with just the honorary title of Grand Academician. Master Wei, pleading ill health, decided to return to Daming Prefecture.

Upon hearing this, Jin Niang said to Jiang Xian, “We always regretted marrying our daughter far away, but now it’s perfect—we can have both our daughter and son-in-law live with us. This is truly wonderful.”

The couple discussed it and then visited the Wei family. Though Master Wei and Madam Wei were reluctant to part with Wei Qilang, they knew that with the elder Wei’s dismissal, their son would lack support in the future. Having this kinship tie would be invaluable.

The eldest Jiang son had already earned his jinshi degree, and the second son was still too young, so some resources could still be allocated to their own son.

With eyes brimming, Madam Wei grasped Jin Niang’s hands and said, “Aunt Third, we entrust him to you.”

"It's nothing, it's only what should be done. Even if Qilang weren't my son-in-law, he'd still be my nephew." Jin Niang truly thought this way. She had benefited much from the Wei family and had long wanted to repay them.

...

Once the Weis had gone, Jin Niang had her daughter and son-in-law stay in the small side courtyard she had previously promised them. Yun Jieer arrived first, while Wei Qilang followed later with the luggage, encountering Meng Sanlang at the garden entrance.

Meng Sanlang entered the Meng residence and said to Eldest Miss Sun, "The Wei family has fallen, and Wei Qilang is now living with his in-laws. Mrs. Jiang treats her nephew and son-in-law so well—he's really got it made. I heard Wei Dailang has gone to an outer province for an official post, and Wei Liulang returned to Daming Prefecture, both facing uncertain futures, while his is secured by his father-in-law's backing."

Eldest Miss Sun replied slowly, "Indeed. If it were any other son-in-law moving in, the in-laws might not be so welcoming. But Wei Qilang is Mrs. Jiang’s nephew."

She used to think Jiang Yun was the lucky one, but now it seemed Wei Qilang was truly blessed, born under a lucky star.