After Jin Niang's belly grew large, she became prone to frequent urination, having to get up and go to the privy every so often, and thus had little patience for receiving outside guests. After Younger Brother Yang's wedding banquet, Steward Fan and Shopkeeper Yao had already returned to Wu County. Jin Niang had asked Steward Fan to select several good pieces of timber to be shipped over together next time.
Simultaneously, Jin Niang was also inquiring with property agents about whether any high-quality farmland was for sale; she still needed to purchase around two hundred mu of land as dowry fields for her daughter.
Returning from the privy, her sister-in-law, Lady Zhang, had come over. Jin Niang wiped her hands clean with a handkerchief before saying, "Come, sit down quickly. Your mother-in-law just left, saying she went to Xingjia Garden to see the flowers."
Luo Yu'e loved spring flowers. Ever since Jin Niang read it in a small newspaper and told her which gardens had beautiful flowers and so on, and that the ticket prices were cheap, at most no more than a dozen coppers, the old couple had taken some tea and snacks and left.
Lady Zhang said somewhat nervously, "I should have come earlier."
"Don't be like that. If they wanted you to go, they would have sent someone to fetch you early. Come, let's have a chat together." Jin Niang was nearly fifteen years older than this sister-in-law. Although they were of the same generation, Jin Niang interacted with her entirely as one would with a junior.
After Lady Zhang sat down, she saw Jin Niang embroidering hollyhocks on a piece of sky-water-green satin, nearly finished. It seemed to be for a pleated skirt. She felt somewhat ashamed. "Sister, your needlework is truly excellent."
Jin Niang smiled. "I can't stay idle. I always fear my hands will grow clumsy if I don't do it for a day. What about you? What do you enjoy? Pitch-pot or playing backgammon?"
Lady Zhang quickly shook her head. "At home, I usually do needlework, or help my mother manage household affairs."
She wanted to leave a good impression on her elder sister-in-law, but then she heard Jin Niang say, "Then you should pick up those pastimes. In the future, when you are posted outside the capital, social gatherings will be full of such activities."
Mentioning an outside posting made Lady Zhang a bit fearful. "Sister, I've heard it's not very peaceful out there. How are we to protect ourselves then?"
This was good. She wasn't retreating, unwilling to go simply out of fear.
Jin Niang said appreciatively, "You must spend more silver to hire an official boat and take a few highly skilled martial artists with you. But don't worry about that; your brother-in-law will arrange for Ding San and Zhao Wu to accompany you. Their monthly wages are five qian of silver each, plus a measure of wine. They traveled north and south with us in the past. Also, when traveling by land, remember to display an official placard. For lodging, it's best to stay at post stations; generally, there's one every sixty li. Don't stay at random inns; there are many villainous ones."
"Villainous inns?" Lady Zhang was surprised.
Jin Niang nodded. "Yes, so utmost caution is required. At each place, refill your water skins and provisions, and try not to eat food from outside. In that sense, if the destination is very far, traveling by boat is actually more convenient."
After speaking, Jin Niang also told her how to store money and valuables, and even fetched the map and compass she had bought in the past to give to Lady Zhang.
Lady Zhang listened and gained much knowledge. She thought her own mother was one type of matron, adept at hosting banquets at home and managing clan affairs, considered a first-rate mistress. Her elder sister-in-law was another type of matron. She was widely experienced, especially having a thorough understanding of the outside world, and was even knowledgeable about economics and statecraft.
Jin Niang didn't say too much either. Sometimes you mean well, but others might find it too preachy. She simply said, "Anyway, if there's anything you don't understand, just ask me."
After the sisters-in-law chatted idly for a while, word came from outside that Brother Ning and Sister Jun had finished their lessons. Lady Zhang tactfully took her leave first.
Wei Yang's official appointment soon came down: Registrar of Xuanzhou. The family was overjoyed.
"Xuanzhou belongs to Jiangnan Circuit and borders both Pingjiang Prefecture and Lin'an Prefecture. It's an excellent place," Jin Niang said happily.
Jiang Xian laughed. "I know your brother's temperament isn't too suited for administrative affairs. Now, working as a Registrar will be good training for him, and he won't need to catch criminals like I used to."
Now, with the help of the Wei family and Jiang Xian, Younger Brother Yang naturally got his wish to go to such a good place.
Zhang the Ninth came over as soon as he heard. This was precisely why he had acted swiftly and decisively in choosing Wei Yang as his son-in-law. The family had strong connections, with Jiang Xian, the Wei family, and Grand Academician Fan helping. Once he passed the imperial examination, his opportunities immediately improved.
However, both Wei Yang and Lady Zhang were too young; neither had ever traveled far from home on their own. Wei Xiong and Luo Yu'e, on the other hand, had traveled extensively. So, the four of them—the couple and his parents—would go to the post together.
Lady Zhang patted her chest. "I'll only feel at ease with my father- and mother-in-law along."
Her father-in-law, though in his fifties, was strong and robust. Her mother-in-law was also a capable woman.
They busied themselves hiring boats and transporting luggage. Jin Niang, for her part, had the tea kitchen prepare some pastries, asked Juxiang to make some dry provisions for them to take along, and also hosted a farewell banquet for them in the garden.
Thus, Jin Niang herself felt somewhat amused. Originally, she had wanted to separate the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, letting the young couple live together properly. But now, the two youngsters lacked experience. Having his parents with them, they felt greatly relieved. Jin Niang couldn't arrange their lives according to her own ideas.
However, regarding the dowry items Lady Zhang couldn't take with her, Jin Niang had her arrange for them to be moved to a residence that was part of Jin Niang's own dowry. It was better to clarify things now, to avoid any confusion or accusations of things going missing when they returned.
"Sister, you're being too formal," Lady Zhang said to Madam Zhang.
Madam Zhang smiled. "Formal? And yet she helped your husband get the official post? If not for your brother-in-law, your husband might not have gotten such a good appointment even after passing the exam. Alright, my Registrar's Lady, prepare to take up your post."
Three days later, the four members of the Wei family, along with their servants, departed in a grand procession. The side courtyard and east wing rooms in Jin Niang's house were now empty, so she had them locked up.
Jiang Xian returned from seeing them off and lay down on the bed. "Somehow, it feels much quieter, but also more comfortable."
"Exactly. Now that the four of them have gone, I can set my mind at ease," Jin Niang shook her head.
But Jiang Xian wondered, "Wife, back when I went to take up an official post outside, I was younger than your brother. How come you and I weren't afraid at all?"
Jin Niang shook her head. "I don't know either."
"No, if I were alone, I would certainly have been overwhelmed. But with you by my side, I felt very secure," Jiang Xian concluded for himself.
The couple sighed with emotion for a while. Then Jiang Xian converted the east wing into a small study where he could handle official business and where Brother Ning could also study. Since teaching Younger Brother Yang, he had realized the importance of teaching according to the student's aptitude. If he could teach his own son well, the future would surely present another splendid prospect.
In the sixth month, Jin Niang celebrated her thirty-third birthday. Some women of this age were already mothers-in-law. Because Jin Niang had married late, her children were still young. She herself was also very youthful and didn't feel there was much difference from before at all.
Both her natal family and her in-laws had sent gifts over. The Wei family dispatched Wei the Seventh to deliver presents: four platters of fresh delicacies, a shoulder-pole load of longevity peaches, a jar of wine, a box of longevity noodles, a bolt of gold-patterned satin, and a pair of shoes and socks.
Not having seen Wei the Seventh for several days, the boy had shot up quite a bit in height. Jin Niang had the tea room serve some tasty pastries and remarked, "Your mother is willing enough to let you be the one to deliver these."
Wei the Seventh was twelve this year, a year older than Sister Jun. He hadn't been present on the day of Wei Yang's wedding, having gone to pay respects to his teacher instead.
He replied, "My mother said it was right that I should come for Third Aunt's birthday. She also told me to see how Brother Ning's studies are progressing now."
"Brother Ning and his sister are both studying with their tutor now. And you? Are you still being taught by that Shaoxing gentleman?" Jin Niang inquired.
Wei the Seventh ate a butter pastry before answering, "I've taken on a new teacher now, studying under a great Confucian scholar surnamed Kuang. I have to get up early every day to go to the You residence."
"And which family is the You residence?" Jin Niang wasn't quite clear on this.
Wei the Seventh explained further, "It's at the home of the Vice Director of the Left Bureau."
Jin Niang nodded then; she didn't really know them either. She called Brother Ning over to talk, and the two boys went off to the small study to chat. Looking next at the birthday gifts from her in-laws, which had been delivered by Nanny Ge: two roasted geese, a set of pig's trotters, four fresh chickens, two roasted ducks, and a platter of longevity noodles.
"Your belly looks quite large now; the baby will be due soon, won't it?" Nanny Ge asked while secretly taking in the room. The screen here had been changed again since her last visit; previously it was a four-panel gauze screen, but now it was different, replaced by a huanghuali wood screen with a flower-and-bird design.
Jin Niang smiled, "Probably next month."
Nanny Ge didn't really care what Jin Niang was having, she just said, "Oh, this screen looks newly changed? It's truly lovely."
"Not exactly new," Jin Niang said evasively. It was a gift from her younger brother Wei Yang and had been there for over a month, but she saw no need to explain this to Nanny Ge.
Nanny Ge also observed that Jin Niang was wearing a lotus-flower pearl-and-gauze crown today, likely because the flower deity for the sixth month was the lotus. She wore a milk-white stomacher embroidered with lotus leaves and flowers, over it a hibiscus-colored beizi jacket, and beneath that a pleated skirt in sky-blue water silk embroidered with hollyhocks. She looked a full ten years younger than her actual age, standing beside her own mistress as if from a different generation.
It really wasn't fair. Both were daughters-in-law of the Sixth Madame, the direct wife, yet the younger son got the most profitable shop. The private savings had probably been given to the younger son long ago too, no wonder their days were getting better and better.
Returning from there, Nanny Ge reported everything she had seen to Madam Xu. Aunt Xu the Third happened to be there and, upon hearing it, voiced indignation on Madam Xu's behalf: "Madam, you've been in the Jiang family for so many years, managing everything. In the end, their youngest son neither has to support the parents nor took so much money. This is truly..."
Although Nanny Ge also felt some injustice, Aunt Xu the Third's words carried too strong a tone of provocation.
Therefore, Nanny Ge said with a smile, "When this old servant arrived, the household of Grand Academician Wei had also just sent someone over. It's quite possible the Wei family has been providing considerable support."
Madam Xu pursed her lips, "The Wei family has held several posts as Fiscal Commissioner; the money that passed through their hands was as plentiful as sand. But why would they give them money?"
She used to call Jin Niang a merchant's daughter, but now that her brother was a jinshi scholar and the Wei family visited frequently, she was afraid her loose talk might get out and cause trouble, so she held her tongue.
"Exactly! Madam, if I may say, you are the eldest sister-in-law. You must assert some authority as the eldest sister-in-law. You still have two elders here. If you don't have some means, will you have to bear all the expenses for their illnesses and funeral arrangements in the future?" said Aunt Xu the Third.
Madam Xu hadn't thought much about it before, but considering her father-in-law had married again, this Madam Zheng, there would indeed be two elders to provide for in the future, requiring a large sum of money. The Sixteenth Master and his wife were so cunning. Knowing her own husband was filial and honest, they would surely push everything onto him. She had suffered enough losses already and didn't want to suffer more.
So she needed to devise a plan. She must have something to hold over them. Otherwise, in the future, they would end up bearing all responsibilities.
Jin Niang, of course, knew nothing of these troublesome matters at the old residence. It was her birthday today, and Jiang Xian had returned home early. The two children joined them for the meal, and the family was happy together.
Jiang Xian raised his cup to Jin Niang, "The management of the entire household relies entirely on you, my wife. You work hard. Today, you should also enjoy yourself."
Jin Niang toasted him with water in place of wine, "If not for your hard work, our family could not live so peacefully and steadily in the Eastern Capital. I only hope our family gets better and better."
They both finished their drinks. As dusk approached, Jiang Xian brought out lotus-shaped water lanterns. Taking Jin Niang's hand, he said, "Come, let's go release water lanterns and make wishes."
He, a man, actually knew more about these things than she did. Jin Niang let him take her hand and asked, "How did you know about releasing water lanterns to make wishes on one's birthday?"
"From judging cases outside all day in the past, I've seen women in the Jiangnan region releasing lanterns by the river. Now we have our own pond, we can do it at home, and no one will say anything," Jiang Xian said with a smile.
Jin Niang, with her large belly, watched as Jiang Xian set two water lanterns afloat. She placed her hands together in front of her chest and made a wish.
When she opened her eyes, Jiang Xian asked her, "What did you wish for?"
"If I say it out loud, it won't come true," Jin Niang said playfully.
Jiang Xian looked at her and said, "Even if you don't tell me, I know what you wished for. It must be for the safe delivery of the child in your belly, right?"
In her heart, Jin Niang thought, I wished for us, husband and wife, to grow old together and live a long life.
But since he said so, Jin Niang pretended to agree.
The seventh month was both the time of the Qixi Festival and the Ghost Month. The streets were full of people burning paper offerings. Jiang Xian couldn't help covering his nose when he returned, "It's all ashes, nothing but ashes."
Jin Niang smiled, "Change your clothes first. Today, a wet nurse has been found. We've also added three new maidservants to the household. Two will serve me, and we'll assign Ziteng and another newcomer to serve the one in my belly."
"Wife, let me tell you something. I might be getting a promotion," Jiang Xian said, unable to suppress his joy. Outside, he feared people would say he was too boastful, but with Jin Niang, he didn't need to pretend at all.
Jin Niang fetched clothes from the cabinet for him, "Is it true?"
Jiang Xian smiled, "Almost certain. My current post is close to the Emperor. Today, His Majesty specifically spoke to me. From the tone, it seemed that way."
This was naturally good news. However, Jin Niang still cautioned, "Success depends on secrecy, failure on leakage. We must not speak of this matter. The child in my belly is likely due this month. I'll prepare things in advance."
Preparations for the baby's Third-Day Bath and Full Month celebration must be made. Back when they lived in Sweetwater Lane, there was no proper place to host guests. Now, with their new situation, many will likely use the occasion to come and offer congratulations. She had to prepare in advance. There was no help for it. While she and her husband enjoyed freedom living their own lives, when major events came, they also lacked much support.
Jiang Xian changed his clothes, washed his face in the adjoining washroom, and came over saying, "I heard Wei the Seventh has gone to study at the You family's school?"
"Yes, it's said they hired a famous scholar."
"Wife, are you very keen on Wei the Seventh becoming our son-in-law?"
Considering how Zhang the Ninth had chosen his own brother-in-law, Jiang Xian had to admit the man had good judgment, having picked a Jinshi-degree holder as a son-in-law with that one choice. Their daughter was already twelve or thirteen (by traditional count) now, so their own family needed to start planning seriously.
But Jin Niang waved her hand. "We want to pick a good son-in-law, but the Wei family also wants to choose a better wife for their son. It's not necessarily going to be him. Being too eager isn't good for negotiations. Our daughter is so fine, she will live well married to anyone."
Jiang Xian nodded privately. "You speak sense, wife."
In truth, Madam Wei was also thinking about her son's marriage prospects. Wei the Seventh had been exceptionally handsome since childhood, almost too much so. A single casual word from him could make everyone like him, and he was easily looked upon favorably wherever he went.
But supporting a household in the future doesn't rely on looks. Just look at Jiang Xian. At thirty, he was still strikingly handsome, making the maids here blush whenever he visited. But if he hadn't passed the Jinshi exams and become an official, who would have respected him?
Never mind. Her son was only thirteen (by traditional count) now. Best to let him focus on his studies first.
However, while she thought this way, her husband might not. Academician Wei said to her, "Gongming has a niece, the same age as our seventh son. It would be excellent if we could form a marriage alliance."
Madam Wei knew this "Gongming" referred to Shen Ziqing, a member of the Imperial Academy. This man was extremely learned, had outstanding administrative achievements, and was very upright and honest. Having recently returned to the capital from a provincial post, he was highly praised. His niece would be the daughter of Shen Zijia, a proofreader in the Imperial Library.
"That is indeed a good match," Madam Wei nodded slowly.
Generally, once Academician Wei decided something, Madam Wei would comply.
The couple had decided this privately, though Madam Wei restrained herself from acting because Madam Shen had returned to her hometown for a funeral and had not yet come back. It wasn't the right time to bring up such matters.
Wei the Seventh was unaware of all this. He merely said, "When I visited Third Aunt's house yesterday, Brother Ning and I were actually studying at almost the same pace now. I must not fall behind others."
"Brother Ning... I remember he's only seven or eight, right?" Madam Wei was somewhat unsure, feeling Jiang Ning was still a young child.
Wei the Seventh said, "Yes, he'll turn eight in the eighth month."
"While you should study, you mustn't overexert yourself. It's better to proceed steadily." Madam Wei feared her son studying too hard and falling ill.
Wei the Seventh nodded.
Meanwhile, at Jin Niang's place, the newly arrived wet nurse, Nanny Bai, was neat and efficient, and quite comely too. She was settled in a room in the now-vacant east side chamber. Once the child was born, she could start nursing.
This wet nurse's family was in difficult straits. Jin Niang hired her for two years in total, with a monthly wage of two strings of cash. Jin Niang also promised to make her two sets of clothes each year.
Nanny Fang was sitting on a small stool eating pastries. Whenever there were guests and leftover pastries, Jin Niang distributed them among everyone. Nanny Fang now lived in the garden. If the old lady didn't have something to nibble on, she tended to get fidgety.
Seeing Nanny Bai come in, she gave her two pieces of pastry. "Our mistress is a very good person. You take good care of the child in the future, and things will go well for you."
Nanny Bai was overwhelmed with gratitude.
Then, Ying brought two sets of her own clothes for her. "I see your figure is similar to mine, so wear these for now. When Mid-Autumn Festival comes, the mistress will distribute fabric to everyone, and you can have new clothes made then."
"Thank you, thank you." Nanny Bai felt she had really landed in a blessed household. Such a large estate, and even a steward or any random little maid looked well-fed and wore fine, bright clothes.
Brother Ning had now developed the habit of rising early to study. Every day he would sit in the schoolroom very early, his reading aloud clear and resonant. But he didn't study from morning till night either. After returning from school in the afternoon, if he had little homework, he would finish it before eating. If he had a lot, he would eat first and then do it.
He had one day off every ten days. On that day, it was pure play—he could do whatever he wished.
It's just that before, Mother would always take them visiting relatives, or Father would take them to the bookshops. But now, with Mother about to give birth soon, no one had time to accompany him. So he read in the outer study. Books were truly wonderful things. He read serious books during regular school days, but now, reading some leisure books was no harm.
As the sun set in the west, Father came over. Brother Ning looked up at Jiang Xian. "Father, why have you come?"
"Your mother said you were here and asked me specially to fetch you. We need to go back for dinner." Jiang Xian initially wanted to scold his son for reading leisure books, but remembering the agreement he had with his wife—to let the children do as they pleased during their playtime—he said nothing.
Brother Ning immediately put down his book. "Then I must hurry back. Father, you are also resting today. What have you been busy with?"
Jiang Xian thought to himself, this child of mine is young but knows how to converse with adults. He is clever and diligent in his studies, and his health is good too. How he wanted to show him off outside, but he restrained himself.
During dinner, the family of four ate together. It was the height of summer. Jin Niang couldn't help but say, "We need to lay out bamboo mats in Sister's and Brother's rooms. Use one basin of ice at night and two during the day."
Ice was a major expense in summer, but it was a necessary one. Otherwise, people not only got sick easily from the cold, but also felt unwell from the heat. Both siblings had "air-conditioning quilts" made by Jin Niang based on modern designs. It was through her meticulous care and scientific upbringing that the siblings were in such good health today.
Xi Qiu and Peilan, who took care of the sister and brother respectively, noted this down carefully.
Jin Niang smiled and had the dinner cleared away, but then her belly began to ache. She had originally thought there were still a couple of days, but this child was coming so fast, with a heavy, dragging sensation.
Even at this moment, she remained orderly. "Go call the midwife. Bring the prepared straw paper, diapers, and swaddling clothes. Have the kitchen boil hot water quickly."
Ying, having given birth once herself, first said to Jiang Xian, "Husband, please send someone to fetch Granny Zou first. The mistress paid her a deposit."
Jiang Xian didn't feel he should leave. His mother-in-law wasn't here, what if some servant caused trouble? He said, "You ask Young Master Chen to fetch her. I will keep watch outside."
The children were first taken away by their respective maids and nannies. In less than three quarters of an hour, Young Master Chen had brought Granny Zou over.
When Granny Zou arrived and saw that everything was prepared, and noticing that Jin Niang's water had broken, she hurried over to assist with the delivery. Jin Niang knew she was considered an older mother by current standards, so she had intentionally eaten sparingly during her pregnancy, hoping for a smaller baby to ease the birth. She also had supplements like ginseng placed nearby for emergencies.
"The baby's position is perfectly correct, you can rest assured," said Granny Zou. She was not just a midwife but also a renowned female physician. While other midwives charged five strings of cash for a delivery, her fee for a house call was ten strings.
Under her guidance, Jin Niang's physical condition in recent years was actually better than when she gave birth to Sister Jun. Thus, she pushed through and delivered the child in one sustained effort.
Jiang Xian didn't have to wait long before someone came out carrying the baby. The child's skin was exceptionally fair. Upon hearing that Jin Niang was safe, he instructed Ying to give the reward. Ying handed over ten strings of cash to Granny Zou along with a bolt of cloud-patterned satin. Granny Zou expressed profuse thanks and left.
Just as he was about to send servants to announce the happy news to the various branches of the old family estate, a messenger from the Office of Imperial Processions arrived from outside. It turned out the edict for his promotion had come through—he was rising from a Deputy Sixth Rank Diarist to a Chief Sixth Rank Junior Minister of the Court of the Imperial Treasury.
Overjoyed, Jiang Xian held his newborn son and declared, "Although this child was born in the Ghost Month, he truly brings good fortune. Someone, prepare more rewards!"
Inside the room, Jin Niang heard this and finally let out a sigh of relief. The position of Junior Minister of the Court of the Imperial Treasury was comparable to the Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank.
