Young Master Wei Qi had only ever stayed for extended periods at his maternal grandfather's home in Luoyang and had never stayed with any other family. Unexpectedly, however, he found himself settling in quite comfortably at the Jiang residence.
Especially the lavatory, which was even better maintained than the main hall. Although the furnishings in the rooms were not as fine as those in his own home, that wasn't why he had come anyway.
Breakfast was delivered directly from the kitchen. It was said the Yunying noodles and Granny Cao's meat pies were bought from outside, while the household kitchen prepared a mung bean and lily congee, salted duck eggs, two vegetarian buns, and two meat buns.
When Qingrong had someone bring the food over, she said, "Our Madam usually buys a couple of items from outside in the morning and has the household prepare some to go with them. It depends on what you prefer, Seventh Young Master."
"Thank you, Sister Qingrong. I like both the Yunying noodles and the congee," Young Master Wei Qi replied promptly.
Qingrong smiled, "As long as you're pleased. You need to finish up and get to the academy, so I won't disturb you further. Oh, Madam also said that this evening, our Master is taking the family to dine at Fan Tower. When you return, there's no need to go pay your respects to her; just focus on your studies first."
Young Master Wei Qi was delighted once more.
For Sister Jun and Brother Ning, this was actually quite ordinary. Their parents often took them out for food and fun, so the siblings sometimes even wished to stay home quietly to do needlework or read.
But for Young Master Wei Qi, who rarely got to go out on the streets, it was like a bird escaping its cage—truly free and unrestrained. After all, his mother usually kept him too sheltered. Even when he did go out, it was mostly to the mansions of high officials and nobles; he seldom had the chance to play specifically on the streets, to watch wrestling performances or variety shows.
"Uncle, Aunt, I see a stall selling pinwheels over there. I'd like to buy a set for Cousin Ding," said Young Master Wei Qi.
Jin Niang smiled and told him it wasn't necessary, and so on. Jiang Xian raised an eyebrow; why did this boy's behavior seem so familiar?
About ten days passed like this. Jin Niang finished making his clothes for him: an inner layer of breathable blue-ground crane-patterned gauze robe, over which was a half-sleeved sheer outer garment embroidered with jade hairpin flowers. The sash was also blue ground with jade hairpin flower embroidery, and matching shoes were made.
When Young Master Wei Qi came out wearing them, Jin Niang couldn't help but say to Jiang Xian, "Wow, this child really is exceptionally handsome."
Jiang Xian gave a faint "hmm." When no one was looking, he pinched Jin Niang's waist. She shot him an angry glance.
Young Master Wei Qi walked over slowly. "Thank you for your kindness, Aunt, for making me this set of clothes."
"You're welcome. Tomorrow is your day off, so rest well at home. I'm going to the temple with your cousin, and your uncle will be home. If you need anything, just send someone to tell your uncle," said Jin Niang.
For some reason, Young Master Wei Qi said, "Aunt, perhaps I should accompany you and Cousin there. Although we are under the Son of Heaven's feet, it's not always perfectly peaceful."
Jiang Xian was speechless. Aren't the four attendants I'm sending along enough? I just bought a famous painting and wanted to appreciate it at home, and now you're inserting yourself in?
Therefore, Jiang Xian said, "Nephew, there's no need for that. Stay at home. Tomorrow, I still need to instruct you on the intricacies of essay composition."
Jin Niang, unaware of the subtle tension between the two, only heard Jiang Xian mention studies and chimed in, "Yes, good child, you should stay home and heed your uncle's teachings."
Young Master Wei Qi replied respectfully, "Yes."
Jiang Xian smiled inwardly, thinking, This kid is still too green. Becoming my son-in-law won't be that easy. A few days prior, he had run into Grand Academician Wei, his nominal brother-in-law, whose words seemed to hint at such an intention. Otherwise, he wouldn't have entrusted his child to their care.
For others, this would be an exceptionally good match. As the saying goes, marry your daughter to a higher family and take a wife from a lower one. He and his wife had already decided to let go of their previous stubbornness. By the time he rose to the fourth or third rank, wouldn't there still be good marriage prospects?
It seemed the Wei family had some discernment after all.
However, Jiang Xian didn't mention any of this to Jin Niang. Since Grand Academician Wei hadn't explicitly stated it, it wasn't appropriate for him to bring it up, lest it make future interactions between the two families awkward.
In the evening, by the flickering candlelight, Jin Niang took a sip of fragrant tea and said seriously, "Since my grandmother passed away, no one in our family has returned to Anlu, so her ashes are still kept at Renwang Temple. My parents sent a letter in March this year, along with twenty strings of banknotes, asking me to pay respects on their behalf. Tomorrow, you stay home and rest properly."
Jiang Xian took a sip of tea from her cup and then said, "Don't tire yourself out either."
"I won't be tired. I've actually taken on another task—being a 'Complete Blessings' person for a wedding," Jin Niang said with a laugh.
Jiang Xian said, "My dear, we have some income now. Perhaps you shouldn't go, to avoid exhaustion."
Jin Niang shook her head. "What exhaustion is this? Why not earn the money if we can? It's just going through the motions anyway. Our household expenses are quite substantial now."
More people meant greater expenses, but there was no help for it; necessary spending was necessary.
Just like how Jiang Xian had fees for his calligraphy and compositions, but if he wanted to buy a famous painting, he still needed to draw money from the accounts, and those fees probably wouldn't cover it. The yearly expenses for Jin Niang and the others' hairpins, jewelry, and clothing were also no small sum.
If there was money to be made, why not make it?
The next day, Jin Niang and Sister Jun set out very early, arriving at the temple before the sun had fully risen. She said to her daughter, "Although we also burn incense and worship Buddha, we shouldn't put too much faith in these matters. Many legends are just forced interpretations or fabrications."
Sister Jun nodded. "Mother taught me that human will can conquer heaven."
"That's the principle. We'll also have a vegetarian meal here today. The vegetarian cuisine here is famous far and wide, much better than at the temple we visited last time," Jin Niang said with a smile.
Mother and daughter walked forward together. First, they gave an offering, then prepared spirit money and incense to pay respects to the grandmother.
Jin Niang had no real emotional connection to this grandmother. After paying respects, there was a sutra lecture by Master Faneng. Jin Niang took her daughter to listen, and afterward, the two went to the room reserved for resting guests.
However, upon entering, they unexpectedly ran into an acquaintance. "Sister-in-law!"
Third Madam Zhou smiled. "So you've come too, Sister-in-law. Perfect, we can chat together."
It turned out she had come this time with Zhou Cunzhi's wife and concubine, specifically to give thanks for the safety of Zhou Cunzhi's son by a concubine. This son of Concubine Guo had fallen ill during the New Year and was saved by a senior monk from this temple, so they had come to fulfill their vow.
The Eastern Capital was not like the provinces. Here, there were many high officials, and it being an imperial temple, it was rarely cleared for private use.
Jin Niang saw Concubine Guo again. Concubine Guo seemed to have a gentle temperament. Jin Niang hadn't imagined that Zhou Cunzhi originally favored such gentleness. She also looked at the child, about five or six years old, who was very good-looking.
As a mother herself, Jin Niang also had a younger son, Brother Ding, whom she usually guarded as preciously as her own eyeballs. She said to Madam Guo, "It will get better once he's a little older."
She also took out a white jade peace buckle to give to the child as a ceremonial gift. Seeing Jin Niang's gentle and kind appearance, Madam Guo quickly stood up to thank her.
After everyone exchanged pleasantries for a while, the vegetarian meal was served. Jin Niang seized the opportunity to speak with Xiang Ming. Xiang Ming now wore her hair in a married woman's style, adorned with a gilded silver headpiece and several gold hairpins. She was excited to see Jin Niang, but also somewhat ashamed. "Sister Jin Niang, I truly never thought you'd still be willing to associate with me now."
"What kind of talk is that? The friendship between us two is something others can't compare to. It's just that it's not convenient for me to invite you out alone," Jin Niang said.
Moreover, their families didn't have much contact with the Zhou family anymore.
Xiang Ming smiled bitterly. "I know how good you've been to me, sister. It's just that... I've long fallen out of favor. Our master dotes on Madam Guo now. I increasingly feel I don't even have a place to stand."
"Since you've already given birth to a daughter, raising her well is also a path. Hasn't the Third Young Lady brought great honor to Madam Lü?" Jin Niang could only comfort her like this.
She wasn't particularly skilled in matters of competing for favor either. Especially since Madam Guo hadn't used any underhanded tricks—in fact, Madam Guo was also pitiable, her son having barely survived a dire situation. Jin Niang could only offer such consolation.
After speaking, she also untied a jade pendant from her waist and gave it to Xiang Ming. "Since my niece isn't here today, give this to her for me."
Xiang Ming took it and poured out more grievances. "I was too naive back then. I thought being younger and more clever than the main wife would win me favor. Now I realize that men also need support; they also love those with wealth."
Jin Niang thought to herself, isn't that perfectly normal? Isn't that why they say poverty-stricken couples face sorrow in all things? Take Jiang Xian for example. His salary was enough for him to support himself alone. He could afford to buy antiques and paintings, but it wasn't enough to raise a large family. A pair of antique jade cups cost a hundred taels of silver; a mutton-fat jade flower vase also cost a hundred taels.
Thus, Jin Niang still budgeted two hundred taels a year for him from the accounts, specifically for him to buy such things.
Then there were his clothes, shoes, socks, and his headpieces—none of which could be of poor quality.
Fortunately, their daughter's dowry was now mostly saved up, the large house was bought, household expenses weren't high, and Jin Niang was willing to dress him well and indulge him.
So she said, "Don't we women also love those with talent and good looks? Fourth Sister, you originally hoped to escape your previous life. That has already been achieved, and it's quite good. There's no need to be so anxious about gains and losses now. Take it slowly in the future."
Xiang Ming was originally a perceptive person, but being constantly confined to the small world of the inner quarters, one's heart easily becomes distorted. Hearing Jin Niang's words, she had a sudden realization. "Sister Jin Niang is right."
"Let's go, we should join the banquet now, or they might wonder why we haven't come yet," Jin Niang said.
The two entered one after the other. Seeing that everyone had almost finished eating, Jin Niang had Cuihuan buy another portion of vegetarian food, packed it in a food box, and prepared to take it back for Jiang Xian and the children to taste.
Every time she returned from outside, not to mention the children, even Jiang Xian loved to rummage through her sleeves as if she had hidden some delicious treat.
It was too hot outside. Jin Niang rested with her daughter in the room for a while before heading back. On the way home, she had someone stop at a drink shop to buy icy treats: honey-sanded ice, milk-sugar shaved ice, snow-foam plum blossom wine, and cherry cheese curds. Seeing someone buying green lotus buns, she also bought several steamers.
Upon returning home, as soon as Jin Niang mentioned bringing icy drinks, everyone gathered.
However, Jin Niang looked at Wei Qilang. "Can you eat ice?"
Wei Qilang immediately nodded. Jin Niang then asked his maid and nurse, both of whom looked troubled. She had to say, "Then you'll have to wait a bit before eating. It's too icy right now."
Wei Qilang made a pained face. "Aunt, I'm really fine. Last time I was with Wang Dalang, he... met his end, but I was completely unharmed."
"Ahem, then just one bite," Jin Niang said, having someone bring a small dish and scooping a bite of milk-sugar shaved ice for him.
Jiang Xian promptly poured himself some snow-foam plum blossom wine, took a sip, and sighed with contentment. He then wanted some cherry cheese curds. Jin Niang looked at him. "That's mine."
"I want some," Jiang Xian said, looking at her.
Only then did Jin Niang relent. "Alright."
The husband and wife shared and finished the cherry ice cheese curd. Jin Niang also sent a steamer of green lotus buns to Juxiang so she could taste something from outside.
Wei Qilang watched, utterly amazed. The Jiang Xian he usually saw was quite capable and efficient. He never expected him to be like this. Meanwhile, Sister Jun and Brother Ning had already buried their heads in finishing the milk-sugar shaved ice and honey-sanded ice.
After this so-called afternoon tea, Jin Niang, afraid of getting drowsy, went to the inner chamber to read. Everyone else also dispersed.
Dinner was served in the flower pavilion. A few vegetarian dishes from the temple, plus two cold meat dishes, and a soup made with radish balls. The family ate their fill.
After the meal, they strolled and enjoyed the cool air as usual. It was very quiet, without much musical entertainment, but Wei Qilang found it extremely comfortable, like Tao Yuanming's utopia beyond the world.
There was no strife, no ugly deeds that crossed the bottom line. The Jiang family members were all so... normal.
This was truly wonderful. Look, Uncle was teaching them to identify the twelve constellations in the sky.
Several days later, Jin Niang put on the silver-gilded headpiece made last year, adorned herself with a step-shake hairpin, and fresh flowers at her temples, then went to the Tao family to serve as the "Complete Blessings" person. Jin Niang was selective about which families she performed this role for; otherwise, doing it too often would diminish its value.
However, she ran into an acquaintance there—Madam Bai, who used to frequently visit her embroidery shop for clothes. It seemed her life wasn't going well. In this summer season, people usually wore light-colored gauze dresses, but she was in a yellowish dress, clearly several years old. On her head was only a single silver hairpin, and she covered her hair with a scarf.
"Who is that?" Jin Niang asked the maid who had escorted her in.
The maid said disdainfully, "That's Madam Shaopeng. She's not a good person, always coming to our house during happy occasions to seek handouts. Our master and mistress are quite annoyed. She was originally from an official's family, but her family was demoted for corruption."
So that's how it is, Jin Niang thought, feeling a pang of sympathy.
Today, the bride's family gave her a Complete Blessings gift of sixty-six taels of silver, one bolt each of Double Peach and Ruyi brocade, True Red and Boy-Blessing Hundred Flowers brocade, Cloud-patterned gauze, and Peacock-patterned gauze, two sets of jewelry, four types of fresh fruit, a set of wine vessels, and two boxes of silk flowers.
After returning, other things were manageable, but the fruit couldn't be kept for long. Jin Niang thus had the tea room steward make two jars of fruit wine, and distributed the remaining fruit among everyone.
She thought the several bolts of brocade and silk were quite good, so she had them sent to the storeroom to be used for her daughter's dowry in the future.
Just as she had finished having the items put away, Wei Seventh Young Master returned from school and brought an invitation card to Jin Niang: "Aunt, there is a polo match gathering in the capital in a few days. I thought my cousin is good at polo, so I specially got an invitation card for her."
Jin Niang looked at the card; it was for a polo match hosted by the family of Princess Shanzhen. She didn't treat Wei Seventh Young Master as a child, but said: "Sister Jun would surely like it very much. However, is it appropriate for us civil officials to socialize with these imperial relatives?"
"Don't worry, Aunt. People from our family and the Fan family will also be going. It's just for playing polo, it's fine," Wei Seventh Young Master said.
Only then did Jin Niang nod: "Then I'll tell your cousin. She will certainly be delighted."
Wei Seventh Young Master left satisfied. When he returned home today, his father examined his studies and felt he had made rapid progress. In truth, he hadn't stayed up late studying as before, yet the results were better. The reason was that his uncle checked his homework daily and, during breaks, would specifically explain how to analyze and approach essay topics.
Apart from that, it was constant repetition of writing. Brother Ning had said the same; previously, his policy essays weren't good, and it was through continuously analyzing topics and writing that he improved rapidly.
The aunt and nephew exchanged a few more words, then Wei Seventh Young Master went to the front study to do homework with Brother Ning first.
Jin Niang continued reading for a while, then got up to do embroidery.
This time she planned to embroider a Purple-robed Guanyin. The one she originally embroidered had been given to the Wei family, so this time she was starting anew with the draft and embroidery, requiring utmost care.
The next day, Madam Shi next door invited them over to the flower arbor for a drink. Jin Niang took the children over. Midway, Madam Shi felt somewhat unwell, so she called for a female physician.
Unexpectedly, it was another acquaintance. Jin Niang thought to herself that this month she had really run into all her old acquaintances.
Lou Siniang was also astonished to see Jin Niang here. Her family had always kept in touch with Yingniang, but ever since the Wei family grandmother passed away, Wei Xiong and Luo Yu'e had ceased contact with the rest of the Wei family.
She figured it must be because they had become officials and naturally needed to maintain their status.
Therefore, Lou Siniang did not hastily acknowledge the acquaintance, but only mentioned it to Feng Sheng when she returned home. Feng Sheng was now forty-five and had started growing a beard. Over the more than ten years of their marriage, the two had run the medical clinic together and had gained a small reputation in the Jinliang Bridge area.
Their eldest son, Brother Lin, though not successful in scholarly studies, was exceptionally skilled in ophthalmology. He had even passed the exams to enter the Imperial Hospital established by the court. While still young, he also opened his own clinic outside. The money earned by the family had been used to purchase over a thousand mu of land. The wife the eldest son married was from a scholarly family and gave birth to a first grandson soon after the wedding.
As for the second son, Brother Guan, he was still studying and had entered the county school of Xiangfu County. Although his aptitude was average, the family had money and could afford to support him.
The third son was also born to Lou Siniang. Originally, Lou Siniang thought she could no longer bear children, but unexpectedly gave birth to a son five years ago. This child was very clever indeed; his name was Brother Yun, implying a wish for him to rise straight to the clouds (achieve high success).
After hearing Lou Siniang's account, Feng Sheng's memory became clearer: "You were right not to call out. Jiang Shiliu is already a high official like the Deputy Director of the Palace Library. Since there was never much connection anyway, it's unnecessary to have dealings."
Although so many years had passed, back then, in order to get rid of Rongniang, he had indeed set a trap. But no matter how the trap was set, someone had to be willing to jump into it. If Rongniang hadn't been so easily led astray the moment someone crooked a finger, he couldn't have been so self-righteous about it.
Times had changed. He wasn't afraid of others, but he did fear this sister-in-law might act against him.
Back when he and Rongniang spoke of Jin Niang, although he often expressed disdain—calling her bloated in figure, peculiar in temper, and of servant-girl origin—this woman was too shrewd. Whenever she failed at something, she could always hold back. An old maid who didn't marry until her twenties, yet within a few years her husband became a jinshi.
In recent years, he had even become an official, as Feng Sheng had deliberately inquired and learned.
How can commoners contend with officials? That would be sheer madness.
Lou Siniang smiled and said, "I thought the same. Their home is next to the Li family's. From the outside, it's also a large estate. They now have many children."
"I have a batch of medicinal herbs to procure, I need to go to Qizhou. I'll trouble you to look after things at home," Feng Sheng said.
Lou Siniang couldn't help saying, "Let someone else go. Why must you go personally? You're not exactly young anymore."
Feng Sheng smiled, "I don't trust the people below to go. Qizhou white-flowered snakes are easily faked. We might as well buy a larger quantity. Don't worry, in the future I'll let the subordinates handle it."
"Since that's the case, it's fine. Brother Yun misses you. You must come back safely," Lou Siniang said. She treated her two stepsons well too, but one's own son is naturally doted on, especially one born after thirty—it held different significance.
After having a child, a person becomes softer.
Feng Sheng only took the money for purchasing the goods. He still had two thousand taels left with Lou Siniang, and added, "When I return, we'll use this money to buy some fields for our Brother Yun."
This medical clinic was built up by him and Lou Siniang together. Brother Yun was still too young; he needed to establish property for his youngest son.
Lou Siniang, being upright in character, was reluctant: "If you buy privately like this, what will Eldest and Second say if they find out? Better forget it."
"The eldest is already married. For the second, I plan to start looking for a match for him after I return this time. Let's divide the family property early, so we can be at ease." Feng Sheng knew that in a few more years he would reach the age of knowing fate. If he were to pass away suddenly, what would happen to Siniang and Brother Yun?
Lou Siniang nodded emphatically, "Alright."
They soon forgot about encountering Jin Niang. Jin Niang also had no desire to bring it up. Remembering that Madam Shi had even suffered heatstroke today, she had the children bathe and rest upon returning home.
Sister Jun said, "Mother, I'll go check on Second Brother."
"Alright. If he's asleep, don't wake him," Jin Niang said, pleased that her daughter knew how to care for those around her.
Sister Jun went to Dingge'er's room and saw him standing while holding onto a chair. She played with him for a while. When she came out, she saw Wei Seventh Young Master standing under the corridor and asked curiously, "Seventh Cousin, it's so hot, aren't you going back yet?"
"Oh, I was also planning to see my little cousin. I'll go in now," Wei Seventh Young Master said hurriedly.
Sister Jun gave him a suspicious look and instructed, "Then you mustn't let him play too wildly. Otherwise, he'll get too excited and start sweating."
Wei Seventh Young Master smiled, "Don't worry, I won't. I've already told Aunt. Later, Uncle and I will help him bathe."
Sister Jun tilted her head to look at him: "Seventh Cousin, are you really capable of doing it?"
"You're underestimating me, aren't you?" With that, Seventh Young Master Wei sauntered into Brother Ding's room.
Sister Jun shook her head and left. Returning to her own room, she lit a stick of calming incense. Instead of resting, she first bathed. After coming out, she instructed her new maid, Cuilan, to fetch her riding attire.
Such a hot day, and this seventh cousin still wants her to go horseback riding. He really does come up with nothing but terrible ideas. The annoying thing is, he's quite good at winning her mother's favor. Before he arrived, she was the eldest sister in the household, her word was law, and her parents listened to her. Now that he's here, he snatches all the advantages, even insisting on bathing her younger brother! It's utterly excessive.
