Although Sister Jun felt a bit indignant, she was truly broad-minded by nature. She wasn't the type to play tricks on others or ostracize them; she simply thought this person was too adept at winning affection.
Because Brother Ding was exceptionally fair-skinned, he had earned the nickname "Snow Child." He was so well-behaved, sitting in the bathtub while Jiang Xian washed his hair and Seventh Young Master Wei washed his body. They both felt their little cousin's chubby flesh was delightful to squeeze.
Jiang Xian said with a laugh to Seventh Young Master Wei, "Your aunt usually loves giving Brother Ding his baths, but she always frets about getting her clothes wet. When she heard you offered to help, she was both a little worried and secretly relieved."
"I've never seen such an obedient child as Cousin Ding. Being the youngest in my own family, I've always wished for a little brother," Seventh Young Master Wei replied with a smile.
As Jin Niang was about to enter, she overheard their conversation and thought to herself, Truly a match between masters.
Lifting the curtain and stepping inside, Jin Niang said cheerfully, "Are you finished yet? We mustn't let the baby catch a chill."
Jiang Xian answered, "We're just about done. Look how much our son loves playing in the water."
With that, he lifted the child, dried him off, and Jin Niang helped by dusting him with powder and dressing him before handing him to the waiting Nanny Bai outside. Due to years of needlework, Jin Niang suffered from severe lumbar muscle strain. It hadn't been too bad when she was younger, but after bearing children and with age, she could no longer lift heavy objects or hold a child for long periods.
"Thank you so much for today, Seventh Young Master. You're so considerate, I hardly know how to thank you," Jin Niang said gratefully.
Seventh Young Master Wei shook his head. "I enjoy being with Cousin Ding. It wasn't a chore at all; I found it quite fun."
Jiang Xian added, "That's good. When your Cousin Ding grows up and learns about this, he'll surely be delighted."
After some more light conversation, Seventh Young Master Wei mentioned he needed to return to his studies. Jin Niang, not wishing to disturb him, let him go on his way. She then said to Jiang Xian, "It's getting late. Let's have our meal and retire early."
Leaving aside how the couple rested that night, Jin Niang stayed home for several days in a row. It wasn't until the polo match gathering that she finally went out, taking her daughter along. Though called a polo match, the hostess, a princess, considering the weather, had invited them to a winding stream banquet by the lake. This was ten times more grand than the one previously held by Lady Qian. However, due to Jiang Xian's official rank being limited, Jin Niang and Sister Jun were seated in the humblest positions.
Neither mother nor daughter was the fiercely competitive type. They happily ate and drank for a good while, even trying a kind of chilled rose wine.
"Mother, this wine is chilled. It's so delicious," Sister Jun whispered.
"Sister Jun, the crispy-skinned pigeon is also excellent," Jin Niang hinted with her eyes.
The foodie mother-daughter duo returned home pleasantly full and rather thankful to Seventh Young Master Wei. They had expected to be sweltering through a polo match, but the day had turned out to be entirely about feasting.
As for the servants from the Wei household who had come to the Jiang residence, they initially found some things hard to adjust to. The food wasn't as refined as at the Wei's, the rules weren't as strict, and the place was naturally not as spacious. However, there were other advantages: the masters were lenient yet principled, and rewards were plentiful.
Most importantly, Seventh Young Master Wei's studies had improved considerably.
Yet, some servants felt Seventh Young Master Wei was becoming too familiar with Jin Niang and her family. They engaged in gossip, like when he helped bathe Brother Ding—clearly done for fun—they reported it as Jin Niang ordering the young master about. They whispered behind her back while being excessively cordial to her face.
Jiang Xian paid it no mind. After all, they were guests who would leave after a short stay, not permanent residents. Her main concern was maintaining a good relationship with Seventh Young Master Wei. As for the other Wei servants, getting too involved might not be beneficial.
She was selective about whom to win over. Nanny You was Madam Wei's confidante, so Jin Niang was willing to invest generously. But as for Seventh Young Master Wei's nannies and maids, their influence was limited. His personality, somewhat like Jiang Xian's, seemed easy-going but was actually quite decisive. Besides, these older women and maids would likely be released from service in a few years anyway.
Ying's belly was quite large now, so Xi Qiu handled some matters for her. Just then, Xi Qiu came in from outside and said, "Madam, the Shen family has sent an invitation. It's for Madam Shen's birthday celebration."
"Hmm, we've had dealings with the Shen family before. Sending something overly expensive might make them uncomfortable. It would be best if I personally did some needlework as a gift. Sending longevity peaches and noodles should suffice as well."
Having decided this, she discussed it with Jiang Xian, who said, "That sounds fine. Whatever you decide, my dear."
Jin Niang smiled knowingly. "When my idea matches yours, you say, 'Whatever you decide, my dear.' But if you disagree, you'd definitely say, 'That's a good thought, dear, but perhaps it would be even better if...'"
Jiang Xian, his little trick exposed, wasn't annoyed. He even playfully tapped Jin Niang's nose. "Ah, my dear wife has seen right through my little games."
Soon, the day of the birthday arrived. As Madam Wei was still in Luoyang, Jin Niang went with Lady Fan.
Lady Fan also expressed concern for her young brother-in-law: "With Seventh Young Master studying under his uncle, it must trouble you, Aunt. With Mother in Luoyang, if there's anything inconvenient, please do let me know."
"Seventh Young Master is very sensible in his studies at our place. Please don't worry," Jin Niang reassured with a smile.
Lady Fan, afraid of causing misunderstanding, quickly added, "I was just mentioning it in passing."
Jin Niang let the matter pass with a smile.
The two took sedan chairs and soon arrived at the Shen residence. Madam Shen, though not as spry as the Dowager Wang, was still hale and hearty. Madam Shen presented another picture entirely, dressed meticulously, with the now-married Fifth Lady Shen by her side.
Jin Niang felt a pang of nostalgia. The young girl she had once seen was now a mother herself. How time flies.
Fifth Lady Shen was also surprised to see Jin Niang and Sister Jun. The last time she saw Sister Jun, she had been a very little girl; now she was a graceful young lady.
"Miss Jiang, what a lovely young woman you've become," Fifth Lady Shen said, holding Sister Jun's hands and looking her over.
Sister Jun wasn't shy either, greeting her warmly, "Fifth Sister Shen, it's been so long."
Madam Shen observed Sister Jun, recognizing that she was precisely the kind of young woman many families sought for marriage. First, her father was young and promising, and her maternal uncle was a scholar. Second, her family was said to be immensely wealthy. Third, the girl herself was dignified, beautiful, and well-educated. Lastly, her mother had borne two sons and a daughter, appeared healthy, and likely promised good prospects for bearing heirs.
However, the Jiang family's standards were high. It wasn't easy to secure a match with them; it was said they had even turned down a son from the Cheng family.
Thinking this, Madam Shen turned her attention to other arriving guests, putting on a bright smile for socializing.
Jin Niang followed a servant to pay her respects to Madam Shen. The old lady said with a smile, "We don't see you often. I was thinking of going to the temple to pray in a few days. We should go together."
"Madam, perhaps you should wait for more pleasant weather before going. You wouldn't believe it, but when I went the other day, my arms got so sunburnt they peeled." Jin Niang knew that this Madam Shen was very enthusiastic about Buddhist worship. Although she might be something of a dilettante, she was fervent in her actions. Jin Niang didn't expose her; after all, it was good for the old lady to have such a pastime.
Madam Shen nodded slightly. "Indeed, I don't know why it's been getting hotter and hotter lately."
Jin Niang said, "I just saw your Fifth Lady. She carries herself with such grace and presence. I heard she's the one managing this birthday banquet. She is truly capable."
Perhaps because of her age and her long acquaintance with Jin Niang, Madam Shen waved a dismissive hand. "Among our family's girls, Fifth Lady used to be the most carefree and spirited. But now... ah, let's not talk about it."
Madam Shen could speak like that, but Jin Niang couldn't offer any comment. She said, "Children have their own fortunes. Fifth Lady is still young."
"It's not good for a woman to read too many books," Madam Shen murmured.
Jin Niang didn't agree. She didn't know the specifics of Fifth Lady Shen's situation, but in this era of arranged marriages where couples met sight unseen, finding genuine affection was rare. Most struggled to achieve even basic respect, let alone love. Having poetry and books for companionship at least provided some solace, surely better than a utterly dull existence.
But such thoughts were for her own mind. When others spoke their opinions, it was best not to argue.
After leaving Madam Shen, Sister Jun asked, "Mother, why did Madam Shen say that?"
"Madam Shen is old," Jin Niang explained to her daughter. "What she meant is that when a woman reads too much, she becomes harder to deceive. Essentially, she hopes women won't think too much, but instead content themselves with bearing children and managing household affairs within the inner quarters. Knowing too much brings clarity and pain; it's easier to muddle through life in blissful ignorance."
Sister Jun didn't understand. "Mother, what if I too marry the wrong person? Should I also pretend to be ignorant?"
Jin Niang shook her head. "That would never happen. Your father and I would certainly bring you home. Whether you remarried after a separation or chose not to marry again would be up to you. I haven't spoken of these things before because you were too young. But you're not so little now. I was already working for several years by your age."
"Separation?" Such a term was unfamiliar to a young girl like her.
Jin Niang smiled. "If you can't live together, you part ways. It's nothing earth-shattering. Sister Jun, I will provide you with a dowry when the time comes, certainly no less than your aunt's. But you must remember, while your family will be your safety net, if you lack the ability to manage your own life, you'll not only struggle in your husband's home, but you might even find it hard to stand firm in your natal home."
Sister Jun listened, understanding only partly, but she knew her mother's words were for her own good.
At Madam Shen's birthday banquet, there was a Madam Su, whose husband served as a censor. Her daughter was married to the Shen family's Second Young Master. She took Sister Jun's hand, looking her over for a long while, praising and scrutinizing her until Sister Jun grew quite uncomfortable.
Finally, Jin Niang pulled her daughter back, smiling as she said, "Madam Su, you flatter my girl too much."
Madam Su laughed. "Your daughter is truly lovely."
"You are too kind. I think your daughter was raised splendidly. Look how capable Second Lady Shen is," Jin Niang replied.
...
Returning home, Jin Niang complained to Jiang Xian, "Our daughter isn't even betrothed yet, and already she's being sized up. It's so annoying."
"The Su family? They share hometown ties with the Shens, that's why the marriage was arranged. But their sons haven't achieved much. Look at our Brother Ning, still young, yet his poem 'Moon over the West River' is already being circulated," Jiang Xian said.
"Ahem, wasn't that you who spread it around?" Jin Niang glanced at him.
Jiang Xian chuckled. "If it were mediocre, people wouldn't recite it. I think the Su family is just average. Let's just maintain polite relations."
"Mm, I think so too," Jin Niang nodded.
Their requirements for a son-in-law weren't excessively high, but he must at least be handsome and dignified—after all, their daughter was as beautiful as a flower and jade. He must also be scholarly, come from a well-off family, and possess good character. All four were indispensable.
Jin Niang's birthday passed quickly this year. Come the seventh month, it was time for Brother Ding's first-year celebration. Jin Niang put Sister Jun in charge of the arrangements, using this to train her in household management. Though the event itself wasn't large, it was from such tasks that future skills in managing external shops and farmland would grow.
Just as she had recently sent Liu Dou'er to Wu County to collect rent and lease payments, and to investigate whether Steward Fan and Shopkeeper Yao were hiding anything. However, for the estates near the capital, she would personally inspect them in the autumn to prevent any trickery from the stewards.
Of course, this year there was also the rent from the three hundred mu of land in Luoyang, which would bring in income as well.
Sister Jun had often been asked by her mother to draft menus when entertaining her schoolmates. Now, faced with handling this alone, she asked Xi Qiu, "Nanny Rong, where should I begin? Mother wants me to draft a plan on my own first."
Xi Qiu thought for a moment. "Perhaps we could find past precedents—how the mistress handled the first-year celebration for the Eldest Young Master, and those from other years."
Sister Jun shook her head. "That might not work. The circumstances are different each time; we can't apply the same template."
Xi Qiu said, "You are right, Miss."
While Xi Qiu wasn't particularly clever or outstanding, she was loyal and not overly opinionated. Jin Niang had cultivated in Sister Jun, from a young age, the ability to make her own decisions. Therefore, a servant who was too strong-willed likely wouldn't last long.
While Sister Jun was busy, Jin Niang focused on teaching Brother Ding to walk. He could now stand holding onto a chair for a while. Jin Niang held a rattan ball, encouraging her barefoot son to walk towards her, clapping her hands. "Ding'er, come to Mother quickly."
Brother Ding glanced at Jin Niang but sat playing with a small wooden block in his hands. After coaxing him for a good while, he finally deigned to take a few wobbly steps forward, and Jin Niang swept him into her arms.
"Second Son, look at you, such a lazybones," Jin Niang laughed.
After some affectionate time with her son, Jin Niang had Nurse Bai take the child away. She then began embroidering a lotus flower emerging from water. The Purple-robed Guanyin was a daily obligatory task, but she would also choose a pattern that interested her.
As she was embroidering, a visitor arrived.
It was Madam Shi from next door. Her prospective son-in-law had passed the child prodigy examination and had been granted the status of a Metropolitan Graduate by the emperor. It seemed the wedding plans needed to be hastened. But why was she visiting now? Jin Niang rose to greet her.
"Madam Jiang, I've come to beg a favor from you," Madam Shi said.
Spring Day.
Jin Niang immediately understood—it must be about the Guanyin embroidery. But she pretended not to grasp it. "Madam, what are you saying? Given the friendship between our families, anything I have that you want, I would naturally be willing to give."
Madam Shi pointed at the Child-Granting Guanyin embroidery hanging in her main hall and said, "Other things aside, it's just this portrait of Guanyin you embroidered, it's so lifelike. I'd like to have it as part of my daughter's dowry. I'm afraid she might have the same difficulty bearing children as I did."
Truly, it shows the heart of all parents under heaven. When a woman cannot bear children, the issue often does not lie with her, yet everyone directs their malice towards the woman.
However, Jin Niang naturally wouldn't give it away for free, no matter how much sympathy she felt. That just wouldn't do.
Therefore, Jin Niang first showed some flexibility: "We are both mothers with children, everyone thinks for their children's sake, only..."
If Madam Shi was sincere in wanting it, she would naturally pick up the thread of conversation; if she was hoping for a free gift, Jin Niang certainly wouldn't give it.
Sure enough, hearing Jin Niang speak this way, Madam Shi smiled and said, "Madam Jiang, I can bring a white jade ruyi sceptre from my home to add to the young lady's dowry."
Jin Niang, however, wasn't very forthcoming. She didn't set much store by those jade pieces. Moreover, this was something she had embroidered herself. Generally, any money from selling it would be her private savings, definitely something she would keep for herself and not put into the common household funds.
The two women later came to an agreement, and Jin Niang's private coffers gained two hundred strings of cash.
Having seen through the ways of the official circles by now, unless everyone's interests were aligned, once trouble arose, no amount of usual favors would make anyone speak up for you. Therefore, Jin Niang preferred transactions where goods and money were exchanged cleanly. That way, neither party owed the other, and they could still interact normally.
Jin Niang also told Jiang Xian about this matter: "I haven't even finished embroidering the Purple-robed Guanyin yet, and this Child-Granting Guanyin sold so quickly. Well then, I'll have to start embroidering again."
"Wife, did it really sell for two hundred strings?" Jiang Xian asked.
Jin Niang nodded: "Indeed. I thought about it, I'm not very skilled at appraising jade pieces, and besides, what's fashionable changes every year. If I took one now, who knows what it would be worth in the future. So, I settled on cash."
Jiang Xian also agreed: "My wife makes a good point."
Especially in the capital, trends changed very quickly, fabrics were the same. What was fashionable before would now look too old-fashioned if worn.
With this money in hand, Jin Niang treated everyone to a meal at the Immortal Gathering Restaurant. The owner of the Immortal Gathering was an old acquaintance of Jin Niang's, who had reserved a private room for them early on.
Young Master Wei the Seventh calculated that he had only been at the Jiang residence for a little over a month, yet they dined out quite often. And always at places like the Immortal Gathering or Pan Tower. He just followed along and enjoyed the feasts; such days were truly too delightful.
During the banquet, he, Brother Ning, and Sister Jun even composed linked verses together, drew flower lots, drank sweet beverages, the three of them also played pitch-pot, listened to the music and singing from outside, it was indescribably joyful.
Returning home, his uncle had friends who wanted to go on a night excursion, and his uncle took him and Brother Ning along.
This Young Master Wei the Seventh was originally from a noble family. Now, often accompanying Jiang Xian and going out into society, he had matured noticeably in a short time.
Knowing that Jiang Xian wouldn't be back until who-knows-when that night, Jin Niang went to bed first. But she got up early in the morning, instructing the kitchen to prepare some plum blossom noodle soup, fearing they would be hungry when they returned in the morning.
As expected, Jiang Xian returned with the two boys in the morning. Brother Ning was very excited: "Last night, Uncle Xiao had someone grill fish for us. After we came down from the boat, we slept at a cool villa. It was so wonderfully cool there at night."
"A cool villa? You're pulling my leg," Jin Niang didn't believe it.
Young Master Wei the Seventh had just taken a bite of plum blossom noodle soup and laughed, "Aunt, it's true. From the little house I stayed in, you could see the magnolia flowers through the glass tiles, just like stars. It was especially cool."
Jin Niang looked at the two of them: "The mosquitoes must have been especially plentiful too."
"Ahem, wife, it was fine. They fumigated mugwort for us, there weren't many mosquitoes. I just got one bite on my arm," Jiang Xian quickly added.
The two boys even mentioned that someone had invited them for a night excursion during the Lantern Festival, both eager to go. Jin Niang shook her head.
After finishing the plum blossom noodle soup, Young Master Wei the Seventh returned to the side courtyard. His nanny said, "My young master, you're finally back! You worried us to death."
"It was just visiting some renowned scholars, what's the big deal," Young Master Wei the Seventh didn't think it was anything.
After going out, his uncle would also teach him how to distinguish true scholars. True scholars were merely indifferent to fame and fortune, but were absolutely capable. Those with some literary reputation who lived in destitution were usually false scholars.
Scholars needed reputation. For example, last night someone wrote a poem including both him and Brother Ning, wasn't that a way to gain fame?
The Wei family nanny saw the mosquito bites peeking out from his sleeve and was heartbroken again. Young Master Wei the Seventh said with great impatience, "Please don't make such a fuss. If word got out, people would laugh. Wasn't Brother Ning bitten by mosquitoes too? Did you see if his mother carried on like this?"
These old nannies really managed things too broadly, still treating him like a little child to be coddled.
Jin Niang had naturally heard about this too. After Young Master Wei the Seventh came over, she said, "Don't worry, your uncle discussed this matter with your father beforehand, and your father was very much in favor."
Jiang Xian certainly wouldn't act without cause, otherwise Jin Niang wouldn't have casually let the two boys go out at night.
Back when they hadn't had the means, relying on oneself might mean taking five to ten years of detours. Some men weren't lacking in talent, but only passed the imperial examinations in their thirties or forties. Some who became Presented Scholars young, after over twenty years in office, were still only in their thirties.
"Aunt, those nannies of mine are always like this, still treating me like a child to be coaxed," Young Master Wei the Seventh complained to Jin Niang.
Jin Niang smiled and said, "They care about you too. Don't think the servants around me aren't the same, forbidding me to do this and that. But we must have our own judgment. Otherwise, if one person says doing it this way is good today, and another says doing it that way is good tomorrow, we'd have no judgment of our own."
"Aunt's advice is sound," Young Master Wei the Seventh found this very acceptable.
Someone outside announced that Sister Jun had arrived. Young Master Wei the Seventh took his leave. Once Sister Jun entered, she said, "Seventh Cousin comes to see you more often than your own daughter does."
"He only comes when he has matters to discuss. How is your project coming along?" Jin Niang asked.
Sister Jun then explained the plan she had drafted. Jin Niang made a few corrections with a differently colored brush, and Sister Jun went back to coordinate with the various parties.
It was then that she discovered things always had unexpected developments.
For example, Little Yun, who knew how to make the "little pavilion" pastries, suddenly fell ill. She then had to order pastries from an outside restaurant. The budget was fixed, and ordering pastries was another expense.
It seemed simple, but in reality, it was a tangled web.
Apart from necessary guidance, Jin Niang let her handle everything herself. Fortunately, the first birthday "Zhua Zhou" ceremony proceeded quite smoothly, and Sister Jun breathed a huge sigh of relief.
But she also told Jin Niang, "Mother, your daughter truly doesn't like managing affairs."
"I used to be just like you. But the more we fear something, the more we should overcome it. Then we won't be afraid anymore," Jin Niang encouraged her daughter.
Sister Jun looked at Jin Niang: "Mother gets afraid too?"
Jin Niang said matter-of-factly, "I used to dread these things the most and never wanted to visit relatives. But look at me now—I manage just fine. The more you fear something, the more it comes your way. It's better to just steel your heart; then nothing can trouble us in the future."
Sister Jun seemed thoughtful upon hearing this.
It was also mentioned that after July passed, when Madam Wei returned from Luoyang, before she could even have a word with Jin Niang, the nursemaid from Seventh Young Master Wei's household rushed to deliver her report.
