Jin Niang was preparing Mid-Autumn Festival gifts with her daughter. She first brought over the lists from previous years and the records of gifts received from others for her daughter to reference while drafting this year's list.
"Look, these are from last year and the year before. The olives sent by the Wei Family were very thoughtful, but olives aren't cheap, so we must consider that carefully. Also, these small pastries—our family's orange-scented rose shortcakes and Xiao Yun's osmanthus cakes are both excellent. However, the food boxes for these pastries need to be prepared in advance. The bamboo ware from the Great Xiangguo Temple is both inexpensive and pretty. See, I've already prepared them," Jin Niang was explaining to her.
Besides these, there were also fruits, silks, wines, sugar, and so on.
A single gift list involved many intricacies. Sister Jun drafted it twice before finally finalizing it. She gave it to Qing Rong, who then passed the instructions to various departments for them to make the arrangements.
"You can't just wash your hands of it entirely. You must ask about the progress from time to time. Otherwise, if those above don't give instructions, those below are prone to slack off," Jin Niang advised.
Sister Jun nodded, then asked Jin Niang, "Mother, is it true you sold an embroidered portrait for two hundred strings of cash?"
"Yes, it is. That's precisely why I want you to learn needlework. You're more talented than I am, having studied painting formally. Your embroidery will surely surpass mine. My skills are all self-taught, picked up here and there. In the future, if you ever find yourself in difficult circumstances, this craft will allow you to make a comeback without question," Jin Niang earnestly instructed.
Currently, besides her studies, Sister Jun also had to manage needlework and household affairs, leaving her with very little leisure time. Heeding her mother's words, she took the gift list back to review and worked on her embroidery whenever she had a spare moment.
Next year, her younger brother would be taking the prefectural school entrance exam. As she was already proficient in the eight-legged essay, poetry, and policy essays, she no longer needed to study those.
Spring Day
Shortly after she left, Madam Wei came to visit. Jin Niang hurried to the second gate to welcome her. She first looked Madam Wei up and down, noting she had lost some weight but her spirits seemed good. She then inquired about the health of Madam Wei's father as the two women walked into the flower hall.
Madam Wei held Jin Niang's hand and said, "My child has been troubling you, Madame Aunt, for so long. I feel quite uneasy about it."
"Seventh Young Master is very sensible. You may not know this yet, but his uncle took him and Brother Ning to visit a renowned scholar. By sheer luck, the scholar was inspired to compose poetry and mentioned both of them in his verses," Jin Niang said with a laugh.
Madam Wei had previously heard from some old maids that Jiang Xian had taken the boys out night-roaming, causing skin itchiness and sleeplessness, and that Madame Aunt had ordered her son to do servants' work. She hadn't expected it was actually a visit to a famous scholar.
She hadn't entirely believed the maids' gossip, but thought where there's smoke, there's fire, so she had harbored some doubts. Now, hearing Jin Niang's explanation, she beamed with joy. "Madame Aunt, please convey my thanks to his uncle on my behalf. This naughty boy must have caused you so much trouble."
"No trouble at all, he's been wonderful. I originally wondered if, being the youngest at home, he might be too pampered. Who knew he acts very much like a responsible older brother here. One day, he even volunteered to help Brother Ding bathe with his uncle. I said, 'We have so many servants at home, why would we need you?' But he went about it very earnestly. I said I couldn't let you work for nothing, so I treated him to a meal at Panlou Huixianlou as a reward," Jin Niang recounted as if telling an amusing anecdote.
Upon hearing the real story, Madam Wei felt deeply ashamed. Knowing Jin Niang's character well, she had let her concern for her son cloud her judgment and nearly been fooled by others. She expressed her gratitude profusely.
Jin Niang then said, "I thought Seventh Young Master could stay with us until Mid-Autumn Festival, so I personally made a set of clothes for him to wear for the occasion. Now that you've returned, Sister-in-law, let me fetch them for you."
Shortly after, Qing Rong brought out a set of clothes on a tray. Madam Wei saw it contained a middle garment made of goose-yellow satin with a subtle pattern of auspicious grasses, clouds, and cranes. Over it was a straight-collared robe made of light purple gauze. The collar and edges of the robe were made of a double-layered gauze in a slightly deeper shade of purple, embroidered with a ball-and-path pattern. It was paired with a skirt in the color of 'sky-water green.' The set was exquisitely made, clearly requiring considerable effort.
Madam Wei said, "You, as his aunt, are so good to him. If he doesn't show you filial respect in the future, I won't allow it."
"Now, why would you say such a thing? Since you're here today, and there's no time like the present, let's consider this a welcome dinner for you. Seventh Young Master will be back soon," Jin Niang said with a smile.
The two women chatted about various domestic matters. When Wei Seventh Young Master returned and saw Madam Wei, he hurried forward to pay his respects.
Madam Wei noticed her son seemed to have grown a little taller over these two months and was much more spirited. After talking for a while, he proactively said he needed to go to the front courtyard to do his homework, which pleased her greatly.
"Finish your work quickly. Once you're done, we'll have a welcome dinner for your mother," Jin Niang instructed.
Wei Seventh Young Master acknowledged her words, and Jin Niang had the tea room send tea over to them.
Madam Wei stayed for the afternoon meal at the Jiang residence. She observed her son speaking with Jin Niang very casually. He even said, "Aunt, could you please talk to Uncle? Ask him to take Brother Ning and me to Peach Blossom Stream to go fishing and have fun. If you don't say anything, Uncle won't agree."
"One night outing and your hearts have grown wild. Focus on your studies first. If you both show improvement, I'll speak to your uncle. But, of course, only if your mother agrees," Jin Niang replied.
Wei Seventh Young Master then pestered his mother a few more times. Madam Wei pointed at him, laughing and scolding, "You must show progress in your studies first."
After the meal, Madam Wei noticed Sister Jun had become much more capable. Hearing she had recently been managing household affairs, she added, "Eldest Miss looks more and more outstanding."
Jin Niang, unaware of the potential implication behind Madam Wei's words, simply took it as a routine compliment. Knowing Wei Seventh Young Master would be leaving that day, she had him try on the new clothes.
The Wei family servants had already packed the luggage. Brother Ning even cried, "Seventh Cousin, we still promised to go to Peach Blossom Stream to play."
Wei Seventh Young Master also couldn't hold back his tears. Even Jin Niang found the parting difficult, but as an adult, she couldn't very well keep someone else's child forever. So she said with a smile, "Brother Ning, you can go visit your Seventh Cousin to play another day."
Then, turning to Madam Wei, she said, "The children are all so sentimental and value their bonds."
Madam Wei was also very touched. Seeing it was getting late, Jin Niang added, "The children need to rest early as they have studies tomorrow. I won't keep you any longer. Next time, Seventh Young Master, feel free to come visit anytime. I'll keep the side courtyard for you."
"Aunt..." Wei Seventh Young Master truly felt reluctant to leave.
Jiang Xian, who had been listening to the commotion from his study, was speechless. He had often stayed at his aunt's house in his youth but never remembered such dramatic, tearful farewells. This group was really overdoing it.
Only after the Wei family had left did Jiang Xian come out.
"What were you hiding in there for?" Jin Niang asked, looking at him suspiciously.
Jiang Xian cried out in protest, "What do you mean I was hiding? When you womenfolk are talking, it's hardly appropriate for me to butt in."
Jin Niang let out a sigh of relief. "The Wei Family people have left, and that's a huge weight off my shoulders. Come on, let's go and rest." Having over twenty people eating, wearing, and using things at the Jiang household, plus having to take care of Wei Seventh Young Master's daily needs, had been quite exhausting. Now that he was safely back in his mother's hands, she could finally relax.
Meanwhile, after her son returned, Madam Wei gathered with her husband and son to talk.
Wei Seventh Young Master said, "On ordinary days, I study at the You residence during the daytime. After returning, I do my homework first, then eat and take a walk. Uncle would check our homework for us. If there was anything we weren't good at, he'd set us more questions to practice. During breaks, we'd go out to restaurants to eat or watch sumo wrestling. Oh, and Aunt had Uncle teach Brother Ning and me how to mount and frame artwork. She said if studying doesn't work out for us in the future, we could still earn a living by opening a framing shop. You wouldn't believe it, Aunt sold one of her embroideries for two hundred strings of cash! Sister Jun, inspired by her aunt, has been obsessively practicing her needlework lately."
Scholar Wei laughed, "I never expected he'd learn so many things at the Jiangs'."
"Absolutely. They originally planned to teach Brother Ning and me how to swim in August. Aunt said that when Uncle was catching criminals outside, it was precisely because he was a good swimmer that he managed to capture a fugitive and earned a great merit. Even if Brother Ning and I don't become local magistrates in the future, being skilled in water could still save our lives." Wei Seventh Young Master said, even yawning halfway through.
Madam Wei quickly urged him to go rest, leaving just the couple to talk.
Scholar Wei then remarked, "These past few months, our Seventh Young Master has made great progress in his studies and has even grown taller. That's precisely why I felt at ease leaving him at the Jiangs'."
"Who would have thought the Jiang family's household ethos would be so commendable," Madam Wei mused.
After discussing Wei Seventh Young Master's matters, the couple seemed to have reached a decision, but they had other things to discuss, so they left it at that with a mutual understanding.
It was said that this year, perhaps because Wei Seventh Young Master had stayed with them for several months, the Wei Family's festival gifts were exceptionally generous. Jin Niang picked out a few good items to store away and discussed the Mid-Autumn Festival arrangements with Jiang Xian.
"In that case, let's invite the old master and mistress from the old residence over," Jin Niang said.
Jiang Xian agreed. After all, it was just for the Mid-Autumn Festival, so it was no big deal. Jin Niang asked him to go in person to fetch them. Master Jiang the Sixth naturally agreed. His eldest son had gone to Yingtian Prefecture, and his second son was adopted out. Staying with a son was somewhat better than staying with a grandson.
Actually, Madam Xu had never been fond of her father-in-law and this stepmother-in-law. But upon hearing they were going to celebrate at Golden Beam Bridge, she said, "Why not have Sixteenth Brother and his wife come to our place in South Xun Ward instead? My daughter-in-law and I have already prepared the pastries and fruits."
"You are all very thoughtful, but since we are often with you, we'd like to go over there and have a look too," Master Jiang the Sixth said with a smile.
Madam Xu had no choice but to grit her teeth and agree.
When the elderly couple arrived, Master Jiang the Sixth donated several crates of books for the collection in the study building here. Jiang Xian had Brother Ning keep their grandfather company, while Jin Niang respectfully invited Madam Zheng to take the seat of honor and had tea served. They all sat together to chat.
Madam Zheng saw an incense burner and vase set arranged on the table in front of her. Maidservants brought premium tea in red-lacquered trays; the brew was clear and bright. Near the window, a table held various potted flowers and plants, and a bronze censer emitted faint, sweet smoke. She thought to herself that Jiang Xian's household was indeed exceedingly prosperous, their financial situation much better than that of the main branch.
This reminded her of what Madam Xu had once said: if only her grandniece could marry into this family, she'd live in bliss.
But when she merely brought up Sister Jun's marriage prospects, Jin Niang replied, "We've looked at several, but none are satisfactory. Although our family can't be considered a great noble house nowadays, we still need to find someone of comparable standing."
Hearing this, Madam Zheng fell silent. She knew better than to overstep.
Thanks to Madam Zheng's tact and Master Jiang the Sixth's happiness, the Jiang family's Mid-Autumn reunion passed quite pleasantly.
However, on that very night of family reunion, tragic news came from the Feng household. Feng Sheng, who should have been home by now, had nearly died from viper venom, choking to the point of suffocation. Though he was barely saved, half his life was gone.
The shopkeeper who had accompanied him returned to deliver the message. Lou Siniang immediately wanted her eldest stepson, Brother Lin, to go. But Brother Lin demurred, "Madam, you know my clinic cannot do without me for even a day."
Lou Siniang then looked at Brother Guan. Brother Guan hemmed and hawed, "We can't miss classes at the county school right now."
"If neither of you young masters will go, must I, a woman, go instead?" Lou Siniang hadn't expected her stepsons to be so callous.
Brother Lin and Brother Guan both lowered their heads in silence. Left with no choice, Lou Siniang decided to close the shop temporarily. She entrusted her own son, Brother Yun, to her sister-in-law's care and, though frightened herself, set out with some household servants.
Seeing her determination, Brother Lin and Brother Guan felt a flicker of unease for a moment. But they both consoled themselves: "Our family originally had such an influential connection as Second Aunt, but because Father married this woman, our career paths were blocked. If we had Second Uncle's patronage, how could the imperial exams be so difficult for us?"
Brother Guan, whose nature was more timid, just said, "Father really... after marrying her, he stopped us from associating with Second Aunt, surely afraid of making her angry."
"Exactly. Mother's body wasn't even found, and Father hastily married her. I've long suspected something was amiss," Feng Lin said coldly.
Alas, it was already impossible for the two of them to investigate. They also couldn't contact Second Aunt's family behind their father's back, so they could only sigh.
Over at Madam Xu's place, she was also sighing. Her confidante, Nanny Ge, said, "Mistress, the night air is chilly. We should go back and rest."
"You see, ever since my husband left, all those people who used to frequent our house have vanished one by one. Those who are still decent enough to send festival gifts are considered extremely good," Madam Xu lamented the decline of social morals.
Even her own in-laws were first-rate snobs, choosing to spend Mid-Autumn with their younger son's family instead of with the descendants of the main branch.
Nanny Ge curled her lip. "Others can be forgiven, but Aunt Xu the Third, who never missed a chance to come asking for help before, hasn't shown her face now."
Of all the relatives, Nanny Ge disliked Aunt Xu the Third the most. She was no good. She was the fastest to run after benefits, but when others fell on hard times, she would still pretend to comfort them, visiting to squeeze out a little more advantage.
Madam Xu was well aware. "Forget it. In a few days, invite Fifth Sister-in-law over for a chat. My Kang'er could have married the daughter of a chief councilor before. It's a pity he was implicated in the Jixian Chancellor affair. Now it's very difficult to arrange a match for him."
"Our Fifth Master and Young Master Kang are both top scholars. In another year or two, it's not impossible for them to pass the provincial exam. Then things will be better," Nanny Ge said with a smile.
Madam Xu said, "Yes, that's what I think too. By the way, how is Sister Zheng getting along?"
Having given birth to this little daughter, Madam Xu felt much younger than before, but the household expenses had also increased considerably. Looking at Sister Jun, her clothes and jewelry were of excellent quality, and she had heard that even her dowry had been prepared to the tune of several thousand strings of cash.
She herself had once been looked down upon by her mother-in-law for having too small a dowry, to the point where even merchant's daughters could step over her. Now, to prepare a dowry for her own daughter, it must be done before she turns thirteen, as girls generally get betrothed in their teens, the betrothal process itself takes about a year, and the dowry list must be submitted to the future husband's family.
Fortunately, there are still many years before her daughter discusses marriage, so she still has time.
While Madam Xu was talking about dowries, Jin Niang here had just had the carpenters make another huanghuali wood bed, and bought a zitan wood couch inlaid with cloud-pattern marble. Besides these, there was also a set of huanghuali furniture: a crescent moon table, a qin table, an Eight Immortals table, a rocking chair, a painting desk, an open-shelf cabinet, a large four-door wardrobe, and an armrest.
"We need to make eight camphorwood chests," Jin Niang said to Little Chen.
Little Chen accepted the order and went out.
In her daughter's dowry, the farmland, shops, the residence behind the shops, the gold coronet and six complete sets of head ornaments, the furniture, and the ready cash were almost all prepared. She wouldn't spend all the money in her hands on her daughter's dowry either. To put it bluntly, if you have the ability to make money grow, this dowry is already quite substantial. But if you lack that ability, giving too much might lead to it being swindled away in the future.
One should never spend every last coin they have—that was her principle.
Next year, it will be Jiang Xian's third year in the capital. It's unknown if he will be promoted again. If he rises another rank, their daughter's range of choices would become even broader.
Just as she was thinking this, it was said that Young Master Wei the Seventh had arrived. Jin Niang said straightforwardly, "Your uncle is going to Peach Blossom Stream tomorrow, why have you come today? Isn't there class at the You family's?"
Young Master Wei the Seventh smiled and said, "Aunt, I wanted to come early so I could stay overnight and leave earlier tomorrow."
"Since you've come, why didn't you bring any attendants? Have you spoken to your parents?" Jin Niang asked with a smile.
Young Master Wei the Seventh nodded, "Don't worry, my parents agreed before I came."
After saying this, he added, "My several nannies have been sent out, and some older maids in my room have been let go as well. Aunt, I'm following your example now—one must have their own mind."
"All sent out?" Jin Niang was somewhat surprised.
Young Master Wei the Seventh said, "I've grown up, it's only right. I'm not a nursing baby anymore."
Jin Niang didn't judge these matters. Who willingly seeks hardship? Young Master Wei the Seventh's studies had shown significant improvement recently. He was talented and handsome, and most importantly, his temperament was quite compatible with hers, almost like real aunt and nephew. Coming to her home, he immediately reduced his entourage, showing he wasn't overly pampered.
Young Master Wei the Seventh stayed that night, and early the next morning, he and Brother Ning followed Jiang Xian out.
It is also said that after Jiang Xian and the others had just left, Madam Wei arrived right on their heels.
Regarding the Wei Family sending out the older maids from Young Master Wei the Seventh's residence and dismissing several nannies, those people were naturally discontent. They didn't care that Young Master Wei the Seventh was almost fourteen, already a young man, and should have been independent anyway. They only thought about earning more monthly pay by staying by his side.
Last time, they even complained to Madam Wei. Madam Wei felt that while they might care for Young Master Wei the Seventh, it was entirely out of personal, womanly selfishness, not genuine consideration for his future.
Otherwise, if she really listened to these people, how would they interact with the Jiang family?
Moreover, her son was indeed improving—he no longer procrastinated on his homework, showed significant progress, and had even become much more lively.
Her family's way was to act quickly once a decision was made. So, after arriving, she got straight to the point with Jin Niang, without any beating around the bush.
Jin Niang was still surprised, "Sister-in-law, are you talking about Sister Jun?"
She hadn't expected this at all, because Young Master Wei the Seventh came from an illustrious family with astonishing wealth and was exceptionally talented and handsome. She herself had previously thought he was too pampered, and moreover, his family hadn't considered her daughter as their first choice.
Madam Wei said, "Actually, I had my eye on Sister Jun before. Otherwise, I wouldn't have declined the marriage proposal from the Shen family—please don't mention this to anyone. But later, as you know, there were matters with my maternal family, and many things happened at home. Only now have I come to visit. You won't blame me, will you?"
"How could I?" To be fair, Jin Niang's last reservation vanished.
She had interacted with Young Master Wei the Seventh for several months. Although she hadn't treated him as a prospective son-in-law, he was someone whose emotional intelligence allowed for some back-and-forth with Jiang Xian, not to mention his appearance and talent.
However, Jin Niang said, "Sister-in-law, it's not about anything else. It's the mismatch in status. Precisely because Seventh Young Master is so excellent, that's why I have this concern."
Speaking from her heart, her daughter was the best in her eyes, but unpleasant truths must be stated upfront.
They must face the family disparity openly and honestly; otherwise, the wife's side might be at a disadvantage later.
Seeing Jin Niang like this, Madam Wei actually admired her even more. Other families would have jumped at the chance long ago—back then, the Wu family even sought marriage with theirs. She hadn't expected Jin Niang to be so cautious. She said, "I've watched Sister Jun grow up. Your husband holds a fifth-rank position at such a young age. Not to mention anything else, your family's values are excellent. Seventh Young Master is very fond of your family."
"Thank you for your regard, sister-in-law. I will discuss this with Sister Jun's father and then give your family a reply." Jin Niang also knew the importance of playing a little hard to get appropriately, without overdoing it.
Seeing Jin Niang did not object, Madam Wei also breathed a sigh of relief.
Later, when Jiang Xian returned, Jin Niang told him about this: "I truly never expected the Wei Family to come proposing marriage."
Jiang Xian looked at his wife, "What do you think?"
"Originally, back in Daming Prefecture, I had considered Young Master Wei the Seventh. The disparity between our families was too great, so I didn't dwell on it. I never thought sister-in-law would tell me today that she even declined the Shen family's proposal for Sister Jun's sake. To be honest, I am somewhat tempted." Jin Niang honestly expressed her thoughts.
To find a wealthy and handsome talent for her daughter, moreover from a familiar family—Sister Jun was not unfamiliar with the Wei Family either. Most importantly, Young Master Wei the Seventh had dismissed his nannies and older maids and was very close to Jiang Xian.
To say something very practical: even if Young Master Wei the Seventh couldn't pass the imperial examinations, passing the hereditary privilege exam would be effortless. Grand Academician Wei held a high and powerful position and might advance even further in the future. Even if Young Master Wei the Seventh entered officialdom through hereditary privilege, he would start as a proper sixth-rank official.
Not to mention the future division of family property. Daughters of the Wei Family received a dowry of a hundred thousand strings of cash when they married; sons would likely receive even more when the family property was divided.
At the very least, her daughter wouldn't have to worry about her husband's career or the family's finances in the future. Moreover, both of them were outstanding in appearance and healthy in body, which would be good for their descendants.
She could not entirely use the modern method of selecting a son-in-law, with standards like 'both parents deceased, owns a house and a carriage.' In ancient times, people's lifespans were generally not long; if both parents' lives were too short, they wouldn't dare choose such a match either.
Seeing Jin Niang reach a decision in a mere moment, Jiang Xian secretly admired her resolve. "Wife, since you agree, I agree as well. Actually, last time when Seventh Young Master stayed at our home, Grand Secretary Wei seemed to hint as much to me. But as he didn't state it explicitly, I felt too embarrassed to bring it up."
"Securing such a prestigious match first is a good thing. It will ward off any lesser suitors who might have designs on our daughter. As for whether they will get along in the future, or if any changes befall the Wei Family, we are still here for them. We can certainly afford to support them," said Jin Niang.
Jiang Xian laughed, "My wife, you truly have great courage and vision."
Jin Niang replied, "As I've said before, no one was there to back us up, but we can be the safety net for our daughter. Even if the Wei Family loses its current prominence, couldn't the two of us afford to support our own daughter and son-in-law? Thinking this way, I am no longer worried."
