Sister Jun had a wide social circle, but none of her relationships were particularly deep. She usually followed her mother's example in handling affairs, having deeply internalized one principle: it's better when there is a sense of distance between people, and they treat each other with courtesy. Otherwise, getting too close can easily lead to the relationship running its course.
Therefore, when the Jiang family moved in next door and Madam Song brought her daughter, Miss Jiang, for a visit, Sister Jun merely received them with polite courtesy.
Jiang Song glanced at Sister Jun and felt a sense that there was always someone better. She had been proud of her own beauty, talent, and outstanding family background—her mother was a prime minister's daughter, and her father was a top scholar.
But seeing this Miss Jiang, her appearance and temperament were first-rate, her needlework and embroidery were exceptionally fine, and even her conversation was remarkably elegant and refined.
Jin Niang
Spring Day
She was currently speaking with Madam Song: "You've just moved in, how is the settling-in at home going?"
"I keep feeling a sense of things being the same yet people different. The capital is livelier than before. Back in Jiangzhou, it was very quiet, almost too quiet," Madam Song said with a smile.
Jin Niang replied, "Actually, the area we live in is quite good. It's mostly officials' families living nearby, and it's in the outer city. The houses are generally spacious, and the neighborhood is lively yet has a sense of quiet within the bustle."
As they spoke, Cuihuan and Yingluo served tea.
Since last month when she started suffering from internal heat, the tea Jin Niang drank was also the kind to clear heat. Now, the nights weren't very cold, but wearing too little made one prone to catching a chill, while wearing too much made one prone to overheating again.
Jin Niang took a sip of tea and heard Madam Song continue, "I remember your daughter is a bit older than mine."
"She'll be seventeen soon (fifteen sui by modern age, turning sixteen next year), so she should be a bit older than your daughter," Jin Niang said.
Madam Song asked, "I wonder if she is already betrothed?"
“She was engaged a few years ago, to my maternal nephew,” Jin Niang said with a smile.
Madam Song thought to herself that this Wei Jinniang was originally just a merchant's daughter, so her maternal nephew must be a merchant's son—this showed rather short-sighted judgment. But she didn't show a hint of this on her face and instead said, "Marrying within the family is also quite good."
Jin Niang wouldn't proactively tell people about her association with the Wei family clan and such. When a person has everything, they tend to be lazy about showing off, and instead fear others seeking favors based on their connections. She had encountered such situations several times.
Therefore, she didn't offer further explanation. Instead, looking at Jiang Song, she asked, "Is your daughter betrothed?"
"Not yet. If you know of any fine young men, please don't be stingy," Madam Song said.
Jin Niang smiled, "Naturally. I think your daughter would be considered outstanding here in Bianjing. Her whole demeanor and bearing—few can compare."
These words pleased Madam Song's heart, though she modestly demurred a few times.
After leaving the Jiang residence, Madam Song, who also had an old acquaintance, Madam Zhou the Fourth, soon invited her over. Madam Zhou the Fourth had been busy these days furnishing her daughter's dowry. Though overwhelmed, she came quickly when Madam Song invited her.
The two of them were much closer, and they spent a long time catching up.
After reminiscing, Madam Zhou the Fourth even stayed for a meal at the Song household, which could be considered a sumptuous feast. Jiang Song, speaking with the Sun family's second daughter, found it rather dull and unremarkable.
After they left, Jiang Song said to her mother, "That Sun girl is dull and slow-witted. I don't like her."
"I heard from her mother that they've studied for many years," Madam Song said.
Jiang Song shook her head, "Just average, really dull and unremarkable. Among all the people I've met since returning, only the Jiang family's eldest daughter is quite good, her conversation is exceptional. I saw a beautifully embroidered Guanyin image hanging in her home, so I brought up the Five Dynasties painters Hu Yi, Zhu Yao, and Zhang Tu—she actually knew them all. But that Sun Second Daughter didn't even know who Diao Guangyin was."
Madam Song thought to herself that Madam Zhou the Fourth was, after all, from the Lin'an Zhou clan, while Wei Jinniang was merely the daughter of an ordinary military household. Truly, thirty years east of the river, thirty years west.
But she still admonished her daughter, "You've always had high standards, but that's not good. As the saying goes, you can't judge a book by its cover, and the sea's water can't be measured by a dipper. Don't show on your face whom you like or dislike."
"Daughter understands," Jiang Song knew her mother had recently started socializing with old acquaintances for her father's career prospects and her own marriage prospects.
The affairs of the Song family were unrelated to Jin Niang. Jin Niang got up early, first had the New Year's gifts sent out to various places, then had hot meals delivered to the prefectural school for her eldest son.
Brother Ning received the lunchbox and handed the previous one to Young Master Chen to take back. Returning to the school's dining hall, he opened the box. Inside, the staples were a bowl of wontons in chicken broth, a bowl of rice, and a plate of meat-stuffed flatbreads. There were also several of his favorite dishes: a full plate of crystal-clear braised pork trotter, fried squab, jellyfish salad, stir-fried shrimp with peas, and two kinds of seasonal vegetables. There was also a pouch of crispy fried whitebait, which he knew was for his dormitory mates to share.
This was his mother's thoughtful way—when there were good things to eat, they should be shared with classmates.
There were six people in his dormitory now. Brother Ning wasn't that selfless; he brought the food in, first took out the meat-stuffed flatbreads for himself, used an empty plate to put a portion of each dish in the middle of the table for everyone to share, then poured some fried whitebait into each of their bowls before eating his own meal slowly.
Of course, some dorm mates also had food sent from home. One, believing in "like cures like," had pig's brain stew sent. Brother Ning politely declined that—he really couldn't eat it.
In the school, Brother Ning wasn't the most hardworking; he balanced work and rest. Nor was he the most socially active, but like his mother Jin Niang, he managed his relationships with those around him very well.
"Jiang Da, these little fish from your home are fried perfectly. For such small fish, the intestines and innards are all cleaned out so thoroughly," Young Master Kuang said.
Brother Ning smiled, "If you like them, eat more. If it's not enough later, you can take more from mine."
His classmates also knew their limits, "It's enough, it's enough."
After finishing his meal, Brother Ning went outside to scoop water and wash his used bowls and chopsticks. Returning to the dormitory, he put on the fur coat and boots sent from home, added an extra layer of wool blanket under his bed, and only after feeling warm did he start studying.
He heard Young Master Kuang saying beside him, "If I don't get into the Imperial College, my family won't let me study anymore."
Brother Ning looked at him, "You're only a few years older than me. Why won't your family let you study? Don't talk like you're giving up. Push yourself, and you'll succeed."
He actually wasn't any child prodigy, nor someone who could truly endure endless hardship. But he found his own methods and combined them with his own perseverance, just aiming to pass the Imperial College exams—the quota for the National Academy was much higher than elsewhere.
If he could pass the imperial examinations, his mother could gain honor through her son. In the future, without relying on his father, he himself could request an official title for his mother. Then who would dare look down on her?
He remembered back in the Wei family, because his mother wasn't truly the Wei family's daughter, she always did more work than others, her painstakingly embroidered images were given away for free, and when Seventh Cousin visited their home, they treated him like a Buddha.
He also heard that back when his father was studying, his mother, pregnant with him, earned money stitch by stitch, forced to sit and embroider despite her big belly, and he couldn't help but cry.
The twelfth lunar month passed in the blink of an eye, and by the time Brother Ning returned home, it was already year's end.
The house was bustling with activity. It turned out the owner from the Daming Prefecture shop had come to deliver the silver, and the manor estate from Bianjing had also sent over chickens, ducks, and sheep. Everyone had gathered together.
When Jin Niang saw her son return, she immediately said, "Come quickly, have a cup of hot tea, then we can talk properly."
Brother Ning smiled, "Mother, last time you mentioned wanting to try the steamed buns from our prefectural school. I brought some back for you."
"Really? Have someone take them to the kitchen to steam them warm. I'll have some in a bit." Jin Niang had heard that the cook who made the prefectural school buns was the son of the one who made the Imperial College buns. She had craved Imperial College buns for a long time, but that slowpoke Younger Brother Yang never remembered such things. It was her own son who was thoughtful.
Seeing his mother's eyes light up, Brother Ning quickly added, "Mother, I'll bring more for you next time."
"You should eat them yourself, don't go hungry." Jin Niang was very touched by her son's filial piety.
Brother Ning then told Jin Niang many things about school. Jin Niang rarely overreacted; she always analyzed things from her son's perspective, praising him from time to time.
Jin Niang also said, "You usually love sleeping with that little stuffed horse I made for you. You wouldn't let us throw it away, so I mended it for you. Remember to go look at it later."
The little horse was her son's comfort object, and she never thought that just because her son was older, he had to throw his toys away.
Brother Ning then pleaded with Jin Niang, "If I pass the Imperial College exams, can I live at home? I really don't want to stay in the dormitory anymore."
Seeing her son's expression, Jin Niang couldn't help but nod. "Alright, that's a small request. I agree."
Brother Ning was overjoyed.
Jiang Xian walked in from outside, smiling, "What are you two talking about?"
Brother Ning made a funny face and went out first. Jin Niang said to her husband, "How come you're fine, but I'm feeling irritated again?"
Jiang Xian didn't know whether to laugh or cry. "I don't know either."
"Today, the profit share from the warehouse business was delivered. I was thinking next year, we should buy a two-courtyard, three-bay house. That way, if our two sons split households in the future, they'll both have a place to live," Jin Niang said with a smile.
Jiang Xian scratched his head. "Wife, you're planning too far ahead. Our eldest isn't even thirteen yet, and the younger one is only five."
Jin Niang looked at him. "Don't assume we'll have more money just because we're older. The truth is, the period in life when one can earn substantial money is only a few short years. While we have the funds, we should acquire some property, without straining ourselves."
"Alright, I'll listen to my wife." Jiang Xian thought his sons were still young, but putting himself in their shoes, his own situation back then had been quite difficult too.
At Jin Niang's family home, her daughter's dowry was almost ninety percent saved up, so there weren't too many extra expenses, which naturally put her in a good mood.
During the midday meal, Jin Niang had always had a way of eating that made those around her envious. Today, as she ate the stuffed steamed buns her son brought back, she had only taken one bite when little Ding-ge'er stared longingly, licking his lips. "Mother..."
Jin Niang chuckled. "This is what your older brother brought for me. Ask your brother if he'll let you have a taste too. If he agrees, I'll give you some."
Ding-ge'er instantly looked at Brother Ning. Brother Ning, of course, agreed, partly because his mother respected his wishes. Seeing this, Jin Niang let her younger son take a bite of the bun. Ding-ge'er swallowed it, shaking his head and swaying as if he had eaten some divine pill.
Everyone watching laughed.
After the meal, Jin Niang and Sister Jun managed the household affairs. Sister Jun used to be Jin Niang's little helper, but now she could almost handle the household matters independently—checking account books, assigning tasks, and rewarding or disciplining the servants.
Just as Mother said, no one is born capable of handling big matters; it all starts with small things and accumulates gradually.
"Mother, I've learned the Suzhou numerals for the warehouse accounts. Since these are just profit shares and we're not involved in the management, I only glanced over them. But this entry from the manor estate seems a bit off," Sister Jun pointed out.
Jin Niang took a look, made a sound of acknowledgment, then had Luo Da summon the estate steward. She questioned him personally and gave him a warning.
By the time the household chores were dealt with, it was already dark—winter nights came early. Jin Niang had been saving furs for her daughter every year these past few years, planning to have a tailor make twelve garments by the end of next year. By then, they'd have more clothes than they could wear, just like how Jin Niang's own old clothes were more than enough.
At night, the couple retired. Jiang Xian's feet were cold, and he insisted on tucking them against Jin Niang's legs. She kicked him lightly, and he started whining.
"Wife, you're my little warming stove."
Jin Niang turned over to look at him. "But you shouldn't freeze me either."
Jiang Xian said obediently, "I know I was wrong, alright?"
Jin Niang smiled and hugged him, then brought up another matter. "You mentioned wanting to transfer Younger Brother Yang to the capital. He's my own brother; of course I want the best for him. But he must be competent for the position. Otherwise, if his virtue doesn't match his post, disaster will follow."
If you can't handle the official duties but are placed in a critical government office, there will be plenty who wish you harm.
Jiang Xian smiled. "Don't worry, it's a position as a seventh-rank Vice Director in the Ministry of Works."
"Is that possible? That's a capital official post!" Jin Niang knew how difficult that was.
Jiang Xian said, "I'm here. Your brother is actually skilled in these areas. Nowadays, to be an official, even with a thousand talents, it won't work without someone at court to give you a lift."
Relying on the Zhang family was certainly out of the question—they only had hereditary official posts now.
The Wei family didn't know Wei Yang very well either, so the best option was for Jiang Xian to promote him. Hearing this, Jin Niang also hoped Wei Yang would work hard and build a future for his own small family.
The next day, when they got up, the snow was falling heavier. Their neighbor, Jiang Song, however, had sent invitations to Sister Jun, the Meng sisters, and the Sun sisters to come to her house to enjoy the snow and compose poetry.
Perhaps due to Jin Niang's upbringing, the Jiang children found themselves quite bored if they had too much free time. They preferred finding moments of leisure within busyness, finding that more interesting.
Sister Jun, thinking she lived close by, finished embroidering the last shoe upper before putting on her fur coat and having someone hold an umbrella for her as she went over.
Jin Niang reminded her, "Don't catch a chill."
"Understood, Mother." Sister Jun said and left.
Young ladies didn't have many opportunities dedicated purely to amusement, so Jin Niang hoped her daughter could go out and have fun. She herself lay on the daybed reading. In the afternoon, Sister Jun returned, having won a prize.
Jin Niang asked, "Did you have a good time today?"
"It was alright. We didn't really focus on winning or losing; everyone got a prize," Sister Jun said with a smile.
Jin Niang stroked her daughter's head. "Our children are usually quite high-strung. It's good for them to go out and play like this sometimes."
Jin Niang found it hard to relax, and the children were likely the same. Therefore, she hoped her daughter could fare better than she had. Sister Jun, however, said, "Mother, I think Jiang Song has a bit of a competitive rivalry with me."
"Oh? How so?" asked Jin Niang.
Sister Jun smiled. "I met the two Meng sisters first, and I get along well with them. As for the Sun sisters, the Second Miss Sun has a very easygoing temperament. The Eldest Miss Sun brings her younger sister out for social occasions, and she's set to marry into the Meng family next year. So, I helped introduce them to each other. Miss Jiang wasn't pleased."
This kind of subtle competition among women doesn't need to be spoken aloud to be sensed.
Jin Niang didn't pry further into such matters. Even between adults and children, there should be some privacy.
The Sun girls, on the other hand, had a fruitful outing. They not only returned with two pots of camellias but also got a head start on building a good relationship with their future sisters-in-law. As the Tang dynasty poet Wang Jian wrote: "On the third day entering the kitchen, she washes her hands to make the soup. Not yet knowing her mother-in-law's taste, she first has her younger sister-in-law try it." It's always better to befriend your sisters-in-law early than to make an enemy.
In the carriage, Second Miss Sun said to her elder sister, "Sister, the Second Miss Meng is more straightforward, and the Third Miss Meng is gentle and mild-tempered. They both seem easy to get along with. We must also thank Miss Jiang today. She helped introduce us and said many good things about us."
"Silly girl, she has everything, so she can afford to be generous and play the good person. When you have everything, you too will be calm and unruffled."
Look at their Sun family, scrimping and saving for her dowry to the point of tightening their belts. After paying deposits for furniture and jewelry, they still needed to prepare tea sets, cups, utensils, bowls, chopsticks, and even the fabric for the bride's new clothes—all requiring a considerable sum of money.
Yet clearly, the Jiang family's financial situation was excellent; they had the confidence and means.
As the saying goes, when granaries are full, people learn propriety and courtesy. When one has everything, why bother being petty and calculating?
Second Miss Sun thought her sister had been too bold in securing her own marriage arrangement. Fortunately, their mother was open-minded, but now she was marrying a son born of a concubine. And now she envied Miss Jiang, not realizing that it was precisely because of this advantageous marriage that Miss Jiang's father had been promoted repeatedly.
The two Sun sisters also visited Madam Zhou the Fourth, who was busy calculating expenses. The New Year's gifts had cost quite a bit. When Madam Zhou the Third saw that she was giving her daughter chicken-wing wood furniture, she had quite a lot to say. She remarked that even ordinary gentry families used red sandalwood, yet here was an official's family using such shabby dowry items for their daughter, which would invite ridicule. Reluctantly, she had to change it to genuine red sandalwood.
This anxiety meant the entire New Year was spent poorly.
Over at Jin Niang's place, she was also busy, primarily working on her daughter's wedding dress. Under Jin Niang's earlier planning, Sister Jun was to rest completely this year and didn't need to do needlework. Jin Niang also hired a renowned gynecologist to examine her daughter's pulse. Many women suffer from blood and qi deficiency—whether she needed tonics and so on.
The wedding was set for March next year, which seemed like a year away, but time flies.
By now, Jin Niang had already sewn pearls onto the edges of the inner garment's front opening and had begun cutting the fabric for the outer wide-sleeved robe. While she worked, Sister Jun helped by tutoring Brother Ning with his studies, lightening her mother's load.
"I see after all this time resting, your hair has improved greatly," Jin Niang said with a smile.
Sister Jun laughed. "It's because you have me drink that sesame drink every morning and jump rope. Daughter feels like she has endless energy now."
Jin Niang felt relieved. "You mustn't end up like me, with back and leg problems from sitting too much. Oh, I've spoken to Huizhu. I asked her to teach you how to make Crab Meat Stuffed in Orange. It's a signature dish. Whenever you serve it, it will be your unique specialty."
"What you say is right, Mother. But why would she be willing to teach me her secret recipe?" Sister Jun was puzzled.
Jin Niang smiled. "Huizhu wants to convert her temporary contract to a permanent one. Since she'll be one of our household, there are fewer reservations."
So that was it. Sister Jun knew her mother had also gradually mastered all sorts of skills this way. Having nothing else pressing, she went to find Huizhu herself. To curry favor with Sister Jun, Huizhu also taught her how to pickle duck eggs and make spicy pickled vegetables.
"Don't underestimate my spicy pickled vegetables, Miss. I once worked as a cook for a wealthy family where the master had no appetite. It was all thanks to my spicy pickled vegetables," said Huizhu, now considering herself part of the Jiang family and genuinely thinking for Sister Jun's benefit.
Hearing this, Jin Niang also approved of her daughter learning. This spicy pickled vegetable was very similar to the Sichuan-style pickled vegetables from her past life—delicious.
As for pickling duck eggs, some end up only salty, others have a strong fishy smell. Doing it well isn't easy.
Huizhu's secret was adding purple cabbage: "The purple cabbage turns the radish a pink color, very pretty. Also, some people just add any water at the final step; that won't do. You must add water that has been boiled and then cooled completely. This way, it won't develop that white mold."
Sister Jun quickly took notes. After seven days, she took some out and had Juxiang stir-fry beef with the spicy pickled vegetables. Goodness, it was incredibly appetizing with rice. Jin Niang didn't forget to send a plate to her eldest son at the prefectural school for a treat.
"Mother, I never thought such an ordinary side dish could taste so wonderful," Sister Jun herself was amazed.
Jin Niang laughed. "Listen to you. There's no inherent hierarchy between dishes; it's all about whether they suit your taste. You don't have to do everything personally either. Chunxian has learned their skills too."
But even if the kitchen maid knows how, the mistress shouldn't be completely ignorant of household tasks. Just as Jin Niang had seamstresses at home, her own embroidery was even more exquisite.
Sister Jun understood her mother's meaning. She then learned from Huizhu how to pickle duck eggs. First, those in the know understand that the choice of duck egg itself is different for salted duck eggs—one must select the green-shelled eggs laid by spotted-bill ducks.
But the most crucial part is the ratio of mud slurry water to plant ash. After kneading and coating the eggs, they are placed in a jar for about a month and a half.
"So, does that mean I'll have to wait until the month after next to taste the duck eggs my Sister Jun pickled?" Jin Niang asked.
Sister Jun nodded with a smile.
After a month and a half, Jin Niang finished the wedding dress. She finally breathed a sigh of relief; her hard work hadn't been in vain. The dress, paired with a phoenix crown, was magnificently luxurious.
Sister Jun's gaze also lingered on the gown. Then she heard Jin Niang say, "I've been embroidering this for you for years. I deserve to eat at least two of those pickled duck eggs."
"You can have the whole jar, Mother," Sister Jun said hurriedly, going to look for Huizhu.
Just then, Young Master Wei the Seventh returned from outside. He was at the gate when Madam Song and Jiang Song, who were visiting the Meng family, saw him. As they were about to speak, they saw Young Master Wei the Seventh enter the neighboring Jiang residence directly.
Madam Song hadn't expected they had dealings. She had been worrying about how to make contact with the Wei family. Truly, after searching far and wide, she found it effortlessly right here.
It is said that the "Complete Blessing" women in Bianjing command a handsome fee, and her family is not short of money. That Wei Jinniang had previously taken the initiative to mention to Madam Meng about serving as a Complete Blessing woman, showing she too has a fondness for gold and silver. If she could use money to tempt her, to have Wei Jinniang help make an introduction, that would be excellent.
Madam Song couldn't help but ask Madam Meng: "Is this Madam Jiang on close terms with the family of Grand Academician Wei? I thought I just saw the Wei family's Seventh Young Master heading to her residence."
Madam Meng covered her mouth with a laugh. "What are you talking about? Grand Academician Wei is Madam Wei's clan elder brother. That Seventh Young Master Wei is Madam Wei's future son-in-law; they are to be wed next year."
"What?" Madam Song was somewhat incredulous.
