"Aunt, this is the Yu Ling ointment for you. It's good for replenishing qi and calming the nerves, especially for sleep. And this is snow frog, best for fatigue, weakness, palpitations, and insomnia." Wei Seventh Young Master had stayed at Jin Niang's home for a few months and knew she had a problem with insomnia and was prone to anxiety, so he brought all these items specifically.
Jin Niang smiled and said, "You are very thoughtful. It's an old ailment of mine."
Actually, her health was much better now than before. She remembered that right after losing weight, her immunity was particularly low, and she was prone to allergies.
So when she was pregnant with Sister Jun, even she herself was very surprised.
Wei Seventh Young Master had left last year on her birthday and returned this May. In almost a year, he had shot up in height, transforming from a youth into a young man.
It was considerate of him to be so thorough, bringing many gifts. Of course, there were gifts for Jin Niang and Jiang Xian, and even the youngest, Brother Ding, received a set of superior-quality writing materials.
Jin Niang smiled and said, "It's perfect timing as we are about to have our meal. You should stay and eat something. Today's dishes were made by your sister herself."
Wei Seventh Young Master agreed.
Jin Niang also asked him about his journey, showing great concern for him. Wei Seventh Young Master could certainly feel his future mother-in-law's care. As they were talking, Sister Jun brought the dishes with the servants, and Wei Seventh Young Master also saw his betrothed.
Perhaps because she was at home, she wore a rouge-red stomacher and a willow-green beizi. The collar of the beizi was embroidered with pink peach blossoms. In her jet-black, glossy hair was pinned a row of pearl hairpins, and her ears were adorned with teardrop-shaped white jade earrings.
The whole person seemed like a flower bud on a branch that had grown into a blossom.
"Sister Jun, you may go now." Jin Niang thought it was enough for them to just see each other; it wouldn't be proper to have them sit together.
Sister Jun, however, was perfectly poised and natural. "Yes."
Chunri
Today's dishes happened to be a few that Sister Jun had learned to make: Crab Meat with Orange, Spicy Greens with Beef, Salted Egg Yolk Pumpkin, and Salted Egg Yolk Pork Ribs. Besides these, there were also two seasonal vegetables and a winter melon soup.
Jin Niang pointed out all the dishes Sister Jun had made for Wei Seventh Young Master to see, and he tasted each one.
"Are they good?"
Wei Seventh Young Master quickly said, "Delicious, very delicious."
This wasn't an empty compliment from Wei Seventh Young Master. These dishes were all excellent with rice, which was precisely why Jin Niang had her daughter learn them.
Since Jiang Xian was not at home, Jin Niang couldn't keep Wei Seventh Young Master for too long. Wei Seventh Young Master also went from the Jiang residence back to his own home and told Madam Wei many things.
"When I arrived, Aunt's family was just having their meal. I heard my cousin had personally cooked a large table of dishes. I originally felt it improper to stay, but Aunt insisted, so I had the meal before returning."
Madam Wei listened and smiled, "That shows how much your aunt values you."
It's rare that the eldest Miss Jiang is raised so well. Nanny You went to the Jiang residence a few days ago and said the eldest young lady there is growing even more striking and is in good health.
As for Jin Niang, she took the Yu Ling ointment that evening. She had finally finished her daughter's wedding dress, and with no major worries on her mind, she fell asleep quickly. She didn't even know when Jiang Xian returned from his study.
The Meng family was marrying off their daughter after the Dragon Boat Festival and had invited Jin Niang to be the 'Complete Blessing' person. Jin Niang was experienced in this and also knew the Meng relatives. During the banquet, she sat with Madam Song. Madam Song's expression was very indifferent, completely different from before. Jin Niang didn't know when she might have offended her and couldn't be bothered to pay her any mind.
Jin Niang, now a fourth-rank titled lady, was a figure of considerable dignity at the banquet.
"Lady Jiang, my daughter is to be betrothed in June. Might I ask if you would honor us by serving as the 'Complete Blessings' person?" a certain Madam Pang ventured.
Jin Niang smiled. "I must ask you to wait until June for my reply. At present, I cannot say for certain."
She could not agree to be a 'Complete Blessings' person for just anyone; it would not do if the family's reputation was poor.
Seeing Jin Niang wearing a hairpin with three phoenixes holding pearls in their beaks, jasmine bracelets on her wrists, and an exquisitely elaborate gown, Madam Pang had mustered her courage to ask, never expecting her request wasn't outright refused.
Jin Niang sent someone to inquire about the Pang family. Around the same time, her younger brother's family arrived in the capital, so she had the kitchen prepare a welcoming feast.
Over the past five or six years, life seemed largely unchanged for Jin Niang, but for her brother Wei Yang, it marked a complete transition from student to a man of the world. Noting his increasingly capable and seasoned demeanor, Jin Niang said with gratification, "Seeing you all like this brings me more joy than anything."
His wife, Lady Zhang, had given birth to a son and a daughter in these years. Their eldest daughter, Ziyi, was now four, and their son had just begun teething. Luo Yu'e doted on these two grandchildren as if they were the most precious treasures.
Jin Niang presented her niece with a gold necklace and her nephew with a pair of jade pendants.
Zhang Pingjun said with a smile, "We heard about Sister Jun's upcoming marriage and specially brought back many things for her trousseau."
"There's no need for you to prepare anything. I've spent these past few years doing little else but assembling her dowry," Jin Niang replied.
Everyone took their seats for the feast, separated by gender. The men went to the side hall to drink and converse, while the women sat together at one table. Luo Yu'e was her usual self; no matter what topic Jin Niang raised, she could invariably and precisely steer the conversation back to Brother Yang.
"Back then, your brother also lived alone at the academy, but your father and I still brought him meals. Your brother, he got along so well with everyone..."
Jin Niang said with some exasperation, "Mother, I'm talking about our Brother Ning right now. As for Brother Yang's affairs, it's not as if I don't know them. You've told those stories eight hundred times."
Only then did Luo Yu'e realize. "Alright, alright, I got carried away for a moment."
Sister Jun thought to herself how difficult it must have been for her mother to manage this household, and she didn't know how she had endured it all. Although she herself had two younger brothers, her mother treated them equally and would never go on and on about one child in front of the other.
In terms of filial piety, she believed her mother was far more filial than her uncle. She had built a house and moved her parents in to live with her.
Her uncle's career advancement was also arranged by her father. Marrying into the Wei family provided an additional source of support. Her mother's contributions were so significant, yet they were rarely mentioned by her maternal grandmother.
The conversation at the table soon returned to normal. After the meal, Zhang Pingjun presented Sister Jun with two loads of trousseau gifts: Huizhou inksticks, Xuan brushes, Xuan fans, and Hui inkstones from Xuanzhou; six bolts of Hangzhou silk; one gilded dressing case; two boxes of face powder; and thirty-six silk flowers.
Sister Jun thought to herself that this wasn't even as much as Manager Yao, the warehouse manager from Daming Prefecture, or even Ruyan had given.
Fortunately, they were persuaded to stay for the night. Wei Yang and his wife went to stay at Lady Zhang's residence, while Luo Yu'e and her husband went to stay at the country estate, no longer lodging at Jin Niang's place.
Taking one look at her daughter's expression, Jin Niang understood. She said with a smile, "Last time, I asked your aunt to move her belongings out. I'm afraid she took it as me being distant."
"But wasn't it Father who helped Uncle establish himself here in the capital?" Sister Jun didn't understand.
Jin Niang said with a smile, "But just think, your uncle has been serving in the provinces for six years now. It's all been managed by your aunt, including the expenses for the advisors and attendants who went with him. These costs are not insignificant, and we haven't been of much help. Your aunt hasn't had it easy all these years. Although her dowry was substantial, as you and I have managed household affairs, you know how much money is spent each year just on gifts and various gratuities. Your uncle has his official salary, but he still relies on her support."
"Then there's the matter of the Zhou family. The Zhous are our relatives by marriage; the Zhou family's eldest lady is her aunt. If we stand by and do nothing, how could she not know? But these are just reasons I'm finding for her. At its core, it boils down to one principle: do not expect repayment for kindness bestowed, because nine out of ten people will not return the favor."
Always lower your expectations of others. Live a little more selfishly, think more for yourself, and that's enough.
Sister Jun knew her aunt had actually been quite good to her. Just now, when her maternal grandparents were leaving, they still remembered what she liked to eat. But after all, they were two separate families now...
Jin Niang, however, thought about how everyone in the family used to listen to her because she was the wealthiest and thus the decision-maker. Now, that role had shifted to Lady Zhang.
Even for herself, although Brother Ning and Brother Ding were very attached to her now, in the future when they married, they would have their own small families.
This was also why Jin Niang always insisted on keeping four thousand taels worth of gold as her security.
But she also knew her daughter was still young, with a character that saw things in black and white. She would understand later that people are complex. Whether it's parental love or romantic love, something too pure exists only in books; ordinary people rarely encounter it.
Wei Yang suggested Luo Yu'e and Wei Xiong live with them in their residence. Luo Yu'e hastily waved her hands. "That's really not necessary. Your sister thought ahead. She had us two old folks buy land early on. Such a large plot, with such a big manor house, why should we suffer living in Bianjing? When we miss you, we'll naturally come to see you."
Over the past few years, the rent from their farmland, which their daughter had given them in full, amounted to one hundred and fifty strings of cash.
"How can that be..." Wei Yang couldn't bear to be apart from his parents.
But Wei Xiong and Luo Yu'e both knew their habits were very different from their daughter-in-law's. Luo Yu'e liked to sit with her legs crossed while eating, enjoyed pickled vegetables, was boisterous, and had a strong personality. Wei Xiong liked to drink wine and wasn't good with words. Lady Zhang, being from an official's family, had completely different habits; she didn't make a sound while eating.
Occasional, superficial interaction was fine, but over time, with all the servants being from the Zhang family, they would secretly laugh at them, and the old couple weren't unaware of this.
Three days after returning to the estate, Luo Yu'e came to visit, bringing two local chickens, and said quite a bit of this to Jin Niang.
"I wouldn't dare speak up for you. What if you ended up siding with your daughter-in-law? Then I'd be in an awkward position," Jin Niang said with a laugh.
Luo Yu'e gave her daughter a thumbs-up. "We still listen to you in everything. It was you who told me back then to buy land. No matter what, we two old folks won't have to worry about food and clothing."
Jin Niang smiled and said, "Don't always speak ill of others either. As long as she treats your son well, isn't that enough?"
Sister Jun noticed that today, with her aunt not present, her maternal grandmother and her mother were very close. This once again refreshed her understanding. Her grandmother even secretly tried to give her mother fifty strings of cash, asking her to have some jewelry made.
Her mother refused, but her grandmother threw down the money and ran off.
What kind of maneuver was that?
Jin Niang said with a smile, "It's like tradition making them favor sons, because they believe only boys can restore the family's fortunes and uphold the household. But they also love their daughters. You don't know, back when I first went to study at the embroidery workshop, it was your grandfather who saw me off and picked me up every single day, rain or shine. Later, when I was in the capital, it was they who bought a house for me. Can you say they treated me poorly?"
Sister Jun understood. It meant that in all things, one must look at the positive side. Otherwise, if someone falls short just once, you become resentful, feeling their affection isn't pure. That way, the one being tormented isn't others, but yourself.
On the other side, Zhang Pingjun was speaking with Lady Zhang about household matters: "They gave me those greasy fried cakes, saying they were from their hometown and insisted I must try them, calling them a delicacy. Yet when I snack on other things, they say it's bad for my health. My mother-in-law isn't a bad person, but she loves to show off, constantly boasting about her son and daughter. Whatever I say, she always steers the conversation back to her own children. My father-in-law loves to take on matters, agreeing to whatever anyone says. But once he agrees, if you ask him about it later, he denies it, leaving us to deal with the fallout."
Lady Zhang looked at her and said, "With you complaining like this, no wonder Madam Wei suggested from the start that you live separately."
"It's not that I want to complain, it's just really..." Zhang Pingjun also felt very vexed.
Lady Zhang advised her instead: "Your husband originally came from a humble background. If not for that, why would he have married you? You should still be more careful."
It wasn't that Lady Zhang didn't support her own daughter, but she frowned and said, "Have you ever considered how others manage? I remember back when your brother-in-law Jiang Xian hadn't yet made his mark, he lived with your in-laws for over three years. How come he wasn't like you? It's precisely because Jiang Xian often praised how good his parents-in-law were to him that I thought the Wei family, though modest, had in-laws who weren't difficult to deal with."
This was something Zhang Pingjun hadn't considered. Jiang Xian lived with his in-laws day in and day out for three years—how did he endure it?
Unfortunately, it was hard for her to find out from others. Fortunately, now her in-laws had voluntarily moved to the manor estate. Her husband was always honest and dependable, and she lived in her own courtyard, which was much more comfortable.
At the same time, she realized why her elder sister-in-law had suggested they live apart from the very beginning. She had always thought the woman was being too distant.
Of course, Jin Niang wasn't very concerned about people like Zhang Pingjun either. They were outsiders to begin with, only brought together through their connection to Wei Yang. How could a few unfamiliar women immediately become inseparable family? This was also what she advised her daughter: when you go to the Wei family, don't truly treat anyone as close kin. Treat them normally, lower your expectations, and you'll be better off.
Furthermore, what she was most focused on now was Brother Ning's exams to advance from the prefectural school to the Imperial College. Everything else had to take a back seat.
The rent from the Luoyang estate was delivered. Jin Niang first checked the accounts and asked Hu Cheng, "There were no disasters in Luoyang. Why is the silver and grain sent this year somewhat less?"
Hu Cheng didn't dare deceive her and promptly replied, "Last year there was a natural disaster, and you instructed us to waive all the rent. This year, with favorable weather, they still tried not to pay. This amount is only after pressing them several times; they only paid one-tenth."
"Next year, the young lady will be married. I don't wish for any trouble regarding this matter now. Don't make a fuss for the moment; first, find out who is secretly stirring up trouble. Once we identify the main troublemakers, if they mend their ways, all is well. But if they persist, we will not only stop renting the land to their family but also hand them over to the authorities," Jin Niang instructed.
There is always a certain type of person in this world who enjoys causing trouble to force others into submission.
Hu Cheng acknowledged the order.
But Jin Niang added, "Our estates in Wu County and Bianjing are all managed very well. It's only the one in Luoyang that has problems requiring my intervention. If such matters aren't handled properly next time, your father should step down as the estate manager."
Hu Cheng was married to Jiao Xing, who originally served Sister Jun and was intended to be part of her dowry entourage. If things were truly mishandled, not only would the Hu family face consequences, but Jiao Xing's position as a dowry maid would also be jeopardized.
Hu Cheng dared not be negligent. He first discussed it with Jiao Xing, who clapped her thigh in frustration: "Out of all the estates, only ours has issues. I'm afraid the mistress will suspect us of embezzlement."
With such a mishap occurring at this time, Hu Cheng was extremely anxious. The couple discussed their strategy and hurried back to Luoyang overnight.
After Hu Cheng left, Sister Jun came over. Jin Niang told her about the matter: "In all things, one must anticipate problems early, but one must not act too hastily, otherwise it's easy for lives to be lost. In lean years, we reduce some rent to give the common folk a way to survive. But in good years, if there are troublemakers, we just need to root them out. Most commoners who rely on the weather for their livelihood are quite pitiable."
"Mother, but wouldn't we be losing hundreds of strings of cash?" Sister Jun looked at the accounts, somewhat displeased.
Jin Niang smiled and said, "That's precisely why you must always keep a portion of funds on hand for emergencies, and not spend all your money at once. I've also spoken to Fan Si to see how he manages things for you."
A chief steward is very important; they are essentially the ears and eyes through which the women of the inner quarters see the outside world.
As mother and daughter were talking, Madam Meng arrived. Jin Niang asked her daughter to withdraw for now, then stood up to welcome Madam Meng in. Madam Meng was also visiting socially. Her own daughter was already married, and at the end of the year was her stepson's wedding, which didn't require her to be overly involved.
"What brings you here?" Jin Niang gestured for her to take a seat.
Madam Meng said with a smile, "Madam Pang asked me to inquire on her behalf. She would like to invite you to be the 'Complete Blessing' person for the wedding."
"I've had many matters on my mind lately and forgot about this. Since you've come personally to ask, I certainly agree." The main reason was that Jin Niang had already inquired and found no issues with Madam Pang's daughter or the in-law's family, so she agreed readily.
The Pang family's gift for the 'Complete Blessing' role was also quite generous: two bolts of misty rosy-cloud satin, two bolts of gold-threaded gauze, two sets of jewelry, a carrying-pole load of tea cakes, six gold-embroidered handkerchiefs, twenty silk flowers, and a pair of silver ingots.
Jin Niang stored these in her own storeroom. As she came out with Ying, she couldn't help but hear Ying say, "Mistress, have you noticed that Madam Jiang from next door hasn't been over for quite a while? When she first moved here, she used to visit often."
"I'm not sure either. Perhaps her daughter is also about to be betrothed," Jin Niang thought.
Little did she know, Madam Song's daughter had fallen ill. Sister Jun heard about it from Third Sister Meng. If she hadn't known, it would be one thing, but once she knew, she felt she must go and visit.
Not seeing her in person, one wouldn't know how terribly gaunt and haggard Jiang Song had become from her illness.
Her hair was loosely tied at the back, with dark circles under her eyes and a persistent cough. Sister Jun hesitated, afraid of catching the illness, but after a moment's thought, she entered anyway.
"Jiang sister, how did you become so ill?"
Madam Song said, "She caught a chill by accident. It's very kind of you to visit." She discreetly observed Sister Jun, noting her excellent complexion—better even than when she first met her last year. Her hair seemed twice as thick, her skin fair and glowing with a faint rosy blush on her cheeks, and her figure was particularly well-proportioned.
Of course, having secured such an excellent match, she must be laughing in her dreams.
Not like her own daughter, who had worried herself sick over this very matter.
Sister Jun was completely unaware of the concerns weighing on Madam Song and her daughter. She merely offered polite words: "My mother says a good neighbor is better than a distant relative. Although Sister Jiang and I are not blood sisters, we are friends who often play together. I hope you will take good care of her, auntie. This is a small token of my regard."
Throughout the visit, she stayed far from the bed, fearful of contagion.
Jiang Song saw her formality and felt somewhat ridiculous. The other girl didn't even know about the connection between herself and Wei Yang? And here she was, pining away.
"Cough, cough... Thank you, Sister Jiang, for coming to see me."
Sister Jun smiled and said, "Rest well, sister. Listen to the doctor and take your medicine properly. I'll visit again once you've recovered."
Having said this, she made to leave. Jiang Song tried to get up to see her out, but Sister Jun stopped her: "No need to see me off. Please rest quickly."
After Sister Jun left, the perceptive Madam Song remarked, "I find that girl insincere. She came to visit a sick person, but it was just for show. Yet, she is fortunate. I heard from Lady Zhou the Fourth that her mother, Jin Niang, forged ties with the Wei family nine years ago. It's precisely because of this that she and Wei Yang grew up together and had their marriage settled so easily."
"Mother, though I only caught a fleeting glimpse of him, he utterly captivated me. I'm afraid I may never encounter someone like him again in my lifetime," Jiang Song sobbed, shaking her head.
Madam Song sighed softly. "Since you were little, your father and I have known you have high standards. Very few people ever catch your eye. I admit, that Wei Yang is an exceptionally handsome young man, talented in both character and scholarship, and he did save us. It's normal for you to be drawn to him. But since he is already betrothed, you must put him out of your mind. Swallow this bitterness. In a while, I will find you an even better match."
Jiang Song shook her head again. "Mother, please just let me be alone for now."
Meanwhile, Sister Jun returned from the Jiang household, washed her hands in her room, changed into everyday clothes, and went to her mother's quarters. Jin Niang was no longer doing much needlework these days, having grown tired of making her daughter's trousseau over the past few years. She was now trying her hand at making the gauze flowers a 'Complete Fortune' woman would wear.
"Mother, such beautiful gauze flowers! Why didn't you wait for me?" Sister Jun sometimes felt she loved her mother so much that she didn't even see what was so great about getting married.
Jiang Niang smiled. "I was just trying them out in my spare time."
Sister Jun went familiarly to her mother's dressing table, took out a red lidded box containing sugar-frosted hawthorns—a treat they both loved for aiding digestion and cutting greasiness.
After her daughter had eaten a few, Jin Niang placed a pale yellow gauze flower on her head. "This one looks pretty. Let's pile a pink one next to it."
After the mother and daughter had amused themselves with dressing up for a while, they had the kitchen send some chicken soup wontons to the prefectural school.
In the blink of an eye, it was already September. Brother Ning had finished his examinations and returned from the prefectural school. He even went to the Wei family to chat with Seventh Young Master Wei. "I've been meaning to ask you, cousin, about the interesting things from your travels, but I never found the time. Now that the exams are finally over, we can chat to our heart's content."
Seventh Young Master Wei had his own circle of official's sons as friends; he was no stranger to cockfighting, dog racing, or falconry. But among the peers he had met, few were like Brother Ning, who was born into a world of brocade and luxury yet remained diligent in his studies.
He still remembered mentioning that they hadn't had a good, long talk in ages. He had only said it casually at the time and felt somewhat guilty upon seeing Brother Ning.
Therefore, he recounted his story once more: encountering pirates at sea, accompanying his teacher back to his hometown, and outsmarting the teacher's clansmen.
Brother Ning listened with great interest, but said, "If my mother were with me, I might manage going out. But if I were on my own, I'd probably be too afraid to venture far. You're truly impressive, cousin."
Seventh Young Master Wei raised an eyebrow and asked Brother Ning in return, "Never mind about me. How did you fare in your exams this time?"
Brother Ning shook his head. "Not well at all. Far worse than others."
Seventh Young Master Wei was about to offer some words of comfort when Brother Ning's servant, Chen Tong, called from outside, "Young Master, the instructor from your prefectural school just came to our residence. He said you have been recommended by the school to enter the Imperial College for the Jinshi examinations."
Brother Ning was instantly overjoyed. "Really?" He then hurriedly bid farewell to Seventh Young Master Wei.
Left behind, Seventh Young Master Wei pondered how Brother Ning, having been selected as the top candidate from the prefectural school to enter the Imperial College, could still be so modest moments before. On the surface, he always talked about not being able to leave his mother, yet in reality, he had lived at the prefectural school for three whole years...
This future brother-in-law was just having a bit of fun at his expense.
