Sister Jun had been married for just over a month when the news came that Miss Sun from across the street was with child. Jin Niang sent Qing Rong over with some tonics. Upon returning, Qing Rong reported, "That Miss Sun has made her own maid a bedchamber maid."
How could this be? Fourth Miss Zhou should be a modern person. How could the daughter she raised end up establishing a bedchamber maid?
A bedchamber maid isn't a proper concubine; her status is a bit higher than an ordinary maid, considered a man's intimate servant. If a bedchamber maid later bears a child, her lot might improve. But if she remains childless, she receives only a maid's allowance while still being expected to warm the master's bed.
Jin Niang found it rather unbelievable. "Was it Madam Meng's demand?"
Qing Rong shook her head. "I wouldn't know that. But it's possible. This Madam Meng is something else. She speaks with such bitterness about concubines, yet she's quite adept at making trouble for her own daughter-in-law."
Little did she know, Madam Meng had only hinted at it; she couldn't very well send a woman over herself. After all, they were a scholarly family, not some unruly household without propriety. Sending a concubine or maid so casually wouldn't do, especially with Third Young Master Meng still pursuing his studies.
This daughter-in-law, however, was quite perceptive. Madam Meng even used this to lecture her own daughter: "You're just too possessive. Don't you know that if a man finds no novelty at home, he'll go seek it outside? You can manage the ones at home, but you have no control over those outside. Look at Third Lang's wife, how virtuous and clever she is. That bedchamber maid is her own person; they are of one mind, keeping the inner quarters harmonious."
Second Miss Meng pursed her lips. "Mother, what's so good about that? Third Brother hasn't been married long at all, and she's already arranging a bedchamber maid so quickly. If several illegitimate children come along, she'll have plenty to worry about."
"Illegitimate children just need to be fed. If any turn out promising, any petitions for titles must first honor the principal wife. That's the rule of propriety. What is there to fear?" Madam Meng disliked Concubine Huang not because she was a concubine, but because she was a concubine who opposed her.
Fourth Miss Zhou, however, had a completely different reaction. She looked at her daughter and said, "What are you doing? You haven't been married long at all. How could you start promoting your own maid already?"
In Fourth Miss Zhou's view, Third Young Master Meng was someone her daughter had chosen herself. How could her daughter be so generous as to share her husband?
Miss Sun let out a soft sigh. "Mother, if I didn't do this, whoever Mother-in-law sends later would inevitably challenge me. Rather than that, I might as well make a gracious show of it. I know what you mean, but daughter is not so fortunate."
She had some family background, but it wasn't exceptional. She had some looks, but she wasn't a stunning beauty. She had some learning, but Third Young Master Meng didn't particularly favor women whose talents surpassed his own too greatly. He merely enjoyed the pleasure of a gentle companion adding fragrance to his sleeve; he was actually wary of a wife being too clever.
She had two role models. One was Madam Wu, virtuous, frugal, and self-possessed, who commanded respect. The other was Madam Wei, capable and strong-willed, unafraid of gossip.
The former, though sometimes having to swallow bitterness, reaped many rewards and enjoyed an unshakable position. The latter, even if some called her jealous or said a woman of humble origins had risen like a phoenix, never seemed to consider herself beneath her husband, carrying on perfectly well as an official's wife, as if born to it.
It was hard for her to become the latter, because she couldn't bear the idle gossip, and Third Young Master Meng wasn't like Jiang Xian, who remained devoted to his first wife even after achieving success. The former, however, was the easiest to emulate.
Fourth Miss Zhou embraced her daughter. "You've suffered."
"What suffering is there? Song'er grew up with me. Now that she's a bedchamber maid, I can openly show her favor. She gains face and is grateful for my patronage. We're like two grasshoppers tied to the same string; doesn't that make for greater harmony?" Miss Sun had her own wisdom for survival.
Her daughter had her own ideas and opinions. She had instilled many modern thoughts in her, yet her daughter was entirely a person of ancient times.
But Miss Sun didn't feel she was lacking in any way. She was highly praised by the Meng family and respected by Third Young Master Meng.
Of course, Jin Niang was unaware of all this. She only knew the visible facts; how could she possibly discern what people truly thought? These matters of the Meng family were merely noted down for the sake of neighborly relations, recording what gifts were exchanged, nothing more.
The Jiang family next door had sold their house, having reportedly moved to Yiqiu Gate. In any case, Madam Song was not short of money.
Jin Niang remarked to Jiang Xian, "How many families have changed next door to us? I've lost count."
Jiang Xian laughed. "My dear, why trouble yourself over others? In the future, no matter who comes, don't get too familiar. Although they say a good neighbor is better than a distant relative, when they change this frequently, we needn't take it too seriously."
"I just feel that everything is changing, while we seem to remain the same," Jin Niang said.
After the couple finished speaking, Dou Yuan arrived. Years ago in Daming Prefecture, Jin Niang had been the "Complete Blessings" person for Dou Yuan's daughter, who was now betrothed to Han Xiao's eldest son. Sister Luo now also possessed the grace of a young maiden. If only Sister Jun hadn't married, the cousins could have kept each other company.
But for now, Jin Niang could only have the servants take the child to play in the garden. "Don't keep her cooped up here listening to us adults talk; it's terribly dull."
Meeting Jin Niang again after seven years, Dou Yuan felt she had become much more composed than before. Reaching the age of her sixteenth cousin (Jiang Xian) without him ever having a bedchamber maid or concubine—that was true love, and also the source of her cousin-in-law's confidence.
This is what she thought, and she said it out loud: "You truly have been able to keep cousin's heart."
"Please don't say that. I have no particular skills. It's purely your cousin's own self-discipline," Jin Niang replied. She didn't feel she had done anything to make Jiang Xian so devoted. Perhaps it was because he married her when he was young and hadn't spent much time outside meeting other women.
Some men, no matter how virtuous or beautiful their wives are, will still stray.
So it was simply that Jiang Xian was a good man by nature.
Dou Yuan's life had also become much more comfortable in recent years, though she couldn't avoid complicated matters—sisters-in-law not getting along, the eldest brother's son growing up and demanding a share of the family property, and so on. But now, having come to the capital, it seemed all bad fortune had turned to good. More importantly, she was together with her cousin-in-law again.
The Dou family was indeed not what it used to be, but the Jiang family was producing talented individuals one after another.
As the two were talking, Third Madam Zhou arrived, and Jin Niang introduced the two women to each other.
Third Madam Zhou was, of course, the wife of Jiang Fang. Jiang Fang's official career was currently flourishing; he was almost like a sharp blade for Minister Shen, his promotions extremely rapid. He was now a Grand Academician of the Longtu Pavilion.
Nowadays, however, Third Madam Zhou had become more low-key, not as sociable and adept as before.
The group chatted about safe topics. Jin Niang asked, "The collar trims used to be wide, requiring full, exquisite embroidery. Now the fashion is for those narrow ones."
Third Madam Zhou said, "Exactly. Look at the clothes I'm wearing now—they're just like that. By the way, the wedding dress for your Sister Jun was truly exquisite. I heard you made it."
"Yes, this child said she wanted my wedding dress from when I got married years ago. I told her those are old clothes, how could they be suitable for her to wear now? So I made her a new one instead." Jin Niang said with a smile.
Third Madam Zhou praised, "Your craftsmanship is undoubtedly beyond reproach."
Since Jiang Fang was a staunch supporter of Minister Shen, Third Madam Zhou also brought up the matter of Seventh Miss Shen's impending marriage: "The dowry is all prepared. It wouldn't do to wait until the seventh month to marry, so it will likely be around this time."
Jin Niang smiled, "That's wonderful. The Wei Family will soon have two new daughters-in-law."
Because Dou Yuan had gone to the Wei Family for the wedding chamber guarding ceremony, and since both the Wei Family's ancestral home and the Zhen Family were prominent clans in Daming Prefecture, she remarked, "The Second Madam Wei has a very gentle temperament. People even gave her the nickname 'Second Bodhisattva'. This Miss Shen marrying in will probably be falling into a nest of good fortune."
Those who are married know it's not enough for just the husband to be good; the mother-in-law is also of paramount importance.
A woman in the inner quarters interacts most with her mother-in-law; showing even the slightest disrespect towards elders is unacceptable. Dou Yuan felt this deeply, though of course this was also the only advantage, as the main branch of the Wei Family truly held power and influence.
Just as the Second Young Master Zhen she married was the de facto eldest son, all privileges and inheritances were first reserved for him. Once Second Young Master Zhen passed the Lock Hall Examination, he received an official post.
Dou Yuan wouldn't gossip about these things. As the saying goes, if one isn't good with words, one should speak less. Speaking less is better than speaking poorly, she often thought.
Jin Niang agreed, "Yes, I've known Second Madam Wei for many years and have never seen her quarrel with anyone."
The wedding between Seventh Miss Shen and Eighth Young Master Wei was finally set for the sixteenth day of the fifth month. In truth, both families had been preparing for years, and everything was ready.
Jin Niang took the opportunity to offer congratulations at both households. The Wei Family specifically had Sister Jun receive Jin Niang inside. Jin Niang knew her daughter, being a new bride, shouldn't go out much, so having a chance to see her was the real purpose of her visit.
"Mother, I knew you would definitely come today. Please come sit in my quarters first. Second Aunt is very busy over there," Sister Jun said.
She followed her daughter to their residence, the Qixia Courtyard, and was surprised to see it was a two-courtyard compound. "Do the servants live in the outer courtyard?"
Sister Jun nodded, "Yes, the maids live out there. The side chamber next to us has been made into a small study. The east and west wing rooms are empty for now."
The empty rooms were undoubtedly reserved for future children.
Seeing her daughter like this, Jin Niang said, "I sent Xi Qiu to come with you. She's experienced. If your monthly courses don't come, or if you feel nauseous or unwell, don't foolishly take any blood-activating medicine."
Sister Jun invited Jin Niang into the inner chamber and, while tea was being prepared, said, "Don't worry, I'm being careful."
"That's good." After saying this, Jin Niang looked around at the room's furnishings. A bronze flower vase, a jade ruyi scepter, an incense burner, and books were arranged on the table. On the incense table in the outer reception area were Buddha's hand citrons and fragrant pomelos, with a mottled bamboo curtain dividing the space. The curio shelf held various novelties like silk dolls and clay whistles.
The bed was draped with the gauze canopy embroidered with jasmine that Jin Niang had made, with blue satin sheets and a rosy-hued thin quilt. A pair of glass lamps gifted by Ruyan hung by the bed.
The room didn't feel cluttered but was instead elegant and peaceful.
"The room is very well kept," Jin Niang said sincerely.
Sister Jun was delighted by her mother's praise. "Thank you for the compliment, Mother."
Of course, what Jin Niang cared about most was whether her daughter was doing well in the Wei Family. "How have you been? I couldn't come over easily this past month. Have you had any disagreements with anyone?"
"No. Elder Brother passed the Lock Hall Examination and is now a Court Diarist. Sister-in-law is very happy. As for Sixth Sister-in-law, she is with child and is resting to nurture the pregnancy. So after paying my morning and evening respects, I mostly stay in my own courtyard and seldom go out," Sister Jun replied.
Jin Niang asked about Seventh Young Master Wei. "And how is your husband?"
Sister Jun laughed. "He's just studying, as always. Let me tell you, when I give him a facial treatment, he's overjoyed. He often begs me to do it for him, but I don't always indulge him. He often tries to curry favor with me."
"Ah, seeing you young ones getting along so well puts my mind at ease. Silly girl, I often hear that in powerful official families like theirs, when the wife is pregnant, they often have maids or concubines serve the husband. Don't you be foolish and accept someone just for the sake of a false reputation for virtue. Even if your mother-in-law sends someone over, if they are truly meant to serve you, then treat them as maids," Jin Niang advised.
Sister Jun asked, "But what if Mother-in-law is displeased by that?"
"If you are with child, what is there for her to be displeased about? Once you give birth, regardless of whether it's a boy or a girl, for the child's sake she won't make things difficult for you. In this world, as long as you are unwilling to do something, no one can truly force you. Temporary displeasure is just a trial. Life's road is long. Once you have the ability to establish yourself and manage the household, these will all be minor matters."
Hearing her mother explain everything point by point, Sister Jun felt more confident. But she also wondered, what if Seventh Young Master Wei himself became improper? No, if he dared, she could simply seek a divorce and return home.
Jin Niang provided countermeasures for all these potential situations, and Sister Jun took them to heart.
After mother and daughter talked for a while, they went to the Second Branch of the Wei Family. Everyone was congratulating Second Madam Wei. Madam Wei, sitting to the side, said to Jin Niang, "Third Madam, this is truly a match made in heaven."
"Indeed it is," Jin Niang agreed.
Madam Wei added with a smile, "Now that our two families are related by marriage, we seem less close than before. I say you should visit more often."
Visiting too often would become a nuisance. Jin Niang, who knew propriety very well, joked in return, "I'd say it's you who won't condescend to visit my home. I was just saying the other day, if there are still lotus seed pods in my little pond in a couple of months, you should come then. We can enjoy the breeze in the pavilion, drink last year's lotus wine, and admire the lotus flowers."
To tell the truth, Madam Wei did quite like Jin Niang's character. She didn't cause trouble and generally only said pleasant things. After their families became formally connected, apart from necessary interactions, she never relied on the Wei Family for anything. Even when her own family prospered, she didn't become arrogant.
This time, the dowry of Seventh Young Master's wife was more substantial than those of Madam Fan and Madam Wang, which truly added to her own face.
Not to mention, since Sister Jun entered the household, there were days when Madam Wei had no appetite. Sister Jun said spicy dishes could stimulate it and made a pink pickled radish dish, served on a gilded white-glazed plate, which indeed revived her appetite.
She also made a satin forehead band for her, embroidered with peony flowers, and her attitude was extremely respectful.
Moreover, she knew her own son. Whenever he had free time, he rushed home—something he didn't do so frequently before he got married.
Naturally, she wouldn't say these things to Jin Niang, and Jin Niang wouldn't presumptuously ask about her daughter's performance. Both understood the situation perfectly well.
After returning from the Wei Family for a while, Jin Niang had the maidservants massage her legs and shoulders. The journey by carriage to and from the two mansions, the fatigue of travel for most of the day, had left her body feeling as if it were falling apart.
"Madam, Hui Zhu has sent over some pear and rock sugar soup," a young maid called from outside.
"Bring it in," Jin Niang said.
After finishing a bowl of the sweet soup, she took a nap. When she woke, the sky was already growing dark.
Just then, Jiang Xian returned from outside. Jin Niang yawned, "I was out for most of the day today and felt quite tired, so I slept until now. Perfect timing—you change your clothes, and we'll have dinner."
Jiang Xian smiled, "It's good for you to rest more, Madam."
"Yes, I used to always think that if I didn't do anything, the day would pass too quickly. Now I realize it was because I pushed myself too hard in my earlier years. Now, I should rest when it's time to rest." Jin Niang was quite philosophical about it herself.
Jiang Xian thought to himself that his wife had indeed suffered enough hardships. Although her self-esteem was high, her sense of worth was too low. If she didn't do something for even a short while, she would feel she was too idle, wondering if life was passing too quickly, and so on.
Other officials' wives might spend one day ordering hairpins, the next having new clothes made, the day after applying makeup and dressing up, buying expensive clothes and accessories, and think it all perfectly normal. Yet she always felt it was wasteful.
This point wasn't good. His wife could change clothes ten times a day and he'd still adore it.
So, Jiang Xian said, "Madam, now that our daughter is married, and Brother Ning and Brother Ding are still young, the two of us can finally relax a bit."
“Yes, you're right. People are busy all day long, and by the time they truly have leisure, they're older, their bodies aren't as agile, and their legs, feet, and back aren't as good anymore. You don't know, but when I was little, I had great strength—I could lift a large pot of flowers. Now, I ache all over if I walk for just a bit too long.” Jin Niang was also quite emotional.
Jiang Xian skillfully massaged the area around her lower back. "That's from years of doing needlework. It's alright. Now you just focus on recuperating properly."
“Then help me wash my hair. I slept all afternoon anyway, so I won't be able to sleep tonight.” Jin Niang took his hand and acted coyly.
Of course, Jiang Xian agreed.
After washing up, Jin Niang felt she was fragrant all over. When a person feels comfortable, it's hard to get up the next morning. By the time she lounged in bed until noon and finally rose, she began to plan her activities.
Previously, preparing for her daughter's wedding had been her project. Now that her daughter was married, and she had rested quite long enough, she was ready to find something to do for the next stage of her life.
Indeed, she truly was someone who couldn't stay idle.
She called Wei Xiong and Luo Yu'e to accompany her on a trip to the Grand Xiangguo Temple. It was still the same as before, with many artisans selling fashionable patterns there.
Luo Yu'e now had rent from her manor every season. She didn't care for expensive things; buying some small trinkets was enough for her.
"Jin Niang, let me buy you some sugar-fried chestnuts. We mother and daughter can eat them together."
"Mother, after all these years, you still aren't tired of them?" Jin Niang laughed.
Luo Yu'e said, "How could I ever get tired of them? Actually, all these years, even though your brother passed the imperial examination, your father and I don't have to worry about money. But we always feel like people from humble backgrounds—those fancy dishes don't suit our taste. Pickled vegetables, radish with a bit of meat, that's what feels satisfying with rice."
Jin Niang said, "Even if you like it, you should eat less pickled vegetables. Too much salt isn't good for your health. Living is wonderful—we can eat, drink, and enjoy ourselves, and we can also see the mountains and rivers."
"You're right. Jin Niang, I never thought our lot would have such days. It really feels like a dream." Luo Yu'e even found it unreal.
Jin Niang shook her head with a smile.
Soon after, she saw someone selling albums of paintings—a rather shabby-looking young master. The paintings were quite good, however. Jin Niang spent three strings of cash to buy ten large and small flower-and-bird paintings.
Luo Yu'e didn't understand. "Why spend so much money on these?"
"Actually, for an embroiderer, besides needing excellent needlework, the base design must also be outstanding. I see that although this person's paintings can't compare with those of the Hanlin Academy painters, they have a unique freshness and naturalness not found elsewhere. If I embroider them, they'll surely look beautiful." Jin Niang's fingers were itching to start.
After returning from outside, Jin Niang first worked on designing patterns. Her first thought, of course, was Jiang Xian, especially since he had just washed her hair yesterday.
But somehow, when thinking about designing clothes for him, she had no inspiration. Yet when designing a waistcoat for herself, ideas flowed freely, because that painting "Lychees and Magpies" was exceptionally well done. The magpies were painted in a vibrant emerald green, the leaves a deep green, and the lychees were not the traditional deep or bright red, but a soft, light pink.
Such delicate colors—Jin Niang finished it in just a few days.
Another piece was quite elegant: a dark green stomacher edged with rice-colored camellias, overlaid with a honey-colored double-layer gauze waistcoat. The highlight was the yellow finches embroidered on the waistband ties, a real finishing touch.
After finishing both pieces, she realized she hadn't made a single item she had mentioned for Jiang Xian. After some thought, she made him a honey-colored cross-collar upper garment, over which she layered a dark blue patterned gauze waistcoat. The highlight of his outfit was the collar, embroidered with a camellia on one side and a yellow finch on the other.
Jiang Xian was delighted when he saw it. "Perfect! We can wear these together when we attend the Wei Family's wedding banquet."
"You're that eager to wear matching couple's outfits?" Jin Niang looked at him with a teasing smile.
Jiang Xian embraced Jin Niang. "Naturally."
Jin Niang also made a matching set for her daughter and son-in-law, sending Ying to deliver them on her behalf. Originally, this was just a whim of Jin Niang's. However, when Sister Jun saw the clothes sent by her mother, she couldn't help but cry.
She had done needlework for her mother-in-law, but hadn't thought to make anything for her own mother.
Wei Seventh Lang didn't know about this; he only knew his mother-in-law had made clothes for him and was overjoyed, putting them on immediately. Noticing Sister Jun's troubled expression, he asked, "What's wrong?"
Sister Jun shook her head. Some things were hard to explain to her husband; after all, she couldn't say that being filial to her mother-in-law was a bad thing.
Wei Seventh Lang, however, thought that since his mother-in-law was so good to them as a couple, and his wife was feeling down at home, he spoke to Madam Wei about wanting to seek Jiang Xian's advice on scholarly matters. The two of them returned with large and small packages.
When they returned, Jin Niang was helping Luo Yu'e paste shoe uppers—she intended to make two pairs of shoes for her parents.
For Luo Yu'e, it was a purple satin with a fish-playing-among-lotus pattern; for Wei Xiong, black satin with a Western floral pattern.
While Jin Niang was pasting the shoe uppers, Luo Yu'e shelled pine nuts, feeding them one by one into her daughter's mouth. No one expected their daughter and son-in-law to return at this time.
Seeing her daughter's tearful eyes, Jin Niang initially thought she had been wronged. Upon closer inquiry, she learned it was about this matter.
"Oh, my dear daughter, this was just because your grandmother and I went out for fun, bought a few paintings, and then thought of you. And you're really shedding golden tears over it..." But regardless, Jin Niang was also very happy. As the saying goes, raising children isn't for repayment, but when they remember you, it truly brings joy.
Luo Yu'e was moved to tears beside them, saying, "Son-in-law Sun is truly thoughtful. He didn't even need you to say it; he knew you were homesick and specially brought you back for a visit."
