My daughter has returned. Jin Niang put down her needlework and instructed the kitchen to prepare her favorite dishes.
Pan-fried small yellow croaker, spinach stir-fried with vinegar, a tasty cold broad bean salad, and braised chicken legs were all placed before Sister Jun. After finishing the meal, Sister Jun also gave Jin Niang all the things she had brought back—colorful satins, tonics, black-boned chickens, and scented tea leaves.
Jin Niang was both amused and exasperated. After the young couple finished their meal, they returned home.
Jin Niang didn't think much of these matters, but Wei the Seventh was deeply moved. Wei's mother lived a life of ease and comfort; even though she loved her son, she would only send servants over, not showing the same intimate affection as the Jiang family.
Everything was made by her own hands, stitch by stitch. She even made clothes for both of them in similar colors and with matching embroidered patterns, yet not identical, so that when worn together, people could tell at a glance they were a couple.
"My mother-in-law is truly wonderful," Wei the Seventh recalled the painting of the Purple-robed Guanyin, which had once saved his life.
Sister Jun laughed, "That goes without saying, my mother is the best. You know what? No matter what we children do at home, as long as it's right, my mother supports us and holds up the sky for us. Anyone who lives with my mother feels incredibly, incredibly secure. She's like a true Bodhisattva, always watching over us."
Wei the Seventh suddenly understood, "Now I realize why I also felt so at ease when I visited your home."
In truth, Jin Niang felt it was her children who were exceptionally good: "I always thought I wasn't a very fortunate person. I never expected my children to be so filial. It's truly beyond my expectations."
Jiang Xian thought to himself that Sister Jun had cried upon seeing the clothes his wife had sent. In a similar situation back then, he himself seemed to have shown no particular reaction.
He wondered if he should try to squeeze out a few tears too...
In the blink of an eye, it was the day for Wei the Eighth's wedding. The couple went to separate banquets. Jiang Xian went to the Shen family, while Jin Niang went to the Wei residence. Accompanying her were Zhang Pingjun and Luo Yu'e. Everyone was dressed in new clothes. Jin Niang had visited the Wei family more often than the other two, so she first went to the main branch to see Madam Wei before heading to the second branch.
Upon meeting the Second Madam Wei, Jin Niang said, "Congratulations, congratulations! Once the Eighth's bride enters the household, your family will immediately become more prosperous."
Second Madam Wei took Jin Niang's hand, saying, "Third Aunt, you must help me greet the guests."
"Of course, naturally. Not to mention me, which of your nieces-in-law wouldn't come? It's one thing if others don't come, but if Sister Jun doesn't, I'll surely give her a good scolding," Jin Niang said with a laugh.
After a few more jokes, they went to sit in the flower hall. Zhang Pingjun noticed that Jin Niang was truly very familiar with everyone in the Wei family. She had previously only known that her family was connected by clan association to the Hebei Wei family, thinking it was merely an attempt to climb the social ladder. She hadn't expected them to genuinely regard her as the Third Aunt.
"Sister, what help do we need to offer later?" Zhang Pingjun asked.
Jin Niang smiled, "Where would we need to help? They have their own arrangements. The main branch alone has three daughters-in-law, including Sister Jun, and the third branch also has people. Just sit for now. Later, when the bride enters and pays her respects, we'll just give our gifts."
Zhang Pingjun kept this in mind, noticing many people specifically coming to speak with Jin Niang.
It wasn't that Jin Niang was particularly skilled at socializing, but purely because Jiang Xian was the Prefect of Kaifeng, a high-ranking official, so people naturally flattered her.
By the time Shen the Seventh had entered the household, Jin Niang was already so tired she could barely keep her eyes open. She forced her eyelids open until the bride and groom came, presented a pair of jade discs as a gift, and then took her leave to go home.
About half a month after Shen the Seventh entered the household, it was already the sixth month. The daughter of the Sun family across the street was already noticeably pregnant. When Madam Meng brought her over for a chat, Jin Niang even said, "Why did you bring your third son's wife along? A pregnant woman shouldn't be walking around everywhere."
They had come through the side gate from the garden area, which was quite a distance.
Madam Meng laughed, "She said she asked the doctor, and it's actually not good for a pregnant woman to sit or lie down for too long. She needs some moderate activity. That's why I brought her along."
Although Madam Meng couldn't be considered a particularly good person, she genuinely wouldn't torment a pregnant woman. However, the eldest Miss Sun also didn't want to be confined at home all the time. Being able to get out and about a little, and become more familiar with people, was also a good thing.
To truly get along well in society, relying solely on royal relatives isn't enough; civil officials might not necessarily pay you any heed.
When the ladies gathered, they mostly talked about their children. Madam Meng asked Jin Niang, "Your daughter has been married for a few months now. How is she?"
When this topic came up, the eldest Miss Sun also pricked up her ears to listen.
Expecting to hear Jin Niang either complain or whitewash the situation, she was surprised to find it was neither. Jin Niang said, "What is there to say about daily life? It's always more or less the same. Not hearing about any major incidents means things are good."
Madam Meng suddenly understood, "That is indeed a good way to put it."
"Children nowadays are smarter than we were in our time. They know how to handle things well. We should be their support. We step in to help when they need us to, but we shouldn't interfere when they can manage on their own." Since buying this house, Jin Niang's children could always stay when they returned.
Just as they were talking, black-bone chicken soup was brought from home. Jin Niang invited the Meng family ladies to share it, adding, "This was sent by my daughter and son-in-law when they visited the other day. They said it can nourish the blood, improve complexion, strengthen the body, and tonify the liver and kidneys."
Unlike modern times where you can buy black-bone chicken at the supermarket anytime, in ancient times it was still quite rare.
Madam Meng smiled, "Only your maternal family seems to have everything."
"You sent me that excellent fish maw chicken soup last time. Let's not flatter each other," Jin Niang replied.
After a few more jokes, they talked about the Jiang family next door moving away. Jin Niang was puzzled, "They moved away just fine. I don't know why?"
Madam Meng was even more displeased, "Yes, she used to come talk to me about this and that all the time. I thought we had a good relationship, but then she left without a word."
The eldest Miss Sun, of course, knew it was because of Jiang Song. To tell the truth, Jiang Song had such a good family background and a considerable dowry, yet she was obsessed with a man to the point of life and death. The key was, the man was already betrothed, so her behavior was inappropriate.
In the end, the social network she had painstakingly built up was just abandoned for nothing.
In the afternoon, after Madam Meng left, the Fourth Madam Zhou came to visit her daughter. She exchanged pleasantries with Madam Meng for a while before she could speak with her daughter.
"How is your health?"
"I'm doing quite well, Mother. Don't worry."
Fourth Madam Zhou said happily, "Your father is finally going to be promoted. He's being promoted two levels directly to the position of Editorial Director."
The eldest Miss Sun was also very pleased to hear this, "That's wonderful! With Father's promotion, you must also hurry with arranging my younger sister's marriage. If you're short on funds, you can tell me first."
In the Meng family, the young mistress received a monthly allowance of five strings of cash, and with little other expenditure, she managed to save almost all of it. Over a year, that amounted to sixty strings.
Besides that, sometimes the palace's Consort Qiao would bestow gifts of high-quality colored silks or gold and silver ingots, which was another source of income.
Madam Zhou the Fourth smiled and said, "We won't need to use your money. Your father is now a fifth-rank official, his salary is higher than before. I've also let go of some servants at home. We can slowly start saving money."
Listening to her mother, Eldest Miss Sun asked doubtfully, "Mother, how did Father get promoted so quickly?"
She knew her own father. Back when he was a county magistrate in a large county, he had failed to suppress unrest several times, almost causing a popular revolt. In the capital, he had been mediocre, timid, and indecisive. How could he have risen so fast?
Zhou the Fourth told the truth: "You don't know, it's thanks to your uncle-in-law's influence. Now, Chancellor Shen needs people, and your father is considered one of their own, so naturally his promotions come quickly."
Sometimes even a pig can be lifted by the wind, let alone people as closely connected to Jiang Fang as they were.
Eldest Miss Sun nodded slightly. "If one truly wants to be cautious, it's better to be like my father-in-law, not voicing too many of one's own opinions on matters."
"Naturally. Whatever policy the Emperor issues, your father supports it," said Madam Zhou the Fourth, thinking that those not in official circles simply couldn't understand how difficult it was to rise even one rank.
As soon as you wanted to climb higher, countless eyes would be fixed on your position, waiting to pull you down.
The struggles behind the scenes were also fiercely intense.
Of course, if you had powerful backing, promotions came faster. Those below wouldn't dare provoke those above, making things somewhat more secure.
Eldest Miss Sun held her mother's hand. "Then you should take advantage of this favorable wind and quickly settle my younger sister's marriage arrangement."
Madam Zhou the Fourth wanted to settle the marriage, but who would want to marry the daughter of a poor official? The dowry couldn't be worse than her elder sister's, needing at least a thousand strings of cash in ready silver.
That would take at least three or four years to save up. They needed to wait at least two more years.
Two more years would be fine.
While Madam Zhou the Fourth worried about money, Madam Xu wasn't as troubled. Six hundred mu of farmland was no small asset; the rent she collected was already substantial. Moreover, she was very frugal and had managed to save quite a bit by now.
But if she had no one to compare herself to, this money would have been satisfying. Unfortunately, she had her sister-in-law for comparison, whose family had even more money. It was said they had bought another house, and there was Sister Jun's dowry—a full one hundred and twenty chests, packed to the brim. Who didn't praise it? Who wasn't envious?
They were cousins from the same clan, yet one was a rich young lady, the other a poor one? The contrast was too stark.
Yet, giving that much money to her own daughter also seemed unworthy to her. Such extravagance was a bad trend, and she would absolutely not follow it blindly. However, hearing clansfolk secretly praise her daughter-in-law, Madam Wu, for her virtue while calling her stingy truly made her fume.
Nanny Ge, despite her advanced age, offered advice: "Madam, our young lady is still young. Why worry about this now?"
"I'm not worried about that. It's just that her father isn't home now, her brother's studies aren't going well. Where can we find a good match for her?" This was Madam Xu's greatest concern.
Nanny Ge added, "This year, our Xuan'er will take the provincial examination. Who knows, he might pass smoothly. Then you would be both an jinshi's wife and an jinshi's mother."
Hearing this comforted Madam Xu a little.
Little did she know, Jiang Xian spoke of Xuan'er with regret. He said to Jin Niang, "That child was very diligent in his early years. Eldest sister-in-law practically sat by his desk with a bamboo cane in hand. Now that he's older, she instead tries to please and indulge him, no longer urging him on."
Who is naturally studious? Even someone like Brother Ning often needs urging, let alone Brother Ding, who often tries to skip school at the slightest wind or rain. My wife, unafraid of being disliked, scolds, yells, and sends him off to study every time without fail.
Back when we were at home, Sixth Madam Jiang was very strict with us brothers. I was the youngest and though doted on, my studies were never neglected.
Jin Niang said, "Let's see if he can pass the provincial examination this year. If not, we'll talk about it later."
Look at Eldest Young Master Wei, who only received an official post through hereditary privilege at twenty-seven and passed the special examination for officials at thirty before getting a proper position. Of course, he started directly as a sixth-rank Court Diarist, a position equivalent to what Jiang Xian attained more than six years after becoming a jinshi, and only with someone's recommendation in court.
But Eldest Young Master Wei's father was a high official. Jiang Xuan's father has resigned. Even if Jiang Xian could secure a hereditary post for a son, it would surely be for his own son, not his nephew.
Jiang Xian remarked, "Constantly seeking connections is worse than devoting oneself to diligent study. Elder brother is really something. Before, he said being an official left him no time. After resigning, he just left. Eldest sister-in-law doesn't oversee his studies, and he himself isn't diligent. I really don't know what will become of him later."
Actually, ordinary people's innate abilities aren't vastly different. What's lacking is persistent, sustained study.
Just like comparing younger brother Wei Yang and Young Master Chen. Wei Yang had famous tutors found by Jin Niang and Jiang Xian all along, parents who accompanied him, and even in poverty, never lacked money for his studies. With his own hard work, that's why he succeeded. Young Master Chen had no supervision and couldn't afford to study; becoming a steward is the best he can hope for now.
Even Jin Niang, one could only say she had a talent for embroidery, but she wasn't a complete natural genius. She needed to constantly learn and refine her skills. That's why even now, in spring, the clothes she makes never go out of style.
Every piece of clothing she makes follows the latest fashion, and the patterns are never stale or old-fashioned.
Jin Niang couldn't help saying, "Isn't the eldest branch on good terms with your adopted second brother? I wonder if that second brother of yours would make arrangements?"
Mentioning Jiang Fang, Jiang Xian sneered. "My second brother only ever appreciates the capable. Those without talent, ability, or money are like dead people in his eyes. Don't be fooled by his interactions with our family. It's because of my current status, not out of any brotherly affection. His generosity and openness are for outsiders. We, who share no real connection with him, mean nothing."
Jin Niang thought that there's always someone better out there. With Jiang Fang being like this, no one would truly grow close to him in the future.
It was also said that with the marriage alliance between the Shen and Wei families, Seventh Miss Shen found life in the Wei household particularly uncomfortable. The entire Shen family placed very few restrictions on girls. The Wei family had strict rules. Even though the Second Madam was gentle, she still followed the Wei family's customs: morning and evening greetings, serving food at meals, all were expected.
Seventh Miss Shen was highly learned. Taking poems written by Eighth Young Master Wei, she would start discussing and critiquing them. At first, Eighth Young Master Wei listened a little, being newly married after all. But after a month or so, he grew tired of the constant criticism and lecturing.
Inevitably, they had a quarrel. Second Madam Wei then reprimanded her own son, telling him not to make trouble with his new wife.
Seeing her mother-in-law taking her side, Shen Qiniang grew even more emboldened, convinced that everything she did was right. Sister Jun, observing this from the sidelines, thought to herself: My mother warned me that a mother-in-law can never truly regard a daughter-in-law as her own daughter. So, helping out temporarily is merely for the sake of family harmony. Someone like Shen Qiniang might very well end up losing her husband's favor while also offending her mother-in-law.
Madam Wei the Second has cultivated such an excellent reputation, which shows she isn't truly meek and gentle; she has her methods too.
But Sister Jun didn't comment on these rights and wrongs. She only thought that she should reflect and learn from every incident, just as her mother said: making mistakes isn't terrible; what's most feared is refusing to correct them after repeated admonitions and failing to learn the lesson.
The sixth month was Jin Niang's birthday. The family hired musicians and invited several related families for a joyful gathering: the Wei family, the Zhang family, Wei Yang and his wife, the second son of the Zhen family, Dou Yuan, Jiang Xuan from the old residence, Jiang Yan from the clan, and others.
Jin Niang was just speaking to everyone: "This isn't a milestone birthday for me. It's simply an excuse to gather everyone together. It's good for relatives to visit and keep close ties."
"Absolutely, cousin-in-law. Our Ding'er's birthday is next month, and Ning'er's is the month after, right?" Dou Yuan, being thoughtful, asked specifically.
Jin Niang smiled and said, "Exactly. However, Ding'er is still young. I'll just have the tea kitchen make some of his favorite pastries to mark his birthday. We'll hold a big celebration when he turns ten. You don't know how easily distracted children are, especially my younger one. He's quite delicate—afraid of thunder when it storms, saying he's in a bad mood when it rains, and not wanting to go to school."
Dou Yuan chimed in with a smile, "With your guidance, cousin-in-law, Ding'er is sure to grow up splendidly."
"I can't say for certain if he'll be splendid or not, but at least he must study during the years meant for studying." Jin Niang thought, just like when she was a scriptwriter: don't listen to others telling you to add lofty themes. The scripts that become hits are still the ones that write well about the push-and-pull between lovers. Whether the writing is smooth and enjoyable—if it achieves either one, it can become a minor hit. Life is the same. No matter how good your character is, how kind you are, if as a person you lack social value, people will still look down on you?
Back in the day, even if Jin Niang's character was excellent, without a dowry of several thousand strings of cash, Sixth Madam Jiang wouldn't have approved of her. And no matter how handsome Jiang Xian was, without his status as a young master from an official family, Jin Niang wouldn't have married him casually.
To say something very utilitarian: if sons of official families like Ning'er and Ding'er fail the imperial examinations, their social standing will plummet severely from then on.
Zhang the Ninth's father held a quite high official position back in the day, yet now he still has to rely on Jiang Xian to help him seek an appointment; otherwise, he'd just have an empty title. Those who enter officialdom through hereditary privilege, not as jinshi graduates, lack classmates and examiners as patrons. In the official circles, unless arranged by one's own elders, one's path is extremely difficult.
Dou Yuan nodded inwardly in agreement.
Sister Jun personally made a set of clothes for Jin Niang and also gifted two bottles of rosewater, a load of longevity noodles, two boxes of incense, and a set of jewelry. She was, of course, enhancing her mother's reputation. Just as her mother had said before: being generous in reciprocating with outsiders but stingy with one's own family is what truly chills people's hearts.
Besides her from the Wei family, others like Madam Fan and the newly married Shen Qiniang had also come. Madam Wang, being pregnant, hadn't come, but her mother, Madam Wu, had.
Everyone settled into their seats again. Sister Jun, attending as both a daughter-in-law of the Wei family and a daughter of the Jiang family, naturally acted like a hostess, busying herself with helping out. Madam Zhang watched as her daughter, Zhang Pingjun, followed suit and quietly breathed a sigh of relief. In such a household full of powerful officials, if her daughter still didn't learn to be perceptive, she didn't know how she would manage in the future.
The banquet was set in the pavilion. In the center of the table was a bamboo basket containing dewy flowers like pale pink lotuses and jade hairpins, creating a uniquely cool and refreshing atmosphere.
Although Jin Niang wasn't from a great family, she had been an official's wife for over a decade and was quite knowledgeable about arranging banquets. When her own family dined, they used a revolving table, but when guests came, maids served the dishes, so it wasn't necessary.
In any case, the order of serving dishes was simply dried fruits, fresh fruits, appetizers, main courses, and then soups. Juxiang would make what she could, and for what she couldn't, they'd directly hire outside cooks.
Madam Wu said with a laugh, "Every time I come to your house, I end up eating until I'm stuffed."
"Oh, you flatter me by coming." Jin Niang was familiar with her. With someone like Madam Wu, it was best not to offend her; keeping up appearances was enough.
Then she heard Madam Zhang chime in nearby, "I just saw Ning'er come to offer a toast. That child is growing more handsome by the day. He'll surely captivate many young ladies in the future."
Jin Niang waved her hand, "That child's looks aren't as handsome as his father or younger brother. He's more robust and vigorous. To talk about good looks—and I might be like the melon seller praising her own wares—but my son-in-law is still the most handsome."
She was referring to Wei the Seventh. Madam Wei heard this and laughed, "No wonder Seventh Lang has said since childhood that he likes his Third Aunt the most. So it turns out you are also most fond of him."
This remark made everyone laugh.
Who wants constant tension? Having some highlights in a joyful atmosphere is better than anything.
Just as Jin Niang was now saying, "Recently, I've newly embroidered a Kwan-yin with a Pure Vase. It's done entirely with one type of stitch, radiant and colorful, especially under the sun, like flowing water. Although it can't compare with the works of master embroiderers, I'll show it off clumsily. Please don't laugh at me."
Everyone watched as two maids slowly unfurled it. This embroidered portrait of Kwan-yin was based on a sketch of her own daughter. Kwan-yin held a pure vase, her headdress was ornate, and her countenance was compassionate.
Sister Jun looked at it and felt the Kwan-yin looked somewhat familiar, but then she thought, Kwan-yin Bodhisattva is naturally compassionate.
Kwan-yin stood on a lotus pedestal, pouring forth jade dew. Everyone drew closer to look and found it exquisite beyond words.
Jin Niang smiled and said, "I've heard that Kwan-yin with the Pure Vase not only symbolizes compassion and wisdom but can also ward off illness." After speaking, she had someone put it away again.
After viewing the embroidery, everyone began the meal. Unexpectedly, Sister Jun started retching uncontrollably. Jin Niang, struck by a sudden intuition, first had someone help her away, then asked Ying to fetch a doctor. Dou Yuan, very perceptive, said she would accompany Sister Jun, while Zhang Pingjun regretted being a step too slow.
The others continued dining. After the meal and listening to an opera, Ying hurried over and whispered to Jin Niang. Jin Niang smiled and looked at Madam Wei, "Congratulations! You are about to gain another grandchild. Just now, seeing Sister Jun unwell, I called for a physician. He says it's a joyous pulse—she's already over two months along."
Madam Wei thought to herself this was truly a blessing. Every time she was with Madam Jiang, everything seemed to turn for the better.
Wei the Seventh had already come to Sister Jun's side. He still seemed somewhat incredulous, "Is it true?"
“Yes, the physician just said so. It shouldn't be false.” Sister Jun actually had an idea, but it was awkward to summon a doctor in her husband's home, especially if it wasn't a child—that would be a false alarm. Today, returning to her mother's home, after communicating with her mother, she managed to have a doctor come smoothly.
Wei the Seventh scratched his head, revealing a somewhat boyish demeanor. "My mother-in-law's embroidered Guanyin image is truly efficacious."
As they were about to leave, Jin Niang said to Sister Jun, "Go back and focus on resting well for your pregnancy. Don't trouble your mind too much."
It would be best if her daughter conceived and gave birth smoothly. But if she were to miscarry or face difficulties midway, they could say the family had the Bodhisattva's protection and use that as a reason to bring her back home to recuperate. That would be better for her health.
Sister Jun, for her part, understood her mother's intentions perfectly, which put her mind at ease. Madam Wei was somewhat disappointed that Jin Niang hadn't given the embroidered Guanyin image to Sister Jun. She privately whispered to Wei the Seventh, "From now on, you should visit your in-laws' home frequently. It seems whenever we encounter them, we manage to turn misfortune into blessing."
