Knowing that her daughter was pregnant, Jin Niang had Minzhi start making maternity pillows and swaddling clothes. Afraid her daughter would feel bulky after pregnancy, she specially designed several maternity dresses. She took silk and satin, found an outside embroiderer, and had them made according to her sketches.
Afterwards, she had a pig slaughtered at the estate, specifically taking only the lean meat. She also had people prepare rice and japonica rice. In the early stages of pregnancy, one shouldn't eat anything too strong or fishy; it's better to eat more whole grains, vegetables, and fruits.
Luo Yu'e, following Jin Niang's advice, sent over a good amount of vegetables that she and her husband grew themselves, very fresh and still caked with mud.
After the embroiderer finished making the clothes and flat shoes overnight, Jin Niang finally went to visit the Wei Family. What she prepared for her daughter were all practical items, but what she gave to Madam Wei were very precious things: two boxes of pearl powder, six cakes of Jian tea, yellow tangerine wine, sea cucumber, snow frog, and dendrobium officinale.
She also said, "They are both young and will inevitably need your guidance, sister-in-law. I'm not worried about Seventh Young Master, but my own daughter is rather clumsy and still needs your instruction."
Jin Niang was also afraid of overstepping. She understood clearly that in ancient times, once a woman married, it was difficult for her natal family to be involved. She came this once, but it wouldn't be appropriate to come too often in the future, otherwise the Wei Family might think she didn't trust them.
Madam Wei smiled and said, "What are you saying? To be honest, I find my Seventh Son's wife to be most filial."
"To hear such praise from you, her mother-in-law, truly puts this mother's anxious heart at ease," Jin Niang replied.
She chatted unhurriedly with Madam Wei and only went to see her daughter when Madam Wei suggested it. When mother and daughter met, there was naturally another round of concerned inquiries.
Jin Niang smiled and said, "Don't listen to others who say you should eat a lot during pregnancy. If the fetus gets too big, the mother can easily have a difficult birth."
Seeing her mother, Sister Jun finally felt at ease. "Mother, I'm a little scared."
"Scared of what? Your mother is here for everything," Jin Niang said, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her daughter's ear. Then she asked, "Where does your husband sleep?"
"I tidied up the east wing for him to stay there. At night, he bathes here before going over. Usually, he eats and talks with me here, but he studies outside and sleeps over there," Sister Jun quickly explained.
Hearing this, Jin Niang nodded. "You handle it flexibly as you see fit." Then she added with a smile, "I had a few dresses made for you. I drew the designs and had an outsider make them. You can wear them when your belly shows. They're breathable and pretty, the hems don't drag on the ground so you won't trip. They're excellent."
"Mother thinks of everything for her daughter ahead of time," Sister Jun felt nothing but happiness.
Jin Niang smiled again. "The estate has been raising geese lately. I'll have someone send some goose eggs over later. Just keep a brazier ready in your courtyard; you can eat them in the late stages of pregnancy. Our estate in Wu County grew some citrus fruits. I'll have some sent over. Remember to eat them when you have morning sickness..."
She went on about many things. At noon, when Sister Jun wanted her to stay for lunch, she immediately took her leave.
Sister Jun was very reluctant to see her go, but Jin Niang said, "Your mother can only help a little. Your life is still your own to live. Take good care of yourself. In a few days, I'll send Ying to see you."
Jin Niang left quickly. Sister Jun ate lunch alone. Now that she was pregnant, she was exempted from morning greetings. She wasn't the wife of the eldest son, nor did she manage the household, so it was better for her to rest at home.
Her attendant, Nanny Rong, came in from outside and said, "Mistress, the Fourth Young Mistress and the Eighth Young Mistress have come together."
They had come to visit. Sister Jun invited them in. The Fourth Young Mistress was like a wooden figure, very dull and not speaking much. It was Shen Qiniang who said, "We didn't dare come the past few days, afraid it might be inconvenient and disturb you instead. Today we heard your mother had come, so we came together."
It must be said, after marriage, Shen Qiniang, though still not fond of socializing, spoke slightly more appropriately than before.
Sister Jun smiled and said, "My mother just came to see me and bring some things."
Originally, Shen Qiniang was the new bride, but unexpectedly, because Sister Jun was pregnant, she stole Shen Qiniang's spotlight. Shen Qiniang didn't mind this, but the social obligations in the Wei Family were quite bothersome. Their relationships were generally ordinary, yet they still had to brace themselves and socialize.
Fortunately, after Sister Jun finished her meal, she felt a bit drowsy, so they could leave immediately.
By the time Sister Jun's pregnancy began to show, the Mid-Autumn Festival had already passed. Back at the old residence, Xuan'er had taken the "Bietou" examination. This was because he was Jiang Xian's nephew, so he didn't take the ordinary provincial examination.
Xuan'er passed the Bietou exam and was now waiting to take the Metropolitan Examination. This no longer required Jiang Xian's concern. The Wu and Wang families were making plans for him, but after Jiang Xian read his essays, he just shook his head.
"The Bietou exam is easy, but the Metropolitan Exam is difficult. Actually, I originally thought even the Bietou exam would be hard for him, based on his essays I saw some time ago," Jiang Xian gave an impartial assessment of Xuan'er.
Jin Niang stopped him from continuing. "Don't say such things. Our relationship with eldest sister-in-law is already lukewarm. Now that he's taking the Metropolitan Exam, we'll send some stationery supplies. And you, when you have some free time and are around many people, can introduce him to one or two others. Just do your best."
Hearing this, Jiang Xian agreed.
After the couple finished talking, someone outside announced that Brother Ning had returned. The boy was fourteen this year. Like Jin Niang, he wasn't picky about food and was resolute and persistent in his work. After just one year at the Imperial Academy, he was already a dormitory head, and it was said he was about to be appointed as a hall monitor.
Jin Niang quickly had someone set the meal. As the family of four was eating, Brother Ning said, "The instructor wants me to be the hall monitor. I tried to decline but couldn't. Managing people feels harder than studying."
This was the worry of this young lad. His character was meticulous and very upright. Being a second-in-command who didn't covet credit was fine, but being the person in charge meant doing more but also attracting more complaints.
Jiang Xian laughed. "You have to win over those who are on good terms with you to suppress those who don't listen to you. People tend to follow the crowd."
"Is that really necessary?" Brother Ning realized his father had quite a few tricks up his sleeve.
Jiang Xian said, "When dealing with some people, you should reveal your status when appropriate. Don't be too polite."
Brother Ning knew his father had two faces. In front of high officials and important people, he was absolutely first-rate in being considerate, anticipating needs without being asked, humble in attitude, and eloquent. He was also good to the useful lower officials, but he was quite strict with clerks, though this was also part of his methods.
Before, Brother Ning thought just studying was enough, but now it seemed he himself had to learn some methods of managing subordinates.
However, his mother had another approach: "First set the rules. Be polite first, then use force if necessary. If someone breaks the rules, use that person to establish your authority. In everything, you must make people genuinely convinced."
Brother Ning nodded inwardly. "I will remember what both father and mother have said."
After the meal, Brother Ning inquired about Brother Ding's studies. Brother Ding tried to dodge the question by being coy, but Jin Niang looked at her younger son and said, "You should listen to your elder brother regarding your studies."
After Brother Ning finished speaking, he even helped his younger brother devise a study plan. He then went to his study to rest and read, which was his habit. Jin Niang respected the habits of both her sons and daughters.
Early the next morning, Luo Yu'e came over to Jin Niang's place to have breakfast together. Madam Meng from across the way came by to ask a question. She was asking if Jin Niang knew of any reliable midwives or wet nurses, saying she was looking out for her second daughter.
"Why do you need to prepare these things yourself?" Jin Niang was worried that she might go to great lengths to find someone, only for the girl's in-laws to have already made arrangements, and then Madam Meng wouldn't need them anymore.
Madam Meng said, "I want to have some options ready in advance. The people over there aren't very attentive."
Jin Niang found it strange: "Their own grandson is about to be born, it's not some stranger's family, how could they not be attentive?"
If it were anyone else, Jin Niang would have dropped the subject. But Madam Meng was a person rather similar to Luo Yu'e, capable of going on in circles, repeating herself endlessly. So, Jin Niang quickly finished her questioning and took control of the conversation.
Sure enough, Madam Meng began to pour out her grievances: "They do look for people, but the ones they find are no good. All talk and no real care."
Having been in Bianjing for many years, Jin Niang did know a few decent midwives and wet nurses. She called Ying over and told her to find a few candidates to send across the street for Madam Meng to choose from. Madam Meng was profuse in her thanks.
In the tenth month, the second daughter of the Meng family gave birth to a big, healthy boy. The midwife was one sent by Madam Meng, and the two wet nurses were also sent by her. Jin Niang didn't know why Madam Meng, who had previously arranged for her daughter to marry a cousin from her maternal family—insisting at the time that the family was very good—now felt they were inattentive. After all, they were relatives.
However, the eldest Miss Sun was aware of the situation. She was just saying to her maid, Song'er: "Madam has been in a bad mood these past few days, let's avoid bothering her."
Song'er didn't understand: "The second young mistress has given birth to a son, so why is the Madam still so unhappy?"
The eldest Miss Sun had always been clear-sighted and quite capable. After entering the household, she had long since bribed some of Madam Meng's close attendants. It turned out that the young master of the Yan family had always wanted to marry a talented woman, one who could be a scholarly companion adding charm to his study. Madam Meng had recommended her own second daughter, claiming she was well-versed in literature. She had even procured poetry collections from somewhere to send over. The Yan and Meng families were already related by marriage, so a union between cousins seemed perfect.
At first, the second Miss Meng could keep up the pretense, but as time went on, her true level was exposed. Young Master Yan couldn't help but feel his wife was dishonest. For a woman in the inner quarters, losing her husband's favor, she could still rely on her aunt, who was also her mother-in-law. But compared to the second young lady, Madam Yan actually preferred the third young lady. She always felt that Madam Meng had relied on her family's status to overpower her brother back then. Also, Madam Yan had been on good terms with Huang, the concubine who was the mother of the third young master of the Meng family. Consequently, the second Miss Meng was neglected.
Naturally, Madam Meng wouldn't speak of such matters. She was a rather blunt person. Those around her saw the situation clearly but didn't want to tell her the truth and upset her.
The eldest Miss Sun's natural allegiance was to her own husband, yet she also felt sympathy for her mother-in-law.
When the wife's family background is too superior, even if she does nothing wrong, it can create a sense of oppression for the man.
But sympathy was one thing; she could only protect herself for now. Just then, someone from outside announced that Madam Jiang from across the street had arrived. Song'er said, "Madam Jiang rarely visits our house, I wonder what business she has?"
The eldest Miss Sun said, "That is the wife of the Kaifeng Prefect. I must go over."
Now, Jin Niang had come specifically because she heard Madam Meng was feeling unwell. Although her relationship with Madam Meng wasn't at the level of confidantes, Madam Meng was a rather straightforward and sincere person. As neighbors, it was only right to pay a visit.
Seeing Jin Niang, Madam Meng said again, "I'm just feeling a bit down in spirit, it's nothing serious. How kind of you, Madam, to come see me."
"What are you saying? I heard you weren't well and came to check on you. I don't know if the medicine I'm sending is suitable, I just picked out some mild tonics and came to see how you are," Jin Niang said with a smile.
Mere words of concern when someone is unwell aren't very useful; bringing some actual items is better, and people even record such gifts in their ledgers.
Madam Meng knew the Jiang family was wealthy, that Madam Jiang came from a distinguished family, that her own younger brother was a Jinshi scholar, her son was a National University student, and her husband had only her, one woman. A person like her probably never had any major worries in her life.
She looked at Jin Niang and said, "I'm really fine, thank you for your concern."
Jin Niang offered a few casual words of advice and promptly returned home. When Luo Yu'e asked about it, she waved her hand: "Other people's affairs, we listen if they're willing to talk, but we shouldn't pry if they're not. I used to be very curious about everything too, but later I realized all family matters are tangled messes. Listen less, or you'll just end up upsetting yourself."
"That does make sense," Luo Yu'e sighed softly.
After mother and daughter shared this moment of reflection, Jin Niang touched her own stomach and suddenly said, "Eating noodles every morning this past month, I feel like my stomach and face have rounded out. No, starting today, I need to eat less."
Luo Yu'e disapproved: "Just eat. Eating more gives you strength."
Jin Niang glanced at her naturally slender mother and lamented, "You and my brother are naturally thin people, you don't gain weight no matter what you eat. Someone like me, if I eat a bit more, I easily put on weight. As the saying goes, it's hard to buy thinness in old age with a thousand pieces of gold. I don't want to be very thin, but if I go back to how I was before, who knows how many illnesses might arise again."
"That's true. Then later we'll have rice congee. Do you know why you gain weight easily? It's because your brother and I prefer watery foods, while you like dry, solid ones. For us, a bowl of millet porridge and a boiled egg in the morning is perfect. But you insist on having noodles in the morning, or else fried dumplings. If you don't eat them for a few days, you complain about not being full." Luo Yu'e also had a good understanding of her daughter's physique.
Henceforth, Jin Niang also started having millet porridge and eggs for breakfast. For lunch, she followed a "two-one-one" diet for weight loss, and for dinner, she practiced "sixteen plus eight," finishing her meal early. Unlike before when she would wait to eat with Jiang Xian, the two of them eating for a long time, which led her to eat more and more.
After about two months of this, she had lost roughly ten catties. On the steelyard scale in the back garden, with counterweights on the other side, she had gone from about one hundred and ten catties to one hundred catties.
When Jiang Xian held her at night, he could feel her bones. "My dear, you've lost quite a bit of weight. Are you alright?"
"I'm fine. It's just that I was eating noodles a lot before, or having rich meat and vegetable dishes for dinner. I have to think about my own health. Now I feel much lighter," Jin Niang said with a smile.
Jiang Xian replied, "My dear, you truly have remarkable willpower."
Jin Niang thought to herself that throughout history, losing weight was something mostly achievable by those with money and leisure. Just like why she hadn't suffered hair loss or similar issues during her current weight loss—it was because the food she ate was rich in protein. Lunch often consisted of steamed perch, two types of green vegetables, and a small half-bowl of rice, or sometimes a few slices of beef. Ordinary households couldn't easily afford to eat like this.
Now, in the Song Dynasty, there were no coarse grains like sweet potatoes or corn yet, but there were still grains like japonica rice and buckwheat.
On ordinary days, Jiang Xian was mostly at the yamen, and Brother Ning was at the Imperial College. So, it was just her and Brother Ding as the masters at home. When Luo Yu'e and Wei Xiong came over, it would be the couple and Brother Ding eating from one pot, and the kitchen would prepare the meals according to her instructions.
Most importantly, besides a fixed two-hour period during the day for needlework and managing household affairs, her days now were mostly spent reading books, which was very relaxing.
At the end of the year, Steward Fan's eldest son, Fan Dalang, came in his father's place. There was the rent from the four hundred mu of land, and besides that, the citrus fruits, aquatic products, and other things Jin Niang had requested. Shopkeeper Yao did not come this year, as Jin Niang had already received his letter agreeing to use this year's profits to expand the hostel. Fortunately, there was still the twelve hundred strings of cash from the warehouse and the seven hundred and twenty strings from the Jinliang Bridge property.
Thus, the income from the family's businesses this year amounted to two thousand six hundred and sixty strings of cash. Combined with Jiang Xian's income, and despite higher expenditures this year, they still managed to save one thousand strings. Altogether, they had over three thousand strings.
After the New Year goods were dealt with, Jin Niang gave thirty-six strings of cash as a reward, along with six bolts of silk, two jars of wine from the Huixianlou restaurant, and a fine piece of fur to Fan Dalang.
Having received these, Fan Dalang decided to celebrate the New Year in the capital, as it was his first visit. Liu Dou'er entertained him for a while, and he mentioned waiting for the snow to melt before returning, deciding to stay and celebrate the New Year here, and so on.
Meanwhile, Jin Niang personally brought New Year gifts to visit her daughter. After not seeing her for several months, Sister Jun was already eight months pregnant, her belly so large she couldn't help but shift her waist and abdomen when sitting down.
"These are specially transported from Suzhou: Taihu whitebait, pufferfish, whitefish, and white shrimp. You shouldn't eat the same type of fish every day; they need to be kept in water vats and changed often for variety. Also, isn't your husband fond of shad? I happened to have some cured shad, along with some cured goose feet and citrus wine prepared together, so I brought those too. I also brought a basket of goose eggs," Jin Niang chattered on.
Sister Jun felt very warm hearing this, especially after getting married, when she came to realize that not every family was like hers. Even though Madam Wei doted on Seventh Young Master Wei, she wasn't as thoughtful and meticulous as her own mother.
She then said, "Mother, I'll have them take these to the kitchen later. Please come and keep me company for a while."
Jin Niang moved an embroidery stool herself to sit beside her daughter, even letting out a yawn: "I was so eager to come over that I didn't sleep well this morning."
Sister Jun felt quite heartbroken. She added, "Why don't you stay for a meal today before going back? Please? I've been terribly bored this whole month."
Seeing her daughter's earnest hope, she had no choice but to agree.
When Madam Wei heard about it, she said to Nanny You, "Tell the kitchen to prepare a few dishes that Third Aunt likes and send them over."
Nanny You hurried off to relay the order.
Unbeknownst to them, another in-law, Madam Wu, had also come to visit today. She was there because her daughter had given birth to a son, who was nearing his hundredth day, so she came ahead of time to see them.
Madam Wang had already finished her confinement period and was chatting with her mother: "Now that the eldest sister-in-law manages the household, neither I nor Seventh Sister-in-law covet the authority. The newly arrived sister-in-law also shows me considerable respect."
"That's good. Back when I was in Daming Prefecture, I always thought Madam Jiang was a very measured person, so the daughter she raised naturally wouldn't be lacking," Madam Wu also breathed a sigh of relief because of this.
But then Madam Wang said, "After I became pregnant, I elevated Taoye, a maid by my side, to concubine status. My mother-in-law didn't say anything about it. However, over at my sister-in-law's place, she keeps making Seventh Brother endure and train hard... Mother-in-law's words have been somewhat veiled..."
"Is that so? Such jealousy," Madam Wu felt that girl from the Jiang family wasn't very smart. The status of those concubines could never surpass hers; otherwise, people outside would criticize her for being unvirtuous. Once a woman gets labeled with "jealousy," even if she has a thousand good qualities, people will still think poorly of her.
Madam Wang nodded: "Yes, I think my mother-in-law is ultimately mindful that they are relatives, so she can't say too much."
Madam Wu admonished her daughter: "You just stay out of it. That Madam Jiang's mother is the Wei Family's Aunt. If she gives birth to a son, your mother-in-law probably won't have much to complain about anymore."
Meanwhile, Jin Niang was also listening to Sister Jun talk about this matter. Sister Jun added, "Mother, you're truly amazing, you guessed it so accurately."
"What's amazing about it? It's just from having seen more, that's why I could guess. Not to mention someone of your husband's caliber, even back when your father had two maids in his room—one was Nanny Rong by your side, the other was Steward Chen's wife—I took precautions beforehand. You can't open that floodgate, otherwise, what will people think they can get away with? A few words don't amount to much; after all, she comes from a respectable family," Jin Niang said with a smile.
Sister Jun nodded: "You're right. That's what I think too."
"And don't worry too much about whether it's a boy or a girl. Look at me, my first child was you, and I had your brother several years later. So what? You're stronger and more filial than any boy," Jin Niang comforted her daughter.
As a person, what you have is your husband's complete heart and body. In the future, it might be a lovely son or daughter. As for the words of your mother-in-law and outsiders, don't pay them too much mind.
Sister Jun, after all, was still a young woman. Hearing Jin Niang's words put her mind at ease, and she smiled: "You praising me like this makes me a bit embarrassed."
Jin Niang then used herself as an example: "I didn't get married until I was twenty. If I had really married and had children right after leaving the Zhou Family, at best I'd be doing some small business now, not enjoying the good life I have today."
"Yes," Sister Jun instantly felt full of confidence.
One shouldn't blindly follow the crowd; one must have their own ideas. If you feel resistance in your heart, don't force yourself to go along with the majority.
After sharing a meal, Seventh Young Master Wei returned home. Jin Niang spoke to him: "I know you're fond of shad, so I had some sent over."
Seventh Young Master Wei said happily, "Thank you, Mother-in-law."
"No need for thanks, it's only right. Just now, Sister Jun told me how well you treat her, and hearing that made me very happy. Back when I first married your father-in-law and was pregnant with your wife for the first time, I was terribly afraid, but fortunately, I had your father-in-law. So now, I am at ease," Jin Niang said.
Seventh Young Master Wei was about to say something more, but Jin Niang said, "You go in and keep her company. I have many things to attend to at home, so I'll head back now."
"Let me see you out," Seventh Young Master Wei was still very courteous.
But Jin Niang declined: "No need, no need. You stay here properly, it's warmer."
Wei Qilang had his Wet Nurse see Jin Niang out, then went in himself. He saw Sister Jun walking around the room, supporting her belly. He quickly walked over to her. "Why didn't you tell me in advance that your mother was coming today?"
"You were studying, how could I disturb you? Have you eaten?" Sister Jun had someone bring him hot tea.
Wei Qilang smiled. "I originally intended to come back to have lunch with you, but Wu Mazui came to see my father and wanted to see me as well. I had no choice but to entertain him."
Wu Mazui referred to the Director of the Bureau of Appointments. At his age, he was still of an age to focus on studies. If he failed the exams a few times, he would eventually have to take the hereditary official route, so of course his family needed to pave the way for him.
Sister Jun said with a gentle smile, "You just focus on your own affairs. By the way, there's something else I need to discuss with you. Your sixth brother has passed the preliminary exam and will take the provincial exam right at the start of the new year. What should we send as a gift? If he passes with distinction next year, it will be a major event for our family. Haven't you noticed how different Sixth Sister-in-law has been lately?"
Hearing this, although Wei Qilang's eyes still held a smile, the corners of his mouth drooped slightly. He tried to maintain his composure. "You decide on these matters."
"I was just thinking that when he takes the provincial exam next year, I'll probably be in confinement. You know, my mother has already sent gifts to my cousin. I heard from my mother that before my father passed the imperial examination, he suffered no end of gossip and criticism. Only after he became a Presented Scholar did the people around him start treating him well. It just shows how important scholarly honors are for a man. The gift we send certainly cannot be insignificant," Sister Jun sighed quietly.
After saying this, she called for Nanny Rong to discuss the preparations for the gifts. Wei Qilang took her words to heart, narrowing his eyes. His wife wasn't explicitly talking about him, yet every word seemed to point his way. He needed to strive harder as well. After all, a man needs face just as a tree needs bark.
