It is said that after Jin Niang returned from outside, her feet were frozen stiff. She quickly shed her outer garments and immediately burrowed into the bed. Yingluo and Cuihuan prepared the hot water bottle and charcoal brazier, and in an instant, she began to warm up.
The tea room sent over hot tea, which Qingrong brought in: "Please drink some quickly."
Jin Niang smiled and said, "You needn't mind me. Have some yourselves first. Tomorrow we won't be going out. It's truly too cold; my hands and feet almost couldn't move. It's a bit better inside the house."
After drinking a cup of hot tea, Jin Niang leaned against the pillow on the bed, feeling much more comfortable. She looked at Ying and said, "Your daughter is still at home. Go back and check on her first; there's no need to come back over."
Ying felt grateful in her heart. Her son was fine; he was now serving by Brother Ding's side. Following the young master, he naturally lacked neither charcoal, warm clothes, nor food, and could even earn a monthly wage while learning a few characters. However, her daughter was too young. She had hired a little maid from outside to look after her, but she was indeed uneasy, so she excused herself first.
Unexpectedly, within a quarter of an hour, Ying returned.
"Madam, the third wife of the Meng family across the street has given birth to a daughter. Madam Meng has already sent someone over."
Jin Niang said, "In that case, let us prepare the 'third-day bath' gift to send over later."
Ying assented and went to the storeroom to prepare. Over the years serving by Jin Niang's side, both mistress and maid knew to prepare things in advance and not procrastinate.
It is said that after Eldest Miss Sun gave birth to a daughter, she felt somewhat disheartened. It wasn't that she didn't like daughters, but that having a son would make her stand taller. When Fourth Madam Zhou heard this, she found it quite unbelievable: "You mustn't favor sons over daughters. Boys and girls are the same. Who's to say a daughter cannot be outstanding?"
"Mother, I'm not saying having a daughter is bad. But having a son provides more security. I'm still young; blooming first and bearing fruit later is also very good." Eldest Miss Sun remained quite insistent.
Fourth Madam Zhou fell silent in thought.
Finally, she said, "Whether you bear a son or a daughter isn't up to you."
Eldest Miss Sun didn't fully understand the meaning of these words, but as she looked at the daughter in her mother's arms, for some reason, her thoughts turned to preparing a dowry for her early on. Otherwise, scraping together five hundred strings of cash for a dowry would be as difficult as climbing to heaven, and she would be passively chosen by others in the future.
On the day of the 'third-day bath' for the Meng family's little daughter, Jin Niang sent Ying over with the gift.
That day, Jiang Xian was on his day off and said to Jin Niang, "The New Year is in just a few days. Are we preparing opera and a feast this year?"
"Not this year. It's not for any other reason; the weather is just too cold. You don't know, the other day when I returned from the Wei Family, my feet were completely frozen. It took half a day in bed to get warm." Jin Niang said, still remembering the cold from that day.
Jiang Xian couldn't help but ask about their daughter: "How is Sister Jun?"
"She's alright. The midwife says her pregnancy is progressing well. Our daughter has just married into that family and hasn't firmly established her footing yet. Every time we visit, it feels as if we are a step lower than them. I think we should wait until she has a firm footing before saying anything. Her path is ultimately for her to walk herself." Jin Niang said.
Actually, Jiang Xian felt his wife was more detached than he was. She was the type to do everything with utmost effort, and even if the outcome wasn't as desired, she wouldn't brood over it; instead, she would let it go.
She treated their daughter the same way: finding a good son-in-law by worldly standards, providing an extremely generous dowry, and the maternal family sending things over from time to time.
But ultimately, she would still completely let go.
If it were him, after putting in so much effort, if the result wasn't satisfactory, he would surely fight and contend, absolutely unwilling to let it rest.
As the New Year approached, Brother Ning was also very busy. He was now serving as the head of his dormitory. Besides studying classics, policy essays, and poetry daily, the Imperial College students also had to practice archery morning and evening.
Apart from his studies, he also had to enforce dormitory rules and penalize offending students, and register the conduct and academic performance of the students in his dormitory in a ledger every month.
Even the life of an Imperial College student in winter was quite arduous, cold and freezing. He had to prepare charcoal, pickled vegetables, etc., in advance. He was unwilling to use his family's influence for these matters. Early on, he had pooled funds from the dormitory, selected a place to buy charcoal, prepared everything as winter began, and had two fair-minded fellow students responsible for distribution.
After handling these matters, as the New Year approached, Brother Ning also prepared to pack his things and return home.
Many of his fellow students had come to the capital, Bianjing, from other regions to study and could only stay in the capital for the New Year. Brother Ning was not the type who enjoyed making many friends; he didn't have many close ones, preferring the friendship of gentlemen, which is as light as water.
Moreover, his father was the Prefect of Kaifeng. He rarely revealed his identity at the Imperial College. If he brought people home, they were originally fellow students of equal status, but once they knew his background, it would create a sense of inequality.
"This is a jar of salted duck eggs and two strings of cured meat I specially prepared for our dormitory. If you run out of money, remember to eat them." Brother Ning said, waving goodbye.
Although he was a fourteen-year-old youth, both his scholarship and his handling of affairs commanded the respect of his fellow students.
Returning home from the Imperial College, the first thing he did was rush back to find his mother. He even passed by Jiang Xian without noticing, dashing towards the main courtyard, leaving Jiang Xian looking bewildered.
It is also said that at Jin Niang's place, as the New Year was approaching, she was discussing the New Year's Eve dinner, ancestral sacrifice offerings, and such with Ying, Qingrong, and others. Unexpectedly, Brother Ning returned, immediately performing a bow upon arrival.
Jin Niang stepped forward to help her son up: "Get up quickly. I was just thinking you'd be back soon."
"Mother, I was thinking of coming to see you sooner, so I returned early today. But don't worry, I've taken care of all matters at the dormitory." Brother Ning said, patting his small chest.
Jin Niang felt that Brother Ning was actually the child most like her. He wasn't as naturally adept at socializing as others, disliked taking advantage of people, was appropriately generous when needed, and very responsible.
But such a nature also meant a life of constant worry.
With Brother Ning back, Brother Ding followed his older brother like a little tail. Jin Niang never praised one child to put down another, so the two brothers got along very well.
As soon as he returned, Second Son Meng and Third Son Meng from across the street came over to talk. Brother Ning was a good student at the college and at home, the son of the Prefect, a first-class young master.
Seeing the two brothers, Brother Ning smiled and said, "How did you two gentlemen know I was back? Come, let's talk in the second hall."
Second Son Meng's scholarship was not as good as his elder brother's, and his flexibility was not as good as his younger brother Third Son Meng's. He merely gave a hearty laugh. Third Son Meng said, "Just now, my brother and I were returning from our aunt's house and saw your family's carriage. We thought it must be you, and upon asking, it really was."
“Come, come, let the three of us have a refined conversation.” Brother Ning also quite enjoyed discussing things he was interested in with others.
...
Third Son Meng returned home after having a meal at the Jiang residence. His wife was still in her confinement period, so he went to his study. The maid attending the study had sleeves of bright red, setting off her fair skin, and a waist so slender one could almost encircle it with one hand.
His heart stirred slightly.
Originally, he hadn't entertained the thought, considering they were a scholarly family; taking a concubine too soon would make his wife lose face. But Madam Sun seemed quite virtuous. Well, never mind. Now that the Sun family had been promoted in rank, he couldn't act improperly either.
...
In the blink of an eye, New Year's Eve arrived. Last year, Sister Jun had still been home for the festivities, but this year it was just the four of them.
Brother Ning was speaking to Jiang Xian: "Father, I heard that Xin Ge from the third branch also passed the Cao Examination? He'll be taking the Provincial Examination next year with Brother Xuan?"
"That's correct," Jiang Xian nodded.
Brother Ning smiled. "A few days ago, I went back to the old residence to pay respects to our grandparents. I also visited the main branch and saw Uncle Yan. He mentioned he's planning to establish a clan school. Why don't we leave the three hundred mu of land the clan originally donated to us as sacrificial fields? That way, our Jiang family legacy can be passed down. Our household doesn't really need those three hundred mu anyway. Father, why not do a good deed?"
In his view, Madam Xu's actions were utterly outrageous. He had been looking for a solution for a while, but previously, he hadn't found a good method. After all, his uncle had resigned from his official post, and his father, both emotionally and logically, had to show consideration for the main branch, even having to return home for the annual sacrifices before.
But he was unwilling to let Madam Xu keep taking advantage like this.
Ever since becoming the head of the college dining hall, he had learned to make every penny count. With his monthly allowance of two strings of cash, he could still save several hundred coppers each month.
Jin Niang and Jiang Xian exchanged a look. In truth, the couple both guessed their son was dissatisfied with Madam Xu. Jin Niang immediately supported her son: "What he says makes sense. It would be better to donate those several hundred mu to the clan. Speaking of which, Uncle from the main branch has long been idle at home. Although their family is still well-off, it's not easy for them either."
"Good. Then Brother Ning shall go and speak on my behalf," Jiang Xian said with a smile.
Brother Ning nodded. "If you truly entrust this matter to me, that's fine. Just write a letter by hand, and I'll deliver it."
Jiang Xian agreed to everything.
The matter was indeed settled. When Jiang Yan saw it was Brother Ning who came, he initially felt the slight condescension adults often have towards young men—not true disdain, but a sense that they might act rashly. However, Brother Ning, though young, was clear and logical in his presentation. Moreover, the fact that Jiang Xian was willing to entrust the matter to his son showed great trust.
After conversing with his nephew for a few more sentences, Jiang Yan found him quick-witted and principled, and thus agreed.
How to reclaim the land from there was Jiang Yan's affair; he would have to negotiate with Madam Xu. If he couldn't handle such a matter decisively, he would likely have to step down as clan head sooner or later.
Returning from the clan, Jiang Xian felt his eldest son had truly grown up.
Though living in comfort, he was completely different from that Wei Seventh Son; he genuinely understood the hardships of the world and handled affairs meticulously and thoroughly. Only with this reasoning could Madam Xu not refuse, and it would also build the clan's reputation.
Madam Xu was furious, hopping mad, but there was nothing she could do. She could only complain bitterly to anyone she met, criticizing Jiang Xian and Jin Niang. Jin Niang was already immune to this. Before, Madam Xu had told her own family that Jin Niang was domineering, that Jiang Xian was henpecked, unfilial to elders, and so on. People had always informed the couple, but for the sake of face, they hadn't torn off the pretense.
Now, with the three hundred mu taken away, Madam Xu's true intentions were laid bare.
But all she could do was complain, because Jiang Xian hadn't taken the land back for his own use but had donated it to the clan to support impoverished scholars.
With the household income suddenly halved, those from Madam Xu's family who came to borrow money could only leave in disappointment.
Jin Niang looked at her son with a smile, unable to resist praising him: "Good son, well done."
Brother Ning smiled. "It was nothing."
But Jin Niang didn't want her son to always bear such worries. Those who managed affairs knew that once something weighed on your mind, you would be restless day and night. Only when the matter was resolved would one feel much more at ease.
So, she said, "After the New Year, focus on your studies at the Imperial College. Your father and I will manage affairs at home."
Brother Ning liked helping his mother because he never worried about being betrayed, and the things he did were acknowledged by others.
Before the first lunar month was out, Luo Da reported that a family near their estate in Bianjing wanted to sell land—all prime fields. He asked if Jin Niang wanted to buy. Having spare money now, of course she wanted to buy. At nearly three strings of cash per mu, she bought all one hundred adjacent mu, spending a total of two hundred and eighty strings. The seller also handed over the contracts of the tenant farmers to her.
She left these matters for Luo Da to handle, and he quickly settled them.
Now, Jin Niang wouldn't make any major investments. Her daughter was married—that was the biggest expense already dealt with. The houses, land, and shops for her two sons were also mostly prepared. Through selling embroidery, Jin Niang had saved nearly a thousand strings of private funds. Therefore, she became more cautious.
A person's most glorious years are but a few. That's why they say maintaining wealth is harder than building it—that's the idea.
There was no help for it. Others had ancestral property to inherit. Even the Meng family across the street, it was said that when Old Master Meng passed away, he left behind a fortune of ten thousand strings, which was why the Meng family was so prosperous. Not to mention Jiang Yan or Zhang the Ninth, whose family assets were exceedingly ample. This was something they couldn't match from the start.
Jin Niang and her family could only earn it themselves, so every coin had to be carefully budgeted.
Like last year's bamboo from the garden; around her birthday in the summer, they sold about ten stalks and earned two strings. This spring, they'd plant more bamboo, and when it flourished in summer, they might sell even more.
Jiang Xian hardly bought antiques anymore these days. Last time, for their daughter's dowry, they included antiques he had usually collected, which added great face.
As for the flowers in the garden, once Jin Niang had admired them enough, she would have Luo Da's wife handle them. She would contact buyers herself, handing over half the proceeds, so everyone made a profit.
Quick money like loan-sharking or holding silent partnerships was easy, but she felt the risk was too great; those weren't proper paths. It was better to earn honest money, for peace of mind.
Thinking of this, Jin Niang began embroidering again. The gauze screen she used before was embroidered back when they were in Daming Prefecture and was somewhat worn. She stored it in the warehouse for future guests, while she could embroider a new one to display in her own home.
Luo Yu'e and Wei Xiong came after the New Year. Jin Niang said, "Early next month, Sister Jun will likely give birth. I must go over there. I've asked you two elders to come mainly to help look after Brother Ding for me."
The old couple naturally agreed.
Luo Yu'e also asked, "I heard someone across the street from you also had a child?"
"Yes, have you forgotten? I even went over for the celebration feast," Jin Niang said with a laugh.
"I remember now, it seems she gave birth to a girl. It was quite an ordeal, and I'm afraid she'll have to keep trying. That's why people say, 'Many sons bring a mother's punishment.'" Luo Yu'e, when she was young, her monthly cycle only came once every three months, so she had few children. Having two was fine for her, but those who bore eight or ten, while it's said to bring a flourishing family line, actually suffered terribly.
Jin Niang nodded: "Exactly. Oh, that reminds me, I heard your sister-in-law is expecting?"
This sister-in-law referred to Zhang Pingjun. Upon hearing this, Luo Yu'e said: "She conceived around the New Year."
"Since she's with child, has she asked you to go and look after her a bit?" Jin Niang asked.
Luo Yu'e gave an evasive laugh: "She has plenty of people around to care for her. She doesn't lack for me."
Jin Niang thought to herself that Brother Ning was somewhat self-motivated in his studies, but Brother Ding was a little rascal who usually needed her to force him to read. He probably wouldn't listen to his grandparents either. So she only said: "In that case, I'll just take Brother Ding with me to his sister's place. He's still young anyway. As for you and father, you can keep an eye on the house during the day. If my sister-in-law has any need for you two, you can go over."
"Why go to all that trouble? We'll take care of things for you," Luo Yu'e insisted.
Jin Niang waved her hand: "This child started studying again even before the Lantern Festival. I was thinking of letting him rest for a few days. His father is always busy with official duties at the yamen and can't keep an eye on him."
Although children are innocent by nature, they instinctively know who is easy to talk to and who won't dare to discipline them. Like Luo Yu'e and Wei Xiong towards him—he was their grandson after all, they wouldn't dare to truly discipline him. A child would seize upon that, and tantrums and crying would be common.
Spring.
Luo Yu'e thought Jin Niang believed they would naturally be closer to their daughter-in-law, hence this arrangement, and felt somewhat hurt. Therefore, she resolved to stay with her husband and properly mind their daughter's house.
They were, after all, the masters of the house. During the day when Jiang Xian was not home, they served to keep things steady.
In the evening when Jiang Xian returned, Jin Niang discussed it with him: "Anyway, if I'm not home, my parents probably won't be able to handle him, and I wouldn't feel at ease. It's better to just take him along."
Jiang Xian held Jin Niang's hand, somewhat reluctant: "Do you really have to go? If you go, might the Wei Family think we're being too much..."
It wasn't that Jiang Xian didn't care about their daughter, but he was afraid it might cause friction.
Jin Niang smiled: "It just so happens that Madam Wei asked me to come. She said when the wives of the eldest branch, Madam Fan and Madam Wang, were giving birth, their mothers all went. Otherwise, my original plan was to wait until our daughter went into labor and have someone come fetch me immediately."
"If that's the case, then go stay for a few days, and don't worry about home. I'll be back every day, don't worry." Jiang Xian wanted to say more, but now wasn't the right time.
Instead, Jin Niang left Ying behind to manage social obligations and gifts, and had Qingrong reduce her luggage to just two bundles. She wasn't a truly delicate lady. Back when she traveled from Jiangling to Bianjing, she ate humble meals, chewed on cold flatbreads, and was delighted with just a handful of broad beans. When staying at someone else's home, what she feared most was causing trouble for them.
One could say she wasn't grand or imposing, but that was just how she was.
However, she also said: "Pack more money for tips."
For her son, she also packed two bundles: change of clothes, shoes, socks, toiletries, and such.
But for Sister Jun, she was bringing things: several soft, well-washed old clothes—so the infant wouldn't feel uncomfortable—and swaddling clothes, quilted wraps, baby clothes, bonnets, little socks, bibs, cut-up diaper cloths, a baby bathtub and towels, all prepared and made by Minzhi.
After all, Minzhi had previously specialized in making children's clothes at Jin Niang's shop. Since Sister Jun became pregnant last year, Jin Niang had told her not to do other needlework and to focus on these items.
Unexpectedly, at this time, Madam Meng came by with her daughters-in-law for a visit. Seeing Jin Niang's preparations, she said: "Madam Jiang, are you sending these to the Wei Family?"
"No, I'm going to the Wei Family. Our in-laws said that when their daughters-in-law give birth, they have their own mothers come to stay for peace of mind. I thought that sounded good. So, I'm planning to go tomorrow," Jin Niang explained with a smile.
The eldest Miss Sun, listening from behind, felt an inexplicable sense of loss. She had always thought marrying into such a high-ranking family meant entering a deep, impenetrable sea. She hadn't expected the Wei Family to be so considerate.
Madam Meng laughed: "That's wonderful. Having one's own mother by one's side is stronger than anything."
Jin Niang also told Madam Meng about the items she had prepared, asking if there was anything to add. Madam Meng wasn't as knowledgeable as the eldest Miss Sun, who was very enthusiastic and offered many suggestions.
"I'm sure your daughter will give birth to a son, especially if her belly is pointy," Madam Meng said flatteringly.
Jin Niang smiled: "That's what I think. If his family shows any disdain, I'll just take the child back and raise it myself. Anyway, I've prepared clothes for both boys and girls. Back when my eldest daughter got married, I even prepared a 'hundred-scrap' garment. I don't mind those things. They're still young."
The eldest Miss Sun thought this was the kind of talk that truly put one at ease. Her own mother always said it was okay not to marry, but if she didn't marry, she might end up alone and helpless in the future. Her mother also said one mustn't favor sons over daughters, that one must love daughters. But if the Meng family despised a daughter, would her mother take her granddaughter in to raise?
The eldest Miss Sun wasn't saying her mother was bad, but the things her mother said often felt impractical. Look at Madam Jiang—she never spouted slogans, yet she was able to send her daughter to a girls' school, hire a Jinshi scholar to teach the Four Books and Five Classics upon returning to the capital, and give her daughter a dowry almost ten times her own. Now, with her daughter giving birth, she was also going over fully prepared, ensuring her daughter had no worries.
In the future, she must be like this with her own daughter.
The next day, Jin Niang took Brother Ding to the Wei Family, going directly to the Qixia Pavilion and staying in the west wing room.
In the evening, the Wei Family wanted to arrange a banquet, but Jin Niang declined: "She could go into labor at any moment. I'd rather stay by her side. Otherwise, I wouldn't feel at ease even while eating."
She knew saying this might displease Madam Wei, as it somewhat infringed on others' roles, but since she had been asked to come, she had to take responsibility.
In this regard, Brother Ning was like her. If you weren't going to do something, fine, but if you were, you had to do it thoroughly and leave nothing out.
Of course, when Jin Niang and her son arrived, the one who attracted the most attention was Brother Ding. As Brother Ning grew older, his frame became more imposing, his whole person dashing and spirited. He spoke with great conviction and was not easily swayed. Even when Wei the Seventh often invited him out, he might not go. Brother Ding, having grown into his features, combined the best of Jin Niang and Jiang Xian. His skin was snow-white, and despite his young age, he had long eyelashes. He was extremely close to Jin Niang, making everyone envious.
With her mother and younger brother by her side, Sister Jun's nervousness vanished in an instant. She knew her mother would handle things more thoroughly than she could imagine.
When the labor pains began that evening, Jin Niang sent someone to fetch the midwife from the side room. She instructed others to prepare hot water and a new pair of scissors, and had the kitchen stew some ginseng soup to have on hand.
The midwife observed, "The Seventh Mistress has a good fetal position. Now that her water has broken, it likely won't be long. Your preparations are very timely."
Jin Niang smiled. "Please focus on the delivery. All this will be yours when it's done."
The midwife's eyes lit up when she saw Jin Niang holding out a pair of gold bracelets.
Outside, the Seventh Master of the Wei Family paced back and forth until his mother, Madam Wei, said, "Do settle down. Her mother is in there with her, after all."
The Seventh Master looked at his mother. "Mother, I wonder if it's a boy or a girl this time. If it's a daughter, please don't—"
"Set your mind at ease. If I needed your reminders on such matters, I'd have lived all these years in vain. Your wife conceived soon after entering our household, clearly a sign of many blessings and sons. Look at her mother too; she had a daughter first, then a son." After saying this, Madam Wei felt a slight pang—her son was now attentive even to such details.
Well, Madam Wei thought, a smooth delivery was still the greatest hope.
As mother and son fell silent, the cry of a newborn was heard from within. Sister Jun had given birth to a daughter, and both mother and child were safe and sound.
...
Jin Niang came out carrying the baby. Looking at Madam Wei and the Seventh Master, she sighed with relief. "I have not failed the trust of our in-laws. The delivery was finally smooth, and my heart is at ease now."
The tiny baby's features were still indistinct, but the Seventh Master was so overjoyed he was practically dancing, unable to find the right words.
Madam Wei glanced at her son and said to Jin Niang with a mix of amusement and exasperation, "This child of mine isn't much good under pressure. We are so indebted to you for being here."
"I'd say it's more due to the skilled midwife you engaged. I heard she can correct fetal positions. With the position right, the baby comes more easily," Jin Niang replied with a smile.
After the two women exchanged a few more polite compliments, Jin Niang went back inside to hand the baby to the wet nurse. Only then did she truly relax, feeling happy for her daughter. Her son-in-law was genuinely concerned about his wife, constantly asking how she was...
And so, her mission was accomplished. She could now retreat quietly, her role fulfilled, her contribution known only to herself.
