Jin Niang wanted to return, but Jiang Xian was uneasy about her traveling alone: "You are unaware that last year Bianjing suffered a great flood. Much of the grain tribute was transported from Luoyang to Bianjing, and the roads are now full of bandits."
"But I still must return," Jin Niang stated matter-of-factly.
Jiang Xian pressed her to stay: "Jin Niang, if you do not return, the Prime Minister's faction will know that we were sent out due to factional strife, and they will see it as showing consideration for the younger generation. You don't understand that those who contend fiercely in court may not necessarily have poor personal relations in private. Your sudden return now might achieve the opposite effect."
Jin Niang suddenly understood, but her thoughts were on another matter: "If our son is assigned to a provincial post, what about his marriage? That's why I must go back."
"My lady, do you think you can select a perfectly suitable daughter-in-law in just two months? Clearly, you cannot. If you end up choosing someone who merely puts on a good front, like my sister-in-law, think of the trouble you'd have for the rest of your life. Let us first send a letter to our in-laws, entrusting them to look after our son. Who wouldn't be willing to do a favor that adds icing to the cake? If our son can remain in Bianjing, you can then select a virtuous maiden from either Luoyang or Bianjing. Wouldn't that be the best of both worlds?" If Jiang Xian had initially used a stratagem to have his wife accompany him, he was now genuinely considering their eldest son's welfare.
With parents present in the capital, outsiders find it harder to interfere. If the parents are absent, many are only too willing to offer favors, hoping the child, being young, will remember their kindness.
Jin Niang understood. Both she and Jiang Xian wrote separate letters to be sent to Bianjing.
However, she still said, "Once our son's official appointment is confirmed, I must still return for a visit. I need to see him."
Jiang Xian remained silent. In his mind, his wife's safety was paramount.
Meanwhile, after Brother Ning passed the provincial examination, he soon received a letter from his father. He understood clearly that in personal conduct, he could learn from his mother, but in official matters, he should heed his father's advice more. Although outsiders said his father's official integrity was not the best, since his birth, the family's circumstances had only improved.
After reading the letter, he sent a message to the Wei household.
He had initially felt somewhat embarrassed to visit, because he had passed the provincial exam while his brother-in-law, Seventh Master Wei, had not. This outcome was unexpected. He had originally thought that if he failed the provincial exam, he could go to Luoyang to experience the ancient capital's atmosphere, meet some notable figures, and be with his parents. He hadn't anticipated that after the palace examination, he would likely receive an official post.
In contrast, his brother-in-law and sister had been married for three years. Seventh Master Wei had finally settled his mind to study seriously. Although he was only twenty-one, a very young age, he was eager for scholarly honor, and now things had not gone as he wished.
The key point was that Brother Ning had kept saying he would go to Luoyang, while his brother-in-law had instead offered him advice on the way of being an official.
Unbeknownst to him, when Seventh Master Wei heard his brother-in-law had come, he felt awkward but still informed Sister Jun and went out to meet him. Sister Jun knew her husband felt uncomfortable, not towards her brother, but because he was older yet had been surpassed by a younger man.
But such feelings could only be soothed by himself; others could do little. It was just like in the past with her uncle Wei Yang and Second Master Hao—her uncle passed, while Second Master Hao, from an official family, did not.
It was only several years later, in the current examination, that Second Master Hao finally passed, albeit at the very bottom of the list, but he passed nonetheless, becoming a fellow graduate with her own brother.
Brother Ning was granted an audience by Chancellor Wei, who made time to see him. He delivered the letter and then went with Seventh Master Wei to the Qixia Courtyard to talk.
"You haven't been visiting. Your sister misses you," Seventh Master Wei said, having now settled his own feelings.
Brother Ning smiled, "Isn't that why I'm here now? Mainly, my parents instructed me not to go anywhere else after the exams, for fear of any mishaps."
Seventh Master Wei agreed, "That's sensible. After the announcement at Donghua Gate, your sister and I will go to Jinliang Bridge first to help make arrangements for you. Don't worry."
After exchanging a few more words, Brother Ning stood up, "I should take my leave now."
"I'll escort you on the day of the palace examination," Seventh Master Wei said, lifting his chin in his usual manner.
Brother Ning replied, "My grandfather said he would take me."
"He was capable in his youth, but nowadays carriages dash about recklessly. I'll take you," Seventh Master Wei said, patting his shoulder.
Brother Ning was somewhat moved.
Returning home, he found his uncle Wei Yang had arrived. His grandmother was holding his uncle's hand, giving him instructions. Seeing this, Brother Ning thought he had always believed his grandmother treated his mother well, but now it seemed she clearly favored his uncle more.
His mother had to do so much to earn his grandparents' affection, while his uncle didn't need to do anything, not even visit his parents often, yet his grandparents still cared for their son the most.
His own parents treated his sister and his brothers quite equally. Like now, he was alone in Bianjing for the provincial and palace examinations. His mother very much wanted to return, but his father gave precise advice: entrusting his future to the Wei family, letting them do the favor and gain the credit, was more suitable than his mother's return.
All in all, putting himself in her place, he now understood why he once remembered his mother saying to his grandmother, "Every time you mention Brother Yang first. When I bring up the things you mention, you get angry and scold me instead."
In fact, many things from his memory only became clear to him at this moment. That's why his mother and father, and their own small family, were actually the best to each other.
It seems there are always such unspeakably complex feelings among family members. But regardless, his grandparents were almost always available for him without complaint, and his uncle also showed him considerable care.
Snapping out of his thoughts, Brother Ning saw Wei Yang walking towards him, though he himself looked somewhat dejected.
"Uncle, what's wrong? You don't look too well," Brother Ning inquired.
Wei Yang waved his hand, "It's nothing much."
Brother Ning thought it was probably matters related to the official circles. His uncle had been working in the Ministry of Works. He was actually quite easy to get along with, with a rather mild temperament. But when it came to striving and making advances, he was somewhat weaker.
In the past, his father was willing to let his uncle use his connections. Now that he was about to take the palace examination, his parents were most likely willing to pour all their connections into boosting him. There was a difference here. His uncle's marriage had been arranged in haste, while his parents refused to settle for anything less than the best for his own marriage. Thinking this, he felt relieved—people's hearts often have their preferences.
Just like his mother—if she spent all her time revolving around a few people in her natal family, she would never have her own true happiness.
Although Wei Yang had been away from the examination system for many years, he was a graduate of the Imperial Academy and still had some skill. Giving his nephew a few pointers was more than sufficient. His grandmother wanted to keep his uncle for a meal, but his uncle said, "I won't stay. I should head back."
After he left, he didn't mention escorting Brother Ning to the palace examination. It was Luo Yu'e, who understood social niceties a bit better, who reminded Wei Yang, and only then did he remember.
"There's no need to trouble uncle. My brother-in-law said he would come."
Wei Yang felt a bit embarrassed for a moment. He truly hadn't considered these things. Before marriage, many matters were handled by his mother and sisters; now that he was married, it was all managed by his wife.
With that said, everyone dispersed.
Brother Ning went to the study. He actually missed his parents very much, but what his father said was also right. If Mother traveled back alone by land and was robbed, the loss would outweigh the gain. If he could stay in Bianjing this time, meeting his parents was just a matter of sooner or later.
Before Brother Ning's final imperial examination results were announced, Jiang Xian fell from his horse. Jin Niang had always felt her husband was her protective talisman. Now that her husband was also in trouble, she had to force herself to stay calm and send for a doctor.
She personally decocted the medicine and also had to mind his mood.
"The doctor said the spine wasn't injured. With good rest for half a month, you'll recover. Just lie still like this. I'll feed you medicine twice a day and make bone broth and shrimp. I promise you'll get better quickly," Jin Niang said with a smile.
For the first three days Jiang Xian was bedridden, he could barely even sit up. During this time, Jin Niang became his complete emotional support.
"I've looked at the prescription for this bowl of medicine; it's all for pain relief. I copied the formula down, take a look." Jin Niang knew that Jiang Xian, fearing retaliation, hardly ever consumed anything from outsiders except the food she prepared.
He had some knowledge of medicine. After checking it, he indeed drank it all in one go.
After he finished the medicine, Jin Niang sat beside him doing needlework, like a guardian deity.
"Wife, will you be going out later?" Jiang Xian asked, looking at her.
Jin Niang smiled, "Yes, later I'll go to the study to fetch a few books and also need to split some silk thread. You rest well. I won't be going out anyway."
"That puts my mind at ease. You know, when I was little, every time I played truant, I'd claim I was unwell. Fortunately, my mother would cover for me, and I could sleep in at home without a care," Jiang Xian said, telling a joke.
Hearing this, Jin Niang also laughed.
At noon, she first fed him bone broth, then some rice, before finally resting on the couch beside him.
"If you need to relieve yourself later, I'll call Hutou and Liu Dou'er in. You must tell me first," Jin Niang said.
Jiang Xian nodded slightly.
Fortunately, Jiang Xian practiced martial arts and was usually kept in good health by Jin Niang's care. Both of them used to suffer from backaches, but later, Jin Niang often applied hot salt packs and they took frequent walks, and it actually got better.
And now this had happened again!
After her nap, Jin Niang comforted him, "As the saying goes, after extreme bad luck comes good luck. Perhaps we'll have a great joyous event soon."
The couple talked for an hour before Jiang Xian finally brightened up, saying, "It must be that our Brother Ning passed, and Brother Xuan didn't. Sister-in-law must be furious."
"Don't be so proud yet. I'd say it's your official position that will advance further," Jin Niang said playfully.
After enduring like this for half a month, Jiang Xian could stand and walk. He went to his office by sedan chair every day. A month later, apart from occasional aches, he was back to normal and could even ride horses as usual.
Jin Niang breathed a sigh of relief.
News from Brother Ning soon arrived. He had passed, ranking seventeenth in the second tier. It was said he performed exceptionally well and was appointed as an Assistant Magistrate, assigned to the West Capital's Judge's Office.
"So our son is coming to Luoyang," Jin Niang thought, feeling her nominal brother was really considerate.
The Song dynasty's avoidance regulations mainly included kinship avoidance and avoidance of serving in one's native place or where one had property. This meant that as long as father and son didn't serve in their native place or in the same office, it was permissible.
Jiang Xian was also very pleased, "Certainly. I'll first notify the Henan Prefecture office to have the official residence cleaned up. You, meanwhile, can slowly start looking for a daughter-in-law."
"Our whole family being together is better than anything else." This was what Jin Niang longed for most.
Jiang Xian felt the same. Before, he was the only one in the family serving as an official away from home, with hardly any right to be willful. Now that their son had also entered officialdom, he could finally, in his lifetime, rely on family.
While the couple was busy with this, things in the capital were in an uproar.
After Brother Ning passed the palace examination, the happiest was undoubtedly Sister Jun, who had been waiting for the results. From a sister's perspective, she was happy for her brother; from a self-interested angle, her brother passing the imperial examination meant a reliable maternal family.
Her brother was only seventeen. Even serving for thirty years, he wouldn't be fifty. Their father wasn't even forty yet and still had twenty or thirty years of official career ahead. With the family prospering, her life in her husband's household would be even better.
However, this also brought many troubles. Matchmakers almost wore out the doorstep, and there were even fights.
Someone like Brother Ning—the eldest legitimate son of a current third-rank official, young, handsome, and now a presented scholar—instantly became a coveted prospect in many eyes. Most importantly, he was not yet betrothed.
Sister Jun informed her mother-in-law that she needed to go home to help.
Madam Wei said with a smile, "Go ahead. Your mother and the others really should have settled this earlier. But it's good that you'll all be in Luoyang together. That's a good thing."
Sister Jun felt displeased hearing this but kept a smile on her face.
Her mother was strict with her brother, which was why he passed the imperial exam at seventeen. Why couldn't her own husband ever apply himself to his studies? Wasn't it because her mother-in-law spoiled him too much?
If her mother were still in the capital, she could have confided a bit. Now she could only keep it bottled up. After paying her respects, she went out.
Leaving through the main gate, she ran into Shen Qiniang, who appeared increasingly isolated. Sister Jun felt some sympathy for her. She wasn't liked by the Second Madam, and the First Madam was naturally quite cold to her too. In this mansion, she didn't even have a place to have a conversation.
But Sister Jun thought, why should she carry others' grief as her own? Shaking her head, she had a carriage prepared and went to Jinliang Bridge.
As soon as she arrived at her maternal home, she first saw Madam Meng from across the street coming over, followed by Eldest Miss Sun. She knew that Madam Meng's eldest son had already been assigned to a provincial post, with his wife Lin Shi accompanying him. The Second Young Master Meng's wife was often ill, so it was Eldest Miss Sun who often followed Madam Meng around, quite perceptive.
"Seventh Young Madam is back. Your household is so lively now. I've also come to help," Madam Meng said with a smile.
Sister Jun said warmly, "When my mother was in Luoyang, she often said a good neighbor is better than a distant relative. She had a good relationship with you. Now that my brother is about to go to Luoyang, during this period of gatherings and preparations, I'll have to trouble you to look after things."
Listening to their conversation, Eldest Miss Sun remembered how her own mother, in those years, had only focused on urging her and her sister in their studies, deliberately maintaining a balance with her brother. In truth, the one whose studies should be most urged in a family was the son. Look at Jiang Jun (Sister Jun). Even though her father went to Luoyang, her brother passing the imperial examination now meant the Wei family had to regard her with more respect.
If her own brother also passed the imperial examination, things would surely be different in the future.
However, it's not a pressing matter. Now that her son has begun his studies, she can teach him to read as well.
Just as they were thinking this, word came from outside that Minister Jiang had arrived. Everyone knew this meant Jiang Yan and his wife were here.
When Sister Jun saw Madam Xu again, she felt she had gained a bit more weight. This aunt really was something, always talking about eating vegetarian, yet getting plumper and plumper, her face so taut it didn't have a single wrinkle.
"Sister Jun, how is your brother's marriage matter coming along?" Madam Xu inquired.
Sister Jun smiled, "How could I possibly make the decisions? He's going to Luoyang soon, and my mother will have to take care of it."
Madam Xu snorted coldly inwardly. Her own son hadn't even passed the imperial exams yet, while the son of some merchant woman had such good fortune, actually passing the exams. Some of the opportunistic members of the main Jiang family branch were already flocking here to join the excitement.
Fortunately, her son was preparing to enter officialdom through the hereditary privilege system. This thought allowed her to feel slightly more at peace.
Jiang Yan and his wife came for a visit and then left. It was Wei, the seventh young master, who came to see his wife, saying, "Brother Ning is currently reading the books left by your father from his time as a prefectural judge. He's incredibly nervous."
"Of course he is. Going from a young man still studying to suddenly becoming a prefectural judge in the Western Capital would make anyone nervous." Sister Jun could understand her brother's feelings.
Wei, the seventh young master, suddenly had a whimsical thought: "What if we also went to Luoyang? Brother Ning looks like he's definitely planning to make a big splash there."
Sister Jun glanced at her husband. "Going is possible, but we'd need your parents' permission."
"I was just saying," Wei, the seventh young master, chuckled.
He had been sickly as a child and stayed in Daming Prefecture, later coming to the capital. Luoyang was his maternal grandparents' home, practically a second hometown for him.
Sister Jun shook her head. "Let's arrange the tea and meal first. You go entertain in the second hall. We'll manage today's affairs first."
"Alright," Wei, the seventh young master, hurried off to the second hall.
Just as the meal was almost ready, her aunt and uncle also arrived. Sister Jun quickly said, "I was just wondering why you and Uncle hadn't come yet."
Zhang Pingjun said, "Later, you and your husband should head back first. Your uncle and I can handle things here. We went to your uncle's superior's house this morning and were busy for quite a while."
"No need. I've spoken with my mother-in-law, and she wants me to stay and help," Sister Jun said nonchalantly.
Her parents had written to her father-in-law to ask favors for her brother, but her uncle's matters required her uncle to make the appeals himself. Originally, the Wei family had allied with the Hebei Wei clan through marriage, and her mother had taken her aunt and uncle to visit many times before.
Zhang Pingjun was anxious. Now that the new Prime Minister had taken office, even though her husband had some talent in the Ministry of Works, within factions, appointments were always based on personal connections. Even Brother Ning, because he was Jiang Yan's nephew and Minister Wei's nephew, was directly appointed as a judge in the Western Capital. They still had to go seek connections themselves.
It wasn't that they hadn't tried through Sister Jun, but Sister Jun said she didn't involve herself in such matters and told Wei Yang to go directly. However, when Wei Yang went, Old Master Wei met with him but instead said his position in the Ministry of Works was quite suitable as it was.
Who wouldn't want their husband to have a bright future? Wei Yang himself might not mind remaining a seventh-rank official, but he couldn't stay stagnant forever.
Clearly having connections, yet unable to move...
Sister Jun was unaware of these details. Wei, the seventh young master, had heard about it and mentioned it to his wife in the carriage on their way back that evening: "My father mentioned your uncle's situation. He's an honest man. Getting mixed up in factional struggles might actually be bad for him. Working steadily and safely like he is now might be the best thing for him."
Not everyone has the ability to be a high-ranking official. Lacking the capability and forcing one's way upward brings disaster, not fortune.
Sister Jun waved her hand. "My uncle is actually content with the status quo. It's my aunt who always feels the relatives aren't willing to help. But, as my mother says, the master leads you to the door; cultivation is up to you. In the end, you still have to rely on yourself."
Like now, when Jiang Xian was transferred as a Transport Commissioner, families like the Lius, the Fans, and even the Weis didn't speak up. Parents can help at the very beginning of a son's career, but whether he can rise higher in the future depends on his own abilities.
Her uncle, at the start of his career, was able to go to a relatively prosperous place like Xuanzhou. After a two-year term, he was directly transferred back to the capital. But you can't expect others to always be responsible for your career advancement.
...
After the Cold Food Festival, Jin Niang went out to view flowers three times. Once, she was invited to view them in the garden of the local official Liu family, where she naturally met several of the Liu family's young ladies.
The Liu family's Liu Wensou, and his sons Liu Bing and Liu Ye, had all achieved the jinshi degree. However, after several generations, the family no longer had prominent officials.
For Jin Niang, this was just a larger version of Zhang Pingjun's family. She wouldn't consider the Lius. Such families had money and were fairly well-off, but with no one in official posts for a long time, they would have an unclear view of the official world and themselves. Besides, the Jiang family wasn't short of money now.
The Luoyang Zhang clan was quite good and very enthusiastic about Jiang Xian coming to Luoyang as an official. Upon learning Jin Niang's son had just passed the jinshi exam, they even said she could choose any of their three daughters.
This overwhelmed Jin Niang with favor, but she couldn't limit herself to the Zhang family just because they were enthusiastic. Naturally, she found reasons to say her son hadn't arrived yet, and so on.
Besides the Luoyang Zhangs, there was also the Central Plains aristocratic Fan family. This Fan family was unrelated to Minister Wei's eldest son's wife, Madam Fan. The Fan family seemed quite promising.
Jin Niang already had an idea in mind about what kind of daughter-in-law she wanted for her son. The other family should at least have no burdens, with sons who were ambitious and a good family ethos. The young lady herself should also have a dignified and pretty appearance.
"Will our son come after the Dragon Boat Festival?" Jiang Xian asked.
Jin Niang nodded, "That's what was said. Have you found the assistants for him?"
Starting as a judge right after taking up his post, he would need a capable legal advisor by his side. Back when Jiang Xian started, he had Advisor Song.
Jiang Xian smiled, "Don't worry, the team is already assembled."
"That's good. Once he takes up his post, we can rest easier," Jin Niang said.
The couple went over their plans again. Jin Niang had already slowly started saving for her son's betrothal gifts. No matter who they chose, the goods had to be ready and displayed.
Several days later, in the evening, as Jin Niang was calculating the days, she suddenly heard excited shouts from outside: "Madam! The eldest young master is here! The eldest young master is here!"
Suddenly seeing Brother Ning, she noticed that in just half a year, he had grown much thinner. He was wearing a robe Jin Niang had made for him. Upon seeing Jin Niang, he knelt down and kowtowed.
"You silly child, why so formal between mother and son? I felt terribly guilty for not returning for your provincial exam." Jin Niang couldn't help her eyes turning red.
Brother Ning said, "Son doesn't blame Mother at all. If not for that, I wouldn't have been assigned to Luoyang as an official this time."
Jin Niang had him sit down and ordered tea to be served. She then brought up the matter of her son's lifelong commitment: "Regarding your own affairs, I cannot decide everything entirely on my own. Listen to these few families..."
Parting sorrows were a minor matter. With her son now taking up his post in Luoyang and his career established, the only thing left was his lifelong commitment.
Indeed, after hearing this, Brother Ning said, "In your presence, Mother, I shall not be shy. The Zhang, Fan, and Lü families are all publicly acknowledged as distinguished official clans. I find any of them acceptable. Appearance is secondary; the main concern is whether there are any hidden ailments. One should not be overly ambitious; upright character is what matters. If none of the daughters from these three families meet such criteria, then a family of slightly lesser status may be chosen, as long as the person herself is good."
Brother Ning was not completely oblivious to the world outside his studies. The Jiang girl from next door had married into the Ke family. He heard from the Kes that Madam Jiang had a hidden ailment which was not disclosed beforehand, leading later to a divorce and an extremely ugly dispute between the two families. Furthermore, he had also heard that while it is good for a woman to have ambition, disregarding reality and excessively pursuing power and wealth might lead to harming both others and herself in the future.
Jiang Xian, who was standing outside the door about to enter, overheard these words and couldn't help but think to herself that her son indeed had sound judgment. He was not like the eldest son of the Dou family who eloped with someone, nor was he overambitious. Only in this way could he go far.
