After Brother Ning arrived, Jin Niang personally instructed Old Lady Bai to prepare a table of the finest dishes. Ying, who had accompanied Jin Niang from when she was just a girl of twelve or thirteen to the present day, was also filled with emotion.
Once they left the room, both mistress and maid were quite sentimental.
Ying said with a smile, "Back when you married the Sixteenth Young Master, my heart was all in knots. I couldn't wait for you to have a son soon, so you could stand tall. Now, seeing our Eldest Young Master, so clever and diligent, and even having passed the imperial examination, I am truly happy for you."
"For me, it's also a great surprise. I hadn't expected him to pass at such a young age. But now is not the time for everything to be perfect. Taking up an official post is a new challenge, a new beginning," said Jin Niang.
After the meal was ready, the family of four gathered together again. Jin Niang raised her wine cup: "Our family is finally reunited. My heart can finally rest at ease."
Brother Ning patted his younger brother's head and said to Jin Niang and Jiang Xian, "Your son feels the same way. I rushed over as soon as I had almost finished handling matters in Bianjing."
Although Jiang Xian found it hard to give his true heart, he loved this atmosphere, even to the point of looking from one person to another, his face smiling without him even realizing it.
The eldest son took most after his wife; he was surely filial and valued sentiment. He really was blessed!
As they talked of their sorrows at parting and the joy of reunion, Brother Ding even stood with his arms akimbo and declared, "When I'm on break, I'll go visit Brother's place."
"Visit? You might as well go and stay at your brother's place, alright?" Jin Niang chided her younger son with a glance.
Mentioning the government office, Jiang Xian looked at his eldest son and said, "I've found you a legal advisor, a Master Cheng, who is very shrewd and experienced. You should consult him often. He also knows some coroner's techniques."
Brother Ning sighed, "In the past, I was no good at studying, yet I somehow passed the examination. Now, where would I know how to adjudicate cases? Yet they want me to be a judicial officer. It's truly as difficult as the road to Shu, harder than climbing to the blue sky."
"You are being far too modest," Jin Niang thought her son was just being overly self-deprecating. Even as a child, he was quite good at settling disputes; servants would come to him to argue theft cases.
Jiang Xian, however, laughed, "Your father is here. If there's anything you don't understand, just ask me. Also, if your funds are tight, have your mother draw some from the accounts for you."
Brother Ning waved his hand, "The thousand strings of cash Mother left in the capital, I spent three hundred on daily expenses and gatherings, leaving seven hundred. Before coming here, I disposed of the fabrics and tea from the east wing room as Mother mentioned, plus the farewell gifts others gave me. Now I have another thousand strings on hand. Because of all this money, I haven't been sleeping well."
Very sensibly, he only asked for one hundred strings, letting Jin Niang keep the rest.
Jin Niang said, "You're just starting your new post; expenses are everywhere. How can you take so little?"
"Really, it's not necessary. One hundred strings is already a great deal. Don't I still have my official salary? From now on, I'll use my salary. Now that I'm an official, it would be shameful enough not to support my parents, let alone take your money. It's really not needed." Brother Ning was genuinely embarrassed and unwilling to take the money.
Leaning on his chin to the side, Jiang Xian thought to himself, why hadn't he been so conscientious in the past? He used to pester his wife for this and that all the time.
However, after the meal, he did impart many officialdom tips to his son. Father and son both slept in the study that night. Early the next morning, Brother Ning went to the Henan Prefecture government office, not even having time for breakfast, saying he would buy something to eat outside.
Jin Niang and Jiang Xian had breakfast together. She said, "These wontons are made with a bone broth base. Your back may seem better, but you still need to take care of it."
Jiang Xian nodded and ate the bowl of wontons, then sighed with regret, "It's a pity our son-in-law didn't pass the exam."
Somehow, hearing him mention Seventh Young Master Wei, Jin Niang smiled, "Our son-in-law is only twenty-one, after all. Moreover, coming from the wealthy Wei family, he still has to put in the hard work himself. So many people stumble over the imperial exams. Just think of our Brother Ding; who knows how he will fare in the future."
"If Brother Ding can't pass, he can get a minor official post through hereditary privilege and stay by our side to be filial. That would be fine too," said Jiang Xian.
Jin Niang said affectionately, "Better not think about them being filial to us. Us staying healthy and strong is better than anything. Don't you think so? As long as we husband and wife are together, no difficulty is too great."
After breakfast, Jin Niang looked over the invitations that had been sent, picked out two, and told Ying she would attend, so preparations should be made.
There was no other way; if she wanted to find a daughter-in-law, she had to observe and meet more people.
Madam Sui's thoughts were the same as Jin Niang's. She also had a son, sixteen years old this year, her eldest. Madam Sui wanted to find a daughter-in-law with a generous dowry, virtuous and gentle, for her son. Because Luoyang had many noble families and many imperial clansmen.
However, she said to Nanny Yang, "Forget about those imperial clan daughters. My son will need to take the exams in the future, after all. Marrying an imperial clan woman wouldn't help his prospects."
Nanny Yang smiled, "Madam, if I may say, marrying a daughter from a noble family is also advantageous. But you mustn't be too hasty. Marriage is a major affair that requires careful selection."
Madam Sui fanned herself with a round fan, saying nonchalantly, "Exactly. I'm afraid of those haughty young ladies who, relying on their good family background, would bully our young master."
Soon, it was time for Fourth Miss Fan's hair-pinning ceremony (coming-of-age). Fourth Miss Fan's father was currently the Transport Commissioner of Shaanxi. Jin Niang first went to the Fan residence. She had a favorable impression of the Fan young lady, having met her once during the Dragon Boat Festival. She found the girl dignified and polite, so naturally, she went there first today.
Madam Fan personally welcomed her at the door: "Madam Jiang, I've finally managed to get you to come."
"You are far too kind, Madam," said Jin Niang.
The Fan family was a prominent local clan, with relatives living together. Currently, there were six branches in Luoyang. Jin Niang was led to a place called the Hall of Nurtured Flowers. Fourth Miss Fan and Miss Fan, the Sixth, came forward together to pay their respects.
Jin Niang smiled, "Today, your Fourth Miss is the main attraction. It's not right for her to come pay respects."
After Madam Fan made a few modest remarks, Jin Niang presented each of the two young ladies with a gold-inlaid jade ring and a pearl necklace.
Fourth Miss Fan and her younger sister hurried forward to express their thanks. Jin Niang took their hands and asked, "The young ladies all look so bright and lovely. Are you studying now?"
"I only recognize a few characters, I haven't really studied much," Fourth Miss Fan said, lowering her head.
Jin Niang nodded slightly, asked a few more questions, and then heard Madam Fan inquire, "May I ask how many children you have, Madam?"
"Oh, my eldest daughter was married off several years ago. I also have two sons," Jin Niang replied with a smile.
Madam Fan spoke unhurriedly. Gradually, many more guests arrived. While observing how Madam Fan and Fourth Miss Fan received the guests, Jin Niang also gave Ying a meaningful look.
After the hair-pinning ceremony concluded and Jin Niang returned home, she heard Ying report, "It's hard to find out much this way. Aside from the personal attendants, I don't dare trust what some of the rough servant women say."
However, what Ying failed to find out was discovered by her son, Little Liu Quan. This child originally studied with Brother Ding, but Jin Niang also gave him some errands to run. Today he came with the carriage driver, Zhang Laoshi. The Fan family entertained the servants from the Transport Commissioner's residence in the front courtyard, so Liu Quan ate with the Fan family's page boys. The two of them chatted idly about everything under the sun and actually learned quite a bit of inside information.
Upon returning, he reported: "This Fourth Miss Fan has a calm temperament. Everyone says she is virtuous, but in reality, she is rather inclined to 'sweep the snow from her own doorstep.' They also say the maids by her side are formidable, quarreling all day long."
"Good, I understand. Ying, give Quan'er a reward." Jin Niang took note.
Ying was very pleased to see her son distinguishing himself. Young Master Chen married first, and Minzhi's son, Chen Tong, is Brother Ning's page boy, so his prospects are naturally good. Her own son follows Brother Ding, which is also good, but now that he has gained the mistress's favor, he will surely be entrusted with more responsibilities in the future.
After Liu Quan left, Jin Niang said, "We cannot rely on just one side of the story; we need to understand more."
"I agree. By the way, are you still going to the Lu family? The young mistress of the Lu family is celebrating her child's hundredth day," Ying asked.
Jin Niang smiled, "I will definitely go."
She couldn't decide based on just one family.
Ying added, "That Madam Sui seems to have her eyes fixed on Fourth Miss Fan?"
"You're mistaken. That's Madam Fan deliberately putting on a show for me, hoping I'll get anxious and settle things sooner." Jin Niang, having a daughter herself, was well aware of such tricks.
Why was this? Naturally, because Brother Ning was now the most sought-after of the sought-after.
Madam Sui didn't understand this. She only thought the Fan family was prestigious and happily told Nanny Yang, "I think that Fourth Miss Fan has a very fortunate appearance, most suited for our young master. Madam Fan was exceptionally kind to me today."
Nanny Yang shared her joy.
Little did they know that Fourth Miss Fan had always harbored lofty ambitions. How could she possibly look favorably upon someone like Master Sui? Privately, she admired someone more like Master Jiang, the Eldest.
Unfortunately, Madam Jiang didn't seem particularly warm towards her.
Meanwhile, after Brother Ning arrived at his official post, he spent the first month reviewing case files and consulting with Master Cheng. In short, he refrained from easily voicing opinions. For him, the most important thing was to first familiarize himself with the procedures, not to start off being loud and brash, letting others see through him.
The first case he handled was the headless female corpse case at the Cao family's gold and silver shop.
Hearing about such a case, he actually felt some fear, but he still overcame it and began to unravel the clues thread by thread. He often went to seek advice from Jiang Xian. In truth, he already knew what his father would say, but he listened earnestly nonetheless.
Just as his mother said, when seeking advice from others, one must not be complacent but listen humbly to their instruction.
After listening, it was only after Jin Niang urged him several times that he came to eat.
"I think this fish ball soup is excellent; try it." Jin Niang served her son some fish ball soup.
Brother Ning smiled and agreed, then asked, "Mother, I will be eighteen soon. How are you planning to celebrate this year?"
Jin Niang thought for a moment: "Your father and I have found a garden estate. It's very quiet, and the dishes they make are something you can't get elsewhere. When the time comes, our whole family will go there for a meal. After eating, we'll stroll around the streets together. Both you and your father hold office in Luoyang; you shouldn't just govern the city without caring about the people under your jurisdiction."
One always understands a place better through personal contact.
Brother Ning clapped his hands: "Great! That's wonderful. I really want to go out with all of you."
"Alright, eat first. At noon, Juxiang said you didn't eat properly either, so you need to have a good meal now. Look at this beef, steamed with rice flour. It's made by grinding rice into powder and adding fermented bean curd. It's very tasty. Eating beef gives you energy." Jin Niang pointed at the dish for him to take some.
Brother Ning thought it was best at home, where he could eat whatever he wanted and say whatever he pleased. He also wanted to drink osmanthus-flavored yogurt: "Mother, could you make osmanthus yogurt for me tomorrow?"
"I'll have your father make it. We'll chill it with ice after it's done." Jin Niang laughed.
Jiang Xian shook his head: "Finally remembered me, have you? Luckily, I know your mother loves this, so I keep the dried osmanthus flowers every year. I'll make it tomorrow."
"Thank you, Father." Brother Ning felt incredibly happy.
After dinner, he returned to his official quarters. If not for fear of gossip, he would have loved to stay with his parents.
After the eldest son left, Brother Ding began to yawn. Jin Niang had Liu Quan attend to him and put him to rest first, then had tea with Jiang Xian to aid digestion. She sighed softly, "If we were still in Bianjing, we'd surely be taking a walk in the garden right now."
After Brother Ning arrived, he took the Chen family and Juxiang with him. Jin Niang had them serve him at the Judge's office and didn't need them to come over. In Bianjing, she left Luo Da to look after the house. Luo Da's son, Hutou, was with Jiang Xian. This year, Jin Niang also planned to arrange a marriage for him.
As for Brother Ning's marriage, Jin Niang had naturally been keeping an eye out, but she couldn't choose an unsuitable family just for the sake of speed.
"Indeed. But it's quite nice in Luoyang too," Jiang Xian said.
Jin Niang added, "I always feel that Fourth Miss Fan is somewhat 'too grand a match.' Looking at the poetry she writes, this is not the mind of an ordinary girl; she might even aspire to be like Wu Zetian. But Brother Ning... if others don't understand him, you certainly do. He is deeply attached to home. Therefore, this young lady isn't quite suitable for us."
Jiang Xian thought to himself that this might not necessarily be true. His son tended to be excessively modest. He clearly burned the midnight oil doing homework, his bed curtains stained yellowish-black from the lamp, yet he claimed he never studied privately. He was practically a child prodigy but kept saying he wasn't good enough, that Wei Qilang and so-and-so were all smarter than him. He always talked about being attached to home, but when handling cases, he couldn't even be bothered to eat properly, let alone find time to see his parents.
He didn't know who this child took after, but it certainly wasn't him.
The Fan family was unaware of Jin Niang's thoughts. Madam Fan was writing a letter to her husband in Shaanxi, saying she wanted to find a match for her daughter with the eldest son of the Jiang family. The letter stated that Jiang Ning was eighteen, handsome and spirited, already serving as the Judge of the Western Capital. His father was the Transport Commissioner of the Western Capital, and his uncle was a Vice Director of the Secretariat.
A standard official family, and the young man himself was particularly capable. If they could secure such a son-in-law, their daughter would have no regrets in life.
Unbeknownst to them, the Lu family thought the same. Therefore, when Jin Niang attended the hundredth-day celebration for the son of the Lu family's eldest daughter-in-law, she received an exceptionally warm reception. Jin Niang thought to herself that she was truly basking in her son's glory now.
Both she and Jiang Xian had no influential relatives to rely on; they had struggled entirely on their own. Now, watching their family grow step by step, they felt a sense of security.
Madam Lu's maiden name was Shangguan, and she also came from a great family. She had only one daughter, who was slender and graceful, a true great beauty. The master of the Lu family served as a Deputy Military Affairs Commissioner in court. Overall, they didn't appear as wealthy as the Fan family, but they were very distinguished and respectable.
While many placed great importance on the matter of childbearing, Jin Niang did not view it with such weight. In her opinion, if a couple couldn't have children, it often wasn't the woman's fault. As long as a woman's menstrual cycle was regular, there was rarely any major issue. She herself had once suffered from severe blood deficiency and poor health, but because Jiang Xian was robust, she had conceived quickly nonetheless.
Of course, this couldn't be stated as an absolute rule.
"Is she fourteen this year? My, she is truly beautiful. I was quite taken aback earlier," Jin Niang said.
Miss Lu had originally been intended for a marriage to consolidate family ties, but the other party had backed out, disliking her for being frail and weak. In truth, while she was slender, there wasn't any significant health problem.
Madam Lu felt rather favorable towards Jin Niang, noticing that she didn't scrutinize her daughter the way others often did. So many matrons looked at young ladies as if appraising goods.
After Miss Lu paid her respects and withdrew, Jin Niang and Madam Lu continued their conversation, everything appearing perfectly ordinary.
After leaving the Lu residence, Jin Niang went to the Liu family. As she wanted to buy farmland, she purchased a thousand mu of prime land from Madam Liu, the Fourth. Having this business connection, their relationship was quite good, so Jin Niang took the opportunity to inquire about the Lu family's situation.
Madam Liu, the Fourth, said, "Madam Lu originally had a son and a daughter. Sadly, the son passed away young. Fortunately, Madam Lu is virtuous, and there are two sons born of concubines. As for talent, this Miss Lu is truly full of it, and her nature is clever and perceptive."
After leaving Madam Liu, the Fourth, Ying came over. They had sought out the local beggar chiefs to inquire about the actual circumstances of the Lu and Fan families, and even consulted matchmakers and middlemen.
The results were quite unexpected. Ying reported, "The Fan family appears to be from a Transport Commissioner's household, but they aren't particularly generous. They look lavish on the surface, but are actually quite frugal. Although Madam Fan has two sons, they only know about romantic dalliances and spend money like water. One is a frequent visitor to pleasure quarters, keeping a mistress outside. The Lu family isn't as outwardly luxurious as the Fan family, but they are always very generous to servants. Even two matchmakers on Central Street said the Lu family gives more in tips."
"Good, I understand. Actually, in matters of marriage, I can only try my best to choose what seems good at present. If Brother Ning didn't succeed in his studies, finding a wife from a family with helpful connections would be fine. But now that Brother Ning shows promise, we should find a family with a daughter who is talented, beautiful, and of good character, so the couple can be well-matched," Jin Niang said.
Ying pondered for a long while before saying, "But mistress, that Miss Lu does seem rather delicate in constitution."
"I've already consulted Doctor Hu and Doctor Song. These two often treat her. I even had a copy of her prescriptions made. The master also looked at them and said there's nothing serious, just some blood deficiency, and it won't hinder childbearing," Jin Niang explained.
Of course, during this time Jin Niang also received a letter from Brother Ning's teacher, recommending his own youngest daughter. Jin Niang shook her head upon reading it: "A girl raised in a solitary, widowed household tends to have a very sensitive temperament."
As the wife of the eldest son, she couldn't be too sensitive, lest people wouldn't know how they had offended her.
Having settled on the Lu family, Jin Niang still presented all the information she had gathered to her son. "If you agree, I will first sound out Madam Lu. Anyway, the girl is still young. You can wait three years to marry, which is perfect for focusing on establishing your career."
"That's what I was thinking too. When elder sister married, there were so many tedious rituals," Brother Ning said, shaking his head.
Jin Niang laughed. "It's always like that. You just concentrate on handling your cases properly."
In Jin Niang's view, romantic feelings could add flavor to life, but the most important thing was to have one's own pursuits. A man's career was crucial, and so was a woman's.
Incidentally, the Fan and Lu families were on good terms. Fourth Miss Fan came specially to visit Miss Lu, the eldest daughter. "Qionghua, I was just wondering the other day why I hadn't seen you! What have you been doing at home lately?"
Lu Qionghua pointed to some rouge in front of her. "I just made some new rouge paste."
"The rouge you blend is always excellent," said Fourth Miss Fan. She picked some up with a hairpin and applied it to her lips.
Although born into such families, the two young ladies had their own worries. Lu Qionghua's two brothers were born of concubines, not from the same mother, so there was inevitably some distance. Fourth Miss Fan had two elder brothers and a younger sister, all full siblings, but her brothers showed no hope in the imperial examinations.
"If you like it, take some back with you," Lu Qionghua offered with a smile.
Fourth Miss Fan nodded, then said, "When I came in just now, I heard your aunt had visited..."
Usually, Fourth Miss Fan rarely touched on sore points. Originally, Lu Qionghua had been betrothed to her cousin, but her aunt had called it off, citing incompatible birth characters. Later, they found out it was because she was considered sickly, like her mother who had difficulty bearing children. Her mother had been so angry she nearly fainted, and Lu Qionghua herself was deeply hurt.
So when Fourth Miss Fan asked, her eyes reddened. "Ah, many things I can bear myself, but they had to drag my mother into it."
"This matter has nothing to do with you or your mother. It's just those people making trouble. Don't take it to heart. Your father is now a Deputy Military Affairs Commissioner, so a good marriage will naturally come your way," Fourth Miss Fan comforted her.
Lu Qionghua pointed at her. "A proper young lady from the inner chambers, talking so much about marriage!"
Fourth Miss Fan felt she was much better off compared to Lu Qionghua. At least she had a fortune-blessed appearance. Lu Qionghua, in the eyes of men, might have the face of a Xi Shi and a graceful figure, but in the eyes of potential mothers-in-law, that might not be considered good at all.
Unexpectedly, a month later, the Jiang family actually sent matchmakers in purple vests to the Lu residence.
Jin Niang was at home reading a reply from Sister Jun. She had told her daughter all about her process of choosing the Lu family. In her letter, Sister Jun said the Lu family was also an established family at court and agreed with the choice, adding that this could be considered showing faith in them, and so on.
Over at the Lu family, Madam Lu didn't put on any airs of modesty but agreed directly. She said to her daughter, "Madam Jiang said she's seen many young ladies, and it's rare to encounter one with such a clear and pure heart as yours. The other day I saw young Master Jiang. He is truly a fine figure of a man, dashing on horseback, a rare talented young gentleman."
Lu Qionghua herself never expected that Madam Jiang would propose to her. She asked in confusion, "Wasn't it said they were considering the Fan family?"
Madam Lu smiled. "The Fan family is fine too, but that Fan girl has too many schemes in her heart. In the future, the Jiang family might even have to support them. Besides, they've taken a liking to you personally. They were impressed at first sight."
Lu Qionghua thought to herself that Madam Jiang seemed a very capable and shrewd person, yet had shown her special regard. If she really married into that family in the future, she ought to serve her elders with filial piety.
Seeing her daughter's expression, Madam Lu smiled. "In the future, you'll be the principal wife managing a household. You should start learning household management from me now."
"The butler is of secondary importance. That family holds the position of a judge in Luoyang Prefecture. I recall we have a copy of 'Master Lu's Secret Cases' at home. Perhaps we should send it over," Lu Qionghua said shyly.
Madam Lu pointed at her daughter and said, "You haven't crossed their threshold yet, but your heart is already over there. Well, that's fine too. Since they consider you in every matter, you should consider them in every matter as well."
...
When Jin Niang received the Lu family's reply and read it, she was genuinely taken aback to learn that the Lu family's young lady had a dowry of thirty thousand strings of cash.
