As the saying goes, one monk carries water to drink, two monks carry water together, but three monks have no water to drink. Jiang Xian was born into just such a family with three sons, and even an older sister above them. When he was little and didn't understand things, he just thought the house was lively. As he gradually became sensible, and with his wet nurse, Nanny Luo, constantly muttering, he began to realize his own situation was not ideal.
"Sixteenth Young Master, Sixth Madam asks you to go over." Nanny Fang came to deliver the message.
This Nanny Fang was his mother's confidante. They had known since childhood that those who served their parents had more face than others. So, he smiled and said, "Thank you for coming in person, Nanny. Do you know why Mother is calling me?"
Nanny Fang looked at him fondly. "It's a good thing."
Jiang Xian was only six or seven at the time. Hearing it was a good thing, he immediately ran over. He saw his mother, Sixth Madam Jiang's room piled with various silks and satins, and a colorful porcelain box placed on the inlaid table.
Sixth Madam Jiang deliberately teased her son, "Sixteenth Young Master, guess what's inside this?"
Jiang Xian sniffed and immediately said, "Osmanthus candy."
Sixth Madam Jiang said lovingly, "It is osmanthus candy, and also butter pastries. Don't you love butter pastries? I specially saved a few for you."
A servant brought water for him to wash his hands. Jiang Xian paused. "Mother, do Eldest Brother and Second Brother have any?"
Sixth Madam Jiang smiled. "I've already sent them other things. You eat these with peace of mind."
Thinking to himself, Jiang Xian noted that his mother always seemed pleased when he asked this, so he always made a point to mention his brothers, though secretly he wished all the treats were his alone.
While he was eating the snacks, he heard Nanny Fang saying to Sixth Madam Jiang, "Madam, your sister will be arriving soon."
"Her life has been very difficult too, all these years without a son. When the time comes, have people clear the weeds in the garden and tidy up the flower corridor over there." Sixth Madam Jiang also felt for her younger sister.
Nanny Fang said, "This time, our Sixth Master and your brother-in-law are taking the imperial examinations together. If both can pass, it would be a fine story indeed."
"That's what I think too. It's just that in another three years, our Yan'er will also be sitting for the exams. We struggle on like this, who knows when we'll see the light of day." Thinking of this, Sixth Madam Jiang found it hard to express her feelings.
But she had three sons and a daughter, the family was thriving in numbers. As long as one son passed, she would be satisfied.
Her gaze then fell on her youngest son, Jiang Xian, who had just finished his snacks. She was most fond of this little son. She had him in her thirties; the child was clever and sensible from a young age. The eldest son was solely focused on studying, the second son had a stubborn temperament, but this one was always by her side, even more considerate than a daughter.
"Come here, child, let Mother wipe your mouth." Sixth Madam Jiang held a handkerchief, waiting for Jiang Xian to come over.
Jiang Xian raised his arm and said with a laugh, "Mother, you said I'm naturally fragrant? Then let your son give you another whiff."
This made all the women in the room laugh.
A few days later, Aunt Liu arrived. She brought many gifts, but noticeably more were for Second Brother. Jiang Xian thought Second Brother looked very pleased too.
"Second Brother, what are you so happy about?" Jiang Xian didn't understand.
He saw Second Brother, Jiang Fang, compose his expression. "It's nothing much. By the way, how are your studies lately? Why didn't I see you in the 'Ding' class yesterday?"
Jiang Xian felt a bit guilty. "I wasn't feeling well yesterday."
As soon as he said this, Jiang Fang scolded him sternly, "You're not a little child anymore. Always fooling around like this, treating the family's money as nothing. Always wanting new clothes, or money to go out with your classmates, completely irresponsible."
According to tradition, the elder brother's words must be heeded, so he had to listen. But in his heart, he was very indignant. Didn't Second Brother and Eldest Brother also go out to socialize? He just sometimes didn't feel like going to school when he was unwell.
He couldn't very well tell his mother these thoughts, since he really had pretended to be sick.
In that round of examinations, his uncle-in-law passed, but his father failed once again. The household was filled with sighs.
His father shut himself in his room and even wanted to burn his books. His mother charged in, shouting and arguing loudly. The servants all kept their distance. Even Nanny Luo said to him, "These days, Sixteenth Young Master, best not trouble your mother."
After a while, his father returned to normal, but his mother grew even thinner.
Fortunately, his sister's marriage was settled. His mother was very happy. As a child, he didn't know why she was so happy, but she had two new sets of clothes made for him, and he also began growing out his hair (for the coming-of-age ceremony).
Another three years passed. His father failed again, and his brother didn't pass the provincial examination either.
By now, he understood many things and knew the family's situation. After his sister married off, he heard they had to sell either a house or a shop. His mother's temper grew more and more volatile.
Second Brother Jiang Fang was said to be going to Hangzhou for study. Jiang Xian thought Second Brother probably wanted to escape their mother's bad temper. Truth be told, he was a little scared too.
Cousin Yan, knowing his situation, took the opportunity to bring him to pay respects to their Aunt Zhou, also to get him out for some air. Aunt was the principal wife of the Zhou family. Although Uncle Zhou's official rank wasn't considered high, it was an extremely crucial position. After they paid their respects, they also met Madam Mei.
Jiang Xian glanced at this Madam Mei. Although she was very enthusiastic, he could tell Aunt Zhou didn't seem to like her much. He ate two pieces of pastry, then took his leave with Cousin Yan.
A few days later, Aunt Zhou brought several cousins for a visit. Jiang Xian was already ten and naturally couldn't play with his female cousins like he did when he was little. Besides, he thought Cousin Zhou, the eldest, was alright; she never treated her cousins differently. But Second Cousin Zhou was a bit annoying.
Every time they played backgammon, she loved to cheat. If she won, she was happy; if she lost, she'd throw the pieces. His forehead had even been hit by one she threw.
His own sister, Seventh Miss Jiang, returned from their second granduncle's house and greatly admired Eldest Cousin Zhou's clothes. She said to their mother, "If only our family could buy a Shu embroidery craftswoman in the future."
Sixth Madam Jiang said to her daughter, "Enough now, don't talk nonsense. You're a married woman now, soon to follow your husband to his father's post. His family values simplicity and restraint; you can't just follow your own whims."
Jiang Xian knew the family his sister had married into was excellent, a prominent clan from Hedong. That's why her dowry was especially substantial when she left.
After his sister left with her husband, Sixth Madam Jiang looked at him and said, "Your second brother has been at your aunt's for almost a year now, hasn't he? Why isn't he back yet?"
Before he could speak, he heard his father say, "The literary atmosphere in Jiangnan is very strong. It's good for our son to study more there. Besides, his uncle-in-law is an official now and can teach him a thing or two about how the world works."
"Listen to you talk. As if I don't wish him well? It's just that no matter how good it is, it's still living under someone else's roof. How can it compare to the comfort of one's own home?" Sixth Madam Jiang thought aloud.
Jiang Xian shook his head and went into the study to read.
Second Brother returned after another year. However, he came back together with Aunt Liu. It turned out Aunt Liu intended to adopt Second Brother. Jiang Xian was stunned on the spot. Although his relationship with Second Brother wasn't particularly close, for things to come to this...
Aunt Liu wept bitterly, but Sixth Madam Jiang pointed at her and said, "You speak softly, yet intend to act harshly. You have no children of your own, yet you want to snatch another's child. What are your intentions? I am unwilling to let go of a single one of my children."
That's what Mother said. Father remained silent, but he also disagreed.
Jiang Xian knew his second brother was highly gifted, having passed the provincial examination at just twelve or thirteen. But all these achievements were the result of Mother's nurturing. Now, it seemed someone was just plucking the ripe fruit.
"Sister, you are more fortunate than I. You have three sons, while I have none. And it just so happens that Fang-ge is particularly fond of me," Aunt Liu also seemed somewhat reluctant.
After Aunt Liu left, Uncle (the eldest) and Fourth Uncle took turns coming to persuade them. Their point was that since his mother had three sons, giving one away wouldn't be such a loss. After all, they were all from the same clan, and both sides were relatives.
In the end, it was Uncle (the eldest) himself who said to Mother, "Sister-in-law, it's not that we are pushing you. If Fang-ge himself is willing, you shouldn't stand in his way, should you? You still have Yan-ge and Xian-ge after all. Yan-ge, needless to say, is a fine boy. And Xian-ge is clever and sharp; he'll surely find his own opportunities."
Sixth Madam Jiang was stunned. "Then have Jiang Fang come see me. Let him come and tell me to my face."
Jiang Xian never knew what his second brother said to Mother. In any case, Second Brother was no longer his second brother. From then on, Mother also fell silent, saying nothing more about it. She fell ill and didn't begin to recover until the following year, but was left with a chronic cough.
Eldest Brother's wife, Madam Xu, entered the household soon after. Mother simply handed the household management over to her. At first, Jiang Xian treated this sister-in-law with considerable respect.
Very quickly, however, he grew to dislike her. She was too much of a hypocrite.
She constantly funneled resources to her own brothers' family, yet preached frugality in her husband's home, making it seem as if Mother mistreated her. He had been to his sister-in-law's family home; their beds were strewn with straw, so simple it was barely livable.
Their own family, though not as prosperous as before, was much better off than the Xu family.
As a younger brother-in-law, he couldn't very well criticize his sister-in-law directly. But it was obvious that every time Mother had an extra garment made for him, Sister-in-law's face would darken. He was speechless. He hadn't even said anything about the four shabby quilts she brought as dowry.
Fortunately, Uncle Liu valued his scholarly potential and specially arranged for him and his brother to study at the Liu family home.
Besides studying at the Liu's, he often went out to socialize. He had a feeling he might never pass the imperial exams. His father had tried for so many years without success; his brother, whose scholarship was better than his, hadn't passed either. In that case, it was better to make some connections to secure a future path.
So he became adept at polo, backgammon, and pitch-pot.
He became a familiar face among many prominent families in the capital—the Zhous, the Hans, the Lius, and others. Yet he also knew Mother's finances were getting tighter and tighter.
This life of apparent revelry outside created a stark contrast when he returned home to the meals Sister-in-law had sent over, which he could barely bring himself to eat. The disparity was truly immense. Because of this, he ended up visiting the Zhou family several times. He knew his good looks made him likable, so with a sweet tongue and keen observation, he could easily win people's favor.
Second Cousin Zhou, Zhou Cunzhi, was also a decent man, with a flair for gathering talented people around him. He was utterly carefree with money, rather like Lord Mengchang. Jiang Xian thought that even if things didn't work out with the Lius, relying on the Zhous might also be an option.
It was also through the Zhou family's connections that a Prefect expressed interest in taking him as a son-in-law. Jiang Xian's first reaction was delight—marrying an official's daughter was naturally excellent. But after Sixth Madam Jiang made some inquiries, they learned the Prefect's sons were rather unaccomplished.
"My son, we know our own situation. Your second brother is a true scholar, yes, but your father and your elder brother have repeatedly failed the exams. I'm worried they are only interested in you for your talent and looks, banking on you passing. But throughout history, how many talented men have failed? If you don't pass, I fear there will be no peace at home. Look at your sister-in-law; it's only been a few years since she married in, and seeing your brother hasn't passed, her face is perpetually long. Daughters of officials, each one ambitious and competitive... and your father holds no official rank. Who will speak up for you in the future? You might suffer a lifetime of oppression."
"Look at me. Because your father didn't strive enough, I even lost a son."
With Sixth Madam Jiang speaking like this, the marriage proposal naturally came to nothing.
Of course, he continued with his studies and socializing.
He didn't know if he could ever pass. Although the eldest young master of the Liu family appreciated him, calling him a 'thousand-li steed,' Jiang Xian figured it was probably just because he had a clever-looking face.
Studying was always tedious, but for Mother, his being able to study at the Liu family was already a great honor, especially since the eldest young master Liu was on good terms with him.
He had a natural knack for knowing what people liked and catering to it.
A year or two passed like this. Perhaps because he became too close with the eldest young master Liu, it led to his wife misunderstanding, and some unsavory rumors even spread. To avoid suspicion, he had no choice but to leave the Liu household for the time being.
Such misunderstandings had happened before. Originally, he was very close with Yan-ge from the main branch, but gossip also spread then, and he subsequently rarely visited the main branch.
Was it just because he was somewhat more handsome than others and a bit more attentive? Why did everyone have to slander him like this?
These incidents made Mother extremely angry, which further aggravated her illness. Especially near the year's end, when she visited Aunt Zhou's house, she was wheezing terribly.
But her mood was quite good. She even called him over proactively and said, "Today I met a young lady. I have never seen such a peerless beauty before. And coincidentally, she is also a very capable girl, running her own embroidery shop in Sweetwater Lane and having bought a residence."
"A merchant's daughter?" Jiang Xian naturally felt this would be somewhat beneath him.
Sixth Madam Jiang explained carefully, "I inquired. Her father originally served in the Imperial Guard. Later, when the family fell on hard times, she traveled a thousand li from Jiangling to the Zhou family to work as an embroiderer. Then she even entered the palace as an embroiderer and became a palace official. Relying on her own skill, she acquired a house and a shop. She is very capable. Son, I know marrying a merchant's daughter would indeed be a humiliation for you. Our family might seem unchanged from before, but by the next generation, we'll be nothing."
In all the world, besides Mother, no one else was this good to him.
Jiang Xian, being exceedingly clever, naturally grasped Mother's reasoning. If he really married an official's daughter, those who married beneath their station to him wouldn't be from good conditions themselves. The truly well-placed ones would have already snagged a National University student as a son-in-law; they wouldn't let a minor branch of a scholar-official family like his do the choosing.
Thus, he also thought it wouldn't hurt for both sides to meet first.
Little did he know that once he met her, he would almost immediately fall for her.
The young lady, Wei, was articulate but not boastful. Her way of speaking held a certain charm, making one feel close to her. In that moment, his heart agreed.
Only after the engagement was settled did he truly understand what a practical marriage meant.
However, after the engagement was settled, rumors abounded. The Zhou family told him that Madam Wei was no longer a virgin, having perhaps given herself to someone earlier, which was how she obtained such a large sum of money to lease the shopfront.
Jiang Xian did not believe it: "I have been to Madam Wei's shop and spoken with her. Back then, someone recommended her for palace service, but she was unwilling. Is there any place in the world more powerful than the palace? A person with such high aspirations, I find it impossible."
Sixth Madam Jiang nodded: "Your Aunt Zhou dislikes this match; she is concerned for her own face and for her own daughter by a concubine. But I must also plan for you. In short, we cannot bury our heads under the covers, still thinking we are descendants of a prime minister or some great noble family. In truth, we are just an ordinary household now—one house, one shop, a modest rental income, and even many servants have been let go by your sister-in-law."
One cannot live forever in a drunken dream of splendor; Jiang Xian understood this principle.
Moreover, he had set his heart on Wei Jinniang and would not change.
Since the engagement, he had more new clothes than he could wear, all in the latest styles with exquisite embroidery and elegant patterns. Not to mention the gifts returned by the Wei family, which all made him proud. If not for the custom of avoiding each other before the wedding, he would have loved to visit the shop often.
He used to think that businesspeople must be very mercenary, but Jinniang was completely different. She disliked people buying her work just because of her embroidery skills; she preferred them to buy because they liked her clothing.
He hadn't met someone so principled in a long time.
Finally, the next year, he won the beauty's hand. Jinniang and he were a perfect match, both in bed and out. She actively helped prepare silver for his tips, made him new clothes, spent her days painting, doing needlework, or reading, and made no other demands of him.
Sometimes he wondered: was his wife good to her husband, regardless of who that husband was, or was she good specifically to him, Jiang Xian?
If it was the former, then he must strive to be even better.
After marriage, his wife still insisted on working at the embroidery shop, which allowed him to sneak over there to play and even roll around on his wife's bed. In the past, although he hadn't reached the point of freeloading from one place to another, he had always relied on others' favor. Yet his wife, with no background whatsoever, still lived well in Bianjing, her days thriving and prosperous.
Wherever his wife was, he felt his whole life would be good, free from anxiety.
"I had someone specially prepare chilled lotus seed soup. Have some," Jinniang said to him.
Jiang Xian held her tight, not letting go: "I'll eat it if you feed me."
Although his wife chided him for being spoiled, she still obediently fed him.
After finishing the soup, the couple shared a knowing smile while looking at the study being built below.
He had originally thought the study his wife was building in the house would only be for his occasional stays or rests when he visited the embroidery shop. He never expected that after his mother's death, his own home could no longer accommodate him. Everyone spoke warmly, but in reality, they all wished he would leave. Even his father had changed his tune.
He had a home, yet could not return. He suffered indignities, yet had to pretend he hadn't.
It wasn't for their sake, but for his own.
When the household is unsettled, whether you are good or not, people think there's something wrong with you.
He was truly grateful his wife had such foresight. Moving into his wife's dowry house, there was a ready place to live, a ready study. He didn't even need to interact with his in-laws daily, nor eat meals together, which was a great relief to him.
During the years of mourning, he settled his heart to study, eager to learn, seizing every opportunity. He could even continue his studies at the Liu family's, with his wife making all the arrangements so comfortably.
In truth, he felt increasingly secure now. Even without the Liu family, he had his own home, his own wife and daughter. It was truly wonderful.
While he was studying, his wife not only became the head embroiderer but also made her business flourish, saving up a considerable amount of silver.
Sometimes Jiang Xian thought he was just a parasite, merely benefiting from being born male. If their positions were reversed and he were the woman, how could he possibly have his wife's capabilities?
Naturally, many people tried to sow discord with his wife, telling her not to support him, saying he would change his heart in the future. It infuriated him.
They all saw him as a heartless scoundrel. Fortunately, his wife paid no heed to such talk and remained devoted to him. He didn't find this life dull or tedious, nor did he think his wife inferior to any official's daughter. Because his wife never held her favors over him; even without relying on him, she would certainly live well.
He didn't know how many people coveted his wife; he was the one who worried.
Those outsiders were blind, only capable of spouting nonsense.
So after passing the imperial examination and receiving an official post, he took his wife and children with him. To his surprise, his wife had saved several thousand strings of cash—a truly huge sum.
She had kept it very tight. Even if he didn't serve as an official, he could live as a wealthy man. Which blind fools called him a heartless scoundrel? He intended to be husband and wife with her for a lifetime.
The first three years of his provincial posting were difficult. His rank wasn't high, and they lived in the county government offices, which were crowded and chaotic. Although Wu County was prosperous, he still had to endure some grievances.
Fortunately, Prefect Shen thought highly of him. Later, he learned that Prefect Shen valued him firstly because he did have some talent, and secondly because he had married his wife in humble circumstances and, after achieving success, still maintained a good relationship with her.
Such a person had integrity. People with feeling and integrity were always seen as reliable.
It turned out officials didn't necessarily have to compromise completely. As long as you met someone who appreciated you, you could still be promoted.
When transferring from Wu County to take up his post in Daming Prefecture, Jinniang's connection with the Wei clan through association provided him with considerable support. But what troubled him most were business trips, where those without tact would always send singing girls. Listening to songs was fine, but when someone tried to take liberties, that was unacceptable.
Sometimes Jiang Xian wondered: why couldn't some men control themselves? It was their own fault. As for him, he wouldn't even give them a second glance. Even Han Xiao was like this. He used to seem very indifferent, someone who couldn't even eat properly, yet for the sake of continuing the Han family line, he actually took concubines.
How dreadful.
Han Xiao and he were childhood friends. Now, Han Xiao was the Prefect of Daming Prefecture, while he was only a Judge in Daming. Jokes they could once share could no longer be made; he had to hint around and help solve problems for him instead.
Being an official, he had concluded, required not only solving the problems of the people under one's jurisdiction but also solving the problems of one's superiors. One had to perform well and keep superiors happy; only then could one hope for promotion.
Some people just didn't understand this principle, focusing only on one aspect, so they always fell short at the final step.
