Chapter 115 Chapter 115 Two Chapters Combined into One
Jinniang told those who sent money this year not to come to Daming Prefecture next year and to choose another place later. Mr. Fan was old, so Jinniang asked him to let his son have some experience in the future. As for Shopkeeper Yao, he could make some money by selling raw silk every time he came, so Jinniang didn't say anything.
After all, the problem lies in Jiang Xian's promotion. As long as this shoe hasn't fallen, I'll always feel uneasy.
Seeing that Jinniang was even more nervous than he was, Jiang Xian smiled and said, "Don't be nervous. You are good friends with Madam Wei. A few days ago, I ran into Qilang's brother, the eldest son of the Wei family. He talked to me for a long time."
"You mean..." Jinniang was delighted.
Jiang Xian nodded: "That's what you think. Lord Wei is willing to be my sponsor. Our two families are relatives now. His relative is none other than Grand Secretary Fan Zhen."
Jinniang heaved a sigh of relief: "That's good."
With a two-pronged approach, if the east is dark, the west can still be bright.
Jiang Xian saw his wife relax and was touched. "My dear, you told me last time that you were looking for a son-in-law. Do you have any candidates?"
He wanted to change the subject by talking about this matter.
Jinniang said, "After looking around, the only one I think is good is Wei Qilang. But his family is high-class, and our daughter doesn't necessarily need to marry someone who is too high. Let's go back to Beijing and decide."
"Well, if we can return to Beijing, it will be better than anything else." Jiang Xian followed Jinniang's words.
Jinniang shook her head: "Actually, I think there is another reason. We are all subordinate officials. Dealing with people is the most tiring thing since ancient times. If we were to be regular officials, it might be better."
Hearing this, Jiang Xian also felt that it made sense.
Just like them, they used to live in a single-family home and were the masters of everything, which meant they were much freer than those who lived with a large family.
However, Jiang Xian was very puzzled: "Last time I invited Han Zi Neng to my house for dinner alone, he couldn't eat. How come he ate the dishes made by Ju Xiang that day?"
Jinniang had no idea and quickly shook her head.
Jiang Xian was usually fine in other places, but he had some experience in dealing with people. Therefore, he made another appointment and found that Han Xiao ate in exactly the same order as his wife. He seemed to understand something.
The first thing he suspected was whether Han Xiao had a crush on his wife, but he quickly denied it, saying it probably wasn't the case. He is not dead yet? How can it be so blatant?
Therefore, he observed his wife while she ate at the dinner table. Although she did not eat much, she ate in a very good manner, with relish but not in a vulgar manner. This is also the reason why he is willing to cook every time, because she loves to eat so much and is not picky at all, she can even eat several eggplants.
He understood a little, so he calmly discussed with Jinniang about buying a maid for Han Xiao.
Jinniang firmly disagreed: "This is not good."
"What are you thinking? I just want to buy a fat girl who eats with relish and send it to Han Zi so that Han Zi can watch her eat and also have a full meal." Jiang Xian said.
Jinniang scratched the back of her head: "Can it still be like this?"
Isn’t this the modern version of eating live?
Jiang Xian saw that Jinniang was a novice, and said quickly: "Don't worry, the person I sent will be useful."
There are some things that Jinniang is good at, such as how to manage finances and seek stability and progress, but she is not good at this kind of thing.
"I know how to do these unconventional methods." Jiang Xian said nonchalantly.
He had always admired his wife's integrity and sunshine. It was a miracle that a person could make such a large sum of money without any trickery or extravagance.
Some things he just needs to do.
Ten days after the fat maid was sent away, Madam Liu came to thank her in person: "Because of this maid, my master can eat an extra bowl of rice every day, which is great."
"Don't thank me, it was all my husband's idea. He really cares about the health of the Secretary of State, that's why he thought so." Jinniang said.
Since Madam Liu married Han Xiao, everything has become much smoother, and she is no longer the person who is known as the one who brings misfortune to her parents. I just hope that my husband will have a successful career and live a safe and smooth life, which is better than anything else.
After listening to what Mrs. Liu said, Jinniang also felt that everyone pursues different things because of their own situations.
Madam Liu has a noble status, but she is destined to bring misfortune to her parents and has to live under other people's roof for many years. All she wants is a harmonious family, and she will be happy as long as people don't think she is an ominous person. Or like Dou Yuan, because her parents have a bad relationship and her brother is ignorant, she pursues status and power, and is satisfied as long as she can treat her husband with respect.
For people like Jinniang who have climbed up from the bottom, they have been wandering for years with no one to support them. So it’s hard to relax and it’s very easy to get anxious. In fact, she was not surprised, but she didn't know what to do, so she was very nervous.
What is ingrained in our bones is difficult to change.
At the end of the year, with the support of Han Xiao, Jiang Xian also destroyed a den of thieves and instigated a group of people to rebel, which can be regarded as a remarkable achievement. However, one of Jiang Xian's hired servants in Daming Prefecture was unfortunately shot to death. Jinniang hurriedly took out one hundred taels of silver to settle his family and asked Chen Xiaolang to help with the funeral.
Knowing that it was not easy for his wife to take care of three children, Jinniang specially picked out two winter jackets, two padded jackets, a box of jackets suitable for the children, as well as rice and flour.
"He was a new recruit. He was addicted to gambling before. He finally quit and was planning to save up some merits so he could take them back to support his wife and children. He didn't expect to die like this. Life is really strange. When he was a gambler, he was often chased by debt collectors, but he got away with nothing. Now that he has truly reformed, he is like this again." Jiang Xian was also very emotional.
Jinniang also said: "Life is so unpredictable, you must take better care of yourself in the future."
"Yeah." Jiang Xian nodded heavily.
…
In March, the weather did not get better. Instead, due to the leap month, a late spring cold snap came. Jinniang went to visit the Zhen family several times because Old Lady Zhen was not feeling well. She was exposed to the wind for a few days and as a result, her skull on the left temple started to ache, so she decided not to go out.
Unexpectedly, Madam Wei brought Wei Qilang to visit the patient, and said with a smile: "I heard from Master Jiang that you had a headache after being exposed to the wind, so I came here specially."
"How could I ask you to come and visit me? I just thought it was only a short walk to Zhen's house, so I didn't wear a hat. I really regret it." Jinniang smiled bitterly.
Madam Wei looked at her and said, "This is not the way to maintain your health. You should be more careful. By the way, this year I plan to take Qilang to Luoyang to see the peonies, and then go to Bianjing. Our master has been appointed as the Imperial Edict Editor this year."
Unexpectedly, Madam Wei was going to Bian Jing. Jinniang felt a little emotional for a moment. She was able to have such a smooth life in Daming Prefecture because of the support of the Wei family. When she was reuniting with her family, she had never expected that the Wei family would really treat her as a relative. During this year's Chinese New Year, Mrs. Wei's eldest son, Wei Dalang, and Jiang Xian were also very good friends.
Jinniang was still a little reluctant: "Now that my sister-in-law is gone, I don't even have a place to talk to."
Madam Wei hurriedly comforted him, "Don't be like this. You have established yourself in Daming Prefecture now. Han Zhongshu and your husband are childhood friends. What is there to be afraid of?"
"After this separation, I don't know when we will meet again." Jinniang acted very discouraged. In fact, she knew in her heart that the Wei family had already helped them to establish connections, but she still acted as if she knew nothing, because nothing was decided and anything could happen.
Mrs. Wei wanted to say something that was a sure thing, but she didn't say it in the end.
Jinniang asked Aying to bring a pair of jade pendants over: "I was thinking of giving them to Qilang when his term is up this year, but I didn't expect you and Qilang to leave before us."
This is a pair of green jade cranes. The cranes represent both the longevity of the pine and crane, and also the gentlemanly demeanor.
Mrs. Wei was used to seeing fine things, so she thought the carving was exquisite and asked Wei Qilang to thank her.
Jinniang smiled again and said, "Brother Ning is taking a break today, you two brothers can go and have fun."
After Wei Qilang went down, Jinniang thought about it and decided to take out the embroidered image of Guanyin on the Lotus Platform. She didn't give it away last time because she felt that it was too easy to give and the other person might not cherish it. Now that she's giving it as a gift, of course the value of her painting is different.
Mrs. Wei was delighted at first, but then she said with a fierce face, "What are you doing, Madam? I won't take away someone's love."
In fact, after the statue of Guanyin on the lotus platform, Jinniang also embroidered a statue of Guanyin carrying a basket.
Now she looked very reluctant, but she added: "Brother and sister-in-law have taken great care of us, and I have no way to repay them. Last time I saw sister-in-law suddenly fainted, although this thing can't do anything, if it can comfort her a little, it will be my thought."
After much persuasion, Mrs. Wei finally accepted it, and Jinniang accompanied the mother and son for lunch. They were all reluctant to leave.
Three days later, Madam Wei set off, and Jinniang and Jiang Xian went to see her and her son off.
Mrs. Wei had a better impression of Jinniang because she gave her the embroidered portrait. She couldn't help but say, "Don't worry. We may meet again soon."
Jinniang smiled and said, "Thank you for your good words."
While the Wei family was being sent away, Zhen Erlang returned from the Southern Prison. He had already been granted a high status through imperial favor.
Of course, he could still take the imperial examination after receiving the imperial favor. Zhen Erlang planned to prepare for the examination at home. After all, the Zhen family could afford to support him. But after he came back, Dou Yuan was not used to it.
Since they got married, it has become the norm for the couple to be apart more than together. Now that he suddenly came back and they are almost together day and night, Dou Yuan still feels a little annoyed.
Jinniang did secretly give her a battle robe. She didn't give it to her before because she felt that Dou Yuan had not yet established herself firmly on her feet. If she acted rashly, she would be criticized for being disrespectful, which would affect her reputation. Now that Miss Yang, the white moonlight, is married, Zhen Erlang loves Luo Jie'er very much. Seeing that the couple has made some progress, Jinniang naturally took it out.
"I made it especially for you, don't be shy." Jinniang patted Dou Yuan's shoulder.
Dou Yuan blushed as soon as she saw the dress, not because the dress was too revealing, but because after she put it on, it really made her imagine a lot. She declined: "Cousin, I don't want it."
Jinniang poked her forehead and asked, "Who said they wanted to give Luo Jie'er another brother?"
Dou Yuan acted coquettishly and blushed, but finally took the clothes away shyly.
Seeing her full of joy the next day, I knew how well she had been doing. Jinniang didn't mention it, but just smiled and said, "Sister Yun's husband has caught a cold these days and is at home. If you have anything to do, you can send the child to me."
"Cousin, have you got any idea about my cousin's transfer?" Dou Yuan quickly changed the subject.
Jinniang said, "One has to do his best and God will decide the fate. Your cousin has done a good job in his position." As for the Wei family, they asked their close friend Fan Daxueshi to recommend him. Han Xiao had said that he would guarantee an outstanding person for Jiang Xian. As for Jiang Xian's brother Jiang Yan, he also said that he recommended him.
Of course, in addition to these big guys, the judges and the assistant judges were also arranged and the money was given directly to them.
Dou Yuan knew that her cousin and his wife knew what was going on, so she felt relieved. Then someone outside said that Madam He was coming. Dou Yuan frowned and said, "I guess she's here to lobby for her."
"What do you mean?" Jinniang didn't understand.
"It seems to be for the Guantao County Magistrate, who is actually a relative of ours. But I'm just a young wife and something has happened in my family. How can I ask for help in such a matter as selecting an official?" Dou Yuan shook her head.
Although they are relatives, they still have to act within their means. Just like my cousin's wife, she knows that she has no say in many things. Even when my mother-in-law stole something, she didn't blame her. Instead, the couple took the initiative to do so.
If she was the one in charge at home now, of course she could do that, but she is not now.
Jinniang was puzzled: "I remember that Zhou Erge has already returned to Beijing. Why didn't he write to the Zhou family?"
Dou Yuan shook her head, and Jinniang didn't want to meet Mrs. He either, so she left first.
However, Mrs. He returned empty-handed. After she went back, she of course told Madam Zhou Si. Madam Zhou Si was already a little familiar with Old Madam Wang, but Old Madam Wang had already passed away.
Dan Ruo helped Madam Zhou Si into the carriage and said, "Madam, should we go to the Han family to ask?"
"I handed over the note, but when we met, Madam Liu was very cold." Madam Zhou Si shook her head.
Originally, Sun Shichen didn't respect her, so she naturally didn't want to work hard for his future, but since she still had three children, she had no choice but to step forward.
In the past, she disliked people who washed their underwear with a cold face the most, but now she has become that kind of person.
That's also ridiculous.
On Thursday, my wife sent the invitation to the Han family again. Coincidentally, Jinniang was there too. Ever since Jiang Xian sent that girl who broadcasts food online, the relationship between the two families has become better. Furthermore, because of Jiang Xian, the achievements of this government have increased a lot, which also brings honor to Han Xiao.
Jinniang thought that when giving gifts, one should give the recipient what he or she likes, not just gold or silver. Some people are afraid of being accused of taking bribes, so they won't accept these.
Jiang Xian is really thoughtful. Jinniang doesn't even know that watching others eat will make her hungry...
"Go and tell them we have guests here, and I'll invite her over next time." Madam Liu said to the maid.
This is why Zhou Si Niang is missing. Jin Niang doesn’t understand why?
Madam Liu is not really a good-tempered person. Han Xiao has clearly already discussed the marriage with the Liu family, but the Zhou family came out to interfere. Do they really think she doesn't know?
Besides, Madam Liu said to Jinniang, "You don't know that Magistrate Sun had a mediocre reputation while in office, and people even wrote bad letters to him."
In fact, almost everyone gets blackmail, including Jiang Xian, but Han Xiao likes Jiang Xian and is willing to endorse him, not because he and Jiang Xian are childhood friends. The most important thing is that he is really capable, has a good reputation as an official, and leads by example. Jiang Xian even mobilized the people living near the bandits to send Han Xiao an umbrella.
Not to mention Han Xiao, even Jinniang was often confused by this guy.
Take her relationship with the Wei family for example. Wei Dalang only met Jiang Xian once and he admired him very much.
Zhou Si's wife went back disappointed. When she saw Sun Shichen, she said, "They are hosting a banquet at home and asked me to come over in a few days."
"I'm afraid that's nonsense." Sun Shichen shook his head.
Lady Thursday agreed: "Yeah, that's just pushing the words."
Local officials attach great importance to the evaluation of their superiors, which is then sent to the Privy Council. Sun Shichen naturally wanted to be transferred back to Bianliang. Being a local official is really too complicated and everything is troublesome.
"Second brother has returned to Beijing, and our letter should have arrived in Tokyo." Sun Shichen and Zhou Si's wife both placed their hopes on Zhou Cunzhi.
As for why he didn't write to Mrs. Zhou San, the reason was very simple. Jiang Fang himself was exiled.
Of course Zhou Cunzhi's letter from Mrs. Zhou had reached the hands of Zhou Cunzhi, who had returned to Beijing to take up an official post. Along with the letter were two hundred taels of silver. Zhou Cunzhi quickly went to the Jiang family in Nanxunfang. Of course, he was looking for Jiang Yan, who was now a relative of the Wu family.
Jiang Yan is honest, but the Wu family may not be so easy to talk to.
Not to mention the matters of selecting officials, when Miss Wei got married, Jinniang sent a fully embroidered quilt and a load of dowry. Now that the weather is warmer, she has started embroidering cherry blossoms on double-sided cherry blossom fans.
A total of two handles need to be made, one with pink cherry blossoms embroidered on white gauze, and the other with white cherry blossoms embroidered on black gauze.
It just so happened that she and her daughter each had one fan. Jiang Xian rarely had a rest, and when he heard Jinniang talking about the distribution of the fans, he couldn't help but ask, "Madam, what about me?"
"You? Do you want it too?" Jinniang looked at the cherry pink color and felt that it was not suitable for him.
Jiang Xian looked at her: "Then why don't you do it for you and me?"
It turned out that he was jealous. Jinniang smiled and said, "We haven't done enough together. Now it's our turn as women." Seeing that he was about to act coquettishly, she quickly said, "Then you and I can share one."
Jiang turned over on the couch and ignored everyone.
Jinniang thought that this person was sometimes like a child.
By the evening, after she had finished embroidering a fan, Jiang Xian stood up and rubbed her shoulders: "Look, I'm still the best to you."
"Okay, right here, so comfortable, use a little more force." Jinniang's shoulders felt a little sore.
Jiang Xian massaged Jinniang for half an hour, even massaging her arms and cervical vertebrae. It was really comfortable and tight. Jinniang thought that he was really a lovely person, and she pulled him to sit down so that she could give him a massage.
But Jiang Xian said, "I don't need to. I get up early every day to practice swordplay."
"Okay then. By the way, I heard that Cao Da and Zhao Wu both want to join our family directly."
Jiang Xian nodded: "Yes, they said that if they don't mention it this time, they are afraid that when I become successful in the future, more people will become my disciples, and they may not have that opportunity."
To surrender means to directly commit oneself to being a slave. Jinniang cannot completely judge others based on her own ideas. They are willing to surrender to Jiang Xian, and Jiang Xian also feels more at ease with the indenture in hand. If both parties think it is okay, then of course she has no objection. When March was about to pass, Mrs. Xia suddenly came to the house. Since she came with the wife of the Tongpan, Jinniang felt embarrassed to leave. These two were Shangguan ladies, so she had to dress up and greet them at the second gate: "Why are you two here? You are the kind of people that we can't even invite normally."
The judge's wife and Madam Xia came over and sat down. Before they finished their tea, Madam Xia said, "Last year, the Yellow River flooded, and Puji Temple took in a lot of orphans. These children are really pitiful. If we just give alms once, the children will still be pitiful. So the judge's wife wants those childless families to adopt orphans. Isn't this the best of both worlds?"
"This is not bad either." Jinniang said.
Madam Xia smiled and said, "It's good that you agree. We want you to be the leader. Your family, the Wei family, knows more people here than we do."
"I heard that the adopter must be over 40 years old, childless and not in good health. Also, the adoption can only be made from families with equal status. And it is difficult to adopt a person with a different surname, unless all the members of the family are dead. I have never heard of the Wei family being extinct. Perhaps you two ladies can ask someone else?" As Jinniang spoke, she saw that Madam Xia looked confused and knew that she didn't know any of this.
Whatever you do, you should do it yourselves, but you insist on asking her to do it.
The magistrate's wife said, "Oh!" "In that case, it would be better to go and make a donation. Oh, and we have to hold a ritual."
Jinniang wondered how many orphans could be saved with the money from the ritual, especially since the government still had Futianyuan where they could adopt children. But she knew that the wife of the Tongpan was willing to do this, so she didn't mind as long as it didn't involve her.
She didn't want to deal with these two people. If it came to donations, she would go by herself.
Madam Xia looked at Jinniang and said, "Madam Jiang, you can actually take your embroidered Guanyin portrait and hang it there. This way it can also protect the children."
Jinniang said hurriedly, "Why didn't you tell me earlier? My brother was promoted to the position of Imperial Edict Editor, and my sister-in-law was going to the capital with her nephew. She was sick, so I gave it to her."
When they heard that her embroidered portrait had been given to Mrs. Wei, the two of them stopped drinking tea and left.
…
Ah Ying complained: "What kind of people are these?"
Jinniang shook her head: "These two want to take my embroidered Guanyin statue away. They really overestimate their own abilities."
"Alas, you have been offended lately." Ah Ying felt that things were fine when Madam Qian and the others were around.
Jinniang counted on her fingers and said, "March is almost over. In about three months, the appointment should be issued."
Little did they know that Jiang Yan was also counting the days. At this moment, he mentioned to Xu: "Shiliu Lang will be back in a few months. I haven't seen him for six years. I don't know how he is doing."
Xu smiled and said, "We'll see each other then. By the way, what's the matter with Zhou Erlang coming to visit?"
"It's nothing. He came here for his brother-in-law Sun Shichen. He wanted me to talk to the Wu family and help him move to a new place." Jiang Yan said.
Xu looked at him and asked, "Did you agree?"
"The final result depends on his political achievements. We can't just ask for favors for the sake of our relatives or openly use this backdoor." Jiang Yan said.
While in office, Jiang Yan cracked down on the powerful and stabilized prices. Because he was related to Prime Minister Jixian by marriage, he was quickly promoted.
Xu smiled and said, "You are still so impartial. If that's the case, what do you think of Shiliu Lang?"
"Shiliulang wrote an article that was appreciated by Academician Fan, who was very optimistic about him and recommended him to Lord Jixian. Lord Jixian looked at his career and told me that Shiliulang could become a prime minister like Yi Yin and Huo Guang in the future, so I thought he would definitely be transferred to the capital. Therefore, I also recommended Shiliulang to the old lord and Lord Wu. After all, one can recommend someone based on personal relationship, and Shiliulang has been working diligently over the years." Jiang Yan said.
Xu found this somewhat strange. When did Jiang Xian become involved with Academician Fan?
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