Chapter 106 The Little Son-in-Law Arrives
Miaozhen's family had run a bookstore, so she naturally knew the significance of books. Jinan was the capital city, and there were many literate people who knew books. She had consulted with old farmers about the uses of sweet potatoes for famine relief, how to cook them, and the risks of heartburn from eating too many. She combined these pros and cons with her own experience and wrote a special newspaper similar to a local gazette.
She first showed it to Xiao Jingshi, who exclaimed with delight, "I never imagined you had such talent!"
"It's just a matter of family tradition. I think it would be better if you, by order of the Prefect, had all the major bookstores distribute them for free. This would also benefit the people," Miaozhen suggested.
Xiao Jingshi laughed and said, "I see that your drawing is both pictures and text, and the characters you wrote are all commonly used. Even illiterate peasant women would know how to do it. This is excellent. I will immediately issue a document to all prefectures and counties. Zhenzhen, you are truly my virtuous helper."
Miaozhen quickly waved her hand: "I can't be considered a good wife, I just happened to be here by chance. Speaking of hard work, it's you who's more hardworking, it's those things that are difficult to carry out."
My wife never takes credit, not out of pretense, but because that's just who she is. She always believes that there are always people more capable than herself, and she never takes credit for things that aren't hers.
Xiao Jingshi held her hand and said, "I don't expect any achievements anymore. I'm thirty-six years old this year, and I've already gone through three cycles of life. After ten years as an official, I'm already a fourth-rank official in the Zhou family, which puts me ahead of many others. Besides, Sister Fu has been betrothed to a good man. I just hope that I won't make any mistakes in my post."
Although her husband said that, he was the proudest man in the world. Miaozhen covered her mouth and laughed, "You learned that from me. Actually, you are such an arrogant person. You just want to be the best in the world in terms of grades."
Xiao Jingshi smiled, tacitly agreeing with what his wife said.
Then he had to go out to run some errands, while Miaozhen had Ping'an take some money to the capital to buy two estates. One estate would be used as part of Fu Jie'er's dowry, and the other would be used to buy the estate of their own family.
Now that the dowry is 6,000 taels from the family, the parents-in-law have contributed 10,000 taels, and the betrothal gifts from Marquis Yunjian are over 10,000 taels, the couple only need to contribute 20,000 taels and 4,000 taels. The original 30,000 taels were even left over, so she simply used some of it to buy farmland, which is at least some income.
Currently, the second branch of the family has not separated. In their early years, they received dividends from Xiao Jingshi's ice-cold boat, annual allowances from the family, medical fees from Miaozhen, and dividends from Xiao Ting, whom they raised for several years, totaling 100,000 taels of silver.
Thinking that the second branch of the Xiao family wouldn't separate so soon, and that this money was all their assets, Miaozhen discussed with Xiao Jingshi that the three of them would each receive 30,000 taels for living expenses, and the remaining 10,000 taels would be enough for the couple.
In fact, a dowry of 30,000 taels was considered a very generous dowry in Jiangnan. This was because the grandson of the Vice Minister of Rites and the son of a Grand Secretary were eager to marry Fu Jie'er.
If Zhao Rui hadn't intervened later, Miaozhen wouldn't have raised her dowry to 50,000 taels. Fortunately, her parents-in-law contributed their own money, and the government also contributed, so preparing her daughter's dowry wasn't difficult.
However, no matter how easy it is, it cannot be taken at will.
Entrusting Wei Wan to help purchase ten acres of land in Nanjing, and having Qing Sao's son from the clan manage it, would be enough, since there are many nobles in the capital and it is not easy to buy even if you have money. Entrusting Gao Shi to purchase a small estate of two acres would be sufficient.
Furthermore, the Xiao family's second master, Xiao Jingshi's older brother, had five shops in the capital, all of which were tea shops. The Xiao family already had connections.
Miaozhen looked at each item one by one, and the night was rather hot, so she still couldn't fall asleep. She only managed to doze off for a short while as dawn broke. Fortunately, her daughter was very filial; upon hearing that she hadn't slept well, she specially made lotus seed and lily bulb soup for her.
"You eat too," Miaozhen said, gesturing for her to sit down.
Seeing that her mother was a little upset about her, Fu Jie'er quickly said, "Daughter doesn't need to worry. It's Mother who has gone through so much trouble for me."
"Why bring this up? It's only because you're outstanding that people come to propose marriage to you. Although marrying into the Yun Jian Marquis's mansion has many advantages, once you enter the gates of a marquis's mansion, it's like entering a deep sea. Our family and the Yun Jian Marquis's mansion still have some old grudges. If you want to establish yourself in the marquis's mansion, I'm afraid there will be many obstacles." It's not enough for your husband to like you; you also need to be able to stand on your own two feet.
After saying that, Miaozhen also told the story of how she was framed by Xia Xianjie after she married into the family. Fujie was very surprised when she heard it: "How could Aunt do such a thing?"
"She's always been good at making a fuss about those things in the brothel, and she's an expert at it. Her sixth wife fell for it, which led to a rift between the couple. Now that you're older, I might as well tell you this: no matter how close a couple is, once someone else gets involved, it's hard for them to truly connect." Miaozhen didn't want her daughter to be so foolish as to learn to be so virtuous as to help her husband take a concubine.
Even the most loyal dowry maid, once she has her own children, will inevitably start to think about her own future; this is only human nature.
When Fu Jie heard these words, she felt it was too early and she didn't want to get involved. At the same time, she felt that her mother seemed to have opened a strange and wonderful box of adulthood for her, and she was like a pearl in an oyster shell, constantly needing to temper herself.
In the end, she was just as brave as her parents. Hearing these words, she didn't hesitate to ask, "Mother, what if he really wants to take a concubine?"
“Since your husband has personally asked you to marry him, he must value you highly. Don’t think about suppressing the concubines to consolidate your position. The fierce fighting between women only allows men to reap the benefits. In the end, you should first keep your husband in check. Be smart and alert. You don’t need to ask anything for your family. Your parents don’t owe anyone any favors. Just manage your marriage well; that’s more important than anything else.” Miao Zhen looked at her daughter earnestly.
Fu Jie pondered her mother's words carefully. She recalled that when her sixth uncle and aunt were in the capital, although their relationship wasn't exactly sweet and affectionate, it was still very good. However, the appearance of Aunt Qin later prevented them from turning against each other, but their relationship could never return to what it used to be.
Yes, whenever a first wife beats a concubine, many first wives feel happy, but they don't realize that if the man weren't fickle, there wouldn't be concubines. Ultimately, it's the man's fault, yet several women are made to fight over it. Even if they win, it's meaningless.
Today you may win someone's favor with your talent and looks, but tomorrow someone stronger than you will come to steal your favor.
"I understand," said Sister Fu.
Miaozhen sighed: "I don't know what kind of luck I have to follow such a loyal and capable man as your father. And you three siblings are so clever and quick-witted. Therefore, I can only give you a general overview of the things that happen in the inner quarters. You'll have to deal with the specifics yourself when you encounter them."
"However, you are already much better than others. Although your father is not a first-rate official, at least he won't make mistakes and won't hold you back. Your younger brother is talented in his studies and can endure hardship, and your second brother is diligent in martial arts and is also doing well in his studies. As for you, you are learning medicine from me. Even if you can't treat all kinds of rare diseases, at least you can treat yourself. Think of everything in a positive light."
Yes, when Sister Fu walked out of the main room, she felt that her life was already good enough.
With harmonious parents and being the eldest daughter of the family, she was like a jewel in the family. She married a perfect man with a generous dowry, making her life a hundred times better than those who had lost their mothers or fathers or were struggling financially. It was really wrong of her to still have so many worries.
After Fu Jie'er got engaged, she couldn't go out much. The same was true for Kou Xue Niang. In fact, Kou Xue Niang was getting married next year, and Kou Tongzhi's term was about to end, and it was unknown where he would be transferred.
For Kou Tongzhi's proactive cooperation with Xiao Jingshi in disaster relief and famine relief during his tenure, Xiao Jingshi gave him a high rating in his evaluation. Miaozhen and Madam Kou had always had a good relationship, so she sent a generous gift and an additional dowry to Kou Xueniang as a farewell to this official's wife with whom she had a good relationship.
Welcoming and seeing off guests, bidding farewell to the old year and welcoming the new—this is commonplace for adults, but it is a time of reluctance for children. Fu Jie'er and Kou Xue Niang, being close friends, naturally parted with deep affection.
By the end of the year, thanks to the proper preparations for famine in Jinan Prefecture, not a single person starved to death under Xiao Jingshi's jurisdiction. The method of using sweet potatoes, which had been overlooked before, was now being taken seriously by the province because Jinan Prefecture was growing sweet potatoes. Governor Liu and the two provincial treasurers all planned to give Xiao Jingshi a high evaluation.
But Jining Prefecture was in dire straits. Zhang Shihua had always been a harsh and self-serving person. His previous plan was to drive the starving and displaced people to Jinan Prefecture. Xiao Jingshi was on guard, and he was reprimanded by the province. He wanted to make amends, but he was unwilling to spend his money.
As a result, he was impeached by the Shandong Circuit Censor, and the Circuit Inspector also took action upon hearing the news.
Although he was impeached, he had powerful connections, and his position remained unshaken.
Miaozhen was astonished: "Nothing happened after all that?"
"Although he treats the people under his rule like pigs and dogs, he's very good at dealing with superiors. He's a master at giving women and money." Xiao Jingshi shrugged.
Miao Zhen shook her head: "No wonder everyone says that officialdom is corrupt. How can an ordinary person survive in officialdom? They would have given up long ago."
Xiao Jingshi laughed and said, "You can't say that. There are others like me, too."
“Officials like you are very rare,” Miaozhen praised.
Xiao Jingshi said, "That's because I have a virtuous wife. Your sweet potato planting and cooking methods have been promoted not only in Jinan, but throughout Shandong. When the governor praised me, I said it was your achievement. The governor then said that you are truly a rare woman."
Having transmigrated from the modern world, Miaozhen could do so little. Now that she was able to save the people, she was truly gratified.
Because Xiao Jingshi performed exceptionally well during his tenure in Jinan, he was transferred to Henan Province as a councilor. Before leaving, the people presented him with a "Ten Thousand People's Umbrella".
Hearing this, Zhang Shihua couldn't help but say, "What does that kid have? He just has connections in the court, which makes it easier for him to get an official position."
To be promoted from the fourth rank to the third rank is a significant step; once you pass the fourth rank and are promoted to the third rank, you become a high-ranking official in the court. Zhang Shihua is now also approaching the fifth rank and hopes to retire with honors at the third rank before retiring. Unexpectedly, Xiao Jingshi accomplished it with ease.
He got completely drunk and confided in Miaoyun: "You imposter, I'm not proud of anything since I married you. Look at other people's wives, they managed to get involved with Prince Yu and have a son-in-law who is the deputy commander of the Northern Garrison. No wonder Xiao Jingshi has been promoted step by step."
Miaoyun felt as if she had fallen into an ice cellar upon hearing the words "fake." She repeatedly reminded herself to remain calm, thinking that perhaps Zhang Shihua was just talking nonsense. When his career was not going well, he liked to blame others.
Therefore, she has to stay calm, she absolutely must stay calm.
"Master, you should have some hangover soup, or you'll get a headache." Miaoyun dismissed the maid and personally brought over the hangover soup. Unexpectedly, Zhang Shihua swept the bowl to the ground. His face flushed, he hiccuped, and his finger trembled as he pointed at her: "A lowly ant, as worthless as grass, dared to trick me! Let me tell you, everything you have is thanks to me. Bah, what Xu family of Zhejiang? A destitute family that even has to fake a student of the Imperial Academy."
Miaoyun was stunned. After so many years, she had become accustomed to being Mrs. Zhang and thought she had done her best to help Zhang Shihua. She never expected things to turn out this way.
He waited anxiously until the next day. Zhang Shihua seemed to have forgotten what he had said, but it also seemed that after speaking his mind under the influence of alcohol, he became more and more unscrupulous.
Even her daughter Zhang Yan couldn't stand it anymore: "Mother, you are the mistress of the house, and Father is the head of the household, yet you are becoming more and more disgraceful. You even handed over the management of the household to that concubine, it's really unbelievable."
"Forget it, don't worry about it. You're getting married soon. Once you've established yourself in your husband's family, that's your mother's support." Miaoyun wasn't worried about anything. Her daughter was getting married soon, and her son would be marrying a county princess in a couple of years. Zhang Shihua was a man who cared a lot about his reputation, and now he was just blaming himself for being tricked.
Zhang Shihua did indeed think so. He had known all along that Xu Miaoyun was an imposter, but what was done was done. He had hoped that Xu Miaoyun could provide him with assistance, since she seemed quite capable. He never expected that this person, having impersonated someone, would only lie in the position of the lady and enjoy herself, even using his name to curry favor with him.
How can you eat his food and then humiliate him?
Several months later, Zhang Shihua was transferred to Weihui Prefecture as the prefect. He was going to visit the provincial capital, and Miaoyun seized the opportunity to visit Miaozhen.
Miaozhen was taking stock of her daughter's dowry. Since arriving in Henan, they had been busy with her daughter's dowry arrangements. Suzhou embroidery was excellent, so everything had to be purchased in Suzhou. However, Miaozhen didn't personally select the items. About 60% of these things were good, but the remaining 40% didn't quite meet her expectations.
"If only I could go back to Suzhou, but the journey would be too arduous and inconvenient."
With her husband taking up his post, she also had to get to know the local officials' wives and families all over again, and prepare her daughter's dowry—all of which required meticulous attention, leaving her mentally exhausted. Hearing that Miaoyun was coming, they assumed it was just a routine visit and invited her in.
Although Miaoyun wasn't there to interrogate anyone, she still wanted to find out the truth: "Did you tell others my identity?"
"What nonsense are you talking about? You impersonated me, and I haven't even reported you yet, and you're already interrogating me. You made a fool of yourself and now you blame others. You're shameless, even though you're a predator." Miaozhen wasn't afraid of her at all; it wasn't like she had done anything wrong.
Seeing Miaozhen's reaction, Miaoyun asked suspiciously, "Is it really not you? You mustn't be lying."
Miao Zhen was the kind of person who would be polite if you were polite, but if you weren't, she would definitely be even more impolite. She scoffed, "Who do you think you are? I'd lie to you too. Besides, we're cousins. If I expose you, won't my own reputation be damaged?"
That makes sense. Miaoyun smiled and said a few words before leaving.
Xiao Xi entered and said, "She actually dared to interrogate us? That Magistrate Zhang was so disrespectful during his tenure that he was hated by both heaven and man. He doesn't even know how to behave himself. He has no shame."
"Just wait and see."
I used to think retribution was just empty talk, but the older I get, the more I understand one thing: karma is a cycle, and retribution will come eventually. Corrupt officials like Zhang Shihua will fall sooner or later; it's just that the Yan faction behind him is still around.
This person is incredibly audacious. Instead of resigning and retiring, he naively believes he can remain an official for life.
The sixteenth day of the eleventh lunar month was the birthday of Sister Fu and her younger brother Zhao. Miaozhen had the kitchen staff prepare many of their favorite dishes, and the family enjoyed a lively meal together.
After Xiao Jingshi stepped down from his post as prefect, the burden on his shoulders was much lighter, but today his brows were furrowed frequently, and it was unclear what had happened.
After the children returned home at night, she asked her husband, "How are you? Have you been having any worries lately?"
"When the censor was inspecting the granary, it suddenly caught fire, and no one was saved. Some say it was arson, and I think the court will probably send an imperial envoy." Xiao Jingshi frowned.
Miao Zhen pouted: "Even so, it has nothing to do with us."
"It can't be said that it's unrelated, after all, I am now a councilor and I am in charge of the land reclamation."
No wonder Xiao Jingshi was so worried. It turned out that this was the reason. She couldn't help but ask, "What should we do?"
"I can't investigate too much, otherwise people will think I'm the one crying wolf." Xiao Jingshi is very cautious now. If he gets involved with the censor, that would be a capital offense.
Being an official is always like this: you may seem to have a lot of power, but in reality, you have to deal with both superiors and subordinates and can't afford to make any mistakes.
The more you want to climb the ladder, the more cautious you should be.
With such a major incident, the emperor dispatched high-ranking officials from the Censorate. Officials throughout Henan Province were trembling with fear. Miaozhen repeatedly instructed her subordinates to be cautious, fearing that the imperial envoy might not be able to uncover the truth of the matter and would then use it as a pretext to cause trouble.
That day, it was already late, and snowflakes were falling outside. Xiao Jingshi was having dinner with his two sons in the outer room, and they would also have a few drinks. In the main room, Miaozhen and Fujie were eating hot pot.
The food in the pot was simple: chicken stewed with vermicelli. It warmed her up nicely, and Fu-jie's cheeks turned rosy from eating.
Just then, Zhao Ge'er arrived, and Miao Zhen teased, "What's wrong? Didn't you three have enough to eat? Are you coming here to continue the meal?"
But then Zhao Ge'er came over and whispered in her ear, "Mother, Prince Zhao is here."
"Who?" A gust of wind blew by, and Miaozhen thought she was hallucinating.
Zhao Ge'er continued, "The Imperial Guards came in disguise to investigate the case, and Prince Zhao wanted to stay at our house. Father let him stay in the same courtyard as me. But he's been sleeping in the open and hasn't eaten yet. Father asked Mother to make arrangements."
Miaozhen glanced at Fu Jie'er and teased, "There's no need for me to make arrangements. Let Fu Jie'er make the arrangements."
Due to the strict separation of men and women, unmarried men and women rarely meet, but Miaozhen hopes her daughter and son-in-law can develop a relationship! And here's the opportunity! Her son-in-law is always very direct, but her daughter, with her bright, innocent eyes, seems oblivious…
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