Higher Level Wife – 106 – Reunion

Chapter 106: Reunion

Author: White Pear Flower

Raws: https://book.qidian.com/info/2386994/

Translated by Gumihou

Proofread by Pill Bug

Gumihou’s Many Issues with hotpot/swishpot

Mistake 1: Hotpot / swishpot used interchangeably

Mistake 2: JFJ having ‘eaten a lot of swish pots (impossible)

Mistake 3: Usage of tahini (sesame seed paste) with hoisin sauce and garlic chives

Mistake 4: ‘Salty’ Sesame Paste Sauce, exact words were ‘don’t use a lot, it’s salty’

Gumi has a lot of ????? over her head at this because while Gomadare is savoury, it should not be so salty that one would use less as a dipping sauce. It’s like saying ketchup is very sweet. While it certainly has an inordinate amount of sugar, it is definitely not supposed to taste ‘very sweet’

Mistake 5: Hoisin sauce (doesn’t exist until 1900s)

Mistake 6: ‘Mix this sauce with the noodles and soup’

????? mix… sesame paste with a soup base dish? Seriously? You sick in the head? Your tongue broken? This is like mixing ketchup into a soup? You eat like that? Wow.

Anyway, some of the weirdness is explained in this chapter

Please see Note 6

After looking through their homework and examining the large characters written by Jin Changfeng and Jin Changjiao, Jin Fengju offered them a few words of praise. The boy blushed and said, “Father, you should not just praise me. Little brother Zhenxuan is smarter than me and his diligence is not inferior. His work could only be better than mine.”

Jin Fengju smiled and said, “Ever since he has an elder brother like you as a role model, Zhenxuan had indeed begun to work harder. It is all thanks to you being a good elder brother that he has improved so much. As a father, I naturally understand this too.” He turned to Qiuning and said, “As far as natural talent is concerned, Zhenxuan is indeed blessed. Unfortunately, no matter how steady he appears, I know he’s rather superficial. Right now, he’s been memorising essays and sayings, but his explanation is still quite lacking. Let’s see how he does in two more years. Whether he sinks or rises to the occasion, we’ll know once he has mastered the [1] Eight-Legged Essays. That’s when we’ll know whether he could dedicate himself to his studies.”

Fu Qiuning nodded, “Lord Husband is right. One fears that if children are too clever, they will be defeated by their own cleverness.” She turned to Jin Changfeng and said, “Right, you shall sleep here with your father. Jiao’er and I shall go and sleep at Aunt Yu’s place. Yu Jie shall be at attention outside the room and attend to the two of you.” Now that they had plenty of charcoal, it would be fine to keep the fires burning in two rooms, conveniently making it easy for her to sleep elsewhere.

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As expected, at mid-morning on the second day, a maid from the Old Ancestor’s place came to call Fu Qiuning to come over. It turned out that Jin Luanfeng [2] had just returned to the Capital. In the midst of the lively atmosphere, Old Madam Jin recalled Qiuning and called her over. Qiuning knew that she could not avoid this meeting and could only change into appropriate outfits and drag the two children over to Health & Longevity Court.

Jin Luanfeng’s official wife, He’shi, was a calm and quiet woman as far as Fu Qiuning knew. Today, when He’shi arrived at Health & Longevity Court, she was surrounded by everyone eager to congratulate her. Her face, usually calm and quiet, was radiant with smiles, as though she had transformed into someone else.

“Second Young Madam Ning is here,” when Luo Cui saw Qiuning, she hastily rushed over to greet her. Her mouth playfully scolded, “Those little hussies must be busy inside the lively hall. How dare they not say anything when Madam arrived? Really ignorant.”

After Fu Qiuning returned from her maternal home, Old Madam Jin sent down an order through the entire marquisate. The whole family must treat her as Jin Fengju’s official wife. In the past, there was only one ‘Second Young Madam’, Jiang Wanying. However, Fu Qiuning had also joined the ranks of Jin Fengju’s ‘wife’ and became a ‘Second Young Madam’. Therefore, the marquisate now had ‘Second Young Madam Ying’ and ‘Second Young Madam Ning’ on the roster of wives. Moreover, because the pronunciation of their names was similar, it was a little difficult to distinguish.

“Do not blame the maids. They did announce my presence, but the hall is too noisy, so no one realised I am there,” said Fu Qiuning with a smile.

When the rest of the people saw her, they all rushed over to give their greetings. She also [3] played her part and greeted them one by one. When she reached He’shi, she smiled and said, “Congratulations to Elder Sister-in-law, I have heard the good news too. With Elder Master returning, you and your husband would be together once more. It is such a shame that he leaves so often.”

“I thank Younger Sister-in-law for your kind words,” He’shi quickly returned Fu Qiuning’s salute to smile shyly, “Younger Sister-in-law is such a serious person most times. Why are you teasing me along with them? I can see that you are all bad people.”

Concubine Huo smiled and said, “We are just joking. You should look at yourself, your beauty is truly shocking on this day. I must say, Elder Master must have too much restraint to resist such a sweet wife and run around outside like this.”

Fu Qiuning smiled and said, “As the saying goes, people are radiant when they are happy, and the joy of reunion after a long absence is greater than being a newlywed. I can see from Elder Sister-in-law’s glowing face that this saying holds true.”

He’shi laughed in reply, “Do not try to poke fun at me over this. Speaking of which, isn’t the Second Master always outside, running errands for the emperor? Is your joy of reunion after a long absence lesser than mine?”

Everyone laughed.

During this cheerful atmosphere, a maid called out, “Second Young Madam Ying has arrived.”

The words barely had time to reverberate in the room when Concubine Xu sneered, “She is always like this, making an entire room of people wait on her before making her entrance. No matter what, she always wants to be the lead and snatch other people’s limelight. Who knows why she is so late.”

Fu Qiuning noticed the Old Madam and Madam Jiang casting a glance over their side and [3] had to privately roll her eyes. Here we go again. Looks like Jin Fengju’s addiction to his solo performance was the result of both nature and nurture. Unfortunately, she also has to participate in this acting as well, or risk being ostracised as insane for not conforming to the norm.

Therefore, Fu Qiuning made a show of whispering to Concubine Xu, saying, “Little Sister shouldn’t say this. Little Sister Wan has to take care of the entire family, and therefore is naturally very busy.”

[3] On cue, Concubine Xu spoke her petty villainess lines, declaring, “ If Elder Sister truly sympathises with her, as the madam of the house and the one that Lord Husband has been holding up as the example to the rest of us, why don’t you move in so that we can all live together? That way, you may also assist Elder Sister Wan in taking care of the house. With your assistance, neither of my dear Elder Sisters would be tired.”

Fu Qiuning’s smile was very mild. She knew what this Concubine Xu was aiming for, after all. Moreover, it was no coincidence that this woman raised her voice earlier to catch the elder madams’ attention. “I do not care to suffer for no good reason. Just look at Little Sister Wan. She must know that we are all gathered at the Health & Longevity Court for a little fun and could not wait to fly over to join us. However, that she is not here earlier meant that she must have been delayed by some important work. She clearly lacks leisure time, unlike myself.”

“What are you saying behind my back? I know you are talking about me.” Jiang Wanying came through the door screen to beam warmly at Fu Qiuning. “Well, well, looks like I have caught you, right? I see you refuse to admit it. Well, speak, what bad things are you saying about me? Still dare to stare at me so brazenly?”

“Quickly go and give your congratulations to Elder Sister-in-law, ba. What are you still doing here for?” Fu Qiuning smiled as she gently propelled her towards He’shi, hoping to push the current topic away as well.

“Naturally, I shall give my congratulations to Elder Sister-in-law. However, don’t think that I won’t settle accounts with you,” Jiang Wanying announced, pointing her finger at Fu Qiuning, Xu’shi and Huo’shi. Her face was wreathed with smiles, looking as though she was just a cheeky girl teasing her friends.

Those who did not know the truth of the matter would believe that Jin Fengju was very skilful at managing his family. Just look, how many exquisitely beautiful and talented women he had subdued under his hands? Look at how they happily chat and tease each other like real sisters.

While everyone was chatting and laughing, Jin Fengju and Jin Luanfeng came in. He’shi blushed. Fearing that the sisters-in-law would poke fun at her again, she quickly hurried away to hide behind the crowd. By then, the two men had arrived at Old Madam’s side and were greeting her.

Old Madam Jin beamed and asked Jin Fengju, “You went to court early today. The emperor did not keep you?”

“It is close to New Year, what is the use of keeping me? It’s not like there are any serious political affairs abound,” replied Jin Fengju with a smile. Then, he added, “I have just received a letter from Father. He has set out to meet with Elder Brother and would be here before the end of the year.”

At this news, everyone became elated. Old Madam Jin and Madam Jiang were naturally very happy. The Old Madam nodded, “Good, good, this is very good. Write to them and tell them to be careful on the road. It has been snowing a lot lately and the roads are dangerous. It is best to take their time and be more careful.”

Jin Fengju smiled and said, “To only remember this now, isn’t it too late? The person must have set out by now and there is no way to ascertain their schedule. Sending a letter now would serve no purpose. I have already delivered all the cautionary words in my last letter to them. With so many people travelling together, there is no need to worry about anything.”

At this, Old Madam Jin and Elder Madam Jiang laughed. Old Madam said to Elder Madam Jiang, “Did you hear that? Surely you must have heard it too. No wonder the emperor values him so, he is even more attentive than us, ah. Your master certainly has not wasted his attention on this son.”

Madam Jiang hastily laughed and said, “The Fengshui in our family is good, not just Fengju, haven’t Luanfeng and Pengzhan also grown up to be excellent? Fengju and Pengzhan are already excellent enough, having secured government official positions for themselves. Luanfeng has it tougher. He has built such a successful business empire that our shops could be found everywhere in the country. Unfortunately, with his status, he could only work in the background. How hard is it for that child, ah? Still, it is to his credit that he manages matters of the house so wonderfully.”

On such a day, Madam Jiang naturally would not just praise her own son. Though her words were full of denial for her own child and praises for others, hidden within her words were the utmost satisfaction and arrogance for her own social status and importance. After all, no matter how successful a business was or how much money Luanfeng brought into the family, as a mere merchant, how he could even measure up to a petty official of the lowest sort? Moreover, her prided Jin Fengju was no mere petty official but a great pillar of society, one of the emperor’s closest confidants and a great political mover and shaker. How could she not be brimming with pride to have birthed such a son?

[4] “Just look at how pleased Mother-in-law is,” Fu Qiuning murmured. “Having a son like you really gives her face. Everyone gathered around to flatter her. I really can’t bear it. The money Elder Brother brings in is no less than what you receive as rewards and bestowment. However, because of ancestral rules, what he earned could not be counted against the rewards you received. How unfortunate.”

Jin Fengju could not help laughing as he said, “Are you annoyed on Elder Brother’s behalf? I’ll say this now, only you would have this insight within the entire family. They say that women are long in hair but short on knowledge, but you, Qiuning, are an exception. Fortunately, brother and I are very close, otherwise, ah…”

He shook his head slowly.

[4] Fu Qiuning knew what he was thinking. Indeed, if the brothers in a large family could not work harmoniously together, they would have been instigated by their women to turn on each other. If the brothers harboured jealousy, comparison and hidden envy, would the Jinxiang Marquisate be as successful and harmonious as today? When she thought of this, she could not help but think: Just where is the Jin family ancestral tomb located? Isn’t this kind of luck too strong? If this was a novel, it practically counts as a golden finger.

While she was thinking this, Jin Fengju said, “I have spoken with Elder Brother about your hotpot. He is very interested. I have already sent people to the nearby villages to collect fresh vegetables. They should all arrive in time for dinner. When the time comes, you must demonstrate your skills.”

[5a] Fu Qiuning paused. She cast an aggrieved look at Jin Fengju, “I hope you also manage to collect Garlic Chive Flowers. I’m not sure how much I have left.”

Suddenly, someone laughed and said, “What Garlic Chive Flowers? Could such a thing be served on the table? If my Elder Sister likes pickles, I can order my people to send a few jars to you. I promise, you won’t be able to finish them all.” Who else but Jiang Wanying could make such a lofty promise?

[5b] Then again, could she blame Jiang Wanying? At a family reunion, Jin Fengju actually came over to speak to her rival in status and love, so how could she endure it? Moreover, this was a public event where others were more than happy to gossip about how her beloved husband snubbed her for another. Therefore, Fu Qiuning could only say, “I am not looking for pickles, I just need the flowers for something. When the time comes, Little Sister will know what I need them for.” After that, she promptly left Jiang Wanying and Jin Fengju for Old Madam Jin. [5b] Let those two work things out by themselves.

Jin Fengju had no idea whether to laugh or cry, especially since Xu’shi and Huo’shi had also rushed over to fawn over him now that Fu Qiuning had left. He thought: If I had known that this day would come, would I have married so many wives in one go just to appease my anger? In vain a man governs the land, when he could not even command his family well. Who knows how those other ministers with more wives and concubines than I manage their inner court when I could barely handle these few women?

Things were very lively when suddenly, there was a commotion from outside and Jin Ming came hurrying in. Without even greeting Old Madam or Elder Madam, he hastily said, “Master, a decree had come down from the palace. I beg Master, Old Madam and Elder Madam to please quickly prepare.”

Jin Fengju’s heart thumped. A bitter smile appear on his face as he thought: The thing I have been fearing most has finally happened.

Gumihou: I think we’re supposed to feel sorry for JFJ? Because FQN snubbed him and he is now surrounded by twittering females he married just to provoke the single most innocent person in the whole marriage thing? And now he was sorry because he was inconvenienced by his past cruelty?

Nice.

You’re in a hole you dug with your own hands. So stay in it.

Also, Gumi is very disgusted by Note 4. However, let it stand because FQN could not know everything. Still, let Gumi explain the true reason behind the very lucky and harmonious brotherhood within the Jin family and why this luck will end with Jin Fengju.

You want to know why the brothers are so close together? That’s because there are very few of them. However, JFJ had bred like a rabbit and already has seven children with at least two sons aiming to make trouble. The children are already learning how to scheme from their mothers. Right now, they are still cute, but by the time JFJ hit his early 30s, complications will explode in his face. His children will start dying from ‘accidents’, ‘mysterious sickness’ or be crippled in some ways.

In fact, this is the prologue of a flashback story of an illegitimate child MC, scraping a poor but happy life with his poor, ill sister in the sticks when he was suddenly summoned back to the terrible family he had been kicked out of because the old father could not trust any of his other kids and wanted a ‘fresh start’ with a ‘pure child’ he had abandoned because reasons…

[1] Eight-legged Essay – a style of essay in imperial examinations during the Ming & Qing dynasties

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eight-legged_essay

Gumihou: Also, aren’t you being too hard on your four-year-old son?

[2] Jin Luanfeng – Jin Shi’s son, Jin Fengju’s cousin

[3] Continue with the ‘acting’.

[4] FQN and JFJ having a ‘tee hee’ moment together.

Gumi doesn’t like it. It’s all generated to showcase the Jin Brothers’ bro-ness and how well-adjusted they were.

[5] FQN ‘exclaimed in surprise’ after a ‘tee hee’ moment to establish more ‘awww’ moments where she one ups Jiang Wanying and gets JFJ’s support. It’s all very manipulative and disgusting.

Also, why are you saying: Oh noes, I might not have enough Garlic Chive Sauce~~

When, like, you can just say ‘gimme more garlic chives’?

[5a] Change ‘aww shucks’ moment to ‘hahh?’

[5b] Change ‘oh noes oh noes’ to ‘ugh’

[6] Per Note 5. Garlic Chive Sauce

For some inexplicable reason, the sauce, which had started its life as a sesame paste based sauce for shabu-shabu, had suddenly transformed into Garlic Chive Flower Sauce. This Garlic Chive Sauce is recorded to have existed since around 800 to 800 AD, which doesn’t match FQN’s remark of ‘I wonder why they haven’t invented it yet~~’

Anyway, the basics of this Garlic Chive Sauce or Garlic Chive Flower Sauce 韭菜花酱 is made by fermenting grounded flowers of garlic chives in salt SESAME OIL and spices (Sichuan pepper, ginger, garlic etc)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garlic_chive_flower_sauce

Presumably, White Pear Flower had gotten SESAME PASTE and SESAME OIL mixed up, although that still doesn’t explain Hoisin sauce aside from Author Don’t Give a Shit.

Recipe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSFFeQPkJrw

Wikipedia says sesame oil is one of the key ingredients, but after looking through 10 different recipes, not a single one uses sesame oil.

Only one recipe uses oil, and it was just 2 tbls of olive oil.

Gumihou: … I don’t know anymore.

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