Daming Prefecture served as the vital throat connecting the north and south since the mid-Tang Dynasty, becoming one of the four major towns in the Hebei region. Even the poet Li Bai once wrote, "The Qi River flows like green jade, with carriages and boats rushing day and night," capturing the flourishing prosperity of Daming. By the Song Dynasty, it had risen to the status of a secondary capital, standing alongside the Eastern Capital Kaifeng and the Southern Capital Yingtian.
Jin Niang had yet to witness the famed "thousands of dance halls and song towers, countless temples and monasteries" before she had to focus on renovating their new residence.
Whenever settling into a new place, Jin Niang cared most about the privy—if it reeked too badly, she simply couldn’t bring herself to use it.
Chen Xiaolang, who had long been running errands for Jin Niang, was well-practiced in such matters. In less time than it took to drink a cup of tea, he had already hired workers to tidy things up. Dou Yuan also sent helpers, and after roughly three days of work, the household finally moved in.
The central gate led to the main entrance, with the "reverse-seat" rooms housing male servants, guards, and the advisor. Passing through the hanging flower gate, they entered the second courtyard, walking along the covered corridor. The three central main rooms were reserved for Jin Niang and her husband. Two western side rooms served as a study, while a small eastern side room became the privy, adjacent to a passageway. The eastern wing of the second courtyard housed Brother Ning, his wet nurse, and maids, while the western wing accommodated Sister Jun and her two maids. Another privy stood beside the eastern wing, and the kitchen was situated next to the western wing.
Moving to the third courtyard, a row of low-roofed eastern rooms housed Nanny Fang, Qingrong, Ziteng, Juxiang, and Ruyan. A tea station was set up here, tended to daily by Ying. The western side featured a single-eaved pavilion with four corners, surrounded by banksia roses, earning it the name "Wooden Fragrance Pavilion."
Typically, the third courtyard would consist of rear-facing rooms, but this residence had only three small chambers, flanked by corridors that connected directly to the pavilion. Since Jin Niang intended to hire a tutor for her children here, she left the space unoccupied.
Even so, some had spacious quarters while others lived in cramped conditions—such was the unavoidable reality. There were grander estates available, but they came with steep prices. The residence they chose was flanked by sprawling five-courtyard mansions, while the Zhen family across the street boasted a seven-courtyard compound with its own garden.
Still, Jin Niang was satisfied. Unlike their cramped lodgings in the county office, where proximity bred friction, here they could shut their gates and live quietly, undisturbed.
On their first night, Jiang Xian remarked with a smile, "It feels like a dream. Three years ago, you arranged our home in Wu County, and now we’re starting fresh again."
"Young people ought to venture far and wide," Jin Niang replied warmly. "When we’re old and frail, we won’t have the chance."
As a judicial officer, Jiang Xian’s new role aligned well with his expertise.
But Jin Niang fretted, "Being new here, I’m unaware of the unspoken rules in Daming’s official circles. I wouldn’t want to invite the wrong people or overlook anyone. Perhaps we should just invite Cousin Dou Yuan for a housewarming. What do you think?"
Jiang Xian agreed readily.
"And don’t forget about hiring tutors for the children," Jin Niang reminded him.
Once settled, Jin Niang sent an invitation to Dou Yuan at the Zhen residence, along with generous gifts: six bolts of fashionable Suzhou silk, boxes of gauze and silk flowers, two packets of tender tea leaves, two of the famed "startling fragrance" tea, two boxes of rose cakes, a jar of Pingjiang citrus wine, a jar of Yuxian Tower’s finest liquor, and two packets of southern incense.
The lavish presents served dual purposes: gratitude for Dou Yuan’s help in securing the house and a show of support for her status.
The Zhen family promptly replied that they would visit soon.
With their own well now, fetching water from elsewhere was unnecessary. The horses and donkeys bought in Wu County had been sold, so Cao Da and Chen Xiaolang were dispatched to procure new ones from a carriage house.
Back in Wu County, Jin Niang had been adept at hosting banquets—though not a master, she was close.
As she prepared the housewarming feast, Jiang Xian officially assumed his duties. Daming’s administrative structure mirrored Kaifeng’s. With the prefect rarely present, the highest authority was the provisional prefect, also known as the governor, who concurrently served as the Hebei Circuit military commissioner. Beneath him were the vice-prefect, appointed from the capital to oversee and recommend local officials, and the judge, whose role overlapped with Jiang Xian’s as judicial officer—though the judge held slightly higher rank, with Jiang Xian assisting in legal matters.
Though a low-ranking deputy, Jiang Xian’s workload was far from light.
Returning exhausted after his first day, Jin Niang asked, "Was the hired carriage uncomfortable? Don’t worry—our own will be ready soon."
The new horses needed harnesses and fittings, and the carriage required outfitting, all of which took time. Being newcomers, every task proved cumbersome.
Jiang Xian shook his head. "No, it’s the mountain of documents. Daming has suffered years of floods and droughts, leaving fields barren and swarming with desperate refugees turned bandits. The caseload is overwhelming."
Jin Niang had never seen him so drained. The journey had been taxing, and while the rest of the household rested, he’d plunged straight into work.
"Wash up, and I’ll have dinner served," she said, instructing Nanny Fang to prepare the meal.
Jiang Xian drank a bowl of soup, picked at his food, and collapsed into bed. Yet his vigor soon returned—after adjusting, he tackled his duties with renewed energy.
Meanwhile, Jin Niang finalized arrangements for Dou Yuan, her mother-in-law, and sisters-in-law to visit.
She welcomed them into the main hall, where introductions were exchanged.
The Zhen patriarch served in the capital as a fourth-rank palace secretary, while his wife remained in Daming with the clan. Their eldest son had passed young, leaving a child, and his widow chose to remain unmarried. Dou Yuan was wed to the second son, while the third had just taken a bride the previous month.
Jin Niang led them to the central reception room, where a black-lacquered table stood before a folding screen. She seated Madam Zhen in the place of honor before taking her own seat opposite.
Behind them, two peony-carved windows framed a large blue-glazed vase bursting with pink, white, and yellow chrysanthemums. A rosewood screen adorned the east wall, while the west displayed an embroidered portrait of the Purple-Robed Guanyin. Four chicken-wing wood armchairs flanked low tables bearing silver trays of fruit, as maids served tea in celadon Ru ware cups edged in gold.
"Back in Wu County, my favorite tea was the 'Startling Fragrance'—its broth a clear emerald green, its aroma overwhelming, and its taste wonderfully refreshing." Starting with safe topics was always best when speaking to strangers.
Dou Yuan took a sip and nodded slowly, then glanced at her sister-in-law. Jin Niang wore a pomegranate-red embroidered bustier adorned with peonies beneath a moon-white beizi with pearl embellishments, paired with a matching pleated skirt. Her hair was styled in a heart-knot bun, pinned at the center with a golden bridge hairpin and flanked by two pairs of twin-flower gold pins. Though her attire was elegant and understated, her lively charm shone through effortlessly.
One might assume noble families were above pettiness, but the truth was the opposite—they simply masked it better.
To Dou Yuan, Jin Niang’s ensemble struck the perfect balance: not overly extravagant, yet clearly signaling her family’s prosperity.
Having married far from home into the Daming prefecture, Dou Yuan had initially felt adrift. But now that her cousin and his wife were settling nearby, she finally had allies. The Suzhou silk Jin Niang had gifted days earlier had delighted the household—after all, southern fashions were all the rage in Daming.
As the conversation turned to food, Dou Yuan chimed in lightly.
After the banquet, Madam Zhen excused herself, citing fatigue, while the eldest daughter-in-law, Madam Luan, and the third, Madam Zhuang, attended to her. They deliberately left Dou Yuan behind for a private chat.
Jin Niang handed her another gift: "The last one was for formality’s sake. This is just for you."
Inside, Dou Yuan found two boxes of scented body powder, three gold-embroidered kerchiefs, a bolt of peacock-patterned luo silk, another of eight-treasure brocade, and two pinecone-shaped hair ornaments. "You shouldn’t have gone to such trouble, sister-in-law," she protested.
Had it not been for Jin Niang and her husband, Dou Yuan’s brother might have eloped and ruined the family.
"Just take them," Jin Niang insisted.
Once the gifts were accepted, Dou Yuan shared updates about the Zhen household: "Our family’s affairs are manageable. I oversee the household now, and while my mother-in-law is fair, my eldest sister-in-law—well, you saw her. A widow, she keeps to herself."
Jin Niang nodded. "When we passed through Yangzhou three years ago, I could already tell you were sharp. Now that we’re neighbors, just send word if you ever need help."
"Having you here settles my heart," Dou Yuan smiled.
For women married into prominent families, proximity to their birth home meant occasional reunions. Those wedded far away might never see their kin again.
Jin Niang had grown fond of this young woman and genuinely wished her happiness.
After exchanging more news, Jin Niang inquired about Daming’s social landscape. As the household manager, Dou Yuan was well-informed: "Prefect Wang’s wife is about my mother-in-law’s age—unassuming, though her daughter-in-law comes from nobility. Rumor has it her son serves in Xiangzhou, but his wife stays here to care for her. As for Assistant Prefect Ji, he dotes on his concubine at his wife’s expense. They’ve three daughters, only the youngest being legitimate—around Sister Jun’s age. Judge Dong’s wife, though, is the life of every gathering. Her parties are always packed."
Jin Niang committed this to memory, thanking Dou Yuan profusely before the latter excused herself, gifts in tow.
While her recall was fresh, Jin Niang jotted down these details.
After the Zhens’ visit, their servants set off firecrackers outside. Neighbors sent housewarming treats—mostly food—which Jin Niang reciprocated with steamed pastries.
It took nearly a month for them to fully settle in.
One evening, Jiang Xian returned from a drinking outing, freshened up, and announced, "Guess who I drank with today? Third Brother He."
"Who’s that?" Jin Niang was puzzled.
Jiang Xian laughed. "Miss Zhou the Second’s husband—Third Young Master He. Remember how Sister Shan was cast out? Likely tied to that affair."
"But I thought his family held office in Yangzhou?"
"That was over a decade ago," Jiang Xian waved off. "After Magistrate Zhou’s mourning period, he quit officialdom. Even Second Brother Zhou relies on connections now. The Hes built a villa here for five thousand strings of cash. Pure coincidence—I ran into him while investigating a case. We drank for old times’ sake."
Jin Niang considered mentioning her past friction with Miss Zhou the Second but decided it wasn’t worth dredging up.
She simply listened.
Jiang Xian, however, grew reflective. Even in bed, he mused, "Third Brother He’s more decent than Sun Shichen, but luckless. During his first attempt at the Imperial Academy exams, his carriage broke down in a snowstorm—missed the test. Three years later, he fell ill before the next round. After that, his drive just... faded."
Jin Niang understood—success often hinged on fortune as much as merit.
Still, she noted, "Miss Zhou the Fourth’s husband serves in Guantao County, barely a day’s journey from Daming. At least the sisters can reunite."
Jiang Xian chuckled. "That’s actually causing tension between him and his wife, according to Third Brother He."
It reminded Jin Niang of the saying that the Zhou family’s illegitimate daughters had married better than the legitimate ones, despite the latter’s carefully arranged matches.
"Seems heaven balances things. My parents cherished me, so my marriage was delayed," she mused. To her, no life was without its trade-offs.
Jiang Xian stared, baffled. "How can you say our marriage isn’t harmonious? Aren’t we happy?"
Jin Niang smiled. "I was nearly twenty-one at our wedding—most girls marry at sixteen or seventeen. But everything unfolds as it should. My belief has always been: meet the right person, build a home; meet the right opportunity, build a career."
Complaining about misfortune was pointless. One had to prepare so that when chance came, they were ready.
"Wife, your resolve puts most men to shame—myself included," Jiang Xian admitted, pulling her close. His fingers found the knots in her neck from hours of needlework and began massaging them gently.
Under his touch, Jin Niang soon drifted off. Jiang Xian leaned down and brushed his lips against hers.
Second Madam He tossed and turned, unable to sleep. While reuniting with her sister should have been a joyous occasion, the excitement faded when she learned that her younger sister was now the wife of a county magistrate and married to a jinshi scholar. Under such circumstances, what affection could she possibly muster?
Seeing his wife restlessly shifting like a pancake on the bed, Third Young Master He sighed, "I knew you'd be like this. Why did you insist on inviting them to stay?"
Second Madam He scoffed, "I told you to take the imperial exams, but you won’t even try for the provincial level. If it weren’t for that, how could I—a proper wife—be looked down upon by a mere concubine-born sister?"
Harsh words flew between the quarreling couple. "Why don’t you reflect on yourself?" he retorted. "You’re always fighting with this one, cursing at that one—there’s no peace at home. How could I possibly study well?"
They turned their backs to each other, neither speaking another word.
Meanwhile, Fourth Madam Zhou and her husband, Sun Shichen, whom Second Madam He had disparaged, were quite comfortable. They were due to depart for Guantao County the next day after their journey from Daming Prefecture. Exhausted from travel, they were relieved when Aunt He warmly hosted them and even offered to arrange a carriage for their trip the following day.
Fourth Madam Zhou had deliberately withheld one piece of news from her sister—that Jin Niang had married Jiang Xian. Given Second Madam He’s pride, she would never accept it. There was no need to stir trouble, especially since Third Young Master He was currently unemployed, meaning they wouldn’t be attending many official gatherings where they might cross paths.
The next morning, Aunt He personally saw Sun Shichen and Fourth Madam Zhou off to Guantao. Noticing Second Madam He’s lingering sulkiness, she thought to herself, At least she married into our family. If she’d married elsewhere, who knows how much humiliation she’d endure?
Aunt He herself hadn’t fared as well as her younger sister, Madam Jiang. None of her three sons had earned the jinshi degree, and the most promising one, Third Young Master He, was prone to stage fright. His wife never offered encouragement, only complaints, and constantly bickered with her sisters-in-law.
But so what? One couldn’t always be strong—sometimes, it was wiser to yield.
Take her, for example. She had taken the initiative to befriend the second madam of the Zhen family. When the Zhen matriarch celebrated her seventieth birthday, she even received an invitation. If one spent life envying those who seemed better off, how could they ever be happy?
A person’s path was theirs to forge.
Jin Niang, too, received an invitation from the Zhen family—and another from Madam Qian, wife of the well-connected Judge Dong, whom Dou Yuan had mentioned.
Nanny Fang advised, "Since Judge Dong’s wife has invited you, it’s best to follow your usual approach—don’t speak too much at first. Let familiarity grow naturally."
"I was thinking the same," Jin Niang agreed. In the past, she had been too quick to bare her heart, only to realize that people lost interest once they knew everything about her. A little mystery kept them intrigued and willing to engage further.
After discussing what gifts to bring, Jiang Xian arrived home with Du, a provincial graduate he had invited to tutor their children. At twenty-seven, Du was well-regarded locally, particularly for his calligraphy, and his annual fee was thirty strings of cash.
Of course, hiring him wasn’t final—he would teach for a few days first to prove he could handle the children.
On the first day of lessons, Jin Niang had Jiang Xian listen outside the door while Xi Qiu, a trusted maidservant, supervised inside. Du demonstrated remarkable skill, teaching effortlessly, and the couple agreed to keep him.
Jin Niang took the opportunity to caution her daughter, "You’re growing up now. It’s not just about propriety between men and women—if anyone, male or female, makes you uncomfortable or touches you in the places I’ve told you about, you must speak up. Understand?"
"I know, Mother," Sister Jun replied cheerfully.
"Never be alone with a male tutor," Jin Niang added firmly.
Sister Jun nodded.
Jin Niang was vigilant by nature, having been conscious of self-protection since childhood. But her daughter was still young—a true child. She had to safeguard her at all costs, ensuring no harm came her way.
People’s hearts were unfathomable. She had learned this the hard way—like when County Captain Mei abandoned Madam Bao. Though it was said he drowned while fleeing with his concubine, a satisfying end, what if the matchmaker hadn’t arranged for Madam Bao to remarry a merchant? She could have ended up in a brothel.
Relieved that her daughter understood, Jin Niang then asked Jiang Xian to speak with their son.
"About what?" he asked, puzzled.
"Girls must learn to protect themselves, and so must boys," she explained. "No one should touch them inappropriately, and—"
Jiang Xian sat up from the bed. "Wife, aren’t you overthinking this?" Yet, even as he said it, he sensed she was right. The recent rise in cases of child exploitation troubled him—he himself had endured whispers growing up.
The couple divided their efforts. Jiang Xian, once resolved, took things further, even proposing to send their daughter to the Wei Family’s girls’ school.
"The Weis have produced five jinshi scholars. Their women’s school teaches classics, history, poetry—even horseback riding, polo, and music. I’ve heard the magistrate’s daughter attends. And, incidentally, the Weis share your maiden name."
Jin Niang was stunned. "Sixteenth Brother, how do you suddenly know so many people?"
To Jiang Xian, it was nothing. Just as Jin Niang excelled in embroidery, he had a knack for networking—effortless as drinking water.
The couple arranged a visit to the Weis. On the carriage ride, Jiang Xian elaborated, "The headmistress is Madam Shen, from Wuxing, also of an esteemed family. She was betrothed to a Wei, but he died before the wedding, so she vowed never to marry and now supports herself by teaching. I even had someone copy her poetry—what do you think? You’ve been studying verse lately."
"How did you manage this?" Jin Niang flipped through the elegantly written poems. Impressed, she couldn’t help but think, With your skills, if you hadn’t pursued the exams, you’d have risen high in the imperial secret service.
Jiang Xian shrugged. "A matter of silver. But tell me—is her poetry worthy of teaching our daughter?"
After careful reading, Jin Niang nodded. "It’s excellent."
"That settles it then, Jin Niang. You’re truly thoughtful. I never considered those things—you’re always so thorough, I really can’t compare," Jiang Xian said with a grin.
Jin Niang retorted, "Don’t flatter me. Truthfully, I just want our daughter to spend more time with other young girls. If she’s always secluded in the inner chambers, she might grow timid. But I also worry the outside world is like a vat of dye—it could stain her. That’s why I’m hesitant."
Jiang Xian chuckled. "Don’t fret, Jin Niang. Aren’t we still here? If things go poorly, she can always come back and resume her studies. We have plenty of chances."
Hearing this, Jin Niang suddenly realized—yes, their daughter wasn’t like her. She didn’t have just one shot at choices. With parents like them to fall back on, she could take any path she wished.
