Luo Da stayed in Daming Prefecture for three days. As usual, Jin Niang rewarded him with two bolts of fabric and five strings of cash, along with travel expenses and some local specialties from Daming for him to bring back to his parents and the Sixth Elder.
Just before Minor New Year, Steward Fan and Shopkeeper Yao hurried over, and Jiang Xian also came out to greet them. Steward Fan not only delivered 360 taels of silver but also brought two jars of pickled shad fish and two jars of salted duck eggs. Shopkeeper Yao contributed 200 taels.
Jin Niang specially rewarded Steward Fan with 20 taels and Shopkeeper Yao with 15, along with some fabric and clothing. She also had Liu Dou'er take them around Daming for two days before arranging a boat for their return. The two of them had brought all their earnings upfront, allowing Jin Niang to distribute wages later, while Luo Da was instructed to take his share in advance before submitting the rest.
Jin Niang deposited all the money into the household coffer, setting aside Jiang Xian’s salary of 20 strings of cash specifically for New Year expenses.
There was no helping it—this year had seen too many expenditures, and they needed to economize. Otherwise, their dream of buying a house would remain distant. At present, apart from the untouchable 4,000 taels, they only had 3,700 strings of cash in liquid funds.
After sorting out the finances, Jin Niang let out a relieved sigh.
"On our way to Daming, we already had new clothes made. Now we can just focus on celebrating the New Year," Jin Niang said with a smile.
Jiang Xian replied, "It’s all thanks to your careful management."
"Whether managed well or not, with our modest means, we must keep a close eye on things. Thankfully, your monthly salary has increased, so we won’t need to dip into our savings. Advisor Song earns eight strings a month, while the others make three strings combined. After food and drink, we can still save two strings." Jin Niang calculated.
Jiang Xian adored this side of Jin Niang—her clear-headed, decisive way of handling matters. Watching her take charge was truly a sight to behold...
As the two discussed, Brother Ning arrived wearing a wind cap, his nose peeking out red from the cold.
The little one entered, first bowing properly before running over.
Jin Niang teased, "Our Brother Ning has truly become a scholar—so well-mannered now!"
"Mother, when are we having the barbecue?" Brother Ning hadn’t forgotten Jin Niang’s earlier promise.
Originally, Jin Niang had planned to host it earlier, but after the death of Lady Wu’s son and her own busy schedule, it had slipped her mind. She hadn’t expected the little one to remember.
Jin Niang always took her children’s requests seriously. She turned to Jiang Xian. "Shall we have the barbecue tomorrow? We can set up behind the small partition in Linglong Pavilion. What do you think?"
The reason she asked Jiang Xian? Mainly because she wanted him to do the grilling.
Jiang Xian readily agreed.
"Child, go give your father a kiss," Jin Niang joked.
Brother Ning actually went to kiss Jiang Xian, and soon father and son were playfully tussling. Jin Niang then got up and headed to Sister Jun’s west chamber. Without supervision, the girl had taken up needlework on her own.
After a brief chat with her daughter, Jin Niang mentioned the barbecue plans and instructed the maids to ensure Sister Jun wore dark-colored clothes and went to bed early. Then she returned to the main room.
To her surprise, the father and son, who had been roughhousing earlier, were now fast asleep in bed, with Brother Ning smacking his lips. Jin Niang tucked them in and settled nearby to read poetry.
The next morning, she and Madam Qian visited Prefect Wang’s residence. Lady Wu had somewhat regained her composure, but her grief was still evident. The two offered their condolences. In contrast, Old Madam Wang, whose grandson had passed, appeared eerily composed.
Truly, a child’s loss is felt deepest by their own mother.
But even in Madam Qian’s presence, Jin Niang kept these thoughts to herself.
On their way out, Madam Qian remarked, "I heard you’ve been acknowledged by the Wei Family. That’s wonderful—Lady Wei is notoriously selective. This is no small feat."
"I suppose we just clicked," Jin Niang mused, feeling heaven’s favor. Though her luck was usually average, it always came through at crucial moments.
Madam Qian noticed Jin Niang wasn’t the scheming type. While she mingled with their circle, she rarely socialized excessively. Whenever topics like salt permits or bribes arose, she stayed silent. Rumor had it she even returned overly lavish gifts from subordinates, as her family’s wealth made such offerings unnecessary.
Still, not all wealthy people were indifferent to money—many remained greedy despite their riches.
Returning home in the biting wind, Ying helped Jin Niang remove her fur-lined sleeves, shivering. "Madam, it’s freezing outside!"
"Take care of yourself too. Take another warming pan from my room, and rest early after your tasks. Don’t overwork like I used to—I ruined my health chasing money. And don’t scold Dou'er too much for snacking. Here’s a box of steamed fruit pastries from Madam Qian for you both." Jin Niang fussed over her.
Ying cherished these thoughtful gestures. Her mistress often slipped her little comforts, making her despise those who stole from their employers.
At noon, servants carried a green-glazed pottery grill and ingredients to Linglong Pavilion, where Jin Niang and Jiang Xian brought their children.
Ying managed the tea service, brewing perilla-infused water first, then jasmine tea. Juxiang roasted buns, while Chunxian brought fruit platters.
Once Jiang Xian started grilling, Jin Niang and the children sat watching eagerly. His first batch went straight to Jin Niang’s plate—he simply wanted her to have it first.
Unlike typical mothers, Jin Niang didn’t immediately serve the children. Instead, she wrapped the meat in lettuce for herself, then made another for Jiang Xian. "Just open your mouth," she said.
Jiang Xian obeyed with a grin, gazing at her fondly.
He used to think he had many friends and relatives, but in truth, he’d been alone without support. Now, with a wife who planned for him, devoted herself to him, and built this warm home, he was truly blessed.
After Jiang Xian grilled lamb, pork, and carp, Jin Niang ate her fill and urged the children to enjoy tea and drinks instead. Midway through their chatter, word came that Madam Zhen had arrived.
"Perfect timing! Invite her for some barbecue," Jin Niang said cheerfully.
Jiang Xian tactfully withdrew to his study.
Soon, Dou Yuan arrived, resplendent in a bright red jacket and soft yellow skirt, her delicate features like carved jade. Unfazed by the cozy, meat-scented atmosphere, she ate half a plate of barbecue and sipped her drink before remarking, "I never imagined you and Cousin lived so delightfully."
Jin Niang smiled and said, "It's only because he's home now that we could manage this. Usually, the children have their studies, your cousin has his official duties, and I'm always busy running about—we rarely get to gather like this."
After exchanging a few casual words, Jin Niang noticed she had matters to attend to and excused herself to the front hall.
As it turned out, Dou Yuan had come for the sake of her sister-in-law’s relatives, though she herself was reluctant to involve Jin Niang and the others: "Her cousin got into a fight over a courtesan and ended up killing someone. The case couldn’t be settled in Guantao and has been transferred to Daming Prefecture. Now they’re asking us for help. My mother-in-law insists that since they’re family, we should do what we can to smooth things over."
Despite their usual closeness, Jin Niang’s first reaction was refusal: "This is a murder case. Just pretend to agree, then say your cousin wouldn’t budge—that’ll be your answer. This way, you’ve done your part for the family without real involvement."
"An eye for an eye, a debt must be paid"—this was the simplest justice in the minds of common folk. There was no need to even consult Jiang Xian; Jin Niang could reject it outright. Of course, she also made sure Dou Yuan had a way out, so she wouldn’t face blame.
Dou Yuan said gratefully, "But... won’t this cause trouble for Cousin?"
"If we start taking requests like this, today it’s one favor, tomorrow another—soon we’d have more enemies than friends. Besides, your cousin is a principled man. He even returns gifts from minor officials if they’re too lavish. You’ve done your best. ‘Fatal brawls’ are among the Ten Abominations, after all," Jin Niang said seriously.
Dou Yuan knew her sister-in-law was skilled in managing affairs. Just days ago, several stewards and shopkeepers had come bearing gifts—not just silver, but also connections. She had ties with Madam Qian and others, and had even formed an alliance with the Wei Family in just a few months. This was the mark of someone who handled great matters, unlike those who merely knew how to flatter for petty gains.
After sitting with Jin Niang for a while, Dou Yuan returned home and said helplessly to her mother-in-law, "I pleaded as best I could, but Cousin wouldn’t relent. There’s nothing more I can do."
Her sister-in-law, Zhuang Shi, pressed, "But they’re family... My cousin sent five hundred taels of silver. Let’s go together to plead again."
"Money? You likely won’t even get it through their door. They don’t accept ‘gratitude’—they act solely for justice," Dou Yuan sighed.
Zhuang Shi was displeased but held her tongue, sending her husband to speak with Second Brother Zhen instead. When Zhen arrived, Jiang Xian had the kitchen prepare a feast: four hot dishes, four cold dishes, two soups, and six delicate pastries. Once the meal was served, Jiang Xian smiled and asked, "Second Brother, you’ve studied well. If you were to govern a region someday, how would you proceed?"
This was a question about his ambitions. Zhen gave a lofty answer, but his mind was on the family matter. Just as he was about to broach the subject, Jiang Xian added, "Let me offer you a word of advice: as a scholar, not a single scrap of your writing should touch the courts. Focus on your studies, and one day you’ll rise high—perhaps even beyond me."
Zhen, sharp enough to take the hint, quickly demurred, "You flatter me, Cousin."
After the meal, he took his leave.
Jin Niang laughed and quoted, "The wise cherish their words, the peacock its feathers, the tiger its claws—all guard what defines them."
Jiang Xian nodded. "As my lady says." But inwardly, he scoffed: A fourth-rank official’s distant relative isn’t worth tarnishing my reputation over. Five hundred taels? My wife manages our household so well, we clear two thousand a year—and that’s with savings of four thousand besides.
But these were thoughts he’d never dare voice to her.
Last time, he’d tried to let her win easily in a poetry game, but she refused. It took a full feast of his cooking to placate her.
On the twenty-sixth of the twelfth month, Jin Niang sent New Year’s gifts—a fresh lamb, two jars of fine wine, a bolt of scarlet silk, a bolt of brocade, and a hundred rose-paste pastries—to colleagues, the newly allied Wei Family, and the Zhen household across the street.
Door gods, couplets, plaques, and peachwood charms were hung throughout the house.
Servants came to kowtow to Jin Niang and Jiang Xian, who rewarded them with handkerchiefs, silver, and fabric. The Wei Family’s return gifts included two rolls of lake-blue patterned gauze, a bolt of heavy scarlet brocade, a fresh pig, a crate of assorted pastries, and two pots each of narcissus and wintersweet. The exchanges between households balanced out, leaving no one at a loss.
Meanwhile, Dou Yuan was swamped with her own preparations. Old Madam Zhen loved festivities, so Dou Yuan had to draft programs for the Lantern Festival in advance. Just then, word came that Third Miss He had arrived with New Year’s gifts.
This "Third Miss He" was none other than Second Miss Zhou. She’d told Madam He that delivering the gifts personally showed sincerity, and Madam He, seeing it as progress, allowed it.
Overwhelmed with tasks, Dou Yuan greeted her with a smile. "Cousin, you needn’t have come yourself—a servant would’ve sufficed."
"I had nothing better to do," Second Miss Zhou replied lightly, though her visit had ulterior motives.
Dou Yuan, unfamiliar with her, intended to keep the conversation brief. Second Miss Zhou, however, was there to probe Jin Niang’s standing. She longed to speak plainly but feared disbelief or retaliation.
After some trivial exchanges, Second Miss Zhou set down her teacup. "By the way, what’s the background of that Magistrate Jiang’s wife I met the other day? As relatives, I’d hate to offend her unknowingly."
Dou Yuan, unsuspecting, answered, "Oh, Sister-in-law? Her family isn’t official gentry, but they’re well-off and scholarly. Her younger brother was a provincial graduate, though he didn’t pass the palace exams—still, he’s a National Academy student. Don’t worry, she’s very approachable."
Second Miss Zhou grew more suspicious. A maidservant, suddenly married to a nobleman’s son? ‘Well-off’—where would a slave get that kind of money? Did she steal from our Zhou Family?
But pressing further would rouse Dou Yuan’s suspicion, so she held her tongue.
She could’ve asked Fourth Miss Zhou, but feared being mocked for the girl she’d once scorned now being a magistrate’s wife. She resolved to wait until the third day of the New Year, during the opera performances, to learn more.
On New Year’s Eve, the children grew drowsy long before midnight. Jin Niang had a pot of jasmine tea brewed and sat with Jiang Xian in quiet companionship.
"Later, I'll write a poem for you to see. Don’t think I’ve neglected my studies just because I’ve been busy these days," Jin Niang said.
Jiang Xian nodded lazily, well aware of his wife’s skill—or lack thereof—but too polite to say so outright.
However, when Jin Niang presented her poem, he found himself pleasantly surprised. If her previous efforts had been worth only one point out of ten, this one scored at least five or six. At the very least, the parallelism was much improved.
"Darling, I’m not just flattering you, but your poetry is starting to take real shape."
Jin Niang’s heart swelled with joy. "That’s wonderful!"
Seeing her delight, Jiang Xian couldn’t help but smile. "I thought you’d given up, but you’ve only grown more determined. Well done."
Praise from her scholar-husband filled Jin Niang with encouragement. So much so that, in her happiness, she soon dozed off, her head bobbing like a chick pecking at grain.
On the second day of the Lunar New Year, Madam Wei specially sent someone to fetch Jin Niang, treating her almost like family. Jin Niang brought Jiang Xian and their two children along. The Wei Family was a prominent clan, and though Jin Niang wasn’t truly a Wei by blood, her husband held a prestigious position as the retainer judge of Daming Prefecture, and the Jiang Family boasted two scholars. Jin Niang herself was no sycophant.
She mingled with them as relatives, with no ulterior motives, carrying herself with quiet grace.
Among the Wei Family’s married daughters, some had wed into the capital’s elite, while others had married into families with hereditary official posts. Yet, by comparison, Jin Niang now held a higher status.
"Third Aunt, let your nephew pour you a drink," said Seventh Young Master Wei, approaching with a silver wine pot.
Jin Niang quickly took it from him, smiling. "How could I let a child like you serve me?"
Seventh Young Master Wei grinned. "It was my mother’s idea."
In truth, a common cold usually resolved within seven days, and Jin Niang knew he was nearly recovered. She had gifted him the embroidered image of the Purple-Robed Guanyin, but Madam Wei genuinely believed it had saved her son and was deeply grateful.
Jin Niang understood that Madam Ji likely hoped her daughter would forge ties with the Wei Family, but she had no such intentions. She never invited Seventh Young Master Wei to her home or encouraged Sister Jun to play with him.
After he finished pouring, Jin Niang rewarded him with two New Year’s red envelopes, each containing six tiny silver fish.
On the third day, Madam Wei brought Seventh Young Master Wei to Jin Niang’s home. Jin Niang served hot drinks in golden cups and said, "Please excuse the mess—our home is haphazardly arranged."
Yet Madam Wei noted the sandalwood screen in the outer chamber and the double-sided peony-embroidered gauze screen in the inner room—a display of understated luxury.
"Third Aunt, you’re too modest. Your home is beautifully arranged," Madam Wei remarked.
When Seventh Young Master Wei excused himself to use the privy, Jin Niang directed him to the one beside their house. Upon returning, he exclaimed, "Why does your privy have flowers, sandalwood incense, and a warming stove? It hardly feels like a privy at all!"
While wealthy households often kept their privies scented and heated, Jin Niang had gone further, adorning hers with fresh flowers, lanterns, and wind chimes.
Jin Niang laughed. "To be honest, your uncle insists on coming home to relieve himself. Wherever we live, I make sure the privy is spotless."
Madam Wei scolded her son lightly. "Mind your manners!"
"I think Seventh Young Master is quite observant," Jin Niang said. So many visitors had passed through her home, yet only an eight-year-old had noticed the beauty of her privy.
Madam Wei asked, "What do you usually do at home?"
"I mostly tend to needlework and household chores. The children don’t require much attention."
Brother Ning, at his most talkative age, chimed in, "Mother also takes us to the Linglong Pavilion to grill meat! Father cooks, and we all eat together."
At the mention of grilled meat, Seventh Young Master Wei’s eyes lit up. "It’s in the back?"
Brother Ning nodded eagerly. "Yes!"
Though the boy was clearly interested, Jin Niang didn’t extend an invitation. This little lordling was too precious—if he fell ill from her cooking, she’d never hear the end of it. She knew her place; just because they were now connected by kinship didn’t mean she could treat him like a true nephew.
So Jin Niang only smiled and said, "You’ve got a greedy little mouth, haven’t you?" Then, to Madam Wei, she added, "Please forgive my son’s gluttony."
"I adore Brother Ning’s spiritedness," Madam Wei replied, admiring the boy in his crimson brocade robe, green sash, and embroidered silk cap—a picture of youthful vitality.
After some conversation, they headed to the Zhen Family, where guests had already gathered. Second Madam Zhou and her mother-in-law, Madam He, watched as Madam Zhen abandoned her other guests to fawn over Madam Wei—and Jin Niang, who stood beside her.
Madam Zhen greeted them, "How lovely that you’ve come together, sisters-in-law."
As the saying goes, even a gatekeeper to a prime minister holds the rank of a seventh-grade official. The Wei Family’s connection to the prestigious Wei Clan elevated Jin Niang’s status, not to mention her husband’s own official position.
Second Madam Zhou frowned. "Sisters-in-law? Since when is Jin Niang kin to the Wei Clan?"
But perhaps this was for the best. The more Jin Niang flaunted her newfound glory, the more she had to lose—and the more afraid she’d be of her past being exposed.
Once Madam Wei was seated, Jin Niang joined Madam Qian and Madam Lan, discussing poetry. "The peonies in my garden are blooming beautifully. We should start another poetry club soon."
Madam Lan agreed cheerfully, "As long as you provide good wine, I’ll be there!"
Mid-conversation, Jin Niang caught Second Madam Zhou’s gaze—cold and calculating. Without hesitation, Jin Niang glared back. She wasn’t afraid of being recognized. In such company, Second Madam Zhou wouldn’t dare speak up.
The elders—Madam Wang, Madam Zhen, and Lady Wei—dominated the conversation, with Madam Zhen and Madam Ji occasionally chiming in. Others hesitated even to interject. Even Madam Qian struggled for a word, let alone Second Madam Zhou.
At one point, Second Madam Zhou whispered to Madam Zhuang, "That wife of Retainer Judge Jiang looks just like a former maid of ours."
Madam Zhuang frowned. "What nonsense are you spouting?"
"Indeed, she’s now the Wei Family’s honored aunt," Madam Luan added.
Frustrated, Second Madam Zhou finally cornered Jin Niang during a lull in the festivities. "We need to talk. If you refuse, I’ll shout it for all to hear. I know you’re the same Jin Niang who once served in my household. Don’t play dumb—my third sister confirmed it."
Jin Niang couldn't help but laugh in exasperation. "Third Madam He, go ahead and shout all you want. I’m not afraid of you."
And indeed, she showed no fear—she simply walked away with effortless grace.
Having reached this point in her life, Jin Niang had already endured similar situations before, like the incident with the Bao family. Her resilience had grown far stronger than it once was.
Knowing how difficult it was for Jin Niang to come here, Second Madam Zhou immediately stepped forward, blocking her path.
Jin Niang looked at her coldly. "What more do you want?"
"If you give me fifteen thousand strings of cash, we’ll go our separate ways from now on, and I won’t breathe a word of your shameful secrets," Second Madam Zhou declared with confidence. She was certain of her leverage—after all, Jin Niang had only recently managed to secure a marriage alliance with the Wei Family, and many were watching her closely, eager to see her fall from grace.
This was her chance to extort a hefty sum. With it, her daughter’s dowry would be secured, and even if the family were to split later, they wouldn’t suffer hardship.
Jin Niang narrowed her eyes. "Are you blackmailing me?"
"Look at you—wearing kingfisher-feather headpieces, sable fur coats, and brocade gowns. Your husband holds an official post. Surely this amount is nothing to you," Second Madam Zhou retorted.
But Jin Niang only laughed. "The once-proud Second Miss of the Zhou Family, who married with a dowry worth ten thousand strings, has now sunk to begging. To be honest, I don’t care about you in the slightest. A mad dog barks at the sun, thinking itself mighty—what a fool."
"You truly aren’t afraid?" Second Madam Zhou suspected she was putting on a brave front.
Jin Niang smirked. "Look at me, then look at yourself. Who in the world would mistake you for the mistress and me for the maid?" Her expression then turned icy. "You humiliated me in the past, and I chose to let it go out of mercy. Yet instead of reflecting on your own faults, you dare to extort me now? Don’t expect any courtesy from me this time."
