During the Cold Food Festival, Jin Niang prepared traditional foods such as melons and fruits, fried dough twists, wheat rice, and sweet porridge. Additionally, she had Juxiang marinate chicken, goose feet, eggs, and other dishes in advance.
This year, Jin Niang had carefully planned the Cold Food Festival activities. First, they would visit Old Master Ku’s garden in the southern part of the city to admire the flowers. Old Master Ku was a passionate flower enthusiast and generously opened his garden to the public. His peach blossoms, crabapple flowers, and banksia roses were exceptionally vibrant—Madam Lan had even purchased several potted flowers from the Ku family for her poetry gathering last time.
After flower-viewing, they would dine in a private room at the largest restaurant in Daming Prefecture, followed by a visit to the entertainment district before returning home.
Brother Ning, being young and seldom going out, was expected to be excited. However, he turned out to be somewhat fearful of crowds, clinging to Jin Niang whenever he saw large gatherings.
"It seems we’ll have to take him out more often," Jin Niang remarked.
Jiang Xian was puzzled. "Our Brother Ning used to be fearless."
Jin Niang couldn’t help but laugh. "Now you’re speaking like a child yourself. Brother Ning is still little. He spends most of his time studying at home and rarely goes out, so it’s natural for him to be shy around strangers."
Amid their lighthearted conversation, they arrived at the Ku family’s garden. Before entering, Jin Niang specifically reminded her children, "You may look, but don’t pick the flowers. Understood?"
Sister Jun nodded immediately. "Don’t worry, Mother. I’ll keep an eye on Brother Ning."
"Good. These flowers were nurtured with care and generously shared with us. We must cherish them," Jin Niang said, pleased with her daughter’s response.
The crabapple blossoms they had seen before were already stunning, but the azaleas in the garden were even more breathtaking. Jin Niang had often seen azaleas back in Wu County, but she hadn’t expected to find them flourishing in Daming Prefecture as well.
"Amid azaleas, the cuckoo cries,
By the stream, shades of purple and red arise.
The lingering sunlight stirs a traveler’s thought,
At dawn, the mountain path seems lost and fraught."
Jin Niang, who had been studying poetry, recited a verse by Yang Xingmin upon seeing the azaleas.
Jiang Xian smiled. "I prefer Bai Juyi’s lines:
‘Most cherished are the azaleas in full bloom,
Yet none may pluck them, swept by spring’s perfume.’"
The couple exchanged a knowing glance. Nearby, a little girl complained to her mother, "You can’t even recite a single poem. How embarrassing!"
The young woman beside her replied gently, "I’ll look it up in a book when we return."
"Next time, I’ll ask Auntie or Father to take me out instead!" The girl stamped her foot and ran ahead.
After they left, Jiang Xian remarked in disbelief, "A child should never shame their mother, just as a dog never scorns a poor home. How can someone act like that?"
Jin Niang shook her head. "It’s not so unusual. People are different, just as grains of rice vary." She didn’t mention Jiang Fang, Jiang Xian’s second brother, who had abandoned his own family to seek better prospects elsewhere.
Filial piety wasn’t innate—many children grew up selfish and ungrateful.
The incident was but a small distraction. After enjoying the flowers, they proceeded to Cuiyun Tower for their meal. Having reserved in advance, they were seated directly in a private room, where the sound of music and strings drifted from below.
Sister Jun frowned. "Mother, it’s so noisy here."
"We’re used to quiet at home, but a little bustle now and then is good," Jin Niang said with a smile.
Jiang Xian felt the same. Once, he had been a socialite who couldn’t dine without musical accompaniment. Yet after marriage, he had grown to prefer tranquility—reading and reflecting in the peaceful atmosphere of home.
Now, the clamor only grated on his nerves, making him wish to leave immediately.
Fortunately, once the meal ended, they browsed nearby silk shops and accessory stores before heading home.
While Jin Niang’s day had been fulfilling, Fourth Madam Zhou’s spirits sank when her messenger returned from the He family with grim news: Third Master He and Second Madam Zhou had fled, and the authorities had issued warrants for their arrest.
"How could this happen?" Fourth Madam Zhou was stunned.
Sun Shichen frowned. "Arrest warrants? Isn’t Jiang Shushi in Daming Prefecture? Couldn’t he have intervened before it came to this?"
Fourth Madam Zhou mused, "Perhaps he chose not to."
After all, Second Madam Zhou and Jin Niang had a history of conflict. Now that their positions were reversed, why would Jin Niang lift a finger to help?
Fortunately, Fourth Madam Zhou had never been close to her second sister, who had brought this upon herself by engaging in usury. Her immediate concern was her children’s education. Last year, her husband had been too busy with his new post, but this year, they could finally arrange proper tutoring.
"Have you found a tutor for them?" she asked.
Sun Shichen nodded. "I’ve engaged an elderly scholar who once passed the provincial exams to teach them the basics."
"That’s a relief." Unlike some, she didn’t favor sons over daughters—she especially wanted her girls to become accomplished scholars. Whether they married or not mattered little, so long as they were ambitious and purposeful, not drifting through life.
Sun Shichen added, "We’ll prepare the tuition—fifteen strings of cash per year."
Fourth Madam Zhou returned to her daughters in high spirits. "You must study hard. Who says girls are inferior to boys? We women are just as capable!"
The girls brightened. "Yes, Mother!"
"Household management is secondary. Focus on learning—once you’re well-read, everything else will follow." Having grown up as a concubine’s daughter in an official’s household, she had lacked influence. Now, with greater freedom, she was determined to give her children the best upbringing.
As for Second Madam Zhou’s troubles? She dismissed them entirely—they were none of her concern.
After the Cold Food Festival, the eldest daughter of the Wei family became engaged, and Jin Niang was once again invited to serve as the "complete happiness woman" (a ceremonial role symbolizing blessings). Perhaps her previous gift of peony-patterned clothing had left a good impression, for Madam Wei agreed immediately when Jin Niang hinted at her interest.
Jin Niang herself was surprised. "I thought Madam Wei would ask the wives of high-ranking officials. I didn’t expect her to choose me so readily."
Jiang Xian chuckled. "You underestimate yourself, my dear. You’re now the most sought-after ‘complete happiness woman’—even Magistrate Ji mentioned wanting you to bless his eldest daughter’s wedding."
Mentioning the Ji family, Jin Niang lowered her voice. "Madam Ji seems to hold a grudge against me. She and Madam Qian are rivals, and I sided with Madam Qian."
Jiang Xian, unfamiliar with the intricacies of these ladies’ conflicts, asked curiously, "Why is that?"
Jin Niang explained, "When Madam Qian feasts, we get to sip broth—and we do so seated, content. But when Madam Ji feasts, we must kneel for our share. Would you rather sit or kneel?"
Jiang Xian understood at once. "Ah, I see."
However, Jin Niang also remarked, "Truthfully, her life isn’t easy either. Magistrate Ji favors his concubine over his wife, and his eldest daughter, born to his beloved concubine, is only eleven or twelve years old but already has lofty standards. I’ve heard she’s quite taken with Young Master Wei the Seventh, but as you know, the Wei family’s status is so high they’d probably think even a princess isn’t good enough."
Jiang Xian thought his wife truly had no ambition to climb the social ladder. Despite their frequent interactions with the Wei family, she remained clear-headed, unlike others who clung to the delusion that miracles might fall into their laps.
Yet he couldn’t help but ask, "But didn’t you also admire Young Master Wei the Seventh?"
"Are you asking why I wouldn’t want him as a son-in-law? First, the child is still young—who knows how he’ll turn out when he grows up? Second, ambition is good, but when it grows too inflated, one easily forgets the limits of reality and loses sight of the ground beneath their feet." Jin Niang was such a person herself, so she always played the hand she was dealt—that was the wisest approach.
The family Young Miss Wei was betrothed to was exceedingly prestigious, and the congratulatory gifts Jin Niang received as the matchmaker were lavish: six bolts of Shu brocade, two rolls of thin silk, two rolls of gold-threaded gauze, two crates of tea cakes, a box of pepper, a box of incense, six sheepskins, two rush-woven mats, two sets of "All Wishes Fulfilled" combs, and two hundred taels of silver.
Ying promptly cataloged everything and stored the items in the treasury, thinking the embroidered Guanyin tapestry and peony-embroidered gown Jin Niang had gifted earlier must have played their part.
Of course, being a matchmaker wasn’t a daily windfall—striking gold once a year was already fortunate. This year, luck was on their side, as Jin Niang had served as matchmaker twice.
Such opportunities were rare, so Jin Niang allocated extra monthly allowances for Ying to distribute. Meanwhile, she chatted with Nanny Fang: "Madam Qian mentioned Old Madam Wang wants to go hiking and asked us to accompany her. Nanny, you should rest at home that day instead of coming along."
Nanny Fang clicked her tongue in amazement. "That Old Madam Wang is truly spry—even a hardworking old woman like me couldn’t keep up with her mountain climbing."
Jin Niang also found the Wang family rather peculiar. Old Madam Wang was in excellent health, lively and energetic, eating three full meals a day, while her daughter-in-law, Madam Wu, was frail and perpetually exhausted, barely able to manage her duties.
A few days later, on a clear and sunny day, Jin Niang—who had never bound her feet—returned from the hike so exhausted she could barely move. Jiang Xian massaged her feet for her. "Does it still hurt now?"
"A little. That old lady was practically flying up the mountain! At first, I was fine, but by the end, my legs felt like they weighed a thousand pounds—I could barely lift them." Jin Niang shook her head, utterly drained.
Jiang Xian said, "Then rest at home tomorrow."
"But I need to visit Madam Wu tomorrow. She looked deathly pale today and nearly fainted. If it were me, I wouldn’t have forced myself to climb. But she’s so filial—she insisted on accompanying her mother-in-law, running around to serve her every need." Jin Niang couldn’t fathom her reasoning. Filial piety was admirable, but one still had to care for their own health.
After chatting a while longer, Jin Niang went to bed, staying prone even through dinner, too tired to get up.
The next morning, her legs still ached terribly. She first paid her respects to Old Madam Wang, then said, "We were all worried after seeing Madam Wu so pale yesterday, so we came to visit."
Old Madam Wang had her own grievances. Her daughter-in-law was indeed perfect—too perfect. She handled everything flawlessly, and her family connections were impeccable. When it came to recommending talent, her husband and son both pushed for Madam Wu’s younger brother, leaving no room for Old Madam Wang’s own relatives.
Yesterday’s hike was just another example. If Madam Wu was unwell, she could have simply said so—no one would have blamed her. But she insisted on going, putting on a show of filial piety.
"I told her not to go. Her health is poor nine days out of ten—of course, this would happen," Old Madam Wang said.
Jin Niang and Madam Qian exchanged uneasy glances. Such words were hardly appropriate.
Madam Qian quickly smoothed things over. "A mother-in-law’s kindness only inspires greater filial devotion from her daughter-in-law. Many families would envy such harmony."
With that, the conversation moved on. The two women went to visit Madam Wu, who tried to rise from bed despite her condition. Jin Niang hurriedly stopped her. "Don’t get up! We came to see you, not to trouble you further."
Madam Wu coughed weakly. "It’s just my useless health."
"Why push yourself like this?" Jin Niang blurted out before catching Madam Qian’s warning look. Realizing her misstep, she quickly changed the subject and chatted about lighter matters before leaving.
Outside, Madam Qian invited Jin Niang to her home. Her daughter-in-law, Madam Dong, served tea before being dismissed. Once alone, Madam Qian said, "You’re warm-hearted, but you mustn’t meddle in the disputes between a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law."
Jin Niang nodded earnestly. "I didn’t mean to interfere. Please advise me—how should I handle this?"
Madam Qian explained, "Look at those two. One is a jealous woman resentful of her daughter-in-law, while the other uses weakness as a weapon."
Jin Niang pondered this and sighed. "What’s the point?"
"Old Madam Wang was originally a concubine brought in to 'ward off misfortune' when Prefect Wang fell ill. But she got lucky—she bore a son, and the Wang family elevated her to wife. Still, she was never truly favored. That’s why her feelings toward Madam Wu are so complicated. It’s not that she mistreats her, but she’s never kind either. Madam Wu could have followed her husband to his post in Xiangzhou, but she cares too much for appearances. I suspect she wanted to improve her reputation and reconcile with her mother-in-law, but the better she performs, the worse Old Madam Wang looks in comparison. So the better Madam Wu is, the more Old Madam Wang resents her."
Jin Niang thanked her. "I had no idea about this history. Thank you for explaining."
Only a close friend would speak so frankly.
Madam Qian added, "From now on, let’s stay out of it and avoid taking sides. Otherwise, pleasing one will offend the other."
Jin Niang agreed.
In contrast to Jin Niang and Madam Qian, Magistrate Ji’s wife was steadily gaining Old Madam Wang’s favor, even accompanying her to Guangyun Temple.
Madam Ji naturally preened over this. Though she was at odds with Madam Qian and lacked the closeness Jin Niang later shared with the Wei family, she had finally found her own shortcut to success.
Lady Wang, after all, was the wife of the prefect of Daming Prefecture, and her son held office in Xiangzhou. A word from her carried far more weight than anything Madam Qian could say. Lady Wang also felt a kinship with Lady Ji—both were neglected wives with favored concubines in their households. Lady Ji’s eldest son had married a daughter from a prominent family, handpicked by Ji Tong himself, and even her own son now sided solely with his wife. Though they appeared to be the dignified matrons of their households, their authority was but an illusion, like castles in the air.
Meanwhile, Madam Wu knew her mother-in-law disliked her, so she kept to her quarters. Coincidentally, it began to rain during this season. Unwilling to let the concubine who had borne children in the household curry favor, she thought of Guantao County, which was closest to Guangyun Nunnery, and asked her father-in-law to send a letter there, requesting them to keep an eye out. When Sun Shichen received the letter from the prefect, he dispatched additional attendants and sent Madam Zhou Si to accompany them.
This seemingly insignificant act unexpectedly earned Madam Zhou Si Lady Wang’s favor.
By the time the Dragon Boat Festival arrived, Jin Niang spotted Madam Zhou Si at Lady Wang’s residence. Madam Wu introduced her, saying, "Madam Jiang, this is the wife of Magistrate Sun of Guantao County."
Jin Niang smiled and greeted her warmly, and Madam Zhou Si promptly returned the courtesy.
The two had met before but were not particularly close, so they saw no need to acknowledge their prior acquaintance. They each took their seats—Jin Niang, now the wife of the prefectural judge, sat above Madam Zhou Si. She and Madam Qian, along with Lady Lan, formed a lively group, their conversations always met with enthusiastic responses, creating a cheerful atmosphere.
Madam Zhou Si found it difficult to interject in such company. She was a minor figure here, observing how Lady Ji, though the first lady beneath the prefect’s wife, had no one rallying around her. Madam Qian was clearly well-liked, followed by Jin Niang. Just then, Lady Wang asked, "I heard you all visited the Wei family to admire their peonies the other day?"
Jin Niang laughed. "Indeed! My sister-in-law even scolded me for not inviting you along. I told her you had gone to pay respects to the Bodhisattva, so she forgave me."
Sister-in-law? Madam Zhou Si wondered if Jin Niang was some long-lost noble daughter.
It made sense—otherwise, why would someone as shrewd as Jiang Xian marry a former maidservant? That defied all logic.
Lady Wang remarked, "Peonies symbolize wealth and nobility, not something just anyone can possess. Your sister-in-law is much the same—blessed with good fortune from birth."
Jin Niang nodded in agreement. After visiting the Wei family, she had traced a few peony blossoms and planned to embroider them onto a quilt cover with a paradise flycatcher, intending to gift it to the eldest Wei daughter as part of her dowry.
Just then, the dragon boats began racing, drawing the attention of Jin Niang and the others.
The river surged, sleeves fluttered, and the boats sped forward.
Once the winner was decided, Sister Jun arrived hand-in-hand with the daughters of the Wang and Ji families. The young girls had been playing games like chuiwan and touhu, thoroughly enjoying themselves.
Sister Jun’s cheeks were flushed with excitement. Jin Niang quickly wiped her sweat and asked, "Are you hungry? There are snacks here."
"I am, but I’ll just have one piece," Sister Jun replied with a smile.
Jin Niang handed her a chestnut cake, while Lady Lan asked, "Sister Wei, has Sister Jun started learning polo?"
"Yes, her father is selecting a horse for her now." Jin Niang had never learned such things herself but was eager for her daughter’s life to be as rich and varied as possible.
Buying a horse cost money, and the Wei family had professional riding instructors, which meant additional expenses. But gaining access to the Wei household for such training made the cost worthwhile in Jin Niang’s eyes.
As Jin Niang chatted, Madam Wu engaged Madam Zhou Si in conversation. Having planted informants around Lady Wang, she knew all about the happenings at Guangyun Nunnery. Lady Ji had used the friction between Madam Wu and her mother-in-law to solidify her own standing, but Madam Sun had consistently mediated, earning Madam Wu’s goodwill.
When Madam Zhou Si prepared to leave, Madam Wu gifted her two bolts of silk.
Somehow, Madam Zhou Si now wished to bring her children to Daming Prefecture, preferably to enroll them in the Wei family’s girls’ school. She had gathered that the education there was unlike anything offered in private academies.
But the Wei family belonged to a third-rank official. Without an introduction, she wouldn’t even be able to knock on their door, let alone make such a request. It was a hopeless aspiration. Besides, if her daughters came to Daming, she’d be torn between two homes. For now, she resolved to focus on their studies.
Perhaps once she grew closer to the Wang family, she could voice her wish.
Madam Wu, however, offered, "For the Qixi Festival, the young ladies of our household gather for qiqiao celebrations. Why not bring your daughters along?"
"Gladly," Madam Zhou Si replied, relieved.
Later, as Jin Niang and her daughter boarded their carriage, she used a handkerchief to wipe the sweat from Sister Jun’s back. "Rest a while before bathing when we get home, or you might catch a chill."
Sister Jun said, "Mother, you’ve spent so much on me. I’ll study hard, I promise."
"Don’t push yourself too hard. Just do your best. No one can master everything, right?" Jin Niang made sure her children knew the cost of their privileges—she didn’t want them growing up oblivious to life’s hardships.
As they arrived home, they noticed a woman in a rose-red blouse and white pleated skirt standing across the street. Soon, a maidservant from the Zhen family came out to usher her inside.
The next day, Jin Niang learned that the woman was the childhood sweetheart of Zhen Erlang—Miss Yang, a cousin of Lady Zhen. Her father had taken his new wife to his post, but Lady Zhen, distrusting the stepmother’s character, had brought Miss Yang into her household.
Dou Yuan wasn’t worried. "She’s a young lady of good standing—she’d never accept being a concubine. She’s of marriageable age now, so she’ll likely be wed off soon. Why should I fret?"
"As long as you’re certain," Jin Niang said. She knew Dou Yuan had grown up in such circles and understood the game well enough.
"Cousin-in-law, I will never end up like my mother," Dou Yuan declared before leaving.
After she was gone, Jin Niang shook her head.
Ying, puzzled, remarked, "Madam, that Dou lady claims not to care, but she’s clearly on guard."
"‘How can one sleep soundly with another sharing the bed?’ Lady Zhen underestimates her daughter-in-law. Bringing her son’s former love into the household without regard for Dou Yuan’s feelings will only lead to trouble," Jin Niang mused.
No wonder people said it was better to leave things undisturbed. Take the restaurants and taverns of Daming—each had powerful backers among officials and merchants, making the business environment far less favorable than in the south. That was why Jin Niang had chosen not to venture into commerce here.
Before they knew it, the Qixi Festival had arrived. Originally, it was said that the Women’s Qiqiao Festival should have been hosted by the Wu family, but now it had been handed over to Lady Ji instead.
This power struggle between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law had unexpectedly worked in Lady Ji’s favor, filling her with a triumphant sense of pride, as if she had finally risen from oppression. Normally, though her banquets were attended, they always felt lackluster compared to the lively gatherings hosted by Lady Qian. But now, with the prefect’s wife personally appointing her, she spared no effort to make it a grand affair.
She even pulled her own daughter aside and said, “I’ve set the stage for you—now it’s your turn to shine.”
Her daughter, Third Miss Ji, replied, “Mother, I’m not skilled in needlework. Second Sister has always been better at it, and even Jiang Yun from the girls’ school is a master. How could I possibly compete with them?”
Lady Ji poked her daughter’s forehead in frustration, exasperated by her lack of ambition. That Jiang girl’s mother was a social climber who had already latched onto the Wei family after just a few days in town—no doubt she was eyeing Wei Seventh Young Master as well. Having married beneath her own station, Lady Ji had suffered enough humiliation. She was desperate for her daughter to marry into a prestigious family, and Wei Seventh Young Master was the son-in-law she had her heart set on. She wouldn’t let anyone stand in the way—no one at all.
