After leaving the Ji residence, Jiang Xian was already waiting outside. Knowing he was afraid of ghosts and didn’t dare to stay alone, Jin Niang quickly hurried over to him. "Were you scared, so you came out to find us?" she asked.
Jiang Xian looked at the undisguised concern in his wife’s eyes, and his hollow heart instantly felt full. He nodded shyly in response.
Jin Niang took his hand. "Let’s get in the carriage."
They arrived home shortly after. Their child was already sleepy, so Jin Niang had someone take them to rest before recounting the day’s events to Jiang Xian.
"This is actually good. We can use her as a test to help Sister Jun regain her confidence and master embroidery techniques like floral-and-bird embroidery, double-sided embroidery, and double-sided multicolored embroidery," Jin Niang said. She always believed that "everything happens for a reason," so she wasn’t focused on petty rivalries. After all, if you were strong enough, you could always reclaim your dignity.
Fairness wasn’t something achieved by mere words—it came from absolute capability.
Jiang Xian admired this about Jin Niang—her resilience, her refusal to admit defeat.
He had once envied his brother Jiang Yan for being recalled to the capital and Han Xiao for marrying the daughter of Minister Liu, securing a path to success. But now, as he grew more experienced, he realized that steady accumulation of skill brought its own confidence.
Still, Jiang Xian asked, "You mentioned that the fourth daughter of the Zhou family seems to have won Lady Wang’s favor. Could it be because of the second son of the Zhou family—?"
"It’s hard to say. There’s no clear sign yet," Jin Niang replied. She wasn’t one to speculate without evidence.
Even if Zhou Si intended to become a matchmaker, as long as she acted openly, Jin Niang saw no issue. This wasn’t a monopoly—everyone would compete fairly in the future.
Meanwhile, Lady Ji, with Lady Wang’s backing, had not only hosted a Qixi Festival gathering but also secured the top spot for her daughter, basking in her triumph. Zhou Si, having arranged a marriage for Lady Ji’s niece, received lavish gifts as a matchmaker, further tightening her grip on Lady Wang’s favor.
Under Jin Niang’s guidance, Sister Jun had successfully learned tailoring. Before the Mid-Autumn Festival, she made a half-sleeved robe for her younger brother—already a vast improvement from her earlier lopsided attempts—and even mastered double-sided embroidery.
Jin Niang had long planned for her daughter’s future: a house and shop in Sweetwater Lane, two acres of land for a manor, fabrics and silks, three thousand strings of cash, and a monk’s certificate. Whether Sister Jun married or not, she would have a substantial dowry or enough wealth to live comfortably.
Advance or retreat, she would be secure.
But money in hand was one thing—managing and protecting it was another. Parents wouldn’t always be there, and even brothers might covet her wealth. What then?
Even if disaster struck and she lost everything, her skills would be her lifeline. Jin Niang herself was proof—rising from nothing to prosperity.
Besides, mastering one thing often led to success in all endeavors.
If you couldn’t focus on a single task, you’d never excel at anything.
This year’s Mid-Autumn Festival was spent at Linglong Pavilion. Jiang Xian had a skilled martial artist teach Brother Ning, who was now proudly demonstrating his horse stance to the family.
Jin Niang clapped. "Wonderful!"
"Mother, I want to swing on the seesaw with you," Sister Jun said, her eyes lighting up at the sight of the swing outside.
Jin Niang happily agreed. She and her daughter stood on the swing while Xi Qiu and Qing Rong took turns pushing them. Each ascent felt exhilarating, and even after getting off, she still craved more.
Jiang Xian noticed Sister Jun looking a bit dizzy. "Sister Jun seems a little unsteady. Why don’t you go play grass-weaving with your brother? I’ll push your mother instead."
With Jiang Xian’s stronger pushes, Jin Niang soared even higher, finally satisfied after a long session.
The moon hung full and bright in the sky. Exhausted from play, Jin Niang washed up and collapsed into bed. The next day, she took her children to the Zhen family across the street for a baby’s third-day celebration.
The third daughter-in-law of the Zhen family, Lady Zhuang, had given birth to a son two days prior. Lady Zhen was overjoyed, especially with Master Zhen’s promotion to Chief Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices—one of the Nine Ministers. The guests were plentiful, with even Lady Wei arriving early.
Dou Yuan, touched by Jin Niang’s care during her pregnancy and her kindness to Sister Jun and Brother Ning, praised her niece upon learning that Brother Ning’s robe was Sister Jun’s handiwork. "Our Sister Jun is so talented at such a young age—skilled in both tailoring and embroidery!"
"I just did it haphazardly. Last time, one sleeve was longer than the other," Sister Jun said modestly.
Lady Wei chimed in, "This child is diligent. The sachet she gave me last time was beautifully embroidered."
Jin Niang laughed. "Don’t praise her too much, or she’ll get spoiled. When it comes to needlework, the Ji family’s daughters are better, especially the third Ji girl."
"Yes, Third Sister Ji threaded many needles that night," Sister Jun added.
Nearby, Lady Qian, ever the instigator, said, "It was too dark that night to see clearly. Since we’re all here waiting, why not have the girls demonstrate their needle-threading skills?"
Lady Ji stiffened, cold sweat dripping down her back.
Before Lady Wang could speak, Lady Zhen smiled. "A wonderful idea! The ceremony hasn’t started yet. Let’s admire the young ladies’ talents. At our age, nothing delights us more than seeing fresh-faced girls excel."
Sister Jun was unfazed. "Sure."
At the Wei family’s gathering earlier, a Wei girl had been overshadowed. Though not Lady Wei’s own daughter, she was still part of the family, and Lady Wei had been displeased. Now, she watched with a cold gaze.
Young ladies always carried needlework kits when out. Sister Jun quickly produced hers, while Third Sister Ji hesitated, claiming she didn’t have hers.
First Sister Ji spoke up, "Third Sister, take mine."
The discord between Lady Ji and her husband’s concubines was no secret. First Sister Ji’s offer was a direct slight to Lady Ji.
But if Third Sister Ji truly had skill, what was there to fear?
Faced with the needlework pouch, Third Sister Ji pursed her lips, reluctant to take it.
Lady Qian coaxed, "Third Sister Ji, don’t be nervous. It’s just for fun."
"Alright," Third Sister Ji finally said, slowly retrieving her needle and thread.
Lady Ji gripped the back of her chair, watching as the four girls threaded needles. Sister Jun finished swiftly and flawlessly, while Third Sister Ji couldn’t even compare to the daughters of the judicial commissioner or the Zhuang family.
Even Lady Wang couldn't bear to watch the scene unfolding before her, while Lady Wei feigned surprise and shot Lady Ji a pointed glance. Lady Ji hastily defended herself, "She was quite skilled before—how could she fail now?"
Jin Niang held her children close, remaining silent as the atmosphere grew tense. As the hostess, Lady Zhen smoothed things over: "Even the best make mistakes—horses stumble, and people slip. It's only natural."
Madam Qian chimed in with a smile, "Indeed, it’s hardly a serious matter."
Jin Niang couldn’t help but chuckle to herself. No wonder so many admired and followed Madam Qian—she shielded those loyal to her, and such integrity was truly charismatic.
Lady Ji had thoroughly humiliated herself. Her actions ensured not only that the Wei family would never marry her daughter, but even the prominent families of Daming Prefecture would now think twice.
Jin Niang had reclaimed her daughter’s dignity in her own way, and soon after, it was said that Lady Wang, too, retreated to a nunnery in shame.
Following the Zhen family’s baby-washing banquet came the tenth birthday celebration for the daughter of Magistrate Luo. Jiang Xian was unfamiliar with the custom, but Jin Niang knew it well—she had celebrated her own tenth birthday in similar fashion.
"I remember my two uncles even had new clothes made for me and sent longevity noodles. Since Magistrate Luo is from Ninghua, their customs must be similar to ours."
Jin Niang prepared gifts—a pair of pig’s trotters, four fresh chickens, two roasted ducks, a tray of longevity noodles, and a bolt of fine gauze—before heading over with Madam Qian. Their bond had deepened since Madam Qian stood up for Sister Jun at the Wei household, and now they were closer than ever.
"I heard Madam Wu’s husband was promoted, and she plans to accompany him to his new post," Jin Niang remarked, recalling their encounter at the Weis’.
Madam Qian smiled. "No surprise there. After losing her eldest son, she’d naturally want another child. She’s still young—why stay here forever?"
Moreover, with Lady Ji’s disgrace dragging Lady Wang’s reputation through the mud—reportedly driving her back to Guangyun Nunnery, accompanied by the wife of the Guantao County magistrate—Madam Wu saw no reason to remain under her mother-in-law’s shadow.
As they chatted, they arrived at Magistrate Luo’s modest home, cramped and lacking space to move. The magistrate’s reputation for incorruptibility was clearly well-earned.
Yet his daughter, Miss Luo, was refined and gracious. When Sister Jun arrived, the older girl took her under her wing like an elder sister. Meanwhile, Jin Niang worked the room, steadily expanding her influence as she vied for the role of a "complete blessing" matron.
Opportunities didn’t just come—one had to seize them.
The next day at the girls’ school, Sister Jun asked the Ji sisters, "Why didn’t I see you at Magistrate Luo’s yesterday? Miss Luo even asked after you."
The eldest Ji girl smirked faintly, while the second explained, "Our mother fell ill—we couldn’t leave her."
"Ah, of course," Sister Jun replied, thinking privately how unlike their reaction was to her own graceful acceptance of losing to the third Ji daughter previously.
Their chatter ceased as Madam Shen entered, prompting instant decorum.
As summer waned, Jin Niang found herself with two unused bolts of gauze. With rainfall scarce, she invested in extra rice stores—her estates were too distant to rely on, and provisions were always needed.
Household duties settled, she visited Dou Yuan, now seven months pregnant. Heeding Jin Niang’s advice against overindulgence, her belly remained modest.
"Sister-in-law, do you think it’s a boy or girl?" Dou Yuan fretted. With her sister-in-law and cousin’s wife both bearing sons, a daughter might draw her husband’s displeasure.
"Either is fine," Jin Niang reassured. "I had Sister Jun before Brother Ning—what difference did it make? You’re young still; don’t fixate on outcomes."
But Dou Yuan pressed, "You don’t understand. When I suggested my mother-in-law find a match for Miss Yang, she ignored me. In two months, my husband returns, and I—"
"Don’t panic. Stress harms the baby. Your father-in-law just earned a promotion—all eyes are on your family. Hold your position steady, and no one can displace you. They may be waiting for you to falter. A misstep now could hand them everything."
Soothed, Dou Yuan napped. Upon waking, she found Jin Niang gone and went to Lady Zhen’s quarters, where Miss Yang’s melodic voice recited a travelogue—Lady Zhen disliked reading but adored such tales.
When Dou Yuan entered, Miss Yang curtsied politely.
"I heard your cousin’s wife visited," Lady Zhen remarked. "We kept lunch for her, but she left."
"Her household keeps her busy," Dou Yuan said, touching her belly. "I drifted off mid-conversation."
Lady Zhen waved it off—her second son was now heir presumptive, and a grandson would cement that status. As for Miss Yang, a cousin’s daughter merited kindness.
The subtle tensions between mother- and daughter-in-law defied outsiders’ comprehension.
Leaving, Dou Yuan encountered Zhuang Shi, newly postpartum and still plump. The cheerful greetings exchanged in Lady Zhen’s chambers—where favoritism for the youngest son extended to his wife—left Dou Yuan walking away alone, hand resting heavily on her belly.
By October, worse news came: Dou Yuan’s uncle, Senior Official Dou, faced demotion after his son abused his name in a land dispute. The Dou heir fled to his in-laws, and the senior official’s hard-won capital posting ended in provincial exile.
Jiang Xian fell silent at the news. He’d once hoped to befriend the Dou heir as a bridge to the family—until Jin Niang warned against it. Her foresight had proven right again.
Jin Niang didn’t feel particularly proud of having accurately judged someone’s character. She merely remarked, "Eldest Young Master Dou was born into privilege. Though he isn’t a wastrel, he’s easily swayed. If he can’t even show consideration for his own mother, how could he possibly put himself in the shoes of his uncle, Elder Master Dou?"
Just as Jin Niang didn’t believe in the saying that a prodigal’s return is more precious than gold—people’s inherent nature is difficult to change.
After this incident, Jiang Xian grew even more convinced of Jin Niang’s wisdom.
As winter arrived, the weather turned cold. Jin Niang and the others began bringing out fur-lined jackets and padded coats, while Lady Wang received a pair of knee protectors gifted by Fourth Madam Zhou.
Life in the mountains was tranquil and uneventful. Fourth Madam Zhou had stayed with Lady Wang for several months, which touched the older woman deeply.
Fourth Madam Zhou, however, felt that Madam Ji had been ungracious. Lady Wang had helped her so much in the past, yet once Madam Ji’s own situation collapsed, she abandoned Lady Wang. Fourth Madam Zhou, on the other hand, prided herself on having a conscience and not being so mercenary.
"My dear, I’ll soon be returning to Daming Prefecture. As for your two daughters’ admission into the Wei family’s girls’ school, I still have some influence there. The Wei family is connected to ours by marriage, so you can expect good news soon," Lady Wang assured her.
Fourth Madam Zhou smiled. "That’s wonderful!"
Of course, renting a house in Daming Prefecture’s city was her own responsibility—she couldn’t trouble Lady Wang with such matters. She quickly shared the good news with Sun Shichen, though he had other thoughts. His father had been serving as a prefect for several years, and now that his father-in-law was idle at home, there was no one to pull strings for him.
Even he was stuck as a county magistrate in Guantao, buried in paperwork day after day. If he could forge ties with the Wei family, a little support in the future might advance his career.
The couple spent twenty-four taels of silver to rent a house and prepared sixty strings of cash as tuition for Madam Shen. They also assigned five or six servants to attend to the household, which meant additional living expenses.
"If only we could find someone to handle all the auspicious arrangements," Fourth Madam Zhou mused.
A hundred strings of cash vanished so quickly—it pained her deeply.
Their official salaries were meager, hardly enough to cover everything. With winter approaching, they needed to tailor winter clothes, buy firewood, and prepare for the New Year, all of which required more money. Since they had only been in Guantao for two or three years, buying property would be wasteful, so they had to rely on their savings.
Meanwhile, Jin Niang soon heard from Sister Jun that two new students had joined the girls’ school. "Which family are they from?" she asked.
"I’m not sure, only that their surname is Sun," Sister Jun replied, not looking up as she practiced her calligraphy.
Jin Niang thought for a moment—it must be Fourth Madam Zhou’s daughters. "Oh," she said, then added, "Since they’re your classmates, be kind to them."
Sister Jun smiled. "Don’t worry, Mother. If they don’t understand something, I’ll help them."
"That’s good." Jin Niang patted her daughter’s head and instructed the servants to prepare dinner.
When the first snow fell, Sister Jun discussed with Jin Niang the idea of inviting her classmates over for a barbecue. Jin Niang readily agreed and encouraged her: "You’ll be turning nine next year, and I was planning to start teaching you how to manage accounts. Consider this practice. Decide how many people to invite, what else to do besides eating barbecue, what drinks they prefer—you’ll need to handle all of this yourself."
Sister Jun pouted. "Mother, please help me prepare…"
"I’ll arrange the servants for the barbecue and tidy up Linglong Pavilion, and I’ll prepare the charcoal braziers," Jin Niang said.
Sister Jun clung to her mother, coaxing her until Jin Niang finally tapped her forehead affectionately. "Fine, fine, I’ll do everything for you. Such a little sweet-talker."
Despite her words, Sister Jun still followed her mother’s advice and asked her classmates about their preferences, carefully noting everything down. She sent out invitations in advance—the Wei family’s girls promptly accepted, as did the Ji family’s daughters. After the earlier incident, the adults never brought it up again, and the girls gradually forgot, their friendships restored. The two new Sun sisters were also invited.
Additionally, there were close friends like the daughter of Judicial Commissioner Luo and the Lan family’s adopted daughter (though born a concubine’s child, she was raised as the main wife’s own since the family had no other daughters).
This was Sister Jun’s first time hosting, so Jin Niang took great care in preparing Linglong Pavilion. The doorway was draped with a new curtain of green silk embroidered with crabapple blossoms, the divan spread with a fine rug, and a large flower basket filled with fresh blooms adorned the table, filling the room with fragrance.
The girls arrived before noon, all well-mannered. Even the livelier ones behaved demurely in someone else’s home. They played board games, shot arrows in a pot, played chess, or plucked the zither.
For the barbecue, the young ladies naturally didn’t cook themselves—Juxiang and Chunxian handled the grilling, serving the meat only when it had cooled enough to eat.
Jin Niang also brought in fruit and, worried some might be underdressed for the cold, delivered extra cloaks.
Seeing the girls chatting together, she quickly withdrew—children needed their own space. Unbeknownst to her, Sister Jun was already planning the next gathering. Miss Lan, though technically a concubine’s daughter, was raised as the family’s only girl and spoke up first: "Come to my home in a few days to admire the plum blossoms. My mother transplanted a tree from Madam Qian’s garden—it’s breathtaking."
Sister Jun smiled. "Wonderful! Next time, we’ll visit Sister Lan’s home."
Miss Luo, Eldest Miss Ji, and Young Miss Wei all said they’d ask their families, but the Sun sisters, accompanied only by elderly maids and servants, stayed silent. Their rented house was modest, and they felt too embarrassed to invite anyone over.
When the group later visited the Lan family, the Sun sisters excused themselves, citing family matters.
Jin Niang always sent Steward Fang and Xiqiu along with Sister Jun to these outings. She had never experienced such socializing in her youth and wanted her daughter to enjoy it fully.
Around the same time, Luo Da, Steward Fan, and Shopkeeper Yao delivered their rental payments. Due to a poor harvest, the Wu County estate only yielded three hundred twenty taels, while Shopkeeper Yao brought five hundred, and Luo Da contributed nine hundred forty.
Jin Niang questioned Steward Fan and Luo Da closely about the crops. Both were shrewd managers—when farmland fell short, they supplemented income with produce, bamboo groves, and eggs. Shopkeeper Yao reported that merchants from Pingjiang and Lin’an were transporting grain north to sell, keeping his inns fully booked and business thriving. After reviewing the accounts, Jin Niang pointed out a few discrepancies but, seeing their nervousness, rewarded each with twenty strings of cash, a bolt of silk, a bolt of fine cloth, and this year, an extra pair of leather boots.
The fur lining was made from the old coats of Brother Ning and Sister Jun—nothing went to waste, and it could even be gifted to others, killing two birds with one stone. Jin Niang also had Luo Da bring two pale green silk jackets for Nanny Luo, after all, she was Jiang Xian’s wet nurse. Additionally, she sent a set of fine scholar’s treasures for Younger Brother Yang and two new jackets for her parents.
She didn’t want Luo Da to carry too much, though—otherwise, they’d have to pay extra for the boat fare.
After the three of them delivered the money, Steward Fan and Young Chen invited everyone to feast at Cuiyun Tower. Suddenly, a man dressed like a wealthy merchant entered. Luo Da quickly asked Young Chen, “Who’s this?”
“Ah, this is the manager of the riverside warehouse. Our mistress holds a share there—he’s here to deliver the dividends,” Young Chen replied with a smile.
Luo Da thought to himself, last year when he came to deliver money, the mistress had formed ties with the Jiang family. This year, she’s even investing in warehouses—truly impressive, absolutely remarkable.
Seems our master really is thriving under her influence.
