It was strange how things always seemed to follow the same pattern—just as she grew accustomed to a place, everything would change again. Now, most of the officials had been replaced, forcing Jin Niang to reacquaint herself with unfamiliar faces in a familiar setting.
If it were just Madam Liu, it wouldn’t be so bad—they had known each other before. But the newly arrived Xia family, particularly Madam Xia, whom Madam Liu had already warned her to be cautious of, made Jin Niang hesitant to engage.
Still, she reminded herself that Madam Xia was merely the wife of a colleague. As Madam Qian had said, no matter what, it would only be a year at most. It wasn’t as if they had to live together day in and day out.
"Has the gift list for the Xia family been prepared?" Jin Niang asked.
Ying brought it over. "Here, take a look."
Jin Niang smiled as she scanned the list, noting it was similar to the one they had sent Madam Qian. She nodded approvingly. "Good, this will do. Have Chen deliver it."
Once Ying left, Jin Niang turned to Nanny Fang. Instead of asking about Madam Xia, she inquired about Madam Liu. "What was Madam Liu’s temperament like before she married?"
Madam Liu was the daughter of Minister Liu and, by extension, a relative of her mother-in-law’s family. They had interacted frequently, so Nanny Fang should have known. Surprisingly, Nanny Fang replied, "Actually, Madam Liu wasn’t raised in the Liu household. After her birth, it was said her fate was too harsh—if she stayed with her parents, she might bring them misfortune. So she was brought up in her maternal family. By the time our mistress met her, she was already of marriageable age."
"No wonder I rarely heard Madam Liu mention her when I visited Minister Liu’s residence," Jin Niang mused.
Nanny Fang added cautiously, "Madam, forgive me for speaking out of turn, but now that you’ve established ties with the Wei family—not to mention the Zhen family—it’s better to focus on what you have rather than chase after more. Whether Han Xiao is good or whether Magistrate Xia is good has little to do with us. Fewer interactions mean fewer complications."
Jin Niang nodded. "You’re right."
When she first arrived, she had to pay respects to the local powers. But now that she was well-settled, there was no need for excessive socializing. With this in mind, Jin Niang turned her attention back to managing the household and her embroidery work. Speaking of embroidery, Madam Wei had expressed interest in her Lotus Throne Guanyin embroidery before, but Jin Niang hadn’t given it to her—after all, scarcity increased demand.
She had borrowed a Buddhist statue from a local temple to sketch, tracing its outline before selecting a design she excelled at.
Just as she was finishing the embroidery, Dou Yuan from across the street paid a visit. Somehow, Dou Yuan had heard about the supposed spiritual efficacy of her embroidered images and asked to borrow one, saying her daughter, Sister Jun, had fallen ill.
Jin Niang immediately asked, "Have you called a physician?"
Superstition was dangerous—she only embroidered for business, not for actual miracles.
Dou Yuan quickly replied, "Yes, but it’s my mother-in-law’s fault. She took the child out to the garden, and the poor thing caught a chill."
"If it’s just a cold, then take the embroidery. Return it once she recovers," Jin Niang said.
Dou Yuan thanked her profusely and hung the embroidery in her daughter’s room. Later, Madam Zhen dropped by and, upon seeing the piece, her eyes gleamed with interest. "How is the child? Still feverish?"
"The fever’s gone down, but she’s still warm. The physician said to administer more medicine, but she’s so young—it’s hard to get her to keep it down," Dou Yuan sighed, exhausted.
Madam Zhen pointed at the embroidery. "Is this from Jin Niang?"
Dou Yuan nodded. "Yes, I had to beg my cousin to lend it to me. Even Madam Wei asked for it before, but she refused. This one’s been blessed with sutras—they say she chants scriptures the entire time she embroiders."
"Then Sister Jun should be fine," Madam Zhen murmured, clasping her hands in prayer.
Dou Yuan kept vigil over her daughter all night. By morning, the fever had broken. Jin Niang came by early, feeling the child’s forehead. "She’ll be alright now that the fever’s gone."
"All thanks to you, cousin," Dou Yuan said, rubbing her tired eyes.
Jin Niang felt a pang of guilt and quickly clarified, "It’s the physician’s skill and your care that helped her. The embroidery isn’t that powerful—you should still consult the physician regularly."
Her modesty only made Dou Yuan value the embroidery more. She begged to keep it a few more days until her daughter fully recovered.
Jin Niang agreed.
Back home, she changed into casual attire when an invitation arrived from Madam Liu—a dinner to welcome Madam Xia. Though short notice, Jin Niang prepared carefully. For formal occasions, women typically wore ornate headdresses. Jin Niang chose an ivory-white stomacher embroidered with the Eight Immortals, paired with a pale green silk underrobe and a matching skirt. Over this, she wore an emerald-green overdress with floral motifs. Her hair was coiled into a bun, secured with a pearl net and topped with a gold-inlaid headdress, exuding elegance and grace.
"Madam, the carriage is ready," Ying announced.
Jin Niang smiled. "Good, I’ll head out now."
Ying pouted. "Why aren’t you wearing the fully embroidered ‘Flourishing Prosperity’ gown?"
"This is appropriate enough. No need to outshine everyone," Jin Niang replied.
They arrived at Han Xiao’s residence shortly. Jin Niang was ushered inside, where Madam Liu introduced the so-called "Tigress" Madam Xia. To her surprise, Madam Xia appeared shy and gentle, a lovely woman in her mid-thirties with a warm demeanor.
Madam Liu had servants bring out honeyed fruit cakes. "Drizzle this on top—it’s delicious."
Jin Niang took a small piece, listening as Madam Liu and Madam Xia chatted. Despite Madam Liu’s earlier warnings, she now seemed perfectly amiable, even more so than her previous favorite, Lady Lan.
Midway through the banquet, Madam Liu had her maids perform—a common practice among the elite, who believed music was essential for dining. Even Jin Niang, with no musicians at home, would hire performers.
Jin Niang noticed Madam Xia’s barely perceptible sneer when the performers began.
Lady Lan was explaining local customs to Madam Xia. "Since you’re from Shuzhou, you might not know—here, we start preparing winter clothing as early as October. I can recommend some good tailors."
"How kind of you! I’d appreciate that," Madam Xia replied warmly.
After the banquet, Madam Liu invited them to the inner hall for conversation, having Han Xiao's two concubines join to entertain the guests. Jin Niang recalled that during their last visit to the garden, Madam Liu had also brought them along, and the relationship between Han Xiao's wives and concubines seemed harmonious and joyful.
"Madam Wei, why didn’t you bring your two children today? Last time, Elder Sister (Madam Liu) mentioned visiting your home, where you treated our children so kindly," Concubine Guan said with a smile.
Jin Niang had heard that Concubine Guan was skilled at making pastries and had a gentle demeanor, which earned her much favor—she was also the mother of Han Xiao’s eldest son. Sometimes, Jin Niang privately wondered if everyone who associated with the Han family had to be somewhat proficient in the culinary arts.
Snapping out of her thoughts, Jin Niang replied, "Oh, don’t mention it. It was just simple fare, hardly worth praising."
Jin Niang harbored no disdain for concubines or maidservants. After all, who wouldn’t prefer to earn an honest living and live well? It was simply the constraints of the times.
If one didn’t aspire to be the "virtuous wife" and refrained from arranging concubines for their husband, that was one thing. But to seek such a reputation while looking down on concubines was merely shifting suffering onto those beneath them.
Like Yan Hong back then.
Thus, while Jin Niang wasn’t particularly close to Han Xiao’s concubines, they maintained a cordial relationship on the surface. As for Madam Lan, she was even more at ease—currently engaged in a lively drinking game with another of Han Xiao’s concubines.
Perhaps due to the wine, Jin Niang stepped out to relieve herself and encountered Madam Xia, who had also excused herself. Madam Xia twisted her ankle, and Jin Niang quickly instructed Zi Teng to assist her, asking with concern, "Are you alright?"
Madam Xia shook her head. "I’m fine. Thank you. When did you and your husband arrive in Daming Prefecture for your post?"
"Two years ago," Jin Niang replied, preferring to share little with those she wasn’t familiar with.
Madam Xia then inquired about local temples and nunneries. Jin Niang obliged with directions, learning that Madam Xia was deeply devoted to Buddhism—her home reportedly housed ten chests of scriptures and numerous ritual objects.
She even shared, "Once, my husband nearly drowned. He couldn’t eat or drink, and we’d even prepared his coffin. It was only after I obtained a relic from a master that he gradually recovered."
Jin Niang thought to herself, My embroidery is just a backup plan in case I lose my livelihood, but a relic? That’s a bit much.
After hosting Madam Xia, Jin Niang reciprocated by inviting Han Xiao and Madam Liu to her home for a meal. Jiang Xian mentioned how well they’d gotten along during the Double Ninth Festival, so there was no need for formalities between such close friends.
However, Jiang Xian, who had personally prepared two dishes, tried to credit Jin Niang. "Later, I’ll say you made them?"
"Wait—why would you say I made them? I don’t even know how!" Jin Niang waved her hands in protest.
She understood the folly of lies begetting more lies. But Jiang Xian pleaded, "Darling, it’s just that I’ve bragged about you being skilled in all eighteen arts, especially cooking. Now, well… for the sake of my momentary vanity."
He added, "Don’t be angry. I just thought if Han Zineng enjoyed our food, it’d strengthen our ties, which would benefit me too."
"But you could’ve just said you made them," Jin Niang muttered, still displeased.
Jiang Xian sighed. "Sweetheart, punish me however you like—make me kneel on a washboard—but when we stand together, you look like the clever, dexterous one. You embroider so beautifully, and you’re so quick-witted. Who’d believe a clumsy fellow like me could carve radishes into flowers?"
Jin Niang glanced at him, poked his forehead, and sighed. "You… I really don’t know what to do with you."
"My dear, my sweet sister," Jiang Xian cooed, embracing her.
When word came that Han Xiao and his wife had arrived, he composed himself and walked out with Jin Niang. She couldn’t help thinking, So he toiled in the kitchen for hours, and I get all the credit?
Han Xiao, in his thirties, was in his prime. If Jiang Xian was dashingly handsome, Han Xiao carried an air of seasoned charm. After exchanging greetings, Jin Niang hesitated over how to begin, but Jiang Xian smoothly introduced, "Brother Zineng, this is my humble wife."
The advantage of having a sociable husband was evident here.
Jin Niang stepped forward again. "Secretary Han."
Han Xiao waved it off. "No need for formalities, Sister-in-law."
"Let’s dine first and chat as we eat," Jiang Xian suggested, gesturing toward the table.
As they sat, Ying oversaw the serving. Ju Xiang wasn’t a master chef, but Jiang Xian’s two dishes saved the meal. Jin Niang wasn’t picky—especially with meat on the table. She usually ate lightly but indulged during feasts.
She started with steamed perch, savoring its tender, protein-rich flesh and few bones.
Seeing her enjoy the fish, Jiang Xian found her adorable. Han Xiao, who typically had no appetite, suddenly craved the fish he usually despised after watching Jin Niang eat.
After the perch, Jin Niang helped herself to braised goose breast while listening to Madam Liu discuss property. "We bought our residence on recommendation. We’ll sell it when we leave."
Madam Liu agreed. "That’s wise. Daming Prefecture is a strategic hub—properties sell easily here."
"That’s what I thought too," Jin Niang said, pouring Madam Liu a drink.
As they spoke, Madam Liu noticed the pile of fish bones and pork knuckles before her husband—a sight she’d never seen before. Jiang Xian was equally stunned. Did Ju Xiang’s cooking surpass mine?
After the meal, Jiang Xian tipped Ju Xiang an extra sixty coins.
Han Xiao, who hadn’t eaten so heartily in years, grew drowsy—a rarity for the chronic insomniac. Before leaving, he remarked, "Their dishes are more flavorful than the Lan family’s. We should visit often."
"Of course, as long as you eat well," Madam Liu said, pleased.
After the Hans departed, Sister Jun returned early from a polo match, skipping school. Jin Niang had her bathe and change before catching up.
Sister Jun grinned. "You should’ve seen us play today! If Sister Ji Er had been there—she’s so good at polo—we’d have won even more decisively."
But Jin Niang frowned at the participant list. "Why were there only three from your school? Did you have to team up with outsiders?"
"Ugh, it’s because the Sun sisters couldn’t join," Sister Jun grumbled.
The Sun family had no choice. If the two young girls were allowed to stay in the prefectural city and another disaster struck, with no family around, what would become of them? The children had to be brought back first. Madam Zhou, exhausted by the ordeal, now found herself in a dilemma.
A large sum of money had been spent, yet she couldn’t leave. She had to care for her son as well as her daughters.
To make matters worse, Sun Shichen had taken in a beautiful maidservant—none other than her own personal maid, Ruo Liu. It had been agreed that Ruo Liu would eventually be freed from servitude and married to a scholar or merchant. Who could have imagined she would climb into her master’s bed instead?
How could she stoop so low?
Did Ruo Liu truly believe Sun Shichen would treat her well? No, he saw her as nothing more than a plaything.
"Madam, that little wretch Ruo Liu has already been moved to the study by the master. You wouldn’t believe how much he’s given her from his private stash," Dan Ruo complained bitterly.
Madam Zhou exhaled slowly. The reason she remained silent was that Sun Shichen hadn’t blamed her for their daughters missing school. If he had, she would have been at fault, and she couldn’t very well press the issue of Ruo Liu’s betrayal.
She had thought these maids were loyal, treated well under her care. Who could have predicted such treachery?
Ruo Liu stood at the door, knowing full well that the mistress still held the reins of the household. But she was thirty—not like Dan Ruo, who had no intention of marrying. The mistress always said women didn’t need husbands, that staying unwed was just fine. But then why had she married herself?
For maids like her, bought and sold with no family to rely on, attaching themselves to the master was the only way up. If she could bear him a child, her future would be secure. If she waited any longer, she might never conceive at all.
Ruo Liu’s actions left Madam Zhou feeling utterly drained. She didn’t even know how to face this disloyal maid.
……
These troubles kept the Sun sisters from their studies, but Jin Niang had her own woes.
The embroidered Guanyin tapestry she had given Dou Yuan had gone missing!
"Who could have taken it?" Dou Yuan fretted.
Jin Niang glanced at her, unsure whether it had truly disappeared or if Dou Yuan had hidden it herself. Few people could enter Dou Yuan’s chambers—what thief would dare steal from the daughter-in-law of the Minister of Ceremonies?
Calmly, she asked, "Who visits your room most often?"
Dou Yuan, sensing Jin Niang’s suspicion, felt cornered. "My mother-in-law, my sister-in-law, and my younger brother’s wife have all sent people to check on me."
"How strange," Jiang Xian, the magistrate, mused. "Has any servant fled your household recently?"
Dou Yuan nodded. "There was one—my elder brother’s concubine. She stayed to mourn with my sister-in-law for years but couldn’t bear it any longer and left."
Jin Niang cared little for family ties. "Since you’re the magistrate, I’m reporting this theft. You must recover my property. This isn’t just some trinket—"
If sold, it could fetch at least fifty strings of cash. Given Jin Niang’s reputation, it might even go for a hundred. This was no small loss.
"Agreed. If even your embroidery is stolen, who knows what else the Zhen family has lost?" Jiang Xian smoothly reframed the issue as concern for the Zhen household.
Dou Yuan hesitated. "Cousin, could you investigate discreetly? I’d hate for this to become a scandal."
"Don’t worry. I’ll handle it carefully," Jiang Xian assured.
Normally, no one would dare investigate a high-ranking family like the Zhens over a missing item. But under the pretense of protecting their interests, Jiang Xian had his opening. Dou Yuan hurried back to inform her mother-in-law.
Once she left, Jin Niang and Jiang Xian exchanged a look. "It’s definitely an inside job," he said. "I’ll apply some pressure. If they return it, fine. If not, you’ll say this—"
He motioned for her to lean in, whispering his plan. Jin Niang chuckled. "Perfect. I was thinking the same."
"My lady, if someone stole your embroidery, its value will soar. Soon, your work might be worth a fortune," Jiang Xian remarked with a smile.
Jin Niang met his gaze. "Life has its ups and downs. In good times, wealth is easier to keep. In bad times, not so much. But as long as I have needle and thread, I can always rebuild."
She couldn’t sew day and night forever—age would dull her memory, slow her mind, and weaken her eyes. But even two Guanyin tapestries a year could bring in nearly two hundred strings of cash. Enough to start anew anytime.
At the mention of that sum, Jiang Xian’s eyes lit up. "That’s the yield of two hundred acres in a good year! Don’t worry, I’ll turn every stone to find it."
"I thought you’d say to let it go for family’s sake. But you’re truly steadfast—I’m impressed. I’ve had enough of men who sacrifice their own for outsiders." Jin Niang remembered how he’d stood by her during her mother-in-law’s funeral, prioritizing her health. Her admiration was genuine.
Jiang Xian thumped his chest. "You’ll never see that from me."
Jin Niang nestled against him. "Do you think it was Madam Zhen? Notice how Dou Yuan listed her mother-in-law first when mentioning who entered her room."
"Relax. A little intimidation, and the item will reappear. People like them care about face, but we mustn’t push too hard." Jiang Xian’s experience in handling cases showed.
Meanwhile, Dou Yuan reported to Madam Zhen: "My cousin suspects a servant took it, so he’ll investigate tomorrow. But I’ve asked him to keep it quiet."
Madam Zhen’s fingers stilled on her prayer beads. "How could you allow outsiders to search our home?"
"Mother, this is my cousin-in-law’s treasured heirloom! And my cousin is a famed investigator—he solved the Cui family’s case where their heir was swapped and hidden in a mine. If he can handle that, our little issue is nothing." Dou Yuan smiled.
Madam Zhen hummed. "Very well."
Dou Yuan stepped out, glanced back, and smirked coldly.
The next morning, the missing tapestry reappeared in the garden. Dou Yuan promptly returned it.
"Cousin-in-law, isn’t this odd? It just showed up in the garden. I can hardly believe it myself."
Jiang Xian took it over and noticed some dirt on the white edge, feeling a pang of distress. Jin Niang, however, reassured, "I'll just brush it off later with a brush. After all, we’ve won without even fighting."
The three of them burst into laughter.
