This year, Jin Niang instructed those who delivered silver coins not to come to Daming Prefecture next year, saying they would choose another location later. As Steward Fan was getting older, she suggested letting his son gain some experience in his place. As for Shopkeeper Yao, since he could still make a profit by selling raw silk whenever he visited, Jin Niang didn’t say anything further.
The real issue, however, lay in Jiang Xian’s promotion. With one shoe yet to drop, it weighed on her mind.
Seeing Jin Niang more anxious than himself, Jiang Xian couldn’t help but laugh. “There’s no need to worry. You’re on good terms with Madam Wei. Just the other day, I ran into the eldest son of the Wei family, Seventh Brother’s elder brother, and he spoke with me at length.”
“You mean…?” Jin Niang’s face lit up.
Jiang Xian nodded. “Exactly as you think. Minister Wei has agreed to be my recommender. Our families are now connected by marriage—his in-laws include Grand Academician Fan Zhen.”
Jin Niang finally relaxed. “That’s excellent.”
With two paths open, even if one failed, the other would succeed.
Seeing his wife’s relief, Jiang Xian was moved. “My dear, you mentioned earlier that you’ve started looking for a son-in-law. Have you found any candidates?”
He meant to change the subject, but Jin Niang replied, “After careful consideration, the only one I find suitable is Wei Seventh Brother. But his family’s status is too high, and our daughter doesn’t necessarily need to climb so high. Let’s wait until we return to the capital.”
“Very well. If we can go back to the capital, that would be best,” Jiang Xian agreed.
Jin Niang shook her head. “Another reason is that we’ve always been subordinate officials. Dealing with people has always been exhausting. It might be easier if we held higher positions.”
Jiang Xian found this reasonable.
Like them, those who lived independently, making their own decisions, enjoyed far more freedom than those bound to large, extended households.
Still, Jiang Xian was puzzled. “Last time I invited Han Zineng for a private meal, he barely touched his food. Yet, when he ate Juxiang’s cooking another time, he finished everything. Why is that?”
Jin Niang had no idea and shook her head.
Jiang Xian was usually perceptive in social matters. So he arranged another meeting and noticed that Han Xiao ate in the exact same manner as his wife. Suddenly, he understood.
His first suspicion was that Han Xiao harbored feelings for Jin Niang, but he quickly dismissed the thought—that would be far too brazen while he was still alive.
Instead, he observed his wife’s dining habits. Though she didn’t eat much, her enjoyment was evident—polished yet hearty. This was why he loved cooking for her; she savored every bite, even eggplants, without complaint.
Realizing the solution, he quietly proposed buying a maid for Han Xiao.
Jin Niang firmly refused. “That’s inappropriate.”
“You misunderstand,” Jiang Xian explained. “I meant to buy a plump maid who eats heartily. Seeing her enjoy meals might help Han Zineng regain his appetite.”
Jin Niang scratched her head. “Can that really work?”
Wasn’t this just like modern-day mukbang?
Jiang Xian, seeing her skepticism, reassured her. “Trust me, the girl I send will be effective.”
While Jin Niang excelled in matters like financial management and steady advancement, such unconventional methods were beyond her.
“Leave these unorthodox tactics to me,” Jiang Xian said lightly.
What he admired most about his wife was her integrity—how she had amassed such wealth without resorting to exploitation. Some things were best handled by him.
Ten days after sending the plump maid, Madam Liu personally came to express gratitude. “Thanks to that girl, my husband now eats an extra bowl of rice every day. It’s wonderful!”
“Don’t thank me,” Jin Niang said. “It was my husband’s idea. He truly cares about Minister Han’s well-being.”
Since marrying Han Xiao, Madam Liu’s life had improved greatly. No longer labeled as a bringer of misfortune, she only wished for her husband’s success and safety.
Listening to her, Jin Niang reflected on how people’s desires varied with their circumstances.
For someone like Madam Liu, born into privilege yet burdened by superstition, a peaceful home was enough. Or like Dou Yuan, whose fractured family made her crave status and respect in marriage.
As for Jin Niang, who had climbed from the bottom, constant uncertainty made relaxation impossible. She didn’t mind provincial postings, but the lack of direction left her tense.
Such ingrained traits were hard to change.
After the New Year, with Han Xiao’s support, Jiang Xian dismantled a bandit stronghold and turned many to their side, earning notable merit. However, one of his newly hired retainers in Daming Prefecture was fatally shot. Jin Niang promptly gave his widow a hundred taels for funeral expenses and had Brother Chen assist with arrangements.
Knowing the woman struggled to raise three children alone, Jin Niang also sent two winter coats, two padded jackets, a chest of children’s clothing, and food supplies.
“He was a reformed gambler, trying to earn enough to support his family,” Jiang Xian sighed. “How ironic—when he was drowning in debt, he escaped death, but once he turned his life around, this happened.”
Jin Niang agreed. “Life is unpredictable. You must take extra care of yourself.”
“I will,” Jiang Xian promised solemnly.
…
By the third month of spring, the weather remained harsh due to an unseasonable cold snap. Jin Niang had visited the Zhen family several times to check on Old Madam Zhen’s health, but after days of exposure to the wind, a sharp pain flared at her left temple, forcing her indoors.
Unexpectedly, Madam Wei arrived with Wei Seventh Brother to visit. “Jiang Xian mentioned your headache, so I came to see you,” she said warmly.
“I’m ashamed to trouble you,” Jin Niang said ruefully. “I thought the short walk to the Zhens’ didn’t require a hat—how I regret it now.”
Madam Wei chided her gently. “This is no way to care for yourself. You must be more cautious.” Then she added, “This year, I plan to take Seventh Brother to Luoyang to see the peonies before heading to Bianjing. My husband’s appointment has been finalized—he’s been named Drafter of Imperial Edicts.”
It was unexpected that Madam Wei would be leaving for Bianjing. Jin Niang felt a pang of melancholy—her smooth experience in Daming Prefecture had largely been due to the Wei family's backing. When their families had forged ties, she never imagined the Weis would truly treat her as kin. This past New Year, the eldest son of the Wei family, Wei Dalang, had grown quite close to Jiang Xian as well.
Jin Niang couldn’t help but express her reluctance: "With you leaving, Sister-in-law, I won’t even have a place to share my thoughts anymore."
Madam Wei quickly reassured her, "Don’t say such things. You’ve already established yourself firmly in Daming Prefecture. Han Xiao and your husband grew up together—what is there to fear?"
"This parting may be long. Who knows when we’ll meet again?" Jin Niang feigned dejection. Deep down, she knew the Weis had already smoothed the path for them, but she pretended ignorance—after all, until things were settled, anything could happen.
Madam Wei nearly mentioned how certain the matter was but held back.
Instead, Jin Niang had A’ying fetch a pair of jade pendants. "I originally planned to gift these to Qilang when his term ended this year, but now you and he are leaving before us."
The pendants were carved with twin cranes in green jade—symbols of longevity and noble character.
Even Madam Wei, accustomed to fine things, admired the exquisite craftsmanship and promptly had Wei Qilang express his thanks.
Jin Niang then smiled. "Brother Ning happens to be free today—why don’t the boys go play together?"
After Wei Qilang left, Jin Niang hesitated before finally presenting the embroidered image of Guanyin on a lotus throne. She hadn’t gifted it earlier, fearing it might be taken for granted. Now, its value had undoubtedly risen.
Madam Wei’s eyes lit up with delight, though she feigned sternness. "What’s this, Auntie? I couldn’t possibly take what you cherish."
Truthfully, Jin Niang had already completed another embroidery—a Guanyin holding a basket.
With a reluctant expression, she insisted, "You and Brother have done so much for us, and I’ve little to repay you. When I saw you faint last time, I thought this might offer some comfort, if nothing else."
After much persuasion, Madam Wei finally accepted. Jin Niang then joined them for lunch, the atmosphere thick with reluctance.
Three days later, Madam Wei departed. Jin Niang and Jiang Xian personally saw her and her son off.
Touched by the embroidery, Madam Wei’s fondness for Jin Niang deepened. Unable to hold back, she whispered, "Don’t worry—we may reunite sooner than you think."
Jin Niang smiled. "I’ll hold you to that."
Meanwhile, Second Brother Zhen returned from the Southern Imperial College, having secured an official post through hereditary privilege.
Of course, he could still sit for the imperial exams, which he planned to do while studying at home—the Zhen family could certainly afford it. But his return unsettled Dou Yuan.
Since their marriage, separation had been the norm. Now, suddenly living under the same roof day and night, she found it irritating.
Jin Niang secretly gifted her a "battle robe"—a seductive garment she’d withheld earlier, fearing Dou Yuan’s reputation wasn’t secure enough. But now that the "white moonlight" Miss Yang had married, and Second Brother Zhen doted on their daughter Luo, Jin Niang deemed it the right time.
"Made just for you—no need to be shy." Jin Niang patted Dou Yuan’s shoulder.
Dou Yuan blushed furiously. The robe wasn’t overtly revealing, but wearing it would leave little to the imagination. "Cousin-in-law, I can’t accept this!"
Jin Niang tapped her forehead. "Who was it that wanted to give Luo a little brother?"
Between giggles and blushes, Dou Yuan finally took the robe, hiding it away.
The next day, her radiant complexion spoke volumes, though Jin Niang tactfully avoided the subject. "Sister Jun’s tutor is ill, so she’s home these days. If you’re busy, you can send the children to me."
"Cousin-in-law, any news about Cousin’s transfer?" Dou Yuan quickly changed the subject.
"We’ve done what we can—the rest is up to fate. Your cousin has performed well in his post." Jin Niang didn’t mention the Wei family’s connections with Grand Academician Fan, Han Xiao’s promise to recommend Jiang Xian for excellence, or even Jiang Xian’s elder brother Jiang Yan’s support.
Of course, besides these high-ranking figures, they’d also discreetly greased the palms of lower officials.
Reassured, Dou Yuan relaxed—until Madam He’s arrival was announced. She frowned. "Probably here to lobby."
"For what?" Jin Niang was puzzled.
"Likely for the magistrate of Guantao County. They’re distant relatives, but as a young wife with a troubled family background, how could I possibly meddle in official appointments?" Dou Yuan shook her head.
Even as relatives, one had to know their limits. Jin Niang understood Dou Yuan’s constraints—just as she’d never blamed her for her mother-in-law’s petty theft, handling the matter herself instead.
Jin Niang frowned. "Didn’t Second Brother Zhou return to the capital? Why not write to the Zhous?"
Dou Yuan shook her head. Not wanting to meet Madam He, Jin Niang excused herself.
Madam He left empty-handed and reported back to Fourth Madam Zhou, who had closer ties to the now-departed Old Madam Wang.
Dan Ruo helped her into the carriage. "Should we try the Han family?"
"I sent a card, but Madam Liu was cold during our meeting." Fourth Madam Zhou sighed.
Sun Shichen had never respected her, so she’d little desire to campaign for his career. But with three children to consider, she had no choice.
Once, she’d despised those who swallowed their pride to wash dirty laundry. Now, she’d become one of them.
How laughable.
Fourth Madam Zhou sent another card to the Hans. Coincidentally, Jin Niang was visiting—relations between the families had warmed since Jiang Xian gifted that gluttonous maid, and his achievements had also reflected well on Han Xiao.
Jin Niang mused that gifts truly had to suit the recipient. Not everyone valued gold and silver—some feared accusations of bribery.
Jiang Xian’s thoughtfulness amazed her. Who’d have guessed watching someone eat could stir one’s appetite?
"Tell her we have guests and I’ll invite her another time," Madam Liu instructed a maid.
Jin Niang wondered why the refusal.
Madam Liu wasn’t one to forgive easily. Han Xiao had nearly been betrothed to the Lius when the Zhous interfered. Did they think her unaware?
Moreover, Madam Liu said to Jin Niang, "You don’t know this, but County Magistrate Sun has an average reputation in office and has even been targeted by anonymous accusations."
In truth, such accusations are common—even Jiang Xian has faced them. But Han Xiao favors Jiang Xian and is willing to vouch for him, not just because they grew up together. Most importantly, Jiang Xian is genuinely capable, with an excellent official reputation. He leads by example, even mobilizing the people near the bandit-infested areas to present Han Xiao with a "Ten Thousand People Umbrella" in gratitude.
Not only Han Xiao, but even Jin Niang often finds herself utterly charmed by him.
Take her relationship with the Wei family, for instance. After just one meeting, Wei Dalang became an ardent admirer of Jiang Xian.
Fourth Madam Zhou returned disappointed and told Sun Shichen, "Their household is hosting guests and said they’d invite me over in a few days."
"That’s likely just an excuse," Sun Shichen shook his head.
Fourth Madam Zhou agreed, "Yes, just an excuse."
Local officials’ evaluations heavily depend on their superiors’ assessments before being forwarded to the Bureau of Military Affairs. Naturally, Sun Shichen longed to return to Bianjing. Serving as a local official was far too tedious, with endless complications.
"Second Brother has already returned to the capital, and our letter should have reached Dongjing by now," Sun Shichen said. Both he and Fourth Madam Zhou pinned their hopes on Zhou Cunzhi.
As for why they hadn’t written to Third Madam Zhou, the reason was simple: Jiang Fang had been reassigned outside the capital.
Fourth Madam Zhou’s letter had indeed reached Zhou Cunzhi, now back in the capital, along with two hundred taels of silver. Zhou Cunzhi promptly headed to the Jiang residence in Nanxun Lane—specifically to see Jiang Yan, who was now related by marriage to the Wu family.
Jiang Yan might be incorruptible, but the Wu family was another matter.
Setting aside matters of official appointments, when Wei’s eldest daughter married, Jin Niang sent over an embroidered quilt and a dowry gift. With the weather warming, she began working on a double-sided cherry blossom fan.
She planned to make two: one with pink cherry blossoms on white gauze, the other with white blossoms on black gauze.
One for herself and one for her daughter.
Jiang Xian, rare to have a day off, overheard her discussing the fan distribution and couldn’t help but ask, "Wife, what about me?"
"You? Do you want one too?" Jin Niang glanced at the pink blossoms, thinking it wouldn’t suit him.
Jiang Xian looked at her. "Then why not make one for the two of us?"
Realizing he was jealous, Jin Niang laughed. "Haven’t we done enough together? These are for us ladies." Seeing him about to sulk, she quickly added, "Fine, you can share mine."
Jiang Xian rolled over on the couch, ignoring her.
Jiang Fang sometimes acted just like a child.
By evening, she had finished one fan. Jiang Xian got up to massage her shoulders. "See? Who treats you better than me?"
"Good, right there—a little harder," Jin Niang sighed, her shoulders sore.
Jiang Xian massaged her for half an hour, working on her arms and neck until she felt utterly relaxed. Jin Niang thought to herself how considerate he was and pulled him down to return the favor.
But Jiang Xian declined. "No need. I practice swordplay every morning."
"Alright then. By the way, I heard Cao Da and Zhao Wu want to pledge themselves to our household."
Jiang Xian nodded. "Yes. They said if they don’t act now, once I rise further, there’ll be too many seeking my patronage, and they might miss their chance."
Pledging themselves meant becoming indentured servants. Jin Niang couldn’t fully grasp their reasoning, but if they were willing and Jiang Xian preferred having their contracts for security, she had no objections.
Spring Days
As March drew to a close, Madam Xia suddenly visited—accompanied by the Assistant Prefect’s wife, making it impossible for Jin Niang to refuse. Both were wives of higher-ranking officials, so she dressed formally and greeted them at the inner gate. "What brings you here today? You’re usually too busy to visit."
The two sat for tea, but before they finished, Madam Xia spoke up. "Last year’s Yellow River floods left many orphans at Puji Temple. It’s heartbreaking. A one-time donation isn’t enough, so the Assistant Prefect’s wife proposed having childless families adopt them. A perfect solution, don’t you think?"
"Sounds reasonable," Jin Niang said.
Madam Xia smiled. "We’re glad you agree. We’d like you to lead this effort—your Wei family connections here far surpass ours."
Jin Niang hesitated. "I’ve heard adopters must be over forty, childless, and not in perfect health. Plus, adoptees must come from families of similar status. Adopting outside one’s surname is rare unless the entire clan is extinct, and the Weis haven’t died out. Perhaps you could ask others?"
Seeing Madam Xia’s blank expression, Jin Niang realized she knew none of this.
Why involve her when they could handle it themselves?
The Assistant Prefect’s wife nodded. "In that case, donations might be better. And we should hold a prayer ceremony."
Jin Niang privately thought the ceremony funds could save far more orphans—especially since the government already had welfare institutions. But if the Assistant Prefect’s wife insisted, so be it—as long as she wasn’t dragged into it.
Madam Xia then suggested, "Madam Jiang, you could donate your embroidered Guanyin tapestry. It would bless the children."
Jin Niang feigned regret. "If only you’d mentioned it sooner! My brother was promoted to Drafting Official, and his wife, who’s often ill, is moving to the capital. I gave it to her."
At the mention of the tapestry being gifted, the two women abruptly left without finishing their tea.
Aying grumbled, "What kind of people are they?"
Jin Niang shook her head. "Thinking they could trick me out of my Guanyin embroidery? Overestimating themselves."
"Lately, you’ve been plagued by petty troublemakers," Aying sighed, missing the days when Madam Qian and the others were around.
Jin Niang counted on her fingers. "March is nearly over. In about three months, the appointment orders should arrive."
Unbeknownst to her, Jiang Yan was also counting the days. He remarked to Madam Xu, "The sixteenth will return in a few months. It’s been six years—I wonder how he’s changed."
Madam Xu smiled. "We’ll see then. By the way, what did Zhou Erlang want?"
"Nothing major. He came about his brother-in-law, Sun Shichen, hoping I’d ask the Wu family to help relocate him."
Madam Xu studied him. "Did you agree?"
"It depends on his performance. We can’t openly pull strings for relatives," Jiang Yan replied.
Jiang Yan cracked down on local tyrants and stabilized prices during his tenure. Thanks to his marital ties with the Chief Councillor of the Jixian Hall, he was swiftly promoted.
Madam Xu chuckled, "You’ve always been this strict and impartial. In that case, what about Sixteenth Young Master?"
"Sixteenth Young Master once wrote an essay that caught the attention of Grand Academician Fan, who thought highly of him and even recommended him to the Chief Councillor. The Councillor reviewed his records and told me that Sixteenth Young Master would one day become a chancellor like Yi Yin or Huo Guang. So, I’m certain he’ll be transferred to the capital. That’s why I’ve also recommended him to the former Councillor and Minister Wu. After all, one shouldn’t shy away from recommending one’s own kin, especially when Sixteenth Young Master has been diligent all these years," Jiang Yan replied.
Madam Xu found it odd—since when had Jiang Xian been connected to Grand Academician Fan?
