"Zhen Luo is such a good girl." Jin Niang was stroking Zhen Luo's little shaved head, finding the texture quite pleasant.
Dou Yuan also pinched her daughter's tiny foot, her heart overflowing with tenderness. "During the Cold Food Festival, the Han family sent over generous gifts. I’m truly happy for her."
Jin Niang smiled. "Madam Liu is a woman of propriety."
Though the eldest son of the Han family was born of a concubine, he was still the firstborn, and Han Xiao treated her with great respect. Madam Liu's position was unshakable, and the concubines all fawned over her.
Dou Yuan rubbed her belly. "I have no other wish but to bear a son soon. That way, that Zhuang woman won’t be able to strut around so arrogantly. And our Zhen Luo will have someone to rely on in the future."
"Don’t worry. You and your husband are on good terms now—it’s only a matter of time." Having come to this era, Jin Niang had learned to hold fast to her own beliefs but refrain from interfering in others' lives.
Dou Yuan then asked with a smile, "Is Cousin not home today?"
"He’s in his study. The Transport Commission, the Judicial Commission, and the Ever-Normal Granary Commission have begun evaluating officials’ performances this year, and the scrutiny is unusually strict. I heard that a recommended clerk failed the Ministry of Personnel’s selection last year, so now they’re being extra rigorous," Jin Niang explained.
Dou Yuan sighed. "Even my husband finds the imperial exams unbearably difficult. Even for those entering through hereditary privilege, the requirements are stringent—one must be at least twenty-five, pass policy essays and poetry exams, and correctly answer half of the ten legal questions."
Becoming an official was no easy feat. Jin Niang had once underestimated how demanding it was.
As they spoke, word came that the third branch’s baby boy was spitting up milk.
"If he’s spitting up, call a physician," Dou Yuan said impatiently.
Jin Niang thought privately that Zhuang, having borne two sons, had grown even more domineering, constantly ordering Dou Yuan around over trivial matters. Even summoning a physician had to be done by Dou Yuan herself.
Seeing this, Jin Niang decided not to overstay. Handing the child to Zhen Luo’s nurse, she said, "I’ll take my leave now. We’ll catch up another day."
"Cousin’s wife—" Dou Yuan seethed inwardly at Zhuang’s meddling. She had so few chances to talk with family, and Zhuang had to ruin this one.
Jin Niang smiled. "Go on, tend to your duties."
"Very well." Dou Yuan had no choice but to send for help.
Upon returning home, Jin Niang found Ruyan waiting and invited her in.
She then learned that Ruyan was getting married and had come to deliver the invitation in person.
"What wonderful news! Who is the fortunate man?" Jin Niang asked eagerly.
Ruyan smiled. "No nobleman, just the accountant from my teahouse."
"Where is he from?" Jin Niang probed, wary of her being deceived again.
"He’s a local of Daming Prefecture. The deed to the teahouse I rent actually belongs to his family. But after his parents passed, he wasn’t skilled at managing it, so he leased it to me. Still, don’t worry—though his parents are gone, his grandfather is alive. They’re not wealthy, but they have some standing here."
Hearing her clear-headed analysis, Jin Niang nodded in approval. "Good, that’s good. We might not stay in Daming Prefecture much longer, so knowing you’ll be settled eases my mind."
With no family to oversee her wedding, Ruyan hoped Jin Niang would arrange it. Jin Niang agreed readily, preparing a room in Linglong Pavilion so Ruyan could marry from the magistrate’s residence—no one would dare slight her then.
Having previously accepted Ruyan’s monetary gifts, Jin Niang insisted on covering all wedding expenses herself. Ruyan protested, "You’re already arranging everything and letting me marry from your home—such kindness is more than I deserve. If you won’t let me pay, I’ll feel utterly ashamed."
"Don’t say that. It’s only right," Jin Niang replied.
Ever perceptive, Ruyan added, "If you refuse my money, at least accept the ‘happiness coins’ for serving as my ‘complete fortune’ matron. That’s non-negotiable."
After some back-and-forth, Jin Niang relented but channeled every penny into the wedding. She hired two clever maids and a page, gifting their contracts to Ruyan. Tailors were commissioned for eight sets of bedding, while embroiderers stitched shoes, socks, and bridal attire.
These were minor details. Jin Niang also purchased a mother-of-pearl bed, screens, a chaise lounge, and a vanity—all brand new.
The household buzzed with activity. Ruyan fretted over the rushed timeline and the burden placed on Jin Niang, who even spent the matron’s honorarium on her.
Having prepared her own dowry years ago, Jin Niang simply referenced the old list, making the task effortless.
The groom's family was delighted to hear that Ruyan was actually a cousin of the judge's wife. His grandfather contributed a hundred strings of cash as the betrothal gift. Jin Niang included everything in Ruyan’s dowry, and two days before the Dragon Boat Festival, Ruyan was married off. Three days later, she returned with her husband to visit her family.
Jin Niang observed that the groom indeed seemed sincere, without any deceitful tendencies. Moreover, Ruyan was clever, so Jin Niang prepared generous gifts for their return visit. In truth, Ruyan relied on Jin Niang just as Jin Niang relied on Lady Wei.
Though Jin Niang had married above her station into the Wei family, they treated her with the utmost respect, like a cherished daughter-in-law. In return, she extended the same kindness to Ruyan.
When Ruyan saw the gifts—jewelry, embroidered silk, honeyed oil, steamed cakes, goose eggs, tea cakes, geese, sheep, and fruits—all packed into two carts, she was overwhelmed.
"Madam, the judge's wife has been incredibly kind to you."
"Indeed," Ruyan replied. "She saved me in my darkest hour, and now she has arranged my marriage. It shows that even among women, there can be deep loyalty."
Having spent years in the pleasure quarters, Ruyan had learned to trust no one. The courtesans there wore many masks, ruthlessly competing for clients, their world filled with deception.
Yet this Lady Wei was no pushover—she was shrewd and calculating. But instead of resenting Ruyan’s schemes, she showed understanding, recognizing that Ruyan’s actions were merely self-preservation.
...
After Ruyan’s wedding, May arrived, and Jin Niang began inquiring through brokers about houses. No matter where Jiang Xian’s next posting would be, most positions in Daming Prefecture were already filled, so they likely wouldn’t stay much longer.
Nanny Fang remarked, "If only we could return to the capital. Daming is fine, but the capital is better—no more moving around."
"They say moving house three times is as bad as a fire," Jin Niang laughed. "But we have no choice. When my husband is transferred, we must follow."
Nanny Fang nodded. "You’re right. We can’t let him go alone." Besides, accompanying him allowed Jin Niang to forge valuable connections, which was priceless.
Still, Nanny Fang couldn’t help asking, "Why were you so generous to Ruyan? She gave us a share of her earnings, but without our backing, she’d have been devoured long ago."
Jin Niang smiled. "Great kindness breeds great resentment. If I took nothing, she’d feel indebted forever, and that debt might turn to hatred. But if I took too much, she’d think I exploited her. Marrying her off settles the balance."
Nanny Fang marveled at her reasoning—every move calculated, every action justified.
Jin Niang’s understanding of human nature was almost unsettling. She never assumed gratitude was guaranteed, even after saving someone.
Ying returned after seeing off the broker and reported, "Madam, did you hear? The Xia family bought a house for just twenty strings of cash."
"Twenty strings for a house? What kind of house?" Jin Niang asked.
"A three-courtyard residence in the northern part of the city, with over twenty rooms," Ying replied.
Jin Niang frowned. "Did a merchant gift it to them?"
"No, it was a private sale."
"That’s strange," Jin Niang mused. "Who would sell such a large property so cheaply? There must be something fishy."
When Jiang Xian returned, she told him, "We should investigate this. If the magistrate tries to sabotage your evaluation, we’ll have leverage."
Jiang Xian nodded. "You’re right to be cautious."
"Enough talk—let’s eat," Jin Niang said with a smile.
Servants began serving the meal, including a nourishing broth Jin Niang had prepared. Lately, she’d been overworked, so she made sure to replenish her energy.
After dinner, Jin Niang sorted through their belongings. Over the past three years, she’d avoided accumulating too much, fearing the hassle of moving. Heavy items were especially troublesome.
For gifts, she repurposed tea and silk she already owned.
Last year, when Zhen Luo became engaged to Han Xiao, Jin Niang received a hundred taels of silver and bolts of raw silk. She told Jiang Xian, "I bought a pair of jade pendants for Wei Qilang at the jeweler’s. I meant to use the hundred taels from the Zhen family, but instead, I bartered with stored tea and silk, clearing six chests. Still, we must keep some for gifts—social obligations in the capital are endless."
Jin Niang handled all such matters, and Jiang Xian never interfered. She continued, "We should keep clothes we’ll wear later, but for those we won’t—even if the fabric is fine—we might as well pawn them."
She believed in ruthless decluttering; otherwise, these unused garments would just gather dust back home.
Jiang Xian hesitated. "My dear, why not just hire two large boats for the move?"
"I know you're reluctant to part with them, but some of these clothes haven't been worn in two years. Once we settle into our new residence, even if we're posted elsewhere for official duties, we won't need to carry everything with us," Jin Niang persuaded.
Jiang Xian gently pulled Jin Niang to sit beside him. "My dear, that's not the way to look at it. We have so many belongings—it would be a shame to discard them. Why not have Liu Dou'er transport the unworn garments and bulky items back to Sweetwater Lane first? That way, we achieve the best of both worlds."
Jin Niang worried their excessive possessions would draw undue attention upon their return.
After a moment's thought, she nodded. "That sounds reasonable. Have them discreetly inquire with the brokers about the price of a three-courtyard house with a garden or side courtyards. That way, we can secure one shortly after returning. Though, if we don’t head back to the capital immediately and move to another posting instead, our luggage will already be much lighter."
Jiang Xian mused that his wife wouldn’t believe anything until the last possible moment, no matter who assured her.
Such prudence.
Following their instructions, Liu Dou'er departed at dawn three days later with a team of men transporting forty chests. These contained mostly tea, raw silk, fine fabrics, robes, embroidered screens, books, and similar items.
Their early departure went unnoticed by most.
The evaluation from the Surveillance Commission arrived, and Jiang Xian, having connections, learned early that he had received the highest rank. He finally breathed a sigh of relief.
As for Madam Xia, Jin Niang and Jiang Xian had uncovered that the residence she coveted had been acquired through her husband’s coercion. After gathering evidence through Cao Da, Jiang Xian kept it securely in hand.
Unaware of their scrutiny, Madam Xia was busy discussing with Xia Tongpan, "We must host a housewarming banquet—a grand one."
"Whatever you wish," Xia Tongpan replied, relieved as long as she left him in peace.
Pleased, Madam Xia waited for him to leave before receiving a peddler selling hair ornaments. These gossipy women frequented wealthy households, spreading rumors and stirring trouble. Yet Madam Xia had alienated all the local gentlewomen, while looking down on the wives of minor clerks who might have associated with her.
"Madam Judge, I’ve brought some new trinkets for your consideration," the peddler said.
Madam Xia smiled. "I summoned you to ask about the Surveillance Commissioner’s brother-in-law—the one too short to secure a match, wasn’t it?"
The peddler nodded eagerly. "Your memory is excellent! A respectable man in every way, just lacking in height. They’ve promised a three-percent commission for arranging a suitable marriage."
Madam Xia’s eyes gleamed—that meant two hundred taels! An idea struck her. "I happen to know a family with a daughter of exceptional beauty, from a scholarly household with granaries overflowing. Her grandfather taught at Songshan Academy, and her father serves as a clerk in the yamen."
The peddler brightened. "Such a fortunate match! Then I leave it in your capable hands."
Playing both sides, Madam Xia manipulated the negotiations. When the bride’s family objected after meeting the groom, she attempted to pressure them using her status as the judge’s wife.
By late May, the marriage was finalized. Madam Xia pocketed the hefty commission, grinning from ear to ear.
When Jin Niang heard the news, she was aghast. "Miss Cheng is lovely and refined—how could she be wed to the Surveillance Commissioner’s brother-in-law? It’s like a toad lusting after swan’s flesh!"
The mismatch was glaring.
"That Xia Huaizi is behind it, no doubt," Ying remarked bluntly.
"Xia Huaizi" was the nickname locals had given Madam Xia for her habit of exploiting others.
Jin Niang sighed. "How can someone like her exist? Ruining lives for profit! She arranges marriages without a care for compatibility, just to line her pockets."
"Thank goodness you instructed the gatekeepers to bar her, Madam. Even as officials, we’d be vulnerable to such a schemer," Ying said, marveling at Madam Xia’s audacity.
Jin Niang shook her head. "Thankfully, she’s an exception. Most official families guard their reputations closely and would never stoop to such behavior."
As they spoke, a young servant entered. "Greetings, Madam. The master’s transfer orders have arrived—he’s been promoted to Court Diarist in the Secretariat."
The position, though only sixth-rank, involved recording the emperor’s words and actions, placing him among the sovereign’s inner circle. Jiang Xian himself was merely a sixth-rank vice censor—could he have wielded such influence?
"Ying, have Juxiang and Chunxian prepare a feast. Tonight, we celebrate!" Jin Niang declared, her smile radiant as spring sunshine.
The anxiety that had weighed on her had finally lifted.
The Zhen family across the street soon heard the news, and Zhen Erlang immediately came over with Dou Yuan. Jin Niang said, "We were just planning to invite you for a meal once your cousin returns. Now that you’re here, it’s even better."
Dou Yuan stepped forward with a cheerful smile to offer her congratulations. Although her Dou family had faced some troubles, her cousin was about to take up an official post in the capital, so she wasn’t without support. Naturally, she was in high spirits.
As Jin Niang chatted with the couple, Brother Ning and Sister Jun also came to pay their respects. Zhen Erlang asked Brother Ning about his studies, to which the boy replied, "I’ve just started learning The Great Learning from The Book of Rites."
"How far have you gotten?" Zhen Erlang was surprised—this child was only six yet already studying such advanced texts.
Brother Ning recited a passage, and Zhen Erlang turned to Jin Niang, saying, "Sister-in-law, this child is being raised well. He’s sure to surpass his elders in the future."
"Don’t praise him too much, brother-in-law. Early brilliance doesn’t guarantee later success. If he grows up to be upright and responsible, I’ll be more than satisfied," Jin Niang replied with a laugh, patting her son’s head.
Brother Ning’s personality was much like Jin Niang’s—he loved to play but also knew his responsibilities and had remarkable perseverance. The only question was whether he would remain as diligent when he grew older.
After some time, word came that Jiang Xian had returned. Everyone congratulated him again, and he, too, was beaming with joy. Jin Niang then ordered the servants to serve the meal.
That day, even Jin Niang, who rarely drank, indulged in a few cups, leaving her cheeks flushed.
The men went outside to talk, while Dou Yuan helped Jin Niang back to the inner courtyard, saying, "Cousin-in-law, I’m already feeling reluctant to see you leave for Bianjing so soon."
"I’ll miss you too," Jin Niang replied. Since arriving in Daming Prefecture, she and Dou Yuan had grown as close as family.
After a moment’s hesitation, Dou Yuan spoke her mind: "Cousin-in-law, seeing Brother Ning today reminded me of my own brother. He was just as bright and studious as a child, but who could have guessed he’d turn out so disappointing later? That’s why I want to suggest—since you’re still young—consider having another child. That way, if one doesn’t turn out well, there’s always the other."
Her advice was sincere, and Jin Niang took it to heart. "It’s been five or six years since Brother Ning was born, and my health has improved since then," she mused. Once they settled in the capital, with a house secured and life more stable, it might not be a bad idea.
Dou Yuan smiled. "I’m glad you think so."
What she didn’t say was that hardship often brought couples closer, while prosperity could drive them apart. With Jiang Xian’s talent and ambition, what if he someday sought concubines to flaunt his status? How would Jin Niang, so deeply devoted to him, cope? But these thoughts were best left unspoken.
Amid Jiang Xian and Jin Niang’s joy, their imminent move to the capital meant dealing with practical matters—first and foremost, selling their house. Jin Niang had already enlisted a broker, and now that their departure was confirmed, potential buyers came to view the property.
Their home was in a prime location, near several officials’ residences. Jin Niang had bought it cheaply, then renovated it, so selling for at least seven hundred taels would be worthwhile.
While handling the sale, Jin Niang also visited the Wei Family School to personally inform Madam Shen of Sister Jun’s withdrawal.
Over the past three years, her daughter had made remarkable progress—not only in reading and calligraphy but also in horseback polo, chuiwan, arrow tossing, and incense-making. Returning to the capital, she’d have nothing to fear.
Madam Shen smiled. "Sister Jun has a gift for the yueqin. In the capital, you might hire a dedicated tutor to further her skills."
"Thank you. My daughter has been in your care all this time. Sister Jun, kowtow three times to Madam Shen," Jin Niang instructed.
Respecting one’s teacher was a way to honor oneself.
Sister Jun knelt and kowtowed three times before leaving with her mother. Outside, she sighed like a grown-up: "No feast lasts forever. At our school, one leaves today, another tomorrow—and now it’s my turn."
"True," Jin Niang agreed. "That’s why people say predictability can be a blessing—to always be among familiar faces and routines."
Sister Jun grinned. "Well, I just want to stay with Father, Mother, and Brother Ning forever."
Jin Niang pinched her daughter’s cheek affectionately as they walked home, where they found Madam Liu waiting with farewell gifts. Jin Niang thanked her warmly.
Madam Liu smiled. "It’s wonderful that you’re returning to the capital."
"Your term has only two years left—soon we’ll all reunite there," Jin Niang said, clasping her hand.
They chatted a while longer until a property broker arrived, prompting Madam Liu to take her leave.
It turned out that a potential buyer had come to view the property—an elderly couple accompanied by their granddaughter. The grandfather had once served as a court physician but had since retired and returned to his hometown. Upon inspecting the house, they were thoroughly pleased with its tidy condition. Jin Niang even agreed to leave behind furnishings like the bed and the square dining table for them, settling on a total price of seven hundred and forty taels of silver.
The elderly man didn’t pay entirely in silver. Instead, he offered three pairs of gold bracelets, each weighing seven taels, which covered half the cost. Additionally, he included a seven-tael ginseng root from Shangdang and some premium bezoar, together valued at twenty taels. The remaining three hundred-odd strings of cash were paid in silver.
While the property deed was being processed, Advisor Song helped arrange a boat for hire, and Jin Niang and her companions busied themselves with farewell banquets. Zhen Luo’s family, Madam Liu, and even Ruyan’s Wei family all hosted feasts in their honor and presented parting gifts.
To their surprise, Ruyan mentioned that the major investor behind the warehouse business had ships regularly traveling between the north and south. One vessel happened to be available, so they could take it directly to Bianjing without needing to hire another.
Jin Niang was delighted. The investor, perceptive and gracious, even suggested sending her annual dividends to Bianjing from then on. She mused that it was no wonder this man, not yet thirty, had built such a prosperous enterprise—he certainly knew how to read the room.
Still, Jin Niang didn’t wish to take advantage of his kindness. She pressed a pair of gold bracelets into his hand as travel expenses, worth over a hundred taels—roughly the cost of a journey from Daming Prefecture to the Eastern Capital.
By evening, the group had packed their trunks and sent them to the docks. While Cao Da was arranging the carriages at the waterfront, Jin Niang unexpectedly spotted Madam Zhou and her entourage.
As it happened, Sun Shichen’s official performance had been mediocre. However, thanks to his father’s connections in the bureaucracy and Zhou Cunzhi’s intervention with the Wu family, he managed to secure a post as a seventh-rank magistrate in an upper-tier prefecture. Initially, Sun Shichen considered this a decent appointment—until he heard that Jiang Xian was about to return to the capital as a sixth-rank court diarist. The news nearly made him spit blood in frustration.
