After finalizing the house, Jin Niang took Luo Yu'e and Wei Xiong to see it, and they immediately took a liking to it. Jin Niang smiled and said, "I’ve already discussed it with the Sixteenth Young Master. The eastern wing of the second courtyard will be for you and Father, while the western wing opposite will be for Younger Brother Yang and the tutor we’ll hire for Brother Ning in the future."
Luo Yu'e and Wei Xiong felt uneasy and declined, saying they couldn’t stay.
"If he gets married, I can’t very well keep him here. But for now, Younger Brother Yang is studying, and he has his brother-in-law to guide him. The provincial exams are coming up in August," Jin Niang explained.
Luo Yu'e thought her daughter and son-in-law were very kind, but she couldn’t live there for free. Once her son married, she planned to buy a few acres of land in the outskirts of the capital, build a small house in the countryside, and visit her daughter in the city from time to time, staying for short periods.
After all, this house wasn’t bought by Jin Niang alone. If they stayed long-term, people would surely gossip.
Seeing her parents’ delight, Jin Niang and Jiang Xian called the agent and paid Old Official Pang seven thousand strings of cash. The remaining six hundred strings were covered by four leftover gold bracelets, a pair of gold hairpins, sixty cakes of three-catty Jian tea, twenty bolts of old silk, twenty bolts of patterned gauze, and some spices.
With the deed in hand, Jin Niang and her family moved in first. The couple took the main house, the eastern wing housed their son, and the western wing their daughter. Married servants like Ying were settled in the side rooms of the first courtyard, while Jiang Xian’s wet nurse, Nanny Luo, was assigned to tend the garden. Jin Niang also sent Luo Da’s Wife to cultivate flowers and plants in the garden.
Ma the Nursemaid was put in charge of laundry and moved to the outer courtyard. Jin Niang arranged for Minzhi and Chen the Younger’s son to serve as Brother Ning’s study companions and bought another reliable maid to assist Peilan in attending to him.
With personnel matters settled, household affairs needed attention—fixing the privy, repairing tiles and paintwork, and decorating the home. Bamboo blinds were hung along the corridors to block the harsh sun, while two water vats were placed at the entrance—one planted with water lilies, the other with camellias.
The interior was even more splendid. Jin Niang bought a new six-post bed inlaid with boxwood carvings and gave her old mother-of-pearl bed to Sister Jun. She also acquired a black-lacquered long table with gold tracery, paired with bamboo-patterned stools, and placed a raised-head luohan bed in the outer chamber. Behind it hung a tapestry of Guanyin with a flower basket, embroidered by Jin Niang herself, surrounded by sheer silk screens she had also stitched.
After a whirlwind of preparations, Jin Niang and Jiang Xian split tasks. Jiang Xian returned to inform Sixth Master Jiang and Jiang Yan of their move, while Jin Niang took Luo Yu'e to visit Madam Wei.
The Wei family was not only a prominent clan in Daming Prefecture but also owned a grand residence in Bianjing. Luo Yu'e, dressed in new clothes Jin Niang had given her, still felt out of place.
"Mother, though Madam Wei is no stranger, we needn’t reveal all our circumstances. In this world, few people don’t judge others by appearances," Jin Niang advised.
Luo Yu'e nodded, and Jin Niang carefully coached her on how to respond before feeling reassured.
Their sedan chairs passed through the second gate, where Madam Wei’s confidante, Nanny You, greeted them. Jin Niang smiled. "Now that we’re in the capital, my first thought was to bring my mother to see you, Sister-in-Law."
Nanny You replied warmly, "After receiving your visiting card, our lady has been eagerly awaiting your arrival."
Madam Wei resided not in the main house but in a shaded western courtyard. As Jin Niang approached, she felt the coolness in the air. At the entrance, Madam Wei’s daughter-in-law, Madam Fan, welcomed them inside.
Madam Fan, around twenty, was dignified and well-mannered, her father being a Hanlin Academician.
"Sister-in-Law, I’ve brought my mother to chat and to invite you to visit us in a few days for some lively company," Jin Niang said.
Madam Wei agreed readily. "That sounds lovely, though this heat makes me sluggish. We’ll have to pick a good day."
"Don’t worry, we plan to dine in the flower pavilion—it’s quite cool there," Jin Niang assured her.
Luo Yu'e stayed silent, observing how her daughter, once expressive, had grown even more polished after six years away.
Madam Wei studied Luo Yu'e—a woman in her forties or fifties, fair-skinned and elegant, like a gentlewoman. Yet her hands, marked by chilblains and rough joints, betrayed years of labor. Still, her spirited demeanor showed no trace of hardship.
When Jin Niang mentioned Jiang Xian’s transfer to the capital, Madam Wei remarked, "I hadn’t expected that."
Madam Wei chuckled. "Why not? Grand Academician Fan, my son’s father-in-law, admires your husband’s governance and writings. He personally recommended him to the Chief Councilor."
Jin Niang understood—it was Grand Academician Fan’s doing. But why had Jiang Yan claimed credit? What was really going on?
After some light conversation, Jin Niang excused herself. Outside, she told Luo Yu'e, "Now that we’ve paid this visit, you needn’t come often. Don’t feel pressured."
"People like us don’t belong in such high circles," Luo Yu'e sighed in relief.
Jin Niang shook her head. "Mother, once Younger Brother Yang passes the imperial exams, everything will change. I’ll arrange a good marriage for him, and our family will rise."
Their only shortcoming was their humble origins. The Wei family’s hopes rested on her brother’s success.
Luo Yu'e clasped her daughter’s hand. "Without you, who knows where we’d be?"
"Enough of that. I’ve bought you a maid. Purchase fifty acres of land—no more toiling in business," Jin Niang said, knowing her parents’ health had suffered from decades of dawn-to-dusk labor.
Luo Yu'e calculated: with two hundred strings left, she could spend half on land and save the rest for her son’s wedding.
Back home, Jin Niang bathed again. Her favorite new luxury was a dedicated bathing room in the western side chamber. After washing her hair and body, she reclined on a daybed by the window, enjoying the breeze.
Meanwhile, Madam Xu, sweating profusely, remarked to Jiang Yan, "I don’t mean to gossip, but that six-acre estate with its hundred-odd pavilions must cost over ten thousand strings. Where did they get that kind of money?"
Jiang Yan smiled. "I asked. The Sixteenth Young Master said his wife is quite the savvy businesswoman."
"She’s just a woman. Even when she ran that embroidery shop before, she’d earn a few hundred strings of coins at most in a year. But a house like this costs tens of thousands. Third Uncle’s official position isn’t high, and his salary isn’t even enough to support so many people." Madam Xu couldn’t help suspecting that Jiang Xian might have embezzled public funds. If her husband had recommended him, would he bear any responsibility?
Jiang Yan, too, grew suspicious upon hearing this and pondered carefully before saying, "It’s fine. We’ll visit their house in a few days and ask."
Meanwhile, after a short nap, Jin Niang rose when Jiang Xian returned home. "For this house purchase, we’ve nearly exhausted all the tea, silk, and spices we’ve saved over the years," she said. "Today, Madam Wei mentioned that it was Grand Academician Fan Zhen who recommended you. I think we should prepare another generous gift for him. What do you think?"
"My elder brother also told me that Grand Academician Fan holds me in high regard, which is why he recommended me to the Prime Minister," Jiang Xian replied. He couldn’t help but reflect on how his brother had never mentioned anything when he was in Wu County. Now that Grand Academician Fan had recommended him, his brother suddenly stepped in. Was this just to avoid appearing unfraternal, or did he genuinely want to help?
Unconsciously, their gratitude toward Jiang Yan diminished.
Now, all they had left were three bolts of kesi silk, sixty catties of pepper, and the ginseng and bezoar given by the old physician who bought their previous house.
Jin Niang opened the money box and said, "Take these twenty strings of coins to prepare a proper gift. Let’s keep the ginseng and bezoar for ourselves."
Fortunately, they had only spent seven thousand strings of coins so far, leaving them with nearly two thousand. Jin Niang couldn’t afford to be wasteful anymore. With Sister Jun already ten years old, she had to start saving for her dowry. She couldn’t bear the thought of being unable to provide for her daughter when the time came.
Jiang Xian took the money and instructed Luo Da to purchase the gifts. The next morning, he dressed in a fresh new robe and personally visited Fan Zhen’s residence.
Fan Zhen received his visiting card and, after exchanging a few words, recognized his talent and was quite impressed.
Meanwhile, they now lived near the Golden Beam Bridge, where they had rented out another property to a shop selling false hairpieces. Jin Niang felt the rent was too low, so when the tenant wanted to renew the lease, she refused and decided to find a new tenant.
"Clean and repair the shop properly. We’ll rent it out to someone else," Jin Niang said.
Luo Da didn’t argue. He figured any rental income was better than none, but Jin Niang worried that setting the price too low would make it hard to raise later.
Over in Sweetwater Lane, the shopkeeper had allowed people to live in the property without permission. Jin Niang immediately terminated the contract, collected the rent for the months they had stayed, and evicted them.
She and Jiang Xian had different approaches. Jiang Xian valued usefulness over character, but Jin Niang now prioritized integrity. No matter how skilled someone was, if they were dishonest, manipulative, or untrustworthy, she believed dealing with them would only lead to trouble.
With two shops now vacant, Luo Yu'e and her husband used a hundred strings of coins to buy fifty acres of land and leased it out. For now, everyone felt like they were living off dwindling savings.
Even Sister Jun told Jin Niang, "Mother, I don’t need pastries or new clothes. I still have plenty from before."
Jin Niang smiled. "Don’t talk nonsense. We have guests coming tomorrow, but don’t worry—I’ve prepared everything."
Sister Jun held up a pull-string wooden bird. "Uncle gave this to me. When you pull the string, the bird flaps its wings and moves. It’s so much fun!"
"Your uncle has always been clever with his hands, even as a child," Jin Niang said. After chatting with her daughter and guiding her embroidery, she went to check on Younger Brother Yang.
Yang had grown tall, now a young man in his early twenties. But his love for fried snacks like crispy rings and chicken bones had left his face dotted with pimples.
He was secretly eating in his room when Jin Niang entered. He quickly stood and offered her some, but she laughed. "Go ahead and eat. Were you afraid I’d scold you for skipping proper meals?"
Yang scratched his head sheepishly.
"The exams in August are coming up. Do you feel prepared?" Jin Niang asked.
Yang, cautious as a clam, replied, "Hard to say."
"Alright, I won’t press you," she said, shaking her head with a smile.
As a student at the Imperial Academy and with an official brother-in-law, Yang could still secure a good marriage even if he didn’t pass the exams. Starting a family wouldn’t be an issue.
Still, she reminded him, "Tomorrow, I’ll introduce you to Madam Wei. We’ve formally recognized kinship, so you’ll address her as sister-in-law, understand?"
"Yes. Does that mean we can now claim to be from the Wei clan of Hebei?" Yang asked eagerly.
Jin Niang nodded. "You could say that. From now on, our branch will be known as the Anlu line."
Yang grinned. "I never knew how to answer when people asked about my origins. Now I do."
She understood the vanity of youth—she’d been there herself. But she warned, "If you pass the exams, people will respect you. If not, they’ll forget you in a few years."
"You’re right," Yang agreed.
But he seemed naturally lethargic. After finishing his snacks, he dozed off. Jin Niang knew he studied hard at the academy, so she let him rest.
Energy levels were innate. Jin Niang, Brother Ning, and her mother Luo Yu'e were all highly spirited, but Yang was perpetually drowsy, often complaining of headaches from studying.
The next day, the Jiang residence buzzed with activity. Jiang Xian’s father and stepmother arrived first, followed by his elder brother, sister-in-law, nieces, and nephews. They brought gifts—two bolts of lake silk, six handkerchiefs, a lamb, two boxes of fresh fruit, and a jar of wine.
Jin Niang hadn’t seen Madam Xu during her last visit to the old house. Now, she was startled—Madam Xu, once slender, had swollen like a ball of dough.
"Sister-in-law," Jin Niang greeted.
Madam Xu feigned warmth. "It’s good to have you back."
The women made small talk in the third courtyard while the men conversed in the second. Madam Xu noted with surprise how opulent Jin Niang’s home was—black lacquered chairs with gold tracery, silk screens, and gold and silver tableware.
"You’ve done well for yourselves, buying such a grand house. Your brother was overjoyed when he heard," Madam Xu probed.
Jin Niang sighed and said, "Don’t laugh at us, sister-in-law, but we’ve spent all our savings and even borrowed some money—otherwise, how could we have afforded this?"
Madam Xu suddenly understood—so it was borrowed money. No wonder they could suddenly buy a house. This couple was extravagant, living on loans. Would they come asking for more when they ran out?
Just as she was thinking this, someone announced the arrival of Second Madam Zhou and Madam Zhang. Jin Niang rose again to greet them. The Zhang sisters-in-law had come together. Over the years, Lady Zhang had never accompanied Zhou Cunzhi on his official postings. Rumor had it that the couple was estranged, but Jin Niang preferred not to pry. Lady Zhang wore a delicate five-Buddha gold crown, a moon-white undergarment, and an outer robe embroidered with camellias, exuding an air of wealth.
"What an honor to have such distinguished guests! Second Sister Zhou and Ninth Sister Zhang, please take a seat. Let’s chat together," Jin Niang said with a smile, gesturing for them to sit.
Lady Zhang noticed Jin Niang’s emerald-studded crown, crystal hairpin, matching emerald bracelets, and a gilded silver sachet at her waist—she looked entirely different from before, even more opulent than herself.
How could these noblewomen now find themselves outshone by someone who was once a commoner? It was hard to swallow, but unlike Miss Zhou the Second, they knew better than to voice such thoughts.
Then, someone outside announced, "Madam Wei, wife of the Hanlin Academician Wei Xiong, has arrived."
"Madam Wei?" Madam Xu asked quickly. "You mean the wife of Wei Dacao?"
Jin Niang smiled. "The very same."
She hurried out to welcome her. Despite the sweltering heat, Madam Wei had graced them with her presence. Jin Niang introduced her to the other ladies, addressing her as "sister-in-law," while Madam Wei called her "Third Young Madam," leading everyone to assume Jin Niang was from the prestigious Wei family of Hebei, merely fallen on hard times before.
Even Madam Xu was stunned. She had always prided herself on her father and uncle being scholars, her noble upbringing—yet now her sister-in-law seemed to share the same status.
No wonder Grand Academician Fan had been willing to speak on Jiang Xian’s behalf. So that was the reason.
Jin Niang paid her no mind. When Jiang Xian’s aunts arrived, she led everyone to the pavilion in the garden. The blend of manicured and natural scenery brought a refreshing coolness, with fragrant scents drifting through the air.
The musicians had already arrived. Jin Niang instructed them to avoid boisterous or melancholic tunes, opting instead for refined and soothing melodies as the guests enjoyed the banquet.
The feast had been specially prepared by the chefs of Huixian Tower, an extravagant spread of delicacies from land and sea.
After the banquet, Jin Niang had Younger Brother Yang come to pay his respects. Madam Wei, impressed by his scholarly demeanor and youth, rewarded him with a pair of gold and silver ingots.
Jin Niang smiled. "He’ll be taking the imperial exams this year—may he borrow some of your luck."
"With such a fine young man, he’s sure to pass," Madam Wei replied warmly.
Later, Jin Niang privately gifted Madam Wei a piece of bezoar and premium musk. "My husband’s affairs have troubled you greatly. This is all I can offer—please don’t think it too humble."
With that, Madam Wei took her leave.
Apart from the Jiang family, the other guests departed after the meal. Sixth Master Jiang was so enamored with the study in the garden—originally a waterside pavilion converted into Jiang Xian’s library—that he could hardly tear himself away.
Jiang Xian chuckled. "The corner tower used to be a book repository. Once we’ve settled in, we’ll arrange it properly."
"In that case, I’ll donate some books as well," Sixth Master Jiang said, half-wishing he could move into the garden, where a small courtyard stood ready.
But staying permanently wasn’t proper—after all, they were supposed to live with their eldest son.
Jiang Xian said, "You must come stay for a few days then." Turning to Jiang Yan, he added, "Brother, let me fulfill my filial duties too."
Jiang Yan merely smiled.
After seeing off the guests, Jin Niang directed the servants to clean up, exhausted to the point of collapse.
Then Luo Da came in, reporting that someone wanted to rent the shop in Sweetwater Alley—a restaurateur planning to convert the three front rooms and even Jiang Xian’s study into dining spaces, offering thirty-eight strings of cash a month.
"It might get a bit messy, but—"
"Is the tenant trustworthy?" Jin Niang asked.
Luo Da quickly replied, "He’s from the Liangzhe region."
Sweetwater Alley was bustling with teahouses catering to travelers. Turning it into a restaurant wasn’t a bad idea, especially at such a high rent. She agreed, and the contract was swiftly drawn up—a year’s lease with an extra month’s deposit and a three-year price freeze.
With that, Jin Niang gained four hundred ninety-four strings of cash, finally easing her worries.
Jiang Xian was delighted to hear about the rental income. Jin Niang added, "I’ve also written to Shopkeeper Yao and Steward Fan, asking them to come slowly next spring."
"You’ve always been thorough—no need for me to worry," Jiang Xian said cheerfully. Now serving as a court official, with their finances secure, he was in high spirits.
Jin Niang smiled. "After spending so much, I couldn’t sleep at night. But with the shop’s income, I can finally relax."
Now that Jiang Xian held a position in the capital instead of a provincial post, Jin Niang no longer had to strain herself socializing with bureaucratic wives. In her newfound leisure, she sorted through the housewarming gifts.
Madam Xu’s two rolls of Huzhou silk weren’t suitable for the season, but the six handkerchiefs would come in handy. Madam Wei had sent two peony plants, two red felt rugs, and two baskets of crabs—already eaten.
Zhang the Ninth’s family had given fashionable fabrics, treats, and two gold-threaded kerchiefs. But Lady Zhang’s Jiangnan brocade was another matter—when Jin Niang cut some for a tablecloth, the dye ran the first time it touched water.
Had Lady Zhang been duped into buying counterfeit silk?
Jin Niang doubted she’d intentionally give a fake gift. She discreetly mentioned it to Madam Zhang: "Perhaps Second Sister Zhou was tricked by a dishonest merchant. Even we have to be careful these days."
"How dreadful! Don’t worry, I’ll speak to our aunt," Madam Zhang said, relieved Jin Niang wasn’t the type to assume ill intent.
Reassured by her understanding, Jin Niang let it go.
Madam Zhang later discussed it with Zhang the Ninth, who held a minor hereditary post, living comfortably on his father and father-in-law’s legacies.
"My sister must’ve been fooled by her servants. With her son’s betrothal and household affairs, she wouldn’t have noticed. Thankfully, Madam Wei told me privately—she’s not one to gossip. Imagine if this had gone to someone else!"
Zhang the Ninth closed his folding fan, pondered for a moment, and then said, "It's not proper for me to go to the inner quarters. Tomorrow, we’ll say you’ve fallen ill and ask Sister to return. If we find that swindler, we must have the authorities arrest him at once."
After discussing the matter, the couple invited Lady Zhang back the following day. Madam Zhang then relayed the incident to her, but to their surprise, Lady Zhang denied it outright: "How could I have sent her a fake? It’s more likely she’s deliberately tarnishing my reputation to extort money. I heard from her sister-in-law that she spent a fortune on that house and even borrowed silver. Who knows—perhaps she’s so desperate for money that she’s fabricating lies about me?"
