Jin Niang brought her mother to meet Madam Chen, neither expecting the mutual surprise upon seeing each other. Luo Yu'e was astonished that Madam Chen, a woman of humble origins, resided in such a grand estate—flanked by lavish covered corridors, courtyards paved with blue bricks adorned with pink blossoms, and two maidservants tied with red kerchiefs standing attentively by the moon gate. How could a mere embroiderer command such dignified elegance?
Madam Chen, for her part, had long admired Jin Niang. The girl was clever and adaptable, diligent and hardworking, always the first to arrive at the embroidery workshop and the last to leave. Embroidery skills were typically passed from mother to daughter, yet Jin Niang had entered knowing nothing—initially unable even to separate threads. Rumor had it she had secretly spent her savings of over a dozen strings of coins to learn tailoring, and now her craftsmanship ranked among the best in the workshop. This was why Madam Chen had specially requested her presence.
There was just one thing—Jin Niang, for all her virtues, was only average in looks. Plump, with soft features that blurred her contours, she appeared endearingly simple. Yet her mother was a slender, fair-skinned beauty, so strikingly lovely that no one would guess they were mother and daughter.
Madam Chen kept these thoughts to herself, though inwardly bemused.
Luo Yu'e, however, had many questions. "Madam Chen, I heard my daughter is to accompany you to Bianliang. Is this true?"
"Indeed. The selections have been made, and their embroidery has already been presented to the Zhou Family’s mistress for approval." Madam Chen saw no reason for refusal—this was a rare opportunity.
Yet Luo Yu'e fretted, "But those noble households—what if she’s mistreated?"
This was a mother’s greatest fear.
Madam Chen laughed gently. "You worry too much. The higher the household, the more they value face and benevolence. It’s the newly rich who are prone to cruelty. Besides, let me speak plainly—those with any ambition in Jiangling either flee to Liangzhe or Bianliang. If Jin Niang goes to the capital, her skills may earn her the family’s favor, and she might even secure a good marriage. Wouldn’t that be better than staying here?"
She glanced at Luo Yu'e. "See that gift box I had carried out earlier? It was a bribe from someone hoping for favor. But I value talent above all. Some beg for this chance—how can you refuse?"
By now, Luo Yu'e was nearly convinced. Still, she clung to her daughter. "She must return in three years. But how? I know you mean well, but a mother’s heart is fearful."
"How alike you and your daughter are! Jin Niang asked the same—how to return, how to send word. I told her the Shu Embroidery House has ties to Bianliang; they can carry letters. Rest assured, I’m no kidnapper. My family—my daughter Ying'er and my husband—are all here in Jiangling." Madam Chen answered earnestly, leaving no room for doubt.
At last, Luo Yu'e bowed deeply. "Then I entrust my daughter to you."
Only then did Jin Niang, who had been listening quietly, finally relax. Madam Chen produced a contract, signed in duplicate—one for the family, one for herself to present to the Zhou Family in Bianliang.
Unlike selling children into servitude, skilled hires were arranged through guild heads.
Folding the paper neatly, Madam Chen smiled. "This contract stipulates her term ends on the Winter Solstice three years hence. If the Zhou Family values her and you wish to stay, a new agreement can be made."
Jin Niang shook her head vehemently. No matter how kind the family, who would willingly remain a servant?
Madam Chen seemed pleased by her resolve. "Remember—meet at the dock at three quarters past mao hour three days hence. I’ll be waiting."
Both Luo Yu'e and Jin Niang assented.
After they left, Madam Chen visited the prefect’s yamen to report the arrangements to his wife.
The prefect, surnamed He, was a jinshi who had served in Jiangling for over two years. His wife, Madam He, hailed from a chancellor’s family—a background that made even the composed Madam Chen tread carefully.
Madam He listened impassively. "Very well. These embroiderers are from decent families. Ensure they’re treated fairly."
Madam Chen bowed and withdrew.
Once she was gone, Madam He’s matronly attendant muttered, "Why fetch embroiderers from Jiangling when Bianliang has the finest? If they disappoint, the blame falls on us."
Madam He chuckled. "You think too narrowly. My younger sister is the Zhou Family’s eldest daughter-in-law. My two nieces are thirteen and eleven—this three-year contract likely outfits them for marriage. As for the concubines’ daughters—why should they enjoy such luxuries? Five girls, nearly five hundred strings of coins in wages over three years—could those lesser-born afford it?"
The attendant joined her laughter. She knew well that Madam He and Madam Zhou, sisters in both birth and marriage, were formidable—their wit outstripped ten men. Yet both were jealous by nature. While Madam He had married beneath her station, Madam Zhou had married equally, necessitating careful appearances. Securing advantages for their own daughters while denying others—hence this request to Madam He.
For Jin Niang, the three days vanished in a blink. On the first, she bought cotton and fabric scraps to sew winter clothes for her younger brother. She mended the padded jacket and lined coat issued by the workshop the previous year, leaving them for her mother. She also purchased meat—some for a farewell meal, the rest to be cured into bacon for the New Year.
Her parents helped pack her belongings—quilts, bedding, and blankets tightly rolled into a cloth sack, alongside two bundles: one for clothing and shoes, the other holding pickled vegetables, ten hard-boiled eggs, flatbread, and steamed buns.
The family toiled past midnight. Then Luo Yu'e called Jin Niang aside.
Exhausted, Jin Niang grumbled, "Mother, can’t this wait? Is it more advice about pulling hair in fights?"
Luo Yu'e coaxed her closer. "No. You’re growing up. I must teach you to sew menstrual cloths. Every girl goes through this. Since I won’t be with you, learn now. When your time comes, don’t be afraid."
Suddenly, Jin Niang’s eyes stung.
