Three days later, Sister-in-law Hu arranged for Zhen'er to visit under the pretext of delivering embroidery pieces purchased from Jinxiu Pavilion. Jin Niang took the opportunity during her afternoon nap to examine how the embroidery from Jinxiu Pavilion differed from ordinary workshops. She had assumed that two hundred copper coins wouldn’t buy much, but to her surprise, the haul was substantial.
An ordinary butterfly-patterned pouch typically featured embroidered butterflies on the fabric, but this one was cut into the shape of a butterfly, its wings adorned with tiny pearls, and the drawstring fastened with an exquisite knot. Another pouch, also butterfly-themed, stood out for its raised seed stitches on the abdomen, adding a unique touch.
There was yet another pouch embroidered with lotus flowers, similar to what Jin Niang herself made, but the drawstring was embellished with a small carved lotus root slice, instantly elevating its charm.
A Suzhou embroidery handkerchief caught her eye as well. Though Qin Shuang'er had also learned Suzhou embroidery, her skills paled in comparison. The handkerchief’s edges were delicately finished with pink thread, and a small peony bloomed in one corner, smooth and regal.
The craftsmanship of Jinxiu Pavilion inspired Jin Niang, reminding her of an exquisite beauty screen she once saw in the eldest young lady’s chamber—a level of artistry far beyond her current ability.
The path of embroidery was long and arduous.
She knew that true masters of embroidery were also skilled in painting and calligraphy, blending art with needlework. Jin Niang acknowledged her own limitations but took comfort in the fact that only a few reached the pinnacle of the craft. Most were competent artisans, and she would be content to rank among the better ones.
With this in mind, she abandoned her nap and set to work on a lotus-themed pouch—not by embroidering lotus flowers on fabric, but by cutting the cloth into the shape of a lotus leaf, then stitching a pink-and-white lotus bud onto it. The drawstring’s pull would be fashioned into a tiny blossom.
Absorbed in her work, Jin Niang paid no attention to her surroundings.
Meanwhile, Qin Shuang'er was plotting her revenge. The task of serving the eldest young lady had been snatched by Jin Niang, who had also humiliated her. Though she longed to retaliate, opportunities were scarce, and Jin Niang was no pushover. For now, Qin Shuang'er shelved her grudge and turned her attention to forging connections, particularly with the attendants of Second Young Master Zhou Cunzhi.
Zhou Cunzhi was handsome, talented, and from a wealthy family. Being his concubine, she reasoned, would be a hundred times better than marrying some impoverished man outside.
Unfortunately, the maids in the second young master’s quarters were no fools. Qin Shuang'er seized the chance to deliver the old madam’s clothes, hoping to ingratiate herself, only to be scolded instead.
Cuixian, the head maid in Zhou Cunzhi’s household, was known for her gentle demeanor, and the other maids followed her lead. While she remained silent, the second-tier maid Bi'e saw right through Qin Shuang'er’s intentions. "How dare you barge into the inner chambers?" Bi'e sneered. "A toad lusting after swan’s flesh."
Qin Shuang'er protested, "Madam Chen asked me to deliver this belt. You’ve misunderstood me."
Bi'e scoffed. "The last girl from the embroidery workshop knew to wait outside. Why are you in such a hurry to rush in?"
Ever since the second young master moved to the side pavilion, countless maids had tried to engineer "chance encounters." Their motives were transparent to Bi'e, even if Cuixian chose to ignore them.
Qin Shuang'er’s face flushed with humiliation.
On her way out, she spotted Sister Shan, who had accompanied Miss Mei to pay respects to the old madam. Sister Shan now carried herself like a senior maid, a far cry from her former self. Seizing the moment, Qin Shuang'er sought her out during dinner.
Sister Shan repeated the same advice she had given Jin Niang, adding, "See these golden lotus earrings? They were a gift from the young mistress. I’m determined to follow her in the future."
"Congratulations," Qin Shuang'er said, forcing a smile. "You’ve turned misfortune into fortune. I lack such luck." Then, catching herself, she added, "The young mistress is the old madam’s only daughter—she’ll surely make a splendid match. You’ll do well to stay with her."
Sister Shan agreed.
Returning to the embroidery workshop, Qin Shuang'er found Jin Niang already deep in her needlework, stitching something mysterious. Fang Qiaolian, meanwhile, was laboring over an intricate gown for Miao Xiaoniang, a task that looked exhausting to outsiders.
Qin Shuang'er couldn’t help but compare them to the maids in the eldest young master’s household, who barely lifted a needle yet dressed more luxuriously than girls from modest families. Their workload was light, their wages high. Moreover, the eldest young master was a gifted scholar—a far more promising prospect than the eldest young lady. Becoming the young lady’s attendant offered no guarantee of advancement or a good marriage, but the eldest young master was a golden opportunity.
Both Madam Jiang and Jin Niang had birthdays in June. After finishing one lotus pouch, Jin Niang crafted two more variations—one with a green drawstring and a lotus-root charm, the other a traditional lantern-patterned round pouch.
Some might think pouches too girlish for Madam Jiang, but Jin Niang believed every woman, regardless of age, cherished a touch of youthful whimsy. She even added a hidden compartment, inspired by modern handbags, allowing two small items to be stored.
On Madam Jiang’s birthday, Jin Niang’s reputation ensured her gifts were presented immediately. Delighted, Madam Jiang admired them fondly.
"Jin Niang’s skills have improved remarkably," Lv Ying remarked, playing along. "Her work has such charm now."
Yan Hong added, half-praising, half-criticizing, "Her needlework is excellent, but she’s not much of a talker and rarely steps out. Last time, I needed someone to deliver something to the second household, and she didn’t even know where it was—I had to send a guide."
Madam Jiang nodded approvingly. "That’s precisely why I favor her. I can’t stand those who are all talk and no substance. This girl is earnest, pouring all her effort into her craft."
She then examined the gifts from her daughters. The eldest’s work was consistently good, the second’s stitches were predictably hasty (though at least she hadn’t outsourced it), the third’s socks were neatly sewn—a testament to her meticulous nature—and the fourth had shown remarkable improvement.
Gifts revealed sincerity.
Yan Hong, who once cultivated relationships for appearances, now genuinely wished for Jin Niang’s success, grateful for how the girl’s skills had bolstered her own standing.
"The banquet will begin soon," Madam Jiang said with a smile. "Have the young ladies join me."
Yan Hong hurried off, and soon all four daughters arrived. Their dresses and hairpins followed similar styles but with subtle distinctions. The eldest’s spring gown, designed by Jin Niang and sewn by Madam Chen, signaled the Zhou family’s focus on her future.
The eldest young lady carried herself with grace and elegance, her movements steady, her hair ornaments never askew, her posture unwavering. A maiden in the bloom of youth, she resembled spring perched upon a branch—somehow, Madam Jiang found herself envious.
After steadying her emotions, she addressed the young ladies: "Today, your aunts and many other guests will arrive, including Lady Wang, the wife of Wang Dacan. Shishi, as the eldest sister, you must look after your younger sisters."
The fourth young lady was surprised by Madam Jiang’s final remark—she had expected to be told to perform well, not to care for the others.
The eldest Zhou young lady rose with a gentle curtsy. She was ever poised and refined, embodying the grace of ancient noblewomen. Even toward her two half-sisters, she showed no distinction in demeanor. The fourth young lady often received her kindness when they were together, though the sisters did not interact frequently.
Outside, dignitaries, relatives, and friends had gathered. The fourth young lady followed her sisters to greet them and indeed met Lady Wang, the highest-ranking woman present. Though Lady Wang gave identical gifts to all four young ladies, the eldest sister remained the center of attention, while the others faded into the background.
The fourth young lady had assumed such occasions were for socializing, yet she found herself scrutinized like a quail, leaving her disheartened.
Truthfully, the banquet bored her. As someone from modern times, she had no taste for opera, and the acrobatics only struck her as pitiable—performers risking cruel falls with every misstep.
While she idled, Jin Niang was busy. Cuixian, the second young master’s maid, had brought over a bamboo undershirt, explaining that the young master had intended to gift it but discovered a small hole when retrieving it from storage.
"Madam Chen was drunk earlier—we shook her awake, but she said she’d never seen it before. What are we to do? If this isn’t fixed, the garment will be ruined, and the second young master will be furious..." Cuixian fretted.
As the head maid, she would surely face blame for failing to safeguard the household’s belongings.
Jin Niang glanced at Qin Shuang'er. "Can you do it?"
Qin Shuang'er seemed eager but ultimately shook her head in disappointment.
Bamboo undershirts had existed since the Tang Dynasty—Jin Niang had read about them in a book from Madam Wu. These garments dissipated heat and absorbed sweat, essential for officials who needed to maintain decorum without appearing drenched.
As Cuixian continued to panic, Jin Niang smiled. "Let me handle it. I recall the second household’s garden has fine bamboo imported from Jiangxi for display. If the second master and mistress permit, we can split some thin strips."
"You know how?" Cuixian brightened. "No wonder I’ve heard so much praise for your skills." She flattered before adding, "No need to go to their garden—the second young master has some on his desk. Come, I’ll take you there."
Jin Niang chuckled. "Wait outside, elder sister. I’ll fetch thread and tools."
The bamboo strips needed rounded edges, stitched with ramie thread in a coin-pattern weave—no simple repair. She opened her small case, arranging her tools, only to notice Qin Shuang'er’s sour expression.
She meant to ignore it, but Qin Shuang'er spoke up: "Don’t overreach. If you ruin it, the second young master will punish you harshly."
Jin Niang smirked. "Spare your concern. I wouldn’t take this on if I couldn’t handle it. Besides, you had your chance and wasted it."
She wasn’t afraid of her—scheming, two-faced people like Qin Shuang'er only preyed on the weak. Whispering behind her back, spreading rumors about her domineering ways in the sewing room? Jin Niang had let it slide when it wasn’t said to her face. But now, she’d make sure Qin Shuang'er knew she wasn’t to be trifled with.
Qin Shuang'er nearly choked on her fury.
