Early in the morning, a blue-canopied carriage stopped at Magpie Lane. Soon, a man and a woman stepped out. The man was tall and sturdy, exuding an air of reliability, while the woman appeared young and beautiful, with an ethereal grace uncommon among others.
The man asked the woman doubtfully, "Are you sure this is the place?"
"It’s correct. The address Second Aunt gave me is right here. Didn’t you see it too?" the woman affirmed.
The man glanced around. "This mansion looks like it has seven courtyards—far beyond what a typical fifth-rank official could afford. The Zhou family is only a minor official household."
Officials tended to be low-key, avoiding the flashiness of the nouveau riche. If they truly lived in such a grand residence, it could only mean the Zhou family was wealthy in their own right.
With this in mind, the man noticed a few gatekeepers idly chatting and approached them. "Good day, gentlemen. We’re looking for Jin Niang from the embroidery workshop. Could you kindly ask her to come out?"
"Who? Never heard of her," one gatekeeper replied lazily, unwilling to lift a finger for insignificant visitors.
Though unaccustomed to such rudeness, the man kept his temper in check. "Jin Niang is my younger sister. I’d appreciate your help." He then pulled twenty coins from his sleeve. "Please accept this for a warm drink. Just ask my sister to step out for a moment."
Finally, one gatekeeper pointed westward. "If you’re looking for someone from the embroidery workshop, go to the side gate on the west side. The women there can fetch your sister."
Following the directions, they made their way to the western gate, where someone was sent to call for Jin Niang.
At that moment, Jin Niang was helping Madam Wu copy the Ksitigarbha Sutra, meant for temple offerings to bless a newborn with health and longevity. Suddenly, Zhen'er approached her. "Sister Jin Niang, my aunt says your elder sister and brother-in-law have come to see you. They’re waiting at the west gate."
Elder sister and brother-in-law?
"I’m the only daughter in my family. What elder sister?" Jin Niang was puzzled.
Zhen'er added, "They brought bundles with them, saying your mother sent some things."
Realizing it might be a courier sent by her parents, Jin Niang didn’t want to turn them away empty-handed. She first went to Sister-in-law Hu to buy some food to offer them. Sister-in-law Hu whispered, "No need to buy. I have a crystal-roasted goose here, originally meant for Yan Hong since she’s been unwell. You can take it instead."
Lately, Sister-in-law Hu had heard Jin Niang was teaching Si'er needlework. Si'er, who fetched tea, made beds, and attended to chores, was from the embroidery workshop but had somehow won Jin Niang’s favor. With the workshop always busy, opportunities to teach were rare, so Sister-in-law Hu felt she had to be extra generous.
Otherwise, Jin Niang neither accepted tuition fees nor gifts, only occasionally stopping by for simple meals.
"That won’t do. I can’t just take it. Let me pay you," Jin Niang insisted, reaching for her purse. But Sister-in-law Hu refused, so she reluctantly accepted.
To outsiders, Sister-in-law Hu would claim Jin Niang had paid for it.
When Jin Niang hurried to the west gate, she saw the woman standing there. "Elder Sister? Is that you?"
It was her cousin, Rongniang—the only daughter of her eldest uncle. Her uncle had been scholarly in his youth and later worked as an accountant for a carriage business. Rongniang, doted upon as the sole heirloom of a prosperous family, was stunningly beautiful. Even after her father was paralyzed in an accident, the compensation money ensured her comfort.
Rongniang and Jin Niang had never been close, largely because their mothers didn’t get along.
Now, Rongniang, just fifteen, wore modest fabrics, but her peach-blossom beauty shone through—proof that true elegance needed no adornment.
Rongniang, however, noticed Jin Niang’s improved appearance: her hair in twin buns, gold lychee earrings, silk flowers, a pale-red jacket, and a pearl-pleated skirt. Though still plump, she looked far more refined than before.
"Your mother knew I was coming to the capital and asked me to bring these for you," Rongniang said, gesturing to the bundles. Then she introduced the man beside her. "This is your brother-in-law, Feng Sheng."
"Brother-in-law," Jin Niang greeted, glancing at Feng Sheng. They made a handsome pair.
She had no particular curiosity about him and simply asked, "Elder Sister, how are my parents and your mother?"
Rongniang sighed. "Your parents are well—they’re helping your uncle now. But my father passed away last winter, and my mother followed soon after."
Jin Niang’s heart ached. Words felt inadequate. "Please accept my condolences. They say after hardship comes sweetness. Though your parents are gone, you have Brother-in-law now. Your future will surely be peaceful and prosperous."
Rongniang nodded. "Enough of that. How have you been?"
"I’m fine—just busy with work. Here, I brought you a crystal-roasted goose. I didn’t know about your wedding, so consider this a belated gift." Jin Niang offered the wrapped goose.
After much polite refusal, Rongniang accepted. She mentioned Feng Sheng now practiced medicine at Chief Physician Zhao’s clinic—having abandoned scholarly pursuits for a medical career. If Jin Niang ever needed help, she could seek them out.
As Jin Niang began sharing her own news, Si'er arrived, saying the First Lady had summoned her. The two parted ways.
Once outside the Zhou residence, Rongniang looked at the goose and chuckled. "Who’d have thought my little cousin would grow so courteous? Though I can’t fathom why my aunt would send her daughter into servitude—such a loss of freedom."
Feng Sheng, however, saw it differently. "Your cousin may be plain and from humble means, but her skills are remarkable. Your aunt had foresight."
He’d met Wei Xiong and Luo Yu'e—the man overly meek, the woman pretentious and petty. It was odd how their daughter, though unremarkable in looks, spoke with such vitality.
Rongniang smiled. "I’d say staying together as a family is better than separation."
Once, her life had been idyllic—until tragedy struck. Thankfully, she’d married Feng Sheng, a scholar turned physician out of necessity. At just twenty-five, he’d already earned Chief Physician Zhao’s esteem, earning thirty-five strings of cash monthly, plus year-end bonuses.
Her husband was perfect—if only he weren’t so demanding.
For instance, at this moment, Feng Sheng said, "Rongniang, now that I'll be working at the medical clinic all day and won't be home much, you're still young and could learn some skills too. Living in the capital isn't easy—we need to build a home for our future children."
Rongniang thought to herself that he always wanted her to strive for more. But she preferred doing things according to her own inclinations rather than having expectations forced upon her. Just like her father, who had been too obsessed with wealth and ended up being killed in an accident. Money was enough as long as it covered necessities; what truly mattered was staying safe.
...
Jin Niang hurried over to Madam Jiang, who was frowning. "Why are you so late?"
"My apologies, it was my fault," Jin Niang quickly admitted.
Madam Jiang knew Jin Niang's reputation in the sewing room—diligent and hardworking, her garments always carried an exquisite charm, crafted with great care. So she cleared her throat and said, "Never mind, I won’t hold it against you this time. I called you here because there’s something I need you to do."
"What might that be, First Lady? Just give me your instructions," Jin Niang replied.
Madam Jiang smiled. "I want you to quickly make a set of clothes for Second Miss Zhou. Make it as exquisite as possible, so she stands out like a crane among chickens."
Second Miss Zhou wasn’t as pretty as her sisters, and her spoiled, willful temper had earned her the nickname "the demon" among the servants. But of course, in front of her mother, Jin Niang only spoke well of her. "Second Miss Zhou is naturally beautiful—I’ll merely add the finishing touches. Rest assured, I’ll do my very best."
Madam Jiang stood and beckoned her over. "I’ve received some fine brocade and soft satin as gifts. Which do you think would suit her best?"
These were top-quality silks and embroidered fabrics, not yet stored in the household inventory—clearly reserved by Madam Jiang for her daughter. Some secrets in this household were tightly kept, while others were open knowledge.
Jin Niang smiled. "There’s a line from the Tang poet Wan Chu: 'Eyebrows rival the color of daylilies, red skirts outshine pomegranate blossoms.' What if we make a twelve-panel pomegranate skirt? A white silk jacket with pomegranate blossoms embroidered only on the sleeves—this way, the skirt’s beauty will shine even brighter."
A blue satin skirt would also be lovely, but Second Miss Zhou’s slightly sallow complexion wouldn’t suit it.
Madam Jiang then had Jin Niang pick out two jeweled trims for the collar. Jin Niang tucked them into her pouch and said, "I’ll take my leave now."
"Very well, you may go," Madam Jiang waved her off.
Jin Niang returned with the fabrics to find the sewing room lively with chatter. "What’s all the excitement about?" she asked.
Fang Qiaolian said, "We were just talking about your cousin—they say she’s stunningly beautiful."
"You’ve got good taste. My cousin has been the prettiest since we were children."
Jin Niang didn’t mind such talk—some people were simply born lucky, blessed with beauty and a good marriage, seemingly without a care in the world. Take her brother-in-law Feng Sheng, for example—a young physician already earning nearly five hundred strings of cash a year.
Qin Shuang'er smirked. "Doesn’t that make the rest of you pale in comparison beside her?"
Jin Niang raised an eyebrow. "Not necessarily. When I was little, I was even prettier. My mother used to say I looked like a delicate jade doll. But I grew plumper as I got older—now I’m just a crow, while my cousin’s a phoenix."
With that, she opened a parcel from home. Inside was a jar of dried peaches—her mother’s handmade specialty, as Jiangling was famous for its yellow peaches, which Jin Niang adored—along with a packet of savory dried shrimp.
She had meant to share these local treats with Qin Shuang'er and Fang Qiaolian, but they seemed unimpressed. Jin Niang realized that after nearly a year in the mansion, their tastes had grown more refined—no longer the simple seamstresses they once were.
Jin Niang wasn’t necessarily sharper than others, but she was quick to adapt. Once she noticed how everyone’s standards had risen, she understood that her old ways of socializing might no longer work.
During the day, she sketched designs, and at night, she copied sutras in order. The garments, with their intricate embroidery and tailoring, naturally took longer, but the sutras were finished faster. Two days later, she found time to deliver them to Madam Wu in the second household.
Madam Wu, having just left her postpartum confinement, still carried a bit of softness in her figure, but the perpetual melancholy between her brows had eased. Seeing the sutras, she smiled. "You truly excel in both needlework and calligraphy. Nanny Sun, give her a string of cash."
"Second Madam, that’s too much—six hundred coins would suffice," Jin Niang hurriedly said.
Madam Wu shook her head gently. "Life isn’t easy for you all. You work so hard to save—do as I say, Nanny Sun."
With two taels of silver in hand, Jin Niang decided to buy a gift for the second young master. Fine tea was too expensive, and jewelry was beyond her means, so she settled on making him a bellyband once she finished Second Miss Zhou’s outfit.
The classic Shu embroidery motif was hibiscus and carp—Madam Chen’s specialty. But Jin Niang drew inspiration from the Brocade Pavilion: small accents as focal points. Second Miss Zhou’s outfit was a white silk jacket with a pomegranate-red skirt, but the highlight would be a goldfish pouch—not embroidered, but shaped like an actual fish. The upper half was made of pomegranate-red velvet, the lower half of sheer gauze.
She thought of applying this adorable goldfish design to shoes instead. A bellyband for Madam Wu’s son would require too much embroidery, but baby shoes didn’t need sturdy soles—just soft, cute ones would do.
Most of her time was devoted to her craft, the foundation of her livelihood. So when Yan Hong’s pregnancy became common knowledge, Jin Niang was among the last to hear. No wonder Sister-in-law Hu had mentioned Yan Hong losing her appetite for her favorite crystal goose.
Yan Hong was merely a chamber maid, not even a concubine, serving Lord Zhou alongside Lv Ying without any formal status. But pregnancy changed everything.
Even Madam Jiang showed her unexpected favor. At noon, Si'er returned with their meals and told Jin Niang, "There was a scene in the kitchen."
"What happened?" Jin Niang opened the food box and placed a piece of meat in Si'er’s bowl, urging her to continue.
Si'er explained, "Now that Yan Hong is with child and suffering from morning sickness, the First Lady ordered the kitchen to prepare special meals for her. Sister-in-law Hu made a few dishes just for her, but then Miao Xiaoniang’s maid came and demanded the same. Sister-in-law Hu politely said it was the First Lady’s orders for Yan Hong, but the maid threw a fit, asking why Miao Xiaoniang hadn’t gotten special treatment during her pregnancy and accusing Sister-in-law Hu of taking bribes. Yan Hong’s maid fired back, one calling the other arrogant now that she was pregnant, the other retorting about stray dogs scavenging for scraps."
Jin Niang pursed her lips: "When people quarrel, harsh words are inevitable."
"Indeed, it can't be helped. Miao Xiaoniang now has a son and a daughter, so she stands even taller." Though Si'er was young, she had already grasped the intricacies of household affairs.
Meanwhile, Madam Jiang seemed excessively kind to Yan Hong. When Jin Niang visited Yan Hong, she couldn't help but notice the array of tonics and fine silks displayed on the table.
Yan Hong, dressed in sleeping robes with her pregnancy barely showing and no ornaments in her hair, smiled faintly. "I’ve been resting lately, so I rarely go out. These were all gifts from others."
"Sister, you’ve finally found happiness after enduring so much," Jin Niang said sincerely.
Yan Hong gently stroked her belly and replied, "I owe you thanks too. The clothes you made for me were so beautiful."
Jin Niang quickly demurred, "It was nothing."
Before they could speak further, someone called from the doorway, "Sister Yan Hong, the First Lady says Madam Jiang’s elder sister has arrived and invites you for a drink."
How could a pregnant woman drink? Jin Niang gave Yan Hong a puzzled look. Yan Hong hesitated but didn’t dare refuse. She called for her maids to attend to her, so Jin Niang took her leave.
At the gathering with Madam Jiang’s family, Yan Hong became the center of attention. Madam Jiang openly favored her, even seating her while Miao Xiaoniang and Madam Lü stood by to serve. Madam Jiang remarked to her sister-in-law, "Elder Sister, you may not know, but a fortune-teller predicted Yan Hong’s child will bring great fortune to our lord. He was overjoyed. I plan to assign her another maid and elevate her to concubine once the child is born."
Miao Xiaoniang’s face darkened at these words. She had nearly died giving birth to her son, only for Yan Hong to steal the spotlight days later.
Then Madam Jiang’s sister suggested, "If Yan Hong bears a son, our families could arrange a marriage. Third Uncle’s daughter, Zhai Niang, is three years old. As the saying goes, ‘a wife three years older brings gold.’"
Madam Jiang covered her mouth, laughing. "That’s not for me to decide. Our lord must have the final say."
Yan Hong felt this praise was excessive. Though Lord Zhou visited her occasionally, she was far from being his favorite. Yet, in the inner household, favor was the foundation of one’s standing—even if she wished to stay low-key, no one would believe it.
...
Returning from the main quarters, Miao Xiaoniang’s face was stormy. Not even the sight of her son could soothe her fury.
Meanwhile, Jin Niang was sewing clothes for Second Miss Zhou when Qin Shuang'er remarked enviously, "Yesterday, when I fetched fabric from the storeroom, I saw Nanjing cloud-pattern brocade—so exquisite! All of it was sent to Yan Hong. She’s truly risen, treated even better than Miao Xiaoniang during her pregnancy."
Fang Qiaolian chimed in, "It’s because she’s Madam Jiang’s favorite."
While Qin Shuang'er daydreamed about becoming a concubine, Jin Niang worked tirelessly, adjusting the lamp and stifling a yawn. A pang of sorrow struck her. If her suspicions were correct, Madam Jiang was deliberately using Yan Hong to suppress Miao Xiaoniang, pitting them against each other to reap the benefits.
Normally, she wouldn’t interfere—opposing Madam Jiang openly was unthinkable. But Yan Hong had once helped her during the Aunt’s selection of attendants, so Jin Niang felt obliged to warn her.
Yet how? Yan Hong’s quarters were surely watched. The problem weighed on her.
Finishing her work, Jin Niang inspected it carefully, snipped loose threads, and pressed the garments. She had Si'er double-check before presenting them to Madam Jiang.
Madam Jiang summoned Second Miss Zhou to try them on. The girl frowned. "This is too plain. And the pouch looks childish."
She had seen the dazzling pearl-embroidered gown Jin Niang made for the eldest miss—why was hers so lackluster?
Jin Niang bit her lip. She couldn’t very well say, "Your sallow complexion can’t carry bright red—it suits fair skin." Instead, she offered, "Second Miss, your natural grace demands a pomegranate-red skirt to highlight your noble bearing."
"You’re just making excuses!" Second Miss Zhou snapped. "And the skirt is too long."
Jin Niang explained, "A pomegranate skirt must be long to flatter the figure." She barely stopped herself from adding, "You’re short—lengthening the silhouette helps."
Second Miss Zhou glared. "How dare you talk back—"
"Shall I shorten it for you?" Jin Niang knelt to measure, but the girl shoved her away. "Don’t touch me!"
Jin Niang fell backward, humiliation burning in her chest. As a skilled seamstress, she was usually respected wherever she went. But today… Tears welled up—she had always been quick to cry, though her spirit was strong.
Madam Jiang finally intervened. "Leave us. Send Madam Chen to redo this."
"Yes." Jin Niang rose, biting her lip as she left.
She wouldn’t complain about Second Miss Zhou’s treatment. Admitting such humiliation would only invite more criticism. The truth was, the girl wasn’t displeased with the clothes—she resented not receiving pearl embroidery like her sister and took it out on the seamstress.
In private, Madam Jiang chided her daughter. "Jin Niang is diligent and discerning. If you’re this willful, how will you manage servants later? Harshness alone isn’t the way."
Second Miss Zhou feigned remorse. "I was upset because white is inauspicious."
"Lv Ying, take these pastries to Jin Niang," Madam Jiang ordered. She still had use for the seamstress.
But Second Miss Zhou couldn’t resist adding, "You gave Elder Sister pearl gowns and me plain ones. You’re biased!"
Madam Jiang laughed. Her daughters had different roles. The eldest was the family’s jewel, her marriage carefully arranged—though still unannounced.
As for the marriage of her second daughter, she had long made arrangements. Given the girl’s lively and straightforward temperament—unable to endure hardship and lacking her elder sister’s patience—marrying into a relative’s household would be most reassuring. Especially Third Young Master He, a handsome and scholarly young man from an official’s family. With his sister as the girl’s mother-in-law, even potential conflicts between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law would be avoided.
So, she advised her daughter, "From now on, curb your temper at home. If the servants ruin your reputation and word spreads outside, who would dare marry you? Here, I have a set of gold trinkets for you to play with."
"I understand, Mother," Second Miss Zhou replied, her spirits lifted by the new gifts from her mother.
During dinner, Lv Ying brought over some pastries. Jin Niang accepted them with a warm smile, though her nails dug so hard into her palm that they nearly drew blood.
"Share these among yourselves. I’ve eaten too much tonight and can’t stomach another bite," Jin Niang said cheerfully to Si’er.
For maids like them, who lived on simple meals and performed menial tasks, such treats were rare. Si’er, who often served Jin Niang, occasionally received extras as rewards.
Si’er beamed as she took them. "Sister Jin Niang always remembers me."
Nearby, Qin Shuang’er smirked knowingly. Well-connected and well-informed, she knew Jin Niang was being slighted. All that flattery had backfired spectacularly.
Though she despised Jin Niang, Qin Shuang’er found it difficult to retaliate. Jin Niang was the type who, upon stepping out, would have the water in her cup mysteriously spilled. Moreover, whenever Jin Niang left, Si’er stayed behind in the room, making any covert action risky—especially after the last failed attempt had backfired.
Jin Niang ignored Qin Shuang’er’s gloating. Meanwhile, Madam Chen had been tasked with making new clothes for Second Miss Zhou. Experienced and shrewd, Madam Chen quickly discerned that the young lady cared more for extravagance than fit. So, she crafted an outfit of luxurious brocade, embroidered slippers, and gold-trimmed collars—only for Second Miss Zhou to find it utterly impractical.
Why? Jin Niang knew the answer: Who wears an evening gown in their own parlor every day?
In the end, the picky young lady wore one of Jin Niang’s simpler designs to her maternal grandparents’ home, where she received many compliments—though Jin Niang, who harbored no fondness for the girl after past humiliations, paid no attention.
Besides, she had other work. She made a pair of goldfish-embroidered soft shoes for the second concubine’s son, which delighted the woman. When the concubine mentioned it during her greetings to the old matriarch, she tactfully credited Jin Niang’s skill, noting how well Second Miss Zhou’s clothes had turned out.
Thus, this year, the First Lady assigned Jin Niang the task of making winter robes for the old matriarch.
Minor setbacks never fazed Jin Niang. She met every challenge head-on. If one person spoke ill of her, she’d ensure ten others praised her—rendering that one voice irrelevant.
"What doesn’t break me will only make me stronger," Jin Niang muttered, clenching her fists and taking a deep breath as she climbed the steps—only to freeze at the sight of a stunned Zhou Cunzhi. Instantly composing herself, she curtsied primly. "Greetings, Second Young Master."
Zhou Cunzhi, too, regained his poise and flicked open his folding fan. "Hmm. Rise."
The brief encounter lightened Jin Niang’s mood. Inside, she first paid respects to the old matriarch, took measurements, selected fabrics, and inquired about preferences. The matriarch, having navigated decades of inner-household politics, now spent her days in peaceful retirement. Though her face bore wrinkles, they were lines of contentment.
"I’ll deliver the finished garments soon," Jin Niang said with a smile.
The matriarch nodded. "The weather’s harsh. You all work hard." She then ordered a reward for Jin Niang.
Just then, the Aunt arrived with Cousin Mei to pay their respects. Jin Niang lingered, hoping to speak with Sister Shan, but the latter pointedly turned away, engaging only with the household’s longtime servants or the matriarch’s attendants. Jin Niang had no choice but to leave.
Back in the sewing room, she mentioned it to Fang Qiaolian, who sighed. "I thought it was just me she treated coldly. So it’s the same with you."
Madam Chen, listening nearby, shook her head. "She’s desperate to shed her outsider status and be seen as one of the family’s own."
"But none of us provoked her," Jin Niang said. If the entire sewing room had mistreated Sister Shan, it would make sense—but no one had.
Jin Niang recognized it as the zeal of a convert.
Indeed, Sister Shan was climbing the ranks.
When she accompanied Mei Pan’er back, the Aunt summoned her inside, saying, "I hear you’re fourteen, coming of age next year. Serve Cousin Mei well, and I’ll allow you to host a small celebration."
Sister Shan bowed eagerly. "This servant thanks the Madam." She now wholly identified as the Aunt and Cousin Mei’s subordinate.
Mei Pan’er, reading nearby, had her own personal maids but accepted her mother’s arrangements without protest.
Sister Shan’s needlework was praised, too. The handkerchiefs the Aunt had requested were finished long ago. Though her official rank hadn’t yet risen, her responsibilities matched those of a senior maid.
So when the Aunt sent her to deliver marinated duck feet and dried goose meat to Third Young Master He, Sister Shan saw nothing amiss. The Aunt intended to reside in the mansion long-term, and sending gifts to the First Lady’s relatives was natural—especially since the Aunt’s expenses were covered by the main household.
Though Third Young Master He was the First Lady’s nephew, the Zhou family treated him and Scholar Dou equally. Both stayed in the study pavilion ahead of Zhou Cunzhi’s quarters, where the three often gathered for discussions.
Sister Shan, friendly with a servant from the third branch—a fellow townsman—quickly learned Third Young Master He’s whereabouts.
Now, Third Young Master He stayed with his aunt and uncle partly because his uncle held a high position in the Bureau of Military Affairs. If he passed the imperial exams, his uncle’s influence could secure him a favorable official post. His mother had also hinted at marriage prospects. Unlike common scholars who often waited until their thirties to wed, young men from official families typically married before twenty. His mother had suggested the First Lady’s younger daughter, Second Miss Zhou.
During a recent visit to his maternal grandparents, he’d caught a glimpse of his cousin—plainly dressed but dignified, her red skirt striking against simple white.
Lost in thought, he heard a servant announce, "Young Master He, the Zhou family’s Aunt has sent a maid with delicacies for you."
Aunt Zhou? Third Young Master He was quite adept at reading people outside—the servants of the Zhou household were almost all snobbish. Next door, Scholar Dou, lacking money for tips, though not outright neglected, had overheard plenty of disparaging remarks, forcing him to pawn his own clothes just to appease them.
"Come in," Third Young Master He said.
Sister Shan entered with a tray, blushing at the sight of him. Aunt had told her she was a dowry maid—once the young lady’s marriage was settled, she too would be wedded to Third Young Master He. Seeing his courteous demeanor and receiving a reward, she hurried back to report to Aunt.
"This servant found Third Young Master He to be amiable and of excellent temperament."
Aunt smiled, knowing exactly what to do next. Her second brother, though an unremarkable official, loved lively gatherings, drinking, and socializing, often seeking company for wine even on idle days.
So, when Second Master Zhou came to pay his respects, the siblings struck up a conversation. Aunt said warmly, "The weather has been cold lately—how is sister-in-law?"
Though Second Master Zhou had lost his eldest son, he now had a younger one, like an old tree sprouting new buds. At her question, he chuckled, "All is well. Your sister-in-law mentioned you’ve been reluctant to visit. You must come by for a chat soon."
"Elder Brother told me the main household has taken in two promising scholars, likely to achieve great honors next year. With the New Year festivities, sister-in-law is swamped, and I’ve been busy myself." Aunt knew her second brother, now in trade, loved making connections, so she left her words deliberately suggestive.
Sure enough, Second Master Zhou soon invited the scholars over. Aunt quickly summoned her daughter as well. Mei Pan'er, more delicate and beautiful than Second Miss Zhou, looked enchanting with just a touch of adornment.
Third Young Master He, flushed with wine, was pulled outside and saw a young girl walking along the corridor. As she passed him, her handkerchief "accidentally" fell to the ground.
……
"To think this happened right under my nose! A young lady, her personal handkerchief picked up by a servant, then dressing up late at night to meet men in secret." Madam Jiang recognized this as outright poaching. If not for Madam Wu’s warning and her nephew’s restraint, the Zhou family’s reputation would have been tarnished.
With this in mind, Madam Jiang ordered Lv Ying, "Fetch Lord Zhou."
Though their marital bond had weakened, their concern for their children remained aligned. Armed with evidence, Madam Jiang confronted Lord Zhou when he arrived: "Aunt first sent Mei Pan'er’s maid with food, then arranged for her to ‘drop’ her handkerchief near men at night. And this morning, that maid Sister Shan delivered a pouch tied with a love knot."
Without proof, she wouldn’t dare make baseless accusations. "Our family has four daughters. She doesn’t even live in the main household, yet during marriage discussions, if rumors spread, all our girls will be ruined."
Lord Zhou snorted coldly. "Summon Aunt and that maid."
"Master, if you act so openly, the old madam will grow suspicious. Lv Ying, tell her I have new fabric and invite her over."
Aunt arrived swiftly. Though not a destitute widow, she never passed up free things. But the moment she entered, she saw her elder brother and sister-in-law seated sternly above, while a maid knelt below—none other than Sister Shan.
Beaten into confession, Sister Shan had revealed everything. Madam Jiang had gathered proof before confronting Aunt.
Once the servants withdrew, Madam Jiang began, "Sister, this maid was caught delivering this to Young Master He’s room today. She claims you ordered it."
Aunt glanced at the pouch embroidered with twin lotuses, then at Sister Shan. "You thieving girl! You’ve always had sticky fingers. Now you’re using my name to ruin reputations—this is revenge!" She burst into tears. "Sister-in-law, this maid came from you. I know you dislike me, but must you frame me like this?"
Madam Jiang laughed coldly. "You begged for her repeatedly—how is she ‘sent by me’?"
Aunt seized the opening. "Exactly! She resented serving me, so she staged this to slander me. Elder Brother, you must defend me!"
Had Madam Jiang hesitated, Aunt would have twisted this into mere sister-in-law strife. "Fine, deny this one. Then explain why you had Mei Pan'er ‘drop’ her handkerchief where my nephew would pass?"
"What handkerchief? Mei Pan'er didn’t even know where she lost it—she searched for it yesterday! How dare you smear her? Brother, question her yourself!" Aunt had prepared for this.
Lord Zhou looked at Madam Jiang, who hadn’t expected such cunning. "Aunt, your silver tongue could paint black white."
Seeing her sister-in-law flounder, Aunt pressed, "That pouch isn’t even my daughter’s handiwork. This maid was lovesick on her own. Sister-in-law, since she’s yours, you deal with her."
"Aunt is right. This maid will be punished severely." Madam Jiang seemed defeated.
Triumphant, Aunt glared at Sister Shan, who cried, "Lord Zhou, First Lady, Aunt ordered all of this! I’m hiding nothing!"
But Aunt swept out unbothered.
Sister Shan was beaten ten strokes and expelled for "theft." Jin Niang and the seamstresses were shocked—Concubine Deng had been dismissed the same way. Such charges often masked graver offenses.
Hearing Sister Shan was gone, Aunt sighed in relief, smug at her cleverness. But her glee faded when the old madam said, "Your brother says Son-in-law Mei is gravely ill. You must return to care for him. I’d keep you, but your brother is right—a wife’s duty lies with her husband."
Had they divorced, it’d be different. But she remained his wife.
Aunt was stunned.
The old madam urged, "Your brother arranged a boat for tomorrow. If the river freezes, land travel will be too rough."
The next morning, Madam Jiang personally saw Aunt off. Noting her many trunks, she said lightly, "You’ll visit again. Just bring a change of clothes."
It was only then that Aunt realized she had been outmaneuvered. She had thought herself victorious, never suspecting she was already being played. Her sister-in-law wouldn’t even let her take the trunks, and it was very likely that her husband’s critical illness had been a ruse too. She wanted to say more, but it was too late—she was already being helped into the carriage.
The departing carriage kicked up a cloud of dust as Madam Jiang waved her handkerchief and glanced at the onlookers. "Let’s go. Why is everyone just standing here?"
As she turned away, Madam Jiang shook her head. This woman was truly too clever for her own good, believing she had executed everything flawlessly, leaving no evidence for others to seize. But the more she schemed, the less Lord Zhou could tolerate it.
If she had merely been foolish, there might still have been hope for her. But to be so shrewd and calculating—especially when her schemes targeted the Zhou family, his own daughter—was unforgivable. Even if he didn’t particularly favor Second Miss Zhou, he would never allow anyone to stir up trouble.
Moreover, this involved his eldest daughter’s marriage negotiations with the Prime Minister’s family. How could he let anyone disrupt that? Not even Aunt—no, not even the Old Madam—would be permitted to interfere. Aunt had only thought of her own daughter’s future, failing to consider that Lord Zhou cared just as much about his daughter’s prospects—and his own.
Madam Jiang would wager that Aunt would never set foot in Bianjing again. Pitifully, the woman probably didn’t even realize it, still thinking she could simply write a letter to the Old Madam and coax her way back with a few sweet words.
