After leaving the Zhou Family residence, Jin Niang didn’t head straight to the Daxiangguo Temple. Instead, she asked Kuang San'er to take her to the Jiaozi exchange shop. Currently, the standard denominations for Jiaozi notes were five and ten guan, with a handling fee of thirty wen per guan. The notes were replaced every two years, which meant they’d be renewed just in time for her return to Jiangling.
It was a necessary inconvenience. If she’d been at home, no one would willingly exchange for Jiaozi—not only were the fees steep, but the notes became unstable whenever the court went to war.
When she stepped out of the exchange shop, the wooden box she carried was now empty, her twenty guan converted into two slips of paper. Still, it spared her the worry of theft, and the thought lifted her spirits. Si'er gazed at Jin Niang with admiration—being literate was truly advantageous. Not only could Jin Niang earn extra income by embroidering Buddhist scriptures, but she could also save money. Si'er, on the other hand, lacked such skills.
With her money safely exchanged, Jin Niang hurried to Daxiangguo Temple to purchase rubbings before making her way to the Brocade Pavilion for inspiration.
The Brocade Pavilion was nothing like the grand, opulent establishment she had imagined. In fact, it was even smaller than the Shu Embroidery Workshop where she had once worked. Yet, upon entering, she found it organized entirely differently—divided into sections, with the front area dedicated to works labeled "Handmade by Madame Rong," likely all crafted by the same artisan.
Madame Rong specialized in floral and avian embroidery, but her use of colors was so refined and her needlework so exquisite that Jin Niang couldn’t help but feel inferior. Nearby, a double-sided embroidery of a beautiful woman further showcased her mastery.
As Jin Niang wandered through the pavilion, she noticed something telling—the most esteemed artisans here were those capable of embroidering large folding screens. She had inquired earlier and learned that a single screen could fetch over a thousand guan. However, these masters had started small, gradually earning patrons’ recognition before ascending to such prestigious work. Talent alone wasn’t enough; luck played a role too.
"This peony blossom is embroidered so beautifully," Jin Niang couldn’t help but exclaim.
Si'er nodded in agreement. "Yes, and that other piece—what was it called?—was also stunning."
Jin Niang smiled. "That was the 'Mountain Partridge and Thorny Birds' embroidery, done on tea-colored silk. It has a classical elegance to it."
After their brief tour, Jin Niang also learned about the Brocade Pavilion’s business model. Unlike the Shu Embroidery Workshop, which paid a fixed rate regardless of output, the Brocade Pavilion operated on a consignment basis—artisans brought their works to sell, and the pavilion took a fifty percent cut. However, the pavilion had a wealth of high-end clientele, meaning pieces displayed there had a far better chance of catching a buyer’s eye.
No wonder Madam Chen, despite her years of experience at the Shu Embroidery Workshop, had only earned three to five guan a month. The Zhou Family’s offer of ten guan was enough to make artisans leave their hometowns without hesitation.
Lost in thought, Jin Niang was startled by Kuang San'er’s impatient call from outside. She and Si'er quickly departed.
Back at the Zhou residence, Jin Niang first went to the storeroom to request tea-colored silk. She marked grids on the fabric before approaching Madam Chen for black and gold threads—black for the text, gold for the character "Buddha."
Embroidering scriptures was no simple task, but for now, it was all she could manage. The Buddhist figures she had seen at the Brocade Pavilion today employed techniques like flat embroidery, seed stitch, gold imprinting, and gold foil appliqué—grand masterpieces far beyond her current skill.
While Jin Niang worked on the scriptures, the two scholars lodging with the Zhou Family took the provincial exams—and both failed. Scholar Dou, who studied at the Nanjing Imperial Academy, would return there to continue his studies. Meanwhile, Third Young Master He was recommended by Lord Zhou to enroll in the Bianjing Imperial Academy.
For every disappointed scholar, there was a triumphant one. The most celebrated was the Provincial Exam’s top scorer—a handsome young man of exceptional talent and, most importantly, still unmarried.
Of course, he wasn’t the only eligible bachelor. Several other young scholars had also passed, and with the Song Dynasty’s tradition of "catching a son-in-law under the rankings," many families were already preparing to make their moves.
Lord Zhou planned to take his daughters on an outing, hoping to secure an imperial scholar as a son-in-law. With four daughters, the odds were in his favor. Madam Jiang, however, was unconcerned—her eldest daughter had already secretly exchanged birth charts with the prime minister’s family, a match far superior to any impoverished scholar. Her second daughter would follow suit once arrangements were finalized. She hadn’t informed the girls yet, believing parental authority in marriage matters was only natural.
As for Third Miss, Madam Jiang summoned Madam Lü and instructed, "Though Third Miss isn’t my own, I wish for her success in this matter. I have some fashionable fabrics—have our household embroiderers or outside artisans make her something striking."
Her two eldest daughters, born of her own womb, were already set for illustrious futures. Third Miss, though of Madam Lü’s line, was still under her care. Marrying an imperial scholar would benefit both the Zhou Family and Madam Lü.
Years ago, Madam Jiang had acted out of jealousy and social pressure, forcing Madam Lü into the household. If her daughter could wed a scholar, it would be a worthy repayment.
Madam Lü was overjoyed. "This humble one thanks Madam for your consideration."
Her daughter would soon turn twelve. Securing a match now would spare future worries. The high-born Madam Jiang might disdain scholars of humble origins, but for her daughter, marrying one would be infinitely better than wedding some minor noble’s illegitimate son.
Her world was small—just herself and her daughter.
While the adults plotted their futures, the young ladies remained largely unaware. Eldest Miss, ever poised, wondered if her father’s plan to introduce them to the new scholars was for matchmaking. Regardless, an outing called for a new dress.
She summoned Chun Lan. "Take this bolt of emerald-green silk to Jin Niang and have her make me a gown. And give her two strings of cash as well."
Before she could finish, Second Miss Zhou entered. "Elder Sister, you’re far too generous. Rewarding servants so lavishly only encourages greed. They’re our family’s servants—doing work is their duty. Why reward them beyond their wages?"
In Second Miss Zhou’s eyes, assigning tasks was honor enough. Rewards only bred corruption.
Eldest Miss knew her sister had been spoiled by their mother. Arguing would only invite complaints, so she merely said, "I’m not as bold as you, Younger Sister. While you’re not wrong, our household has its customs."
Unfazed, Second Miss Zhou changed the subject. "Elder Sister, our future sister-in-law will arrive next month. Her father has just been promoted to Vice Minister of Justice. Though her status is high, I heard from our maternal relatives that she was raised like a son—her temperament is rather…"
If even Second Miss Zhou found her too strong-willed, Eldest Miss had reason for concern. Her brother was equally headstrong—he had topped last year’s provincial exams in Kaifeng, which was why the Zhang Family had agreed to marry their daughter to him. The dowry list had already been presented: thirty thousand guan.
When Lady Zhang entered the household, she was expected to take on the role of the matriarch. The Zhou Family had divided their property among the branches but remained undivided as a household. The Eldest Miss had grown up watching her mother tirelessly manage affairs, and she wondered whether this new sister-in-law would be up to the task.
However, to Second Miss Zhou, she said, "Hearsay is unreliable—seeing is believing. Our sister-in-law comes from a respectable family; she may not be as the rumors claim."
"True. Eldest Sister, I must take my leave now. Grandmother assigned me to copy scriptures, and I haven’t finished yet," Second Miss Zhou suddenly remembered.
Recalling that the old madame had indeed assigned the task the previous day, the Eldest Miss quickly replied, "Then you should hurry along."
Yet, no sooner had Second Miss Zhou left her sister’s quarters than she instructed her maid, "Go and have Jin Niang from the sewing room make a new outfit for me. Oh, and that pair of jade pendants I received from a cousin at my maternal grandmother’s house—take them and give them away as a reward. They’re hideous."
The maid hesitated. "Second Miss, are you referring to the jade pendants?"
Second Miss Zhou covered her mouth with a laugh. "Yes, the ones they claimed were from Yu Xuange. What a joke—passing off inferior goods as fine jewelry."
The maid stifled a chuckle and went to fetch them.
Meanwhile, Third Miss, who had always been on good terms with Jin Niang—even being the only one to send gifts on her birthday—now learned of this from Madam Lü. The mother and daughter decided to seek Jin Niang’s help as well.
Madam Lü reasoned, "Though there are fine establishments like Brocade Pavilion and Beauty House outside, hiring outsiders would draw too much attention. Others might not matter, but if Fourth Miss Zhou’s mother, Madam Miao, catches wind of it and whispers in Lord Zhou’s ear, we’d be in trouble."
The children of the poor worry about food and warmth, while the children of the rich fret over their futures.
Madam Lü feared Madam Miao might discover their plans, unaware that Madam Miao, now recovered from childbirth, had already reclaimed Lord Zhou’s favor and was well-informed of such matters.
When she mentioned this to her daughter, however, the girl reacted strongly.
"Mother, I’m still so young!" Fourth Miss Zhou protested. At her age, in the modern era, she’d barely have graduated elementary school.
Madam Miao sighed. "My dear, I know you’re well-read and far wiser than I, but who knows what the next three years may bring? Securing a betrothal now and marrying later would make you an official’s wife—what could be better?"
Fourth Miss Zhou remained unconvinced. Even in ancient times, she believed marriage discussions should wait until after her coming-of-age ceremony.
But Madam Miao had her own perspective. "Your second sister-in-law will soon join the household, and once she bears children, what will be left for you, the youngest?"
"Mother, perhaps by then Father will have been promoted. Wouldn’t that improve my prospects?" Fourth Miss Zhou countered.
Madam Miao shook her head. "Promotions don’t come easily. Remember, what’s in hand is real—long-term dreams are beyond our reach."
Unable to sway her mother, Fourth Miss Zhou decided to call in the many favors she had granted Jin Niang and have her make a new outfit.
By sheer coincidence, the maids of all four young ladies arrived at the sewing room at the same time. Si'er and Little He, carrying washbasins, quickly set them down and greeted the senior maids.
"Sisters, what brings you to the sewing room?" Si'er asked.
"I’m here for Jin Niang—"
"Is Jin Niang available?"
"Second Miss sent me to find her!"
"I was just saying—"
To everyone’s surprise, they had all come for Jin Niang. Si'er was stunned, and the four senior maids exchanged bewildered glances.
Jin Niang, who had woken up with her nose painfully dry from sleeping under the covers to avoid the cold, hadn’t even eaten breakfast when she overheard the commotion. She never imagined she’d become so sought-after. Money was tempting, but one had to live long enough to spend it.
With such tight deadlines—and a scripture embroidery due in three days—she could barely manage one outfit, let alone four.
Helping one and refusing the others would only earn her enemies.
Her only escape was an excuse. She was almost grateful for Second Young Master’s assignment, so when the maids entered, she yawned and placed the tracing paper on her embroidery frame.
Chun Lan, the Eldest Miss’s head maid and familiar with Jin Niang, smiled. "Apologies for the trouble, but Eldest Miss requests you make an outfit for her within the next few days."
Chun Lan had struck first, leaving the other maids no opening.
But Jin Niang replied, "Sister Chun Lan, I’m afraid Second Young Master has tasked me with embroidering a Buddhist scripture. Even working quickly, I won’t be free for ten days."
"Can’t you spare some time? You’ve always worked fast," Chun Lan pressed, thinking Jin Niang ungrateful despite the Eldest Miss’s frequent rewards.
Jin Niang knew Madam Chen’s request was unofficial and optional, so she redirected the blame. "But scripture embroidery is different—one mistake ruins the entire silk. Perhaps Eldest Miss could ask Second Young Master to extend the deadline? Otherwise, I dare not rush it."
To her surprise, Chun Lan simply smiled. "Understood. I won’t trouble you further."
With Chun Lan gone, the other maids hurried back to report.
Fang Qiaolian fretted for Jin Niang. "They’ll think you’re using Second Miss’s name to refuse them. You’ll pay for this."
Qin Shuang'er secretly gloated. Though Jin Niang’s skill had always outshone the others, now it had landed her in trouble—served her right.
Jin Niang sighed. "Either way, I’d offend someone. One person can’t embroider scriptures and make four outfits in three days."
"We’re treated like cattle," Fang Qiaolian lamented.
Jin Niang thought to herself—weren’t they always? Among employers, the Zhou Family was relatively fair, but the system itself was oppressive. Kind masters still upheld it. Unlike modern times, where one could quit, refuse unpaid work, or seek legal protection, here they had no rights.
At least in the Song Dynasty, maids like them could become commoners after their service, their children eligible for the imperial exams—unlike the "low-status" registries of other dynasties.
Meanwhile, Chun Lan reported back. The Eldest Miss frowned. "You mean even Second Sister’s maid went?"
"Yes, and Third Miss and Fourth Miss Zhou’s maids too. It seems they all had the same idea," Chun Lan confirmed.
The Eldest Miss smiled: "No need to make things difficult for Jin Niang openly. Go to her privately tonight and tell her I greatly admire her craftsmanship."
Chun Lan understood the implied meaning.
Unfortunately, by noon, Jin Niang had already received a plate of roasted goose and shrimp delivered by Dan Ruo, Third Miss's maid. She quickly said, "Sister Dan Ruo, I already have enough dishes here."
Dan Ruo smiled, "It's nothing. Third Miss is just showing her care for you."
Jin Niang returned the smile, "Does Third Miss need something from me? If it's within my ability, I'll certainly help."
Seeing how accommodating Jin Niang was, Dan Ruo said, "Our Miss would like you to make a dress for her."
In truth, Jin Niang already knew. She pointed at her embroidery frame, "I still have seven days left on this scripture embroidery. If Third Miss doesn’t mind waiting, I can start afterward."
"That won’t do! Our Miss needs it urgently," Dan Ruo immediately protested.
Jin Niang neither agreed nor refused outright. Instead, she suggested, "If it's urgent, I recommend going to Brocade Pavilion for ready-made dresses by Madame Rong or Madam Song. If the fit isn’t right, I can adjust them. Right now, I truly don’t have the time—I wouldn’t dare delay Third Miss’s important matters."
Simply refusing wouldn’t work; she had to offer a practical solution.
Dan Ruo sighed in relief and hurried back to report. Madam Lü found Jin Niang’s suggestion acceptable: "Brocade Pavilion is a good option. We’ve often worn their dresses before."
"Indeed. Jin Niang mentioned Madame Rong’s designs are elegant and delicate, while Madam Song’s are intricate and luxurious. If embroidery isn’t needed, she recommended Master Mo, who specializes in brocade and gold-threaded fabrics," Dan Ruo added.
Madam Lü knew her daughter was beautiful and thought a refined, scholarly style would suit her best.
Since Third Miss and Madam Lü were reasonable, Jin Niang felt slightly relieved.
Meanwhile, Second Miss Zhou was fuming: "These people are like lapdogs, fawning over my brother as if his affairs were heaven’s decree. No matter what, make her work for me!"
Her maid wore a bitter expression but remained silent.
As for Fourth Miss Zhou, she sympathized with Jin Niang. In this patriarchal society, men like Second Young Master naturally took precedence. Besides, with four Misses to serve, refusing any one of them would cause offense.
So she told Xiangyuan, "Tell Jin Niang I understand her predicament. She can make my dress another time—no need to pressure her."
Xiangyuan relayed the message, and Jin Niang was deeply moved: "Fourth Miss is so considerate. I don’t even know how to express my gratitude."
"Fourth Miss often reminds us to put ourselves in others’ shoes—that’s just how she is," Xiangyuan added, boosting her mistress’s image.
Jin Niang, however, grew wary. "Putting oneself in others’ shoes" wasn’t a phrase from the Northern Song Dynasty. Could Fourth Miss be a time traveler? She kept this suspicion to herself, praising Fourth Miss warmly until Xiangyuan left.
Alone, Jin Niang exhaled, feeling lighter—but also reminding herself not to slip up.
They say fellow countrymen weep upon meeting, but sometimes, they stab each other in the back instead.
Taking a deep breath, Jin Niang picked up her needle again. Oddly, she was used to working efficiently, but now she had to drag her feet. If she pleased one Miss, she’d displease another, instantly becoming a target.
Late at night, the embroidery room was still busy. Jin Niang yawned, "I should rest early—my eyes are red."
Before she could finish, Chun Lan arrived. Jin Niang dreaded encounters with the two legitimate Misses the most. Though Eldest Miss appeared gentle, her dealings revealed a calculating, unsympathetic nature.
Chun Lan took Jin Niang’s hand, "Eldest Miss has always favored you. I suspect she plans to take you as part of her dowry."
"If Eldest Miss asks for you, Madam Jiang will surely agree. Others in the embroidery room are clamoring for her attention, but she only values you."
Had Jin Niang been naive, she might’ve been flattered. But she saw through Eldest Miss’s "favor"—it was just another form of pressure.
Pretending gratitude, Jin Niang replied, "Sister Chun Lan, you honor me. Eldest Miss’s regard moves me deeply, but my family expects me home after my service ends. I dare not hope for such an honor. I know why you’re here—we’re both servants bound by duty. If I were working on Eldest Miss’s order, I wouldn’t abandon it for others, just as I refused other requests while embroidering her pearl gown."
She knew Eldest Miss wouldn’t openly defy Second Young Master. His embroidered scriptures were for his mentor’s wife—a matter tied to his future.
Chun Lan left displeased, thinking, How dare a lowly embroiderer act so proud!
---
The next morning, the Misses gathered to greet Madam Jiang, who gestured to fine fabrics on the table. "Help me choose patterns suitable for a dignified lady."
Eldest Miss tilted her head, "Mother, who are these for?"
"Madame Zhang, your brother’s mentor’s wife," Madam Jiang replied.
Eldest Miss’s eyelid twitched. "This peony-patterned azure brocade is lovely."
Madam Jiang smiled, "Shishi has excellent taste. Your brother passed the provincial exams thanks to Mr. Zhang’s guidance. In three years, he’ll attempt the imperial exams—we mustn’t slight the Zhang family."
The Misses were puzzled, but Madam Jiang had her reasons. The previous night, Jin Niang had privately informed her about embroidering scriptures for Second Young Master—a gift crucial for his mentor’s wife. She needed to focus entirely, yet the Misses also demanded dresses. Jin Niang had come seeking her decision.
In Madam Jiang's eyes, while she doted on her daughters, her son's future was of utmost importance. She didn't press the Third Miss or Fourth Miss Zhou, and though Second Miss Zhou had thrown a tantrum, no one was sent after her. The Eldest Miss, being Cunzhi's own sister, had deliberately instructed the seamstresses at night to abandon her brother's work and focus solely on hers.
Thus, Madam Jiang turned to the girls and asked, "I've already ordered the sewing room to embroider Buddhist scriptures for your brother. Do you think Madame Zhang will approve?"
The Eldest Miss and Second Miss Zhou exchanged uneasy glances.
...
Si'er came running in from outside and, seeing Jin Niang still bent over her needlework, immediately leaned in to whisper in her ear.
Upon hearing that both the Eldest Miss and Second Miss Zhou had been confined to copying Buddhist scriptures for the old matriarch, Jin Niang curled her lips into a smile—the final hurdle had been cleared. But then a pang of sorrow struck her. She had gambled on Madam Jiang prioritizing her son's future, yet she hadn't expected her to go this far.
Still, Si'er voiced her concern: "But once you finish embroidering the scriptures, won't they find some way to retaliate?"
Jin Niang shook her head. "No, because the Second Young Madam is about to enter the household."
The dynamics of the Zhou Family were about to shift!
