"Eat your meal and don’t mind the commotion outside," Miao Xiaoniang said to her daughter, gesturing at the food before them.
The young ladies all lived together, and at this bustling hour, Fourth Miss Zhou naturally learned what had happened. She clicked her tongue and remarked, "Second Sister is really too much. Just because Wei Jinniang was too busy last time to make her clothes immediately, she had to go and humiliate her like this."
"Quiet," Miao Xiaoniang shot her daughter a warning glance.
Only after finishing the meal and dismissing the servants did she speak again. "That girl isn’t someone to be trifled with. Fainting right at Second Miss Zhou’s doorstep in front of everyone—what a spectacle. Now Second Miss Zhou’s reputation for mistreating servants is sealed, and she’s just gotten engaged too."
Fourth Miss Zhou suddenly realized—ah, yes. This was Wei Jinniang, the cunning strategist from the novel. She had almost forgotten, deceived by the girl’s sweet, dimpled appearance, her flawless diligence, and her seemingly meek nature. This one was no pushover.
But Fourth Miss Zhou didn’t understand. "How did you see through it so clearly, Xiaoniang?"
Miao Xiaoniang smiled faintly. "We’ve all been servants before. Masters punishing their subordinates is seen as natural, but servants are flesh and blood too. Though they’re often beaten into submission, that doesn’t mean anyone is born to be trampled upon."
Hearing this, Fourth Miss Zhou finally grasped why so many fans of The Strategy of the Second Wife adored this "black lotus." In this era, voicing such thoughts was truly rare.
As for Wei Jinniang—of course, her fainting had been an act. After pretending to be revived by someone pressing her philtrum, she openly rested, ignoring any calls to return to work.
Even Qin Shuang'er, though secretly gleeful, dared not show it. "How did Jinniang end up like this…?" she murmured instead.
"This is all my fault," Madam Chen lamented. "I knew Second Miss Zhou disliked her, yet I didn’t intervene. If anything serious happens to Jinniang, how will I face her mother?" Years ago, she had promised Jinniang’s mother to protect the girl from mistreatment. Who could have guessed Second Miss Zhou would be so tyrannical?
Fang Qiaolian, who was close to Jinniang, paled upon hearing from Si'er that her knees were bruised purple and her face drained of color. "This won’t spread outside, will it?"
Madam Chen scoffed. "If it does, it’ll be her own fault. At least we’re leaving next year."
Before she could finish, Lv Ying entered, and everyone fell silent, pretending to focus on their tasks. Lv Ying carried several boxes, smiling obsequiously. "First Lady sent these for Jinniang, saying she worked hard for Second Miss Zhou."
A bribe to keep her quiet, no doubt.
Jinniang woke to the chirping of sparrows in the morning. Having slept soundly without staying up late, she felt refreshed—until she tried to sit up, and the pain in her knees made her gasp.
"Ah—!"
"Jinniang, you’re awake! Perfect timing—I brought congee and kept it warm in the tea room. Let me fetch it for you." Si'er beamed at her.
At her voice, the rest of the sewing room rushed over. Jinniang had initially pretended to sleep, but exhaustion had overtaken her. She hadn’t expected First Lady to send gifts via Lv Ying.
Before she could inspect them, Lan Xue asked, "What exactly happened yesterday?"
Jinniang knew Lan Xue’s tea room was a hub of gossip. She wouldn’t let Second Miss Zhou off the hook just because of these gifts, but her words had to be flawless. "I’m just as puzzled," she sighed. "I didn’t say anything unusual—just took measurements and discussed fabrics. I even made sure to mention I’d work on Second Miss Zhou’s clothes in the afternoon and Eldest Miss’s wedding quilt at night, so she wouldn’t resent me for prioritizing Second Young Master’s Buddhist scriptures last time."
"No wonder. Mentioning Eldest Miss’s quilt must’ve struck a nerve," Lan Xue concluded.
Jinniang rubbed her knees. "But they’re full sisters, aren’t they?"
Fang Qiaolian snorted.
Madam Chen hushed them. "Enough. Gossiping about the masters is asking for trouble. Jinniang, next time Second Miss Zhou summons you, I’ll go in your place."
Qin Shuang'er appeared diligent but accomplished little; Fang Qiaolian did only the bare minimum. Jinniang, however, was the true backbone of their work—fast, skilled, and indispensable for finishing Eldest Miss’s dowry.
Moreover, though she’d angered Second Miss Zhou, she held favor with other masters, unlike the meek Shan Jie, who had compromised and left her allies wary of betrayal. Jinniang’s unintentional escalation had been a different approach altogether.
Though aggrieved, Jinniang nodded. Unity came first. "Thank you, Madam Chen." Then, addressing the room, "Let my mistake be a lesson—never mention Eldest Miss in front of Second Miss Zhou again."
The others exchanged uneasy glances. Lan Xue promptly relayed the news to her relatives—household servants spanning three branches. Zhen'er, whose mother was Sister-in-law Hu from the kitchens (another den of gossip), also visited. Within a day, rumors spread like wildfire: Second Miss Zhou loathed Eldest Miss.
This was precisely the outcome Jinniang wanted. Times changed, and power shifted. Today, she fought back with whispers; tomorrow, who knew what status she might hold?
Even Eldest Miss was taken aback. "The marriage wasn’t my doing. Why blame me? And to make such a scene—it’s clearly aimed at me."
Chun Lan said, "You’ve been more than accommodating. That silver-red fabric from the Wang family’s betrothal gifts was meant for you, yet you gave it to her."
"I know she’s bitter, but airing this publicly—what will outsiders think?" Eldest Miss fumed.
Meanwhile, Second Young Madam, who had witnessed the incident, now learned of Second Young Master’s involvement. She sent Cuixian—who had defected to her upon her arrival—to investigate. The maid reported everything in detail.
"The needlework room is run by Wei Jinniang. Don’t let her plump appearance fool you—her embroidery is exquisite, and both the First Lady and Second Madam adore having her make their clothes. Once, when the second young master’s bamboo-patterned robe was damaged, I searched everywhere for a seamstress to repair it, but no one had seen such intricate work before. In the end, it was Jinniang who fixed it. Later, when the second young master needed a sutra embroidered as a gift for Madam Zhang, only Jinniang had the skill for such delicate scripture. But while she was working on the sutra, time was tight, and she couldn’t spare a moment to help Second Miss Zhou with her embroidery. I heard Second Miss Zhou was furious about it." Cuixian revealed everything.
Second Young Madam tightened her grip on her handkerchief. "So that’s what happened. For someone her age, she’s terribly immature."
It wasn’t Cuixian’s place to judge Second Miss Zhou, so she simply stood with a polite smile. Second Young Madam praised her briefly before turning to her trusted maidservant. "Among the Zhou family’s daughters, the Eldest Miss is beyond reproach, Third Miss is refined and gentle, and Fourth Miss Zhou is meek and obedient. But Second Miss Zhou’s behavior is truly disgraceful."
In great households, disciplining servants was hardly uncommon. But first, Jinniang was no ordinary maid—she was a master of her craft, honest and hardworking. Second, there had been no just cause for the punishment.
At the very least, they should’ve fabricated a charge against her!
……
Amid the murmurs of the crowd, Jinniang quietly opened the gift box sent by Lv Ying. Inside were longans, jujubes from Jiangzhou, and five feet of silk fabric. Beneath the silk lay two banknotes—each worth ten strings of cash, totaling twenty strings, nearly half a year’s wages for her.
Jinniang tucked the notes away, realizing Madam Jiang must have known she often converted most of her earnings into banknotes for safekeeping. She had been probing her financial situation.
With a cold laugh, Jinniang massaged her bruised knees with medicinal oil.
Sure enough, word soon reached Madam Jiang that despite her pain, Jinniang had limped to her embroidery frame and continued working. Even Madam Chen praised her for her improving skill.
"She’s a sensible girl," Madam Jiang sighed.
Lv Ying added, "You’ve treated her well. With the Mid-Autumn Festival approaching, Second Miss Zhou has been taken to the Jiang family, so our household should have some peace for a while."
Madam Jiang nodded.
On the eve of the festival, Jinniang received a letter and gifts from her mother. Last year, her family’s meager offerings had drawn scorn from the other needlework maids. This year, however, two large bundles arrived.
Her mother had even arranged for someone to write a letter. Jinniang opened it first. Her mother wrote that her uncle, who had initially promised them a year’s management of his breakfast shop in exchange for their labor, had reneged after they worked tirelessly for a year. After a fierce argument, they secured the shop’s operation rights for another year and now had money to spare. She also mentioned trading a bolt of fine silk for two of coarser cloth and praised the warmth of the cotton jacket Jinniang had sent. The letter detailed every item she had included in the bundles.
The first bundle held Zhu Ju oranges, a specialty of Jiangling Prefecture and Jinniang’s childhood favorite, along with black dates—known as Persian dates—which Jinniang recognized from her past life. The second bundle contained several feet of Jiangling brocade.
Her mother had intended the fabric for Jinniang’s own wardrobe, but the elegant motifs of peaches, deer, and elephants made it perfect for wedding attire. Selecting a piece, Jinniang wrapped it in satin, added some oranges and dates, and headed to the main house.
Madam Jiang received her promptly. Jinniang feigned a slight limp as she entered, smiling. "My parents sent some gifts from home. Though humble, I thought they might bring you some joy. I wanted to offer them as thanks for your kindness."
"My elder sister often sent me Jiangling’s local delicacies when she lived there. Do you have any oranges? I prefer yours to Wenzhou’s." Relieved by Jinniang’s calm demeanor, Madam Jiang relaxed.
Jinniang smiled. "Yes, Zhu Ju oranges and loquats. And these Persian dates—I’ve heard they’re called ‘desert tonics,’ good for the lungs and digestion, even aiding childbirth and preventing chills. As for the Jiangling brocade, it may not be as famed as the silks from Liangzhe or Pingjiang, but it’s been used in weddings since the Spring and Autumn period. Even Emperor Suzong of Tang included it in his tribute gifts. I only hope it isn’t beneath your notice."
Madam Jiang examined the fabric and nodded approvingly. "No gift is too small when given with sincerity."
"I knew you wouldn’t disdain it. Second Miss Zhou punished me, and I admit I was resentful. But remembering your past kindness, I’ve set that aside." Jinniang voiced her grievance while assuring she bore no lasting grudge.
Had she claimed no resentment at all, she’d have seemed disingenuous.
Madam Jiang had intended to silence her with money, but Jinniang’s astuteness impressed her. If only she were a family servant—she’d make an ideal attendant for a daughter’s marriage, loyal and skilled, never growing arrogant no matter how favored.
But Jinniang was no orphan. Her shrewd parents kept in regular contact, making her impossible to control.
With a sigh, Madam Jiang smoothed the brocade. "You’re a good girl. This was all her fault—engaged to be married yet still so childish."
Jinniang feigned alarm. "Please, don’t say such things! I only hope Second Miss Zhou and I can reconcile without causing her distress."
"It’s good you think that way." Madam Jiang patted her hand.
Jinniang withdrew with a smile, her expression blank the moment she turned away.
For the Mid-Autumn Festival, Madam Chen treated the servants to a feast.
Jinniang’s knees had mostly healed, and the others insisted she rest. Fang Qiaolian sat beside her. "Jinniang, do you still resent Second Miss Zhou?"
"No. The First Lady was fair. Why hold a grudge?" Jinniang curved her lips slightly.
Fang Qiaolian smiled. "I’m glad you see it that way. I worried you might dwell on it. Let’s just work quietly until we return to Jiangling next year."
The two had been close since joining the needlework room. Fang Qiaolian had always thought Jinniang stubborn, so her quick forgiveness came as a relief.
Si’er nudged Jinniang. "Here, try these lamb rolls—your favorite."
"Ah, let me have a few." Jinniang laughed.
Lamb head skewers are not lamb kebabs. They are made by shredding lamb head meat, mixing it with egg whites to form a filling, wrapping it in lard to create thin cylindrical rolls, steaming them, then coating and frying until golden and crispy.
This was Wei Jinniang’s favorite. She ate three skewers and a bowl of lychee drink—her absolute favorite beverage in the Song Dynasty, which she believed was no less delightful than modern milk tea.
Madam Chen raised her cup. "We’ve all worked tirelessly these past months, and now the quilt covers are nearly finished. I must trouble you all a little longer."
The others raised their cups and drank heartily.
As for how the Zhou Family’s masters, mistresses, and young ladies celebrated the Mid-Autumn Festival, Wei Jinniang had been full of enthusiasm the first year, but now she couldn’t care less.
Only one person caught her attention. She quietly asked Si'er, "Have you been keeping an eye on Yan Hong as I asked?"
"Ever since she lost the child, she’s been listless and sickly. You told Sister-in-law Hu to send her nourishing soups, but she barely touches them." Si'er was young, but hearing such things weighed heavily on her heart.
Wei Jinniang sighed. "If I were her, I’d pick myself up and move on. In this life, one must live for oneself first."
Then she turned to Si'er again. "You’ve learned several stitching techniques now—making shoe uppers and sewing pouches. But embroidering full patterns is still beyond you. I don’t have much time these days, but tomorrow I’ll give you a new design to practice."
Si'er beamed. "Yes! I’ll study hard. But I’m so slow. Madam Chen says you mastered embroidery in just two years, yet after two years, I’ve only just learned to cut pouch patterns."
"If I hadn’t had a knack for it, I’d have taken up weaving instead. Don’t worry—we’re like sisters. I’ll teach you everything I know, even the cutting techniques I once paid a master to learn." Wei Jinniang patted Si'er’s head affectionately.
Shortly after Mid-Autumn, Second Young Madam Zhang announced her pregnancy. She had been married for only three months before people began whispering, and now, barely six months in, she was with child. The Zhou household buzzed with excitement.
"The Old Madam sent so many tonics to Second Young Madam’s courtyard that the maids could hardly carry them all."
"Indeed! Second Madam even sent some premium donkey-hide gelatin from Daming Prefecture."
Qin Shuang'er and Fang Qiaolian watched enviously, but Wei Jinniang only sighed. "The servants in Second Young Madam’s courtyard got double their usual rewards, while we got nothing."
She felt like a true wage-worker, concerned only with her pay and indifferent to everything else.
Fang Qiaolian chuckled. "You’re overthinking it. Be thankful we weren’t ordered to sew baby clothes and swaddling blankets!"
While the entire household rejoiced over Lady Zhang’s pregnancy, Miao Xiaoniang was in low spirits. She had borne the Elder Master Zhou a son and daughter, thinking Yan Hong’s fall from favor would elevate her son. But now, Second Young Madam’s pregnancy dashed her hopes.
So soon! How could it happen so soon?
She had believed that bearing one of the Elder Master’s only two sons would set her apart, yet nothing had changed.
Yan Hong had been easy to deal with, but Second Young Madam was another matter.
Lost in thought, she barely noticed when Fourth Miss Zhou entered. Forcing no smile, Miao Xiaoniang said flatly, "Your father knows nothing of the inner household. Last night, he wondered why Second Miss Zhou hadn’t returned for Mid-Autumn. Your needlework is still lacking. Take this shoe pattern and make a pair for him."
"Mother, I..." Fourth Miss Zhou had once thought sewing looked simple, but the reality was tedious—especially stitching soles, which required more strength than she had.
Besides, she despised her neglectful father, who pitted his women against each other while pretending to favor harmony. Those who pleased him received silks, silver, and better meals.
Miao Xiaoniang was a master at currying his favor, but Fourth Miss Zhou refused to play along.
Miao Xiaoniang glanced at her. "You should visit him more often. And though he enjoys poetry, he dislikes outward displays of talent. Learn from your eldest sister—her needlework is impeccable, and her demeanor is graceful."
Fourth Miss Zhou nodded absently.
Her mother didn’t yet know that Madam Jiang had secretly passed the family’s wealth to her own daughters, which was why she could speak so calmly.
After Second Young Madam’s pregnancy stabilized, everyone expected Cuixian to be promoted. Instead, Lady Zhang elevated her own maidservant. Wei Jinniang learned this while drinking spiced wine at Sister-in-law Hu’s place, where she was also delivering banquet dishes.
Sister-in-law Hu laughed. "You’re always busy in the embroidery workshop, so you wouldn’t know. Despite Second Young Madam’s kindness to Cuixian, she’s always been wary of her."
"Neither will fare well, I think." Wei Jinniang’s embroidery had sharpened her eye for people. The second young master was unlike his father—proud, brilliant, and naturally charismatic, but also a flirt. Lady Zhang, however, seemed a romantic at heart, making her maidservant’s promotion likely insincere.
Sister-in-law Hu handed her a lamb skewer. "That’s why I’d never let my Zhen'er serve the masters. If she can work in the embroidery workshop for a few years, then marry well, I’ll be content."
Wei Jinniang smiled. "That’s why I’m here to teach her. Here, Zhen'er, I’ve brought a new design—a hollyhock. Stitch vertically here, horizontally there, starting the needle from this point."
"Others’ instructions confuse me, but yours make sense. This hollyhock is lovely!" Zhen'er clutched the pattern like a treasure.
Returning to her quarters, Wei Jinniang resumed embroidering a new wedding quilt. After completing "Blooming Wealth" and "Mandarin Ducks in Love," she began her third—"Butterflies and Crabapple Blossoms," symbolizing longevity. The white satin backdrop would showcase the vibrant silk threads, with blossoms swaying in the spring breeze, petals tilting, leaves curling—each detail alive with clarity, like clear water or morning frost.
Two quilts had to be red; this one would stand apart.
After a full day’s work, Wei Jinniang finally finished sketching the design. As Si'er brought warm water for her feet, she picked up the drawing and sighed. "Sister, your art keeps getting better."
"I'm just getting the hang of it, but I'm still far from the skill of those embroidery masters," Wei Jinniang sighed, resting her chin in her hand.
Si'er widened her eyes in admiration. "But I still think it's wonderful!"
Looking at the adorably naive Si'er, Jinniang chuckled. "Alright, you should go wash up now."
Their lighthearted banter only fueled Qin Shuang'er's frustration as she worked late into the night embroidering the "Hundred Sons and Thousand Grandsons" quilt. Her design was particularly intricate, and having to stitch two identical ones left her aching all over.
So, she deliberately provoked, "Jinniang, I heard Second Miss Zhou will be returning from the Jiang Family soon. You’d better watch out—she might bully you again."
"What can I do? She’s the young mistress—whatever she says goes. At least Third Young Master He doesn’t know about it." Jinniang dried her feet and glanced toward Fang Qiaolian.
Si'er whispered, "Sister Jinniang, why are you looking at Sister Qiaolian?"
A sly smile curled on Jinniang’s lips. She knew Fang Qiaolian was a spy sent by the He Family—why else would she suddenly dress in fine new clothes the moment Third Young Master He arrived?
Hmph. Whether it’s your birth family or your marital family, I’ll block every path for you. If you resent it, blame yourself for humiliating me first.
