When Jin Niang received the message, she paused for a moment before handing a handful of loose coins to the errand boy. She also had Ying pack some pastries for him, then went to deliver the news to Luo Yu'e.
"They’ve asked both you and me to go for a chat," Jin Niang said.
Luo Yu'e let out a soft "Ah," then hesitated. "I don’t know much about etiquette. Won’t I embarrass you?"
Jin Niang laughed. "You’ve got me, haven’t you? Besides, we still have half a month to prepare. Honestly, we don’t have any demands for the Zhou family. When you don’t seek favors from others, you hold the upper hand."
Only those angling for official positions or harboring ulterior motives would tiptoe around, afraid of making mistakes.
This year marked their first New Year in the new house. Luo Yu'e and Juxiang prepared the dishes while Chen Xiaolang helped. Jin Niang, meanwhile, began sewing clothes for the mother and daughter.
Ying remarked, "Miss, why not take a few days to relax?"
"Aren’t I relaxing already? Today I slept till the sun was high, and now I’m just doing some needlework," Jin Niang replied, thinking that sewing for oneself felt different from sewing for others.
Then she added, "If you’re not in the mood for needlework, go help them with the New Year’s feast."
Ying, who was never one to sit still, immediately headed to the kitchen. Jin Niang nodded to herself—the girl had a good sense of propriety and wasn’t the type to slack off.
At noon, everyone gathered around the same table, disregarding the usual master-servant distinctions. After the meal, they all bathed and washed their hair, truly embodying the spirit of "out with the old, in with the new."
On New Year’s Day, Ying, Juxiang, and Chen Xiaolang kowtowed to Jin Niang, who rewarded each with a red envelope containing sixty-six copper coins, a box of osmanthus cakes, and gifts—red hair ribbons for the girls and a headscarf for Chen Xiaolang.
Luo Yu'e also gave each of them a pair of silk shoes worth forty coins and a pair of straw sandals.
The whole family set out to enjoy the festivities. The streets—Maxing Street, Panlou Street, the roads outside Songmen Gate in the east and Liangmen Gate in the west—were lined with colorful tents housing stalls selling treasures, jewelry, hair ornaments, clothes, and flowers.
"When we’re tired from walking, we’ll stop at a nearby restaurant for a meal—my treat," Jin Niang said with a smile.
Everyone clapped in delight.
Thinking of their upcoming visit to the Zhou family, Luo Yu'e picked out two pairs of silk flowers. Jin Niang, however, spent a whole string of coins on a gilded hairpin adorned with tiny pearls and a pair of silver earrings with delicate leaf designs. After the purchase, she winced at the expense.
It wasn’t that she didn’t adore such fine accessories—what girl didn’t? But with debts still unpaid and her goal of saving a thousand strings of coins far off, splurging too much truly pained her.
Ying and Juxiang were both excited, though the two didn’t get along well. Ying was clever and quick-witted, occasionally lazy but never greedy—she wouldn’t take gold even if it were right in front of her. Juxiang, on the other hand, was a decent cook but slow-witted, though she bore hardships without complaint.
Jin Niang valued their strengths and intended to keep them both.
She made this clear at the table: "I’m telling you now so you won’t worry. After the New Year, I’ll have the matchmaker bring your contracts. From then on, we’ll be family."
Ying and the others were overjoyed. Both were bound by irrevocable contracts—meaning they were bound for life. Serving under a mistress like Jin Niang was far better than elsewhere.
Since joining the household, they’d dressed better, received care, worked without exhaustion, and enjoyed simple, honest relationships. It was a good life.
Still, Jin Niang had expectations: "Our house has few rules, but I want each of you to learn a new skill. Juxiang, master three signature dishes. Xiaolang, learn to identify different fabrics. Ying, practice hairstyling. If you do well, any tips from guests are yours to keep—I won’t take a share."
Without goals, people drift aimlessly. With them, there’s always something to strive for.
The three agreed cheerfully.
After returning home, Jin Niang rested on the couch. That evening, Ying kept her company while she sewed. "When making clothes, if you promise them in fifteen days, finish in seven or eight. That way, you’re never rushed. If something unexpected happens or you fall ill, you’ll have time to spare."
"Miss, if only we could strike it rich someday. Then you wouldn’t have to work so hard," Ying said, thinking of how Jin Niang toiled to earn money, support her, and even gifted her a ring earlier.
Jin Niang smiled. "Who doesn’t dream of wealth? But if someone without the means gets hold of a fortune, they’ll be devoured in no time."
After speaking, she reminded Ying again: "When we visit the Zhou residence for the Lantern Festival, there will be many noble ladies there. Pay attention to how they style their hair buns, remember that."
Ying patted her chest and quickly assured her she wouldn’t forget.
Apart from going out once on New Year’s Day, Jin Niang spent the rest of the days cutting fabric and embroidering. Once finished, she carefully ironed the pieces and hung them on a clothing rack to avoid creases.
By the seventh day of the lunar new year, Jin Niang had completed the garments. On the eighth day, when the shop reopened, she began embroidering fabric patches with various flowers—roses, peonies, and magnolias. For the roses, she referenced Huang Quan’s Butterflies and Roses Painting.
She was already very familiar with Huang Quan’s work—a glance was enough for her to start sketching. Fortunately, there weren’t many customers that day, allowing her to focus on her embroidery.
Ying sighed dramatically. "Miss, a few people came by earlier but just asked around and left."
"That’s normal. Not every household can afford new clothes every day. Even wealthy families only order a few pieces each season for a change." At the end of last month, Jin Niang had earned twenty-five strings of cash. Even if no one came before the Lantern Festival, she had already met her monthly goal. Besides, it was only the eighth day—there were still several days left before the festival.
Moreover, her shop specialized in embroidery, not tailoring. Many families with modest means preferred hiring tailors for their clothes. Her own parents had their garments made at the alley’s entrance for just two or three hundred coins per piece.
Ying picked up her own needle and thread. As Jin Niang’s personal maid, she was responsible for sewing her mistress’s socks, undergarments, and menstrual cloths. She knew that despite last month’s earnings, Jin Niang had spent over ten strings of cash to buy the three of them (herself, Ying, and Wei Xiong) and still had loan repayments to make, leaving little to spare.
So, she was anxious.
Fortunately, on the tenth day, a customer arrived requesting embroidered hems for two pleated skirts—one in grass green, the other pure white. Jin Niang let them choose from several floral patterns, charged two strings of cash, and agreed to rush the order.
Just as she finished sketching the designs, an elderly maidservant entered and asked if she embroidered "Hundred Sons" quilts. Jin Niang shook her head. "I mostly specialize in floral and avian motifs. You might want to ask elsewhere."
When the woman left, Luo Yu'e overheard and couldn’t help asking, "Why don’t you take that order?"
"Mother, every craft has its specialty. If I were skilled at embroidering figures, I would’ve chosen that path from the start. It’s better to excel in one field than to dabble in many." Jin Niang was self-aware. She didn’t possess any miraculous systems or golden fingers, nor was she a prodigy—just an ordinary person relying on intelligence and diligence.
Her reputation in floral embroidery wasn’t even established yet. If she ventured into unfamiliar territory, she might lose both.
Luo Yu'e thought it over and nodded. "Fair enough."
Now that the breakfast stall closed early, she often lingered in the shop. With household chores handled by others—laundry washed, meals cooked—her life had improved greatly. The frostbite on her hands, which used to plague her every winter, barely bothered her this year.
Soon, the Lantern Festival arrived. Jin Niang worked in the shop all morning before closing at noon to freshen up. She applied a light layer of powder, while Ying did her eyebrows—some people were simply born with certain talents, and Ying had a knack for cosmetics and hairstyling.
If Jin Niang did her own brows, they’d end up uneven or ill-suited to her face.
Her delicate features couldn’t carry bold makeup; a soft, elegant look suited her better, evoking tenderness. Since she was unmarried, her hair couldn’t be fully pinned up. Ying styled only the front into a bun, adorning it with a gilded comb and two blue silk flowers that matched her dress.
Standing before the mirror, Jin Niang admired her reflection—gentler and more refined—and was pleased.
After helping Jin Niang, Ying called Luo Yu'e over to style her hair. Luo Yu'e, who typically took an hour to change outfits before going out, had even more demands for the Zhou visit. She complained that Ying’s updo made her look old and that Jin Niang’s powder was too heavy.
"Mother, my rose powder costs five mace of silver per box!" Jin Niang retorted.
Luo Yu'e waved her off. "Never mind. I’ll stick to my eighty-coin rice powder. I can’t get used to your expensive things."
Jin Niang urged, "Hurry up. We should arrive before mealtime to pay our respects and leave. If we show up during dinner, they’ll think we’re here for a free meal."
Luo Yu'e quickly apologized. "Alright, alright, my dear. Just a moment longer."
Jin Niang and Ying exchanged an amused glance.
Finally, the mother and daughter set out. Wei Xiong drove them to Magpie Lane, where they disembarked. Ying steadied Jin Niang and asked, "Miss, which house is the Zhou residence?"
"All this land belongs to the Zhou family, with their three branches living close together." Jin Niang looked left and right, feeling as though she were revisiting a familiar place, though her mood was far lighter now.
The Zhou residence was as bustling as ever. Jin Niang turned to Ying and said, "Go ahead and hand the invitation to the gatekeeper first."
"Alright, but what if they ignore me?" Ying was a little intimidated by such an imposing household.
Jin Niang smiled. "Don’t worry. Just go up and speak to them first. If it doesn’t work, I’ll step in."
Ying nervously approached and presented the invitation. The gatekeeper asked them to wait a while. After some time, Xiang Ming finally emerged, greeting them warmly, "Sister Jin Niang, Madam Luo, apologies for the wait. Madam Jiang specifically asked us to escort you to the opera pavilion for a chat."
"The opera pavilion? Are there guests today?" Jin Niang asked.
Xiang Ming lowered her voice. "Yes, they’re here to meet Fourth Miss Zhou for a potential match. Madam Jiang’s maternal relatives, the old madam’s family, and even the married eldest daughter are all present. But don’t worry—the more people there are, the better it is for you."
Jin Niang was taken aback. What did the girl mean? Before she could press further, Xiang Ming grew tight-lipped.
As they walked, Jin Niang remained composed, while Luo Yu'e and Ying treaded carefully. Upon reaching the opera pavilion, they crossed a waterside pavilion to the opposite hall, where they waited outside again until Xiang Ming announced their arrival.
Inside, the air was thick with the scent of perfume and the glitter of jewels. Light laughter filled the room as the ladies exchanged pleasantries.
That day, Madam Jiang had gathered her two sisters-in-law. The midday guests had already left, and now only close relatives remained, chatting leisurely.
Hearing of Jin Niang’s arrival, Madam Jiang promptly invited them in.
Yet the moment Jin Niang stepped forward, Madam Jiang was stunned. Beautiful women were no rarity in their circles, but rarely did one carry such grace—her gentle smile and poised greeting were like a sudden bloom of pear blossoms in spring.
The transformation was so striking that Madam Jiang almost didn’t recognize her.
Madam Wu gestured for seats to be brought for Jin Niang and her mother. As they settled, she inquired about their experiences over the years. Jin Niang understood that gatherings like these thrived on lively conversation, and she was prepared to be the source of fresh anecdotes.
From her seat, Fourth Miss Zhou finally understood why Zhou Cunzhi had taken a liking to Jin Niang. She had always wondered, but now it was clear—Jin Niang was not only beautiful but also remarkably capable.
"...After leaving the Zhou residence, I tested into the Embroidery Academy. Later, I worked at a embroidery shop, which allowed me to save enough to buy some property..."
Jin Niang didn’t boast. In her eyes, she couldn’t compare to Feng Sheng’s wealth, let alone flaunt before the Zhou family.
Madam Wu, however, was eager to praise her. "I heard you bought land and a shopfront in Sweetwater Lane? Why haven’t you invited us over?"
"At first, funds were tight, so I only purchased a small plot. Later, I built a house and shop there, but the place is still modest. I only just opened for business, so I wanted to wait until things were more established before extending invitations. It was only by chance that Xiang Ming came for embroidery repairs, so I took the liberty of sending festival gifts. I’m grateful you didn’t turn them away." Jin Niang spoke humbly.
Xiang Ming chuckled. "Madam Wei is being too modest. When I visited her shop, I hardly dared step inside—three spacious storefronts, with a moon gate in the center offering a glimpse of the building behind. And she designed it all herself!"
Jin Niang waved her hand. "Xiang Ming exaggerates."
Madam Jiang smiled. "The butter pastry you sent was delicious—better than any I’ve had elsewhere."
Unbeknownst to her, the other ladies were silently astonished. When Madam Jiang passed around the handkerchiefs Jin Niang had gifted, their earlier suspicions about her wealth vanished—her embroidery skills were undeniable.
Even Luo Yu'e added, "The Embroidery Academy even offered her a position as an official embroiderer, with the chance to rise to head embroiderer. But she chose to return and start her own business out of filial duty."
Fourth Miss Zhou did the math—the shop, house, and land deeds must have cost at least two or three thousand taels. With her skills, she earned a steady income, putting her nearly on par with the wealth of a young lady like herself.
"I heard Madam Luo has a son?" Madam Jiang inquired.
Luo Yu'e smiled. "Yes, a younger son, ten years Jin Niang’s junior. He’s currently studying under Imperial Scholar Wu of the Hanlin Academy." She quickly credited Jin Niang for the arrangement.
Madam Wu perked up. "Imperial Scholar Wu? He’s actually a distant relative of my maternal family."
When she spoke these words, Madam Jiang and the other ladies present couldn’t help but admire Jin Niang a little more—after all, everyone appreciates someone with skill.
Moreover, she answered with such ease. When Madam Jiang asked, "I heard last year there was excessive rain in Jiangnan, leading to a shortage of silk," Jin Niang replied smoothly, "Indeed. That’s why Kaifeng Prefecture is preparing to sell stained Zhejiang silk this year to alleviate the shortage. The first-grade silk ranges from 1,200 to 1,400 coins per bolt, while patterned silk costs only 1,000 coins per bolt. I happen to know someone from the Brocade and Embroidery Bureau, so I managed to acquire a few bolts. The underrobe I’m wearing now was made from patterned silk bought in Kaifeng."
The ladies noticed the exquisite patterns on the underrobe beneath her outer garment and were surprised to learn its origin. Some of them even felt tempted.
Don’t assume the wealthy don’t love a bargain—often, the rich are even more eager to seize an advantage. Jin Niang’s mother had once mentioned how men dressed in fine brocade would haggle over the price of her family’s steamed buns, which cost mere pennies.
Glancing at the sun, Jin Niang smiled and said, "Ladies, the day is growing late. We’ve paid our respects and fulfilled our long-held wish, so we won’t disturb your enjoyment any further."
Originally a maid from the Zhou household, Jin Niang knew that drawing too much attention might not be wise.
Her presence had been but a brief interlude. Madam Jiang’s main purpose today was to discuss the marriage prospects of Fourth Miss Zhou. Though Han Xiao was a widower, he was only twenty-two and still highly sought-after—even a high-ranking minister wished to betroth his grandniece to him.
By inviting Jin Niang today, Madam Jiang aimed to demonstrate that a woman’s capability mattered more than anything. Fourth Miss Zhou, though born of a concubine, was filial and virtuous, and her brother was a twice-ranked imperial scholar. In contrast, the minister’s grandniece had neither parents nor brothers—how could she compare to the Zhou family?
Once Jin Niang and her mother had left, Madam Jiang remarked with a smile, "Truly, one cannot judge by appearances, nor measure the ocean with a pint. If this Miss Wei hadn’t spoken of her background, just sitting there, she seemed no less refined than any official’s wife."
Madam Wu chimed in, "Exactly! The only thing holding her back is her origins. The world is full of shallow people—if someone could recognize her worth without fixating on such things, she’d truly be blessed."
Unfortunately, Madam Han paid no heed to these words, but the others present took note.
Upon returning home, Jin Niang’s family was utterly exhausted. Luo Yu'e sighed, "I didn’t dare move a muscle the whole time. It’s so much more comfortable at home."
"Mother, I’m going to bed. I’m really tired," Jin Niang said, yawning.
Luo Yu'e nodded.
Conversing with these noblewomen was more draining than manual labor.
After the Lantern Festival, Jin Niang reopened her shop. No matter how business fared, she kept the store impeccably clean and diligently worked on her embroidery without slacking.
Meanwhile, Feng Sheng found himself forced into idleness. After the festival, when he returned to the medical hall, he realized he was being sidelined—important patients were now assigned to a renowned physician Chief Physician Zhao had brought from Huzhou. He was even informed that his contract was nearing its end and advised to seek another position.
"But Chief Physician Zhao used to have such a good relationship with us. He trusted you—why the sudden change?" Rongniang couldn’t understand.
Feng Sheng replied, "I thought treating that nobleman would elevate my status, but once the man recovered, he wanted nothing more to do with me. Chief Physician Zhao is shrewd—he wasted no time pushing me out."
Rongniang had no solution but to console him, "Then why not find another medical hall to practice? With your experience, it shouldn’t be difficult."
Feng Sheng shook his head. "Even if he wants me gone, I won’t leave so easily. I have leverage against him."
"What are you planning?" Rongniang was alarmed, fearing he might do something reckless.
Feng Sheng smirked. The next morning, disguised, he began secretly shadowing Chief Physician Zhao, leaving early and returning late until he uncovered a clue.
On the day his contract was terminated, Chief Physician Zhao feigned goodwill, saying, "May you soar to great heights."
"Thank you for your kindness. But take a look at this," Feng Sheng said, producing a slip of paper with the words "Wutong Lane" written on it. He crossed his arms, watching Chief Physician Zhao’s reaction.
The physician paled. Though he was terrified of his wife, she had borne him no children, so he had taken a mistress, hidden away in secrecy. He never imagined Feng Sheng would uncover this.
"What do you want?"
Feng Sheng smiled.
An hour later, he boarded a carriage, carrying a bundle. Opening it, he found a neat stack of banknotes totaling eight hundred strings of cash.
When he recounted this to Rongniang later, she felt uneasy. Something about Feng Sheng’s scheming unsettled her.
But Feng Sheng only laughed. "I’ve already found a new medical hall. The pay is over twenty strings a month, and I’ll be a resident physician from the start." He then proudly recounted how he’d discovered Chief Physician Zhao’s mistress and tracked her down, his words brimming with self-satisfaction.
By the end of February, Jin Niang learned of Feng Sheng’s change in employment. Though they were distant relatives, she had been wholly focused on her shop. Hearing of her brother-in-law’s maneuverings, she remarked, "He certainly has his methods."
However, Rongniang seemed somewhat displeased, though Jin Niang couldn’t quite discern the reason.
In the second month, Jin Niang earned a total of thirty-eight strings of cash, far exceeding her expectations. But six strings went toward repaying a loan, another string was set aside for monthly wages, and after taxes, she was left with just over twenty strings.
Fortunately, on the first day of the third month, Madam Wu patronized her business. Madam Wu’s maid, Lan Ruo, requested Jin Niang to make two sets of clothes for Brother Qin and deliver them. Since Lan Ruo hadn’t brought the measurements, Jin Niang would need to visit their residence.
On her way to see Madam Wu, Jin Niang unexpectedly encountered a young man—none other than Zhou Cunzhi. After attaining the rank of jinshi, he had been assigned to a provincial post for three years and had since risen from county magistrate to judicial officer. He was now visiting the second branch of the family for a banquet.
Though he carried an air of arrogance, he quickly averted his gaze upon seeing an unmarried woman. Yet, that fleeting glimpse left him struck by her beauty.
It was only when a servant from the second branch remarked, "That’s no stranger—it’s Miss Wei from the first branch’s needlework room. She’s opened her own shop now. Our second mistress remembers how she once saved Brother Qin and deliberately sends business her way," that he realized—it was that Jin Niang? Had she actually slimmed down after listening to his advice?
