At the front, the young ones were discussing matters, while the adults in the back were engaged in lively conversations, each laying out their family’s offerings.
Sixth Madam Jiang spoke frankly, "I’m a straightforward person. The mansion in Nanxunfang will naturally go to our eldest son, but rest assured, Madam Luo—we also have a shop at Jinliang Bridge, with whitewashed walls and five rooms in total, plus a storeroom in the back. It’s currently leased to a tea merchant, bringing in fifteen strings of cash a month. On top of that, I’ll give them a hundred acres of paddy fields from my dowry."
Luo Yu'e responded in kind, "Since you’ve been so open, I won’t hold back either. We also own a house near Zhouqiao, currently rented out. That property will be part of my daughter’s dowry. And as you’ve seen, our residence in Tianshui Alley—every deed was purchased by my daughter herself. Moreover, with her embroidery skills, she earns anywhere from one to two hundred strings of cash a year, sometimes even three to four hundred."
The two women exchanged a knowing smile. Only then did Luo Yu'e sense genuine sincerity—those truly intent on forming a marriage alliance would always deal in good faith.
Hearing Luo Yu'e’s words, Sixth Madam Jiang grew even more pleased. It was often said that embroiderers relied on their youth, yet even so, this young woman had already amassed considerable wealth. Three to four hundred strings a year meant she could accumulate a thousand in just three years.
She clasped Luo Yu'e’s hand and added, "When my eldest son married, I sold a shop to give his bride a betrothal gift of five hundred strings. I’ll do the same for my younger son’s bride."
This satisfied Luo Yu'e. Five hundred strings was no small sum, and what mattered more was that Sixth Madam Jiang showed no favoritism between her sons.
At the gates of Renwang Temple, Jin Niang followed the adults in paying respects to the Buddha. At each shrine, she had Ying retrieve the coin purse and toss a handful into the donation box. Sixth Madam Jiang noted to herself that Madam Wei must be even wealthier than her mother let on—she simply didn’t flaunt it.
They stayed for a vegetarian lunch at the temple, where Jin Niang finally tasted the dried bamboo shoot stir-fry Jiang Xian had mentioned—it was delicious, and she ended up eating an extra half bowl of rice.
Given the separation of men and women, Jiang Xian naturally stayed in the front section of the temple, so the two didn’t meet again before parting ways.
The moment Jin Niang returned home, she hurried to her embroidery room. Young Master Chen had already noted down the day’s orders: a collar piece with bamboo leaves, a pair of shoe covers, and a set of pouches.
The collar piece fetched six hundred coins, the shoe covers three hundred, and the pouches sixty—altogether nearly a thousand coins.
As she began cutting the fabric, Luo Yu'e entered with a teasing glint in her eye. "Well, Jin Niang, what did you think? That Jiang Shiliu seems quite the catch—handsome and well-mannered."
"Mother, he’s three years younger than me," Jin Niang pointed out.
Luo Yu'e waved her hand. "They say a woman three years older brings fortune like gold. Besides, his age is just right."
"Just right for what?" Jin Niang didn’t understand.
Luo Yu'e hesitated to explain. Traditionally, a younger man made it easier for a woman to conceive. Her daughter, who often stayed up late embroidering, had poor blood circulation. Though she’d grown more beautiful after slimming down, her hair had also thinned. A youthful husband might help replenish her vitality.
Changing the subject, she recounted Sixth Madam Jiang’s family assets. "Their family was once quite prosperous. When they divided the estate, they got a three-courtyard mansion with a garden, a smaller two-courtyard house, two shops, and five hundred acres of land. But after marrying off their daughter—selling the smaller house and giving three hundred acres as dowry—and then selling a shop for their eldest son’s wedding, their wealth dwindled."
Jin Niang understood that the "poverty" of the rich differed from that of the poor. For the wealthy, it meant fewer luxuries like fine flowers, tea, or antiques—not hunger or cold.
When Luo Yu'e mentioned what Jiang Xian might inherit if the family divided their assets, Jin Niang was surprised. "Sixth Madam Jiang is being remarkably candid."
"Indeed," Luo Yu'e agreed. "Such honesty is rare, so I reciprocated in kind."
"Mother, why did you exaggerate my earnings?" While she could make around three hundred strings a year at her current rate, it wasn’t guaranteed.
Luo Yu'e chuckled. "It’s about raising your value. We’re already being honest—you should hear how matchmakers inflate others’ worth to the heavens."
Meanwhile, Sixth Madam Jiang was confident in her plans. Over a private meal with Sixth Master Jiang, she recounted the day’s events. "She also has a younger brother studying under Scholar Wu. Attendant Wu praised him as diligent and pure-hearted—not a genius, but a promising scholar."
Sixth Master Jiang patted her back. "Don’t overexert yourself. If you’ve decided, we’ll send the betrothal letter soon. This marriage should happen quickly to quell the gossip."
Relieved by her husband’s calmer tone, Sixth Madam Jiang sighed. Her eldest son, Brother Yan, and Jiang Xian had always been close, yet rumors had twisted their bond into something sordid. Even her distant cousin, Chief Minister Liu, had believed the lies.
She picked at her food, finding it bland. The table held only one meat dish. "My daughter-in-law manages the household well, but she’s turned our meals stricter than temple fare."
Her eldest daughter-in-law was dutiful—attending to her husband, bearing children, and observing all rituals—but her relentless push for advancement was a common trait among officials’ daughters fearful of social decline.
Sixth Madam Jiang discreetly used her private funds to order two meat dishes for Jiang Xian.
In the sweltering heat of July, the Jianyang gauze Jin Niang had bought earlier proved invaluable. At a cost of eight hundred coins per bolt, she made six sheer gowns or skirts. The orders poured in after clients saw her modeling the pieces.
The Jiang family had already sent a matchmaker with the betrothal letter. Jin Niang listed her dowry items meticulously—after all, in the Northern Song, a woman’s dowry remained her separate property, untouched even in divorce or widowhood. She saw no reason to hold back.
Although there was no dowry land, the dowry list included a residence in Zhouqiao Liren Lane (also known as the Foul Water Alley), another in the northern part of Xiangguo Temple’s Xiaotianshui Lane, three shopfronts, five hundred strings of silver for the dowry, twelve bolts of silk and satin, various pieces of jewelry, a mother-of-pearl inlaid bed with four posts, several round-backed chairs and embroidered stools, four quilt covers with motifs like "Flourishing Wealth" and "Joy on the Brows," and naturally, items like door curtains, bed canopies, embroidered clothing and shoes, and porcelain wares that need no further elaboration.
She herself planned to set aside a hundred strings of silver specifically for her dowry items. Her parents had added twenty strings for her—though they weren’t stretching beyond their means, they still ensured she had everything necessary.
Most of the dowry could be handmade through embroidery, saving a considerable sum. Moreover, she didn’t need to make the designs overly intricate. Previously, she had spent two or three months embroidering a wedding quilt for Eldest Miss Zhou, but now, for her own, she opted for simpler patterns, allowing her to complete all the embroidery within half a year.
Thus, her days were spent working on embroidery commissions at the shop, while her evenings were dedicated to her own dowry pieces.
Just then, Jiang Shiliu returned from outside. Jin Niang asked Ying to fetch a bowl of chilled mung bean soup from the back—it had been cooled in the well and was refreshingly cold.
After downing two bowls in one go, Jiang Shiliu finally relaxed and said, "Miss, I’ve been to Eldest Miss’s and Third Miss’s homes to inform them that the Jiang family will come tomorrow for the hairpin ceremony. They’ve both agreed to attend."
"Good, that’s settled then," Jin Niang replied.
They had already met beforehand, and the preliminary betrothal letters had been exchanged. Tomorrow’s visit was merely a formality. According to Bianjing customs, if the groom’s family approved of the bride, they would leave a golden hairpin; if not, they would leave a bolt of cloth.
Unbeknownst to her, Rongniang and Ying Niang had already gathered to discuss the matter. Ying Niang had gone straight to Rongniang’s place and asked, "Elder Sister, do you know which family Second Sister is betrothed to? When their servant came, I was busy at the medicine shop."
"It was just a pageboy who came, and he wasn’t very clear, but from the looks of it, the match seems decent. In any case, we’ll see for ourselves tomorrow," Rongniang said.
Ying Niang, being somewhat careless, usually only concerned herself with her own affairs. Seeing that she couldn’t get any more details, she soon left.
Jin Niang didn’t have many relatives, and since the family had already divided, no one could interfere with her household’s decisions. However, the Jiang family was in an uproar.
Upon hearing the news, Jiang Fang sought out Jiang Xian and said, "Next year, you’ll be taking the provincial exams. If you perform well, you could secure a much better match. How can you marry a merchant’s daughter?"
"Second Brother, marriage is a matter for our parents to decide. Besides, you know the family’s situation. Father and Mother are only thinking of my best interests," Jiang Xian replied calmly.
Jiang Fang lowered his voice. "Do you know she once served as a maid in the Zhou household? How can we possibly ally ourselves with such people?"
Jiang Xian took a deep breath. "I appreciate your concern, Second Brother, but she only worked at the Zhou family as an embroiderer. Later, she tested into the Imperial Embroidery Academy. In just a few years, she’s managed to buy property—that alone speaks to her capability. And let’s not forget, there’s no guarantee I’ll even pass the provincial exams."
"You—you’re still the same as ever. I truly thought you’d changed. Our parents have spoiled you rotten since childhood. Instead of pushing you to endure hardship and strive for scholarly honors, they’d rather marry you into wealth so you can live a leisurely life." Losing patience, Jiang Fang flicked his sleeves and turned to leave.
Jiang Xian’s expression darkened. "You’re the one twisting the truth. If you hadn’t insisted on being adopted out, Mother wouldn’t have fallen ill. That’s why they’re in such a hurry to arrange my marriage. If anyone hasn’t changed, it’s you."
The brothers stood at an impasse, neither willing to yield.
After parting ways with his second brother, Jiang Xian wandered aimlessly through the streets—until, without realizing it, he found himself in Xiaotianshui Lane. His attendant reminded him, "Sixteenth Young Master, this is our future mistress’s shop."
Jiang Xian hadn’t expected to end up here, but now that he was at her doorstep, it would be impolite not to enter. Lifting the hem of his robe, he ascended the steps. When he stepped inside, only the shop assistant was present. Just as he was about to speak, a maidservant emerged from the back and, upon seeing him, exclaimed in surprise, "What brings you here?"
Meanwhile, Ying hurried to inform Jin Niang of Jiang Xian’s arrival. Jin Niang said, "Go buy a few bowls of sweetened ice dumplings from the alley entrance. I’ll go out to meet him."
She didn’t know why Jiang Xian had come—was it to call off the engagement? Or did he have something to say?
Unfortunately, her parents had taken her younger brother to Luming Academy for his exams, leaving her to handle the situation alone. When Jin Niang appeared, Jiang Xian, who had been fidgeting nervously, suddenly grew calmer. He quickly rose to greet her. "Good day, Miss."
Jin Niang smiled. "In this sweltering heat, what brings you here? Do you have something to discuss?"
If it was bad news, she’d rather hear it sooner than later. But to her surprise, Jiang Xian scratched his head and finally displayed a hint of youthful awkwardness. "I... I just ended up here without realizing it."
"Since you’re here, would you like to look around the shop?" Jin Niang offered.
Jiang Xian glanced at the low couch and table to the east, the carved clothing rack on the right displaying several finished garments, and the shelves behind the counter stacked with bolts of fabric. He followed Jin Niang into the embroidery room, where she handed him her design portfolio while she continued her needlework.
Unbeknownst to her, Jiang Xian studied the portfolio with great interest. "The silk paintings outside—which art shop did you buy them from? They’re all very beautiful. You have excellent taste."
"I copied them from the works of a few flower-and-bird painting masters. But I’ll take that as a compliment," Jin Niang said with a laugh.
Jiang Xian observed her—today, she wore a gauzy dress, her hair adorned with a pair of pink silk flowers. She looked youthful and natural, without any affectation. Softening his voice, he added, "You’re so capable, Miss. Of course I’d praise you."
"Capable is an overstatement. I just put in a little more effort than others. I’ve asked for some iced treats to be brought over. If you can’t handle cold food, I can have Ying prepare tea instead," Jin Niang said, glancing at him.
Jiang Xian thought to himself how considerate Madam Wei was. Jin Niang, unaware of his thoughts, continued stitching until Ying returned with the chilled desserts served in lotus-patterned bowls—a detail Jin Niang noted approvingly.
After finishing a bowl, Jiang Xian felt much cooler. Looking around, he asked, "Though it’s only the beginning of summer, by the seventh month, the heat will be unbearable. Won’t it be too hot for you to embroider here?"
"Good, you still know how to care for yourself," Jin Niang replied. "When I was at the Embroidery Institute, it was fine, but now that I'm home, I’ve forgotten. I’ll go buy an icebox later and ask someone to inquire at the ice cellar in a few days."
Jiang Xian interjected, "Why buy one? I’ll just bring the one from my house."
Jin Niang quickly stopped him, "That wouldn’t be proper. Your family needs it for yourselves." She wasn’t even married into his household yet—how could she accept such a gift?
"Why are you being so distant with me?" Jiang Xian was clearly displeased by her refusal.
Jin Niang looked at him and said, "Please listen to me, my lord. This isn’t about distance. Without proper standing, wouldn’t it invite gossip? Knowing your kindness is more than enough for me."
Just as she finished speaking, Ying announced that a guest had arrived, and Jin Niang excused herself to attend to them.
Jiang Xian remained in the embroidery room, listening as Jin Niang greeted the customer outside. Her patience and attentiveness were evident, and her words were precise, each phrase carefully chosen.
"So you’d like a narrow-sleeved beizi, but you don’t want the shoulders too broad, correct? Then we’ll make this part more fitted, preferably with gauze."
After taking measurements, finalizing the design, and setting a deadline, the transaction was swiftly completed.
Jiang Xian wanted to stay longer and chat, but Jin Niang returned carrying a bolt of gauze, deftly cutting a length from it. He examined the subtle patterns on the fabric. "These colors resemble Tang tri-colored pottery, don’t they? So beautiful."
"Right? I bought this from a merchant in Shaanxi. The base is a soft green, with four small white flowers and yellow stamens scattered across it—truly lovely." Large fabric shops often carried similar designs, but unique pieces like this required a discerning eye to find.
Noticing Jiang Xian’s fascination, his eyes gleaming with admiration, Jin Niang, as a seasoned merchant, instantly recognized his desire—just like any other customer who admired her fabrics. "Do you like this gauze too? How about I make something for you as well? I’ll send it over when we formalize the betrothal."
Jiang Xian laughed. "If I refused, I’d be a hypocrite. Then don’t be distant with me either—I’ll bring the icebox tomorrow."
Jin Niang’s cheeks flushed slightly. "Very well."
Then she added, "You should leave now, lest people start gossiping."
"Of course." Knowing Jin Niang’s strict upbringing, Jiang Xian didn’t linger.
Though he had arrived in low spirits, Jiang Xian left the Wei embroidery shop in high spirits. His servant, Liu Dou'er, remarked, "Madam Wei is so kind—she even had someone buy ice for me to cool off. While I was resting under the corridor earlier, the kitchen across the way was simmering something incredibly fragrant."
Jiang Xian flicked the boy’s forehead. "Always thinking with your stomach."
Dou'er was young, plump, and fair-skinned, with no vices except his insatiable appetite. As master and servant walked out of the Wei residence, they spotted a Jiangnan tea shop at the end of Sweetwater Lane. Remembering how his sister-in-law now managed the household and served only light Fujian-style dishes, Jiang Xian couldn’t resist. "Let’s eat here."
He even ordered an extra dish—a Jiangling specialty, "Winter Melon and Turtle Skirt Soup."
After the meal, they packed several signature dishes from the Jiang family’s shop to deliver to his parents.
The next morning, Jin Niang rose early to dress and prepare. Feng Sheng and Rongniang arrived first, bringing along their sons, Brother Guan and Brother Yan. Luo Yu'e had Younger Brother Yang entertain his nephews while setting out snacks for everyone.
Rongniang admired the impeccably tidy courtyard, where bamboo curtains now draped the corridor and tables had been arranged. "Aunt, are you hosting guests in the corridor?"
"With the trees and flowers nearby, it’s shady and fragrant—perfect for a gathering," Luo Yu'e replied cheerfully.
Feng Sheng couldn’t help asking, "Which family has Jin Niang been promised to?"
Though Luo Yu'e usually enjoyed boasting, she was also wary of jinxing the match, so she simply said, "A Jiang family. Their ancestors held office, but they’re no longer as prominent. The young man is currently studying at home."
Feng Sheng gave a noncommittal "Hmm." Since switching to a smaller clinic, his workload had eased, but so had his income, tempering his former arrogance.
Luo Yu'e added, "Today’s feast is catered by a nearby restaurant. Our Juxiang can handle everyday meals, but grand dishes are beyond her. You must try their donkey meat—it’s excellent."
Rongniang went upstairs to see Jin Niang, who was already dressed but still embroidering. In the past, Rongniang might have scolded her, but now she felt a flicker of admiration.
Soon, Ying Niang and her husband arrived. Ying Niang, who had recently given birth, left childcare to her mother-in-law and An Ping, focusing solely on managing the pharmacy.
After visiting Jin Niang, the women returned downstairs to chat as other guests trickled in. Jin Niang remained absorbed in her sewing, stitching one side of the garment before trimming the threads and moving to the other.
Before long, Young Master Chen rushed in. "Madam, the Jiang family has arrived!"
The Jiangs came in full attendance—Sixth Master Jiang, Sixth Madam Jiang, their eldest son Jiang Yan, and his wife, Madam Xu. Wei Xiong and Luo Yu'e welcomed them inside.
Feng Sheng immediately recognized the Jiangs’ high status, especially when he spotted Jiang Xian—clearly a young noble. The Jiangs presented the betrothal letter, which Feng Sheng examined, noting the listed ancestors: a former Vice Grand Councilor posthumously honored as Minister of Revenue, followed by grandfather and father.
As pleasantries were exchanged, Feng Sheng eagerly inserted himself into the conversation, leaving Luo Yu'e and Rongniang astonished.
Then Scholar Wu and Old Madam Wu, the matchmakers, arrived. Attendant Wu, a painter from the Hanlin Academy, found common ground with Sixth Master Jiang and Jiang Xian’s elder brother.
During the conversation, Attendant Wu asked Wei Xiong, "How did it go yesterday, sending Younger Brother Yang to Luming Academy?"
"Thanks to your favor, he was admitted—and to the inner school, no less! In a few days, we’ll escort him there." Wei Xiong had grown more polished in his speech.
Feng Sheng was baffled. How had Wei Yang—a boy who only cared for toys and carpentry—become a Hanlin protégé and entered Luming Academy, second only to the prestigious Kaifeng Academy?
When had so much happened in the second branch of the family without his knowledge?
Sixth Master Jiang had initially felt somewhat reluctant to visit a merchant’s household, fearing it might be beneath his dignity. But upon hearing that the family had a scholar among them, he summoned Wei Yang for an audience. Wei Yang, with his refined and earnest demeanor, clearly bore the marks of a diligent and courteous scholar, which put Sixth Master Jiang’s mind at ease.
That day, the Jiang family brought a gift of "betrothal wine"—a carefully arranged offering. The wine bottles were wrapped in netting, adorned with eight large silk flowers, brightly colored raw silk, and eight silver decorative blossoms, all tied together with red silk ribbons on the carrying pole, a tradition known as "the red-draped pole." In return, the Wei family prepared two bottles of clear water, three or five live fish, and a pair of chopsticks, placing them into the wine bottles sent by the Jiang family—a custom called "returning the fish and chopsticks."
Once these rituals were completed, Sixth Madam Jiang personally went upstairs to see Jin Niang. The young woman immediately rose to greet her, but Sixth Madam Jiang stopped her with a gentle hand. "My dear child, I felt a connection between us the last time we met, and now fate has truly brought us together as family."
Jin Niang smiled demurely. "This humble girl never expected such an honor. I am young and inexperienced, and I hope for your guidance in the days to come."
Sixth Madam Jiang replied warmly, "I’ve already spoken with your mother about what needs to be said. Truthfully, as long as you children are happy, we parents will be content. Here, let me place this hairpin for you."
Jin Niang stood as Sixth Madam Jiang approached with a delicate golden phoenix hairpin, its twin prongs gleaming. She bowed her head slightly, allowing the older woman to secure it in her hair.
After exchanging a few more polite words, Sixth Madam Jiang prepared to leave. At the doorway, she turned back and added, "Jiang Shiliu has brought the ice-cooled cabinet today. Make sure it’s moved to your embroidery room—don’t let yourself suffer in the heat."
A faint blush rose to Jin Niang’s cheeks.
