"Alright, a fox-fur sleeve, right? I’ve noted it down." Jin Niang made another entry in her ledger.
It was the last day of the eleventh month. This month, she had earned forty strings of cash. From the opening of her shop last December to now, nearly another December, she had earned a total of four hundred and fifty-eight strings. After repaying seventy-two strings for loans, setting aside one hundred strings for her dowry, and spending sixty strings on household expenses, servants' wages, and other necessities, she still had two hundred and twenty-six strings left. Combined with the hundred or so strings she had saved earlier, she now had over three hundred and twenty strings in total.
This meant she still needed to earn another hundred and eighty strings before her wedding—just four months away.
This hundred and eighty strings was both pressure and motivation.
That evening, Ying brought over a basin of warm water for her mistress to wash her feet and said, "Miss, have you heard? Granny Shen from the front alley froze to death."
"Granny Shen? The one who was exceptionally skilled at Suzhou embroidery?" Jin Niang vaguely recalled her, as someone had once whispered to her that it was Granny Shen who had reported her to the guild leader back then.
Ying nodded. "Yes, that’s her. She was so miserly—never lit a brazier, wore only threadbare padded jackets, even though she earned well. She wouldn’t even make herself a decent coat. They say she worked late into the night and just… never woke up after lying down."
Jin Niang sighed. Those draped in silks are never the ones who weave them.
"Never mind others. You all must take care to stay warm." She had given Ying and Juxiang some of her old padded jackets from her days in the Zhou household, fearing they might fall ill.
Ying smiled. "Don’t worry, miss. I haven’t even sneezed once this winter."
After washing up, Jin Niang carefully applied jasmine-scented ointment to her skin. Working by the charcoal brazier every day had left her skin dry, so she took great care to moisturize.
Ying poured out the water, and the two settled in to sleep. Unable to drift off, Ying spoke again, "Miss, if I may say so, none of your sisters or relatives seem reliable. Though your parents are kind, they likely can’t help much either. The Jiang family’s status is high, and with several brothers, there’ll be no end to expenses in the future..."
The words were spoken out of concern. Jin Niang smiled. "I know you mean well. I understand."
The next morning, as soon as she opened the shop, Mrs. Huang arrived, requesting a gold-trimmed collar for her long gown. Jin Niang examined it. "This is for a long overcoat, so the collar will need extra length. Six strings of cash."
"Six strings?" Mrs. Huang hesitated at the steep price.
Jin Niang explained, "We use genuine gold leaf, not cheap gold powder. Look—this was bought from the finest goldsmith’s lane." She showed her the gold leaf, and after some deliberation, Mrs. Huang agreed. Her husband had finally taken her out, and she wanted to look presentable.
"Very well. You may collect it in three days," Jin Niang said.
Mrs. Huang’s husband had started as a street vendor selling dried fruits but had worked his way up to owning a shop that always stocked the freshest goods. Jin Niang called after her, "Do you have any water chestnuts?"
Hearing a potential sale, Mrs. Huang brightened. "Yes, but they’re sixty coppers per box."
"Good. I’ll send someone to fetch them in a few days," Jin Niang replied.
Mrs. Huang teased, "Better hurry. These are in high demand!"
"Of course." Jin Niang glanced at Chen Xiaolang, who understood immediately.
Over the past year, he had grown adept at assisting his mistress, learning to read situations well. The Jiang family’s servants didn’t even receive monthly wages, yet Jin Niang still paid her staff three hundred coppers each—what more could they ask for?
The proprietors of the wool and silk thread shops had sent their New Year gifts early—a goose and two boxes of pastries each. In return, Jin Niang gifted them premium tea leaves, of which the Jiang family had sent plenty—more than she could ever consume.
Foreman Gong delivered three baskets of fresh fruit, a gift to all his clients. Jin Niang did not reciprocate this time.
On Laba Festival, Rongniang sent over medicinal herbs. Jin Niang instructed Chen Xiaolang to deliver a pot of Laba porridge in return, but he returned fuming.
"What’s wrong?" Jin Niang asked.
Chen Xiaolang said, "The Feng family gave others their Laba herbs in embroidered pouches tied with colorful silk cords—either ‘Four Golden Fish in Harmony’ or ‘Hundred Fortunes’ knots. But ours? Wrapped in plain straw paper!"
Ying was equally indignant. "They’re always looking down on us, acting as if they’re wealthier and wiser. And now we see how they treat others differently!"
---
At the Jiang Residence
Madam Xu reviewed this year’s rental income. Two hundred acres of land had yielded just over four hundred bushels of grain. Selling two hundred bushels brought in one hundred and seventy strings, while shop rentals contributed another hundred and eighty. In total, three hundred and fifty strings.
For an ordinary family, this would be substantial, but for the Jiangs, it was meager. There were debts for fine charcoal, meat, vegetables, firewood, and obligatory gifts to relatives and associates.
"This year, we’ve added the Wei Family from Sweetwater Lane. Send them the same gifts as my natal family, lest Mother-in-law accuse me of favoritism," Madam Xu said.
Her longtime maid, a quiet girl, and Nanny Ge, who had nursed her since infancy, stood by. Nanny Ge guarded Madam Xu’s interests fiercely. "That Madam Wei is just a merchant’s wife with a pretty face. At best, she’d be a concubine, yet here she is, acting as an equal. No wonder Tenth Young Master preferred being adopted out than returning home."
"Enough. That topic is forbidden. If overheard, it’ll be my fault for gossiping," Madam Xu chided.
Though she too found it improper, if Madam Wei was generous with her wealth, it might spare them future squabbles over trifles.
The Jiang family’s Laba porridge arrived shortly after. Jin Niang reciprocated with another pot of porridge and a box of pastries. Chen Xiaolang, following instructions, told the matron at the inner gate, "Our mistress says these pastries—filled with sesame, meat, and pickled greens—cut through the sweetness of the porridge."
Madam Xu, still tallying accounts, raised a brow at the swift return gift. "How efficient."
---
Half a month passed. Jin Niang completed all pending orders, earning twenty-five strings. After the fifteenth of the twelfth month, business slowed, allowing her to focus on finishing her wedding gown. She set Ying to work on shoe soles while she prepared red and silver-red uppers for new shoes.
Luo Yu'e, whose shop had also quieted down, asked Jin Niang about New Year gifts for the Jiangs.
"I’ve arranged everything. You should rest—it’s been a long year. See what Younger Brother Yang needs and get it for him. With my dowry still short, I can’t contribute to the household this time," Jin Niang replied.
"Don't bother with it. After all, we haven’t been able to help you much."
"Please don’t say that. You’ve already done your best for me."
In life, some people are unwilling to settle for mediocrity, but the burdens they bear should be their own to shoulder. Her family owes her nothing—in fact, they love her dearly.
The Jiang family’s New Year gifts included a pair of pork trotters, two fresh fish, two roasted ducks, and a jar of osmanthus wine. In return, Jin Niang sent a box of dried longan, two baskets of fresh fruit, two geese, a box of water chestnuts, a box of loquats, and a jar of Yuxian Lou’s fine liquor.
Naturally, these gifts were more thoughtful than those from Madam Xu’s brother. Sixth Madam Jiang had always loved water chestnuts—last time at Jin Niang’s home, she had even drunk two rare bowls of soup made from them. She remarked to Jiang Xian, "I wonder where that child managed to get these."
Jiang Xian shared her delight. "If Mother enjoys them, your son will find more for you."
"Don’t go out now—be careful of the snowstorm," Sixth Madam Jiang fretted over her youngest son.
Jiang Xian quickly reassured her, "Very well. I’ll stay and share more with you later."
As for the Zhou family’s festival gifts, Jiang Xian said, "Second Aunt disapproves of my marriage, but we can’t let things remain strained. When everyone gathers at the Zhou residence, if you’re treated coldly, it would be my fault for failing in filial duty."
Sixth Madam Jiang was deeply moved. "Don’t lower yourself. If she scowls at you, just come home."
"Your son understands," Jiang Xian replied with a smile.
When Jiang Xian arrived at the Zhou residence with gifts, Madam Jiang was still displeased but neither refused nor welcomed him outright. Meanwhile, Fourth Miss Zhou excused herself, claiming other matters required her attention—though inwardly, she was stunned.
Jiang Xian, despite his future as a notorious official with a grim fate, came from a respectable family. How could he marry a merchant’s daughter? Her second uncle even had a concubine who owned a silk shop, yet she remained a concubine.
What charm did this Wei Jin Niang possess?
After making Jiang Xian wait for the time it took to drink a cup of tea, Madam Jiang finally allowed him in. Upon entering, he said, "Aunt, I know you’re upset with me. I also understand the expectations you’ve placed on me—the deeper the love, the harsher the reproach. That’s why, despite my hesitation, I’ve come to see you."
His words softened Madam Jiang’s anger. She massaged her temples. "Sit down."
"Your nephew is here to heed your guidance. How dare I sit?" Jiang Xian gazed at her with remorse.
Her remaining resentment faded. "In my heart, I’ve treated you and Brother Fang equally—if anything, I’ve favored you more. Yet in marriage, you’ve settled for someone beneath you. You’re still young. In official circles, what bond is stronger than marriage ties?"
"You’re absolutely right," Jiang Xian agreed, well-versed in the art of persuasion—affirm first, then gently dissent. After nodding, he added, "But what’s done is done. Madam Wei is a woman of grace and wisdom. I cannot betray her."
Madam Jiang had no personal grievance against Jin Niang but feared Jiang Xian might suffer. "Merchant families are cunning. Not that cunning is bad, but our family is full of honest souls. I worry you’ll be taken advantage of."
"Every elder believes their own kin is blameless," Jiang Xian chuckled.
Madam Jiang sighed. "I fear future gatherings among you brothers will be awkward."
Jiang Xian grew solemn. "Second Brother has already been adopted into another branch—we live separate lives. Besides, since ancient times, a wife’s status rises with her husband’s. If I fail, I’ll naturally feel out of place. But if I succeed, she and I will earn respect. Though young, I understand the weight of a promise. If I abandoned Madam Wei for someone ‘better,’ you’d surely deem me unworthy of trust."
His sincerity dispelled her lingering frustration. She even smiled. "You truly are dependable. Very well. I’ve watched Jin Niang grow up. Have her come greet me for the New Year."
Xiang Ming, standing behind Madam Jiang, rejoiced silently for Jin Niang.
Jiang Xian rose and bowed deeply. "Thank you, Aunt. The gifts I brought earlier are for the household, but I’ve also brought two pots of weeping crabapple flowers especially for you."
Madam Jiang stood, and the aunt and nephew admired the flowers together. When Jiang Xian mentioned leaving, she insisted he stay for a meal. He obliged, and she ate an extra bowl.
Fourth Miss Zhou, well-versed in household affairs, soon learned of this. But she was astounded that someone like Jiang Xian would go to such lengths to smooth relations for his betrothed.
Jin Niang, unaware of these developments, was brainstorming ways to gather dowry funds. "After the twelfth month comes the New Year. Many will visit temples to fulfill vows—embroidering Buddhist scriptures could be profitable."
She’d heard of an elderly embroiderer in the embroidery lane who specialized in Guanyin portraits, with orders booked until next year. A single piece fetched thirty to fifty strings of cash. Once her own affairs settled, she planned to study the craft.
Such embroidered sutras and deities were highly sought after by noblewomen, whether as gifts or home decorations. This year, with its hardships, made the venture even more opportune.
Fortunately, she had rubbings for reference. Life’s experiences accumulated—this time, she could even include Taoist scriptures. Previously, Jin Niang rose at dawn and rarely stayed up late. Now, she pushed herself relentlessly.
Effort must be hidden beneath effortless grace.
By day, she embroidered the cuffs and collars of cotton-padded jackets. By night, candlelight illuminated her sutra work. Ying yawned nearby, but Jin Niang urged, "Go to bed. I’ll retire by midnight."
"But Miss, what about your wedding shoes? Will they be ready in time?" Ying fretted.
Jin Niang smiled. "The wedding isn’t until the end of the third month next year. I’ve already finished most of them. Right now, earning money is the priority."
By New Year’s Eve, she’d completed an embroidered sutra scroll. Business had boomed—she’d earned forty-three strings of cash, and the sutra, originally displayed for potential buyers in the first month, sold instantly for ten strings.
This month’s earnings far exceeded expectations. Jin Niang told Chen Xiao Lang, "Let’s keep the shop open throughout the first month. No breaks—we’ll work as usual."
Chen Xiao Lang, still a youth, groaned and retreated to the backyard, where Ying scolded him. "Think of yourself less and our Miss more! If she can’t gather enough dowry, won’t we all face scorn in her new household? Besides, you just run errands. You’ve got the easiest job, yet you’re still paid every month."
Chen Xiao Lang fell silent at once.
Nowadays, the roads are filled with people suffering or dying from the cold. Though the Wei Family isn’t particularly wealthy, they provide three full meals a day and even distribute monthly allowances.
After a scolding, Ying offered a conciliatory gesture: "Besides, once the young mistress is married, the household will surely close for a few days. We’ll have plenty of time to rest then."
"Yes, Sister Ying," replied Young Master Chen.
On New Year’s Day, business was slow, but Jin Niang found solace in staying in the embroidery room. Though there were no customers, she designed a new floral pattern for the pleated skirt’s hem. This time, she chose a satin fabric in a color adorned with peony and crabapple motifs, symbolizing wealth and prosperity. She embroidered a "full pond of blossoms" design along the hem, adding a vibrant touch of vitality.
The only annoyance was her mother constantly sending over food—sugar-roasted chestnuts, osmanthus cakes, and fried meatballs piled high on the table. Jin Niang had no choice but to call Ying in and say, "Take these to the front hall. I can’t eat them right now."
Spring
By the third day of the new year, business remained sluggish. While Jin Niang wasn’t worried, her mother grew impatient.
Jin Niang understood her mother’s intentions. For years, she had been mocked over her unmarried status. Now that she was betrothed to a talented and handsome man, her mother naturally wanted to flaunt it—otherwise, it’d be like "wearing fine clothes at night," unseen by others.
Jin Niang reasoned, "Mother, the hairpin ceremony already made them feel inferior. Overdoing it would only invite resentment."
If she told her mother to ignore others and focus on herself, it wouldn’t satisfy her. Luo Yu'e had spent most of her life being looked down upon or oppressed. So, Jin Niang phrased it this way to soothe her.
"Look at you now—your son attends the Deer Cry Academy, and your daughter is marrying into a scholarly family. Who wouldn’t envy you?"
Luo Yu'e thought it over and agreed. She could only visit Rongniang’s home with her husband and son. When Rongniang asked why Jin Niang hadn’t come, Luo Yu'e replied, "She’s already engaged. It’s improper for her to go out now."
"That’s true," Rongniang said, eyeing the gifts they brought—just a chicken and a basket of fruit. She now judged people’s attitudes by their presents and felt the second branch of the family didn’t take them seriously.
Luo Yu'e, on the other hand, thought, The pastries you sent last time gave me stomachaches all night. A roast chicken is more than you deserve.
Noticing Brother Guan still coughing, she asked, "Why isn’t he better yet?"
Rongniang sighed in frustration. She was exhausted—Feng Sheng placed all the blame on her for the child’s illness, and no one questioned why Feng Sheng himself hadn’t done more.
But she wouldn’t show her displeasure to elders, merely responding with a faint "Mm."
Meanwhile, Ying Niang’s mother-in-law asked, "Has your daughter’s wedding date been set?"
"Yes, the twenty-eighth of March this year. You must come," Luo Yu'e said eagerly, always happy to discuss her daughter’s marriage.
Mrs. An, who had come with her sons to visit relatives, loved such topics at her age. She asked further, "I missed the hairpin ceremony half a year ago. I heard the groom’s family is quite prominent?"
Luo Yu'e replied, "Their ancestors were officials, but now they’re just respectable. What matters is that my son-in-law is handsome and well-spoken." She nearly continued praising him but remembered Jin Niang’s advice and held back.
While her mother restrained herself, Xiang Ming eagerly recounted how Jiang Xian had personally spoken to Madam Jiang on Jin Niang’s behalf. "This year, both the eldest master and the second young master of the Jiang family have been assigned posts outside the capital, so the household is quiet. Madam Wu wants you to visit—probably to reward you with gifts. But really, it’s all thanks to the Sixteenth Young Master."
"I recall the Sixteenth Young Master isn’t Madam Wu’s blood nephew. Why does she favor him so much?" Jin Niang asked, puzzled.
Xiang Ming shook her head. "I don’t know. I was just a third-tier maid before—sometimes I couldn’t even enter the inner rooms."
Jin Niang smiled. "Alright, I’ll freshen up and go with you."
As Ying helped her dress, Jin Niang reflected on how Jiang Xian had personally intervened with Madam Jiang. Without Xiang Ming’s closeness to her, she might never have known. Regardless, a man who took initiative to solve problems was commendable.
As for love, she had never dwelled on it. Rather than seeking someone who treated her well, she preferred someone inherently good.
Her swift betrothal to the Jiang family was due to their sincerity—they openly disclosed their family circumstances to her mother. Whether Jiang Xian’s affection was genuine or not, he was undeniably talented, handsome, and articulate. The entire betrothal process had been flawless, unlike other families who quarreled over dowries.
Though Jiang Xian was a few years younger, he had left a deep impression on her since childhood. Clever people like him were easier to deal with—they understood mutual interests. Take mother-in-law conflicts, for example: if the son mediated well, there’d be no issues; if he stayed passive, tensions would worsen.
She had initially worried about facing Madam Jiang after marriage, but now an opportunity had arisen.
She brought two fashionable fabrics and boxes of dried longan and red dates from Qu Fengxia, privately gifting Xiang Ming a newly made peony-patterned jacket in water-red silk. The appliqué embroidery made it look luxurious, and Xiang Ming was delighted.
Ying sweetly called her "Sister Xiang Ming," saying, "Our young mistress always says I’m clumsy with needlework—not as clever as you were back then."
Xiang Ming laughed. "If you could learn even a fraction of Sister Jin Niang’s skills, you’d benefit greatly."
Once ready, they first paid respects to Madam Jiang. Seeing Jin Niang in her lilac jacket, pleated skirt, and velvet hairpins—fresh and charming—Madam Jiang understood why Jiang Xian favored her.
"Rise. Who would’ve thought we’d meet again under such circumstances?" Madam Jiang said with a smile.
Jin Niang feigned shyness, and Madam Jiang, noticing her discomfort, added, "I hear your wedding date is set. We’ll see each other more often after that."
"Indeed," Jin Niang replied politely.
Madam Jiang said no more, presenting her with a pair of silver moth hairpins. Jin Niang curtsied in thanks. Just then, Madam Wu’s servant arrived to summon her, and Madam Jiang let her go.
Watching Jin Niang leave, Madam Jiang narrowed her eyes. If she couldn’t persuade Jiang Xian, she’d target Jin Niang instead. Otherwise, her own daughter would end up as sisters-in-law with Jin Niang—an embarrassment the Zhou family couldn’t afford.
After meeting with Madam Wu, Jin Niang received a dressing case as a gift from her. The two conversed for quite some time before Jin Niang finally took her leave. As she passed by the rockery near the second household, she overheard two servants whispering about something, their words laced with veiled and vulgar implications about Jiang Xian. Jin Niang paused to listen for a moment before pulling Ying away.
On their way back, Ying couldn’t help but ask, “Miss, what does ‘the delight of Longyang’ mean? Why would they speak of the young master like that? Does he... have such preferences?”
Jin Niang curled her lips slightly. “Of course not.”
“How can you be so sure?” Ying pressed, confused.
Jin Niang replied with absolute certainty, “I just know he doesn’t. These are nothing but malicious rumors. You’re old enough now—when you hear such improper talk, keep your mouth shut and pretend you know nothing. Understand?”
Ying scratched her head. “Understood, Miss.”
