On the third day, Madam Xu noticed that her sister-in-law had changed into another outfit—a silver-red satin bodice revealing a glimpse of fair skin, a white gauze skirt embroidered with crimson butterflies, and a thin silk robe that accentuated her elegance. She had even pinned a lavish butterfly ornament at her collar. Not only were her clothes exquisite, but her face also radiated joy.
Today, Madam Xu was to take her to meet the elders of the Jiang family and familiarize her with their households. After paying respects to Sixth Madam Jiang, they left directly.
Once they passed through the side gate, Madam Xu explained, "Following this path leads to the residence of the eldest uncle’s family. As the main branch of the clan, we often interact with them."
Jin Niang nodded.
Madam Xu observed her closely along the way. She noticed how Jin Niang carried herself with grace and composure when meeting the various relatives—neither overly talkative nor timid. No wonder her mother-in-law had chosen her.
"Now I understand why Mother-in-law passed over so many daughters of officials and picked you instead. Truly, there were daughters of a prefect, a deputy magistrate, even a wealthy pearl merchant—yet none met her standards."
This was hardly a compliment, more a condescending remark. Jin Niang had already inquired about Madam Xu’s background from Jiang Xian. Madam Xu’s father had died while serving as a minor official in Chuzhou when she was only ten. With six brothers and a struggling household, she and her mother had supported the family by spinning, weaving, and embroidering, all while crammed in a narrow alley.
Fortunately, she had an uncle—a jinshi who served as the prefect of Suining. During a return to the capital for official duties, he noticed his niece remained unmarried. Recalling that Master Jiang the Sixth had been close to his late brother, he met Jiang Yan and, impressed by his talents, arranged the marriage. He even offered to cover the dowry, given his niece’s impoverished circumstances.
At the time, Sixth Madam Jiang’s family was still well-off. Seeing Madam Xu’s dignified simplicity, her excellent calligraphy, and the scholarly reputation of her family, she agreed to the match.
Last year, Madam Xu’s uncle passed away.
Official circles were ruthless—once a person was gone, their influence faded. Her uncle had served outside the capital, and even his own children struggled to inherit his legacy, let alone her.
This wasn’t Jin Niang being judgmental, but rather adapting her approach to different people. Just as she wouldn’t hesitate to drive out Lady Gu, who often freeloaded clothes, or handle Miss Zhou the Second with subtle dominance, she wouldn’t let Madam Xu’s veiled mockery slide.
Feigning ignorance, Jin Niang replied, "Sister-in-law’s praise truly humbles me. You carry such noble bearing, unlike the rest of us. May I ask where your esteemed father currently serves?"
Madam Xu’s expression darkened. "My father passed over a decade ago."
Jin Niang hastily apologized, "How thoughtless of me to bring up such painful memories."
Yet, once back in the garden, she showed no real remorse—in fact, she was quite pleased. Ying, however, worried, "Madam Xu manages the household. What if she makes life difficult for you?"
"No need to fear. She disrespected me first—why should I spare her dignity?"
Madam Xu returned to her quarters fuming. She complained to Nanny Ge, "That Lady Wei has a sharp tongue and no respect for her elder."
Nanny Ge soothed, "Why trouble yourself with her? At the next family gathering, simply slight her a few times. Once she’s isolated, she’ll learn who truly holds power here."
Jin Niang remained unaware of this. Today, the Wei Family had sent gifts for the third-day ceremony—Juxiang had already reported the arrival of jewelry, embroidered silks, honey, steamed cakes, and goose eggs. She and Jiang Xian would soon visit her family.
For the homecoming, Jin Niang had prepared gifts: two bolts of embroidered silk, two handkerchiefs, a gold-wrapped silver hairpin, and a pair of lotus-patterned earrings for Luo Yu'e.
Luo Yu'e asked, "Where did these come from?"
"The silks were gifts from my in-laws for the new bride, and the jewelry from the Jiang elders—nothing too fine," Jin Niang replied with a smile.
Remembering how Rongniang had guarded her room on the wedding night, Jin Niang also gifted her a bolt of silk, two boxes of tea treats, and two roasted geese.
Rongniang demurred, "No need for such formality."
But Jin Niang insisted, "The closer the family, the more one mustn’t take kindness for granted. You watched over me that night—who else should I thank?"
This, of course, left Ying Niang seething.
Feng Sheng had sent an abundance of medicinal herbs, displaying unusual enthusiasm. Even Luo Yu'e remarked, "Your brother-in-law seems changed—he arrived early today to help."
"If so, that’s wonderful." Jin Niang refused to assume the worst. She hoped Rongniang could stand firm—if Feng Sheng treated her well, all the better. If not, she wished Rongniang could still hold her own.
After a brief meal at home, it was time to return. Luo Yu'e reminded her, "Don’t fret over us too much."
She only wanted her daughter to live the life a woman ought to.
After the homecoming, Jiang Xian spent his days studying, occasionally visiting Scholar Huang’s residence. Jin Niang busied herself making matching outfits for them—both in misty blue lotus-patterned silk, with collars embroidered with twin lotuses. Hers were in pink thread, his in dark green.
Xi Qiu later informed her, "Lady Peng of the main branch invited everyone to play chuiwan. Madam Xu went—odd that you weren’t included."
"Even if they had, I wouldn’t know how," Jin Niang admitted honestly.
Back in the Zhou household, she’d seen how minor officials’ wives were mocked, even their children bullied for their humble origins. Like in her past life, when her parents sent her to elite schools to build connections—but without shared status or mutual benefit, true equality was impossible.
One had to stand on their own merits. If Jiang Xian never passed the imperial exams, it’d be better to forsake hollow social pursuits and earn an honest living. Should he enter officialdom later, forging ties then would suffice.
Within seven days of returning, Jin Niang completed their outfits. When Jiang Xian tried his on, he was delighted.
"My embroidery workshop mostly serves women, so if anything’s amiss, you must tell me," she said, smoothing the fabric.
Though married barely ten days, Jiang Xian already reveled in the perks of having a wife—his favorite dishes appeared daily, clothes were pressed and perfumed, and nights were… harmonious.
She inquired after his moods, sewed for him, and even checked on his mother’s health. While he studied, she brewed tea or painted.
Jiang Xian naturally reciprocated the kindness by having the kitchen prepare chicken soup for Jin Niang. Pointing at his clothes with a smile, he added, "Nothing could fit more perfectly than this."
Jin Niang was delighted. She disliked men or women with overly stubborn personalities—like her mother, who would never use gifts given to her and rarely praised them, yet insisted others use her own belongings. She never graciously accepted goodwill or offered compliments in return.
This was also why Jin Niang preferred giving fabric to her family, letting her parents hire a tailor to make clothes themselves.
"I'm glad you like it," Jin Niang said with a smile.
Jiang Xian then mentioned that he would be visiting the Han family in the afternoon and told Jin Niang not to wait for him for dinner.
Jin Niang asked, "Is the Han family related to the Zhou family’s elderly madam?"
"Yes, they’re kin. Han Zineng recently married the granddaughter of Lord Zhaowen’s nephew. He previously served as a local official and now holds a position in the Jixian Academy. My elder brother and I will go to offer our congratulations," Jiang Xian explained.
Jin Niang nodded. "I see. Since you’ve just married, people might tease you, so don’t be stingy with your rewards. Also, shouldn’t you bring a gift? You can’t go empty-handed."
As a man, Jiang Xian hadn’t paid much attention to such matters—his mother usually handled them. So he asked, "What should I bring?"
"I know a Mrs. Huang whose family specializes in seasonal delicacies. I’ll have Young Master Chen fetch some for us," Jin Niang suggested.
An hour later, Young Master Chen spent two hundred coins to purchase a bunch of Taiyuan grapes and a few golden peaches from the Huang family, packed in a plum-red box. Jin Niang first removed the overripe grapes and lined the bottom with a neatly cut handkerchief.
Soon after, Jiang Xian and his elder brother Jiang Yan set out together. The contrast between the two brothers was striking.
Jiang Yan wore a plain blue robe, neat but visibly faded from multiple washes, unlike Jiang Xian’s pristine new attire. Jiang Xian also carried the gift box.
Jiang Yan chuckled. "Your sister-in-law asked me to bring a box of pastries for you to take along. I didn’t expect you’d already prepared something—was it your wife’s doing?"
"Indeed, my wife arranged it," Jiang Xian confirmed.
Jiang Yan patted his brother’s shoulder. "Now that you’re married, live well."
The brothers discussed scholarly matters in the carriage until they arrived at the Han residence. Han Xiao’s servant congratulated Jiang Xian at once. "Young Master Sixteenth, congratulations on your recent marriage!"
Jiang Xian tossed him two silver fish coins. "A reward for you."
The servant marveled at the lifelike fish and thanked him profusely.
Among the gathered friends, some brought fine wine from Shilou, others brought delicacies. Since this was merely a casual gathering rather than a formal occasion, no one brought overly extravagant gifts.
Yet Jiang Xian’s fresh fruits stole the show. One young noble at the table remarked, "These grapes are plump and firm, sweet and juicy—where did you manage to find such a fine bunch?"
Everyone knew Han Xiao usually had a poor appetite, but after tasting a few grapes, he seemed to regain it and even ate an extra bowl of rice.
Jiang Xian smiled proudly. "It wasn’t me—my wife prepared them."
The young nobles clamored to meet the new bride, and though Jiang Xian tried to decline, he eventually relented. After several rounds of drinks, the Jiang brothers took their leave.
Some who were envious of Jiang Xian’s moment in the spotlight muttered, "They say Jiang the Sixteenth’s bride is from a merchant family—wonder how he managed that."
But others laughed. "With a dowry of three thousand strings of cash, how many common families could match that?"
The young nobles’ gossip aside, Jiang Yan’s servant later recounted the scene to Madam Xu, who muttered disdainfully, "Merchant’s daughter."
Nanny Ge added, "Not even a major merchant—just a few shabby shops. People might pretend to flatter her, but who knows what they really think."
Madam Xu hushed her. "Keep your voice down—don’t let Eighth Young Master hear."
Only Sixth Madam Jiang was pleased when Jiang Xian recounted the events. "It seems your wife is thoughtful and attentive to you in all matters."
Jiang Xian smiled in agreement. "That’s what I think too."
Upon returning, he told Jin Niang that some friends wished to visit. She proposed, "How about we pay the kitchen to prepare their specialties? I’ll also have someone fetch fried quail from Zhou Bridge as an extra, and we still have Shilou’s fine wine at home. What do you think?"
"I leave it all to your arrangements," Jiang Xian said, fully trusting her.
Jin Niang took his hand and sat with him. "Since you’re studying and I have little to do during the day, I’d like to return to the embroidery shop in a few days. Don’t worry—I’ll be back by afternoon. This way, we’ll at least have some income."
Jiang Xian knew Jin Niang had always intended to continue her business even after marriage—his mother had agreed to it beforehand—so he raised no objections.
"But you’ll have to work so hard. It’s my fault for not being capable enough, forcing you to go out and earn," he said guiltily.
Jin Niang shook her head. "Earning with my own hands isn’t hardship. Sister-in-law also went to inspect the fields recently—it’s no different."
Still, Jiang Xian was reluctant to part with her. Since their wedding, the couple had rarely been apart.
Jin Niang smiled. "When you visit Scholar Huang at noon, if you don’t wish to return, you can dine at Sweetwater Lane. You know there are many new shops there now."
Jiang Xian’s eyes brightened.
However, Jin Niang added, "But I can’t bring this up with Mother myself."
Understanding her hint, Jiang Xian immediately said, "I’ll speak to Mother—I’ll make sure it’s settled for you."
"Then this humble lady will wait and see," Jin Niang teased, playfully bowing.
Her coy demeanor made Jiang Xian pull her into an embrace, whispering mischievous words in her ear that left Jin Niang flushed and struggling to push him away, recalling his sweet submission in bed.
The next morning, Jiang Xian approached Sixth Madam Jiang. "I study all day, and my wife has nothing to do at home. Why not let her return to the embroidery shop? It’ll keep her occupied, and I can focus on my studies."
"I did agree she could continue her business, so let her go," Sixth Madam Jiang conceded.
When Jin Niang heard the news, she arranged for Juxiang to stay with the Wei Family from then on, taking meals there. Juxiang was overjoyed—at the Jiang residence, the kitchen staff had their own routines, leaving her bored.
Young Master Chen and Ying would accompany Jin Niang, one driving the carriage and the other attending to her.
As for Minzhi and Xi Qiu, assigned by Jiang Xian to serve Jin Niang, she instructed them to focus on laundry, cleaning, and guarding the house.
"Madam, does this mean we don’t have to do any other chores?" they asked, somewhat unused to the arrangement.
Jin Niang smiled and said, "Of course, if you do well, I’ll give you both year-end bonuses. When I’m not around, don’t let strangers enter my room or allow anyone to rummage through my things."
The two maids understood that Jin Niang still didn’t fully trust them, but as the mistress, she had the final say, so they could only agree.
Meanwhile, Sixth Madam Jiang, thinking Minzhi and Xi Qiu were too young, sent Nanny Luo—Jiang Xian’s former wet nurse—to help oversee the household. Jin Niang was deeply grateful and even rewarded Nanny Luo with a bolt of colorful silk.
Wet nurses often grew especially close to the children they raised, and Nanny Luo was no exception. Seeing Jin Niang’s outstanding character and beauty, she couldn’t help but adore her.
Jin Niang went to thank Sixth Madam Jiang: "This daughter-in-law is young and inexperienced. I’m truly grateful for your sending Nanny Luo to assist me."
Sixth Madam Jiang chuckled, "As long as you don’t mind my meddling."
"Not at all! Your concern is a blessing to me," Jin Niang replied without hesitation.
Sixth Madam Jiang nodded with a pleased smile.
With just three days left before the shop’s opening, Jin Niang first visited Donghua Gate to purchase various fabrics embroidered with the "Five Poisons" motif. By chance, she wandered into a shop selling silk dolls, where even the cheapest cost four strings of cash each. The dolls’ clothing was dazzlingly exquisite.
Ying whispered, "These dolls earn more than our embroidery shop."
"Indeed," Jin Niang agreed. She had bought silk dolls before, but only cheap ones from peddlers. The real ones were far more valuable.
What caught her eye, however, was the dolls’ outfits. If she could secure a contract to make them, it would mean a new stream of income. Excited by the idea, Jin Niang hurried back to her carriage, fetched her sketchbook of clothing designs, and approached the shopkeeper.
"Good sir, I’m the owner of the Wei Family Embroidery Shop. Might your establishment need custom-made outfits for these dolls? If so, I’d appreciate your consideration."
She handed over her sketchbook.
The shopkeeper flipped through the pages and explained, "These dolls’ clothes are all made by our master craftsmen as they shape the dolls, tailored to each figure."
Disappointed, Jin Niang smiled apologetically. "My mistake, then. I’m sorry to trouble you."
But then the shopkeeper added, "However, madam, would you be willing to sell these designs to our shop?"
Ah! A sudden turn of fortune.
Jin Niang eagerly nodded. "Absolutely!"
She hadn’t expected that selling design sketches could be so profitable. Her modest sketchbook, containing just over twenty drawings, fetched twenty-two strings of cash.
"Are you serious? You’re not deceiving me?" Jin Niang, accustomed to earning through hard labor, found such effortless income almost unreal.
The shopkeeper stroked his goatee, amused. "Madam, with a shop of this scale, how could we swindle anyone? Even scholars from the Hanlin Academy have sold us sketchbooks—some for two hundred strings!"
In other words, her earnings were modest by comparison.
Fair enough. Their cheapest doll cost four strings, while mid-range ones went for ten. Money was no issue for them.
After the transaction, Ying was overjoyed. Jin Niang celebrated by spending eighty coins on a jug of lamb’s milk wine at a tavern near Donghua Gate, along with seasonal fruits: Sichuan lychees at twelve coins per pound (she bought three pounds), premium Taihu oranges at fifteen coins per pound (two pounds), and a small plate of cherries for eighty coins, paired with sugar-steamed milk curds for twenty.
Upon returning home, she first sent a jug of the wine to Master Jiang the Sixth and Sixth Madam Jiang, followed by baskets of oranges and lychees, and a gilded porcelain plate of cherries.
She also delivered wine and fruits to Jiang Yan and Madam Xu.
The remaining lychees and oranges were sent to Jiang Xian’s study.
Ying reported to Sixth Madam Jiang: "Our mistress was selecting fabrics at Donghua Gate today when a nearby shopkeeper recognized her and insisted on buying her sketchbook, praising her designs. Though the sum wasn’t large, it was a happy occasion, so she bought wine and, knowing you love cherries, specially sent these for you."
Master Jiang the Sixth, a lover of lamb’s milk wine, could hardly wait. After Ying left, Sixth Madam Jiang chided gently, "Moderation, dear. At your age, you should drink less."
"But this wine is nourishing! What harm could a little do?"
"Fine, suit yourself." Once lively and restless, Sixth Madam Jiang now spent most days at home recuperating. The cherries and milk curds were a rare treat.
The couple appreciated Jin Niang’s thoughtfulness, but Madam Xu saw it as extravagance: "Such cheap trinkets, yet she expects gratitude. If this continues, I won’t be able to manage the household."
Jiang Yan remained silent.
The next day, when Sixth Madam Jiang suffered mild stomach upset, Madam Xu seized the chance to criticize: "Cold, raw foods shouldn’t be given to Mother so carelessly. Sister-in-law, I know you meant well, but some things aren’t suitable."
Before Jin Niang could respond, Sixth Madam Jiang interjected, "I’ve always eaten cherries without issue. It was the chilled wine that upset me. I’m much better now."
Madam Xu dared not press further, thinking resentfully, No wonder they say mothers-in-law play favorites. Now she’s doting on the daughter-in-law too.
With her mother-in-law defending her, Jin Niang saw no need to argue further and excused herself to prepare for Jiang Xian’s guests.
Jiang Xian’s two visitors were Zhang the Ninth (younger brother of the Zhang family) and Third Young Master Peng. The table was set with fresh fruits—pomegranates, oranges, pears, lychees—and dried delicacies like longan, candied pear, jujube rings, lotus seeds, apple slices, and steamed dates.
Two appetizers followed: fried quail and lamb tongue rolls.
The main dishes and soups need no elaboration.
Zhang the Ninth tasted the quail and remarked, "This is delicious! How is it prepared?"
"Not our kitchen’s work. My wife had it pre-ordered from a hidden alley shop," Jiang Xian answered proudly.
Zhang teased, "Married barely any time, and already wrapped around her finger!"
Third Young Master Peng joined in, "Exactly, Sixteenth Brother. Why not let us meet your bride?"
Jiang Xian hesitated—his wife was too beautiful and clever to share. But under their insistence, Jin Niang finally made an appearance.
She hadn’t deliberately dressed up, wearing only two pearl hairpins in her hair, but her natural grace was utterly captivating, and her manner was poised and graceful. After Zhang the Ninth and Third Young Master Peng each presented her with gifts, she finally took her leave. Zhang the Ninth then poured his heart out to Jiang Xian: "People gossip out there, but they’re just jealous of you. Take me, for example—my father-in-law was a Privy Councilor, but because of political differences, he was demoted and passed away last year. I didn’t benefit from his status at all. In fact, I’m afraid of retaliation from his political enemies, so I can’t even take up an official post now. I’m just idling at home."
Third Young Master Peng chimed in, "Exactly. Back then, my family arranged for me to marry my cousin, but her dowry was meager, and she wasn’t skilled at managing a household. After dividing the family assets, I only got three thousand strings of cash and two hundred acres of land. Once I bought a house, there was nothing left. Every festival, I’m filled with worry."
Since Zhang the Ninth had stood up for him before, the two had grown close. Though Third Young Master Peng was the legitimate son of his family, it had only been two or three years since the division of assets, and maintaining his previous lifestyle and social engagements had become increasingly difficult.
"Come, brothers, let’s drink to that," Jiang Xian said, realizing why his mother had taken a liking to his wife.
...
Jin Niang was examining the gifts prepared by Zhang the Ninth and Third Young Master Peng. Zhang the Ninth had given a pair of exquisite jade pendants carved with flowers and birds, while Peng the Seventh had presented a pair of hairpins adorned with a phoenix-and-dragon motif.
How lovely, she thought as she put them away.
She then remembered that the shop would reopen tomorrow—life was returning to normal after half a month of marriage.
Just as she was lost in thought, someone embraced her from behind, his hands already wandering. Jin Niang wrinkled her nose. "You reek of alcohol. Shouldn’t you go wash up first?"
"Let me hold you for a while longer," Jiang Xian murmured, watching her earlobes turn pink before lightly pinching them between his fingers.
Jin Niang shivered. "Don’t—"
Hearing the change in her voice, Jiang Xian smirked triumphantly. "Fine, I’ll go to the bathhouse. Wait for me."
But before leaving, he picked up the cup she had just drunk from and took a sip himself, giving her a meaningful look. Jin Niang nearly covered her face in embarrassment—he had done the same thing yesterday...
