Late at night, Jin Niang rinsed her mouth again and spat into the spittoon on the dressing table. Then, she wiped her face with a handkerchief before preparing to lie down. Seeing Jiang Xian enter with water, she quickly asked, "Would you like to use my tea to rinse your mouth?"
Jiang Xian smiled at her. "No need."
Jin Niang's cheeks flushed slightly as she patted the empty space beside her. "Come rest now. It's late—don't study anymore today."
"Mm, as my wife commands," Jiang Xian replied with a chuckle.
Though they had only been together for two months, Jin Niang found Jiang Xian exceptionally easy to get along with. As he lay down, she nestled into his arms. "We were so busy today, I don’t even know if I’ll be able to get up tomorrow. You must remember to wake me."
Jiang Xian gently stroked a strand of her hair. "What’s wrong with sleeping a little longer?"
"No, I can’t. I don’t want people saying the new bride is lazy," Jin Niang laughed, then added, "Blow out the lamp, will you?"
Jiang Xian nodded and was about to get out of bed when he suddenly remembered something. He lifted Jin Niang’s blanket and checked her knees—they were indeed scraped. His heart ached. "Let me get some ointment for you first."
"Alright, my lord," Jin Niang allowed his tender care.
After some fussing, they finally settled down. During the day, Jin Niang had been to the embroidery shop and immediately set to work on her orders. She had already completed six of the ten peony-patterned garments, leaving four more to finish.
Just an hour into her work the next morning, Ying came in. "Madam, someone wants to order Luoyang brocade-style pouches."
"Good, I’ll go to the front now," Jin Niang said. When she arrived, she recognized the customer—it was a familiar face.
The woman was equally surprised. "You’re the one who runs this place?"
Jin Niang smiled. "This shop is mine. Please, have a seat."
The visitor was the wife of Han Xiao, the niece of the Minister of Revenue. Jin Niang had met her during the Dragon Boat Festival when she visited her mother-in-law. This Madam Liu was not only the daughter of the Minister of Revenue but also the grandniece of the Grand Chancellor, making her a woman of considerable status. It was said her dowry alone was worth ten thousand strings of cash.
Madam Liu looked around the shop and remarked with a smile, "This doesn’t look like an embroidery shop—more like a painting and calligraphy studio. The silk paintings on the walls are quite lovely."
"Those are just things I painted for fun," Jin Niang replied. "Since you’re here for Luoyang brocade pouches, how many would you like? What colors for the base? I can design them for you right now."
Business was business—no need for excessive pleasantries. Too much small talk would only make charging her awkward.
Madam Liu said, "I came in because I saw some quilts in the Luoyang brocade style. They were so beautiful I’d like twenty pairs. You can decide the designs."
"In that case, I’ll draft two patterns. If you approve, we’ll make ten of each," Jin Niang suggested.
When Madam Liu nodded, Jin Niang immediately took out her brush. But then she paused. "I forgot to ask—who are these for? Young ladies, gentlemen, or yourself?"
"For young ladies," Madam Liu answered.
"Then I’ll suggest gourd and grape motifs. The gourd design on emerald-green satin, and the grape pattern on crimson brocade with cloud embellishments," Jin Niang said, her mind already made up. She had been working on Luoyang brocade designs daily and knew them inside out.
Half an hour later, Jin Niang showed her the sketches. Madam Liu couldn’t help but nod in approval. "These are truly exquisite."
Jin Niang smiled. "I’m glad you like them."
She then quoted the price—two hundred coins per pouch, forty pouches in total, amounting to eight strings of cash.
Madam Liu promptly had her attendants pay and left with her entourage. Ying, standing nearby, asked, "Madam, why didn’t you chat more with her? Aren’t we practically relatives?"
Ying thought they could have even waived the fee—after all, the master and Han Xiao were good friends.
Jin Niang chuckled. "A person who asks for nothing stands tallest. I have no need to seek favors from her."
"But what if the master…" Ying worried Jiang Xian might blame Jin Niang.
Jin Niang shook her head. "His career is his own to pursue. My business is mine to run. Besides, we’re not of the same social standing. Too much familiarity might only make her uncomfortable."
Unbeknownst to her, once Madam Liu boarded her carriage, her maids and attendants buzzed with curiosity. "Madam Wei’s shop has such an elegant, luxurious air. Even the cushions we sat on were brocade, and the tea served was Jian’an tribute tea. That jacket hanging there was supposedly part of a chancellor’s daughter’s dowry. She must have substantial capital."
Madam Liu, however, remarked, "I was afraid she’d try to bring up personal matters. Thankfully, she didn’t. Once these pouches are done, we won’t return."
Her confidante agreed. "Sixteenth Young Master is your cousin, and he grew up in the same circles as our master. It’s all rather awkward."
"True. But her embroidery skills are exceptional. I’ve been to many renowned shops—Jinxiu Pavilion is too chaotic, Binyun Tower too outdated, and Wang’s Emporium, though popular, is known for copying designs. Wei’s Embroidery Shop, though, is refined and reasonably priced," Madam Liu conceded fairly.
Still, she found it difficult to define their relationship—were they friends’ wives or merely merchant and patron? It was simpler not to return.
Jin Niang, however, harbored no such dilemmas. She told Jiang Xian about the day’s events, gauging his reaction. If he secretly looked down on her, she feared she might become a burden if he ever rose to prominence.
Madam Liu’s aloofness had jolted Jin Niang out of her newlywed bliss.
"My lord, I don’t understand your business affairs. Do as you see fit—no need to consult me," Jiang Xian said with a smile.
Then, sitting beside her, he added, "If anyone gives you trouble, tell me. Even if I can’t help immediately, I will someday."
His answer pleased her. She shook her head. "No one has slighted me. I just wondered if I acted rightly, given your friendship with Han Xiao. You’ve built your own path. If I didn’t charge her, it might seem like we were begging for favor."
Jiang Xian realized she always considered how her actions might affect him, while he rarely thought of her in his own pursuits.
Holding her shoulders, he gazed into her eyes. "My wife, you’re so good to me. I almost fear someone might steal you away."
"Me, good?" Jin Niang was taken aback. She didn’t think she had done anything extraordinary for him.
Jiang Xian couldn’t help but laugh at Jin Niang’s dazed expression. "Do you really not know how wonderful you are?"
What a silly girl.
So many women flaunted their dowries arrogantly among their sisters-in-law, and so many others were isolated by the household yet remained unbothered, without a single complaint. But Jin Niang was neither servile nor overbearing—graceful and dignified.
And she was always so considerate of others, especially him.
Their hair had come loose, strands brushing against each other as they leaned close under the soft glow of the tangerine-hued lantern, filling the room with warmth.
In the morning, Jin Niang personally tied his hair up for him. Truth be told, when her husband’s hair was let down, he looked even more beautiful than most women.
Jiang Xian had always been confident in his looks. Wherever he went, being the prettiest child had always drawn attention. But after enduring a few malicious remarks, he realized that being too beautiful wasn’t always a good thing.
Some even dared to tease him, looking at him with improper intentions. The only ones who truly cherished him, who saw him as more than just his appearance, were his mother and now his wife.
"Right here, it’s a little itchy. Could you comb it for me?" Jiang Xian deliberately pointed to his scalp, acting coy for the first time.
Jin Niang indulged him with a smile. "Of course, let me comb it for you."
After she finished, she couldn’t help but admire her husband’s striking beauty. "Once I finish this batch of Luoyang brocade, I’ll make you another robe."
Jiang Xian shook his head. "No need. You should rest after finishing this batch."
"I’ve already stopped doing embroidery at night—that’s rest enough. You’re the one who stays up late studying. You work much harder than I do." Jin Niang dismissed his concern.
Now that she could delegate half her workload to Madame Zhu, she felt much lighter.
Jiang Xian knew that once she set her mind to something, she wouldn’t be swayed. So instead of arguing, he simply smiled and said, "Then I’ll thank my wife in advance."
Jin Niang playfully tapped his nose. "No need for thanks. By the way, didn’t you say you’re visiting Scholar Huang’s residence tomorrow? After that, don’t come home—come straight to my place. I heard the pigeon soup at Shengyi Fang is incredibly nourishing. They say one pigeon is worth nine chickens—great for replenishing the liver, kidneys, and vitality. Perfect for the two of us."
Somehow, Jiang Xian felt that his wife doted on him endlessly, yet at times, she also saw him as her protector. Like last night, when there was a noise outside, she had immediately curled into his arms, seeking his shelter.
After a tender morning together, they each went about their own affairs.
Jin Niang hadn’t been embroidering for long when Rongniang arrived. Jin Niang welcomed her inside with a smile. "Elder Sister, what brings you here today?"
Rongniang noticed the extra helper in Jin Niang’s quarters and how radiant her complexion looked—smooth and glowing. "You used to have a few blemishes on your forehead, but now they’re completely gone."
"Yes, I’m not sure why," Jin Niang admitted, puzzled.
Her skin had always been good, but she’d occasionally break out. Yet after marriage, her complexion had cleared entirely. She thought for a moment. "Maybe it’s because I don’t stay up late anymore."
Rongniang chuckled. "Seems like your husband treats you well."
Jin Niang smiled but quickly got to the point. "Are you still working at the perfumery?"
Rongniang sighed. "The people there fight over the smallest profits. It’s too cutthroat."
Seeing her elder sister’s hesitation, Jin Niang understood her temperament. Some might call it indifference to fame and fortune, but in truth, Rongniang lacked perseverance. Accustomed to being waited on hand and foot, she never stuck to anything for long. Jin Niang knew better than to offer advice.
Just like with the imperial exams—those who succeeded weren’t pushed by others. They had to be disciplined and naturally gifted, like Jiang Xian. Despite his busy social life, his dedication to studying was truly remarkable.
As Jin Niang quietly resumed her embroidery, Rongniang grew bored and excused herself, claiming she had matters to attend to.
Once she left, Ying came in. "Madam, what did the eldest miss want?"
"She wanted someone else to make decisions for her—so if things went wrong, she could blame others, and if they went well, she could take the credit. No matter. If she really has something important, she’ll come back." Jin Niang shook her head dismissively.
By noon, Jiang Xian arrived. Jin Niang greeted him and led him upstairs for soup. It was the first time he had been invited into her private chamber, and he looked around with childlike curiosity, examining everything, even eyeing the bed as if tempted to lie down.
"Wife, what’s this?" He picked up a crab-shaped box.
Jin Niang touched her lips. "Lip balm. See how plump my lips are? After applying rouge, I add a layer of this."
He nodded in understanding before wandering to the balcony to gaze down below, only returning when Jin Niang called him in for soup.
The pigeon soup was light yet flavorful, unlike anything he’d tasted before.
Jin Niang smiled. "Husband, how is it?"
"First time I’ve had such delicious pigeon soup. All thanks to you." Jiang Xian took her hand.
They chatted about household matters until Jiang Xian mentioned, "Second Brother Cun is away on official duty, and Madam Zhang was being harassed. Ninth Brother Zhang and I taught that man a lesson. Wife, if I ever become an official, promise we’ll never be apart."
Jin Niang hadn’t expected such drama in the Zhou family, but she agreed—with a condition. "If I accompany you on your postings, you mustn’t waver. If you do, neither will I."
"Wife, you’re worried about me? It’s always me worrying about you!" Jiang Xian feigned shock.
Jin Niang laughed and pointed at him. "Good answer."
With the provincial exams just two months away, Jin Niang suggested, "From now on, focus on studying at home. If you need anything, I’ll get it for you."
"Fine, I’ll listen to my wife. But if I miss you too much, I’ll come fetch you." Jiang Xian grinned.
She knew he was just sweet-talking her, but it still made her heart flutter.
After the soup, Jiang Xian insisted on resting in Jin Niang’s room. She propped the window open for a breeze before heading downstairs.
Meanwhile, Fourth Miss Zhou was listening to Sun Shichen discuss the exams. Only then did she realize that unlike in the Ming and Qing dynasties, the Song dynasty’s exams had no county or prefecture levels—just the preliminary, provincial, and palace exams. And if one failed the provincial exam, they had to retake the preliminary.
"Now I understand—Jiang Xian secured Madam Huang’s favor, going from an outsider to Scholar Huang’s favorite. His preliminary exam results must be secured."
Fourth Miss Zhou wasn’t surprised by Jiang Xian’s talent. After all, the books had labeled him a notorious villain—and those who earned such titles were never ordinary men.
However, she asked curiously, "How did he manage to get through Madam Huang?"
Sun Shichen replied, "As everyone knows, Madam Huang adores peonies and even cultivated the Luoyang Brocade variety. Jiang Xian gifted her a double-layered peony embroidered jacket, which earned him her favor."
That must have been made by Jin Niang, then. After Fourth Miss Zhou married Sun Shichen, her beauty and respectable family background made it natural for her to cultivate affection with her husband. So she said, "That garment was likely made by his wife—she owns an embroidery shop."
A few days earlier, Sun Shichen and Jiang Xian had shared drinks at the Zhou family banquet. Jiang Xian, being the nephew of the Zhou family’s eldest madam, was a striking figure, clearly destined for greatness, especially with his impeccable manners.
It was unexpected that his wife came from a merchant family, but upon reflection, it wasn’t unusual. Officials and merchants had long intermarried. One of his cousins, a wealthy merchant in Bianjing, had married the daughter of a court official, and even his own elder brother had wed the daughter of a prominent merchant from Caizhou.
Sun Shichen shared this with Fourth Miss Zhou, thinking about how they could win over Scholar Huang, who currently held the prestigious position of leader in the literary world.
Having stayed at the Zhou residence for some time, he realized that his father-in-law and brother-in-law had been posted elsewhere, and the rest of the family were too mediocre to be of much help.
Fourth Miss Zhou smiled and said, "I’ve heard there’s a rare peony in a famous garden in Bianjing. Why don’t we gift some prized varieties to them?"
Sun Shichen readily agreed and gave her money for it. Fourth Miss Zhou’s dowry of three thousand strings of cash had been allocated—one thousand for a small estate, another thousand for furnishings, jewelry, and clothing, and the remaining thousand kept as liquid funds.
When Miao Xiaoniang passed away, all her belongings had been seized by Madam Jiang. The dowry Fourth Miss Zhou had was only because she married into an official’s family. After joining the Sun household, she realized not all official families were as wealthy as the Zhous—many lived frugally.
As they discussed this, Yu Xing rushed in anxiously, saying, "Fourth Miss, terrible news—the old madam has passed away."
Fourth Miss Zhou stiffened.
With her grandmother’s death, her father and brothers would have to observe mourning, and even if they returned to office later, it would be difficult to regain their former positions. Meanwhile, Sun Shichen felt a flicker of relief that it wasn’t his own grandmother—otherwise, he wouldn’t be able to sit for the imperial exams.
At that moment, Jin Niang had just finished embroidering the front panel of a garment. Seeing that Jiang Xian had been napping for an hour, she set aside her work to wake him. Entering the room, she found him sound asleep on her pink satin pillow. She nudged him awake, and when he opened his eyes, he seemed momentarily disoriented.
"If you sleep any longer, you’ll end up going back with me. The sun isn’t as harsh now—you should head home," Jin Niang said with a laugh.
But Jiang Xian was reluctant to leave, lingering close to her. Jin Niang, eager to return to her work, quickly slipped away.
They returned together, only to learn that the Zhou family’s matriarch had passed away. Jiang Xian prepared to visit the Zhous to offer condolences, but before he could, Sixth Madam Jiang summoned him and Jin Niang.
Without even changing their clothes, they hurried over. At the gate, they ran into Jiang Yan from the main branch and a few uncles. Jiang Xian quickly bowed, while Jin Niang, puzzled, entered to find Madam Xu looking grim.
Sixth Madam Jiang, who usually lay bedridden, was now dressed formally and addressed everyone: "As the saying goes, a large tree must branch out, and a grown man must divide his household. But while parents live, families should not split. However, given my poor health, if we don’t settle this now, who knows what conflicts might arise under one roof after my passing? Master Jiang the Sixth and I have decided to divide the property while keeping the household intact."
In ancient times, dividing a household was heavily frowned upon, which was why Jin Niang, despite owning her own house before marriage, had always lived with her in-laws, enduring the daily commute.
After Sixth Madam Jiang finished, Master Jiang the Sixth added some formal remarks.
Jin Niang hadn’t expected the property division to happen so abruptly, leaving no room for deliberation. But that was precisely Sixth Madam Jiang’s intention—she wanted to settle this swiftly to prevent disputes. Some families, forewarned of divisions, had even resorted to harming siblings, and she wouldn’t allow that.
This caught Madam Xu completely off guard. She had been smoothly cutting expenses, even planning to lease out the family garden for extra income.
But now, Sixth Madam Jiang had called for the division without even notifying Madam Xu’s relatives.
Inside, Master Jiang the Sixth declared, "Now that even the youngest, Sixteenth Young Master, is married, and considering the expenses over the years for weddings, studies, and such, our assets have dwindled."
Jiang Xian had suspected his mother’s plans since his marriage to Jin Niang, so he remained silent.
"The three-courtyard residence with a garden in Nanxun Lane goes to the eighth son. Originally just three courtyards, we later bought the adjacent land to build the garden, pond, and pavilions—now worth ten thousand strings of cash."
"The five-storefront property at Jinliang Bridge, expanded with warehouses and stables, and freshly painted, is valued at five thousand taels. This shop goes to Sixteenth Young Master."
"As for the communal land—two hundred mu—each son gets fifty, and the remaining hundred is reserved for our retirement. After our passing, they’ll divide it equally."
After Master Jiang the Sixth finished, Sixth Madam Jiang coughed and added, "Over the years, I’ve sold or pawned most of my dowry, leaving only a hundred mu of paddy fields. These go to Sixteenth Young Master. It’s not favoritism—if anything, he’s getting the short end."
Master Jiang the Seventh reviewed the terms and nodded. "This seems fair."
The eldest son received a mansion worth ten thousand strings, while the youngest got a shop worth half that. Even with the extra hundred mu, the younger son was still at a disadvantage. But dividing the mansion would diminish its value for everyone.
...
Madam Xu nearly fainted upon hearing this. Her mother-in-law was blatantly biased. On the surface, the eldest branch received more, but since the household wasn’t physically split, Sixteenth Young Master and his wife would still live in Nanxun Lane. Meanwhile, they’d receive an annual stipend of one hundred eighty strings and rent from fifty mu of land, while the eldest branch only had the latter.
And yet, everyone acted as if Jiang Xian had been shortchanged, as if Sixth Madam Jiang favored the eldest branch?
No—she couldn’t swallow this injustice.
In contrast, Jin Niang, after Jiang Xian handed her the deeds for the properties and land, made a decision: "Though it’s said families shouldn’t split while parents live, the property is now divided. This mansion belongs to your brother. Once your parents pass, where will we live? So, I propose tearing down the gallery in my Sweetwater Lane house to build you a study. What do you think?"
"Wouldn’t that be too rushed?" Jiang Xian said.
Jin Niang shook her head. "Better to prepare early. Even if we don’t end up moving there later, having a study built in my place means you can come by at noon to read whenever you like. It’s settled then—tomorrow, I’ll summon the bookbinder to draft a few architectural plans for us."
Jiang Xian was taken aback. His wife was truly decisive.
