The matter of dividing the property was settled the next day, with Wei Xiong and Luo Yu'e, along with Madam Xu's brothers and sisters-in-law, present as witnesses.
Jin Niang suddenly found herself holding several deeds in her hands. On one hand, she was pleased to have gained more assets, but on the other, she felt a bit uneasy. Her parents, unfamiliar with the disputes over inheritance, considered being invited as witnesses an honor and were even somewhat flustered by the occasion.
Jiang Xian was accompanying her parents in conversation. Wei Xiong could only reminisce about his days in the imperial guards—likely because he spoke of it too often at home, Jin Niang and the others had long grown tired of hearing it. Moreover, since he wasn’t particularly eloquent, Jin Niang always worried he might embarrass himself in public. To avoid others noticing the mismatch between his rough appearance and his timid nature, she usually discouraged him from speaking too much in formal settings.
Sure enough, Wei Xiong repeated the same story several times, to the point where Madam Xu’s brothers grew visibly impatient, their expressions turning disdainful. Jiang Xian, however, remained courteous, drinking with them and maintaining a respectful demeanor.
After the midday wine was finished, Jin Niang saw her parents off, changed into simpler attire, and accompanied Jiang Xian to the Zhou Family.
Both were dressed plainly, but Jin Niang looked even more striking in simplicity, especially with her pale pink lips like cherry blossoms. Jiang Xian couldn’t resist cupping her chin and pulling her close for a deep, lingering kiss that left her breathless.
“What’s the matter?” Jin Niang gasped.
Jiang Xian smiled. “Nothing. I’m just marveling at how quickly we settled the property division—it feels like a dream. Now we’re heading to a funeral, and it all feels surreal.”
Jin Niang understood this sentiment well. “The sun rises and sets the same way every day. As the older generation fades, new stars rise in their place—an endless cycle. We may grieve, but we must also live our lives well, so our time in this world isn’t wasted.”
The reason Sixth Madam Jiang had divided the property was likely because her health was failing, and she wanted to settle matters early.
These words seemed to resonate deeply with Jiang Xian. Few had ever spoken to him like this—even close friends sometimes couldn’t share such thoughts.
He grew even more reluctant to part from her. Even now, as they prepared to pay condolences, he said urgently, “I’ll go see The Second Master first, then come find you.”
“It’s fine,” Jin Niang reassured him. “I’m familiar with the Zhou Family—just in a different capacity now. If they mock me, I’ll ignore it. If they treat me politely, I’ll exchange a few words and leave.” Suddenly, she realized something: if someone truly cared for you, they wouldn’t push you aside—they’d hold you close to their heart.
Jiang Xian kissed her again and changed his mind. “No, I’ll take you to my aunt first. If I treasure you openly, no one will dare look down on you.”
The Jiang Family had few capable descendants left, which was why Madam Jiang valued him so much—there simply weren’t many others to rely on in difficult times.
Truthfully, Jin Niang didn’t understand why Jiang Xian treated her so well. It almost overwhelmed her.
Grandma Zhou was quite elderly and had been frequently ill in recent years. Her burial clothes and coffin had long been prepared. Since she wasn’t the birth mother of the Zhou Family’s masters, Madam Jiang and the others wept, but their grief wasn’t deep.
At the moment, Madam Jiang and her sisters-in-law were arranging the mourning hall. The eldest master and Zhou Cunzhi hadn’t returned yet, so only close relatives were present.
Madam Jiang brightened upon seeing Jiang Xian, but when she noticed Jin Niang, her brows furrowed imperceptibly.
“Aunt, my wife and I have come to offer our condolences. Please take care of yourself.”
Jin Niang, however, didn’t dare address her as “aunt.” Instead, she said, “I hope the ladies won’t grieve too deeply.”
After exchanging pleasantries, Jiang Xian told Jin Niang, “Stay here and attend to my aunt. I’ll send for you when it’s time to leave.”
It was obvious to everyone that Jiang Xian had personally escorted Jin Niang there. Even Fourth Miss Zhou found it strange—someone like Jiang Xian treating Wei Jin Niang with such devotion.
Jin Niang sat down. Her presence today was only possible because the Jiang Family’s eldest madam was also ill, and her son and daughter-in-law, having failed to secure official posts, had retired to the countryside as wealthy idlers. Moreover, Jiang Xian himself carried more weight in the Zhou Family than others.
As maids served tea, Third Miss asked, “Jin Niang, how is your mother-in-law’s health?”
Third Miss was now the wife of Jiang Fang. Unlike Madam Jiang, she harbored no resentment toward Jin Niang. Besides, if the Jiang Family’s sixth branch exposed Jiang Fang’s refusal to acknowledge his birth mother, his career would suffer—especially since Jiang Xian and Jiang Yan were his blood brothers, and Madam Liu his birth mother.
“Still the same—constant coughing, unable to get up. We changed physicians again this month and are trying a new prescription.” Though Jin Niang managed the shop daily, she still paid her respects morning and evening.
Third Miss sighed. “I have some herbs good for coughs. I’ll send them to you later—you can give them to Sixth Madam Jiang. If I sent them directly, she’d likely refuse.”
Sixth Madam Jiang was a woman of strong principles and resilience. Even in dividing the property, she had strived to secure her sons’ futures until the very end. She hadn’t split a single estate between them because she knew Jin Niang already had her own residence and business—so even if she only received shops, she’d have a place to live and income. Meanwhile, Madam Xu had used dowry money to purchase farmland and owned a large estate, ensuring she could live off rents.
A woman of such resolve wouldn’t tolerate interference once her mind was made up.
Jin Niang smiled. “I appreciate your kindness, but we shouldn’t go against her wishes.”
Third Miss didn’t press further. “I won’t make it difficult for you.”
Jin Niang nodded.
Just then, a maid approached Lady Xi and whispered, “Lady Qin says Brother Zhu was frightened by the wind today and asks if the mistress could summon a physician.”
Lady Xi nodded. “Send for Physician Qiu and draw the fee from the accounts.”
“What’s wrong?” Madam Jiang asked.
“Nothing serious,” Lady Xi replied. “Brother Zhu is unwell. I’ve already sent for a doctor.”
Madam Jiang suddenly turned to Jin Niang. “Speaking of Brother Zhu, his mother isn’t a stranger—she’s Madam Qin, the seamstress who came to our estate with you years ago.”
Jin Niang’s first thought was that Madam Jiang might be going through menopause. Nine years ago, when Jin Niang first arrived at the Zhou Family, Madam Jiang had been far better at controlling her emotions. Now, she seemed to have regressed, behaving almost like her second daughter.
So instead of reacting with anger, Jin Niang replied calmly, “You have an excellent memory.”
Fourth Miss Zhou also kept her head lowered, well aware that Madam Jiang was getting on in years. Since Eldest Miss Zhou married into the Wang family, the relationship between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law had been strained, like swallowing needles after marrying above one's station. As for Second Miss Zhou, even though she married into her own aunt's family, her life hadn’t been easy—she had only borne a daughter in recent years. Not to mention the ongoing tensions between her and Lady Zhang. This time, during the funeral arrangements, Second Master Zhou wasn’t as quick to provide funds as before, leaving Madam Jiang simmering with suppressed frustration.
That morning, she had punished several maids by making them kneel for hours and even tied up an old servant to the stable, though her expression betrayed nothing.
"Sister-in-law, when will Eldest Uncle and Second Brother return?" Madam Wu deftly changed the subject.
Madam Jiang replied, "Second Brother is in Taiyuan, and his father is in Shaanxi. It will take at least half a month for them to return."
...
After leaving the Zhou Family, Jin Niang stopped by the shop. Jiang Xian escorted her inside with a smile before immediately turning to question Xi Qiu and Minzhi, who had accompanied her: "Did anyone say anything while you were with Madam just now?"
Xi Qiu and Minzhi exchanged uneasy glances.
Jiang Xian had no patience for their hesitation. "Speak."
The two relayed Madam Jiang’s provoking remarks, causing Jiang Xian to narrow his eyes in anger before restraining himself. "Fine, I understand. Don’t mention this to Madam—she’s kind-hearted and forgiving. Just support her more in the future."
"Yes," Xi Qiu and Minzhi chorused.
Upon arriving at the shop, Jin Niang immediately set to work in the embroidery workshop, crafting a gown with the "Luoyang Brocade" design. While pouches could be entrusted to Madame Zhu, the gown had to be completed a month in advance. She now needed to redesign summer gauze garments—something light and flowing, like the wind-swept robes in Wu Daozi’s Buddhist paintings she had seen in Madam Jiang’s parlor. The brushwork was fluid, the drapery as if stirred by a breeze.
That was the essence she wanted for summer—the feeling of a lakeside breeze brushing against the skin.
After embroidering for about an hour, Luo Yu'e came by to ask about their visit to the Zhou Family. Jin Niang sighed, "Their household isn’t at peace either. Otherwise, Madam Jiang wouldn’t have thrown propriety to the wind like that."
"She really has no shame," Luo Yu'e scoffed. "You’re her nephew’s wife now, yet she still picks at old wounds. How heartless."
Jin Niang smiled. "True, but Sixteenth Brother gets along well with her family, and she’s an elder. Besides, Second Madam and Third Miss have always been kind to me, so I won’t hold a grudge."
The mother and daughter chatted for a while longer. Jin Niang mentioned that she planned to hire workers the next day to build a study. Luo Yu'e thought it was too hasty. "You two just got this shop, and there’s no guarantee the rent will even come to you. Why rush?"
"Mother, if you wait until the last moment to act, it’s already too late. Besides the study, I also want to add side rooms. They can serve as guest quarters if needed, or storage if not," Jin Niang reasoned.
Luo Yu'e worried about the expense and tried to dissuade her, but Jin Niang was resolute—she had always been strong-willed.
"Fine, do as you please. It’s your money, after all," Luo Yu'e relented.
Jin Niang coaxed her mother, "Earlier, a fabric merchant came by with summer cloth—soft and breathable. I bought a bolt. Later, have the tailor make a couple of summer robes for Younger Brother Yang to take to the academy."
"Alright," Luo Yu'e chuckled.
That evening, Jin Niang returned home and went to pay respects to Sixth Madam Jiang, only to learn she had already retired for the night. After bathing and changing, she finally relaxed, though Ying reminded her, "Miss, Minzhi mentioned they had to wait forever to fetch hot water from the main kitchen today."
"I expected as much. Now that the family assets are divided, their branch won’t lift a finger for ours," Jin Niang said.
Ying huffed, "Even so, we’re still using shared resources."
Jin Niang shook her head. "This is just the beginning."
Generally, Madam Xu only targeted her—Jiang Xian was Sixth Madam Jiang’s treasured son, so Madam Xu wouldn’t dare cross him yet.
This was precisely why Jin Niang wanted to renovate the house on Sweetwater Lane. She remembered how tensions flared among sisters-in-law sharing one household when she was young. Now that the main residence had been fully allocated to the eldest branch, even Third Aunt, who had lived there for years, had come to see it as her own.
For three days straight, Jin Niang searched for a carpenter. Foreman Gong, assuming she had no other options, tried to hike his prices. She refused to indulge such arrogance and eventually hired Foreman Yu, a seasoned craftsman with a solid reputation.
After discussing the study’s design, calculating material and labor costs, and settling on a fair price, she gave the go-ahead.
That night, she excitedly described the study to Jiang Xian: "The walls will use woven bamboo and mud plaster—common in the south, but I think it’ll work here too. For the doors and windows, we’ll use aged fir wood, fashioned into lattice doors. I plan to replace an entire wall with them, then line the windows with translucent silk gauze. That way, the study will be flooded with light."
"How much will this cost?" Jiang Xian asked.
Jin Niang had already budgeted. "I’ve set aside a hundred taels. The foreman said a single thick fir log alone costs thirteen strings of cash—it’s not cheap."
Jiang Xian studied her. She was frugal by nature, rarely buying jewelry or indulging in luxuries like ice in summer. Day after day, she toiled in the embroidery shop. Yet here she was, spending so generously.
"Wife, is this really necessary?" He took her hand.
Jin Niang didn’t see it as a big deal. Jiang Xian had entrusted her with the deeds to their properties and land—was a hundred taels really so shocking? Besides, this sum came from the betrothal gifts meant for furnishing their home.
Eagerly, she continued, "Most studies use plain white paper or hang famous paintings. But I don’t own any masterpieces. So, I thought of using russet paper as a base, then tearing mica-green paper into irregular fragments and pasting them with gaps between, revealing thin lines of the russet beneath. The effect will resemble cracked ice—like the dark veining on your favorite Ge-ware vase."
When Jiang Xian remained silent, Jin Niang covered her mouth. "Do you need to study? I’ll leave you in peace."
Before she could step away, he pulled her into his arms. Flustered, she pushed at him. "What are you doing?"
"Take some rest, don't overwork yourself." Jiang Xian massaged Jin Niang's head with just the right pressure.
Jin Niang smiled. "I'm not tired. These evenings are my leisure time, and I only have two more garments to embroider before I can submit them. After that, I can focus entirely on designing 'Wu Dai Dang Feng' style patterns."
"My wife is truly remarkable, really—extraordinary, a heroine among women," Jiang Xian praised.
That night, he held her close and whispered sweet nothings for hours, leaving Jin Niang utterly enchanted.
The next morning, Jiang Xian gifted her rare pigments, claiming they were from a friend who had no use for them. But Jin Niang knew he must have procured them himself from somewhere.
At the embroidery shop, Foreman Gong arrived early with workers to dismantle the gallery, salvaging the tiles while the old wood was repurposed. Jin Niang brought Minzhi along, assigning her to help Juxiang in the kitchen, preparing steamed buns for the laborers.
Minzhi was delighted. She served the sixteenth young master and his wife, and if the old master and mistress were to pass, she and the others hoped to follow Jin Niang—a woman of kindness, generosity, and capability—into a new life.
Within two days, the demolition was complete. Contracts were signed, a schedule set, and Jin Niang paid the deposit. Half a month later, she finished the Luoyang brocade garments, meticulously inspected them, had Ying press them, and personally delivered them. To her surprise, she was rewarded with a string of Japanese crystal prayer beads.
"Look, aren't they beautiful? If I design a gown to match these beads, it’ll be even more stunning," Jin Niang said with a laugh.
After some lighthearted banter, she returned home and began designing again—three sets this time. One featured flowing ribbons to evoke the "Wu Dai Dang Feng" elegance, another drew inspiration from Li Sao: "Fashioning lotus leaves for a robe, gathering hibiscus for a skirt"—a green top with a red skirt, the bodice shaped like lotus petals. The third emphasized an ornate waistband.
While designing, she also had Madame Zhu craft vests and bodices for sale.
The shop took on additional work, like embroidering fan designs for a merchant—twenty fan faces at fifty coins each. Jin Niang provided the patterns and silk threads, letting Jing An, a nun, handle the embroidery, splitting the earnings fifty-fifty.
Jin Niang handed Juxiang a tael of silver. "These days, prepare mung bean water or sour plum tea daily, chilled in the well. It’s sweltering, and the workers mustn’t suffer in the heat."
"The mistress is truly kind-hearted," Madame Zhu remarked.
Jin Niang shook her head. "You can’t expect a horse to run without feeding it."
That afternoon, under the scorching sun, Jiang Xian arrived. Jin Niang teased, "What brings you here now? I told you not to go out in this heat."
"I just wanted to check on things," he said, making a beeline for the back.
Jin Niang tugged at him playfully. "Here to inspect your study?"
Though he had been hesitant before, his eagerness now amused her. Unfazed by her teasing, he treated everyone in the shop to refreshing iced drinks.
Half a month later, the walls were up. Jin Niang pointed through the doorway. "We’ve added side rooms and lofts on either side of the main building. They can house more servants or serve as storerooms if we’re not staying here."
Jiang Xian, worried about Jin Niang under the sun, urged her back inside while he examined the construction. The pillars were made of aged fir, the doors and windows yet to be installed.
Foreman Gong, meeting Jiang Xian for the first time and learning he was the mistress’s husband, was struck by his noble bearing and refined speech—clearly a young master. He hurried over respectfully.
When Jiang Xian inquired about the fir, Foreman Gong explained, "This timber is exceptional. Ordinary fir costs two strings of cash, but this one was transported from Jingdong, grown over three centuries. Mistress insisted on the best for her husband. The doors are also fir, lined with thin silk she bought to brighten the study. Once the walls are smoothed, we’ll oil and install them."
Touched by these thoughtful details, Jiang Xian returned the next day with wine for the workers. Knowing Jin Niang didn’t drink, he took it upon himself to host the men.
That evening, Jin Niang told him, "Sweetwater Lane is our retreat. Staying in Nanxun Lane with the family is ideal, but if space runs short, we’ll have a ready refuge—better than being caught unprepared."
"My wife plans so far ahead for me—how can I ever repay you?" Jiang Xian sighed.
Jin Niang laughed. "Repayment? Between husband and wife, it’s love that matters, not debts."
Yet Jiang Xian privately chastised himself for his selfishness, feeling unworthy of her devotion.
Unbothered, Jin Niang poured herself into her designs. By late June, she completed all three sets: the ethereal "Wu Dai Dang Feng" gown, embroidered with jasmine—symbolizing summer—its wide sleeves and flowing ribbons billowing like a celestial robe.
This design won widespread acclaim, though Jiang Xian pretended jealousy, calling her an "elixir-drinking Chang’e" who’d forget him. To appease him, she crafted him a gauzy robe—a white damask underrobe with a sheer overlay, subtly embroidered with jasmine at the collar and shoulders.
When Jiang Xian wore it to the Zhangs, it turned heads. The young masters, accustomed to admiring women, found equal delight in a well-dressed man.
"Where’d you get this?" they asked.
Jiang Xian smirked. "You’ll never find it—my wife made it just for me."
Even Lady Zhang of the Zhou family stole glances when he visited Zhou Cunzhi.
Jin Niang’s creations drew inquiries, though many balked at the price. She didn’t push—quality came at a cost.
She then focused on the lotus-inspired set, experimenting with bodice designs: some embroidered with blossoms, others petal-shaped.
On the fifth of July, a major order arrived: Young Master Shen from Wuxing bought all three sets—plus matching bodices—for his beloved concubine. The jasmine gown fetched fifty strings of cash, the lotus set thirty, and the waist-cinching design ten—ninety strings in total.
Of course, Jin Niang knew that few people ventured out in the summer heat, so encountering big spenders wasn’t easy. Most days, she only managed to sell simple items like vests.
Once she had the silver in hand, Jin Niang first paid forty-five strings of cash to settle the debts for the windows, doors, and the craftsmen. She then gave six strings to Jiang Xian for his expenses. The imperial examinations were approaching next month, and there was no room for carelessness now.
Jiang Xian refused her money, saying instead, "Fan Tower has introduced new dishes. I’ve reserved a table—it wasn’t easy to secure—so let me treat you."
Naturally, he was thoughtful enough to send a prepared portion to her parents as well.
Jin Niang happily dressed up for the occasion, while Jiang Xian stayed protectively by her side. When they entered the restaurant and took their seats, even the manager glanced at Jin Niang and remarked to Jiang Xian, "You’re a fortunate man, sir."
Not far away, Young Master Gong—the magistrate of Kaifeng who had once sought to take Jin Niang as a concubine—spotted the couple and remarked to Zhou Cunzhi beside him, "She could have aimed higher."
...
"Darling, try this fish. I’ve picked out the tender belly meat for you," Jiang Xian said eagerly, placing it in her bowl.
Jin Niang had been about to eat, but suddenly, the smell of fish made her nauseous. She gagged a few times, startling Jiang Xian, who immediately rushed to pat her back.
"What’s wrong, my love? Are you unwell?"
Jin Niang poked his forehead playfully. "I think you’re about to become a father."
After her monthly courses were delayed, she’d grown suspicious. Lately, she’d been using the summer heat as an excuse to avoid sharing the bed with Jiang Xian. The physician had said it was still too early to confirm, but today’s queasiness seemed like a clear sign of morning sickness.
