This year, Jiang Xian was in mourning, so it was impossible to celebrate as usual. Jin Niang had initially thought she would spend the New Year at her in-laws' home, but unexpectedly, she ended up celebrating at her own family’s house, which lifted her spirits considerably.
However, her pregnancy made her clumsy and unable to go anywhere. She had originally planned to rest, but after lying in bed all day, she grew restless. It dawned on her that the freedom and relaxation she desired came from moments of respite between work, not from complete idleness—she simply couldn’t laze around like a salted fish.
So, she began making early preparations for her childbirth. Nanny Luo, who had once nursed Jiang Xian, was not particularly old—just in her early forties—and was the perfect choice to help care for the baby. Jin Niang arranged for Ying to move into the attic of the side room, while Nanny Luo settled into the upstairs partition.
For the midwife, she hired the well-reputed Granny Kong, even paying the deposit in advance.
Once everything was arranged, she turned her attention to painting at Jiang Xian’s desk. The old sketchbooks had yellowed with age and needed refreshing. Their embroidery shop had already produced a batch of white pleated skirts, intended for sale before the Lantern Festival, as business usually slowed afterward.
With her due date around February, she would need to spend over a month in confinement, so she had to prepare the spring clothing designs in advance.
This year’s fashion trends were different, requiring fresh ideas. As she flipped through her old sketches, she noticed that while her skills had improved, her earlier works had a bold, unpretentious color palette that still held charm.
After carefully finishing a new design, she stood up to check on her husband.
At that moment, Jiang Xian was reading a book. When he noticed Jin Niang approaching, he smiled and said, “You’ve been here for an hour without saying a word to me.”
“I didn’t want to disturb you. But now I’m all yours—what are you reading?” She glanced at the book’s cover.
Jiang Xian held it up. “Just a classic on principles.”
Jin Niang chuckled. “Well, I only know a few characters, so I won’t pretend to understand.”
“Darling, why did the tax collector come the other day? And why such a hefty sum?” Even Jiang Xian found the commercial taxes excessive.
But Jin Niang replied earnestly, “Taxes are taken from the people and used for the people. As merchants, our lives are easier than those of farmers. We should pay what’s due. If everyone evades taxes, how will the court fund wars or build roads?”
Jiang Xian thought to himself how upright she was. While others schemed to avoid taxes, his wife prepared and paid hers in advance.
He took her hand. “You’re absolutely right. But not everyone shares your principles—it shows how sincere you are.”
“I know. There are even high officials who lend money at exorbitant rates, or scholars who own vast lands yet claim to speak for the people in court. But what can I do? I can’t control others—I’ll just do my part. Honestly, I don’t crave great power or wealth. Enough money to live comfortably and enough authority to protect ourselves—that’s all I need.” It was rare for Jin Niang to share such heartfelt thoughts with her husband.
Jiang Xian sighed. “You’re truly free from worldly desires.”
“Oh, I’m not that detached! I still crave good food and fun. What about you? What are your ambitions?”
He smiled. “Nothing grand—just to uphold the family legacy and not disgrace our ancestors’ name.”
Jin Niang playfully tapped his cheek. “That’s already a huge ambition! But don’t pressure yourself too much. Being an official isn’t easy, you know.”
Having read many literary classics in her past life, she spoke cautiously: “If you’re too upright, you’ll be like water too pure to sustain fish—unwelcome in officialdom. If you’re too shrewd, you’ll lack principles and risk being devoured by bigger fish. Even those who serve the people often face hardships. Harmony between ruler and minister is rare—it’s a tough path.”
Jiang Xian rarely had such deep conversations with her. He was well-read, while she usually chatted about daily life or shared lighthearted jokes.
He was surprised by her insight, though Jin Niang knew it wasn’t her own wisdom—it was the collective knowledge of a thousand years distilled into her words.
“So, should I give up on becoming an official?” Jiang Xian teased.
Jin Niang shook her head. “Of course not. ‘Master both civil and martial arts, then offer them to the sovereign.’ If you pass the imperial exams, you’ll know whether you’re fit for office. If you serve the people well, they’ll honor you with a ‘Ten Thousand People Umbrella’ without me saying a word.” She hugged his arm. “I believe you’ll be a great official.”
Jiang Xian widened his eyes, teasing her. “What if I turn out to be a villain?”
“Then I’ll cut ties with you,” Jin Niang said, dead serious.
“Don’t be so harsh!” He laughed nervously. “Let’s talk about something lighter. Who do you admire most?”
After a pause, she answered, “Probably Wu Zixu. Didn’t Sima Qian praise him as a ‘man of unyielding spirit’? He abandoned petty righteousness to avenge a great injustice, leaving his name for posterity.”
“Wu Zixu?” Jiang Xian was stunned.
He recalled his mother-in-law’s accounts of Jin Niang’s life—how she had built their family’s wealth over decades, how despite her beauty, she never used it for shortcuts, remaining disciplined and never coveting petty gains.
She was no ordinary woman.
The thought sent a shiver down his spine.
Jin Niang glanced at him. “What’s wrong? Do you think I lack feminine gentleness?”
“No, I just admire your refined taste,” he said quickly.
She raised an eyebrow. “Husband, are you mocking me?”
Jiang Xian hastily denied it. Jin Niang then looked at him solemnly. “I’ve always believed that those driven solely by profit lose their humanity. Whether you become a high official or remain an ordinary man, I’ll never hold you back.”
After this serious talk, she rubbed her belly. “I’m a bit hungry. I’ll go have some snacks while you keep reading.”
“Alright.” Knowing she usually ate sparingly—only indulging in extra treats during the New Year—he agreed without hesitation.
The pastries were delicious, and Jin Niang ate five or six before fetching herself a drink of water. Returning, she sketched another floral design, barely touching her lunch afterward. Jiang Xian, staying by her side, found himself more focused than ever.
While others spent the holiday visiting relatives, the couple passed their time like this.
On the seventh day of the New Year, Jin Niang reopened the shop. With few customers around, she had Minzhi and Madame Zhu start work on the February batch of powder puffs—their own shop could wait, but orders for others had to be completed first.
The three of them chatted while working, and the task was completed quickly within five days, with time to spare.
Jin Niang and Madame Zhu then began making spring clothing. She said, "By then, I’ll probably be giving birth, so we need to have some stock ready in the shop to avoid running out of supplies."
Madame Zhu, however, advised Jin Niang, "You should focus on taking care of yourself first. Giving birth is no small ordeal for a woman. And you must rest properly during the postpartum month."
"Mm," Jin Niang replied with a smile.
In truth, Wang’s Silk Shop had tried to poach Madame Zhu, but she didn’t even glance their way. The Wei Family Embroidery Shop was a good place—warm and humane, with fair rules, an equitable owner, and no petty scheming. It suited her just fine.
Meanwhile, Jin Niang’s shop had already reopened for business, while Rongniang remained at home celebrating the New Year. She had just ordered meat soup to be prepared for the children. Lin Ge’er, now a young boy, frowned and said, "Mother, this meat is too rich."
"You grew up eating my meatballs—you used to love them. What’s changed?" Rongniang brushed off his complaint.
Lin Ge’er persisted, "Mother, why don’t you make crab dishes? We had crab-stuffed oranges at the Lou family’s place—they were delicious."
Mention of the Lou family made Rongniang think of Lou Siniang. Like Jin Niang in her younger days, Lou Siniang was unmarried at an older age, inheriting her family’s medical skills to become a female physician—though she wasn’t as beautiful as Jin Niang.
Lately, her husband had been visiting the Lou family patriarch frequently, even taking the children along.
There was something about the Lou family that drew people in. Her husband often went there to discuss medicine, and now even her son praised them.
In this large household, she had no one to talk to. She longed for comfort outside, but at the last moment, she held back—returning the hairpin she had received. No matter what, she had a husband and children. If her actions were discovered, what would become of her?
These thoughts weighed on her during the Lantern Festival, especially when she saw Jin Niang and Jiang Xian together. Their relationship made her realize how abnormal her own marriage to Feng Sheng was.
For instance, Jiang Xian was a scholar preparing for the imperial exams—a refined nobleman—yet he was attentive and considerate in every way, especially toward Jin Niang. The two seemed to have endless things to talk about. Even when Jin Niang rambled about mundane childhood memories of eating sweet dumplings, he listened with genuine interest, showering her with praise until her smile never faded.
Feng Sheng had never been like that. At banquets, he boasted about knowing this or that important figure, or visiting some dignitary’s home to treat an illness—monologuing until even the polite nods dried up.
After the meal, Feng Sheng remarked, "I noticed your shop has new tenants."
Jiang Xian replied, "Ah, their lease was up, and a friend recommended someone else. My wife and I thought the new tenants were suitable, so we leased it to them."
"Your shopfront is larger and better located than your aunt’s. Leasing it to a money lender must bring in a hefty income," Feng Sheng mused.
Money lending was a stable and lucrative business—not something just anyone could get into.
On the carriage ride home, Feng Sheng and Rongniang were silent, but Lin Ge’er suddenly asked, "Mother, Second Aunt and Third Aunt both work. Why don’t you?"
The question jolted Rongniang. She stammered, "I—I do it for you and your brother."
After all her years of devoted care, her own child had unknowingly struck a blow.
That same Lantern Festival, Jin Niang brought up the lantern Jiang Xian had gifted her the previous year, retrieving it with delight. "Look, it’s as good as new. Let’s light it and place it by the bed again."
"Once the mourning period is over, we’ll go out properly for lantern riddles. I’ll win one for you, alright?" Jiang Xian, exhausted from staying up late, barely had the energy to speak.
Jin Niang laughed. "Of course! But do you know what I was afraid of earlier?"
Jiang Xian raised a brow. "What?"
"I was afraid you’d say, ‘I’ll have someone buy one for you later.’ So I prayed silently—we’re so close now, please don’t say that." She clasped her hands, grinning at him.
Jiang Xian chuckled, then laced his fingers behind his head. "Have I become a burden to you?"
Jin Niang waved her hands. "No! I just think being too perfect all the time must be exhausting. I appreciate it, but I worry about you."
With that, she applied lip balm and prepared for bed.
Now that she slept on the outer side for convenience, Jiang Xian instinctively tucked her in. Tonight, sleep eluded him—his mind lingered on the provincial exams in February. If he had passed the preliminary round, he could have taken them this year.
These worries were something he could only share with his wife. Others either responded with platitudes or exaggerated reactions, but Jin Niang always kept things grounded.
"The provincial exams are next month, right?" Jiang Xian finally spoke.
Jin Niang nodded. "Yes. If I weren’t pregnant, I’d make some ‘bird on a branch’ or ‘rising higher’ pencil cases for you to sell outside the Imperial Academy. I bet they’d sell well."
Even in the dark, Jiang Xian could tell she was teasing. He pinched her cheek lightly.
Jin Niang softened her tone. "I know you’re frustrated, but everything happens for a reason. In three years, you’ll be even more composed—strolling through the exam hall with ease."
Seeing his lingering gloom, she added, "I just worry that when our future top scholar parades through the streets on horseback, some family might snatch you up as a son-in-law!"
That finally made Jiang Xian laugh. He tweaked her nose. "I thought you feared nothing. Turns out you do."
Jin Niang smiled. "Of course. Right now, it’s just the two of us, and we’re happy. But once you rise in rank, more people will surround you. They say it’s easier for couples to endure hardship than share prosperity. Who knows what the future holds? That’s why we should cherish the present and live each day well."
Her worries weren’t unfounded. Jiang Xian’s devotion now might not last forever.
Life was about treasuring the moment.
Jiang Xian hadn’t expected Jin Niang to feel this way. He thought her love for him made her insecure. "Don’t worry. No one could take me away. I’ll always wait for you."
"Good boy." Jin Niang stroked his face as he pledged his loyalty.
Jiang Xian’s mind filled with images of being abducted and Jin Niang’s heartbreak. The stress of exams faded, and he drifted into sleep.
The next morning, he woke to find Jin Niang gazing at him with a smile.
"What is it?" Jiang Xian touched his face.
Jin Niang said, "I'm afraid my little husband might be snatched away. Get up quickly—today you’ll help me deliver an item."
"Me?" Jiang Xian found it odd.
Jin Niang nodded. "Exactly. On the eighth day of the month, a household sent over the Kesi Peacock Painting for me to repair. Later, I discovered the owner is a learned scholar. I don’t know if this will be useful to you?"
When Jin Niang revealed the name, Jiang Xian exclaimed in surprise, "It’s actually him!"
"You know I’m not one to engage in social connections—I’d rather drop it off and leave immediately. But you’re different. When you deliver it, explain how to preserve the artwork. I’ll also include a pair of gloves as a gift. With a few exchanges like this, won’t you naturally become acquainted?" Jin Niang suggested.
After hearing her plan, Jiang Xian couldn’t help but say, "Wife, you’re quite skilled at networking."
Then he felt foolish—his wife had once secured an apprenticeship for her younger brother under Attendant Wu at the Embroidery Academy. She was no ordinary person. Yet she rarely intervened, even when she had made countless garments for Chancellor Song’s daughter without ever seeking favor.
Jin Niang pulled him up. "Just handle it as you see fit. If you’re willing, deliver it for me. If not, I’ll send our younger brother instead."
"I’ll go, I’ll go." He couldn’t afford to miss such an opportunity.
"Don’t force yourself. If he turns out to be a difficult old man with no appreciation for talent, we’ll simply ignore him," Jin Niang added, worried he might face rejection.
Jiang Xian embraced her, deeply moved. Others might sympathize with his struggles, but only his wife took action to help him.
This was Jiang Xian’s first time delivering goods for her. Jin Niang wasn’t concerned about him making a mistake—only that he might not meet the scholar.
Ying teased, "You’ve never been this nervous before."
To Jiang Xian’s surprise, the visit went smoothly. The scholar, impressed by his dignified demeanor, engaged him in conversation. Learning that Jiang Xian was a scholar himself and had once studied under Academician Huang, the man tested his knowledge.
The outcome was clear from Jiang Xian’s cheerful expression when he returned.
"Thanks to you, wife, I’ve now met Scholar Xiao—a true erudite." He even brought back a few books gifted by the scholar.
Jin Niang shook her head. "This is your own achievement. It’s your talent that won his favor, not mine."
Jiang Xian added, "I never realized he was also the teacher of Jiang Guyan, the renowned scholar from the Imperial Academy. Wife, I’ve read Jiang Guyan’s essays—they’re brilliant and insightful. Everyone wants to befriend him."
"Oh, isn’t Jiang Guyan the husband of the Song family’s daughter? I worked on her wedding trousseau last year," Jin Niang recalled.
Jiang Xian nodded eagerly. "Yes, that’s him!"
As Jin Niang yawned and began splitting threads, she had him wind them for her. "What a fortunate coincidence. Luck is on our side."
"Luck? No, it’s all because you care so deeply about my affairs," Jiang Xian said. He knew Jin Niang well—she was a master embroiderer, especially skilled in intricate repairs, and had a strong, independent personality. She rarely asked for favors, yet she devised this plan for his sake.
And afterward, she never took credit, always attributing his success to his own merit.
While they chatted and laughed, a visitor arrived. Jin Niang sent Jiang Xian to the study and went to greet them. To her surprise, it was Madam Liu, Jiang Xian’s aunt and the adoptive mother of his second brother, accompanied by Third Miss.
Jin Niang hurried to bow, but Madam Liu stopped her. "You’re with child—no need for formalities. Please sit."
"Of course," Jin Niang replied, exchanging pleasantries about the late Sixth Madam Jiang before saying, "Aunt, Sixteenth Brother is studying in the library. Shall I have someone escort you?"
No matter how warmly Madam Liu expressed concern for Jiang Xian or shared her hardships, Jin Niang remained politely distant.
Madam Liu agreed but left Third Miss to chat with Jin Niang. Third Miss admired the surroundings and asked, "Have you hired a midwife and wet nurse yet?"
"The midwife is settled. We’re still selecting a wet nurse," Jin Niang answered.
Third Miss, now married, had changed from her quiet, literary days in maidenhood. She had borne two sons and grown slightly plumper, fully devoted to her husband’s household.
She was surprised Jin Niang managed both her shop and household so efficiently, leaving no room for others to offer assistance.
Madam Liu had even brought a land deed for Jiang Xian, saying, "Your elder brother’s wife has already accepted hers. With your mother gone, you three brothers are left alone. I never had children of my own, and your father has already found a new wife. You’re the youngest—how will you manage? Your wife is capable, but you can’t always rely on her. Look how hard she works, still embroidering at this late stage of pregnancy."
Her words shamed Jiang Xian, but Jin Niang, supporting her belly, intervened. "Aunt, we appreciate your kindness. Before her passing, my mother-in-law left us a few modest fields. We may not be wealthy, but we’re comfortable."
Jin Niang didn’t know grand philosophies, but she understood the principle of not owing favors.
Her mother-in-law had never associated with Madam Liu, not even accepting gifts. Now, with two shops, a house, and land, why covet more?
Even if they had nothing, they shouldn’t take handouts.
"A true man acts with integrity, as bright as the sun and moon," she thought.
Jiang Xian quickly added, "Yes, Aunt. Our inheritance was settled early, and my wife manages everything. We’re living better now than at home."
Madam Liu hadn’t expected Jiang Xian, once a charming young master, to become so obedient after marriage.
But since Jin Niang wasn’t her daughter-in-law, she couldn’t scold her. If she treated Jin Niang poorly, Jin Niang might take it out on Jiang Xian later.
"Very well. If you’re content, I’ll rest easy," Madam Liu said. Her real goal was reconciling the brothers to prevent future conflicts, especially as Jiang Fang’s official career flourished.
Jiang Yan and Madam Xu were already close, but Jin Niang’s interference thwarted her plans.
Jin Niang didn’t wish to offend her and replied with a smile, "Auntie’s sudden visit caught us unprepared. Once the child in my womb is born, we’ll host a proper feast in your honor."
Madam Liu naturally left with her daughter-in-law. Jin Niang glanced at Jiang Xian and asked, "You don’t blame me for not letting you accept her gifts, do you?"
Jiang Xian shook his head. "I never intended to take them anyway. She only did this for Second Brother’s future."
Jin Niang nodded. "We shouldn’t take anything from her. Without desires, one remains unyielding. If we accepted, even if we were in the right, it would become hard to justify later."
"My wife speaks wisely," Jiang Xian agreed, fully understanding her intentions.
Jin Niang thought to herself, Since I’ve managed to move out here with Jiang Xian, I’ll surely nurture this rare flower of worldly prosperity well—no need for others to meddle.
Time flew swiftly, and by the second month, Jin Niang had just finished balancing the accounts for January when she went into labor. That very night, she gave birth to a daughter.
