During the month and a half of her postpartum confinement, the shop's expenses had increased significantly compared to before. First, the cost of fabrics, silk threads, and velvet threads sold had risen, and there were also returned garments.
"This is one of our regular customers—why did she return the dress?" Jin Niang asked Ying.
Ying hurriedly explained, "She brought a piece of fabric and asked us to sketch a design for her. As you know, apart from you, no one else here has the skill to draw on the spot. So we told her we had similar colors, ones you had previously designed, and suggested she choose from those. That day, she took her time—nearly two hours—before finally settling on the pattern and style. But when Madame Zhu finished the dress ahead of schedule, the customer claimed the floral design wasn’t what she wanted. She even complained that you usually take the initiative to add delicate trims for her, but this time the work was too sloppy. In the end, she insisted on returning it."
"You’ve all worked hard during my absence." Jin Niang roughly understood what had happened. Madame Zhu was just an ordinary seamstress—skilled with her hands but not with words. Ying, though good at handling customers, wasn’t the owner and had no expertise in embroidery. That was why the return had been allowed so carelessly.
In this past month and a half, the shop’s earnings amounted to only twenty-six strings of cash. Still, some income was better than none.
With Jin Niang back, everyone felt steadier. She first turned to Ying and asked, "Have the powder puffs for this month been finished?"
"Just a few more left," Ying replied promptly.
"Good. Prioritize finishing those. Tomorrow at dawn, I’ll need to go to the Ghost Market and Donghua Gate. Make sure you all wake up early." Jin Niang was now brimming with energy.
However, when Jiang Xian heard that Jin Niang planned to visit the Ghost Market, he insisted on going with her. "I can’t let you go alone, especially not so soon after your confinement. There’s no need to push yourself like this."
Jin Niang laughed. "I’ve been confined for over a month—I’m practically growing moss! To run a business well, I need to get out and gather inspiration. I can’t just stay cooped up here."
"That’s why I’ll accompany you. I’ve never been to the Ghost Market before," Jiang Xian said.
Jin Niang had no choice but to agree.
At noon, the couple shared a meal together. Jin Niang touched her belly, still feeling a sense of wonder. "Now that the baby’s born, it still feels a little strange."
"My dear, you’ve suffered so much," Jiang Xian said, recalling how difficult childbirth had been for her.
"Actually, compared to many others, I’ve had it easy. With my parents and husband by my side, and a wet nurse to care for the baby, all I had to do was rest and recover. But since we’re still in mourning, we’ll need to be careful from now on." Jin Niang also worried about having another child too soon—it would disrupt the growth of their fledgling shop.
Whether Jiang Xian understood her meaning or not, that night he slept properly by her side, repeatedly murmuring about how comfortable the bed was.
He even reminded her, "We’ll need to wake up before dawn tomorrow. Let’s rest early."
"Alright." As Jin Niang closed her eyes, her thoughts drifted to Rongniang, and she sighed softly.
At the third watch of the night, they rose together. Jin Niang dressed in a grayish-blue cross-collared blouse and a fitted wrap skirt, adorned with a sash embroidered with colorful birds and flowers. Over it, she draped a pale ivory shawl. Ying tied her hair with a red silk ribbon and pinned it simply with pearl-adorned combs.
Her elegant and delicate appearance made Jiang Xian’s heart flutter.
Before boarding the carriage, Jiang Xian personally draped a pine-green cloak over her shoulders. "Don’t catch a chill."
While Jin Niang had visited the Ghost Market many times, this was Jiang Xian’s first experience, and he found everything fascinating. Jin Niang let him explore while she scanned the stalls. This year, the dominant colors at the market mirrored her own attire—grayish-blue, pine-green, soft apricot, and lotus-pink.
The popular styles had shifted too: cross-collared blouses replaced traditional undergarments, and wrap skirts had overtaken pleated ones, often featuring contrasting panels.
The market also boasted an array of decorative buttons, each priced between three to fifteen coins. Jin Niang, who typically crafted fewer than ten styles herself, purchased ten different designs: pomegranate blossom, butterfly, balsam, flower basket, willow leaf, longevity symbol, maple leaf, plum blossom, chrysanthemum, and ginkgo.
She also selected three patterned fabrics featuring assorted treasures and floral motifs, buying a total of ten feet.
By daybreak, the Ghost Market dispersed. Jin Niang then headed to a fabric shop near Donghua Gate, where she picked out several bolts of cloth. After leaving the delivery address, she arranged for quarterly payments before returning with her group.
That morning, she began designing new garments, focusing on layered wrap skirts with contrasting panels. She personally worked on these while assigning Madame Zhu to create bed covers in fresh, clean patterns—white backgrounds with lotus and mandarin duck motifs.
By the end of the fourth month, business had finally stabilized.
Minzhi had also completed two sets of children’s clothing by then, prompting Jin Niang to propose, "Minzhi, I’d like you to specialize in making children’s wear—both for boys and girls. Starting tomorrow, I’ll sketch some designs for Dragon Boat Festival outfits. If you do well, I’ll raise your wages."
"Yes!" Minzhi responded eagerly, invigorated by the opportunity.
Jin Niang personally delivered the two outfits to Brother Lin and Brother Guan. However, since both boys were studying, Feng Sheng received her instead. "Thank you, Second Sister. Since their mother passed, it’s been kind of you to remember them."
At Feng Sheng’s age, remarrying was only natural, and Jin Niang couldn’t object. "Brother-in-law, there’s no need for thanks. When my elder sister passed so young, I couldn’t even attend her funeral due to my own recovery. This is just a small gesture."
"Second Sister, don’t grieve. You were recuperating—it couldn’t be helped," Feng Sheng said calmly.
After exchanging a few more polite words, Jin Niang left. Her relationship with her nephews had never been close, and even Rongniang had only visited them once or twice a year.
Soon after the Dragon Boat Festival, news spread that Feng Sheng was seeking to marry Lou Siniang. Ying Niang came to ask Jin Niang, "Should we attend the wedding?"
"No need. We’re the sisters of his late wife. Showing up now would be inappropriate," Jin Niang replied, shaking her head.
Moreover, she added, "Brother-in-law Feng didn’t even invite me."
Ying Niang smirked. "Well, he invited me."
"Then you go," Jin Niang said, uninterested in the rivalry. Seeing her indifference, Ying Niang left.
Feng Sheng wasn’t a high-ranking official, so he wasn’t obligated to observe a full year of mourning. Still, most widowers waited at least a year before remarrying. His haste made Jin Niang wonder—had Rongniang’s death been suspicious?
With these thoughts weighing on her, she crafted a cross-collared half-sleeved jacket for her daughter, along with a pair of split pants. Their shop even sold patchwork baby clothes—and sure enough, a woman soon came in and bought one.
Originally, patchwork clothing was meant to be stitched together from scraps of fabric donated by various households, but nowadays these garments have become exquisitely crafted. The one just sold went for six qian of silver—nearly six hundred coins.
No one expected children's clothing to be more popular than adult attire. While many still adhered to the old adage of "new for three years, old for three years, mended and patched for another three," parents universally wished to dress their sons and daughters as beautifully as possible.
For the Qixi Festival's lotus-leaf half-sleeved garments, Jin Niang spent half a month designing nearly eight styles, while Minzhi hurried to complete a set of each.
Jin Niang divided tasks between herself, Madame Zhu, and Minzhi—one focused on wedding accessories, another on children's wear, while she specialized in clothing. When busy, Madame Zhu and Minzhi would assist with urgent orders.
By late June, thanks to the children's line, the shop's monthly earnings soared to eighty strings of cash. After repaying loans, taxes, wages, living expenses, and material costs, Jin Niang netted nearly sixty strings of profit.
At lunch, Jiang Xian asked Jin Niang, "The wife of Scholar Jiang is now with child. What should we send as a gift? You've always been clever—help me decide."
"Isn't it simple?" Jin Niang replied. "A patchwork gown for the unborn child, a pair of maternity pillows for support, and a gilded longevity lock. How does that sound?"
The patchwork clothes and pillows could be made in-house at minimal cost, while the silver-gilt lock would cost just over one string. For less than two strings, they'd give practical, thoughtful gifts.
Had she not experienced pregnancy herself, Jin Niang wouldn't have known how uncomfortable sleeping could become.
Jiang Xian gave an approving thumbs-up. "My wife chooses well."
Stealing a glance at Jin Niang, he noted how she'd regained her slender figure after childbirth, now glowing with health and beauty surpassing even before.
Edging closer, he whispered, "I've prepared sheepskin... tonight I'm clinging to you, wife."
Jin Niang flushed. "Understood."
The couple enjoyed marital harmony, with Jiang Xian often captivated by his wife—pinching her cheeks and arms, sometimes playfully demanding she call him "brother."
When delivering the gifts, Jiang Xian insisted Jin Niang accompany him, both because they were women's items and because he wanted her to step out from his shadow.
He briefed her about Scholar Jiang: "A poor scholar, now living in his wife's dowry house. They say he's quite henpecked."
"I see," Jin Niang nodded. Marrying into a powerful family brought advantages not everyone could handle.
Having previously met Madam Song when making her clothes, Jin Niang found her amiable this time too. Without flattery, Jin Niang explained, "I considered medicinal pillows but avoided herbs due to pregnancy. These contain plain cotton instead. The maternity pillow supports all trimesters."
Madam Song adored the thoughtful gifts, especially the patchwork gown. "They say these ward off illness and grant long life. Thank you, Mrs. Wei."
As both had children, their conversation naturally centered on parenting, with Jin Niang sharing her early mistakes. She departed when Jiang Xian signaled their leave.
Madam Song, having glimpsed Jiang Xian previously behind screens, disliked his seemingly slippery charm. But meeting his wife revealed a completely different character—sincere, gentle yet dignified in business, speaking with measured grace devoid of sycophancy.
Impressed, Madam Song gifted Jin Niang two boxes of tongcao flowers for hair ornaments, which Jin Niang later had Ying store away. She harbored no illusions—without Jiang Xian achieving scholarly honors, true equality with such families remained unlikely.
Meanwhile, the popular lotus-leaf half-sleeved dresses earned Minzhi a raise to five qian.
After paying wages, Jin Niang sold old account books to a dollmaker for forty-five strings, giving Jiang Xian five: "Buy whatever books or inkstones you fancy."
Jiang Xian protested, "But you already gave me this month's allowance!"
"Consider it a bonus," Jin Niang smiled.
Overwhelmed, he replied, "You spoil me, but keep my funds. I'll ask when needed."
"As you wish."
With the first anniversary of Jiang Xian's mother's passing approaching, Madam Xu sent word about joint grave offerings. Jin Niang had Jiang Xian prepare incense and ritual paper.
Mention of Sixth Madam Jiang made Jiang Xian sigh—his mother had been gone nearly a year.
After reminiscing, the couple checked on their four-month-old daughter, Sister Jun, now able to roll over. With long lashes, milky skin, and dark grape-like eyes, the infant melted hearts. Dressed in mint-green belly wraps with matching ruffled gauze and ivory split pants, her pink silk socks completed the ensemble—a veritable lotus fairy.
"My sweet, shall we visit the shop?" Jin Niang cuddled the baby, reluctant to let go.
Jiang Xian pouted. "You're teasing me! I can't join you there." He longed to hold his fragrant, soft wife and daughter.
Pretending not to hear, Jin Niang adjusted Sister Jun's lotus-rimmed hat and descended.
The timing proved fortunate—typically slow midday hours meant quiet mother-daughter time. Below, Chen the apprentice and Ying entertained the baby with drums and nursery rhymes.
"Madam, see how her arms resemble lotus roots! This outfit suits her perfectly," Ying cooed, kissing Sister Jun's plump arm.
Just then, a young matron entered—the frugal wife of a nearby merchant who last year tried twenty garments without buying any.
Treating all customers equally, Jin Niang had Ying assist, though the maid grumbled inwardly about summer sweat ruining merchandise.
To her surprise, the woman suddenly turned her gaze toward Sister Jun, her eyes lighting up as she asked Jin Niang, "Madam Wei, this outfit is truly lovely. Did you make it? Is it for sale?"
There are those who are frugal with themselves but lavish when it comes to their children. Without hesitation, she ordered a full set of children's clothing, not even blinking at the cost.
Even Ying found it unbelievable. "Who would have thought she’d be so quick to spend money?"
"Indeed," Jin Niang replied, kissing her daughter. "This is what they call a parent’s boundless love."
Carrying her daughter, she went to Jiang Xian’s study and recounted the incident, boasting, "Who knew our little Sister Jun would bring us such good fortune?"
Jiang Xian, however, was still sulking. "You just walked away with our daughter earlier and ignored me. Now I won’t talk to you either."
"Alright, alright, my mistake. Forgive me?" Jin Niang blinked at him playfully.
Seeing his wife like this, Jiang Xian couldn’t stay upset. He sat down and joined her in doting on their child.
By the afternoon, Jin Niang had sold three sets of children’s clothes and even taken on a commission to make an outfit for a dog. To celebrate, she treated everyone to ice treats to beat the summer heat. Unexpectedly, a gift arrived—sent by Lou Siniang.
Inside were two boxes: one of black agarwood and another of blended seven-spice incense.
Both were expensive fragrances, worth about half a tael of silver in total.
"Why is she sending me this? Her marriage to Brother-in-law Feng is their own affair," Jin Niang murmured, puzzled.
Meanwhile, Lou Siniang was telling Feng Sheng, "Madam Wei is the children’s aunt by blood. We shouldn’t sever ties with her family. We should continue visiting as usual."
The couple had just married. Feng Sheng was quite fond of Lou Siniang—though she wasn’t as beautiful as Rongniang, her medical skills were excellent, her character virtuous, and their goals aligned.
Since entering the household, she hadn’t treated his two sons from his previous marriage as her own, but neither had she spoiled them.
"You’re right, my lady," Feng Sheng agreed with a smile.
The Lou family had worried that Lou Siniang, being older, plain-looking, and belonging to the "three aunties and six grannies" category, would struggle to find a match. But Feng Sheng owned a spacious three-courtyard house near Golden Beam Bridge. Though he had two sons, he was handsome, well-off, and the chief physician at Huichun Hall. Their marriage had proceeded swiftly.
Lou Siniang had saved nearly three hundred strings of cash for her dowry. After the wedding, she and Feng Sheng both wanted to open their own clinic. They pooled their savings—her dowry and his earnings—to rent a shop and prepare for business.
Naturally, Lou Siniang wanted no discord at home, so she sent gifts to Jin Niang and Ying Niang.
In his youth, Feng Sheng had preferred beauties, but now he admired women like Lou Siniang—capable in both household and professional matters, rational and unswayed by emotions. She was the perfect mistress for the Feng family.
Jin Niang mostly heard about the Feng family’s affairs from Ying Niang, as their interactions had dwindled. Now, she and Jiang Xian were taking Sister Jun to visit her late mother-in-law’s grave.
Normally, a child as young as Sister Jun wouldn’t go, lest she be affected by wandering spirits. But Sixth Madam Jiang had been exceptionally kind to Jin Niang, and Jiang Xian wanted his mother to "meet" their daughter. Jin Niang agreed.
She dressed Sister Jun in a milky-white gauze blouse embroidered with strawberries, paired with moon-white silk split pants, a pink silk hair ribbon, and little strawberry-embroidered white silk shoes.
Already adorable, Sister Jun looked even more precious in this outfit. Jiang Xian was so smitten he nearly wrestled her from the nursemaid’s arms. Jin Niang stopped him. "It’s sweltering in August—let the nursemaid carry her. We don’t want her overheating."
Reluctantly, Jiang Xian let go. Worried about the child falling ill, Jin Niang instructed the nursemaid, "After we pay our respects, take her to the shade."
The nursemaid nodded.
Jiang Xian then glanced at his wife. She wore a simple lilac dress, looking refreshingly cool as she gently fanned their daughter with a silk fan.
Noticing his gaze, Jin Niang hid behind her fan, prompting Jiang Xian to look away.
The family of three met Master Jiang the Sixth, Jiang Yan, and Miss Jiang the Seventh at South Fragrance Lane. After over an hour, they reached the gravesite. Jin Niang silently prayed before Sixth Madam Jiang’s tombstone: "Rest assured, we’re doing well. I’ve brought your granddaughter to see you."
After the rites, they rested at a nearby cottage. Sister Jun, perhaps from sun exposure, had an upset stomach. Nursemaid Luo and the nursemaid tended to her while Jin Niang fretted nearby.
Outside, Jiang Xian spoke with his family. He asked Brother-in-law Xue, "Has your official posting been confirmed?"
"Sixteenth Brother, it’s settled, but we need your help with one matter," Miss Jiang the Seventh interjected.
Jiang Xian raised a brow. "We’re family—speak plainly."
It turned out that after passing the imperial exams, Brother-in-law Xue had waited over half a year for an appointment. Between bribes and socializing with fellow graduates, he’d spent six hundred strings of cash. Now assigned to a distant post, Miss Jiang the Seventh was strapped for funds and hoped Jiang Xian would assist—especially since he’d married into a merchant family.
She assumed men ruled households; if Jiang Xian agreed, Madam Wei would comply. Moreover, her husband was now a ranked official—shouldn’t the family support him?
In the past, Jiang Xian might have obliged without question. But living in Sweetwater Alley, he’d learned that Jin Niang kept their finances separate from his parents’, prioritizing their nuclear family. He couldn’t casually dip into their savings for appearances.
So, Jiang Xian handed over his money pouch. "If you’ll accept this, consider it travel funds."
It held ten strings—spare cash Jin Niang gave him for tips. Miss Jiang the Seventh, expecting at least a hundred strings, was unimpressed but too proud to say so. She fell silent.
Jiang Xian thought wryly, So she’s sweet when borrowing but cold when refused. Her affection is conditional. He recalled how she’d ignored them when they were cast out.
Pretending oblivious, he dropped the subject.
After the visit, Jin Niang developed a sore throat, likely from the wind, and Sister Jun’s stomach trouble lasted two days. Their illnesses threw Jiang Xian into a panic, but they soon recovered.
Having sold several sets of Mid-Autumn children’s outfits, Jin Niang told Jiang Xian at noon, "Our shop’s children’s clothes are gaining quite the reputation!"
Then Granny Ge, sent by Madam Xu, arrived with news: Master Jiang the Sixth was set to marry the daughter of the former Three Fiscal Offices Commissioner.
The marriage of the Zheng daughter was set for the day before the winter solstice.
Seeing Jiang Xian’s face darken instantly, Jin Niang waited until Granny Ge had left before asking with concern, "Is there something amiss with this Mrs. Zheng?"
"The Zheng family holds high status and great influence, their lineage illustrious. Though Madam Zheng is a concubine-born daughter, her sisters all married into wealth and nobility. Yet at the age of twenty-eight, she secretly pledged herself to a schoolteacher. The two had planned to elope, but the man fled, leaving her so heartbroken she nearly took her own life. After being saved, the Zheng family, deeming her a disgrace, sent her to live as a nun for many years. The scandal was widely known—no one is unaware of it. Naturally, I’ve heard of it," Jiang Xian said with a frown.
Jin Niang sighed. "But this was decided by Eldest Uncle, and Father is quite willing. There’s nothing we can say about it. At least we’ve moved out—whatever happens later won’t involve us."
This Mrs. Zheng, now thirty-nine, was unlikely to bear children again. Though the family knew Master Jiang the Sixth’s true nature, outsiders still saw him as the head of the household—a man with property, shops, land, and servants. His sons were all promising, and one day he might even bask in their glory, perhaps even receiving an honorary title through their achievements.
Hearing Jin Niang’s words, Jiang Xian agreed, "Thank goodness we moved out. Out of sight, out of mind."
Jin Niang, however, thought Madam Xu might not be so fortunate. Served her right—after all the scheming she’d done to drive them out, now she’d truly get what she deserved.
