After her previous visit to the Liu Mansion, Madam Xun, who had always been haughty, remained indifferent as usual. However, Madam Liu took a liking to her and even asked her to bring Sister Jun along for a visit.
As the weather grew colder, Jin Niang dressed her daughter in a pink side-buttoned jacket lined with rabbit fur, embroidered with a white rabbit nibbling on a carrot. Over her trousers, she wore a pleated skirt adorned with several adorable little rabbits. On her head was a hat with alternating white and pink pom-poms, and she carried a rabbit-shaped sachet. Even Jiang Xian, who greeted them at the door, was utterly charmed by their daughter. He reached out to hold her, but Jin Niang said, "She just woke up—let me carry her for now."
A man's true regard for his wife can often be measured by whether he introduces her to those he respects. In this regard, Jin Niang was quite satisfied with Jiang Xian. Unlike some men who married beneath their station and later looked down on their wives due to others' gossip, Jiang Xian never belittled her.
When the family of three arrived to see Madam Liu, the older woman was instantly smitten with Sister Jun. "This child is the most beautiful little one I’ve ever seen," she exclaimed.
Many parents insist their children are the most handsome or lovely, even when they are quite ordinary, putting others in an awkward position—whether to praise or not. If the child is truly attractive, compliments come naturally, but if not, forcing others to invent flattery is simply...
Jiang Xian and Jin Niang rarely boasted about their daughter’s looks in public, but their fondness for dressing her up made Sister Jun a delight wherever she went.
"You flatter her too much," Jin Niang said with a smile, gently reassuring her daughter not to be afraid of strangers.
At her age, Madam Liu adored lively company. Seeing that Jin Niang was graceful, her daughter adorable, and Jiang Xian both scholarly and capable—having even helped her family resolve a matter—she held them all in high regard, especially since Jiang Xian clearly cherished his wife.
After some pleasant conversation, Jin Niang carried her daughter outside, where they happened to meet Eldest Young Master Liu, the eldest son of the Liu family. Jiang Xian tensed slightly—this man was far from virtuous. While Madam Xun was known for her temper, Eldest Young Master Liu kept several mistresses outside his home.
Jiang Xian knew the man valued brotherhood and would never covet a friend’s wife, but he also understood how men’s minds worked. If he remained without an official rank, things might become complicated.
"Sixteenth Brother, where are you off to?" Eldest Young Master Liu asked.
Jiang Xian smiled. "I just escorted my wife to pay respects to the old madam. Now I must see them home—there’s still business to attend to."
Upon seeing Sister Jun, Eldest Young Master Liu untied a jade pendant and gifted it to her. Jiang Xian thanked him on his daughter’s behalf before they parted ways. Originally planning to escort his family home, Jiang Xian remembered the matter of rent collection at Golden Beam Bridge and said to Jin Niang, "Let’s go together."
She nodded. Fortunately, the moneylender knew better than to delay when Jiang Xian appeared in person, promptly handing over ten silver ingots—each worth fifty taels, totaling five hundred taels. Jiang Xian entrusted all of it to Jin Niang for safekeeping.
On their way back, Jin Niang spotted Feng Sheng and Lou Siniang nearby. Feng Sheng noticed Jiang Xian on horseback and immediately came over to chat.
It turned out the couple had opened a medical clinic near Golden Beam Bridge. Feng Sheng was unusually humble. "We’re starting from scratch, so business isn’t great yet. Siniang and I take turns making house calls."
Not keen on prolonging the conversation, Jiang Xian simply said, "Take care, Doctor Feng. We won’t keep you."
Feng Sheng clasped his hands in farewell and hurried off.
Since Feng Sheng’s remarriage, the two families had hardly interacted. Jin Niang had never liked him much and was surprised he had opened a clinic so soon.
Just then, Sister Jun needed to relieve herself. The wet nurse quickly took her to do so, while Nanny Luo helped change her diaper, soothing the child until she settled.
Sister Jun was usually cared for by her wet nurse and Nanny Luo, with Jin Niang’s parents assisting in the afternoons. With four adults tending to one child, Jin Niang could manage her duties without worry.
Upon returning home, they found gifts from the Zheng Family—two packages of southeastern tea. Such tea was typically sold only in Guangnan and Sichuan, prohibited elsewhere. As Jin Niang prepared to inspect it, Jiang Xian took a whiff and declared, "Stale."
"Stale or not, I’ll just send some needlework in return. It’s no matter." After all, this wasn’t her birth mother-in-law—maintaining appearances was enough.
When no one was around, Jiang Xian stole a kiss. "As my wife commands."
Jin Niang stored the silver away and mused, "I’ve noticed that officials often start with petty greed, only to spiral into corruption. We’re not short on money now—you mustn’t risk everything for a momentary lapse."
"Why bring this up?" Jiang Xian asked, puzzled.
"Just a passing thought," Jin Niang replied lightly.
With Jiang Xian home for once, he invited friends over for dinner and conversation. Jin Niang promptly sent Chen the Younger and Liu Dou'er to a nearby restaurant for a mid-grade banquet—not because she skimped, but because a lavish spread would be wasted on just three men.
Back in Sweetwater Lane, Jiang Xian finally felt at home. Though he had initially struggled to adjust, the place now felt warmly familiar.
Hearing of his guests, his father-in-law personally swept the courtyard, while his mother-in-law prepared fruits and pastries, treating him like a son.
In the study, the three men chatted freely. Zhang the Ninth, now a student at the Imperial Academy, spoke of his acquaintances there. "The area around the academy is packed with pleasure houses—it’s impossible to avoid them."
Jiang Xian pointed at him, laughing. "Don’t overdo it."
"Sixteenth Brother, don’t act so high-minded. Even your Sweetwater Lane borders Clerk’s Alley, where brothels are even thicker on the ground," Zhang the Ninth retorted. He didn’t consider himself a libertine, but as a man of status, he couldn’t refuse the women who flocked to him—some social pretense was necessary.
Jiang Xian merely smiled. He had no interest in such pursuits, not only because they didn’t appeal to him but also because he dreaded Jin Niang’s reaction if she found out. Visiting courtesans? No, thank you—though he kept that thought to himself.
Some words, once spoken, attracted the wrong kind of attention—people who took perverse pleasure in tempting the upright. It was endlessly tiresome.
As a scion of an official family, he had encountered countless people since childhood. Naturally sharp-eyed and perceptive, he was well-versed in worldly affairs, though he often masked his understanding with laughter.
Third Young Master Peng remarked, "The Sixteenth Young Master is currently studying at the Liu Family—how could he possibly spare time for such matters?"
As the conversation continued, Zhou Cunzhi was brought up. Zhang the Ninth said, "My brother-in-law mentioned that you haven’t been visiting much lately. He spoke of you just the other day."
As a grandson, Zhou Cunzhi only needed to observe a year of mourning, and now he had been waiting for an official post for several months. The Zhou Family was no longer what it once was, and Zhang the Ninth sighed at the thought. He recalled how his sister and brother-in-law had nearly become bitter enemies, though such marital disputes were hardly fit for discussion.
Jiang Xian chuckled, "I’d love to visit, but my uncle from the Liu Family keeps me busy with studies. I barely have time to return home, let alone visit the Zhous. Ninth Brother, please convey my apologies to Second Brother Zhou."
He preferred staying with the Liu Family over visiting the Zhous—partly because Madam Jiang had slighted Jin Niang, and partly because Zhou Cunzhi harbored inappropriate thoughts toward his wife. But such matters were too delicate to share, even with close friends.
Zhang the Ninth took a bite of roasted pigeon and quickly replied, "It’s what brothers do."
Seeing Zhang the Ninth enter the Imperial Academy and Jiang Xian’s scholarly reputation grow under the guidance of a financial minister, Third Young Master Peng couldn’t help but feel despondent. "You two have your futures set, while I remain without any accomplishments."
His studies had stalled, and his family’s finances were dwindling. In his younger, carefree days, he had followed Zhang the Ninth to pleasure quarters, but Zhang’s path had long been paved by his family. The gap between them only widened.
Even preparing respectable gifts for the Winter Solstice and New Year had become a struggle. His fur coat was years old, worn and outdated, while Jiang Xian, sweltering in his new attire, had to remove his luxurious, exquisitely embroidered jacket.
Jiang Xian wiped sweat from his brow, embarrassed. "My wife insisted I wear this thick inner robe—it’s unbearably hot."
Even Zhang the Ninth, a man of refined tastes, admired Jiang Xian’s wardrobe. "Lend me that sandalwood-purple fur coat for the poetry gathering in a few days," he requested.
Jiang Xian sighed. "Too late—Scholar Huang’s eldest son already borrowed it."
Just as women’s fashion outpaced men’s in modern times, the same held true in antiquity. Jin Niang designed Jiang Xian’s outfits purely for the joy of dressing him, resulting in exceptionally stylish attire.
Though they had agreed not to make a new fur coat this year, Jin Niang crafted a goose-patterned lambskin one after Jiang Xian began studying at the Liu Family. Last year’s tiger-patterned coat had already been lent out. Jiang Xian whispered, "My wife forbids me from lending clothes freely—don’t tell her."
Men, it seemed, were just as vain as women.
Zhang the Ninth had skilled seamstresses and tailors at his disposal, yet none could rival Jin Niang’s craftsmanship.
As the saying goes, fine feathers make fine birds. Jiang Xian, who already loved new clothes, now found himself the center of attention wherever he went, thanks to Jin Niang’s meticulous efforts.
After dinner, as night fell and shops closed, Jin Niang instructed Ying to prepare and scent tomorrow’s outfit before retiring to embroider a Guanyin portrait. Jiang Xian reminded her, "Wife, the candlelight strains your eyes—don’t overwork them."
"I know," Jin Niang replied. She understood the toll embroidery took—her mentor, Madam Chen, had warned that a seamstress’s skills declined after thirty due to failing eyesight.
She had to earn while she could; in a few years, she wouldn’t need to work so hard.
Jiang Xian mentioned, "Third Young Master Peng is struggling—he can’t even afford festival gifts this year."
Festive gifts were a significant expense. Jin Niang looked at him. "What can be done? The Pengs are an established family with many relatives—etiquette must be observed."
They could lend him five strings of coins at most—no more. After all, one could aid the urgent but not the perpetually needy.
If preparing gifts was this difficult, he needed a livelihood. Jin Niang recalled how wealthy families employed companions. If Third Young Master Peng failed the imperial exams, he’d have to humble himself—borrowing indefinitely wasn’t sustainable.
Jiang Xian reflected that without his wife’s management, he’d be in a similar plight. Renting a decent house in the capital cost ten strings of coins monthly, not counting food, gifts, and clothing—all substantial expenses.
His high standard of living was entirely due to Jin Niang’s efforts.
"So, he’s quite worried," Jiang Xian said. "Wife, how can we help him?"
Jin Niang smiled. "Husband, there’s virtue in aiding friends financially. But even brothers quarrel over money—better to teach a man to fish than give him one. If he finds a path forward, it’s worth more than any loan."
Jiang Xian nodded. "You’re absolutely right—this is enlightening."
"Flatterer," Jin Niang teased, knowing full well Jiang Xian’s talent for mediating disputes—even Madam Liu’s family had entrusted him with a delicate matter.
Full from dinner, Jiang Xian drowsily reclined on the couch. "But I rely on you now—how can I find him an opportunity?"
Unfazed, Jin Niang replied, "Then do as you see fit—he’s your friend."
In the end, Jiang Xian lent Third Young Master Peng three strings of coins, with repayment due by year’s end—though he assured him there was no rush. The incident only deepened Jiang Xian’s gratitude toward his mother for arranging such an ideal match.
After another hour of needlework, Jin Niang checked Jiang Xian’s returned clothes and asked, "Where’s last year’s fur coat?"
Despite his earlier excuse to Zhang the Ninth, Jiang Xian confessed, "Scholar Huang’s eldest son borrowed it. It worked out—I’d been worrying about how to approach Scholar Huang regarding my studies at the Liu Family. This was a perfect opportunity. Don’t be upset."
"It’s just a coat," Jin Niang said. "But don’t let it come back greasy—that was fine fur."
Jiang Xian laughed. "Don’t worry—it won’t. Honestly, your craftsmanship is too good. Everyone covets my clothes because of you."
Soon came the day of Master Jiang the Sixth’s wedding. At his age, the celebration was modest. As juniors, they met Madam Zheng the following day—a fair-skinned, oval-faced woman with a warm smile.
Madam Zheng was introduced to Master Jiang the Sixth’s two sons. She found him agreeable—mild-tempered, dignified, and bearing the grace of an aristocratic lineage.
Farewell to Jiang Yan, the modest gentleman, and Jiang Xian, the dashing figure—both already advanced in years and married, making them unsuitable candidates for closer ties. She had come to terms with the fact that maintaining superficial harmony with her grown stepsons was enough.
In the distant future, all she hoped for was someone to mourn her passing.
But when it came to her daughters-in-law, she spared no effort in winning them over. Madam Zheng, having grown up as a concubine’s daughter, understood the power of a woman’s whispered influence.
Jin Niang prepared a forehead band and a pair of embroidered pouches for her stepmother-in-law, Madam Zheng. Though Jin Niang didn’t know the extent of Madam Zheng’s dowry, she also gifted each household a chest of fabric.
"Thank you, Madam," Jin Niang said with a smile.
Madam Zheng found Madam Xu dignified and refined, while Jin Niang was delicate and charming. She didn’t put on airs as an elder but instead spoke warmly, believing she had done well.
However, Madam Xu looked down on the fabrics, as they were outdated.
Jin Niang, however, remarked to Jiang Xian, "It seems the Zheng Family values this marriage. Though the fabrics Madam Zheng gifted aren’t fashionable—after all, she spent years in a temple and couldn’t have had much—they’re still of good quality."
Back in the Zhou household, she had seen Madam Jiang meticulously preparing dowries for the Zhou family’s two legitimate daughters, starting from a young age. These fabrics were likely saved from Madam Zheng’s youth, now repurposed since the Zheng Family couldn’t afford a lavish dowry.
Jiang Xian, being a man who often traveled outside, now with a wife and daughter, resented Madam Zheng for taking his mother’s place. Still, he consoled himself that at least his father had someone to care for him—Madam Zheng was certainly better than Madam Xu as a daughter-in-law.
Upon entering the household, Madam Zheng brought two maids and a retinue of servants, displacing the old retainers of the late Madam Jiang the Sixth. This was tolerable, as she was utterly submissive to Master Jiang the Sixth, unlike his previous wife.
The late Madam Jiang the Sixth had been a woman of remarkable beauty and talent, fitting for the granddaughter of a prime minister. Strong-willed and assertive, she had borne three sons and a daughter in her lifetime, leaving Master Jiang the Sixth no choice but to obey her.
Madam Zheng, knowing Master Jiang the Sixth loved crab meat buns for breakfast, personally prepared them, breaking from Madam Xu’s frugal habits.
Madam Xu fumed, "Now she’s splurging! She’s even taken over managing the rents from Father-in-law’s lands. If she keeps spending recklessly just to please him, what will become of us?"
With Master Jiang the Sixth owning a hundred and fifty acres of land, the income was no small matter.
Nanny Ge advised, "She has Master Jiang the Sixth’s backing. You must endure for now."
By nature, the relationship between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law was unequal, and with the Zheng Family behind Madam Zheng, the Xu Family couldn’t compare. Madam Xu had previously pooled the garden rents and land income for household use, supplementing it with her own dowry of two hundred acres. Living frugally, they had managed well—but Madam Zheng was clearly trying to snatch it all away.
Yet there was little she could do. Worse, with Master Jiang the Sixth’s support, Madam Zheng sought control of the household, which Madam Xu was determined to prevent.
The outcome of their struggle was no longer Jin Niang’s concern, for she had already secured orders for ten sets of her newly designed Year of the Rooster children’s outfits. Sister Jun, wearing one, was the best advertisement.
Jin Niang and Minzhi busied themselves with children’s clothing, while Madame Zhu embroidered wedding quilts. Everyone worked fervently—after all, work meant wages, and no business meant no income.
Midway, Juxiang brought over fermented milk, which Jin Niang drank religiously to darken her hair.
Minzhi, finishing a set, had Ying press it and asked Jin Niang during the break, "How is your Guanyin embroidery coming along?"
"Nearly done, but it lacks a certain vitality. I’ll need to consult the embroidery alley for guidance," Jin Niang replied.
Minzhi worried, "But their skills are their livelihood. Why would they teach you?"
Jin Niang wasn’t concerned. Once she became the guild head, she’d have leverage for exchange.
At noon, Jin Niang dined with her parents. Her mother said, "We should start hanging cured meat and making pickles."
Knowing her mother’s fondness for pickles, Jin Niang smiled. "Very well, but let Juxiang and Xi Qiu help. It’ll go faster."
Luo Yu'e assured her, "Don’t worry."
"Mother, let’s pickle two jars of duck eggs this year too. We can slice one whenever we crave it," Jin Niang suggested. Though she wasn’t much of a cook, she knew household management lay in the details.
Luo Yu'e nodded. "Two jars will suffice."
After discussing more chores, Jin Niang went upstairs to check on Sister Jun. The ten-month-old could now eat steamed eggs and noodles. Last time, her father had specially made her egg custard, and she had licked the bowl clean.
Now, the little girl stood holding onto a stool, beaming at the sight of Jin Niang. Just as Jin Niang was about to nap with her, she was summoned to the guild head’s office.
Two other candidates joined her: Madam Bao, daughter-in-law of the Cloud Hairpin Tower’s owner, and Sister Zhen, a renowned embroiderer from the embroidery alley.
Madam Bao now oversaw Cloud Hairpin Tower’s embroidery division. Even before marriage, she had excelled in needlework, and after wedding, she managed the entire establishment flawlessly for her mother-in-law. Sister Zhen was celebrated for her filial piety—learning embroidery from her mother-in-law, raising her children alone, and earning widespread acclaim for her skill.
On the surface, Jin Niang was the underdog, but she remained undaunted.
The three exchanged polite deferrals upon entry, but before the guild head, they held nothing back.
Madam Bao argued confidently, "Cloud Hairpin Tower rivals Brocade Pavilion in reputation. With over thirty embroiderers and the highest tax contributions, only we can command respect as guild head."
"Madam Bao, your embroiderers are indeed skilled," Jin Niang countered, "but your work has largely been wedding items and embroidered screens. You’ve never taken on Imperial Textile Academy commissions, whereas my Wei Embroidery Workshop has handled them for two years. Moreover, last Qixi Festival, both garments your tower submitted lost to Brocade Pavilion and Heavenly Silks. Guild Head, if I were interim leader, I’d at least ensure next year’s Qixi brings honors."
Madam Bao inwardly acknowledged that Wei Embroidery Workshop, though half their size, had powerful connections—ties to the Imperial Textile Academy and Jin Niang’s husband, a prominent young noble of Bianjing.
She defended herself, "Our embroidered screens attract buyers from Pingjiang and Lin’an. Doesn’t that prove Cloud Hairpin Tower’s fame spreads far?"
Sister Zhen laughed. "When it comes to screens, everyone knows Wang’s Embroidery Shop outsells you."
Ever since the copycat owner of Wang’s Embroidery realized that selling embroidered screens was the most profitable, he redirected all his embroiderers to focus solely on them. As a result, Bin Yun Tower now only retains a few loyal customers, while newcomers flock to Wang’s.
Truthfully, this comparison isn’t entirely fair—after all, Wang’s was nearly expelled from the guild. It was only through backdoor dealings and pulling strings that they managed to stay in the trade. Eventually, the owner of Wang’s Embroidery stepped into the shadows, putting his nephew in charge of daily operations.
Unsurprisingly, the guild leader frowned at this.
Sister Zhen, however, thought her words had struck a sharp blow, and she basked in self-satisfaction for a moment.
“I propose we elect Madam Wei as the new guild leader,” the guild leader said, turning to Jin Niang with clear approval. “She selflessly shared the ‘Luoyang Brocade’ design with Zhang Huaniang from Embroidery Lane, which helped our Southern City district rank third in this year’s Qixi Festival competition. Moreover, she was once the head embroiderer of the Imperial Embroidery Bureau, so she has connections with the court. She’s literate, exceptionally skilled, and her workshop’s tax contributions place her among the top seven in Southern City.”
Jin Niang mentally gave herself a victory sign but humbly replied, “Guild Leader, Southern City still needs your guidance. I’m merely here to assist temporarily, learning from your example and following your established rules.”
