The top scorer in the prefectural exam? That would be the highest-ranking candidate in the Kaifeng Prefecture preliminary imperial examination.
Jiang Xian had previously felt himself unlucky, but this time, he passed the exam with remarkable ease—and as the top scorer, no less. Unable to contain his joy, he jumped in excitement. Jin Niang happily wrapped her arms around his and said, "I’ve already prepared coins for tipping. Hurry and reward those messengers bringing the good news!"
Fortunately, their embroidery shop often dealt in cash, so there was no need to exchange money elsewhere. Jin Niang personally opened a chest, filled a basket with loose coins, and had Luo Da and Liu Dou'er carry it downstairs.
By then, Jiang Xian had changed into the new robe Jin Niang had made for him and stepped out to receive congratulations from the crowd.
Meanwhile, Jin Niang was visited by members of the local embroidery guild and others who came to pay respects to the wife of the prefectural top scorer. Even the guild leader who had succeeded her the previous year came to offer congratulations. Jin Niang, however, remained humble, treating everyone just as she always had.
Jiang Xian’s circle of official friends—Zhang the Ninth, Han Xiao, and others—sent congratulatory gifts, with Zhang the Ninth even paying a personal visit. Then there was Jiang Xian’s maternal Liu family, who had previously only been close to Madam Xu and looked down on their merchant background. Now, Uncle Liu and Aunt Liu came in person.
Their attitude toward Jin Niang had completely shifted. Aunt Liu smiled and said, "I always said Xian’er was exceptionally bright. Your late mother-in-law doted most on her youngest son, and now he’s proven himself. In the future, he’ll surely earn you a noble title—just wait and enjoy the blessings."
Jiang Xian’s elder brother, Jiang Yan, had also passed, but his ranking was lower, and Jiang Xian, being younger, had boundless potential.
Jin Niang quickly demurred, "This is just the preliminary exam. There’s still the provincial exam ahead—Aunt Liu, don’t praise him too soon."
Aunt Liu was impressed that Jin Niang could remain so composed despite her joy, admiring the late Madam Xu’s sharp eye in choosing a daughter-in-law. Madam Xu had been frugal and disciplined, pushing her husband and sons to strive for success, while Lady Wei was skilled and open-minded.
After finally seeing off the guests, Jin Niang and Jiang Xian began discussing preparations for the next steps. Just then, Xi Qiu brought over Sister Jun, who had just woken up, her fair little cheeks flushed from sleep. The couple couldn’t get enough of gazing at their daughter.
Meanwhile, when the news reached the top scholar, Jiang, he breathed a sigh of relief. Madam Song smiled and said, "It seems your judgment was spot-on. I’d like to visit Sweetwater Alley myself."
"Thank you for your trouble," Jiang said, pleased with his well-bred wife, who not only had a keen eye for people but also knew how to win them over.
Madam Song chuckled. "It’s nothing. A man needs allies in his career. Fortunately, Lady Wei, though from a merchant family, is sensible and reasonable."
Jiang, seeing his wife lowering herself to make connections, suggested, "Why not bring Madam Zhou, with whom you’re close?"
Having another person along would make it seem less like condescension.
But Madam Song shook her head. "You don’t know the history here. Lady Wei once worked as an embroiderer for the Zhou family for several years. Though her term ended and she left, the master-servant relationship remains. Bringing Madam Zhou along would only embarrass her."
So that was the reason. Jiang marveled at the intricacies of such social dynamics—something a humble scholar like him would never have guessed.
Still, he was touched that his wife, usually so discerning, had made such an effort for his sake.
Back at the Jiang residence, Master Jiang the Sixth, whose two sons had both passed the preliminary exams, decided to host a gathering for relatives and friends at the old family home. Knowing the financial strain there, Jiang Xian and Jin Niang sent over ten taels of silver.
Madam Zheng had been worrying about the costs of a lavish celebration, so the gift delighted her. Master Jiang the Sixth personally wrote invitations, summoning everyone. Even Madam Xu, who usually dressed plainly, dug out her finest clothes from the bottom of her chests and had them freshly perfumed.
Since giving birth, Jin Niang had found her wardrobe overflowing—five large chests and a top cabinet couldn’t hold everything—so she stopped making new clothes and began rewearing outfits she’d only worn once.
On this crisp autumn day, she donned an ivory-white embroidered bodice with silver-thread chrysanthemums, a pine-green lined jacket, and a honey-colored fur-trimmed overcoat with a rabbit-fur collar.
Around her neck, she wore a string of crystal beads, and atop her head, a velvet hairpin adorned with pearl-inlaid peonies and a bluebird. The ensemble exuded refined luxury.
In the carriage, Jiang Xian kept fidgeting close to her. When she sat primly, he pouted until she took his hand, finally settling him down.
At the feast, Master Jiang the Sixth drank heavily, and even Madam Xu allowed herself a rare smile. Jin Niang couldn’t help thinking how wonderful it would have been if Madam Jiang were still alive.
Such was the regret of not being able to honor one’s parents in their later years.
Jiang Xian had been invited to several literary gatherings, where his youth and good looks drew inquiries about his marital status. Each time, he replied, "I already have a virtuous wife," leaving no room for further discussion.
The provincial examination was scheduled for the second or third month of the following year—this was the true year of the great competition. After attending the banquet hosted by the Kaifeng prefecture for the candidates, Jiang Xian sent gifts to those who had supported him and then buried himself in his study.
Jin Niang didn’t treat Jiang Xian any differently, nor did she prepare extravagant delicacies. She maintained their usual meals, hoping to ease his pressure.
Business continued as usual. As she had predicted, after the preliminary examinations, matchmakers in Kaifeng became busy, and Jin Niang’s business flourished as well.
"Madam, we have an order for a set of four peony-patterned quilts symbolizing prosperity," Ying reported.
A set meant four quilts. Jin Niang accepted the order since they had ready stock, allowing for quick delivery. Each quilt sold for thirteen strings of cash, totaling fifty-two strings for the set. After deducting the six-string cost, they still made over forty strings in profit. Now that they no longer needed to repay loans, everything went straight into the accounts.
Moreover, after Jiang Xian placed first in the Kaifeng prefectural examination, the government awarded him fifty taels of silver as a prize, which Jin Niang carefully stored away.
Coincidentally, that same day, someone from the Zhou family came requesting clothing for Lady Zhang. Jin Niang sent Ying to take measurements and bring a catalog for Lady Zhang to choose from.
Unexpectedly, Ying returned with surprising news. "Did you know Xiang Ming has become the Zhou family’s Second Young Master’s concubine?"
"No wonder I’ve hardly seen her these past two years," Jin Niang remarked, unsurprised. Xiang Ming, also known as Si'er, had a pleasant temperament and decent looks. Most importantly, she had been a maid under Lady Jiang. With Lady Jiang and Lady Zhang locked in rivalry, it was natural for Lady Jiang to plant her own people in the Zhou household.
Previously, the Zhou family might have been observing mourning rites, but once the period ended, they likely sent Xiang Ming over.
Ying worried, "But Lady Zhang isn’t an easy person to deal with."
"Xiang Ming was sold under a lifelong contract. Now that the Zhang family has declined while the Zhou family has produced a new jinshi, the power dynamics have shifted. For her, this might not be a bad thing," Jin Niang reasoned. There was no other choice—if she didn’t become a concubine, she’d be married off to some poor, gambling drunkard. The well-behaved servants from established families were already reserved for better matches.
Turning to Ying, Jin Niang asked, "Speaking of which, you’re almost eighteen. What are your thoughts on marriage? If you wish to marry outside, I can release you from your bond."
Ying quickly replied, "Madam, I want to stay by your side and serve you."
"Very well, we’ll wait until you find someone you truly like," Jin Niang said with a smile.
Ying thought to herself that life outside was harsh—just look at how ordinary families struggled during the recent epidemic. Besides, with Jiang Xian now a provincial graduate and likely to become a jinshi, the Jiang family was on the rise. She had no intention of leaving. More than that, she already saw Jin Niang as family.
While Ying’s marriage plans were put on hold, Minzhi and Young Chen’s wedding proceeded smoothly. Jin Niang naturally approved of the match. Both had decent wages, and Jin Niang even gifted Minzhi ten strings of cash as a dowry, entrusting Luo Da’s wife to oversee the arrangements. As servants, their wedding was simple, without excessive formalities, and soon Minzhi was dressed as a married woman.
Young Chen now wore neatly pressed clothes, his hair meticulously combed, and he grinned all day long.
It wasn’t just Young Chen who was happy. On Brother Ning’s hundredth-day celebration, the baby was healthy, his features resembling Jin Niang’s. Dressed in a little tiger-head hat, he seemed to understand more than one would expect. The day before, Jin Niang had scolded him for crying too loudly, and today, the little one still held a grudge, refusing to look at her.
"Brother Ning, are you still mad at Mama? Let me apologize, alright? You’re the best baby in the world," Jin Niang cooed, kissing him.
Only then did the baby deign to snuggle into her arms.
Brother Ning’s wet nurse, Wet Nurse Ma, was exceptionally skilled at childcare, far better than the nanny who had cared for Sister Jun. She even taught Jin Niang how to burp the baby and care for him properly. Jin Niang, ever diligent, kept detailed notes while observing her daughter and son daily.
Just as she soothed Brother Ning, Ying called from the stairs, "Madam, Madam Liu, the wife of Imperial Han Xiao, is here."
Jin Niang recalled that Madam Liu had visited years ago for clothing but hadn’t been seen since. She wondered what brought her here now.
Straightening her dress, Jin Niang went downstairs.
Madam Liu, originally Han Xiao’s second wife, came from an illustrious family. Before, she had felt that forced interactions only made both families uncomfortable. But now, with Jiang Xian as the top candidate in the prefectural exams and highly likely to become a jinshi, it would be foolish not to visit.
"Lady Wei," Madam Liu greeted warmly.
Seeing that Madam Liu didn’t seem to be here for clothing, Jin Niang invited her to the small parlor on the first floor for tea. When Madam Liu saw Jin Niang again, she noticed her hair was wrapped in a pink headscarf, adorned with delicate fresh flowers at the front and pearl-embellished combs on either side. Though her makeup was light, her face appeared youthful, and her every movement still carried the grace of a young maiden.
"Is Lady Wei’s shop still open?" Madam Liu asked curiously.
Jin Niang smiled. "Naturally."
Unless Jiang Xian was assigned to a post outside the capital and she had to follow, she would never close the shop. As long as it remained open, money would keep flowing in—why would she ever shut it down?
Madam Liu became more understanding. "That’s true. Your Wei family embroidery shop is quite renowned. In fact, I have a business opportunity to introduce to you."
It turned out that Han Xiao had a cousin who was preparing for her wedding and needed dowry items. Madam Liu thought she was offering a significant favor.
Jin Niang, however, hesitated. "Thank you for recommending us, but I’m afraid these items wouldn’t be ready until next spring. Our orders are already booked until next year—I can’t even close for the New Year if I wanted to."
Even Minzhi had nearly set aside her children’s clothing projects, as everyone was rushing to fulfill orders.
Madam Liu was taken aback, never expecting their business to be so thriving.
Jin Niang apologized. "Perhaps I could refer you to another shop nearby? We’re truly—"
"No, I insist on having it done here," Madam Liu became even more determined.
Jin Niang then brought out a catalog, flipping to one page. "This is our most popular design—‘Flourishing Flowers.’" She turned to another page. "And this is my new design, ‘Eternal Harmony,’ featuring lily patterns. The borders are outlined in silver thread."
They had dedicated displays for wedding quilts and canopies, complete with estimated timelines and prices. Madam Liu immediately placed a deposit.
Once, their social statuses had been worlds apart, but now that they were more equal, Madam Liu found Jin Niang quite congenial.
Jin Niang, too, realized something: relationships weren’t always built on shared interests but often on status first, then personality.
Jiang Xian had a pragmatic view on the matter. "Don’t overthink it, my dear. Remember—everyone moves for profit. Don’t take it too seriously, but don’t push people away either."
"That makes sense," Jin Niang laughed.
On reflection, if she had been an ordinary commoner—without property, skills, or wealth—no matter how beautiful she was, she might never have married Jiang Xian. And even if he were from an official’s family, had he been uneducated or ill-mannered, she might not have fancied him either.
Even their ability to indulge in romance was thanks to Jin Niang’s thriving business—free from financial worries, with help raising their children and no conflicts with in-laws...
But hadn’t she built all this with her own hands? Thinking this way, she felt rather proud of herself.
After a brief moment of contemplation, Jin Niang stood up. "I must hurry back to the shop—there’s so much work to do."
"Won’t you rest a little longer?" Jiang Xian asked.
Jin Niang chuckled. "Absolutely not. You’ve no idea how many orders we have now."
On the winter solstice, Jin Niang didn’t have the kitchen prepare meals. Instead, she reserved two tables at Hongbin Restaurant—one for the servants and hired workers, the other for the family.
Madame Zhu even packed leftovers for her husband. Both skilled artisans, she had earned two strings of cash in commissions that month, not to mention the rice, flour, charcoal, firewood, and fabric provided by the embroidery shop.
Her husband devoured the food eagerly. "This must’ve cost a fortune."
"It did—nearly a string of cash per table, and we brought our own wine. Our mistress is very generous to us servants. But..." Madame Zhu sighed faintly.
Her husband frowned. "If she’s so good, why the sigh?"
Madame Zhu explained, "Her husband ranked first in the Kaifeng prefectural exams this year. He’ll likely pass the imperial exams soon, and she’ll surely follow him to his next post. How can the shop stay open? The latest orders she’s taken are for May."
Why May? Because the provincial exams were in February, results would come out two months later in April, and official appointments would follow in May.
Spring
With the provincial exams looming in February, the New Year passed uneasily. This year, Master Jiang the Sixth insisted the family return to the ancestral home for celebrations. Jiang Xian was reluctant but had no choice—while the estate had been divided, the family itself wasn’t formally separated, and filial duty demanded their presence.
The only amusing part about this return was how Madam Xu, who once prided herself as an official's daughter, now had to contend with Jiang Xian becoming the top scholar in the provincial exams, while Jiang Yan ranked below him. Madam Xu began putting on airs as the elder sister-in-law, but this time, Jin Niang refused to yield.
For instance, before the New Year, Madam Xu demanded that Jin Niang come over to prepare sacrificial offerings. Jin Niang simply asked which dishes were needed, suggesting they could prepare them in Sweetwater Lane and send them over. Madam Xu, however, insisted on waking before dawn to make them herself, claiming it had to be done by hand.
This was nothing but Madam Xu making things difficult for herself—and dragging others down with her.
Faced with such unreasonable demands, Jin Niang went straight to Madam Zheng and said, "Madam, you may not know, but my child is still young. I have to tend to him at night, work at the embroidery shop during the day, and now I’m expected to rush over here as well—it’s simply impossible."
Given the longstanding rivalry between Madam Zheng and Madam Xu, Madam Zheng immediately replied, "There’s no need for you to come. If word got out, people might think our family mistreats its daughters-in-law. We would never tolerate such behavior."
Madam Xu was left fuming at Madam Zheng’s words.
After the New Year festivities ended, February arrived swiftly. Jiang Xian began staying up later each night, even suffering from bouts of insomnia.
Jin Niang warmed his bedding with a hot water bottle beforehand and, once he lay beside her, massaged his temples and shoulders until he finally drifted off. She had once struggled with insomnia herself—aches and pains keeping her awake—so she knew just how to soothe him.
Because of this, Jiang Xian grew increasingly dependent on Jin Niang—truly, deeply reliant.
This time, Jin Niang personally prepared his examination basket. With experience from before, she worked more efficiently. While she was organizing everything, Jiang Fang and Third Miss Zhou paid an unexpected visit. Jin Niang noted inwardly that Jiang Fang had never visited before, but she maintained a polite demeanor and ensured they were well received.
Jiang Fang noticed Jiang Xian’s freshly written calligraphy set aside and remarked that his younger brother’s handwriting had improved greatly.
Knowing Jiang Fang’s temperament—similar to Zhou Cunzhi’s, both proud and unyielding—and now bound by marriage ties, Jiang Xian smiled and said, "Tenth Brother, please sit. I’ll have my wife come greet you."
He then summoned Jin Niang. Before their marriage, Jiang Fang had strongly opposed the match. But after all they’d been through, seeing Jin Niang again—her clear gaze, striking beauty, and gentle manner—softened his disapproval somewhat.
"Second Brother and Sister-in-law should stay for dinner. I’ve heard from my husband that you’re fond of donkey meat, and Old Pan’s shop nearby is renowned for it. I’ll have some sent over," Jin Niang offered warmly.
Though Jiang Fang often spoke bluntly to Jiang Xian, he was taken aback by Jin Niang’s gracious hospitality and quickly replied, "There’s no need to trouble yourself, Sister-in-law."
Jin Niang waved it off. "Nonsense."
She simply arranged for Chen the young servant to fetch a portion. She had remembered Third Miss Zhou mentioning Jiang Fang’s preference for donkey meat in passing, and it had stuck with her.
While the brothers dined together, Jin Niang shared a meal with Third Miss Zhou. She couldn’t help but reflect on how, in the past, she would have been standing while Third Miss Zhou sat—now, they were equals at the same table.
Third Miss Zhou felt the same.
Life’s twists and turns were truly unpredictable.
On the day of Jiang Xian’s provincial examination, Jin Niang personally escorted him. She adjusted his fur-lined coat and urged, "Keep your hood on. Though spring has begun, the wind still bites."
"With the new coat you made me, I’m not afraid of the cold," Jiang Xian replied, glancing at the luxurious sable-lined garment, its exterior embroidered with black-and-gold velvet. To avoid making him look too mature, Jin Niang had paired it with a lake-blue padded jacket and matching earmuffs.
When they arrived, Jiang Xian hopped down from the carriage and immediately recoiled from the icy gust. "Stay inside, my dear. It’s freezing out here."
"Very well. Do your best, and don’t worry about home," Jin Niang reassured him.
Jiang Xian nodded.
As they exchanged a few more words, they noticed some southern candidates coughing or sniffling, even summoning physicians. Jin Niang spotted Feng Sheng waiting nearby with his medicine box—ever the diligent one.
Lou Siniang had wondered the same thing earlier while delivering herbs. "You push the children so hard, hoping they’ll pass the exams and become officials. Yet here’s a ready connection—Jiang Xian’s aunt seems quite amiable. Why not make use of it?"
Feng Sheng merely smiled faintly, offering no explanation.
Lou Siniang mused that her husband, usually so eager to network with the elite, was acting strangely aloof now.
...
The provincial exams lasted three days. Jin Niang waited anxiously at home, though her hands stayed busy.
Ying served them all chrysanthemum and wolfberry tea, a blend known to brighten the eyes—essential for those who worked with embroidery. Setting down the teacups, she asked, "Madam, will the Jia family’s order be ready today?"
"Yes, the embroidered quilt cover for the Jia family is finished. It just needs to be stitched together. Later, I’ll work on it with Madame Zhu," Jin Niang replied, rubbing her tired eyes.
Once the quilt was completed, Minzhi wrapped it carefully in a cloth bundle and set off with Chen Xiaolang to deliver it.
Meanwhile, Jin Niang glanced at the sky, thinking Jiang Xian should be returning soon. Indeed, he arrived shortly after, utterly exhausted from the examinations. After devouring a bowl of quail dumplings, he collapsed into bed and slept for two full days before finally recovering.
When he awoke, Jin Niang noticed his pallor and immediately asked, "How did the exams go this time?"
If he failed the provincial exams, he would have to retake the preliminary ones. But if he passed, the palace examination would only determine his ranking.
Not wanting to raise his wife’s hopes prematurely, Jiang Xian replied, "How I performed depends on the examiners’ judgment."
Tight-lipped as a clam, he left Jin Niang anxious. Fortunately, her embroidery work kept her busy, and at times, she managed to forget her worries.
On the day the results were posted, everyone donned their spring attire. Jiang Xian couldn’t bear the thought of Jin Niang jostling through the crowd, so he hired a few idle men to check the list for him. But Jin Niang refused to listen. Veiled in a headscarf, she pushed her way to the front, scanning the names swiftly until she spotted Jiang Xian’s.
Relieved, she pressed a hand to her chest and hurried back to Jiang Xian, catching him stifling a grin. "You were teasing me on purpose, weren’t you?" she scolded. "You had me so worried!"
Jiang Xian raised his hands in mock surrender. "I’ve been wronged!"
After the palace examination, Jin Niang’s nerves settled. When the final rankings were announced, she sent the hired men to copy the list.
Eighth in the first rank: Jiang Xian, styled Shushi, childhood name Xian’er. Born on the sixth day of the third month in the hour of the Ox, under the reign of Emperor Yan, now twenty-two years old. Maternal family name Liu. Excelled in the composition exam. Elder brother Jiang Yan, also a successful candidate in the same examination, married to Lady Wei. Great-grandfather Jiang Hao served as Vice Director of the Secretariat, Chancellor of the Secretariat, and Grand Academician of the Jixian Hall, posthumously honored as Duke of Ming. Grandfather Jiang Yao, father Jiang Tiancheng. Registered household in Kaifeng Prefecture under his father’s name.
Jin Niang read the announcement three times, her joy swelling. Jiang Xian, watching his wife’s delight, felt even happier than when he had seen his own name.
"Heavens, does this mean I’m now the wife of a palace graduate?" Jin Niang finally allowed herself to rejoice.
Jiang Xian smiled softly. "Indeed. My lady has nurtured her husband well."
