After passing the imperial examination and becoming a jinshi, it was customary to host a "Shaowei Banquet" to celebrate. Jin Niang had always been practical—never one to stretch beyond her means—believing there would be many more days ahead and refusing to go mad over appearances by splurging on extravagant feasts costing ten strings of cash per table.
However, their residence in Sweetwater Alley was too small, already packed to the brim. So Jin Niang discussed with Jiang Xian whether they should reserve a floor at Huixian Lou for the banquet. Holding it there would be prestigious, and the establishment offered suitable menus, ensuring no guest would feel slighted.
"I inquired, and they’re willing to reserve the second floor for us. We’ll need twenty-six tables, each costing four strings and three mace, including wine. Each table also comes with six platters of fruits as a complimentary offering," Jin Niang calculated. "I’ve also prepared party favors—boxes of pastries from Fan Lou, which aren’t too expensive, just eighty coppers per box." Altogether, it would cost over a hundred strings of cash.
She showed Jiang Xian the menu, which included six types of fresh fruits, six dried fruits, savory and sweet snacks, and ten main dishes featuring lamb, chicken, shrimp, crab, and more, along with six side dishes for wine.
Jiang Xian readily agreed and personally drafted the invitations, entrusting Liu Dou'er, Luo Da, and Young Master Chen to deliver them.
The Zhou Family was among the first to receive the invitations. Madam Jiang was overjoyed. Since her father’s passing, her elder brother had only held a minor hereditary post and showed little interest in officialdom, leaving the Jiang family’s status in decline. But now, two members of her natal family had passed the exams in one go.
Her son-in-law, Sun Shichen, had also succeeded, though barely—he ranked in the fourth tier, nearly falling into the fifth as a "tong jinshi." In comparison, Jiang Xian placed eighth in the first tier, while Jiang Yan ranked fifth in the second tier. It made her reflect that, in the end, family was the most reliable.
Madam Jiang summoned her daughter-in-law, Lady Zhang, and the two set aside past grievances to prepare congratulatory gifts together.
Meanwhile, in Jiang Fang’s household, his adoptive mother—also Jiang Xian’s aunt—hurriedly sent someone to fetch Third Miss Zhou from Fourth Miss Zhou’s place, so they could both go to Sweetwater Alley to help.
At the time, Third Miss Zhou was discussing the banquet with Fourth Miss Zhou: "Of course it must be held. Fellow graduates, mentors, and relatives from both families must all be invited."
Fourth Miss Zhou, who had never hosted such an event, was about to hire professional banquet organizers when she heard from Third Miss Zhou’s mother-in-law that Jiang Xian had chosen Huixian Lou.
"Huixian Lou?" She gasped. Surely that wasn’t cheap.
Fourth Miss Zhou rarely ventured out, mostly socializing with other officials’ wives. She only knew that places like Fan Lou and Huixian Lou were grand establishments in the capital, undoubtedly expensive.
Third Miss Zhou smiled. "Huixian Lou is a good choice. Sweetwater Alley is too cramped—it wouldn’t do for hosting."
After the banquet, Jin Niang received many lavish gifts: a sandalwood screen from Minister Liu, a high-quality "Dupo mat" (cool as jade to sleep on, worth about fifteen strings) from Eldest Uncle Jiang, as well as premium spices, silks, tea leaves, pepper, and more.
It took Jin Niang, Ying, and Minzhi half a day to sort and record everything.
Unbeknownst to them, the banquet left a lasting impression on the guests. At the center of the redwood tables were large bamboo baskets filled with fresh flowers for adornment—a Song dynasty favorite. Jin Niang had even traded an old jacket of hers with a flower seller to secure them.
Each basket was unique: some held vibrant sunflowers, gardenias, lilies, magnolias, pomegranate blossoms, and hollyhocks, while others featured delicate cherry blossoms, white peonies, and hydrangeas in black wicker baskets, exuding refined elegance.
With the dazzling array of dishes, wine, and the party favors to take home, everyone left thoroughly satisfied.
Jiang Xian only hosted a single evening banquet, not wanting to overshadow Jiang Yan, who planned a three-day feast. Jin Niang and Jiang Xian still had to assist there.
This time, Madam Jiang was unusually warm toward Jin Niang, even asking solicitously, "Have you prepared the funds for the post-exam gatherings?"
"Already taken care of," Jin Niang replied with a smile. The expenses were hefty, but unavoidable.
Madam Jiang praised her: "I always knew you were capable—managing household affairs so efficiently."
(You certainly didn’t treat me this way before, Jin Niang thought. But as Jiang Xian said, one must keep up appearances.) She demurred, "You flatter me. I’m still young and often need guidance."
"Don’t say that—your banquet was splendid," Madam Jiang suddenly became quite eloquent.
Madam Xu had invested heavily in the three-day feast but noticed how everyone flocked to Jin Niang, leaving her disgruntled. Fourth Miss Zhou observed this too. Her husband, Sun Shichen, was Jiang Yan’s fellow graduate, and through Madam Jiang’s connection, she attended with her stepmother.
Fourth Miss Zhou saw that Jin Niang remained composed, showing no intention of humiliating Madam Jiang. Instead, Jin Niang said graciously, "I must thank you for the ordination certificate you gifted me."
Such a certificate was worth over a hundred and thirty strings—a veritable financial instrument in the Song dynasty.
"That was nothing," Madam Jiang waved it off, generous when it suited her.
Jin Niang mused how everyone had turned kind now that her husband was a jinshi. Fourth Miss Zhou shared the thought—her husband had failed twice before finally succeeding. The bittersweet taste of it was something only she could truly understand.
During the event, Jin Niang also crossed paths with Xiang Ming, who had come with Lady Zhang. They exchanged glances and later stole a moment for a private chat.
Xiang Ming smiled. "Sister, you’re truly blessed. With Young Master Jiang now a jinshi, you’ll soon be an official’s wife."
She was genuinely pleased, having never before seen someone change their fate through sheer determination.
Jin Niang replied, "I owe you thanks too. How have you been?"
"I... I’m fine," Xiang Ming lowered her eyes.
Jin Niang grasped her hand. "Don’t lie to me. Tell me the truth."
Xiang Ming gave a faint smile. "Sister Jin Niang, what’s there to say about being a concubine? I was a bondservant with no way out. Serving the Second Master is still a path forward, and he treats me well."
"That’s good. Take care of your health. If you bear a child, even someone like Madam Lü would have something to rely on," Jin Niang advised, thinking from Xiang Ming’s perspective. Without children, maids or concubines were often at the mercy of others’ whims.
Even those in higher positions were no different. Jin Niang remembered all too well how people had treated her before Jiang Xian’s rise—and how their attitudes had shifted now.
Xiang Ming listened intently. "I’ll remember your words, Sister."
Jin Niang recalled that many people in the inner household sought medical help, though she wasn’t familiar with most practitioners. She did, however, think highly of Lou Siniang’s character and medical skills. Thus, she said, "When I needed postpartum care before, I relied on a female physician named Lou Siniang from Jinliang Bridge. If you ever need treatment in the future, you might consider visiting her."
After all these years, Sister Jin Niang remained as thoughtful as ever. Xiang Ming had been sold to the Zhou Family long ago, and it was Jin Niang who had treated her like a sister, teaching her skills and caring for her. Now that Xiang Ming had become a concubine, a vast social gap stood between them, yet Jin Niang still went out of her way to look out for her.
"I don’t even know how to thank you, Sister," Xiang Ming said.
Jin Niang smiled. "I haven’t really done much for you—just offered a few words. Your path is still your own to walk. In the future, be careful not to give others any reason to fault you. Endure hardships when you must, but no matter what, keep living—live strongly. As long as you’re alive, there’s hope. Even in the darkest times, survival brings the chance for change."
Her thoughts drifted to Yan Hong, someone who had treated her well during her time in the Zhou residence, offering her much guidance. Unfortunately, later on…
Xiang Ming also mentioned an old acquaintance from the embroidery workshop. "Qin Shuang'er couldn’t bear the life of a widow. Auntie Xi San saw her struggling and eventually sent her away. I heard she became a wealthy cloth merchant’s mistress."
"Her needlework was quite skilled. Why didn’t she find work as a seamstress somewhere?" Jin Niang thought of Madame Zhu, who worked in her embroidery shop. Over the years, Madame Zhu had saved nearly a hundred strings of cash—all earned through her own hands.
Xiang Ming scoffed. "She once told me she hated needlework more than anything. All she wanted was a life of luxury—to be waited on, dressed in fine silks, surrounded by beauty."
That kind of life was exactly what Xiang Ming secretly yearned for. Jin Niang’s life was the one she wished to emulate.
"Let’s not talk about her. I may have to leave the capital soon once my husband’s official appointment is finalized. You know my parents—if you ever run into trouble, don’t hesitate to seek them out." Jin Niang took Xiang Ming’s hand as she spoke.
Xiang Ming nodded. "You’re the only one who still remembers me."
After all these years, their conversations still revolved around the Zhou Family. The topic inevitably circled back. Xiang Ming said with pity, "The Eldest Miss’s health isn’t good. They say she doesn’t have much time left. The Wang Family is already preparing to choose a new wife, and Madam Jiang is furious. The Second Miss Zhou, however, has become much more polished over the years—her letters are increasingly polite. The Third Miss and Fourth Miss, though, have turned out to be the real winners—both living quite comfortably now."
Madam Jiang had nearly drained the Zhou Family’s coffers for her eldest and second daughters, yet the third and fourth were married off with mere thousands of taels. And yet, their fortunes after marriage couldn’t have been more different.
But Jin Niang countered, "The Eldest Miss married into the prime minister’s household. I heard she nearly died in childbirth years ago—only saved because the Zhou Family provided rare ginseng and snow lotus. And she’s lived another ten years since then. As for the Second Miss Zhou, her temper was never good, yet she married into her aunt’s family, where they always forgave her. In truth, they’ve both been quite fortunate."
They had the privilege to make mistakes.
Jin Niang thought to herself—if she had faced a difficult childbirth, her family could never have afforded such precious medicines. Even if they spent everything, it might not have saved her, and the family would have been ruined. Even the Third Miss wouldn’t have received such devoted care from Madam Jiang. In truth, the Eldest Miss and Second Miss had been very lucky.
Xiang Ming considered this and agreed.
Before they could speak further, Ying called from the doorway, "Madam, Sister Jun has woken up and is asking for you."
Jin Niang bid Xiang Ming farewell. Sister Jun was now three years old, and since weaning, Jin Niang had been raising her herself. Not wanting her daughter to wait, she hurried out.
At that moment, Xi Qiu was carrying Sister Jun over. The little girl wore a lavender gauze dress, its right shoulder adorned with pre-stitched butterflies from neck to wrist. The garment was embroidered with vibrant floral patterns, resembling butterflies dancing among blossoms—utterly charming.
"Mother," Sister Jun said, rubbing her eyes.
Jin Niang crouched down gently. "What’s wrong? Did an eyelash get in your eye?"
Children often had whimsical moods. Jin Niang soothed her with soft words, her voice naturally maternal. Jiang Xian, who had been speaking with Zhou Cunzhi and Jiang Fang, overheard his wife’s voice and inwardly tensed.
It wasn’t that he was overly cautious—it was just that his wife was too captivating. Her beauty was pure as morning dew, her temperament understanding yet never weak-willed. She had opinions but wasn’t overbearing.
"Mother, the kitten fought with me," Sister Jun suddenly declared.
Jin Niang glanced at Xi Qiu, who quickly waved her hands. "Madam, the young miss hasn’t even touched a cat!"
At this age, children often confused dreams and snippets of conversation with reality. Jin Niang gave Xi Qiu a reassuring look before turning back to her daughter. "Well then, who won—you or the kitten?"
Xi Qiu exhaled in relief. She had originally served Jiang Xian before being assigned to the Sweetwater Lane residence. Her needlework and cooking were mediocre compared to Minzhi’s skills. Thankfully, Jin Niang had entrusted her with Sister Jun’s care, even promising her a future as the girl’s personal attendant—a lifeline. If she couldn’t even manage this duty, she’d have nothing left.
"The kitten grew really big! It went meow meow meow and charged at me, so I fought back. It scratched me, and I scratched it back—I even made it bleed!" Sister Jun’s tale grew more vivid as she spoke.
Rather than correcting her, Jin Niang gave an encouraging thumbs-up. "My daughter is amazing! You actually defeated a kitten!"
Just then, Jiang Xian approached. Jin Niang looked up in surprise. "Why are you here? I thought you were drinking with the others in the front."
Jiang Xian had, of course, dismissed the other two men before coming. Rubbing his temple, he feigned discomfort. "Too much wine—my head is pounding."
"Then let’s return early today. I’ll massage your head for you," Jin Niang said, her heart aching for him.
Jiang Xian smirked. "That sounds perfect."
After their private celebrations, before the official imperial banquet, the newly appointed officials attended various gatherings—lavish feasts and drinking sessions meant to foster camaraderie. These events were exorbitantly expensive, so Jin Niang had prepared two hundred strings of cash for Jiang Xian’s use. As for his attire, he had so many fine robes that he could wear a new set daily without repetition.
Naturally, some came seeking loans to attend these gatherings—events like the upcoming "Floating Wine Cups Banquet" in three days’ time, where each attendee had to contribute sixty strings of cash.
The sums were so staggering that even Luo Yu'e was shocked. "How can it cost so much?"
"Indeed, that's why it's so difficult for ordinary children from poor families to rise above their circumstances," Jin Niang sighed.
Because she understood this reality, Jin Niang had never stopped working to earn money. With wealth in hand, one's heart would not be troubled.
The last batch of goods she was preparing now was for the Dragon Boat Festival, so she had stopped taking new orders for wedding quilts and such. Additionally, she needed to sell off the remaining stock at discounted prices. She had also engaged a broker to arrange the leasing of her shop, preferably to a fabric or embroidery store, as such tenants would keep the place clean.
She also invited Nanny Fang, who had once served her late mother-in-law Madam Liu, to return. An experienced elder like her, with vast knowledge, was far more valuable than some greenhorn hired from outside.
Back when Nanny Fang served Madam Liu, her words carried immense weight. After being driven out by Madam Zheng, she managed to scrape by with her savings, purchasing a few acres of land on the outskirts of the city. But life for commoners was never easy—burdened by taxes, oppression from local bullies, and the daily struggle to survive.
Now, after discussing with Jiang Xian, Jin Niang invited the old nanny to return, and Nanny Fang came without hesitation. She had a granddaughter but chose not to bring her along, which Jin Niang silently approved of—this was the mark of someone who understood propriety.
Nanny Fang had served Madam Liu since childhood and was exceptionally knowledgeable. Jin Niang, not born into an official's family, lacked such upbringing—a weakness that made her vulnerable if she sought advice recklessly. Moreover, every situation was unique, and solutions couldn’t be copied blindly.
Fortunately, after Minzhi and Chen the Younger got married, a room became available, which was temporarily given to Nanny Fang.
Nanny Fang wiped her tears. "If the Sixth Madam were still alive, seeing the sixteenth young master and you, Jin Niang, with both sons and daughters, she would have been overjoyed."
"Indeed, my husband’s success in becoming a jinshi is largely due to Mother’s guidance," Jin Niang replied.
After the celebratory banquet, the Ministry of Personnel assigned official posts. Jiang Xian was appointed as the county sheriff of Wu County, while his elder brother Jiang Yan became the judicial officer of Taiping Prefecture. Wu County belonged to Pingjiang Commandery—modern-day Suzhou—in Liangzhe Circuit, the most populous and prosperous region in the empire, making it a desirable posting.
"Now that your assignment is settled, we must hurry to transfer our shop," Jin Niang said.
Jiang Xian nodded. "We needn’t bring too many people on the journey. We can hire servants and rent a house once we arrive."
"Agreed, that’s what I was thinking too," Jin Niang replied.
They decided to leave Uncle Luo and his family of four behind. Uncle Luo and his wife would oversee their property and guard the storerooms, especially since Wei Xiong and his wife were often away during the day, and the front part of the house had been leased out—leaving it vulnerable to theft. Their son, Luo Da, would manage the two estates and collect rent from the two shops.
For the journey, they took eight servants: Ying, Juxiang, Minzhi and her husband Chen the Younger, Nanny Fang, Xi Qiu, Liu Dou'er, and Brother Ning’s wet nurse. They also brought two armed escorts, said to be highly skilled in martial arts.
The journey from Kaifeng to Wu County was long, and protection was essential.
Moreover, since Jiang Xian had never served as a local administrator before, he needed to hire a legal advisor well-versed in criminal law. Fortunately, as the son of an official family, he had the connections to find one.
However, as a newly appointed official, his salary was meager, and they would likely have to supplement it from their own funds.
A county sheriff’s benefits included two qing of inheritable land, two qing of official land, an annual stipend of fifty-two dan of rice, a monthly salary of one guan, a food allowance of 250 wen per month, 400 wen for the two escorts, and 200 wen for miscellaneous expenses.
Thankfully, the couple had already built some wealth. Madame Zhu had wanted to take over Jin Niang’s embroidery shop but lacked the capital. She proposed using Jin Niang’s shop name and sharing profits, but Jin Niang refused. Though they were close, business was business—the shop’s success was entirely due to her skill and creativity.
No matter how skilled an embroiderer was, styles changed yearly, requiring constant adaptation.
Madame Zhu was disappointed, but Jin Niang stood firm. Instead, she leased the three-storefront shop to another embroidery merchant through a broker, selling all the shop’s equipment as well. Located near the Grand Xiangguo Temple, the shop was in a prime location with excellent business. The lease was set at twenty guan per month, and the equipment was sold for eighty guan.
They signed a three-year contract, with payment due yearly. The new tenant paid upfront—320 guan for the first year.
Additionally, gifts of travel expenses from Eldest Young Master Liu, the top scholar Jiang, Han Xiao, Zhang the Ninth, Zhou Cunzhi, and Jiang Fang totaled one hundred taels.
Their household now held over five thousand taels in cash, along with stocks of spices, tea, white wax, pepper, and other goods.
Transporting such wealth was impractical. Jin Niang’s bedroom was already packed with chests of gold, silver, and copper coins. She instructed Jiang Xian to convert the money into "flying money" (a form of credit voucher).
Jiang Xian was stunned. "Wife, exactly how much money do we have?"
"Didn’t I tell you? Five thousand guan. We’ll keep two hundred guan in paper notes for travel expenses, one hundred guan in coins, and two hundred taels in gold and silver on our persons. The rest will be converted into flying money and redeemed in Pingjiang Commandery. I’ve already confirmed there are plenty of money-exchange offices there."
Jiang Xian gasped. "We have this much?"
He had never imagined it. His wife often complained about poor harvests and was frugal to the point of never flaunting their wealth. Now, suddenly, they had this fortune—not even counting the two shops and estates. For a moment, he felt like retiring on the spot.
Jin Niang pinched him. "This was earned through my sleepless nights. We each have five or six chests of clothes—enough for the next year or two. But renting a new home, bribing officials—this money might not even be enough."
She revealed their savings to Jiang Xian precisely to prevent him from being tempted by corruption once he assumed office—a stain that would last a lifetime.
Jiang Xian dared not argue. Following Jin Niang’s instructions, he exchanged the money for credit vouchers at the Pingjiang Commandery’s financial office, to be redeemed once they settled there.
While Jiang Xian arranged for a boat, Jin Niang oversaw the packing at home, instructing everyone to bring only essentials. She had Juxiang prepare pickles, cakes, salted duck eggs, and preserved vegetables for the journey.
As they were about to depart, Luo Yu'e arrived. Jin Niang smiled. "You’ve come just in time—I have something for you."
Since Jiang Xian’s success in the exams, relatives had sent many congratulatory gifts of fine silk. Jin Niang had set aside eight bolts for her mother. "If you don’t want them, you can exchange them for cash at the pawnshop—they’re worth over thirty guan. Also, I’ve given eighty candles to my brother, so he won’t need to buy any."
"I didn't come to talk about that. I came to discuss your elder sister's matter," Luo Yu'e said, reminded of Rongniang when she heard that her son-in-law had taken office in Wu County.
Jin Niang quickly asked what had happened. Luo Yu'e replied, "That year, when you were in confinement after giving birth to Sister Jun, your elder sister was caught in an affair by your brother-in-law. At the time, he demanded that the two of us bring her back home. But your elder sister was beautiful and had strayed several times before—first with a petty official, then caught red-handed again. She couldn’t even defend herself. How could I dare let her stay with us? So, your brother-in-law said he’d already dismissed the other man and only wanted a divorce, sending her to remarry far away so she wouldn’t taint the children’s reputations. If we refused, he threatened to outright divorce her..."
Jin Niang was stunned. "Why was Feng Sheng in such a hurry back then? Was it to marry Lou Siniang?"
"Perhaps, but how could we have known at the time? We were more afraid he’d divorce your elder sister outright, dragging all our reputations down and forcing us to take her in. So, your father and I discussed it with Rongniang. We pretended to agree to Feng Sheng’s demand to marry her off elsewhere, but in truth, we sent her back to Anlu Prefecture. That way, we could at least recover the two hundred strings of dowry money Feng Sheng returned—enough for her to remarry if she wished." Luo Yu'e and Wei Xiong even prepared a letter of introduction to an old comrade of Wei Xiong’s in Anlu Prefecture, ensuring she’d have some support.
Jin Niang thought this was indeed a practical solution. Feng Sheng, eager to marry Lou Siniang, didn’t want further complications. It was best for Rongniang to take the money and leave. Of course, it could have been a trap set by Feng Sheng, but if she didn’t take the bait, what could he do? Or worse—if Feng Sheng saw she wouldn’t comply, might he have resorted to poisoning her...
The main issue was that Rongniang couldn’t even explain how she’d been caught in the first place.
Feng Sheng’s mix of threats and incentives was truly persuasive.
Luo Yu'e continued, "Somehow, Rongniang begged your father and me to find that petty official she’d been involved with before. Foolishly devoted, he even abandoned his post, vowing to take her back to his hometown in Wu County. As the saying goes, the first marriage is decided by parents, the second by oneself. We were only her uncle and aunt—if she was determined to marry him, what could we do? After checking his credentials, we agreed. Your father and I even spent two qian of silver to buy her food for the journey, gave her some cured meat from home, and sent them off."
Jin Niang finally understood why her mother had seemed uneasy whenever Rongniang’s death was mentioned these past years. But one thing still puzzled her: "Why didn’t you tell me?"
"If you knew, you might have confronted Feng Sheng. What if even a word of this got out? How would the Jiang family view you? Your mother may have a temper, but I’m not foolish. We promised Feng Sheng we’d never speak of it again. Besides, he’s been good to Brother Guan and Brother Ning. If not for your upcoming move to Wu County, where you might run into Rongniang and be shocked, I wouldn’t have told you this at all." Luo Yu'e exhaled, relieved to finally unburden herself of this years-long secret.
