Walking through the Dou residence, one could see upturned eaves, carved beams, and painted rafters—a splendid display of wealth. Jin Niang thought to herself that this Lady Dou had married during the Jiang family's most prosperous era. While the Jiangs were merely nieces of Chancellor Jiang, she was the legitimate granddaughter, so the husband she chose must have been extraordinary indeed.
As she pondered this, a man approached, looking to be in his thirties. He wore wide sleeves, his hair tied up casually with an ebony hairpin, giving off an air of untamed elegance.
Nanny Lan quickly bowed. "Fourth Master."
She then hurriedly introduced Jiang Xian. "Young Master Sixteen, this is our family’s Fourth Master."
Jiang Xian stepped forward and bowed respectfully, greeting him with humility, showing no arrogance despite having earned the title of jinshi.
Seeing Jiang Xian’s striking handsomeness, his fine robes and jade crown—clearly the bearing of a noble family—along with his scholarly demeanor, Fourth Master Dou turned to Nanny Lan and said, "If Second Sister-in-law has no objections, I’d like to take my nephew out for a tour of Yangzhou."
Nanny Lan smiled. "It’s already a great fortune that Young Master Sixteen could visit our lady. He is actually preparing to take up his post in Wu County."
Fourth Master Dou was startled to learn that Jiang Xian was an official, and his smile grew even warmer. Jin Niang observed this keenly—it was clear that imperial examinations held the highest prestige, especially in the scholarly south.
"Fourth Master, the lady is still waiting..." Nanny Lan reminded him.
With that, Fourth Master Dou excused himself. His gait carried a carefree air, reminiscent of the Wei-Jin dynasty’s free-spirited scholars.
As they walked on, Nanny Lan explained, "Fourth Master is the youngest son of our Dowager. He excels in poetry and gained fame in Yangzhou by the age of twelve. But somehow, as he grew older, he struggled in the examinations. Eventually, he gave up on them altogether. Now, he enjoys befriending scholars."
Jiang Xian merely smiled, never one to judge others lightly.
Lady Dou’s main quarters were located in the third courtyard, with whitewashed walls and black tiles resembling an ink-wash painting.
Before Jin Niang could take in the details, she followed Jiang Xian inside. The ground floor was a reception hall, and soon a woman in her forties emerged, supported by a girl of twelve or thirteen. Judging by her attire, this must be Lady Dou, née Jiang.
Sure enough, Nanny Lan introduced her as "Eighth Aunt."
Just as Jin Niang and Jiang Xian were about to bow, Lady Dou took Jin Niang’s hand. "No need for formalities. It’s been so long since I’ve seen anyone from my maiden family in Yangzhou. This is truly a delight."
She then ordered tea to be served.
Though they were relatives, Jiang Xian had never met Lady Dou before—she had married long before he was born. Yet, they had to pretend familiarity.
This required skill, and Jiang Xian was a master at it. He said warmly, "Though I’ll only be a minor official in Wu County, Aunt, if you ever need anything, don’t hesitate to ask. Wu County isn’t far from Yangzhou. If you’d like, my cousins can come stay with us—my wife is very accommodating."
For Lady Dou, who had been hoping for Jiang Xian’s help, this was like a dream come true. She looked at her young nephew with renewed appreciation—a rising star who remained humble and reliable.
His thoughtful words even brought tears to her eyes. The girl beside her handed her a handkerchief. "Mother, don’t cry. Now that Cousin is here, we’ll be fine. Just tell him what’s troubling you."
Lady Dou dabbed her eyes, embarrassed. "This girl speaks too bluntly."
"Aunt, please don’t hesitate," Jin Niang said. "Isn’t helping each other what family is for?"
Originally, she should have addressed her as "Eighth Aunt," but following Jiang Xian’s lead, she omitted the "Eighth."
Lady Dou squeezed Jin Niang’s hand. "Just from your words, I can tell you’re a virtuous woman." She then presented Jin Niang with a set of jewelry—a phoenix hairpin inlaid with gold, a golden comb, gem-embedded earrings, agate bead bracelets, and jadeite bangles.
All of the finest quality. Jin Niang quickly declined. "Aunt, you’re too generous. Such lavish gifts—I couldn’t possibly accept."
Gifts given with such ceremony always came with expectations. Small favors were one thing, but if it involved anything immoral or damaging to Jiang Xian’s reputation, that was out of the question.
Jiang Xian was pleased. Though his wife loved earning money, she preferred what was rightfully hers—she never took what wasn’t.
Seeing Jin Niang’s refusal, Lady Dou’s tears returned, but Jin Niang pretended not to notice.
Finally, Lady Dou dismissed the servants and revealed her troubles. It turned out that Second Master Dou favored his concubine over his wife. The concubine had entered the household shortly after Lady Dou and had borne two sons, gaining considerable influence. Three years ago, she even brought her niece into the residence.
"That niece is stunningly beautiful but utterly shameless. My Bo’er initially paid her no mind, but gradually, he started insisting on marrying her." Lady Dou was beside herself with anger.
Jiang Xian said, "Young men are easily swayed by beauty—it’s natural. Just send the girl away."
Every family had its share of hopeless romantics. The fifteenth son of the Jiang family’s seventh branch was the same.
Lady Dou continued, "A few days ago, he brought it up again. When I refused, yesterday he disappeared—along with that girl."
"Disappeared?" Jin Niang frowned. "Then just send people to find him."
Lady Dou shook her head. "No, we can’t make it public. It must be kept quiet."
Jiang Xian and Jin Niang exchanged glances, puzzled.
Lady Dou explained, "In two days, Eldest Uncle will return. The main branch has no sons, and they’ve always favored your cousin."
"Aunt, how well do the concubine’s sons fare in their studies?" Jiang Xian suddenly asked.
Though reluctant to admit it, Lady Dou said, "They’re cunning—just petty cleverness."
Understanding dawned on Jiang Xian. He stood. "Very well. I know how to find your son."
He was exceptionally clever—the reason people liked him so quickly was because he specialized in solving thorny problems.
Jin Niang had no idea what his plan was but followed Nanny Lan to the guest quarters to rest. She then mentioned her need to hire servants and asked if Nanny Lan knew any reliable brokers.
Nanny Lan smiled. "No need for that. We’ll just send a few people to you."
"That’s too kind," Jin Niang said.
After Aunt Lan settled them in, she sent over the daughter of the Second Madam Dou. Jin Niang noticed she was learning needlework and could offer some guidance. The young lady, whose given name was Yuan, had a straightforward and outspoken nature. Upon learning that Jiang Xian had come to assist her mother, she happily chattered away with Jin Niang: "What is Bianjing like? Is it the same as Yangzhou?"
"Bianjing is both similar to and different from Yangzhou," Jin Niang replied, keeping the conversation light.
"Near Golden Ming Pond, many people play polo—some of them are even women. Then there’s the Grand Xiangguo Temple, open five times a month. It’s like a grand marketplace where you can find all sorts of exotic treasures and rare creatures."
For a young girl confined to the inner chambers, the outside world held great allure.
Jin Niang added with a smile, "But don’t worry. Once we settle in Wuxian, we’ll invite you over to visit."
Dou Yuan sighed. "I’d love to go, but my mother can’t leave. Cousin-in-law, you don’t know—that concubine in our household always bullies my mother. My father listens to her in everything and often quarrels with my mother."
Jin Niang had seen plenty of conflicts between wives and concubines in wealthy households. She could only console Dou Yuan: "Adults have their own ways of navigating life. The best thing you can do is focus on living well yourself."
Just like her own parents’ lives—she might be able to intervene temporarily, but she couldn’t control their fate forever.
Or even her own life—what seemed like happiness and fulfillment now might not last.
Aunt Lan had mentioned that when Eighth Aunt first married into the Dou family, Second Master Dou, despite having concubines, treated her with great respect and harmony.
Dou Yuan, however, had taken a liking to Jin Niang. Her needlework was exquisite—she had just taught her how to embroider a fan, and the result was even prettier than store-bought ones. Jin Niang always had a gentle smile, and being around her felt peaceful, unlike the chaos at home.
Her household was constantly embroiled in battles between her mother, father, and the concubines. Her father complained that her mother lacked tolerance, while the concubines fanned the flames. Her mother, in turn, accused her father of being incompetent and favoring the concubines over his wife.
"Cousin-in-law, Sister Jun’s dress is so pretty," Dou Yuan remarked, admiring the delicate pale-yellow gown with yellow bellflower embroidery along the collar. The skirt was a shimmering koi-green, adorned with golden loquats and sparrows, the loquats dusted with gold powder that caught the light beautifully.
Jin Niang smiled. "If you like it, I’ll make you one when I have time."
"Thank you, cousin-in-law!" Dou Yuan hugged Jin Niang’s arm.
They planned to rest at the Dou residence for a day. The family was well-mannered, and Second Madam Dou even took Jin Niang to meet the other elders, where she received several gifts. Meanwhile, Jiang Xian dined with the Dou men and, in high spirits, even took a small boat out on the water.
Jin Niang apologized to Second Madam Dou. "My husband is quite playful—please don’t mind him, Aunt."
Second Madam Dou glanced at the concubine behind her and remarked, "Sixteenth Brother has always had the grace of a Wei-Jin scholar."
"Thank you for your understanding, Aunt," Jin Niang replied with a smile.
She put the children to bed early. That night, Nanny Fang attended to her, while she sent Ying back to Minzhi and her husband to watch over their belongings on the boat. Fortunately, the hired vessel was scheduled to remain docked in Yangzhou for a few more days, so Jin Niang resolved to enjoy the break.
Early the next morning, Jiang Xian returned in high spirits, bringing two famous Yangzhou pastries for Jin Niang.
She was freshening up when he arrived. "What’s this sudden kindness?" she teased.
"No need to be suspicious," he laughed.
Jin Niang already knew what Jiang Xian was up to. He was a master of reading people—he’d likely deduced that the concubine was behind the sudden disappearance (or elopement) of the Dou family’s young master. His plan was to scare her by making her own son "disappear" temporarily. If the concubine panicked, the Dou heir would quickly be found. If she held her ground, she’d face trouble when the family patriarch returned.
After checking on Jin Niang and the children, Jiang Xian went to see Second Madam Dou.
Previously at a loss, Second Madam Dou now stood firm with Jiang Xian’s support. Your niece lured away my son? Well, now my nephew has taken your son out. Let’s drop the pretenses.
The concubine came once to inquire, but as a woman, she couldn’t directly address the male guests. She sent someone to fetch Second Master Dou, but Jiang Xian was out feasting with him and Fourth Master Dou, leaving her no recourse.
That evening, with Jiang Xian—a male relative—present, Second Master Dou naturally stayed in Second Madam Dou’s quarters, further unsettling the concubine.
Jiang Xian had a high alcohol tolerance. Even after drinking heavily, a cup of honey water sobered him up.
Jin Niang handed him a warm towel. "You’ve been drinking a lot these days. Get some proper rest." She worried for her husband—though he enjoyed a casual drink, he wasn’t one to overindulge.
"It’s fine. I wrote a few landscape poems today—it lifted my spirits," he shared.
Jin Niang shook her head. "Scholars and poets always find inspiration in Jiangnan. I admire their verses, though I prefer Yu Xin’s Lament for the South over Ode to the Withered Tree. Still, lines like ‘Layers of brocade, petals of true blossoms; tangled grass and trees, scattered mist and clouds’—that’s where his brilliance shines."
Her observation intrigued him. What one writes in the moment may not be their best, but memories—polished by nostalgia—often yield finer work.
"My wife claims she knows nothing of poetry and rarely discusses it with me, yet she’s always reading, and her insights are unexpectedly profound," Jiang Xian remarked.
Jin Niang waved him off. "I’m no expert—just sharing my humble thoughts. But you haven’t even assumed your official post yet. Best tread carefully."
Jiang Xian nodded. "Don’t worry. That concubine won’t hold out much longer."
The patriarch of the Dou family would soon return.
"But what if she doesn’t take the bait?" Jin Niang voiced her concern.
Jiang Xian met her gaze seriously. "You might not fall for it—you’re too clever for such tricks. But the average inner-chamber woman? She’d likely act on impulse."
Jin Niang stared at him, torn between amusement and exasperation. "What a compliment."
"Still, if Eighth Aunt handled this alone, the second branch would be ruined. With me here, I’ll make sure she comes out on top," Jiang Xian assured her.
The next day, Jin Niang went to see Lady Dou the Second. Though Lady Dou was inwardly anxious, she maintained a composed exterior and engaged Jin Niang in casual conversation. Previously, Jin Niang had noticed Jiang Xian handling matters, so she refrained from speaking too much to avoid misjudgment. However, as the saying goes, "one should not trouble two masters with the same task."
She knew Jiang Xian was shrewd, but as a man, he might miss the subtleties of inner-household schemes. After sipping her tea, Jin Niang deliberately steered the conversation: "Aunt, yesterday I met your family’s Third Lady. She seemed very amiable. I heard she has a son—how is his scholarship?"
"Yege? Yege is quite bright. But he was born in the seventh month and has always been sickly, prone to ailments and misfortunes—always frail." Every time Lady Dou saw her sister-in-law’s son, she felt grateful her own children were healthy.
Jin Niang pondered silently: the Dou family had four branches. The eldest branch had no sons, the fourth only three daughters, while the second branch had multiple sons. If the second branch’s sons turned against each other, the third branch would benefit.
The third branch’s son was too sickly to take the imperial exams, but he could still secure an official post through the Dou patriarch’s influence, even without being adopted.
Even Lady Dou the Third’s hands were clean—just a few well-placed words, and the narrow-minded, greedy concubine would act swiftly.
Of course, these were just her speculations.
"Cousin-in-law, could you draw me another flower pattern?" Sister Yuan asked cheerfully.
Jin Niang sat at the octagonal table in the inner room, sketching a peony pattern. She quickly transitioned from copying to freehand, finding her rhythm effortlessly. Sister Yuan watched delightedly, hovering around Jin Niang.
When Lord Dou the Second and his concubine arrived, Jin Niang took Sister Yuan outside to greet them.
Lord Dou stormed in, frantic: "Where are they? Why are Second Son and Third Son missing?"
Lady Dou spread her hands. "How strange of you to ask me. If they’re missing, report it to the authorities—what does it have to do with me? Those boys were raised in the concubine’s quarters, forbidden from my care. Now that they’re gone, you come to me?"
The concubine couldn’t resist interjecting: "But my son went out to dine with your nephews and never returned! My boy—"
"Don’t just speak of your son. Even my son and your nephews are missing," Lady Dou retorted.
Lord Dou frowned. "What? First Son is gone too?"
"How astonishing—your son’s been missing for three days, and the father knows nothing." Lady Dou laughed coldly.
The concubine shrank back, but Lady Dou fixed her with a glare: "If my son isn’t returned to me, we’ll all perish together."
"Madam, what are you saying? I know nothing of this!" The concubine retreated in panic.
Lord Dou, ever protective of his fragile concubine, chided his strong-willed wife: "She’s just a lowly concubine. Your own son is missing, yet you blame her?"
Sometimes, Lady Dou wondered whose fault it was that their marriage had come to this. Coldly, she addressed Lord Dou and the concubine: "I’ll say it once more—if my son isn’t returned, we all die together."
Frightened, the concubine muttered, "Since they disappeared with Xue, I’ll go ask."
Without travel permits, how far could two sheltered youths go? They barely left Yangzhou and wouldn’t know east from west outside the city. The concubine sent her brother to fetch them overnight, and soon, her two sons returned as well.
The concubine rushed over: "My boys! Did you suffer?"
The sons grinned. "Not at all! Cousin Jiang took us sketching. We even brought back paintings."
When the concubine tried to complain to Lord Dou, he instead brightened: "Show me your paintings!"
The sons unfurled their artwork, and Lord Dou began praising them. The concubine, realizing her lack of influential family backing, seethed, while Lady Dou saw the truth—Lord Dou dared not offend the Jiang family.
But while she understood her husband, she doted unconditionally on her son.
Dou First Son, thoroughly spoiled, showed no gratitude upon his return. Instead, he pleaded: "Mother, please grant me my wish."
Lady Dou was furious, but Jiang Xian intervened smoothly: "Ah, cousin, I’ve heard of your romance. It’s truly moving—like the peacock flying southeast, lingering every five miles."
First Son, in the throes of youthful rebellion, grew more obsessed the more others opposed him. Hearing Jiang Xian’s approval, he relaxed entirely.
Then Jiang Xian added: "I have a relative who was in your situation—yet he won his love. Do you know how?"
First Son eagerly asked: "Cousin, please teach me!"
Jiang Xian smiled. "My relative’s family initially objected, but after he entered the Imperial Academy, a wealthy family took him as a son-in-law. His wife’s dowry was over five thousand strings. Later, she proved so virtuous that when she learned of his beloved, she welcomed her into the household. Eloping is reckless—without permits or status, you’d struggle to survive. If she truly loves you, why not accept being a concubine? As long as you’re together, what does it matter?"
......
After listening, Jin Niang remarked dryly: "You’re utterly shameless."
Jiang Xian confided his calculations: "With Patriarch Dou soon returning, if First Son is adopted out, wouldn’t that benefit us?"
His wife shook her head.
"You disagree?"
Jin Niang smiled. "I believe one shouldn’t meddle too deeply in others’ karma. No words can save those determined to perish. We came to help our relatives—let’s do so and leave for your post soon. First Son is grown yet blind to his mother’s sacrifices, oblivious to his sister’s worry. Even if he passes the exams, he’s a fool."
She scoffed at the idea of a prodigal’s redemption: "First, he ignores that the girl is his mother’s rival’s niece. Second, though his father is useless and his mother and sister’s futures depend on him, he remains clueless—heartless. You revealed the concubine’s schemes, yet he’s still muddled, obsessed with his petty romance. If he treats his own mother so callously, what can you expect from him?"
"Wise as always, my lady," Jiang Xian conceded.
Jin Niang went on to share what she had witnessed in the Dou family's inner household. "The Dou family's affairs run deeper than they appear. I asked Nanny Lan to help me find out whether Madam Dou the Third had visited that concubine's courtyard—and it turns out she had, though discreetly. We can only offer this much help. If Aunt and Eldest Young Master Dou can't handle things themselves this time, even if we assist now, they'll likely fall into another scheme later."
This was something Jiang Xian hadn't considered. He had assumed it was merely a conflict between wife and concubine, never expecting such layers of intrigue.
"What does my lady suggest?" Jiang Xian asked sincerely, seeking her advice.
Jin Niang smiled. "I know you wish to build connections, but don’t forget what I told you—I grow my own towering tree. Since our purpose here was only to help Aunt, we should stop here. Otherwise, don’t say I didn’t warn you about getting entangled in something messy. Frankly, I don’t see much future in the Dou family."
Chasing short-term gains now would only mean cleaning up their messes later—like tofu dropped in ashes, impossible to salvage.
For some reason, Jiang Xian suddenly felt his wife might actually be better suited for officialdom than he was. She appeared warm and friendly with Aunt and their cousin, yet when it came to action, she remained composed, objective, even sharp. He hadn’t even known about Madam Dou the Third’s involvement.
What impressed him most was that despite the Dou family’s wealth, Jin Niang had no interest in leveraging their connections. Instead, she believed the family would inevitably decline in the long run.
Thus, she insisted they maintain only ordinary familial ties, discouraging him from getting too close.
"Very well, I’ll heed your advice," Jiang Xian agreed obediently.
Jin Niang nodded. "Good. Then let’s return to the boat."
Seeing the couple prepare to leave, Madam Dou the Second hurried to persuade them to stay, with Eldest Young Master Dou joining in. Jiang Xian reluctantly declined. "I came to visit Aunt. Now that my cousin has returned, there’s no need for me to linger. Besides, Aunt may not know, but I must hurry to assume my post."
Touched, Madam Dou the Second prepared generous parting gifts and even sent three maidservants to Jin Niang. Unwilling to accept without reciprocation, Jin Niang gifted Dou Yuan a book of embroidery patterns she had drawn herself, along with two exquisite pleated skirts embroidered with trailing floral designs.
Jiang Xian glanced at Jin Niang, marveling at how, amid all the chaos, she still remembered the original purpose of adding servants to their household. No matter the circumstances, she remained determined to accomplish what she set out to do—truly a remarkable woman.
