After returning to the boat, Jin Niang had Nanny Fang first teach the three new maids the household rules before assigning them to their respective duties. She then secretly called Ying over and gifted her a pair of gold earrings shaped like folded auspicious motifs.
"These past few days while I was away from the boat, you’ve worked hard," Jin Niang said with a smile.
Ying quickly shook her head. "This servant hasn’t done much."
Jin Niang then mentioned the maids brought from the Dou family and added, "Though our household isn’t an official’s family, we often find ourselves short-handed when matters arise. Once Nanny Fang has trained them properly, your workload will lighten as well."
Managing fewer people was easier, but with more, specialized oversight became necessary.
On the journey from Yangzhou to Suzhou, Jin Niang also took the time to reorganize their finances. She reviewed the gifts sent by Madam Dou—aside from a set of jewelry for herself, there were twenty taels of silver for travel expenses, two jars of salted duck eggs from Gaoyou, six boxes of pastries, six boxes of dried fruits, and two handkerchiefs.
Given the sweltering summer heat, the pastries wouldn’t keep long. She sent one box to the boat crew, rewarded the servants with two more, delivered another to Advisor Song, and kept the remaining two for her own family.
"Jin Niang, we’ll arrive in just a few days," Jiang Xian said, his tone tinged with excitement.
Jin Niang also breathed a sigh of relief. "The last two months truly felt like an ordeal. Now, at last, we see the light at the end of the tunnel. I’ve already instructed the maids to start packing so we won’t be scrambling like headless chickens later."
She also noted that the three maids from the Dou family had already been taught some rules there, but Nanny Fang was now instructing them in the Jiang family’s customs. "Our mistress is kind-hearted and reasonable. Serving her doesn’t require night watches, and the monthly wage is two qian of silver. She’s even promised to provide a dowry when the time comes for you to marry. But remember—stay dutiful and never act behind her back."
This was of utmost importance. Jiang Xian now held an official post, and if servants secretly accepted bribes, it could jeopardize his position.
"Those assigned to the young master and young lady must be patient. Your monthly wage is also two qian, and when they grow older, you’ll be duly rewarded."
Before disembarking, Jin Niang assigned a skilled and reserved needleworker to her own service, renaming her Qingrong. A gentle and attentive maid named Jiaoxing was sent to Sister Jun, while a lively and pretty maid was assigned to Brother Ning.
Nanny Fang smiled. "Madam has chosen well."
Qingrong complemented Ying without overshadowing her, and she was competent. Jiaoxing and Xi Qiu would serve Sister Jun together—since Xi Qiu wasn’t assertive, pairing her with a hot-tempered maid would only lead to chaos in the young lady’s quarters. As for Brother Ning, being less than a year old, his wet nurse, Nanny Ma, would care for him alone. A quarrelsome presence would only unsettle her.
If servants clashed, trouble would brew. While the mistress could keep order while present, unforeseen circumstances might lead to bigger issues.
"Nanny Fang, since the luggage is nearly packed, have them sweep any mess from their rooms and straighten the furniture," Jin Niang said. In her past life, she’d always tidied up before leaving a hotel.
Reputation was built day by day.
Upon disembarking, they were greeted by officials sent by the magistrate of Wu County. Jin Niang and her party entered their sedan chairs while Jiang Xian was formally received outside. She overheard introductions—two captains, one infantry and one cavalry, along with dozens of mounted archers, had been dispatched as escorts.
Entering Pingjiang City from the dock, she learned that both Wu County and Pingjiang Prefecture’s administrative offices were located within the same city walls. Magistrate Hou himself stood at the gate to welcome Jiang Xian, hosting a banquet in his honor—though this, of course, didn’t concern Jin Niang.
Led into the inner residence along a stone-paved path, they passed through the second hall before reaching the quarters designated for the county captain’s family.
Jin Niang kept her veil on throughout, refraining from looking around openly. Fortunately, Magistrate Hou’s wife had sent an elderly matron to guide her.
"Madam, this wing was renovated two years ago," the matron explained warmly. "The front corridor has eight rooms, with studies and tea rooms in the east and west wings. The main hall has five chambers."
Entering the main hall, Jin Niang was struck by its brightness. "It’s so well-lit here!"
The matron chuckled. "Here in the south, we grind clam shells into thin sheets—durable, translucent, and resistant to fire, water, and wind."
Jin Niang thought this far better than paper windows. Inside, the furnishings were complete—an amber-edged side table by the curtains, a black-lacquered daybed, a marble folding screen, a small ebony table inlaid with cloud-patterned stone…
She was enchanted at first sight.
"Matron, who lives in the neighboring courtyard?" Jin Niang inquired.
The matron clapped her hands. "That’s where our magistrate and his wife reside! Our households are just separated by this path."
When Jin Niang asked about the registrar and others, the matron replied, "Registrar Han’s family lives eastward. His wife, Madam Han, is just as kind-natured as you are."
After some conversation, Jin Niang rewarded the matron with an exquisite pouch containing a few dozen coins. Delighted, the matron departed to report back.
Once alone, Jin Niang directed the servants to begin cleaning and settling in.
The three main chambers were for her and Jiang Xian, while the children would occupy the side rooms. Of the eight front corridor rooms, three served as a small kitchen where Juxiang would stay. The remaining five were allocated to the servants—Nanny Fang had one to herself, Ying and Qingrong shared another, Xi Qiu and Jiaoxing a third, while Chen the clerk and his wife took the fourth, and Liu Dou’er the fifth. Nanny Ma and Peilan would stay in Brother Ning’s room, requiring no further arrangement.
Advisor Song and the two attendants were likely assigned to the clerks’ quarters, so Jin Niang didn’t need to arrange for them.
In their main chambers, Jin Niang had bamboo mats laid out, with white crane and magnolia-patterned pillowcases over soft pillows. The bed curtains matched—sheer magnolia-hued gauze—while the entrance curtain was replaced with Xiang bamboo beads and the inner one with jade-colored gauze.
Their belongings included a red sandalwood screen gifted by Minister Liu, along with a dressing table and jewelry boxes now displayed. Over the years, Jin Niang’s jewelry collection had grown by three cases. Combined with the set from Madam Dou and her pre-marriage acquisitions, she now owned six cases of gold and silver ornaments.
As they unpacked, two maids in blue satin vests with white piping arrived, sent by Madam Han, the registrar’s wife.
"Our mistress said it's getting late and was afraid Madam County Captain hasn't had dinner yet, so she specially sent a few dishes to add to your meal."
Jin Niang watched as Qing Rong received the dishes, and two maids helped arrange them on the octagonal table outside—six dishes and one soup in total: red-braised shad fish, roasted goose, spring vegetable platter, fatty cured duck, stir-fried wolfberries, chilled shepherd's purse salad, and a pot of golden chicken broth.
Originally not hungry, the sight of this spread stirred her appetite. She thought to herself, this wife of Chief Clerk Han was truly considerate. Jin Niang smiled and said, "I should have paid a visit to all the sisters today, but we’ve just arrived, and there’s too much to settle. Please thank your mistress for sending this meal. I’ll personally visit her tomorrow."
With that, she rewarded each of the two maids with a string of coins before they withdrew.
Ying chuckled, "Madam, this Chief Clerk’s wife seems quite nice."
"It’s only the first day. We’ll know their true nature after spending more time together," Jin Niang replied with a smile.
No sooner had she spoken than the kitchen sent over another meal, saying it was ordered by the magistrate—a lavish spread of forty dishes, including tea snacks, sweet pastries, delicate fried cakes, and various appetizers to accompany wine.
Jin Niang personally selected some dishes for Sister Jun and had Nanny Fang distribute the rest among the servants. She then went to check the arrangements in the study and her children’s rooms.
The newly assigned maid, Pei Lan, had already tidied Brother Ning’s room neatly, earning Jin Niang’s praise.
While she was busy, the wives of the yamen officials were quietly gathering information about her. The magistrate’s wife listened as an old nanny reported, "Madam County Captain has dozens of trunks. She wore a skirt made of gold-woven gauze, embroidered with jade hairpin flowers at the hem, and a jacket with gold-thread embroidery. Her hair was adorned with a headband of jade hairpins, and she wore a crystal necklace at her chest. She cuts quite an impressive figure. Though her household doesn’t have many servants, they’re all well-behaved, with no troublemakers among them."
The nanny then produced the embroidered pouch Jin Niang had given her as a reward.
The magistrate’s wife examined the satin pouch and nodded knowingly. "I heard from my husband that County Captain Jiang is young and exceptionally talented. From what you’ve described, his wife must also be from an official family. Otherwise, she wouldn’t carry herself with such refinement."
The nanny agreed, "You’re absolutely right."
"Still, you didn’t mention the matter of County Captain Mei taking the east courtyard, did you?" the magistrate’s wife asked with a frown.
The nanny quickly waved her hands. "I wouldn’t dare!"
As it turned out, Wu County was a large jurisdiction, typically staffed with two county captains—one civil and one military. The civil captain, usually a jinshi-degree holder, was required to be literate and well-versed in law to minimize miscarriages of justice. The military captain, often a martial official, handled local suppression of rebellions, arrests, patrols, and pursuit of bandits.
County Captain Mei had inherited his position from his uncle and was thus familiar with the yamen layout. Knowing that the west courtyard adjoined the quarters of minor clerks while the east courtyard neighbored the residences of the chief clerk and magistrate, he pretended ignorance and had his household belongings moved directly into the east wing.
In this dynasty, civil officials generally held higher status than military ones, and County Captain Jiang, as a jinshi, should rightfully reside in the east courtyard. Yet forcing County Captain Mei to vacate would be awkward, as there was no explicit rule designating which courtyard belonged to whom.
The magistrate’s wife pressed, "What did you make of County Captain Jiang’s wife’s temperament?"
The nanny thought for a moment. "Clear and articulate in speech, always to the point—very poised and graceful."
"Good. I’ll keep that in mind. Since she said she’d visit tomorrow, we’ll see then," the magistrate’s wife concluded.
Meanwhile, the chief clerk’s wife was also gathering intelligence—but with an eye toward forging goodwill. Her maid reported, "Madam County Captain’s home has a rosewood screen and premium bamboo mats on the beds. Her clothing is clearly expensive too. She seems rather extraordinary."
The chief clerk’s wife nodded. "I see. I was just wondering what to give her as a return gift tomorrow. Given her tastes, I’ll prepare my pair of peony hairpins in a red sandalwood box."
Before she could finish, a slender woman with a willowy waist appeared at the door—her brows lightly penciled, lips cherry-red, dressed in a pale blue blouse and apricot-yellow skirt.
The chief clerk’s wife stood. "Ah, Madam Bao is here."
Madam Bao, wife of County Captain Mei, lived next door in the east wing. The chief clerk’s wife, known for her generosity, got along well with her.
Madam Bao fanned herself lazily. "It’s too hot today—I barely felt like stepping out. I heard there’s a newcomer?"
"Yes, the magistrate is hosting a welcome banquet for County Captain Jiang tonight. He brought his family along, so our circle of official wives will have more company now," the chief clerk’s wife said cheerfully.
Within the yamen, only the magistrate, chief clerk, and county captains held proper official rank. The rest were minor functionaries—powerful in their own right but worlds apart from true officials in status.
Madam Bao sat down, fluttering her fan a few more times. "Any idea about this new county captain’s wife’s background?"
"We’ll find out tomorrow," the chief clerk’s wife replied mildly.
Back in her quarters, Jin Niang had Qing Rong press and scent the clothes she’d wear the next day. She also sent Chen Xiaolang to inquire about water delivery, learning that the town had only seven drinkable wells, with water priced at seven or eight coins per bucket. She promptly paid twenty coins to have water delivered immediately.
Using the household brazier, she boiled two iron flasks of water. Upon hearing the main kitchen provided hot water, she dispatched Minzhi to handle it—now a married woman, she had more freedom of movement than unmarried girls.
Juxiang, formerly in charge of the kitchen, now managed three small kitchen spaces. Among her belongings, besides clothes and money, she’d even brought an iron wok and basic provisions like rice, oil, and salt, anticipating difficulties sourcing goods in a new place.
After the two feasts, she carefully stored the leftovers in cupboards—her mistress hated waste, and the food could be reheated if she got hungry later.
Her mistress had once asked if she wished to marry, but Juxiang saw little appeal. A bad husband would leave her with nowhere to turn. Better to stay with her mistress, where food, clothing, and shelter were guaranteed, and the pay generous.
As a self-proclaimed food lover, the kitchen suited her perfectly. And with her mistress now an official’s wife, sticking by her promised even brighter prospects ahead.
However, the kitchen still lacked a few things. She needed to wash the iron pot, and tomorrow she would have to go grocery shopping—all of which required Madam Jin Niang’s approval. Upon hearing this, Jin Niang said, "I don’t feel comfortable letting you go out alone in an unfamiliar place. Tomorrow morning, prepare some porridge, make pickles and salted duck eggs from what we brought from home, and use the leftover dishes from today for breakfast. After I eat, I’ll visit the county magistrate’s wife and the registrar’s wife to seek their advice. Later, we’ll also need to buy a horse and a donkey cart. Once we have the cart, Chen Xiaolang can accompany you to the market."
Juxiang smiled and replied, "Understood, mistress. I noticed the brazier takes a long time to boil water, so I thought of heating some water in the kitchen to send to the young master and young mistress’s rooms."
"But we haven’t bought firewood yet?" Jin Niang pointed out.
Juxiang chuckled sheepishly. "I brought some with me."
Naturally, Jin Niang praised her for being so thoughtful, and Juxiang beamed as if she had tasted honey.
At home, Jin Niang forbade everyone from drinking unboiled water, fearing it would cause stomachaches, so it had to be boiled first.
Once everything was settled, Jin Niang waited for the hot water to be delivered. She bathed, washed her hair, and changed into sleeping attire, finally feeling much more comfortable. Nanny Fang also freshened up and came over to discuss gift arrangements with Jin Niang.
"So you mean the gifts should be of equal value but with slight variations?" Jin Niang asked.
Nanny Fang nodded. "Although the magistrate’s wife holds the highest rank, we mustn’t offend the registrar’s wife or the other county captain’s wife either."
Jin Niang agreed. If someone was prone to overthinking, they would find fault no matter what. For this round of gifts, she decided to give each lady one bolt of patterned silk, one bolt of high-quality crepe, two boxes of exquisite artificial flowers, two jars of fine Huixianlou wine, a cake of dragon-phoenix tea, a package of bird’s nest, and another of southern incense.
For a first meeting, overly lavish gifts might not be appropriate.
She then had Ying bring the gifts and carefully labeled each with tags.
By the time they finished organizing everything, Jiang Xian returned, reeking of alcohol. As a newly appointed official, it was inevitable that he would attend banquets. Jin Niang personally prepared honey water for him and had hot water sent for his bath.
Nanny Fang and the others withdrew, leaving the couple alone. After freshening up, Jiang Xian relaxed upon seeing how well the house had been arranged. He took Jin Niang’s hand and said, "Today, I observed that the county magistrate is quite domineering, treating his subordinates like servants. Even his advisor carries an air of arrogance. I may have to humble myself for a while."
"Darling, is the magistrate from a noble family?" Jin Niang asked.
Jiang Xian shook his head. "I had someone inquire. Magistrate Hou is the son of a timber merchant. His family prospered later, allowing him to study. He passed the imperial exams and has served in Wu County for four years without promotion. As for the registrar, surnamed Han, he entered office through hereditary privilege. The other county captain, surnamed Mei, is the local military officer."
Jin Niang committed this to memory and showed Jiang Xian the gift list she and Nanny Fang had prepared. Finding no issues, Jiang Xian approved it, and the couple retired for the night.
The next morning, Juxiang prepared breakfast—simple congee and side dishes—which Qingrong brought over. The modest meal was surprisingly satisfying.
Jin Niang also brought up buying a horse. "It’ll make our comings and goings much easier."
Jiang Xian smiled. "Let Cao Da select the horse. He’s even ridden warhorses—his eye is unmatched."
"That sounds like a good idea," Jin Niang agreed.
With his wife handling household matters so efficiently, Jiang Xian had little to worry about. After rinsing her mouth and changing clothes, Jin Niang set off to visit the magistrate’s wife.
Madam Qi had an oval face, high forehead, almond-shaped eyes, and cherry lips, exuding dignified grace.
Jin Niang had Ying and Qingrong present the gifts along with the list, saying, "Thanks to your guidance yesterday, we didn’t wander around like blind fools."
Madam Qi was pleased with the gifts. Noticing Jin Niang’s silver-white jacket embroidered with small chrysanthemums, her slender yet proportionate figure, and her refined, scholarly air, she found her both intelligent and graceful.
Moreover, Jin Niang was neither aloof nor overly formal, speaking with warmth and humility.
After a brief exchange, Madam Qi, once Jin Niang left, instructed her old maidservant to prepare her favorite jewelry and clothes as a return gift.
Next, Jin Niang visited the registrar’s wife, Madam Tian, whose gentle demeanor and translucent, lychee-like complexion made her far more approachable than Madam Qi.
Jin Niang thanked her first. "I’m grateful for the wine and dishes you sent yesterday."
"If you enjoyed them, feel free to visit often. We live close by, so it’s convenient," Madam Tian replied warmly. Her hospitality had a purpose—her husband, an hereditary official, faced slower promotions than imperial exam graduates. Hereditary officials couldn’t hold certain prestigious posts, so networking was crucial for advancement.
Finally, Jin Niang called on Madam Bao, wife of County Captain Mei. Fashionably dressed and alluring, Madam Bao greeted her with enthusiasm, clasping her hands. After comparing ages—Madam Bao was a year older—she addressed Jin Niang as "Sister Wei."
"I should have visited you first. How improper of me to make you come here," Madam Bao said.
"As a newcomer, I rely on your guidance," Jin Niang replied. Normally, a civil county captain outranked a military one, but since Madam Bao had waited for her visit, Jin Niang tactfully deferred to her pride. For now, it was best not to make enemies.
Madam Bao served tea and chatted amiably, revealing much about local affairs. "Wu County is prosperous—officials who come never want to leave."
This seemed a veiled jab at Magistrate Hou. Jin Niang’s eyes flickered, but she only smiled. "Since our husbands are both county captains, we should maintain harmony."
Flattered, Madam Bao, appreciating Jin Niang’s sincerity, grew friendlier. "I won’t keep you long. Soon, the wives of the clerks, secretaries, and constables will come to pay their respects."
Sure enough, upon returning home, Jin Niang received modest gifts from two constables’ wives. As direct subordinates of the county captain, they were eager to curry favor. When she asked about Pingjiang Prefecture, they shared everything they knew.
While they conversed, return gifts from Madam Qi and Madam Tian arrived.
Jin Niang glanced at the gift list and saw that the wife of the county magistrate had sent a set of blue lake-silk narrow-sleeved jade orchid jackets, a matching gauze skirt with floral patterns, along with a breast wrap and an undergarment, as well as a pair of vase-shaped hairpins. The wife of the registrar had gifted a pair of solid gold floral hairpins, a fan with a gilt handle, a bolt of brocade with eight auspicious motifs, and a basket each of white fish, silver fish, and white shrimp.
Shortly after, Madam Bao sent two steamers of food—one filled with sweet bean paste dumplings and the other with mushroom-stuffed buns—along with a bolt of ramie silk and a pair of gourd-shaped embroidered pouches.
Jin Niang gave each of the gift-bearers a handkerchief and two qian of silver.
Madam Qi also sent word that in the coming days, the ladies of the households would take turns hosting Jin Niang to celebrate her arrival. Without any false modesty, Jin Niang simply said it would be a pleasure to enjoy the company of her sisters. Her demeanor made the other wives in the county office assume she must come from an official’s family.
Yet Jin Niang had already decided to befriend Madam Bao first.
Ying was puzzled. "What’s the reasoning behind this? The clerk’s wife said Madam Bao is difficult to get along with—that she’s cliquish, harsh to subordinates, jealous of talent, and has often taken advantage of the registrar’s wife’s gentle nature."
"I have my reasons," Jin Niang replied calmly. "First, her husband is the county captain. If discord among the women leads to tension among the men in official matters, it could cause endless trouble later. Second, if I can quietly befriend her, she won’t see me as a threat—it’s the last thing she’d expect."
Only then did Ying realize that Jin Niang had fully stepped into her new role as an official’s wife. No wonder she had risen to lead the embroidery workshops—her insight and decisiveness were unmatched. Becoming a respected official’s wife or even a titled noblewoman was her ambition, and her social skills were so sharp that even the sixteenth young master might one day need to seek her favor.
