In the third month of spring, Jin Niang received a letter from Luo Da at the courier station. When she peeled open the hidden layer of the letter, she found rental income from the Golden Beam Bridge shop and silver from two estates tucked inside—a total of six hundred strings of cash. The rent from her Sweetwater Lane shop wouldn’t be collected until the fifth month, so for now, she only had these two sources of income.
But this was enough. Jin Niang asked Jiang Xian to withdraw the money first. "I already have four hundred taels of silver on hand. Now that my family has sent six hundred strings, why don’t we use some of it to buy an estate here—some fertile fields and orchards?"
"How do we suddenly have so much money again?" Jiang Xian wanted to ask. She had previously mentioned having only two hundred strings to last the year, and by the end of last year, she had just bought him a pair of leather boots. Now, they had a thousand strings.
Jin Niang nodded. "Yes, and there’s more. My painting of Guanyin seated on a lotus pedestal is finished, and I’ve embroidered Buddhist scriptures beneath it. Young Master Chen has appraised it—it can sell for over two hundred strings. Plus, there’s another two hundred strings from my Sweetwater Lane shop that hasn’t arrived yet."
Jiang Xian thought of his newly received official salary and couldn’t help shaking his head. "Wife, even as an official, I still rely on you to support me."
"Nonsense. The four hundred taels I earned—wasn’t it because I’m your wife that people asked me to be a bridal attendant?" Jin Niang blinked.
Jiang Xian sighed. "My wife is far wealthier than I am."
Jin Niang grinned. "Then you must come with me to inspect the fields. I’ve learned a lot, but it still feels like empty theory."
Choosing land was an important matter and couldn’t be done carelessly. Besides, Jin Niang added, "Aren’t you a magistrate now, responsible for understanding the hardships of the people?"
"Of course. Whatever my wife says, I’ll support without question." Jiang Xian raised both hands in agreement.
Buying land wasn’t something to rush. They would need to inspect carefully. Meanwhile, Jin Niang cut a few feet of satin to make herself a new dress—the fabric was a gift from the Gu family, the most fashionable kind available.
For Sister Jun and Brother Ning, she had two sets each made, entrusting the task to Minzhi. Minzhi was now pregnant, so it was best for her to stay indoors. Jin Niang insisted she rest well and only do light needlework.
First, Jin Niang made a pale yellow undergarment with an orchid pattern, then a sky-blue satin-lined jacket with embroidered magnolias at the collar, paired with silver-red trousers and a white gauze skirt.
This was the latest fashion in Wu County—soft yellow paired with sky blue. Her needlework was excellent, saving them the cost of hiring an embroiderer.
Jin Niang disliked reckless spending. Her parents had only been modestly well-off, yet they ensured she could read and write, rent a house in Bianjing, and learn embroidery and craftsmanship—skills she mastered better than most. But in the end, they had no dowry to give her, leaving her to struggle. Now, Jin Niang wanted to save a dowry for her daughter so she wouldn’t suffer the same hardships.
Of course, she was also thinking of their future as a couple. Money shouldn’t be invested in overly risky ventures, no matter how high the returns—better to buy land and property for steady security.
Ying chimed in, "Madam, why don’t you have a golden crown made?"
"You have no idea how expensive those golden crowns are. Even Madam Tian’s eight-tael crown costs four hundred strings of cash. When mine was made, it still cost forty-two strings. If I had that kind of spare money, I’d rather save it for emergencies." Jin Niang shook her head.
As she thought about it, she busied herself with needlework. Truth be told, doing it every day made her weary, but after a break, she found some excitement in it again. Jin Niang began embroidering a collar trim.
Just then, someone outside handed her a plum-red invitation. When Jin Niang opened it, she saw it was from Madam Wei, the assistant prefect’s wife, inviting her to admire the flowers at Zhaode Temple.
"How rare—she actually invited me. The military commissioner returned to the capital at the beginning of the year to report on his duties, so now the Pingjiang Army is being managed by the assistant prefect. Madam Wei is certainly making a grand impression," Jin Niang remarked with a laugh.
Ying, who adored keeping up with the latest fashions, eagerly urged her, "Madam, even if you won’t get a golden crown, you should at least have a stylish headpiece made, shouldn’t you?"
Jin Niang thought it over and agreed. She had the carriage prepared and went straight to Silk Flower Lane. She had no intention of making another gold or silver crown but wanted one adorned with lifelike silk flowers. However, after visiting several shops, she found their designs either too elaborate or outdated. Fortunately, one shop had an exquisite lotus crown.
Ying quickly stepped forward to ask, "How much for this lotus crown?"
"You see, this lotus crown has two loops of pearls around the base and another pearl on top of the lotus. I’ll give you an honest price—six strings at the very least. Any lower, and I can’t sell it." The shopkeeper, seeing a young noblewoman in a veil accompanied by servants, immediately quoted a high price.
Though Jin Niang liked it, she wasn’t about to be swindled. "These small, polished pearls—I’ve bought them in Bianjing before at fifty coins each. Huzhou in Liangzhe produces pearls, so you merchants must get them even cheaper. Add in this bit of silk gauze, and I’ll give you three strings and six hundred coins. Take it or leave it."
The shopkeeper looked as if he might cry. "Madam, you certainly know your goods, but your offer is far too harsh."
"My price is more than fair. I’m here to buy in good faith." Jin Niang knew these pearls were nothing special—just ordinary ones.
Just as the shopkeeper was about to reply, a young woman stepped out. She appeared to be seventeen or eighteen, with a few silk flowers pinned in her hair, simple yet elegant. Tall and graceful, she had a delicate beauty.
"Proprietress."
So this was the real owner. Her expression had been indifferent, as if haggling customers were nothing new. But when she spotted Nanny Fang, her demeanor changed instantly. "Nanny Fang! What a surprise to see you here—what a fortunate coincidence."
Nanny Fang seemed slightly flustered. "Ah, Madam Lin."
She then whispered a few words into Jin Niang’s ear.
Only then did Jin Niang realize this was the merchant’s daughter who had been abducted by traffickers during the Lantern Festival. She had even prepared her own dowry to become Jiang Xian’s concubine, frightening him so much he had to stop her.
Meanwhile, Nanny Fang introduced, "This is our madam."
Madam Lin promptly invited Jin Niang into the inner chamber to sit. Since Jin Niang had married Jiang Xian, her husband—who was a few years younger and exceptionally handsome—it was inevitable that such situations would arise. Most people, however, withdrew upon learning he was already wed. Now that Jiang Xian had entered officialdom, the number of those seeking to present him with concubines or beauties was bound to multiply.
Some even argued that the absence of concubines or maids in a household reflected poorly on the wife, urging women to accept such arrangements.
But Jin Niang wasn’t placing her trust in Jiang Xian—she trusted herself.
Thus, she spoke to Madam Lin with composure: "I hadn’t realized this was your family’s capital. As the saying goes, misfortune may prove a blessing in disguise. After this ordeal, Madam Lin, your fortunes will surely turn for the better."
Madam Lin, however, was deeply embarrassed. She had been betrothed in her youth, but the man died young. This year, during the Lantern Festival, she had intended to release a flower lantern to pray for a good match—only to be abducted by traffickers. At that moment, she had been utterly despairing, never expecting a twist of fate would lead to her rescue by the county captain.
County Captain Jiang was said to hail from a distinguished family, having earned his jinshi title in his youth. Handsome and accomplished, it was common for men of his standing to keep multiple wives and concubines, so Madam Lin hadn’t thought much of it. Who could have imagined there truly existed such devoted men who cherished only their wives? She had no idea who County Captain Jiang’s wife was—until their chance encounter today.
To her surprise, the woman’s first words were words of comfort. Madam Lin silently praised her magnanimity, then stole a glance at Jin Niang. In her twenties, with only a light dusting of powder, her skin seemed to glow like snow, her eyes shimmering with intelligence. Her face alone exuded an elegant, scholarly charm, yet her figure—full bosom and slender waist—stood in stark contrast, as if every detail was crafted to captivate a man’s heart.
Madam Lin felt a pang of inadequacy and forced a dry laugh. "You’re too kind. I can only hope your auspicious words come true."
Jin Niang was no life mentor, but fearing Madam Lin might carry psychological scars from her ordeal, she couldn’t help offering another word of solace: "Madam Lin, you’re young, healthy, and wealthy. A vibrant and radiant woman like you is destined for an equally bright future."
Madam Lin paused, then her smile blossomed.
As Jin Niang prepared to take her leave, Madam Lin insisted on gifting her the pearl-adorned lotus crown she had admired earlier. Jin Niang refused to accept it without payment—she would either pay or decline outright.
After much back-and-forth, Madam Lin reluctantly accepted only three strings of coins, refusing any more.
With the lotus crown in hand, Jin Niang wandered through the embroidery district—her original trade, after all. Suzhou embroidery was a treasure, and she lingered, enthralled. Watching artisans at work on double-sided embroidery, a technique she’d never had time to study, she realized it might not be as difficult as she’d thought.
She observed the common stitches: loop stitch, layered stitch, and rolling stitch. The embroiderer trimmed the thread end neatly, pierced downward, then began anew two or three silk-widths away, leaving a tiny tail. With each subsequent stitch, the tail was concealed, ensuring no loose threads showed on either side.
They also held the needle vertically, careful not to pierce the reverse threads, maintaining flawless alignment between both sides—seamless as the heavens’ own weave.
Jin Niang naturally did not hold back, purchasing a double-sided embroidered fan and another fan featuring dual-sided embroidery with contrasting colors. The essence of double-sided embroidery, she knew, lay primarily in the art of concealing stitches.
After leaving the embroidery alley, Jin Niang headed to a nearby fruit vendor, picking up two portions of candied cherries for the children. For herself, she bought lychees, fresh walnuts, preserved plums, and kumquats.
She wasn’t sure how other families handled it, but in her own childhood, whenever her parents returned from an outing, she’d always eagerly anticipated the little treats they brought back.
Thus, whenever she went out, she made sure to bring something back for the children—and even her husband wasn’t forgotten. She picked up a few boxes of pastries, returning home with arms full of gifts.
Soon, the day arrived for their trip to Zhaode Temple. This time, they would travel by boat. Jin Niang wore an outfit she had made years ago, inspired by the Li Sao verse: "I’ll make a coat of lotus leaves, and gather lilies for my skirt."
Her undergarment was a soft pink, shaped like lotus petals, while the outer robe was a leaf-green, high-collared luo silk jacket. Beneath it, she wore a slightly deeper shade of lotus pink, layered delicately. To complete the look, she adorned a lotus-flower crown, so enchanting that even Brother Ning clamored to be held by her that day.
The morning air still carried a slight chill, so Jin Niang wore padded trousers underneath and draped a luxurious sable-lined cloak over her shoulders.
Madam Bao had never seen such exquisite attire before—clearly the work of a master embroiderer, far beyond ordinary craftsmanship. It even outshone the outfit Madam Tian wore that day.
In the past, when Jiang Xian first arrived, Jin Niang had kept a low profile, cautious in her demeanor. But now that Jiang Xian had successfully handled several major cases and earned commendations from higher authorities, things were different. While she remained humble, she no longer felt the need to be overly reserved.
Their boat was a painted pleasure barge, offering splendid views of the riverside scenery. A small table was set with fruit platters and pastries. As willow branches swayed along the bank, Jin Niang suddenly felt inspired—she could make Jiang Xian a gauzy robe embroidered with willow motifs.
It was good to get out; inspiration always struck when she did.
On the boat, Madam Bao and Madam Tian were engrossed in a game of backgammon. Jin Niang noticed that while Madam Tian possessed many fine things, she seemed to lack income from shops or farmland—most of her treasures likely came from her dowry chests.
She recalled Jiang Xian mentioning that Madam Tian’s husband, Registrar Han, came from an aristocratic family and had some competence in his duties. Yet he preferred to remain neutral, never taking sides, maintaining his noble demeanor while leaving the actual work—tax collection, river maintenance, and famine relief—to Jiang Xian and Captain Mei.
Lost in thought, Jin Niang was approached by a young woman from Madam Qi’s entourage, who presented a cup of wine. "Madam, please enjoy a drink," she said.
To Jin Niang’s surprise, it was Magistrate Hou’s younger sister, Third Sister Hou. The girl, she’d heard, was her mother’s posthumous child, born over twenty years after her brother. Now nearing her coming-of-age ceremony, Madam Bao had mentioned that Third Sister Hou had even brought her dowry chests, likely hoping to find a suitable match in Wu County.
With a warm smile, Jin Niang said, "How could I let a young lady pour wine for me? Please sit, and let’s chat about... springtime matters."
Third Sister Hou shyly took a seat.
Knowing it wasn’t proper to overwhelm a young girl with conversation, Jin Niang steered the talk toward lighthearted domestic topics.
Before long, they arrived at Zhaode Temple, an ancient monastery. The group took sedan chairs up to the main hall, where Jin Niang contributed another ten taels of incense money. The magistrate's wife invited everyone inside to rest. Jin Niang assumed it would be the same as before—she’d just play the role of a polite companion before slipping away to explore on her own.
To her surprise, the magistrate's wife treated Jin Niang with unusual courtesy, even remarking, "Madam County Lieutenant, you and County Lieutenant Jiang are truly a perfect match—a talented scholar and a beautiful lady."
Jin Niang smiled modestly in response. Then the magistrate's wife inquired further, "I heard you have a son and a daughter. Have they been betrothed yet?"
"They’re still too young," Jin Niang replied. Though she wasn’t overwhelmed by the attention, she assumed it was due to Jiang Xian’s status. Still, she wasn’t keen on arranging marriages hastily. Matrimony should bring harmony to both families, and the children’s own wishes mattered most.
When Jin Niang didn’t elaborate, the magistrate's wife grew even more enthusiastic. She had done her research—Jiang Xian was the nephew of Minister Liu, with influential relatives in Yangzhou’s Dou family and Hangzhou’s Zhou family. His connections were vast. But more importantly, he was a jinshi scholar from a wealthy household. In all five encounters with Jin Niang, she had worn entirely different outfits and jewelry, each piece exuding luxury.
Even if Jiang Xian’s political career stalled or his connections proved unreliable, his wealth alone made him an ideal match.
Perhaps due to the magistrate's wife’s newfound favor, the yamen staff began addressing Jin Niang exclusively as "Madam County Lieutenant," sidelining Madam Bao, who also held the same title.
Madam Bao, who thrived on stirring up trouble, had once been on decent terms with Jin Niang. But after both became county lieutenants’ wives, the comparisons became unbearable.
During a quarrel with Captain Yang’s wife, the latter sneered, "You only know how to nitpick and boss us around. Look at Madam County Lieutenant—now that’s a true lady. She never scolds or hits us, treats everyone with kindness, and cares for the poor and elderly. Unlike some people who dress like royalty but lack the grace—utterly unfit for high society."
Madam Bao slammed the table and declared to Qiao'er, "If I don’t put her in her place this time, she’ll think she can walk all over me."
Qiao'er, who had also suffered under Captain Yang’s wife’s bullying when she first arrived, joined her mistress in plotting revenge.
In the end, Madam Bao muttered, "It all comes back to that Madam Wei. She always has to outshine everyone."
If only she could humiliate Madam Wei just once.
After returning from Zhaode Temple, Jin Niang found Jiang Xian at home and relayed the magistrate's wife’s hints. But as her lips moved, Jiang Xian barely registered her words—he was too distracted by how breathtaking she looked, like a celestial maiden descending from a lotus throne.
Acting on impulse, he swept her into his arms in broad daylight and carried her to the inner chamber. Jin Niang rolled her eyes. "You lecher."
Their passion burned fiercely, but when the moment of deepest intimacy arrived, Jiang Xian remembered Jin Niang’s wish to avoid pregnancy and withdrew at the last moment…
Afterward, he finally said to Jin Niang, "You're right. Although the vice prefect currently holds a higher position than me, things may change in the future. Besides, marriage alliances should be discussed only after the children grow up."
Take his elder brother, for instance—after marrying Madam Xu, she constantly felt the title didn’t match reality and pressured both his brother and nephew day and night. If their son turned out to be incompetent in the future, wouldn’t he suffer under such a woman’s disdain? And his wife would suffer alongside him. Not a chance.
He was thinking far ahead, but Jin Niang shook her head. "I was considering how the new military commissioner hasn’t arrived yet, and the vice prefect’s wife already acts as if everyone should obey her. Who knows what will happen when the new commissioner’s wife comes?"
"True," Jiang Xian agreed.
Jin Niang then asked him, "How are things between you and the county magistrate now? Counting this year, he’s been in his post as the magistrate of Wu County for five years. Surely he won’t stay much longer?"
Even with connections in higher places, no one could hold a position indefinitely.
Jiang Xian chuckled. "I don’t interfere in his affairs, and he won’t trouble me either. Besides, now that I’ve shown my hand, he wouldn’t dare cross me."
In official circles, it was always the big fish eating the small, and the small eating the shrimp—but he was no shrimp.
Jin Niang felt reassured. This was precisely why she had agreed to marry Jiang Xian back then—the Jiang family had connections in influential places, enough to intimidate others. Otherwise, she would have long married some impoverished scholar.
Their conversation shifted from official matters to purchasing land. Jin Niang said, "We originally planned to go out during this ten-day break, but Madam Vice Prefect caused such a stir. Let’s make it the next ten-day break instead."
Jiang Xian nodded. "Very well."
During this break, Jin Niang started her mornings by lounging in bed, lost in thought, then reading a book before taking up her double-sided embroidery. She also cut some fresh green silk to make a cross-collar robe for Jiang Xian, embroidering willow leaves in the same shade along the white collar trim. She paired it with a dark green pleated skirt, its hem adorned with golden-threaded willow leaves, and layered it with a white crepe gauze overcoat. The left lapel of the overcoat bore green willow leaves, while the right featured white leaves subtly accented with green—a refreshingly natural ensemble.
Yet again, their plans were disrupted—this time because Second Miss Gu’s wedding was moved up, and Jin Niang, as her matron of honor, naturally had to attend.
For this banquet, all the county yamen officials and clerks were invited. Jin Niang wore her newly made outfit, accessorized with the agate necklace gifted by Madam Dou.
Madam Bao remarked to the wife of Clerk Huang, "She’s a wealthy young lady, while we’re just poor girls."
The yamen had two clerks. Since the wife of Clerk Qin got along well with Jin Niang, Madam Bao instead favored Clerk Huang’s wife, who had often been slighted by Captain Yang’s wife. Madam Bao had stood up for her several times, so the two were quite close.
Clerk Huang’s wife had a sharp voice and a playful, teasing manner. Hearing Madam Bao’s words, she giggled lightly. "Don’t be upset. Shouldn’t someone else be the one fuming?"
The "someone else" was, of course, Madam Qi—after all, she was the one who’d been upstaged.
Madam Bao shook her head. "She’s never cared about such things."
Madam Qi had once been provoked by Madam Tian, yet instead of holding a grudge, the two had grown closer—united only in their disdain for Madam Bao.
During the gathering, Elder Madam Gu asked Jin Niang if she intended to purchase land. Jin Niang knew the Gu family’s business dealings were extensive, and since she had already inquired through a broker, the Gu family must have been aware of her intentions. She saw no reason to conceal it and simply explained that she found the land in Wu County fertile and wished to acquire some estates so that when her husband retired to the countryside, they would not want for food or livelihood.
Elder Madam Gu smiled and said, "I have a relative settled in Changzhou who has entrusted our family with selling several acres of land. Would the Magistrate’s wife care to take a look?"
"That would be wonderful. On our next day off, we’ll go and see it. If the deal goes through, I’ll give you a ten percent commission—please don’t think it too little," Jin Niang replied with a laugh.
Elder Madam Gu had originally intended to gift the land to Jin Niang, but her words made it clear she preferred to keep things strictly business. This made the elder wonder whether the Magistrate’s wife was truly incorruptible or simply biding her time before being swayed by temptation.
After Second Miss Gu’s wedding, Jin Niang and Jiang Xian accompanied Elder Madam Gu to inspect the land—a three-acre plot complete with land deeds and experienced farmhands. Jin Niang had initially planned to buy only two hundred acres, but to her surprise, the three hundred acres also included a grand three-courtyard manor.
The estate was well-stocked with poultry, fish, geese, waterfowl, fruits, and vegetables. After touring the grounds, both Jin Niang and Jiang Xian were pleased. Moreover, since the Gu family sincerely sought their friendship, they would not deliberately sell them poor-quality land.
The price was set at two strings of cash per acre for two acres of fertile land and three strings per acre for the remaining acre, totaling seven hundred strings. The manor itself was valued at one hundred fifty taels, bringing the full amount to eight hundred fifty taels.
Elder Madam Gu and Madam Gu both said, "This is but a small token of our goodwill."
Jin Niang, however, smiled and replied, "That’s very kind of you, but since I’ve come to buy land, I’ve prepared the funds for it. Mutual give-and-take is the foundation of lasting connections."
Hearing this, Elder Madam Gu admired Jin Niang even more and decided to round down the price to eight hundred fifty strings. As an added gesture, she included the contracts of over a dozen tenant farmers as a favor.
Jin Niang promptly had someone bring over the payment—eight hundred strings in gold and silver—which was counted on the spot.
Meanwhile, Jiang Xian, being a county official, ensured all the necessary paperwork was completed at the yamen, and the official deed was soon in Jin Niang’s hands. Not one to take advantage of others, Jin Niang later presented Second Miss Gu with a fine Javanese mat—a luxurious item gifted to them by Jiang Xian’s uncle—when the bride returned home for her post-wedding visit.
With this gesture, Jin Niang felt she had repaid their kindness and breathed a sigh of relief.
Though the purchase had cost them dearly, forcing the household to tighten their belts for a while, Jin Niang was timid by nature. She had no interest in risky ventures like loan-sharking, investing in merchant shares, or trading salt and tea certificates. The rental income from farmland might be modest, but it was far more reliable.
