Upon returning from Woxue Nunnery, Jin Niang first went to see her children. Xi Qiu and the wet nurse had obeyed her instructions strictly, never taking the little ones outside while she was away. Having seen too many disturbing social incidents, Jin Niang was always wary of people’s intentions.
"Mother, why didn’t you bring me any treats this time?" Sister Jun clung to Jin Niang’s arm and asked.
Jin Niang patted her daughter’s head. "That was careless of me. I forgot."
Sister Jun shook her head. "Mother is the best mother. You could never be careless."
Her daughter was truly sweet. Jin Niang hugged her and asked about her day—what she had done, whether she had gone out, and so on. As the mother and daughter chatted, Jiang Xian returned. Sister Jun was first taken away by the maids, leaving the couple to talk privately.
Noticing Jin Niang’s troubled expression, Jiang Xian quickly asked what was wrong. Jin Niang replied, "Today, I saw my elder sister."
"Who?" A gust of wind blew, making Jiang Xian wonder if he had seen a ghost.
Jin Niang immediately stood up and grasped his hand. "Not a ghost. My real elder sister."
She had never mentioned this to Jiang Xian before, as it was a family scandal. Their marriage had been arranged under unusual circumstances, and she feared it might be used against them. But now that she had encountered her sister, she thought it best to explain everything, lest Jiang Xian panic if he ever met her or the servants recognized her, leaving Jin Niang in an awkward position.
She recounted the whole story and added, "My mother only told me just before we arrived. She had promised Feng Sheng back then, likely to protect our family’s reputation."
Jiang Xian thought to himself that Feng Sheng had schemed to cuckold himself, orchestrated his wife’s divorce, and remarried—truly a master of manipulation. As for Elder Sister Wei, she wasn’t blameless either, easily seduced and now living in poverty, content with scraps.
He didn’t understand it, but his priority was to ease his wife’s worries. After all, she always put him first.
"Wife, you confiding in me like this shows you truly see me as family. Honestly, your sister is fortunate to have reached Wu County safely and even given birth to a child. Sending gifts during festivals is more than enough. You’re her cousin, not her parent," Jiang Xian reassured her.
Jin Niang nodded. "That’s what I thought too."
Jiang Xian smiled. "Don’t overthink it. I heard the new magistrate will be arriving soon."
That was the pressing matter. After a moment’s contemplation, Jin Niang added, "Elder Sister asked me what I would do if my husband ever schemed against me. At the time, I worried she might think I was cursing her husband, so I didn’t answer."
Jiang Xian immediately swore loyalty. "Wife, I would never plot against you!"
"Hmph. If you did, I’d be like Wu Zixu—I wouldn’t be like Rongniang, full of resentment but clueless about revenge," Jin Niang warned him playfully.
Jiang Xian cursed Feng Sheng eight hundred times in his heart.
Fortunately, Jin Niang wasn’t one to dwell on others’ misfortunes. She quickly returned to her usual self. However, when explaining the situation to Ying and Young Master Chen, she gave a different reason—claiming Rongniang had been rescued after falling into water, and both had since married others. She instructed them to keep it secret and only deliver seasonal gifts discreetly.
Even Nanny Fang wasn’t to be told. The fewer who knew, the better.
Jin Niang then had Ying deliver a Mid-Autumn Festival gift to Rongniang’s household. Ying had never liked Rongniang, remembering how she and Ying Niang had looked down on Jin Niang before her marriage. She suspected Rongniang’s story of being "rescued" was another cover-up for some disgraceful act.
But since Jin Niang had ordered it, Ying obeyed.
Rongniang was delighted to see Ying. Though initially annoyed by the long, muddy journey, Ying’s irritation faded when she saw Rongniang’s dire living conditions—straw bedding, a barely habitable hut. A pang of sympathy struck her.
"Madam, our lady sent me to see what you might need. I’ll bring more in a few days," Ying said warmly.
Rongniang received a blue cloth jacket, a coarse silk padded garment, a jug of lamb wine, two boxes of pastries, half a side of pork, a small jar of salted duck eggs, two packets of cough medicine, and two types of loose tea.
Ying added, "Our lady said rural areas aren’t safe for lavish gifts—they might attract thieves. Please don’t take offense."
Rongniang, whose child hadn’t eaten meat in ages, knew these items were precious even if one had money. She thanked Ying profusely. Once the delivery was done, Ying prepared to leave, not daring to delay.
Just as she was about to step out, Rongniang called after her. "Ying, could you pass a message to your lady for me?"
Ying paused in surprise.
The new magistrate was a former imperial scholar who had served as a judge in Qin Feng Circuit before observing a three-year mourning period. His direct appointment to Wu County suggested influential connections.
The magistrate himself was laid-back, delegating responsibilities upon arrival—assigning county school affairs to Jiang Xian, law enforcement to County Captain Mei, and taxes to Clerk Han.
Life became easier for Jiang Xian and the others. However, the magistrate’s wife, Madam Wen, proved troublesome.
The origins of Madam Wen remained unclear to Jin Niang and the others. At their first meeting, they exchanged customary gifts. Jin Niang presented two jars of Jinhua wine, a bolt of persimmon-patterned damask, a bolt of square-patterned damask, two boxes of pastries (mooncakes), a box of dewy jade hairpins, and a pouch of southern incense.
Madam Tian gifted two jars of fine wine, two baskets of crabs, two boxes of pastries, and a pouch of aloeswood. Madam Bao’s offerings were simpler: two boxes of pastries, a pair of knee pads, and a bolt of fabric.
The three women followed their usual patterns—Jin Niang and Madam Tian giving generously, Madam Bao slightly less.
Madam Wen, however, remained inscrutable. She first tasked her attendant, the shrewd Madam Sheng, with gathering information about the officials’ families. Within three days, Madam Sheng had a full report.
"Clerk Han’s wife is the daughter of a Dengzhou vice-prefect, with a substantial dowry. She’s beloved by all, even called ‘the Bodhisattva.’ County Captain Jiang’s wife, though not from an official family, comes from scholarly stock and is even wealthier—perhaps surpassing Clerk Han’s wife. She’s also known for her kindness. As for County Captain Mei’s wife, Madam Bao, she’s rather stingy—her gift list speaks for itself. She’s notorious for stirring trouble and bullying minor clerks."
Madam Wen smiled and said, "Mother, please take a seat. It’s impressive how quickly you’ve managed to plan everything so thoroughly."
Nanny Sheng, cautious and deferential, perched on the very edge of the stool, not daring to sit fully.
Then Madam Wen added, "Later, invite Madam Bao over for a chat."
"This..." Nanny Sheng hesitated. "Madam Bao isn’t exactly easy to deal with."
Madam Wen gave a faint smile. "She has nothing to her name, which is precisely why she’ll cling to me all the more."
Realizing Madam Wen’s point, Nanny Sheng nodded in understanding. Indeed, Madam Wei and Madam Tian had wealth of their own, and their husbands were accomplished men—Chief Clerk Han came from a prominent family with its own influence, while County Captain Jiang was a jinshi graduate from a ministerial household. They had no need to curry favor. But Madam Bao and County Captain Mei were different.
With their lowly status, they had no choice but to seek patronage. And when the time came, they would be easy targets.
Thus, at the welcoming banquet prepared for Madam Wen, Jin Niang noticed how Madam Wen openly favored Madam Bao, who in turn spoke with meek and flattering words. The other ladies present seemed visibly displeased.
The wife of Captain Yang sought out Jin Niang privately and said, "I think Madam Wen has been fooled by her—mistaking her for some kind of virtuous woman."
Jin Niang chuckled. "That’s not our concern. Time will reveal a person’s true nature."
Captain Yang’s wife thought to herself that since they fell under the jurisdiction of the county captain anyway, the magistrate’s wife had no real authority over them. Besides, even Madam Wei remained unperturbed—why should she worry?
Little did she know, after she left, Jin Niang was preoccupied with another matter. Rongniang had sent Ying to relay a message: years ago, Shang Dalang had lost his minor official position in Bianjing because of her. Now, she hoped Jin Niang could help him secure a new post.
Her elder sister probably wasn’t opposed to a comfortable life—she just wanted one that required no effort or struggle. If she and her husband had been content in their poverty, why would they still seek to return to officialdom?
Yet Jin Niang couldn’t help feeling a twinge of resentment. Was all her hard work meant to pave the way for Rongniang to effortlessly obtain everything she desired?
Yes, Rongniang disliked socializing, detested exertion, and simply wanted to live as she pleased. But what woman in the world wouldn’t prefer to gain everything without lifting a finger?
While it was true that Rongniang had been deceived by her husband, Jin Niang privately thought—that wasn’t their fault.
She wasn’t that selfless, nor that magnanimous. Besides, Shang Dalang had been married when he rented Feng Sheng’s property and had already been entangled with Rongniang. If he couldn’t remain faithful to his own wife, who was to say he wouldn’t repeat his behavior with another woman?
"Ying, from now on, we’ll send them some supplies to ease their hardships. Beyond that, I can’t help further," Jin Niang decided, following her conscience.
If Rongniang and her husband later used the money to bribe their way into a position or relied on her aid to improve their lives, Jin Niang wouldn’t protest. But she refused to be the one to facilitate it. If Rongniang resented her for it, so be it.
Having made up her mind, she closed that chapter in her heart and resolved never to dwell on it again.
As the Mid-Autumn Festival approached, Jin Niang had already arranged fruits and pastries in the courtyard. She even ordered "hand-washing crabs" from a nearby tavern so everyone could enjoy moon-viewing and crab feasting—a delightful tradition.
Around this time, Sister-in-law Bao also paid a visit. During this season of family reunions, Madam Bao naturally wanted to send her away. She handed over a few boxes of pastries, two chickens, two ducks, and several feet of fabric.
Surprised by the generous gifts, Sister-in-law Bao remarked casually, "A few days ago, I saw Ying from Madam Wei’s household in our village—seems she was also delivering festival gifts."
Madam Bao frowned. "Is there some important figure in our village I don’t know about?"
"Not at all. Their situation is much like ours," Sister-in-law Bao replied with a laugh.
Madam Bao, who had been searching for any leverage against Jin Niang, seized this clue. She instructed Qiao'er to fetch a purse of coins for her sister-in-law and said, "Then help me find out what their connection is."
Sister-in-law Bao eagerly agreed.
After the Mid-Autumn Festival, Jin Niang resumed embroidering the Purple-Robed Guanyin she had previously botched. This was a major undertaking, so she devoted herself entirely to it.
In the mornings, after managing household affairs, Ying and Qing Rong busied themselves with chores—stripping and washing bedding, then laundering Jin Niang’s undergarments. Sister Jun, under Jin Niang’s guidance, had learned to handle a needle, stitch simple patterns, and even weave a few basic knots. Her little chubby hands had grown quite nimble.
But Jin Niang didn’t let her daughter overwork. After a while, she would teach her to read or supervise her calligraphy practice. For a child, the most crucial skill was focus—without it, she would grow up scatterbrained in everything she did.
After lunch, a letter arrived from the courier station—written by Younger Brother Yang on their mother’s behalf. It contained two pieces of good news: the house in the Foul Water Alley, whose original owner had failed to redeem it even a decade after the mortgage period, was now fully theirs after an additional payment of a hundred strings of cash. They had spent another hundred strings renovating it. Meanwhile, Younger Brother Yang had passed the entrance exams for the Kaifeng Prefectural School this spring and was now an official student.
Jin Niang was overjoyed for them. Her mother also thanked her in the letter—without her help, they could never have afforded to educate a scholar while also purchasing property.
As for the belongings Jin Niang had left behind, they had sold them and were now opening a new shop elsewhere.
Shops in Bianjing were notorious for raising rents the moment a business showed signs of success—which was why Jin Niang had preferred converting the front rooms into a shop rather than leaving them as mere living quarters.
She shared the news with Jiang Xian, who was equally pleased. "This is wonderful. Now your parents won’t have to worry about Younger Brother Yang’s future."
"Indeed. Even if he doesn’t pass the jinshi exams, as long as he clears the provincial exams, he could still make a living as a tutor—that would be more than enough," Jin Niang said pragmatically. Those who succeeded in the exams were either from illustrious families or prodigies. Younger Brother Yang was neither, but if he could enter the Imperial Academy, he might still secure a position as an assistant instructor at a county school.
Jiang Xian admired his wife’s down-to-earth outlook. Jinshi graduates were as rare as phoenix feathers—even their current magistrate had only passed at thirty-four and was now serving as a county official at forty.
This was why he couldn’t comprehend why Rongniang would ask Jin Niang to seek an official post for Shang Dalang. Jin Niang wouldn’t even make such a request for her own younger brother! She was strict even with their children—Sister Jun had been practicing calligraphy, needlework, and arithmetic since she was four, while Brother Ning, at two, was already expected to feed himself and join his sister in daily reading.
While the two were rejoicing, news arrived that the elder master of the Gu family had passed away. Master Gu, the wealthiest man in Wu County, had been known for his generosity in building bridges, repairing roads, and dutifully paying taxes. As the newly appointed magistrate’s wife, Madam Wen was expected to join the other officials' wives in paying respects at the funeral.
Jin Niang and the others also dressed in mourning attire to attend. The Gu family was more familiar with Jin Niang, and since Jiang Xian had served as acting magistrate—despite his youth, his competence had earned widespread trust—the Gus treated Jin Niang with noticeably greater warmth than Madam Wen. Such nuances went unnoticed by Madam Tian, but Madam Wen, ever sensitive, took keen note.
Though her surname suggested gentleness, her temperament was anything but.
Her husband was a man indifferent to fame and fortune. After attaining his scholarly honors, he preferred to idle away his days admiring the changing seasons, finding official duties tiresome. But Madam Wen came from an official’s household. As the middle child of three sisters, she had grown up overshadowed, only to finally gain her family’s respect when her husband passed the imperial examinations.
Yet after just one term in office, he had resigned to observe mourning rites for a parent—and since then, showed no inclination to return to public service. Now that he had secured this prestigious post, she was determined to see him make something of it.
But Wu County seemed entirely under Jiang Xian’s control. Her husband might not care, but she certainly did.
Seeing the Gu family’s preferential treatment of Jin Niang only deepened her resentment.
Jin Niang, ever perceptive, noticed Madam Wen’s displeasure but did not immediately grovel to appease her. After all, the gap between them was not so vast—they were not her servants.
"Eldest Miss, Second Miss, please accept our condolences," Jin Niang said, rising to comfort the Gu sisters.
The eldest Miss Gu had married a man from an official family, and with Jiang Xian’s support, no one dared cause trouble. Still, the Gu matriarch confided privately to Jin Niang, "Some are already sniffing around, hoping to stir up trouble within the clan. Thankfully, we hold County Captain Jiang’s endorsement—they wouldn’t dare act rashly."
"That’s a relief. Should you face any difficulties, send word at once. We won’t let anyone bully you," Jin Niang replied, well aware of the challenges women faced in safeguarding their wealth.
The old matriarch nodded, dabbing her eyes with a handkerchief. If only her son were still alive, she wouldn’t need to endure this.
Jin Niang arranged for the matriarch’s care and exchanged more words with Madam Gu.
All this provided Madam Bao the perfect opportunity to whisper poison into Madam Wen’s ear. A shrewd observer, Madam Bao had already noted Madam Wen’s simmering displeasure.
Sure enough, Madam Wen remarked, "Had you not mentioned it, I wouldn’t have known how deeply connected her family is to the Gus."
"Exactly. All this talk of being a ‘blessing-bringer’—likely just a scheme to line her pockets. No wonder their household is so wealthy, even though both our husbands hold the same rank," Madam Bao sniffed.
But Madam Wen was no common shrew. As an official’s wife, she knew any strike must be decisive—or backed by irrefutable evidence. A failed accusation could rebound disastrously.
When the Double Ninth Festival arrived, Madam Wen proposed a group outing to the countryside—her first attempt at rallying the ladies. Jin Niang and the others readily agreed.
Earlier, Prefect Shen had advocated for frugality, and for a time, the trend took hold. But soon, old habits returned. At the recent banquet hosted by the stern magistrate, nearly everyone had dressed elaborately—even the newly arrived Madam Wen wore a pearl-studded headdress. Ying had urged Jin Niang to don a new golden crown, but she stuck to her silver one adorned with fashionable silk flowers. To her surprise, Madam Tian also wore silver, as did Madam Bao—who had no choice after Captain Yang’s wife mocked her for flaunting gold last time.
With three women in silver, Madam Wen’s opulent emerald headdress briefly pleased her—until she schooled her expression back to serene indifference.
After a short stroll, they rested in a pavilion. Madam Wen served assorted Double Ninth cakes, saying, "Do try my cook’s handiwork."
Though Jin Niang and the others found the pastries mediocre—Madam Tian’s household was famed for its desserts—they politely praised them.
"I’ve heard there’s a commemorative stele ahead. When my father served as prefect of Qingzhou, I saw a similar one, though differently shaped," Madam Wen remarked lightly.
Jin Niang noted silently that Madam Wen’s father had held high office but betrayed no reaction.
Madam Wen was unnerved by her composure—such poise suggested formidable backing.
"Madam Wei, I hear you’ve acquired quite a parcel of land here?" Madam Bao cracked a pine nut, feigning casualness.
Madam Wen feigned surprise. "But we already have state-allotted fields. Why buy more?"
Jin Niang smiled. "Those are official holdings. I’ve a daughter to provide for—one must plan ahead. If we waited until her marriage to purchase land, who knows if any would remain? Truthfully, our household scrimps to afford it."
"That’s fair," Madam Wen conceded, recalling how she’d gifted her own dowry fields to her eldest daughter when her husband’s finances were tight.
Jin Niang’s explanation was so reasonable that the others nodded along. Seeing her sway the crowd so effortlessly, Madam Bao opened her mouth to retort—when Liu Dou’er rode up, announcing, "Madam, a letter from the Eighth Aunt!"
It turned out Madam Dou had arranged a marriage for her daughter Dou Yuan and requested Jin Niang’s presence as the "blessing-bringer," even sending a boat to fetch her.
Madam Wen’s eyes lit up. "This Dou family—would that be the Yangzhou Dou clan, the academician’s household?"
"Indeed. Madam Dou is my husband’s aunt," Jin Niang confirmed.
Madam Wen exclaimed, "I had no idea County Captain Jiang came from such lineage! Why didn’t you mention it before?"
Jin Niang demurred, "What lineage? My husband insists we live modestly, lest we disgrace our ancestors."
Madam Wen showered her with compliments.
The Dou family’s intervention smoothed tensions between them, leaving Madam Bao fuming at home. "They’ve made up, and I’m left the villain!" she grumbled to Qiao’er.
Just then, word came that Sister-in-law Bao had arrived. Madam Bao scoffed, "While others flaunt grand connections, my kin are paupers forever begging at my door!"
But when Qiao’er ushered Sister-in-law Bao in despite her protests, the visitor brought startling news: "Auntie, I’ve uncovered a major secret—about that Madam Wei."
"Oh, do tell me more." Madam Bao was intrigued. As the wife of a county captain herself, she had long been overshadowed by Madam Wei and was far from resigned to it.
Sister-in-law Bao whispered into Madam Bao's ear for quite some time, and the more she listened, the more delighted Madam Bao became. She clapped her hands eagerly. "Good heavens, who would’ve thought she was once a lowly maid too? Let’s see how she puts on airs in front of me now."
