At the same time, Jin Niang was speaking to Jiang Xian: "I'll take the children with me. With Madam Bao around, I can't rest easy. As for the chests at home, you must keep an eye on them. When you're away, make sure someone locks the doors."
From Wu County to Yangzhou, the water route could take three to four days if slow, or just one to two days if fast.
This was also why Jin Niang had decided to go—otherwise, people might say they were putting on airs.
Jiang Xian frowned. "My dear, why don’t I take a day off and escort you there? Otherwise, I won’t feel at ease."
"No need, no need. You’re an official appointed by the court—how can you leave your post without permission? Besides, I want to venture out into the world on my own for once." Jin Niang sounded almost giddy with excitement.
"Traveling to Yangzhou in the season of blooming flowers"—last time she had rushed there, she only visited the Dou family and didn’t get to see anything else. Now, if she could take in the local customs and scenery, it would be wonderful.
Seeing her like this, Jiang Xian quickly said, "My dear, I’m not joking. You’re young and beautiful—you must be careful out there. The three of you leaving and leaving me, a lonely man, behind doesn’t matter much. What worries me is your safety."
"But there’s no other way." Jin Niang couldn’t very well ask Jiang Xian to accompany her—after all, he was an official.
As she spoke, she resumed writing the betrothal gift list: two bolts of Suzhou’s fashionable silk, six cakes of local tea, two sets of porcelain, and a pair of gold hairpins with twin lotus designs.
This would count as her contribution to the dowry, but Jin Niang still felt it wasn’t enough, so she added two packets of premium incense.
There was no helping it—she would earn some income from serving as the "Complete Blessings Matron" at the wedding. After all, among Madam Dou the Second’s maternal relatives, Jiang Xian was the most accomplished, so Jin Niang was essentially going to lend prestige to the occasion.
To cut a long story short, the group soon boarded the painted pleasure boat sent from Yangzhou to fetch them. Jiang Xian even assigned Cao Da to escort them for protection, while Young Master Chen stayed on board to manage affairs.
Nanny Fang, something of an "original shareholder" in Jin Niang’s venture as a Complete Blessings Matron, strongly supported the trip. "Actually, it’s good for you to step away for a while. With you around, Madam Wen is always watching you. Now that you’re leaving, let them squabble among themselves."
"That’s what I think too. On the surface, it’s just petty conflicts among women in the inner quarters, but in truth, it’s an extension of the power struggles among the officials." Jin Niang saw things clearly. The magistrate had delegated authority, and his foundation wasn’t as solid as Jiang Xian’s now, so subordinates were taking sides—which was why Madam Wen kept trying to outshine her.
But now that they were out for leisure, Jin Niang didn’t want to dwell on such troubles. "Let’s just enjoy ourselves."
Apart from the dowry gifts for Dou Yuan, Jin Niang also brought local specialties—baskets of Taihu whitefish, perch, and crucian carp, along with six prized shad fish.
On the first day aboard, Jin Niang admired the scenery along the riverbanks and listened to her children’s innocent chatter, feeling nothing but joy. Sister Jun sighed like a little adult: "It’s a shame Father didn’t come with us."
"If your father came, he probably wouldn’t be with us much anyway," Jin Niang said with a laugh.
Qingrong brought over a bowl of silver ear and lotus seed soup—good for cooling autumnal heat. After finishing a bowl, Jin Niang heard Ying say, "Madam, this pleasure boat is so beautiful! There’s even a small terrace on the second floor where you can sit and drink tea."
"Not just the second floor—the first floor is arranged more elegantly than a boudoir. There’s even a space to play backgammon. If you girls want, you can go to the back and play." Jin Niang knew Ying was itching to relax.
Everyone was tempted. Seeing them enjoy themselves, Jin Niang, too, was happy as she took in the scenery.
Then, as evening fell and lanterns were lit, casting a bright glow, a sudden "splash" was heard—someone had jumped into the river, seemingly a woman. Jin Niang immediately instructed the boatmen to rescue her.
Ying went out to check and returned to report, "Madam, Qingrong changed her clothes and fed her ginger soup. She’s awake now."
"Nanny Fang, please ask where this young lady is from so we can send her back," Jin Niang said.
What she thought would be a simple good deed—sending the woman home—turned out to be more complicated. The rescued woman was a former courtesan who had redeemed herself from the pleasure quarters.
Nanny Fang returned and said, "They say she was once the top songstress at Leyun House in Yangzhou. She fell for a scholar, spent her savings to buy her freedom, and supported his studies. But once he was selected for the Imperial Academy, he scorned her background and pressured her to leave. In a fit of anger, she jumped into the river."
"What a strong-willed woman. Invite her here—I’d like to speak with her." Jin Niang, herself a woman of spirit, admired such resilience and asked Nanny Fang to bring her over.
Nanny Fang hesitated. "Madam, someone of your status shouldn’t meet with her—it would be beneath you."
Jin Niang smiled. "Let’s meet her. At the very least, we should persuade her not to take her life again."
Unable to dissuade her, Nanny Fang ushered the woman in. Soon, a slender figure entered—not stunningly beautiful, but carrying an air of quiet, scholarly melancholy. She bowed deeply.
"Please, sit," Jin Niang said warmly, offering tea.
After a sip, the woman knelt and kowtowed. "Ruyan thanks you for saving my life."
"Ruyan—is that your real name? It’s lovely." Jin Niang’s gaze held not a trace of condescension.
Most women in brothels were there out of desperation. Jin Niang herself had only escaped that fate by luck of birth. Moreover, for Ruyan to rise to the top and buy her freedom, she couldn’t be ordinary.
Her story might not be entirely true, but Jin Niang wouldn’t dismiss her outright. Sometimes, offering a way out to those in despair could also mean leaving a path for oneself.
Ruyan looked at Jin Niang—this young, well-bred matron with a kind face who treated her with respect. It made Ruyan feel understood. She continued, "At eight, I was separated from my parents and raised by a madam. I was trained in the arts—originally meant to entertain, not sell my body. But at fifteen, I was deflowered. I longed to find my parents. Cheng Lang’s father was an official, and I was drawn to him—partly for his devotion, partly because he promised to help me find my family. But once he was chosen for the Imperial Academy, he forgot his vows and drove me away. In my despair, I..."
Listening, Jin Niang said, "I see. But remember—your body is a gift from your parents. If you die, and they’re still searching for you, your family may never reunite."
"Indeed." Ruyan had been momentarily overwhelmed by indignation, but now that she had calmed down, she felt a lingering fear.
Jin Niang exchanged a few more words with her and learned that Ruyan was skilled at imitating handwriting. She immediately wrote a few characters, and Ruyan replicated them perfectly. This display of talent stirred Jin Niang's admiration, but she still needed to verify Ruyan's background.
As it turned out, when Ruyan had jumped into the water, she had carried her certificate of civilian status in her bosom.
"Well, it seems you truly are a civilian now. So, what are your plans? If you wish to search for your parents, I can provide you with travel expenses."
"No, Madam. A woman traveling alone would likely be captured and sold again before she even got far." Ruyan was not ignorant of the dangers outside.
Jin Niang smiled. "Then what do you propose?"
Ruyan quickly replied, "Madam, you are my savior. Ruyan will follow your arrangements entirely. Please grant me a place to stay."
At this point, Nanny Fang interjected, "Madam, this person's origins are unclear. She should not serve by your side."
Not only Nanny Fang thought this way, but Ying and Qingrong shared the same concern. Jin Niang understood their reservations—especially the unspoken worry they harbored. Ruyan came from a brothel background, and now that she was desperate, she might resort to cunning methods. If she were to win Jiang Xian's favor, it would be like inviting a wolf into the house.
They were her people, after all, and naturally prioritized her interests.
Jin Niang remained noncommittal. She simply said, "Ruyan, write down your background for me. I will investigate before making a decision."
If she were lying, she would surely flee by then. But if her story were true, she would indeed be a pitiable soul.
Nanny Fang felt relieved. Their greatest fear was a master who was too soft-hearted and indecisive, as such traits could easily lead to trouble.
Ruyan had not expected Jin Niang to be so cautious. She immediately wrote down her history, and Jin Niang took the document, arranging for her to rest in a separate room.
After Ruyan left, Nanny Fang remarked, "Madam seems quite taken with her."
"I see some talent in her, but whether she truly has ability remains to be seen," Jin Niang replied with a smile.
A day later, the painted boat arrived in Yangzhou. Jin Niang first settled Ruyan in a nearby inn, instructing Ying to pay the innkeeper for three days' lodging and meals, telling Ruyan to wait there for them.
The Dou family had already sent Nanny Lan to fetch them. Reuniting after a year apart, the group was overjoyed.
Nanny Lan noticed that Jin Niang now wore an ornate floral hairpiece studded with pearls and jade, and her snow-blue robe was embroidered with pearls at the collar—she looked utterly luxurious. A year as an official's wife had clearly changed her.
On the way, Jin Niang learned from Nanny Lan that Dou Yuan had been betrothed to the Zhen family of Daming Prefecture.
"This match was arranged by our eldest master. The Zhen family were once his colleagues, and the young master of the Zhen family is said to be quite scholarly."
Jin Niang was delighted for Dou Yuan. Unlike her brother, the girl was very considerate of her mother.
Soon after arriving at the Dou residence, Madam Dou the Second hosted a welcoming banquet for Jin Niang, followed by an introduction to the Zhen family. The elder representing the Zhen family was Madam Zhen the Seventh, dressed in brocade robes and a large golden phoenix crown. She was a plump woman who seemed perpetually flushed, as if she had just stepped out of a hot bath.
Standing beside Madam Zhen the Seventh, Jin Niang presented a striking contrast.
After the banquet, Jin Niang had changed into a light lilac underrobe with a white single-layered gown, over which she wore a long violet outer robe embroidered with orchids and chrysanthemums at the collar. Paired with a white gauze skirt, she looked refreshingly elegant.
Thus, Jin Niang appeared entirely at ease, conversing effortlessly with Madam Zhen the Seventh.
Madam Zhen the Seventh, recognizing Jin Niang's dignified grace—her husband being a young scholar-official in Wu County, her children thriving, and her own wealth undeniable—did not dare underestimate her.
Madam Dou the Second had intended this effect. While there were other women in the Dou clan who had borne children, they were either older or not from official families. Jin Niang, however, was beautiful, poised, eloquent, and of high status. Her presence here elevated Dou Yuan's standing in the eyes of the Zhen family.
Jin Niang also understood why Madam Dou the Second had invited an outsider rather than a Dou family member to serve as the "complete blessing" matron—likely because of the previous incident involving Madam Dou the Third, which had eroded Madam Dou the Second's trust in her own kin.
After a day at the Dou residence, Jin Niang took some time to explore the city. She wore a veil hat and moved cautiously. Just as Luoyang was famed for its peonies, Yangzhou was equally renowned for its peonies and tree peonies.
At first glance, peonies and tree peonies appeared similar, but there were distinct differences. Peony leaves were split at the tips, while tree peony leaves were pointed and undivided. Moreover, peony stems were sturdy, whereas tree peonies had softer branches. The most obvious distinction was that peony blossoms nestled beneath the leaves, while tree peonies bloomed above the foliage.
Though Jin Niang had never cultivated flowers, she often painted them and could tell them apart.
"This is 'Precious Adornment'—its fragrance is richer than orchids or musk. I'll take one each of the purple, pink, and white varieties." Jin Niang bent to inhale their scent, thoroughly enchanted.
She also selected several pots of "Yellow Tower," another variety of tree peony, and arranged for them to be delivered to the docks in two days.
Naturally, besides tree peonies, Yangzhou was famous for its snowball flowers. Jin Niang bought two pots of those as well.
As for Yangzhou's renowned velvet flowers, she purchased several boxes. These were inexpensive, but the lacquerware was pricier—she gritted her teeth and bought a set of black-lacquered bowls and plates.
Other local delicacies and souvenirs need not be detailed here.
The children were thrilled. After half a day of walking, Sister Jun and Ning'er each devoured two bowls of rice upon their return. Since the Dou family had their own affairs to attend to that day, Jin Niang spent the evening reading and chatting with the children.
When word came that Dou Yuan had arrived, Jin Niang warmly invited her in.
A year had passed, and Dou Yuan had grown taller. Now betrothed, she carried herself like a proper young lady. She spoke candidly with Jin Niang, sharing family news: "Brother has been taken by Uncle to study at his post. Though Uncle hasn't mentioned adoption, Mother is much relieved."
"Your uncle must be observing your brother's conduct," Jin Niang mused. The Dou family's eldest master was prudent, but this eldest son of the Dou family was far from sensible.
Dou Yuan fretted for her brother, but Jin Niang advised her, "Your marriage is imminent. Your brother is older than you—you must think of your own future. I hear the Zhen family of Daming is a prominent clan. In large families like theirs, being a daughter-in-law is no easy task."
These were precisely Dou Yuan's concerns. Coming from a prominent family herself, she was all too familiar with the superficial harmony among sisters-in-law, hiding underlying tensions. Though as the young lady of the Dou family, her life hadn’t been too affected despite her worries for her parents and brothers, the future…
She couldn’t help but glance at Jin Niang, seeking advice. After all, her cousin and his wife shared a loving marriage.
Jin Niang smiled and said, "There’s not much I can teach you, to be honest. It’s simply that your cousin and I both put effort into nurturing our relationship, which is why our life together is harmonious. I’ve heard that this young master Zhen is talented, handsome, and virtuous. As long as you both work together, your marriage will thrive. But there’s one thing—"
Dou Yuan eagerly pressed, "What is it?"
"You must have something to rely on—whether it’s your skills, your talents, or your dowry," Jin Niang advised.
A successful marriage isn’t built by one person alone. Jiang Xian had also contributed, and Jin Niang, recognizing his kindness, reciprocated with equal care. If one side refused to cooperate, no amount of effort from the other could salvage the relationship. Moreover, among noble families, divorce was rare, so within these constraints, one had to secure their own footing.
You could be resourceful, cultivating connections that even your husband would depend on, ensuring he wouldn’t dare cross you. Or you could manage your dowry wisely, guaranteeing financial independence so you’d never have to endure others’ disdain.
Dou Yuan listened attentively, nodding in understanding. She was a clever girl, and later, even when faced with Young Master Zhen’s lingering affection for another, she managed to turn the situation around—thanks in no small part to Jin Niang’s words today.
The betrothal between the Dou and Zhen families proceeded smoothly, and Jin Niang, serving as the auspicious matchmaker, received lavish gifts: a magnolia-inspired hairpiece crafted from silk and paper mulberry, and a complete set of jewelry, including two bridge-style gold hairpins, an openwork floral hairpin, a phoenix hairpin, two pairs of pearl-inlaid gold combs, two pinecone-shaped ornaments, and three filigree hairpins adorned with birds and flowers.
Beyond the jewelry, there were also tea cakes, six bolts of fine silk, and a pair of prunus vases.
Madam Dou the Second even gifted Sister Jun and Ning’er each a beaded necklace.
With her task complete, Jin Niang prepared to return home, only to find Ruyan still waiting for her. She had already sent Chen Xiaolang to investigate Ruyan’s claims—eight parts true, but two parts false. For instance, Ruyan hadn’t been separated from her family and then sold into a brothel; rather, after her parents’ deaths, her aunt ran an unlicensed brothel, forcing Ruyan and her cousin into the trade.
Still, it was true that Ruyan had resisted becoming a courtesan, though her search for a respectable life had failed.
Ruyan watched Jin Niang nervously.
"You’ve just gained your freedom—why would you want to serve me and become a servant again? I have two paths to offer you, if you’re willing," Jin Niang said.
Ruyan tensed. "Please, tell me."
"Very well. The first: Jiang Liuniang, the county’s female coroner, has been complaining about needing an assistant. I could recommend you to her. Don’t worry, it’s not a lowly position—she’s also skilled in medicine, and you’d just be assisting. If you learn even a fraction of her craft, you’d never want for work. The second option is working as a tea-server at the Gu family’s teahouse—meals and lodging are provided, and the pay is decent. You could even save up to open your own eatery someday," Jin Niang explained.
Nanny Fang thought this was a wise test—to see whether Ruyan truly sought an honest life or had ulterior motives.
Ruyan inwardly recoiled at the thought of serving lecherous men again, enduring their advances without complaint. Becoming a coroner’s apprentice, though daunting with its dealings with the dead, seemed the better choice.
Jin Niang’s words rang true: if she didn’t want to be a servant or live at others’ mercy, she needed a skill.
"I’d like to learn from the coroner," Ruyan said firmly.
Jin Niang nodded. "Good. I’ll be watching."
With no family or wealth, Ruyan would at least have a trade and respect working for the magistrate—a foundation to stand on.
Having settled the matter, Jin Niang’s spirits lifted, and she hurried home, eager to return. Yet unbeknownst to her, Madam Bao was whispering to her friend Madam Tian:
"Did you know that the wife of County Captain Jiang was once a maidservant? Hard to believe, isn’t it?"
"Impossible," Madam Tian scoffed.
Madam Bao insisted, "I’m not lying—her own sister said so!"
Madam Tian fell silent, unwilling to engage in gossip, though she recognized Madam Bao’s malicious intent. Undeterred, Madam Bao repeated the tale to the wife of Clerk Huang, who was more inclined to believe her.
But to Madam Bao’s surprise, few others seemed interested.
"Why doesn’t anyone believe me?" she grumbled.
County Captain Mei, overhearing, was furious. "Do you think everyone is as petty as you? Who would trust the words of some country bumpkin? If she were just a poor maidservant, how could she afford thousands in land purchases? Do you think masters just hand out dowries worth thousands of strings?"
Madam Bao flushed crimson. "I was only repeating what I heard! I never said she was poor."
County Captain Mei turned away, refusing to speak further.
Undeterred, Madam Bao tried spreading the rumor to Madam Wen, expecting glee. Instead, Madam Wen scolded her: "What nonsense are you spouting? As fellow officials’ wives, we should maintain harmony, not stir trouble."
Madam Wen had ambitions, but not through such underhanded means—appearances had to be kept for the sake of dignity.
Rebuked by both County Captain Mei and Madam Wen, Madam Bao seethed, especially when she saw Jin Niang returning in splendor—her hair adorned with a gold filigree crown, dressed in a pomegranate-red underrobe and matching pleated skirt, draped in a peacock-blue overdress embroidered with peonies.
Her servants trailed behind, carrying chests of gifts, while the other officials’ wives flocked around her, basking in her radiance.
Madam Bao’s envy burned. Unbeknownst to her, Captain Yang’s wife had already whispered to Jin Niang about Madam Bao’s scheming. Jin Niang narrowed her eyes—she hadn’t expected Rongniang to be the source. Rongniang was no fool; revealing such details could only mean ill intent.
However, Jin Niang’s current target was naturally Madam Bao. She deliberately walked over and took Madam Bao’s hand, saying, “You don’t know this, but on my way back from Yangzhou, I happened to pass by the Zhaoxuan Estate. The lady of the estate turns out to be acquainted with the Dou family as well. She even mentioned how you, Sister Bao, had served her for so long and wondered why you haven’t come to pay your respects lately?”
In truth, Jin Niang had long since uncovered Madam Bao’s background—she was originally a maid from the Zhaoxuan Estate. County Captain Mei had been a guard there, not some successor to his uncle’s position as he claimed. This was merely a fabrication to elevate his own status. But Jin Niang had never exposed this, as it was someone else’s past. However, today, Madam Bao had provoked her first.
Madam Bao had gone through servant after servant, all to keep her past hidden. Never did she expect to be publicly humiliated by Jin Niang like this. Her vision swam with stars, and her face burned as if she had been slapped several times.
Captain Yang’s wife, who had always been at odds with Madam Bao, now remarked meaningfully after hearing Jin Niang’s words, “So it turns out the one who’s been slandering others is actually…”
Madam Bao, usually sharp-tongued and stubborn in denial, was now drenched in cold sweat, her face as pale as paper.
Jin Niang thought to herself, With nerves this weak, you still dared to scheme against me? How utterly pathetic. Now, by turning the tables, she had made it clear that she was not to be trifled with.
