"Darling, when did you first learn about Madam Bao's background?" Jiang Xian had never heard Jin Niang mention it before.
Jin Niang adjusted the bracelet on her wrist and replied nonchalantly, "When we first arrived in Wu County, I intentionally befriended Madam Bao. She treated Qiao'er well, but the other maids, elderly servants, and even her concubines were all mistreated. Naturally, I managed to win a few over and gather some information. Later, to confirm whether it was true, I casually brought it up in front of Sister-in-law Bao. Since she didn’t deny it, I knew it was mostly accurate."
"Reading the subtle signs—you truly are brilliant. But why didn’t you ever mention this to me?" Jiang Xian was both impressed and puzzled.
Jin Niang sighed softly. "Honestly, I didn’t think it was a big deal. She rose from a maid’s status to become the wife of a county official—just like me. But now that she’s gone mad, spreading rumors everywhere, I simply returned the favor."
He had expected his wife to be overjoyed after defeating Madam Bao, but she didn’t seem as pleased as he imagined.
Still, Madam Bao was an outsider. When it came to Rongniang, Jiang Xian had even contemplated murder. He chuckled and said, "I know you’ve always believed in returning a punch for a punch. But the official world doesn’t work that way. If we don’t prepare in advance, we’ll be the ones suffering. Darling, hesitation leads to disaster. Think about it—if you revealed every detail of her past, like how she was once Feng Sheng’s wife, caught in adultery twice, or how her father was beaten paralyzed for stealing horses, and spread it among her neighbors, how could she possibly go on living?"
"Darling, as for your elder sister, I think—"
"Husband, she’s not some irredeemable villain. She was likely deceived into revealing my affairs. Besides, she’s lost both parents and was betrayed by the man closest to her. No one will bother her in the future, so a stern warning will suffice," Jin Niang quickly interjected.
She had always known Jiang Xian was ruthless, but now his methods had grown even sharper—eliminating threats without mercy. He was born for the political arena. If he targeted Rongniang, he wouldn’t leave her a way out like Feng Sheng had. So, she stopped him—not for Rongniang’s sake, but for Jiang Xian’s. Actions always left traces, and once bloodlust took hold, it was hard to rein in.
Seeing her insistence, Jiang Xian sighed and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Fine, I’ll listen to you."
Soon, the Winter Stove Festival on the first day of the tenth month arrived. Instead of receiving generous gifts from Ying, Rongniang was met with accusations: "Madam, why did you spread rumors about our mistress everywhere?"
"I—I didn’t!" Rongniang waved her hands, feeling wronged.
Ying scoffed. "Someone went to the county office and said it was you and a certain Madam Bao who talked."
Rongniang recalled a woman who had approached her, claiming to be a victim seeking Jin Niang’s preferences so the county official could help her family seek justice. Out of pity, Rongniang had mentioned Jin Niang’s love for embroidery. When the woman asked how she learned, Rongniang explained how hard Jin Niang had worked as a maid in a wealthy household.
Realization dawned. "I didn’t mean to."
"Madam, no matter how unintentional, our mistress would never reveal your divorce, affairs, or family matters to strangers, would she? She’s decided that since everyone in the capital believes you’re dead, she’ll do the same from now on." Ying was furious.
Rongniang hushed her. "Keep your voice down!"
Ying laughed bitterly. "So you know how shameful your past is? Why bring this upon yourself?"
Rongniang spread her hands. "But I only spoke well of Jin Niang..."
Her excuses fell on deaf ears. Ying turned and left, boarding the carriage and telling the driver, "We won’t be coming back."
The driver flicked the reins. "Good. I didn’t want to return either."
As the carriage disappeared, Rongniang’s mother-in-law entered. "Was that your sister’s family?"
"Yes. They said my sister is being transferred," Rongniang lied.
She couldn’t let her in-laws find Jin Niang. Jin Niang held grudges—if she exposed Rongniang’s past, how would her in-laws see her? For now, they only knew she was saved by Shang Dalang, unaware of her previous life.
Meanwhile, Jin Niang listened as Ying recounted Rongniang’s complaints and sighed. "If not for me, she wouldn’t even be alive... Never mind. From now on, she’s dead to me."
In truth, she wasn’t angry anymore. She had truly let go, learning to abandon the savior complex and respect others’ fates. Rongniang no longer existed to her.
Just then, a plum-red invitation arrived. Jin Niang opened it—it was from an old acquaintance, Head Embroiderer Gu. A decade ago, after a conversation with Jin Niang, she had returned to Jiangnan to manage her family business. They hadn’t met since.
When Jin Niang first arrived in Pingjiang, she had wondered if she’d encounter the Gu family, only to learn they had moved to Lin’an.
Two days later, at the county office, Jin Niang met Head Embroiderer Gu again. The once fashion-forward woman still wore luxurious clothes, but now they were far more subdued.
Her first words were: "I’m divorced. It’s a long story."
Jin Niang smiled. "Head Embroiderer, you’re talented, wealthy, and still young. You’ll find someone better."
Gu Qingru laughed. "After all these years, you still call me Head Embroiderer? My childhood name is Qingru. If you don’t mind, just use that."
Years apart had changed them both. Gu Qingru noticed Jin Niang’s refined grace, a far cry from her past self. She tactfully avoided mentioning old weight issues—that wasn’t reminiscing; it was cruelty.
She showed no surprise.
By confiding her troubles, Gu Qingru was handing Jin Niang leverage. Merchants without official protection struggled to establish roots. Fortunately, Jin Niang was kind—she didn’t scorn her for the divorce, instead calling her young. Gu Qingru’s wasted youth had been spent on a worthless marriage.
Jin Niang mused, "When I came to Pingjiang, I’d hoped to see you. But Madam Gu mentioned you’d married into Lin’an. I was disappointed—yet here we are, reunited."
Gu Qingru came to seek Jin Niang's help and naturally had to share her own misfortunes: "Indeed, years ago, after leaving the Embroidery Institute, I returned to assist my father with the family business. Later, I was arranged into a marriage with an official's family in Lin'an. Their household had served as officials for generations, but they were deeply in debt, which was why they married me. My husband and I were harmonious, and after our wedding, we had a bright and clever son. Yet my mother-in-law was never satisfied, always blaming me for my husband's failure in the imperial examinations. I could endure such remarks, but eventually, even my husband..."
Jin Niang called out, "Sister Gu," snapping Gu Qingru out of her thoughts. She then revealed her plans: "Enough of that. The shops in Lin'an have already been handed over to my good-for-nothing son. Now, I intend to reopen a shop in Pingjiang Prefecture. Fortunately, I still have clan relatives here, and with your support as the County Captain's wife, I dare to venture again. Otherwise, I’d have to settle for collecting rents."
"If Sister Gu needs any help, just come to me," Jin Niang said.
Gu Qingru had only come today to gauge Jin Niang’s sincerity. Seeing that she remained as noble-hearted as before, Gu Qingru felt fortunate. Even after her divorce, striking out on her own, she still managed to encounter kind souls.
Back then, the Gu siblings had fought fiercely over the family property. Gu Qingru secured three clothing shops and a tavern—some of the most profitable assets. Later, when she married, the three large clothing shops in Pingjiang Prefecture were leased out. Now, she had to start anew.
"Thank you, Sister Wei," Gu Qingru said, even offering Jin Niang a ten percent stake in her new business.
Jin Niang quickly declined: "I truly don’t need this. Though I may not be as wealthy as you, I do own two shops myself, and life is comfortable enough. If you insist on repaying me, let the master of double-sided embroidery teach me instead."
Gu Qingru was taken aback, then laughed. "Who else in this world excels in double-sided embroidery? If you want to learn, I’ll teach you myself."
Naturally, Jin Niang was overjoyed.
When Jiang Xian heard of this, he was puzzled. "Wife, didn’t you say we needed money to buy a grand house? Why refuse the shares?"
"Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime. Though I no longer rely on embroidery for income, mastering this skill is like possessing the art of turning stone into gold." This was why Jin Niang never feared Jiang Xian’s potential infidelity—she had her own means of independence. Even the farmland she owned was purchased with her dowry.
Jiang Xian was no fool. If his wife truly trusted him, why would she keep learning such skills? Clearly, she suspected him of disloyalty.
Lately, he had been preoccupied with official duties, eager to prove his worth, and busy networking with superiors and subordinates, leaving little time for his wife. He resolved to attend to her more carefully in the future.
He couldn’t afford to slack off even for a day.
Unaware of his thoughts, Jin Niang devoted herself wholeheartedly to learning double-sided embroidery under Gu Qingru’s guidance. She had already picked up some basics through observation but lacked mastery. Now, with Gu Qingru’s secret techniques, it was like unlocking a hidden potential.
As Gu Qingru grew closer to the County Captain’s wife, others naturally inquired about their relationship. Gu Qingru explained openly: "The County Captain’s wife and I both once served as palace officials. Had she not left the palace to care for her parents, her future would have been boundless."
When these words reached Madam Wen, she remarked to her attendant, Nanny Sheng, "Indeed, one should never underestimate anyone’s background. To think she was once a palace official!"
"Madam, don’t listen to Madam Bao’s provocations," Nanny Sheng cautioned, knowing her mistress’s temperament. But in official circles, offending the wrong person could lead to unseen consequences.
Madam Wen nodded meekly. "I understand."
As a daughter of an official family, she knew the rules well. Those with true influence never flaunted it, yet they could eliminate threats with quiet precision.
Thus, Madam Wen sent Jin Niang an extravagant gift, much to her surprise.
Meanwhile, Madam Bao, exposed for her past lies and notorious for her sharp tongue, became the laughingstock among the wives of lower-ranking officials like Captain Yang’s wife and Captain Qin’s wife. Humiliated, she feigned illness to avoid public shame.
Only the wife of Clerk Huang shared her spiteful nature. When Clerk Huang’s wife heard of Jin Niang’s palace background, she dared not mock her anymore and quietly relayed the news to Madam Bao.
Madam Bao refused to believe it. "Isn’t this just another fabrication to elevate herself?"
"Unlikely. The one who said it was the daughter-in-law of the former Right Minister of Lin'an. Everyone in Pingjiang knows Madam Gu—she was selected for the palace, and her family’s wealth is beyond measure. The moment she arrived in Pingjiang, she sought out Madam Wei. It must be true." Though Clerk Huang’s wife enjoyed stirring trouble, she knew better than to provoke someone with such connections.
Madam Bao was terrified. If Jin Niang truly had palace ties, she had gravely offended her. She even blamed Sister-in-law Bao for her carelessness.
After Clerk Huang’s wife left, Qiao'er brought tea and said, "Madam, Sister-in-law Bao likely spun tales to swindle money from you. Besides, Madam Wei came from Bianjing. Ying mentioned that Madam Wei owned two houses in Kaifeng as dowry. If that country woman were really her sister, why would she stay in this backwater? Her husband is just a boatman—what future could he have? She probably spun lies to cheat Sister-in-law Bao."
Madam Bao cursed, "I was a fool to believe her nonsense!"
Now, Madam Wen ignored her, Jin Niang was thoroughly offended, and even the wives of petty officials mocked her. She had no face left to show.
Whether Madam Bao could show her face or not, Jin Niang didn’t care. She only asked Nanny Fang, "How is Ruyan doing with Sister Jiang Liu?"
Nanny Fang smiled. "I just checked on her. She’s doing wonderfully—diligent, quick to learn, and unafraid of hardship."
"Good. That puts my mind at ease," Jin Niang sighed in relief.
For women, survival in this world was arduous. Given a chance, who would willingly descend into the world of brothels? Like Ruyan, if she could master medicine, she’d have a means to support herself, just like Lou Siniang.
As they spoke, word came that Jiang Xian had invited several county scholars for a meal. Jin Niang hurriedly instructed the kitchen to prepare extra dishes, smiling. "Our Sixteenth Brother always finds like-minded companions wherever he goes."
Just then, a letter arrived from Luo Da, stating that the tenant renting her shop had decided last month not to renew the lease. The shop had been left in a rather filthy state by them, and he asked Jin Niang for further instructions. He also mentioned that the manager of the money shop at Jinliang Bridge seemed interested in negotiating new terms.
Naturally, Jin Niang instructed Luo Da to first clean up the shop in Sweetwater Alley and then lease it out again, keeping the rent within the range of fifteen to twenty strings of cash per month. As for the shop at Jinliang Bridge, she decided to wait and observe. If the tenant there truly decided not to renew, she would list it with the broker again, setting the rent between thirty-five and forty strings.
Properties in Bianjing were never hard to lease—the real concern was finding tenants who would take good care of them. If there was any damage, she could allocate funds in advance for repairs.
These troubles seemed to pile up all at once. However, by the following spring, when flowers bloomed and the weather warmed, many things took a turn for the better. Luo Da sent word that the shop in Sweetwater Alley had been leased to a silk merchant, who also rented two of Jin Niang’s back rooms for storage, bringing in a monthly income of twenty-five strings. As for the property at Jinliang Bridge, the tenant renewed the lease, so there was no need to worry about that anymore.
At noon, Madam Tian invited Madam Wen and Jin Niang for a meal. That day, they were served a dish they had never tasted before—stuffed fish. Minced lamb and rice were stir-fried in oil until about seventy percent cooked, then stuffed into the belly of a fresh crucian carp before being roasted over a fire. The flavor was exceptionally delicious.
"What is this dish called?" Jin Niang couldn’t help but ask.
Madam Tian smiled. "This is 'Fish and Lamb Delight.'"
Jin Niang tugged at her sleeve. "You must give me the recipe. My parents love fish, and they’ve never had this before." She felt a pang of longing for her parents and younger brother. When she first left home, she had been exhilarated, but now, even with her husband and children by her side, she missed her family.
Madam Wen had originally come with the intention of stirring trouble, but upon seeing Jin Niang’s strong connections and Madam Tian’s amiable nature, she softened and befriended them instead.
As she savored the Fish and Lamb Delight, Madam Wen couldn’t help remarking, "The Magistrate’s wife is truly filial. If my son were even half as dutiful as you, I’d be thanking the heavens."
"Don’t say that. Young Master Yan seems like a fine young man," Jin Niang replied. She knew Madam Wen had two sons and a daughter. The daughter had married early, the eldest son passed away young, and so she doted excessively on her youngest son.
Yet, this youngest son wasn’t a bad person—he simply took after his father, carefree as a wandering cloud, with little interest in pursuing scholarly honors, much to Madam Wen’s frustration.
Madam Tian soon had the kitchen staff relay the recipe to Jin Niang, who in return gifted her a box of pastries before heading home to try the dish herself.
Upon returning, Jin Niang was surprised to find Jiang Xian at home. She smiled. "Had I known you were here, I’d have come back earlier. Madam Tian treated us to a wonderful meal."
She then described the Fish and Lamb Delight in vivid detail. Jiang Xian reclined with his hands behind his head, watching her as she spoke. Her storytelling was so lively that even the smallest things became captivating in her words.
"Then, will you make it for me?" Jiang Xian asked expectantly.
Jin Niang shook her head immediately. "I’m afraid of handling live fish. I wouldn’t know how."
Jiang Xian chuckled. "Then I’ll make it for you instead."
He was well aware of Jin Niang’s culinary skills—limited to ensuring food was merely edible. Her blunt refusal amused him, yet it was one of the things he loved about her: she never stubbornly pursued things she wasn’t good at.
Many people clung stubbornly to their innate tendencies, but Jin Niang was different—she adopted what was good and discarded what wasn’t.
Jin Niang then discussed their household plans with Jiang Xian. "Last time, I mentioned buying a larger three-courtyard house. Now I think it would be even better if it had a garden. So we’ll need to save up over the next few years—don’t blame me if I tighten the purse strings."
Their one-courtyard home in Sweetwater Alley was already too small. With the children growing up, each needed their own space. She wasn’t insisting on a prime location like Nanxun Lane; anywhere else would do.
But merely having a place to live without room for leisure would lack charm.
Moreover, Jin Niang believed that opportunities to earn money were fleeting, so it was crucial to invest in property. That way, even in harder times, they’d always have a roof over their heads.
Jiang Xian never interfered with household finances, which were entirely managed by Jin Niang.
Under Gu Qingru’s guidance and through her own diligence, Jin Niang progressed rapidly. When she focused on something, she set everything else aside, unwavering like a deer undisturbed by distractions.
Thus, it wasn’t until Nanny Fang brought it up that Jin Niang became aware of the situation.
Nanny Fang said, "Ever since Ruyan started working at the yamen, the county magistrate’s son has been following her around during investigations. In my opinion, he’s taken a liking to her."
"And what do you suggest?" Jin Niang cut straight to the point.
Nanny Fang sat down. "We’ve only just mended relations with Madam Wen’s family. If this comes to light, she might think you orchestrated it deliberately."
Jin Niang waved her hand. "If she wants to blame anyone, it should be her own son. How can Ruyan be at fault? This is a case of ‘the innocent punished for their treasures.’ First, let’s see if Ruyan wishes to continue. If she doesn’t mind gossip, she can keep her distance from the magistrate’s son and carry on with her work. We shouldn’t abandon a good thing over minor concerns."
In a large county like Wu, forensic examiners were well-staffed. But if Jiang Xian were transferred elsewhere, where standards varied, having someone like Ruyan skilled in autopsy and medicine would be invaluable.
Besides, for Ruyan, this meant escaping servitude and avoiding the stigma of the "mean" class while earning respect—a win-win situation.
Jin Niang naturally shared this with Jiang Xian, adding, "If necessary, you should speak to the magistrate’s son."
Jiang Xian hadn’t realized his wife was so far-sighted. He’d assumed she’d merely rescued Ruyan on a whim and placed her with Sister Jiang Six for lack of a better option. He pulled Jin Niang close and suddenly said, "Darling, let’s be husband and wife in our next life too."
Beneath his seemingly flawless exterior, he often harbored selfish thoughts, but Jin Niang would tear her heart open if it meant considering every detail for his sake.
Touched by the sincerity in his eyes, Jin Niang laughed. "You’re so easily fooled—someone will surely manipulate you one day. What if I’m just being high-sounding on purpose?"
She wasn’t one to play the victim; marriage was about mutual support.
Jiang Xian feigned distress. "Darling, you’re the first to call me gullible, but I’ll only let you deceive me. And the only one who can manipulate me is you—I wouldn’t believe a word from anyone else."
"Such smooth talk." Jin Niang pinched his handsome cheek, unable to suppress her laughter.
Jiang Xian said, "It's nothing. I'll just have a word with the county magistrate. It's not proper for a young master like him to keep mingling with petty clerks in the yamen. Set your heart at ease, Jin Niang."
When he murmured her name at the end, Jin Niang felt a tingling warmth spread through her body.
...
Outside the door, Brother Ning had originally come looking for his mother, but upon hearing the sounds inside, he turned to Nanny Ma and said, "Father and Mother are playing inside. I want to join them too."
Flushing red, Nanny Ma quickly scooped up the child and hurried away.
