After the Dragon Boat Festival and until July, Wu County, which was usually drenched in the rainy season, suffered an unusual drought. Jin Niang knew the harvest would be poor this year, so she instructed Steward Fan to collect only twenty percent of the usual rent. Concerned that Jin Niang might face financial strain, Steward Fan sold a batch of bamboo and trees from the back garden and handed over seventy strings of cash in July.
Jin Niang rewarded them with a block of ice and, as was customary, sent two kinds of pastries. She also had Juxiang prepare a table of dishes. In such scorching weather, nothing was more precious than ice.
After storing the money in a chest, Jin Niang cut some crepe silk and asked Minzhi to make two vests for Sister Jun and Brother Ning. She then changed into a new outfit—an amber-colored bodice, a gauze vest embroidered with jade orchids and magnolias, and a pleated skirt adorned with flying bird patterns. She also slipped golden bracelets onto her wrists.
With the windows open to catch the breeze, she sat by the sill, sewing a lightweight outer robe for Jiang Xian.
When Jiang Xian returned home, he found her in this tranquil scene. He approached, gently stroked her arm, and teased, "Hmm, who’s this for? Brother Ning?"
"Of course, it’s for my dearest husband," Jin Niang replied, unable to suppress a giggle.
Jiang Xian, caught in his own little game, feigned modesty. "I already have so many clothes—why trouble yourself with another? I really don’t need it."
Jin Niang rolled her eyes. "Oh, stop it."
"Heh." Jiang Xian obediently picked up a fan and began cooling her.
The ice Jin Niang’s household purchased was a significant expense, but it was worth it. Falling ill from the heat would have been far costlier. With the ice and Jiang Xian fanning her, she felt much cooler. After stitching a few more lines, she remarked, "The Mid-Autumn Festival is almost here. It’s been two years since we came to Wu County."
"Time has flown," Jiang Xian mused.
Jin Niang smiled. "I heard Assistant Magistrate Han is leaving to take up a post as the magistrate of Liyang. I’ve prepared a farewell gift—the list is on the table over there. What do you think?"
Jiang Xian got up to examine it and crossed out two items. "This is enough. No need for more—we likely won’t cross paths again."
"Why do you say that?" Jin Niang asked, puzzled.
Jiang Xian lowered his voice. "Rumor has it he spent over a thousand taels to secure this position—all from Madam Tian’s dowry. I don’t mean to look down on hereditary officials, but if he struggled this much to become a magistrate, his future prospects aren’t bright."
"Then we’ll follow your judgment," Jin Niang agreed. Liyang was in the prosperous Liangzhe region, but Assistant Magistrate Han had been an unremarkable official, content to avoid extra work. He and Jiang Xian, who aspired to achieve great things, were simply not cut from the same cloth.
Madam Tian, fearing she’d be forgotten once gone, was pleasantly surprised when Jin Niang brought the farewell gift. "You shouldn’t have gone to such trouble!"
"It’s nothing. The magistrate’s wife mentioned hosting a farewell banquet in the garden in a few days. Once you leave, even if it’s not too far, meeting again won’t be easy." Jin Niang spoke truthfully—in these times, partings often meant never seeing each other again.
Though she and Madam Tian weren’t close, they had always been cordial. Now that this amiable woman was leaving, Jin Niang wondered what kind of assistant magistrate’s wife would replace her.
Madam Tian grew wistful. "Take care of yourselves."
Jin Niang offered a few comforting words before preparing to leave. Just then, Madam Tian hesitated but finally said, "The Zhaoxuan has passed away. Sister Wei can rest easy."
Jin Niang met her gaze, and Madam Tian gave a knowing smile.
Zhaoxuan had been Madam Bao’s protector. With him gone, County Captain Mei’s position might not hold, and Madam Bao—a spiteful woman—no longer posed a threat.
At the farewell banquet, Jin Niang presented Madam Tian’s son with two fine brushes and an inkstone as a token of gratitude.
Madam Bao, who had kept a low profile lately, attended as well. Relieved no one brought up the past, she watched as Madam Tian, glowing with pride, celebrated her husband’s promotion to magistrate—a modest but independent post, free from tangled hierarchies.
No gathering lasts forever.
"Strange," Jin Niang said to Jiang Xian later. "When we first left the capital, I was so excited. But after witnessing so many partings, I find myself missing Bianjing."
Jiang Xian, less sentimental, was preoccupied. With Assistant Magistrate Han gone and his replacement yet to arrive, Jiang Xian had to manage both his own duties as county captain and the assistant magistrate’s workload, leaving him swamped.
Meanwhile, Jin Niang had her own achievements—her double-sided embroidery was a success.
More good news arrived when Luo Da came from Bianjing with updates. Back home, Master Jiang the Sixth had fallen ill in spring but recovered under Madam Zheng’s care. Jin Niang’s younger brother, Yang, had placed third in the prefectural exams. However, Third Aunt Wei had brought Old Madam Wei to the capital.
"Is Grandmother staying in Sweetwater Alley?" Jin Niang asked.
Luo Da shook his head. "No."
He handed her a letter penned by Yang. Their mother had initially invited Old Madam Wei to stay until Jin Niang’s return, but Brother Sheng’s wife was pregnant, and Third Aunt Wei couldn’t cook. Naturally, the doting grandmother went to care for her youngest son’s family.
Beyond family matters, Luo Da shared news of relatives and friends. Zhou Cunzhi, having offended a high minister, had requested a transfer to Jiangling as vice prefect. Jiang Xian’s friend, Third Young Master Peng, had become a hanger-on for Zhang the Ninth. And Peng’s sister—Jiang Yan’s wife—had died suddenly from illness.
"Only two years away, and so much has happened," Jiang Xian sighed.
"Indeed. Second Young Master is now vice prefect of Jiangling?" Jin Niang’s thoughts turned to her hometown. She had hoped to someday buy land or property there—a wise rabbit has three burrows, after all.
Jiang Xian grew wary. He had long suspected Zhou Cunzhi harbored feelings for his wife, and she had once lived with the Zhou family…
Quickly changing the subject, he said, "Second Brother Zhou has always done as he pleased. This might be his way of avoiding trouble."
"True. Distance from conflict is best," Jin Niang agreed.
There were also some official matters to attend to. Jiang Xian said he would go to the study to speak with Luo Da, while Jin Niang took inventory of the items Luo Da had brought: five hundred strings of cash for the rental of Golden Beam Bridge, three hundred strings for Sweetwater Lane, one hundred and fifty strings from the harvest of two qing of land, and another thirty strings from the sale of poultry, livestock, eggs, and duck eggs—totaling nine hundred and eighty strings.
Jin Niang instructed Ying to set aside two bolts of fine fabric, two cakes of tea, and a five-string banknote as a reward for Luo Da later.
After resting at home for three days, Luo Da, through Jin Niang’s arrangements, boarded the Gu family’s boat to Bianjing.
Once he left, Jin Niang visited a goldsmith to have some hairpins and rings made, bought several pieces of fur at a leather goods shop, and stocked up on silk thread at both the wool and silk thread shops.
With her newly crafted hair ornaments, Jin Niang also opened an old jewelry box and gave Ying a pair of beaded hairpins and Qingrong a silver hairpin. Both maids were delighted with their gifts.
Of course, after her shopping spree, Jin Niang sealed away the remaining silver, deciding not to spend any more for the time being.
"Madam, the vice prefect’s wife has invited you over," someone announced from outside.
Since Prefect Shen took office, the vice prefect’s wife had been much more at ease, no longer hosting small banquets every three days and large ones every five. Later, she had planned to arrange a marriage with Magistrate Hou’s younger sister, but after Magistrate Hou was dismissed, the engagement was called off. Now, it was her granddaughter’s betrothal, and she wanted Jin Niang to serve as the "complete blessing woman" for the ceremony.
Jin Niang was quite experienced in this role. She readily agreed, treating it as a profession just like her embroidery work. She took her duties seriously.
First, she inspected the betrothal gifts sent by the groom’s family, discussing any discrepancies with the matchmaker. The gift boxes were placed in the main hall, where incense, candles, wine, and fruits were prepared to announce the union to heaven, earth, and ancestors before finally unveiling the ceremonial cloth.
At the vice prefect’s home, Jin Niang learned that his granddaughter was only two years older than Sister Jun—surprisingly young to be engaged. Madam Wen, who had also been invited, fully approved: "A perfect match isn’t always easy to find. Pingjiang is prosperous, and talented scholars are as plentiful as fish in a river. If you don’t act early, all the good ones might be taken."
"You’re right," Jin Niang replied. "But I still feel Sister Jun is too young. Her father hasn’t mentioned anything either, so I can’t make decisions for her." As a modern woman at heart, Jin Niang hoped her daughter would find love and choose a husband she truly liked.
Madam Wen smiled knowingly. Everyone knew County Captain Jiang deferred to his wife in all matters. There was even a story about a minor official visiting the county captain’s residence unannounced, only to find the esteemed official personally cooking in the kitchen. Despite Madam Bao’s sharp and domineering reputation, she was actually a paper tiger. The truly formidable women were like Madam Wei, who maintained excellent relations with upright officials like the Shen family while also getting along with local gentry and earning respect among the county office staff.
The key was that she never flaunted her influence, remaining exceptionally humble.
Spring
Jin Niang saw her role as a "complete blessing woman" primarily in terms of the rewards she could earn. Fortunately, the vice prefect’s wife was far more generous than Madam Qi had been. Jin Niang received a bolt of crimson silk, a bolt of peacock-patterned gauze, two bolts of coarse silk, two cakes of green bud tea, two boxes of dried fruit, and a jar of wine.
Back home, she cut the coarse silk into measured lengths to distribute among the maids and servants. Qingrong, well-practiced in this task, tallied the shares. The household’s annual tradition of gifting fabric to the servants was envied by outsiders—one reason Nanny Ma refused to leave.
After distributing the fabric, Jin Niang also shared some of the dried fruit and wine with Advisor Song. The seasoned legal advisor had been invaluable in assisting Jiang Xian with casework.
Thus, Jin Niang made sure his gifts were particularly generous, hoping to secure Jiang Xian’s future promotions through good governance.
With everything settled, Jin Niang finally took a moment to rest. When she awoke, she found herself in bed, her undergarments already removed. As she tried to sit up, she saw Jiang Xian kneeling before her and quickly protested, "I was so exhausted I passed out. Why didn’t you wake me instead of…?"
"Wife, I’ve been away on official business for days. Please indulge me," Jiang Xian pleaded.
Jin Niang, already stirred by his advances, reluctantly nodded.
After their intimate reunion, Jiang Xian turned to serious matters: "The new registrar has been appointed and will arrive early next year. He’s in his forties, a recent jinshi from Guanzhong."
"Isn’t that good news? Your workload will lighten once he arrives," Jin Niang said with a smile.
Jiang Xian sighed. "Yes, official affairs are endlessly complicated. Still, my two-plus years in Wu County have been fruitful. But wife, I’ve heard an imperial envoy is coming. If I can impress him, I might be reassigned to a higher position."
His initial weariness vanished as his eyes brightened at the prospect.
Jin Niang nodded. "Since it’s an imperial envoy, he’ll surely review your achievements. Do you need to prepare gifts for anyone? Just let me know if funds are needed."
"Not yet. Don’t worry," Jiang Xian assured her, already formulating a plan.
Jin Niang smiled. "I’ve embroidered a Purple-Robed Guanyin scroll, a sutra scroll, and I’m currently working on a double-sided embroidery piece. If we ever run short on money, these three could fetch a good price. So don’t fret over finances."
"Wife, you spent ten months on the Guanyin embroidery. How could we sell it? Keep it," Jiang Xian insisted.
As they chatted, thunder rumbled outside. A flash of lightning illuminated the clothing rack, and Jiang Xian pointed in alarm. "A ghost! It’s right there!"
Jin Niang lit a candle and walked over, finding nothing. Returning to his side, she soothed him, "There’s no ghost. It was just my clothes hanging there."
Jiang Xian shrank back. "But I saw it clearly."
"There are no ghosts, truly. With me here, no water ghosts, kicking ghosts, or vengeful spirits can take you away. If they dare come, I’ll chase them off myself. Alright?" She gently stroked his back.
Jiang Xian had become county captain at just twenty-two, forced to maintain composure while handling gruesome cases. He was only human, and Jin Niang’s heart ached for him.
Comforted by her, Jiang Xian finally slept soundly.
The next day brought autumn rain. Jin Niang went to the kitchen herself, instructing Juxiang to prepare ginseng chicken soup—a tonic for replenishing vitality, often used to treat fatigue or hallucinations caused by weak qi and blood.
She made extra and sent Ying to deliver a portion to Gu Qingru, along with a box of fried lotus root fritters and noodle soup.
When Ying returned, she reported, "Madam Gu sent back two boxes of butter pastry twists."
"She’s too courteous," Jin Niang laughed.
At noon, Jiang Xian came home for lunch. Jin Niang served him the soup. "Drink up. It’ll restore your energy."
When Jiang Xian saw his wife, he felt as though he had encountered his guardian deity. Last night, he had been so terrified, but it was entirely his wife who had soothed him. He had apprehended a fugitive who had evaded capture for six years, but the man’s crimes were so horrifying that even Jiang Xian had been shaken.
Naturally, solving this case would further enhance his political achievements.
After drinking a warm bowl of soup, Jiang Xian took an afternoon nap. When he woke up, he hazily saw a figure sitting by the bed—it was Jin Niang, sewing.
"Jin Niang…"
"Hmm? What is it?" Jin Niang set down the half-finished scarf in her hands and looked at him curiously.
Jiang Xian couldn’t help murmuring, "Having you here is truly wonderful."
Noticing his unsettled mood, Jin Niang stayed by his side and chatted with him until he felt refreshed.
Because of this, though she rarely visited temples, Jin Niang agreed when Gu Qingru invited her to go and pray together. Gu Qingru’s business was thriving, but there were still many uncertainties—such as the fact that Jin Niang and her husband might be reassigned next year, or that Old Madam Gu’s health was declining. Gu Qingru needed to plan for her future, and seeking blessings for a good marriage wouldn’t hurt.
These were things she could only confide in Jin Niang, who naturally agreed but also advised, "This time, find someone with good character who treats you well."
Gu Qingru was different from Ruyan—she had a clan, a dowry, and was skilled in business and social graces. Her first marriage had simply been to the wrong man; finding a good match now would be easy. As for someone like Ruyan, who had no family or backing, Jin Niang couldn’t even keep her as a servant. If Ruyan could develop a skill, save some money, and then seek a good husband, that would be the wiser path.
"There are matchmakers, but I still feel uneasy. If you, sister…" Gu Qingru hesitated, slightly embarrassed.
Jin Niang smiled. "If you take a liking to anyone, I’ll have my husband inquire about them. But remember, appearances can be deceiving—we can only learn so much. In the end, it depends on whether you’re satisfied."
Such consideration was rare even from one’s own parents. Gu Qingru was deeply moved. "I owe you more and more."
Jin Niang shook her head with a smile.
The two women walked up the mountain together and happened upon two young monks collecting alms. Jin Niang had Qingrong share some of the food they had brought. Gu Qingru remarked, "Many of these young monks are abandoned children. You truly have a kind heart, sister."
"This year’s drought in Wuzhong has made life hard for the common folk. Many were considering selling their children, but thankfully, a few autumn rains came and spared them that fate." Having come from humble beginnings herself, Jin Niang understood how easily ordinary people could be ruined—whether by disaster, misfortune, or even a single illness.
As they entered the temple, Gu Qingru, heeding Jin Niang’s advice, had been taking good care of herself. Though in her thirties, she still looked as youthful as a woman in her twenties. Encouraged by Jin Niang’s words—why shut oneself off from love because of one bad experience? The next turn might bring unexpected joy—she donated twenty taels of silver for blessings in marriage. Jin Niang didn’t donate money but bought a few talismans instead. Whether they worked or not, they offered some peace of mind.
When she brought the talismans home, Jin Niang placed them in a pouch and handed it to Jiang Xian. He examined the pouch. "Wife, did you make this?"
He was oddly touched.
"No, I bought it at Bin Yun Tower ages ago." Jin Niang recalled purchasing a stack of them during a clearance sale.
His words of gratitude stuck in his throat. Jiang Xian forced a chuckle. "You… have excellent taste."
Jin Niang suppressed a laugh. When the servants weren’t looking, she took his hand and swung it playfully, her eyes sparkling. Jiang Xian’s ears turned bright red, and he couldn’t even lift his head to meet her gaze.
……
For this year’s Winter Solstice Festival, Jin Niang had Juxiang warm rice wine in the kitchen and prepared grilling tools for meat, along with melons and tangerines. Stepping outside, she saw Ying lecturing Liu Dou'er, hands on her hips and looking quite proud—while Liu Dou'er gazed at her with an expression any experienced person would recognize.
Who would have thought these two had developed feelings for each other? Jin Niang naturally left the matter to Nanny Fang to confirm first. Once verified, she summoned Ying.
At twenty-one, Ying wore a red flower in her hair, looking even more vibrant and mature—a capable young woman now.
"Ying, I’ve watched you grow up. Though we are mistress and servant, I’ve always treated you like a sister. I’ve heard about you and him—who knew you’d take a liking to each other?" Jin Niang smiled.
Ying lowered her head, nervously twisting her handkerchief. "He’s so slow—if I didn’t stand up for him, he’d be ordered around all day."
She had once considered marrying outside the household, and Jin Niang had even promised to free her and provide a dowry. But Ying didn’t want to leave. Here, she had Jin Niang’s favor and protection—without that, she’d be all alone.
But she wouldn’t say that aloud, or Jin Niang would surely scold her for lacking ambition.
Seeing Ying’s shyness, Jin Niang chuckled. "Well, it seems he can’t do without you. In that case, I’ll discuss it with my husband. You two can marry by year’s end. No need to rush—Minzhi will make your wedding dress, and I’ll have some jewelry made for you."
Ying murmured, "As you wish, mistress."
After settling the matter with Jiang Xian, Jin Niang went to a jeweler and commissioned a set for Ying: three small plum-blossom hairpins, two larger silver-gilt floral hairpins, and a pair of gold lotus-leaf earrings. From her own chest, she selected a bolt of red silk, an undyed coarse silk, a fine silk, a length of blue woolen cloth, and a red silk outfit.
She also paid Minzhi to make new bedding and clothes for Ying and Liu Dou'er.
When Gu Qingru heard of Ying’s upcoming wedding, she sent a load of wedding cakes and a pair of gold hairpins as gifts. Even Madam Wen and Madam Bao contributed presents.
With Ying soon to become a married stewardess and no longer serving in the inner quarters, Jin Niang needed new maids. Though it was difficult to buy servants in Wu County, Steward Fan sent two girls from the estate—one for Jin Niang and another for Sister Jun.
As the senior maid, Ying dutifully trained the newcomer, Ziteng, though her impatient nature soon flared.
"Not like that—you have to stir in one direction!"
Listening from her room, Jin Niang shook her head in amusement. "One’s a firebrand, the other’s a gentle soul—a perfect match."
Nanny Fang remarked, "Don’t let Liu Dou'er's gentle appearance fool you—he’s sharp-eyed and quick-witted. Why else would the young master favor him above all others?" Then, with a knowing glance, she added, "After all, servants take after their masters. Isn’t Sixteenth Young Master himself a man of endless schemes, even as everyone outside believes him to be nothing but a warm-hearted soul?"
