Chapter 20

**Chapter 20**

Three days later, Aunt Hu sent Zhen Er over on the pretense of playtime, bringing along the embroidered items purchased from Brocade Pavilion. Jin Niang seized the opportunity during her afternoon nap to examine these pieces and compare them with those from ordinary embroidery workshops. She had expected that two hundred coppers wouldn’t buy much, but she was surprised at how many items had been acquired.

A typical butterfly pouch usually featured a butterfly embroidered onto the fabric, but this one was cut into the actual shape of a butterfly, its wings adorned with tiny pearl-like beads, and its drawstring finished with an elegant knot. Another butterfly pouch differed in design—its standout feature was the use of French knots to create a raised effect on the insect’s abdomen.

There was also a lotus-patterned pouch. The embroidery was similar to what Jin Niang herself might have made, but it was elevated by the addition of a small lotus root charm attached to the drawstring, giving it a unique touch.

Then there was a Suzhou-stitched handkerchief. Although Qin Shuanger had also learned Suzhou embroidery, her work paled in comparison to this piece. Even Jin Niang felt she could not match its quality. The handkerchief was edged with pink thread, and in one corner bloomed a small peony stitched so smoothly and evenly that it exuded elegance and grandeur.

The exquisite embroidery from Brocade Pavilion inspired her deeply. It even reminded her of a beautiful folding screen she had once seen in First Miss’s room—an example of craftsmanship far beyond her current abilities.

Embroidery was a road long and hard.

She knew that true embroidery masters were also skilled in painting and calligraphy, using their brushwork as a guide for their needlework. Jin Niang acknowledged her own limited talent, but the world held few true masters; most were merely competent. She did not dream of becoming one of the elite, but if she could rise to above average, she would be satisfied.

With that thought, she abandoned her nap and set about creating a lotus-shaped pouch—not by embroidering lotus flowers onto cloth, but by cutting the fabric itself into the shape of a lotus leaf, then stitching a pink-and-white blossom onto it, with the drawstring pull fashioned into a tiny lotus bud.

As Jin Niang immersed herself in her work, she paid no attention to the world around her.

Meanwhile, Qin Shuanger began plotting her next move. The chance to serve First Miss had been snatched away by Jin Niang, who had also mocked her publicly. Naturally, she wanted revenge, but Jin Niang was no easy mark, and for now, opportunities were scarce. So, she turned her efforts toward making new connections, especially among those close to Second Master.

Second Master Zhou Cunzhi was handsome, clever, and talented, and the Zhou family was wealthy beyond measure. Even as a concubine to such a man, life would be far better than marrying some penniless wretch outside.

Unfortunately, the maids in Second Master’s quarters were sharp-eyed and not easily fooled. When Qin Shuanger took the initiative to deliver Lady Dowager’s clothes in hopes of gaining favor, she was met instead with scorn.

Cui Xian, the head maid in Second Master’s quarters, was known for her gentle nature, and the other girls followed her lead. She said nothing, but Bi E, a second-rank maid, saw through Qin Shuanger’s intentions clearly. Spotting her entering with the bundle, Bi E snapped, “Since when are you allowed into the inner chambers? A toad dreaming of swan meat!”

Qin Shuanger protested, “Sister, you misunderstand me. Aunt Chen asked me to bring this belt.”

Bi E sneered, “Last time, the little girl from the embroidery workshop knew to wait outside. Why are you rushing in like you belong here?”

Ever since Second Master moved into the side chamber, countless maids had tried to engineer “chance” encounters. Cui Xian might keep quiet, but Bi E understood their motives all too well.

Qin Shuanger turned red and white with humiliation.

On her way out, she spotted Shanjie, who had accompanied Plum Blossom to pay respects to Lady Dowager. Seeing how Shanjie now carried herself like a senior maid, she seized the moment and approached her again during dinner. Shanjie repeated what she had told Jin Niang, adding, “Look at these lotus-pod gold earrings—gifts from Miss Mei. I’ve decided I’ll follow her wherever she goes.”

“Congratulations,” Qin Shuanger replied. “You’ve truly turned calamity into blessing. I don’t have such luck.” Realizing her slip, she quickly added, “Miss Mei is the only daughter of Madam Gu—that means a fine marriage awaits her. It’s wise for you to stay by her side.”

Shanjie agreed.

Returning to the embroidery workshop, she found Jin Niang already working in the inner chamber, focused on her needlework. Fang Qiaolian was still sewing for Concubine Miao, her stitches intricate and painstaking.

Thinking again of the maids in Second Master’s quarters—who never lifted a needle or touched a thread, yet dressed more richly than daughters of modest families, performed fewer duties, and received greater rewards—she felt a pang of envy. Moreover, Second Master excelled in his studies, offering a far quicker path to advancement than serving First Miss. Being a companion to First Miss meant a long road to favor, with no guarantee of a good match. But Second Master? He was a golden catch.

Both Jiang Shi and Jin Niang shared June birthdays. After completing one lotus-style pouch, Jin Niang went on to make two more variations: one in deep green with a lotus-root-shaped jade-silk toggle on the drawstring, and another—a traditional lantern-patterned round pouch.

Some might think pouches too girlish for Lady Dowager, but Jin Niang believed every woman, no matter her age, possessed a young heart.

Inspired by the layered compartments she’d seen in modern handbags, she even added secret pockets inside, allowing separate storage for different items.

On Jiang Shi’s birthday, thanks to her growing reputation, the embroidery Jin Niang presented was brought directly to her. As she examined it, turning it over in her hands, she seemed genuinely delighted.

“Jin Niang’s skill has improved greatly—there’s real artistry here,” Green Tassel remarked, humoring Jiang Shi’s delight.

Yan Hong chimed in half-seriously, “The girl’s work is passable, but she’s tight-lipped and keeps to herself. Last time, I needed someone to deliver something to the Second Branch, and she didn’t even know where it was. I had to send someone to guide her.”

Jiang Shi nodded approvingly. “That’s precisely what I like. I can’t stand scatterbrained people who neglect their duties. This girl is honest and diligent—she puts her whole heart into her craft.”

With that said, she picked up the needlework submissions from her daughters for inspection. The eldest daughter's work had always been consistently decent. The second daughter had always been restless by nature—her stitches appeared rough and careless. Fortunately, she hadn’t resorted to having someone else do it for her. The third daughter, though still young, had sewn socks with fine, tight stitches, clearly showing she had a careful hand. As for the fourth daughter, she had improved greatly; her work used to be average, but now it had become much more refined.

Sometimes, from the gifts people give, you can tell how much effort they’ve put into pleasing you.

Take Yan Hong, for example. Initially, she merely maintained good relations out of habit, concerned only with appearances and reputation. But later, seeing that Jin Niang truly possessed skill and had even helped her win favor, she now genuinely hoped Jin Niang would stand out—a way of repaying kindness in kind.

“There’s a banquet later. Send all the girls to me,” Jiang Shi said with a smile.

Yan Hong went off to summon them. Before long, all four young ladies arrived. Their dresses were similar in style, and their hairpins were also much alike, yet each bore subtle differences. The eldest daughter’s spring gown was designed by Jin Niang and made by Chen Niang’s own hands. This clearly signaled that the Zhou family’s next focus was on the eldest daughter.

The eldest daughter was graceful and dignified, her movements poised. Her headdress never shifted, nor did her posture waver. A girl in the bloom of youth, like spring blossoms on a branch. For some reason, Jiang Shi felt her eyes grow moist.

She steadied herself before addressing the girls: “Today your aunts and many other guests will arrive, including Minister Wang’s wife. Shi Shi, as the eldest sister, you must take care of your younger sisters.”

This last sentence surprised the fourth daughter—it wasn’t at all what she expected. She had thought Jiang Shi would urge her to perform well, not ask her to look after the others.

Zhou’s eldest daughter rose with a gentle bow. Always composed and elegant, she carried herself like an ancient court lady. Even toward her two half-sisters, she showed no outward distinction. The fourth daughter, in particular, often benefited from her quiet attentiveness. Though the sisters lived under the same roof, they rarely interacted closely.

Outside, officials, relatives, and friends had gathered. The fourth daughter followed her elder sisters out and indeed saw Lady Wang—the highest-ranking woman present. She presented identical ceremonial gifts to the four Zhou daughters, but all attention focused on the eldest. The others were mere accessories.

The fourth daughter had expected this to be a social occasion, but instead, she felt like a specimen under examination, which left her feeling stifled.

In truth, the banquet was dull. Coming from modern times, she found the opera tiresome, and the acrobatics only made her wince for the performers—those stunts looked painful and cruel. One small mistake could send them tumbling down.

While she grew bored, Jin Niang remained busy. Cui Xian, the maid of the second young master, brought over a bamboo garment, explaining that the second young master had intended to gift it, but when retrieving it from the chest, a small hole had accidentally torn through it.

“Chen Niang was dead drunk—we shook her awake, but she claimed she’d never seen this piece before. What should we do? If it isn’t fixed properly, the garment will be ruined, and the second young master will be furious…” Cui Xian was deeply worried.

As a senior maid, failing to protect household items would land her in hot water.

Jin Niang glanced at Qin Shuanger: “Can you mend it?”

Qin Shuanger perked up at first, then finally shook her head in disappointment.

The bamboo garment had existed since the Tang Dynasty, as recorded in Wu Shi’s writings. The bamboo weave wicks away heat and absorbs sweat, making it essential for officials who must maintain decorum—sweating openly would be unseemly.

As Cui Xian fretted, Jin Niang smiled: “Let me handle it. I recall the second household’s garden has choice bamboo from Jiangxi for display. If the second master and mistress agree, we can split some thin strips.”

“You can do it? That’s wonderful—no wonder I’ve heard so many praise your skills.” Cui Xian couldn’t help but butter her up. She added with a laugh, “No need to go to the garden—our second young master already has some on his desk. Come, I’ll take you there.”

Jin Niang smiled. “Wait outside for a moment, sister. I’ll fetch some thread and tools.”

The bamboo strips needed rounding at both ends and were stitched together with ramie thread. These garments typically featured coin patterns—round outside, square inside—and couldn’t be repaired carelessly. She opened her small case and laid out her tools methodically, only to notice Qin Shuanger’s sour expression.

She tried to ignore it, but Qin Shuanger spoke up: “Spare me your concern. If you ruin it, the second young master will punish you.”

Jin Niang chuckled. “If I didn’t know my craft, I wouldn’t have taken the job. Besides, I gave you the chance, and you couldn’t manage it.”

She feared no one like Qin Shuanger—those who schemed behind backs and played both sides were always bullies at heart. She had heard the whispers about how domineering she was in the needlework room. She had ignored them—since they weren’t said to her face—but now she wanted Qin Shuanger to understand: she wasn’t one to be crossed.

Qin Shuanger saw red.