Chapter 25

Chapter 25

Early in the morning, a blue-felt carriage stopped at Wuxue Lane. Soon after, a man and a woman stepped out. The man was tall and looked very steady; the woman appeared young and beautiful, radiating an otherworldly elegance rarely seen in others.

The man asked skeptically, “Are you sure this is the place?”

“Absolutely. This is the address Second Aunt gave me. Didn’t you check it yourself?” the woman confirmed.

The man glanced around and remarked, “This mansion has seven courtyards—it’s far beyond what an ordinary official could afford. The Zhou family is only a fifth-grade official.”

Officials usually kept a low profile and wouldn’t flaunt their wealth like newly rich upstarts. If they lived in such a grand house, it meant the Zhou family must be quite wealthy.

Thinking this, the man noticed several gatekeepers whiling away time gossiping and quickly approached them. “Good day, gentlemen. We’re looking for Jin Niang from the sewing quarters. Could you please ask her to come out?”

“Never heard of her,” the gatekeepers replied lazily, clearly unwilling to bother with such unimportant visitors.

Though clearly irritated, the man held his temper. “Jin Niang is my sister. I’d appreciate your help.” He then took twenty coppers from his sleeve. “Here’s something for you to buy a hot drink. Please, just call my sister out for a moment.”

One of the gatekeepers finally pointed the way. “If you’re looking for someone from the sewing quarters, go to the western side gate. Ask the women there to fetch your sister.”

So they headed to the western side gate, where someone was sent to call Jin Niang.

At that moment, Jin Niang was helping Lady Wu copy the *Ksitigarbha Sutra*, which would later be offered before the Buddha to pray for the newborn’s health, longevity, and blessings. Suddenly, Zhen Er came in and said, “Sister Jin Niang, my aunt says your elder sister and brother-in-law are here to see you. They’re waiting at the western side gate.”

“Elder sister and brother-in-law?”

“I’m the only daughter in my family. What elder sister and brother-in-law?” Jin Niang found it strange.

Zhen Er added, “They brought packages with them, saying your mother asked them to deliver something to you.”

Hearing this, Jin Niang thought it might be someone her parents had entrusted to bring things. Not wanting them to leave empty-handed, she went to get some food from Aunt Hu. Aunt Hu whispered, “No need to buy anything. I have a glazed goose prepared for Miss Yan Hong, but she hasn’t been eating well lately. You can take it instead.”

Recently, Aunt Hu had heard that Jin Niang was teaching Si Er needlework. Si Er, who originally worked in the sewing quarters, had somehow won Jin Niang’s favor by serving tea, making beds, and doing chores. With the sewing quarters already busy, there wasn’t much time to teach others, so Aunt Hu felt she needed to curry more favor.

Otherwise, Jin Niang neither accepted apprenticeship fees nor gifts, only occasionally stopping by for a quick bite.

“That won’t do. I can’t just take it. Let me pay you,” Jin Niang insisted, reaching for her money, but Aunt Hu refused. Reluctantly, Jin Niang gave in and took it.

To outsiders, Aunt Hu naturally claimed Jin Niang had paid for it.

When Jin Niang hurried to the western side gate, she saw the woman standing there. “Elder Sister, is that you?”

It was her cousin Rong Niang, the daughter of her eldest uncle. Her uncle had been a good scholar in his youth and later became a bookkeeper at a livery stable. Rong Niang was an only child, exceptionally beautiful, and came from a family far better off than Jin Niang’s. She was doted on by her parents. Later, her father was run over and left paralyzed, but the compensation was substantial. It was said her mother intended to give her the Anlu cottage as dowry, which wouldn’t affect her life at all.

Rong Niang and Jin Niang had never been close, mainly because their mothers didn’t get along, so their children’s relationship was also distant.

Now, having just turned fifteen, Rong Niang wore plain fabric, yet her face was like a blooming peach blossom—radiant and enchanting. Truly living proof that beauty needs no finery.

Rong Niang, however, noticed Jin Niang’s hair styled in twin buns, lychee-shaped gold earrings, two silk flowers on her head, a light-red lined jacket paired with a pearl-embroidered pleated skirt. Though still round-faced, her attire was much finer than before. She smiled and said, “Your mother knew I was coming to the capital and asked me to bring this for you.”

Then she introduced the man beside her. “This is your brother-in-law, Feng Sheng.”

“Brother-in-law,” Jin Niang greeted, glancing at the man beside Rong Niang and nodding inwardly. They made a handsome pair.

She had no particular curiosity about Feng Sheng and simply asked, “Elder Sister, how are my parents and aunt?”

At this, Rong Niang sighed bitterly. “Your parents are doing well now, helping your uncle. My father passed away last winter, and my mother followed soon after.”

Good heavens! Jin Niang knew words were inadequate at such a moment. “Sister, please accept my deepest condolences. As the saying goes, no cross, no crown. Though Uncle and Aunt are gone, you still have Brother-in-law. Build a good life together, and the rest of your days will surely be free of trouble.”

Rong Niang nodded. "Oh, never mind—let’s not dwell on that. How have you been?"

"I'm doing well, just always swamped with work. By the way, I brought this crystal goose just for you—I didn’t know when you got married, so I couldn’t send a gift back then." Jin Niang held out the rope tied around the crystal goose.

After some back-and-forth, Rong Niang finally took it and mentioned that Brother-in-law Feng Sheng was now working as a physician at Dr. Zhao’s clinic, having given up scholarship for medicine. She told Jin Niang she could come to them if she needed anything. Jin Niang also began to talk about her recent life, but before she could finish, Si Er came over to say the madam was looking for her, so they parted ways.

As they left the Zhou family home, Rong Niang looked at the crystal goose in her hand and chuckled. "Who knew my little cousin would grow up so polite! Though I can’t fathom why my aunt sent her daughter off like this—to become a servant, no freedom at all."

Feng Sheng had another perspective. "Your cousin might not be a beauty, and her background is modest, but she has such fine skills. Your aunt had the right idea."

He had met Wei Xiong and Luo Yue—her parents. The man was painfully dull, and the woman put on airs like a penny-pincher. Yet oddly enough, their daughter, though plain in looks, had such spark when she spoke.

Rong Niang smiled. "I think being together as a family is better than being apart."

Her own family had once lived in harmony, enjoying a good life, until tragedy struck. Fortunately, she had married Feng Sheng. He had once been a scholar, but when times grew tough, he turned to medicine. He was truly exceptional—only twenty-five, already fully trained, and highly regarded by Dr. Zhao. Now in the capital, he earned thirty-five strings of cash a month, plus year-end bonuses.

Her husband was wonderful in every way—except that he had high expectations of her.

For example, he now said, "Rong Niang, I’ll be at the clinic all day, and you’re still young—you could take up a trade too. Life in the capital’s no picnic. We’ve got to think ahead for the kids."

She thought he always wanted her to strive harder.

But she preferred to do things according to her own will, not forced by others. Like how her father had been overly greedy for money and ended up dead in an accident. As long as you had enough, that was enough. What mattered most was staying safe.

...

Jin Niang hurried to Madam Jiang, who was frowning. "Why are you so late?"

"My mistake, madam," Jin Niang quickly apologized.

Madam Jiang knew Jin Niang’s character—diligent and skilled, her garments full of life and care. So she coughed lightly and said, "I’ll let it slide this time. I called you here because I need something done."

"What would you have me do, madam? Just give the order."

Madam Jiang smiled. "I want you to make a set of clothes for the Second Young Miss—something exquisite, to make her shine like the sun."

The girl wasn’t as pretty as her sisters, and her spoiled temper and sharp tongue had earned her the nickname “Rakshasa” among the servants. But in front of her mother, Jin Niang naturally replied, "The Second Young Miss is already lovely—I’ll only enhance it. Don’t worry, I’ll give it my all."

Madam Jiang stood and beckoned her closer. "I’ve received some fashionable cloud-patterned brocade and soft satin. Which one do you think suits her best?"

These were premium silks, straight from delivery—clearly reserved by Madam Jiang for her daughter. Some secrets in this household were locked tight; others were open secrets.

Jin Niang smiled. "There’s a line from the Tang poet Wan Chu: 'Brows like daylilies in bloom, red skirts outshine pomegranate blossoms.' How about a twelve-panel pomegranate skirt? A white silk jacket, cuffs embroidered with pomegranate blossoms—it would really bring out the beauty of the skirt."

A blue satin skirt would look nice too, but it would clash with the Second Young Miss’s slightly sallow complexion.

Madam Jiang then asked Jin Niang to pick two jewels for the collar. Jin Niang tucked them into her pouch and said, "I’ll get to work, then."

"Go ahead," Madam Jiang waved her off.

Jin Niang returned with the fabrics and found the sewing room buzzing. "What’s the gossip?" she asked.

Fang Qiaolian said, "We were just talking about your sister—how stunningly beautiful she is."

"Spoken like true connoisseurs!" Jin Niang laughed. "My cousin has always been the prettiest since childhood—born lucky, it seems. No worries in sight. Look at my brother-in-law Feng Sheng—he’s still young, yet already a top physician, earning nearly five hundred strings a year."

Qin Shuanger smirked. "Doesn’t that make the rest of you just her backdrop?"

Jin Niang raised an eyebrow. "Not necessarily. When I was little, I was cuter than her. My mother used to call me her ‘jade doll.’ But as I grew up, I filled out—and now I’m the sparrow next to her phoenix."

After speaking, she opened the bundle sent from home and found that Madam Luo had given a jar of dried peaches. Jiangling was renowned for its yellow peaches, and she had always loved dried yellow peaches—this batch must have been made by her mother herself. There was also a packet of savory dried shrimp.

These local specialties were originally meant to be shared with Qin Shuanger and Fang Qiaolian, but they turned up their noses at them. Jin Niang knew that after nearly a year in the household, they had long outgrown their humble embroidery-girl tastes.

Truthfully, Jin Niang wasn’t necessarily smarter than others, but she was quick to course-correct. When she realized that everyone’s standards had risen over the past year, she understood that her old ways of socializing might now be outdated.

During the day, she began sketching designs; in the evenings, she diligently copied scriptures. Embroidery and tailoring naturally took longer, while the scripture copying went much faster. Two days later, she found time to take them to the second house to give to Madam Wu.

Madam Wu was fresh out of her lying-in period, still slightly plump, and the faint sorrow that once lingered on her brows had eased considerably. Seeing the scriptures Jin Niang brought, she couldn’t help but smile. “You truly excel at both embroidery and calligraphy. Sun Ma, give her a string of cash.”

“Second Madam, there’s no need—six hundred coins would be enough,” Jin Niang quickly replied.

Madam Wu lightly shook her head. “You all work hard, and such busyness is just to save some money. Sun Ma, do as I say.”

Jin Niang received two taels from Madam Wu and decided to prepare a gift for Young Master Qin. High-quality scented tea was too expensive, and she couldn’t afford jewelry either, so she resolved to make a baby apron for the child after finishing Second Miss’s dress.

The classic Shu embroidery motif was hibiscus and carp, which was also Concubine Chen’s specialty. However, Jin Niang’s inspiration from the Brocade Pavilion was to use small embellishments as focal points. Second Miss’s outfit consisted of a white silk jacket and a red pomegranate skirt, with the highlight being a goldfish pouch—not embroidered with goldfish, but shaped like one. The upper half was made of pomegranate-red velvet, while the lower half used sheer gossamer.

This adorable goldfish design inspired Jin Niang to apply it to shoes. She had initially planned to make a baby apron for Madam Wu’s son, but an apron required too much embroidery—too little looked plain, too much was laborious. Instead, she decided to make a pair of goldfish shoes. After all, infants didn’t need sturdy soles—soft-soled shoes—just cute enough—would suffice.

Most of her time was devoted to her own work, as that was her foundation. Thus, she only belatedly learned that Yan Hong was pregnant—no wonder Aunt Hu had mentioned that day that Yan Hong couldn’t even stomach her favorite crystal goose anymore.

Yan Hong was originally just a bedroom maid, not even a concubine, serving the master alongside Green Tassel without any formal status. But now, with her pregnancy, things had changed.

Even Madam Jiang treated her with unusual favor. At noon, Si Er returned with the meal and told Jin Niang, “There was quite a scene in the kitchen.”

“What happened?” Jin Niang opened the food box, placed a piece of meat in her bowl, and gestured for her to continue.

Si Er explained, “Sister Yan Hong is pregnant and suffering from severe morning sickness. The First Madam specifically ordered the kitchen to prepare separate meals for her. Aunt Hu made a few dishes just for her, but unfortunately, Concubine Miao’s maid came by and also demanded that Aunt Hu cook separately for her. Aunt Hu smiled apologetically, saying Sister Yan Hong’s meals were ordered by the First Madam. Concubine Miao’s maid then threw a fit, asking why Concubine Miao hadn’t received the same privilege during her pregnancy, claiming the First Madam was hoodwinked and Aunt Hu had accepted bribes from Sister Yan Hong. Yan Hong’s maid retorted, and they started quarreling—one accusing the other of acting high and mighty just because of pregnancy, the other calling her a mongrel snapping up scraps.”

Jin Niang pursed her lips. “When people quarrel, their words turn ugly.”

“Indeed, it’s unavoidable. Concubine Miao already has two children—her standing is much firmer now.” Though Si Er was young, she understood the household dynamics well.

Madam Jiang’s favor toward Yan Hong seemed excessive. When Jin Niang visited Yan Hong, she couldn’t help but notice the array of tonics and fine silks on her table.

Yan Hong, wearing sleeping robes with no visible bump and no hair ornaments, smiled faintly. “I’ve been resting lately, so I don’t go out much. These were all gifts from others.”

“Sister, you’ve finally reaped some sweetness after hardship,” Jin Niang said sincerely.

Yan Hong gently touched her belly and added, “Actually, I owe you thanks too—the clothes you made for me were so beautiful.”

Jin Niang quickly replied, “It was nothing.”

Before they could speak further, someone called from the doorway, “Sister Yan Hong, the First Madam says Lady Jiang has arrived today and invites you to share a toast.”

Pregnant women shouldn’t be drinking. Jin Niang gave Yan Hong a puzzled look, but Yan Hong, though hesitant, didn’t dare refuse. She called for her maids to attend to her, so Jin Niang took her leave.

At such a grand occasion with Madam Jiang’s family visiting, Yan Hong unexpectedly became the center of attention. Madam Jiang treated her with great respect, even seating her while Concubine Miao and Lv Xiaoniang stood holding the curtains to serve. Madam Jiang even said to Lady Jiang, “Sister-in-law, you may not know, but a fortune-teller recently predicted that Yan Hong’s child will bring the master prosperity. He was beside himself with joy. I plan to assign her another maid and raise her to concubine soon.”

This was already unbearable for Concubine Miao, who had gone through hell to deliver her son, only to see Yan Hong leap ahead so soon.

Then Lady Jiang said, “If Yan Hong bears a son, our families could arrange a marriage. Third Uncle’s daughter Zhai Niang is three—they say a bride three years older means gold in the house.”

Madam Jiang tittered behind her sleeve. “That’s not for me to decide—the master must have the final say.”

Yan Hong herself felt this was too much favor. Though the master visited her occasionally, she was nowhere near his favorite. Yet in the inner household, favor was the bedrock of survival. Even if she wanted to stay low-key, others wouldn’t believe it.

Returning from the main house, Concubine Miao's face was as dark as ink. Not even seeing her son could calm her rage.

Meanwhile, Jin Niang was working on Second Miss’s clothes when Qin Shuanger remarked enviously, “Yesterday I went to the storeroom for fabric and saw what looked like Nanjing cloud-pattern brocade—utterly exquisite! It was all sent to Yan Hong’s place. She’s really moving up in the world, receiving even better treatment than Concubine Miao did during her pregnancy.”

“I think so too. It’s probably because she’s First Madam’s person,” Fang Qiaolian added.

While Qin Shuanger daydreamed about becoming a concubine, Jin Niang was frantically sewing, adjusting the lamp flame and yawning, her heart heavy with sorrow. If her guess was correct, Jiang Shi was deliberately using Yan Hong to suppress Concubine Miao, pitting them against each other to reap the benefits.

With anyone else, she’d keep quiet even if she knew—that would be openly opposing Jiang Shi. But Yan Hong had once helped her during the incident when the aunt was selecting servants, so Jin Niang wanted to warn her somehow.

But how? Yan Hong’s quarters had spies everywhere—that was the problem.

After finishing, she checked every detail—snipping loose threads, ironing again, even having Si Er double-check—before taking it to the main house for Jiang Shi’s approval.

Jiang Shi immediately summoned Second Miss to try it on. She scowled at Jin Niang and snapped, “The bodice is too dull, and this pouch looks too childish.”

She had seen the exquisite pearl-embroidered dress Jin Niang made for First Miss—why was hers so lackluster in comparison?

Jin Niang bit her lip. She couldn’t very well say that Second Miss’s sickly pallor clashed with the vibrant red, which only looked good on fair skin. Instead, she said, “I believed only you could do justice to the pomegranate skirt, making your elegance truly shine.”

“Hmph! Empty flattery!” Second Miss retorted, displeased. “And this skirt is too long.”

Jin Niang explained, “Second Miss, the pomegranate skirt looks better when it’s longer.” She longed to say bluntly: You’re short-statured—only lengthening the cut will make you look graceful.

Second Miss glared in disbelief. “How dare you sass me—”

“Then how much shorter would you prefer? I can adjust it for you.” Jin Niang knelt to measure, but Second Miss shoved her away. “Back off! Keep your hands to yourself!”

Jin Niang fell backward, humiliation searing through her. No one had ever treated her this way before. As a skilled seamstress, she was usually respected wherever she went. But today was different. Easily tearful though tough at heart, she knelt with eyes brimming.

Seeing her daughter’s tantrum, Jiang Shi finally said, “You may leave now. Send for Mistress Chen—have her remake the outfit.”

“Yes,” Jin Niang replied, rising and biting her lip as she left.

She refused to tell anyone how Second Miss had treated her. To speak of it was to admit defeat. Once that door opened, everyone would start finding fault.

In truth, Second Miss wasn’t dissatisfied with the clothes—she seethed that hers lacked pearl embroidery, and took it out on the seamstress.

Jiang Shi, who doted on her younger daughter, let her vent before admonishing her, “Jin Niang is thorough and tasteful. If you’re this willful, how will you manage subordinates in the future? Even with servants, brute force gets you nowhere.”

In public, Jiang Shi wouldn’t undermine her daughter, but in private, she still taught her lessons.

Second Miss feigned remorse. “I understand, Mother. I was just upset because white’s bad luck.”

“Green Tassel, take this plate of pastries to Jin Niang,” Jiang Shi said coolly. Jin Niang was still useful to her.

Still, Second Miss couldn’t resist complaining, “You had pearl dresses made for Eldest Sister, but only this for me. You’re playing favorites.”

Jiang Shi laughed, finding her daughter endearing. But her plans for her eldest and second daughters were entirely different. The eldest was the family’s jewel, her marriage highly anticipated—a match they’d fought tooth and nail to arrange, though not yet announced.

For her second daughter, she had other plans. Her spirited frankness wasn’t cut out for hardship like her sister’s, so marrying into their relatives’ household was safest—especially to Third Master He, a handsome, scholarly official’s son. With his sister as her mother-in-law, there’d be no conflicts.

So she told her daughter, “Rein in your temper at home. If the servants ruin your reputation, who would dare marry you? Here, take these gold trinkets to play with.”

“I understand, Mother.” With new toys from her mother, Second Miss’s resentment eased.

**

During dinner, Green Tassel brought over some pastries. Jin Niang accepted them with a pleasant expression, but her nails dug into her palms until they left marks.

"Take these pastries and share them among yourselves. I ate too much at dinner and have no room for more," Jin Niang said with a smile to Si Er.

For low-ranking maids like them, who usually ate communal meals and performed menial tasks, getting pastries was a rare treat. Si Er, who often followed Jin Niang, would occasionally receive some as treats from her.

Si Er took them happily. "Sister Jin Niang always remembers me."

Beside them, Qin Shuanger gave a faint, mocking smile. With her wide network of acquaintances, she knew well that Wei Jinniang had been slighted—her bootlicking had finally misfired, after all.

She harbored resentment toward Jin Niang, but retaliation was difficult. Jin Niang was the type so cautious she’d even empty her cup before leaving a room, and whenever she went out, Si Er stayed behind, making any schemes risky—just like last time, when any attempt at revenge had backfired.

Jin Niang ignored Qin Shuanger’s gloating. Chen Niangzi had been tasked with making new clothes for Second Miss. Being experienced, she immediately recognized that Second Miss cared only for extravagance, not suitability. So Chen Niangzi quickly tailored an outfit—luxurious brocade, phoenix-head shoes, collars edged with gold and painted motifs—but it was utterly impractical.

Why? Jin Niang knew well—who wore ballgowns in their own living room every day?

Eventually, the fussy Second Miss still wore Jin Niang’s original outfit to her maternal grandparents’ home, where many praised her for looking lovely. Jin Niang, of course, never heard of this. She disliked the girl who had humiliated her and avoided her as much as possible.

Besides, she had other work now. She had made a pair of goldfish-embroidered soft shoes for Second Madam’s son, which pleased her greatly. Second Madam even mentioned it while paying respects to the Old Madam, making sure to say that Second Miss’s well-received outfit must have been made by Jin Niang’s skilled hands.

Thus, this year, First Madam assigned Jin Niang to make winter clothes for the Old Madam.

Jin Niang brushed off minor setbacks. Whenever she faced adversity, she overcame it—if one criticized her, she’d ensure ten praised her, so that single voice no longer mattered.

"What doesn’t break me will only make me stronger," Jin Niang balled her fists, took a deep breath, and climbed the stairs—only to run into Zhou Cunzhi, who looked startled. Instantly composing herself, she dropped into a proper curtsy, as if nothing had happened. "Greetings, Second Young Master."

Zhou Cunzhi, too, regained his composure and raised his folding fan slightly. "Hmm, rise."

This little encounter lifted Jin Niang’s spirits. Upon entering, she first paid respects to the Old Madam, took measurements, selected fabrics, and inquired about her preferences. The Old Madam, having spent decades in the inner household, was long past power struggles and now enjoyed her later years. Though her face bore wrinkles, they were peaceful.

"I’ll deliver the finished clothes later," Jin Niang said cheerfully.

The Old Madam nodded. "Mm, it’s bitterly cold—you all work hard."

She then ordered someone to reward Jin Niang.

Just then, the Auntie brought Cousin Mei in to pay respects. Jin Niang lingered, hoping to speak with Shanjie, but the latter turned away, only engaging with the homegrown maids or the Old Madam’s attendants. Left with no choice, Jin Niang departed.

Back in the sewing room, she mentioned this to Fang Qiaolian, who replied, "I thought it was just me who noticed something off—turns out she treats you the same way."

Chen Niangzi, overhearing, shook her head. "She’s eager to prove herself, afraid of being seen as an outsider, trying to be accepted as one of the mansion’s own maids."

"But none of us provoked her," Jin Niang said. If everyone in the sewing room had been hostile, it would make sense—but no one had slighted her.

Jin Niang understood—this was the fervor of a convert.

Indeed, Shanjie was rising in prominence.

When she accompanied Mei Pan’er back, the Auntie only allowed her inside to serve, saying, "I hear you’re fourteen—you’ll have your hair-pinning ceremony next year. Serve your mistress well, and next year we’ll celebrate with a banquet."

Shanjie beamed. "This servant thanks the Madam." She now fully saw herself as belonging to the Auntie and Cousin Mei.

Mei Pan’er, reading nearby, had her own personal maid, but since her mother had taken a sudden liking to Shanjie, she had no choice but to accept the arrangement.

Shanjie’s needlework was praised—the handkerchiefs the Auntie had requested were already finished. Though not yet officially a first-rank maid, she was already treated as one.

So when the Auntie sent her to deliver wine-pickled duck webs and preserved goose jerky to Third Master He, Shanjie saw nothing amiss. The Auntie intended to stay in the mansion long-term, and sending gifts to First Madam’s relatives was normal—after all, the Auntie’s expenses were covered by the main household.

Though Third Master He was First Madam’s nephew, the Zhou family treated him and Young Master Dou equally. Both stayed in the study before Second Young Master Zhou Cunzhi’s quarters, where the trio often met to debate.

Shanjie and the third household's servant were fellow villagers, so she quickly learned where Third Master He was staying.

Now, this Third Master He was staying at his aunt and uncle’s home, largely because his uncle held a position in the Privy Council. If he could achieve high rank in the imperial exams, the quality of his official appointment would largely depend on his uncle’s word. Beyond that, his mother had broached the subject of marriage. Unlike scholars from humble backgrounds—who often waited until after passing the exams to marry, with some even remaining unmarried into their thirties—scions of official families like himself were typically betrothed before reaching adulthood. His mother had subtly suggested that she wished for him to marry his aunt’s youngest daughter, the Second Miss Zhou.

During his recent visit to his maternal grandparents’ home, he glimpsed his cousin. Though it was only a fleeting look, her plain white robe with crimson skirt made an impression despite her unremarkable features, as there was something dignified and refined about her presence.

As he was lost in thought, a servant called from beyond the door: “Third Master, Aunt Zhou has sent a maid to bring you some food.”

Aunt Zhou? Third Master He was quite perceptive in social matters. The servants in the Zhou household were notorious for their snobbery—next door, Scholar Dou, lacking the means to tip generously, had endured plenty of gossip, to the point where he’d had to pawn his garments to curry their favor.

“Let her in,” Third Master He said.

Shanjie entered with a tray, blushing as soon as she saw Third Master He. Aunt Zhou had told her she was designated as an accompanying maid—once the young lady’s marriage was settled, she would enter the household as a secondary wife to Third Master He. Finding him polished and well-mannered, she even received a tip before leaving and promptly reported back to Aunt Zhou.

“This servant found Third Master He to be very amiable and good-natured.”

Aunt Zhou smiled, now seeing her path forward. Her second brother, though undistinguished in office, was sociable and fond of drinking and entertaining—he'd organize drinking parties on any pretext.

So when Second Master Zhou came to pay his respects, the siblings struck up a conversation. Aunt Zhou said with a smile, “The weather’s been cold lately—how is sister-in-law?”

Though Second Master Zhou had lost his eldest son, he now had a younger one, like an ancient tree putting forth fresh shoots. At her question, he simply smiled. “All’s well. Your sister-in-law mentioned you haven’t visited—when will you come by for a chat?”

“Eldest Brother mentioned that the main household is hosting two promising scholars now, likely future laureates with brilliant prospects. With the New Year approaching, sister-in-law is overwhelmed, and I’ve been busy too.” Aunt Zhou knew her second brother, being in business, loved making connections, so she planted the suggestion subtly.

Sure enough, Second Master Zhou soon invited the two scholars over, and Aunt Zhou quickly summoned her daughter as well. Mei Pan’er, more delicate and beautiful than Second Miss Zhou, looked especially charming with just a touch of adornment.

When a tipsy Third Master He was pulled outside, he saw a maiden traversing the gallery. As she passed him, her handkerchief accidentally fell to the ground.

...

“This happened right under my nose! A young lady’s personal handkerchief picked up by a servant, then dressing up late at night to meet men in secret.” Jiang Shi could tell this was a calculated maneuver. If not for Wu Shi’s warning and her nephew’s self-restraint, the Zhou family’s daughters might have had their reputations ruined.

With that in mind, Jiang Shi said to Green Tassel, “Go fetch Master Zhou.”

Though their marital harmony had waned, she and her husband were of one mind when it came to their children. Fortified with proof, she said to Master Zhou when he arrived, “First, the aunt sent Pan’er’s maid to deliver food. Then, late at night, she arranged for Pan’er to ‘accidentally’ drop her handkerchief in front of a man. And this morning, that maid Shanjie bore a scented pouch—with a love knot tied to it.”

Without proof, she wouldn’t dare slander anyone in front of Master Zhou. She added, “Our family has four daughters. She doesn’t live in the main household, but if rumors spread during this critical matchmaking period, all our daughters might languish unwed.”

Master Zhou snorted coldly. “Summon the aunt and that maid at once.”

“Husband, if you act so abruptly, the old madam might grow suspicious. Green Tassel, tell her I have some new fabric and would like her opinion.” Jiang Shi said.

The aunt arrived quickly. Though not destitute, she was always eager to seize any advantage. But the moment she stepped in, she saw her eldest brother and sister-in-law seated imposingly, their expressions stern, with a kneeling maid below—none other than Shanjie.

Shanjie, having already been beaten, confessed everything. Only with evidence in hand did Jiang Shi confront the aunt.

Once the servants had all withdrawn, Jiang Shi spoke. “Sister, this maid was caught this morning trying to deliver this to Third Master He’s room. She claims you ordered it.”

The aunt’s eyes flickered to the pouch embroidered with twin lotus flowers before she turned on Shanjie. “You thieving wretch! You’ve disgraced us by using our name—this is pure spite!” Sobbing, she added, “Sister-in-law, this was the maid you sent me. I know you’ve always held grudges against me, but how could you frame me like this?”

Jiang Shi nearly laughed in anger. “You’re the one who repeatedly asked for her—when did I ever send her to you?”

The aunt seized the opening. “Exactly! She resented serving me, so she staged this to slander me. Eldest Brother, you must stand up for me…”

Had Jiang Shi been slower to react, the aunt would have twisted the matter into a mere conflict between sisters-in-law. Coldly, Jiang Shi said, “Fine, deny this if you will. But what about arranging for Pan’er to ‘drop’ her handkerchief right where my nephew would pass?”

“What handkerchief? Pan’er didn’t even know where she lost it—she was searching for it just yesterday! How dare you smear her good name? Eldest Brother, you need only ask her yourself.” The aunt had prepared her defense well.

Master Zhou glanced at Jiang Shi, who hadn’t expected such cunning. She said icily, “How glibly you twist the truth—turning black into white with ease.”

Seeing her sister-in-law defeated, Aunt Deng piped up: "Sister-in-law, this pouch isn't my daughter's handiwork. This little minx Shanjie made it herself in a lovesick daze. Since she's your maid, you should deal with her."

"Aunt Deng is right," Jiang Shi replied, sounding defeated. "I will punish this maid severely."

Aunt Deng, having turned the tables, glared fiercely at Shanjie, who protested: "Master Zhou, Madam, all of this was ordered by Aunt Deng! I wouldn’t dare hide the truth!"

But Aunt Deng sailed out with practiced ease.

Shanjie was given ten strokes of the cane for theft and driven out. Jin Niang and the other seamstresses were shocked. She suddenly recalled that Aunt Deng had also been kicked out too—often such accusations masked other misdeeds.

When Aunt Deng heard Shanjie had been cast out, she sighed in relief, preening over her brilliant scheme. Just as she was reveling in her victory, the old lady said to her: "Your elder brother told me your husband, Master Mei, is on death's door and that you must return to care for him. I’d like to keep you here, but your brother is right—a married woman belongs with her husband."

If they had divorced, it would have been different, but since they hadn’t, her daughter remained his wife.

Aunt Deng was stunned.

The old lady pressed on: "Your brother said the boat’s been rushed. You must leave tomorrow, or else the river will freeze, and the waterway will be impassable. Taking the land route would be too bone-jarring."

The next morning, Jiang Shi sent Aunt Deng packing. Seeing her load numerous trunks, she remarked, "No need to bring so much, sister. You’ll be back soon—just take some spare clothes."

Only then did Aunt Deng realize she had been outmaneuvered. She had thought herself victorious, never imagining she’d been tricked. Her sister-in-law wouldn’t even let her take her belongings, and her husband’s illness was likely fabricated. She wanted to protest, but she was already being helped into the carriage.

As the carriage rolled away, churning up dust, Jiang Shi waved her handkerchief and glanced at the onlookers. "Go on, what are you all standing around for?"

Turning away, Jiang Shi shook her head. This woman had outsmarted herself, thinking she had covered all her tracks. But the more cunning she was, the less Master Zhou could tolerate it.

Stupidity might have been forgivable, but scheming against the Zhou family—against his daughters—was unacceptable. He might not favor his second daughter, but he would never allow anyone to stir up trouble.

Especially now, with his eldest daughter being courted by the prime minister’s family. No one, not even Aunt Deng or the old lady, would be permitted to interfere. Aunt Deng had only thought of her own daughter’s future, never realizing Master Zhou cared more about his daughters—and his own prospects.

Jiang Shi would wager that Aunt Deng was done with the capital for good. Pitifully, the woman probably didn’t even know it yet, still thinking she could sweet-talk the old lady with letters in the future.