Chapter 30

Chapter 30

"Hurry up and eat. Don't worry about what's going on outside," Concubine Miao said to her daughter, pointing at the food before her.

The young ladies all lived together, and at this bustling hour of comings and goings, the Fourth Miss naturally learned what had happened. She tsked and said, "Second Sister is really going too far. Just because Jin Niang was busy last time and couldn’t make her clothes, she’d treat her this way?"

"Hush," Concubine Miao glanced at her daughter.

After finishing the meal and dismissing the servants, she continued, "I don’t think this girl is someone to be trifled with either. She fainted right in front of everyone at Second Miss’s door. Her reputation will surely suffer for being seen as mistreating a servant—and just when she’s gotten engaged."

The Fourth Miss suddenly realized—yes, this was Wei Jin Niang, the one described in the novel as having seven cunning hearts. She had almost forgotten, deceived by her seemingly simple appearance, her impeccable work ethic, and her honest and dutiful demeanor. This one was not to be underestimated.

But the Fourth Miss didn’t understand: "How does Mother see this so clearly?"

Concubine Miao gave a faint smile. "We've all walked the servant's path. It's natural for masters to punish servants, but servants are also flesh and blood. Though they're often suppressed into submission, it doesn't mean they were born to be lowly."

Hearing this, the Fourth Miss thought, no wonder many fans of *The Strategy of Becoming a Second Wife* liked this "black lotus." In this era, saying such things was truly rare.

As for Jin Niang, of course, she had feigned fainting. After pretending to be revived by someone pinching the spot above her lip, she made a show of resting, ignoring anyone who called for her.

Even Qin Shuang’er, who usually gloated, didn’t dare show it now and could only ask, "What happened to Jin Niang...?"

"It's all my fault. I knew Second Miss didn't like Jin Niang, yet I didn't stop her. Now, if anything happens to Jin Niang, what should I do?" Madam Chen was wracked with guilt.

Years ago, she had promised Jin Niang’s mother that she wouldn’t let her suffer mistreatment. Who knew Second Miss would be so tyrannical?

Fang Qiaolian was on good terms with Jin Niang, but when she heard from Si Er that her knees were bruised purple and her face was ghostly pale, she was shocked. "Will this get out?"

Madam Chen said sharply, "If it does, it’ll be her own fault. At least we’ll be leaving next year."

Before she could finish, Green Tassel entered, and everyone fell silent, pretending to focus on their work. Green Tassel carried several boxes and offered a tight smile. "These are gifts from the First Madam to Jin Niang, for her hard work making clothes for Second Miss."

This was clearly hush money...

Jin Niang woke up in the morning to the sound of sparrows chirping. Having not stayed up late, she had slept soundly until dawn. Lying down, she felt nothing, but when she tried to sit up, her knees ached so much she couldn’t straighten them.

"Ouch..."

"Sister Jin Niang, you’re awake! I brought you some porridge. I kept it warm in the tea room next door so it wouldn’t get cold. Let me get it for you." Si Er was visibly relieved to see her awake.

Her shout drew the other seamstresses over. Jin Niang had initially pretended to sleep but later fell into a deep slumber. She hadn’t expected Green Tassel to come later with gifts from the First Madam.

Before even looking at the gifts, Lan Xue asked, "What exactly happened to you yesterday?"

Jin Niang knew Lan Xue’s tea room was gossip central. She wouldn’t let Second Miss off the hook just because the First Madam had sent gifts, but she had to phrase her words carefully to avoid giving anyone a reason to fault her. So she shook her head. "I’m just as puzzled. I didn’t say anything—just took her measurements as usual and asked about the fabric and style she wanted. I even made sure to mention that I’d work on her clothes in the afternoon and sew the wedding quilt for Eldest Miss at night, worried she might resent me for following the First Madam’s orders to embroider Buddhist scriptures for Second Young Master."

"No wonder. Mentioning the wedding quilt for Eldest Miss must have hit a sore spot," Lan Xue concluded.

Jin Niang rubbed her knees. "Really? Aren’t they real sisters?"

Fang Qiaolian let out a bitter laugh.

Madam Chen, fearing outsiders might overhear, scolded, "Enough! All of you, stop gossiping about the masters. Do you have a death wish? Jin Niang, next time Second Miss calls for you, I’ll go in your place."

After all, Qin Shuang’er seemed diligent but never got much done. Fang Qiaolian only did the bare minimum. Only Jin Niang worked quickly and well—she was the real workhorse of the needlework room. Whether Eldest Miss’s dowry could be finished on time depended on her.

Moreover, though she had offended Second Miss, she was still favored by the other masters—unlike Shanjie.

Shanjie hadn’t dared to fight back and had compromised in the end, so those who might have helped her stayed quiet, fearing betrayal. Jin Niang’s nature was different. Without meaning to, she had made waves.

Even though Jin Niang felt wronged in her heart, she still nodded, deciding first to unite those who could be united. "Then I thank Madam Chen." After speaking, she looked around at everyone in the sewing room: "From now on, let me be a warning—never mention the eldest young lady in front of the second young lady again."

Everyone felt a pang of sympathy. Lan Xue quickly relayed what she knew to her relatives, who were household-born and had connections across three branches of the family. Zhen Er, who came to visit, also heard the news. Zhen Er's mother was Aunt Hu from the kitchen, another den of gossip. Within a day, rumors spread like wildfire that the second young lady harbored hatred for the eldest.

This was exactly the effect Jin Niang wanted. The world changes, and fortunes turn. Though she was being bullied now, this was her only means of fighting back. One day, Wei Jin Niang might very well see her status transformed.

Even the eldest young lady hadn’t expected her younger sister to react so strongly just because Jin Niang mentioned embroidering a wedding quilt for her. She frowned and said, "The marriage wasn't my arrangement. Why resent me? And to make such a scene—what will people say?"

Chunlan added, "You've already been more than tolerant. That silver-red fabric, the fashionable choice, was originally part of the Wang family's dowry, meant for you. Yet you gave it to the second young lady."

"I know she’s unhappy, but making such a fuss—what will outsiders think?" The eldest young lady was genuinely annoyed.

Apart from her, the second madam had witnessed the incident the day before but hadn’t realized it involved the second young master. She immediately sent someone to investigate. Cui Xian, who had quickly aligned herself with the new mistress after her arrival, spilled everything in detail.

"That seamstress is Jin Niang. Don’t let her plump appearance fool you—her embroidery is exquisite. Both the first and second madams love having her make their clothes. Once, the second young master’s bamboo garment was damaged. I searched outside for embroiderers, but many said they’d never seen such a thing. In the end, she was the one who repaired it. Later, when the second young master wanted to gift a volume of embroidered Buddhist scriptures to Lady Zhang, only she was skilled enough to do it. But while she was working on the scriptures, she had no time to embroider for the second young lady and the others. I heard the second young lady was furious at the time." Cui Xian revealed everything.

The second madam tightened her grip on her handkerchief. "So that’s what this is about. For someone her age to act so immature."

Cui Xian knew better than to criticize the second young lady, so she simply stood there with a faint smile. The second madam praised her briefly before turning to her trusted maidservant. "Looking at the Zhou family’s young ladies—the eldest is above reproach, the third is refined and elegant, the fourth is gentle and obedient. Only the second young lady’s behavior is truly unbecoming."

In truth, punishing servants was unavoidable in large households. But first, Jin Niang wasn’t an ordinary servant—she was highly skilled and honest. Second, there was no justifiable reason for the punishment.

At the very least, one should make up a charge!

...

Amid the chatter, Jin Niang quietly opened the gift box Green Tassel had delivered. Inside were longans, jujubes from Jiangzhou, and five feet of silk fabric. Beneath the silk lay two banknotes, each worth ten strings of cash—twenty strings altogether, nearly half a year’s wages for her.

Jin Niang tucked the banknotes away, realizing Jiang Shi must have known she usually converted most of her earnings into banknotes. She had sounded her out.

After a cold laugh, she rubbed medicinal oil on her knees.

Sure enough, Jiang Shi soon heard that despite her knee pain making it hard to walk, Jin Niang had made a show of limping to her embroidery frame and kept at her work. Even Aunt Chen praised her for improving her craft.

"She’s a sensible child," Jiang Shi sighed.

Green Tassel said, "You’ve been more than fair to her. With the Mid-Autumn Festival approaching, the second young lady has been taken to the Jiang family. Our household should have some peace for a while."

Jiang Shi nodded.

The day before the festival, Jin Niang received a letter and gifts from her mother. The previous year, her family’s poverty had made her gifts the subject of ridicule in the sewing room. This year, however, there were two hefty bundles.

Her mother had also sent a letter. Jin Niang opened it first. Her mother wrote that her uncle, initially lacking help, had invited her and her husband to run his breakfast stall on the pretext of letting them manage it for a year. But after a year of unpaid labor, he tried to drive them out. Fortunately, after a fierce argument with her uncle and aunt, they secured the stall’s management rights for another year, so they were better off now. The letter also mentioned that the fabric Jin Niang had sent home was too fine—they'd traded one bolt of silk for two of ordinary cloth. The cotton-padded jacket she’d sent was exceptionally warm. The letter detailed everything sent.

The first bundle contained vermilion oranges, a specialty of their hometown, Jiangling, which Jin Niang had loved since childhood. There were also black dates—Jin Niang had eaten them in modern times; they were Persian jujubes, then called "Persian dates." The other bundle held several feet of Jiangling brocade.

Her mother had intended the brocade for her to make clothes, but Jin Niang noticed its auspicious patterns—peaches, deer, and elephants—ideal for weddings. With this in mind, she wrapped a piece of satin, added some vermilion oranges and dates, and went to the main house.

Jiang Shi received her promptly. Jin Niang made a show of limping in and smiled. "My parents sent some things from home. They may not be costly, but they have their charm. I wanted to offer them to you, madam, as thanks for your constant care."

"My elder sister often sent me local products from Jiangling when she was there. Do you have any oranges? I favor yours over Wenzhou’s." Seeing Jin Niang’s calm expression, Jiang Shi relaxed.

Jin Niang smiled. "There are vermilion oranges and loquats, as well as Persian dates. I’ve had them once before—they’re said to be a remedy from the deserts, good for the lungs and digestion, even helpful during childbirth and for preventing chills. As for the Jiangling brocade, it might not be as famous as fabrics from Liangzhe or Pingjiang, but as early as the Spring and Autumn period, it was commonly used in weddings. Even Emperor Suzong of Tang included square-patterned silk and other textiles in his tribute gifts. I only fear it might not meet your standards."

Jiang Shi examined the fabric and found it quite good. She accepted it graciously. "No matter the gift’s size, it’s the thought that counts."

"I knew you wouldn’t disdain it. Rest assured, I understand your intentions. Though I felt wronged when the second young lady punished me, remembering your usual kindness, I’ve let it go." Jin Niang voiced her grievance but also made it clear she bore no grudge.

Had she claimed to feel no resentment, she’d have seemed saintly—and no one would have believed her.

Jiang Shi had initially just routinely sent someone with money to hush things up, but she never expected Jin Niang to be so clever. It would have been ideal if such a person were a house-born servant—one who could accompany her daughter as part of her dowry. As long as she treated her well, she wouldn’t waver in loyalty. Plus, with her remarkable skills, no matter how much they praised her, she never got cocky.

Unfortunately, she wasn’t an orphan without guardians; she had sharp and capable parents at home and often exchanged letters with them. Such a family was hard to pin down.

So, Jiang Shi stroked the Jiangling brocade: “Good child, it’s all her fault. She’s already betrothed, yet still so immature.”

Jin Niang put on a startled look: “What are you saying? I only hope the misunderstanding between Second Miss and me doesn’t deepen, so she won’t feel bad.”

“It’s good that you think this way,” Jiang Shi said, patting her hand.

Jin Niang smiled and took her leave. By the time she reached the door, her face was completely expressionless.

**

During the Mid-Autumn Festival, Madam Chen paid for a feast to reward everyone.

Jin Niang’s knee had mostly healed, but they wouldn’t let her lift a finger, insisting she sit. Fang Qiaolian sat beside her and asked, “Jin Niang, do you still resent Second Miss?”

“No, Madam is very reasonable. Why should I hold a grudge?” Jin Niang gave a small smile.

Fang Qiaolian smiled. “It’s great that you think this way. I was afraid you might hold onto it. Let’s work peacefully for another year, then return to Jiangling.”

The two had been close since entering the sewing room. Fang Qiaolian had always thought Jin Niang was quite strong-willed, so she was surprised she forgave so easily this time—but it was for the best.

Si Er elbowed Jin Niang gently. “Sister Jin Niang, here’s your favorite lamb head rolls (a Song Dynasty delicacy).”

“Ah, let me try a few.” Jin Niang laughed.

Lamb head rolls weren’t skewers—they were made by shredding lamb head meat, mixing it with egg whites, wrapping it in lard, steaming, then deep-frying until golden and crispy.

It was Jin Niang’s favorite. She ate three rolls and a bowl of lychee drink. In the Song Dynasty, she adored all kinds of drinks—just as good as boba today.

Madam Chen lifted her glass: “We’ve all worked hard these past months, finishing most of the bedding. There’s still more to do—thank you all in advance.”

Everyone drank heartily.

As for how the Zhou family’s masters, mistresses, and young ladies celebrated the festival, Jin Niang had been curious her first year, but now she wasn’t the least bit interested.

Only one person caught her attention. She quietly asked Si Er, “What’s the news on Yan Hong, the one I asked you to keep an eye on?”

“Ever since losing the child, she’s been in poor health. Sister, you told Aunt Hu to send her nourishing soups, but Aunt Hu says she barely touches them.” Si Er was young, but hearing such things weighed heavily on her.

Jin Niang sighed. “If I were her, I’d bounce back. In this life, one’s own survival matters most.”

Then she turned to Si Er. “You’ve learned several stitches now—you can make shoe uppers and pouches, but not full floral patterns. I don’t have much time now, but tomorrow I’ll give you a flower pattern to practice.”

Si Er lit up. “Yes! I’ll study hard, though I’m slow. Madam Chen said you mastered embroidery in two years, but I’ve barely learned to cut pouches in the same time.”

“If I weren’t born with a knack, I’d be weaving cloth instead of embroidering. Don’t worry—we’re like sisters. I’ll teach you tailoring, something I once paid a master to learn.” Jin Niang patted Si Er’s head.

Shortly after the festival, Second Madam became pregnant. Within three months of her marriage, people had already been whispering, and now, after half a year, she was finally expecting. The Zhou household was abuzz.

“The Old Madam sent so many tonics and remedies to Second Madam that the maids could barely carry them.”

“Indeed, Second Madam even received premium ejiao from Daming Prefecture.”

Qin Shuanger and Fang Qiaolian eyed it with envy, but Jin Niang sighed. “Second Madam’s servants got double their usual pay, while we got nothing.”

Jin Niang felt like just a worker bee—only caring about wages, indifferent to everything else.

Fang Qiaolian joked, “You read too much into it. Forget bonuses—we should be grateful they haven’t made us sew onesies and blankets yet!”

When it was announced that Zhang Shi was pregnant, the entire household was overjoyed—except for Concubine Miao, who remained sullen and displeased. She’d gone through so much to bear a son and daughter, thinking that with Yan Hong out of favor, her own son would finally stand out. But now, the second mistress had become pregnant too.

So soon? How could it happen so fast?

She had believed that bearing one of the master’s only two sons would elevate her status—but in the end, nothing changed.

Yan Hong was easy to handle, but the second mistress? That was a different story.

She sat there in a daze for ages before someone entered—it was the fourth young lady. Concubine Miao couldn’t even manage a smile, speaking flatly instead: “Your father doesn’t concern himself with affairs of the inner household. Last night during the Mid-Autumn Festival, he kept asking why the second young lady hadn’t returned. Your needlework still isn’t up to par—here’s a shoe pattern. Stitch a shoe upper and make your father a pair.”

“Mother, I—” The fourth young lady had once thought, from reading novels, that needlework looked simple enough, but in reality, it was tedious. Even stitching a shoe sole was no joke—it took real elbow grease.

Besides, she disliked her scoundrel of a father. The way he treated his wives and concubines was nothing special, yet the women fought like cats in a sack. He put on a show of harmony but egged them on to compete in secret—those who won his favor received gold, silver, fine fabrics, and better meals.

Naturally, Concubine Miao was one of his favorites. But the fourth young lady wanted no part of it.

Concubine Miao lifted her eyelids to glance at her. “You ought to put in more effort. And though your father enjoys poetry, he dislikes overt displays of talent. If only you’d take a page from your eldest sister’s book—her needlework’s flawless, and she’s the picture of grace and virtue.”

The fourth young lady gave a vague reply.

She thought to herself that her mother still didn’t know—Jiang Shi had quietly funneled the family’s wealth to her two daughters. That was why she could speak so calmly.

After the second mistress’s pregnancy stabilized, everyone expected Cui Xian to be promoted. Instead, Zhang Shi promoted her own maid. Jin Niang only heard of this when she went to Aunt Hu’s for spiced fermented milk, as she also had to deliver several banquet dishes.

Aunt Hu chuckled. “You’re always cooped up in the sewing room, so you’re out of the loop. Don’t be fooled—though the second mistress treats Cui Xian well, she’s always wary of her.”

“I doubt either will benefit,” Jin Niang remarked. Her embroidery work had sharpened her eye for people. The second young master’s temperament differed from his father’s—he was a born prodigy, but a skirt-chaser too. A natural charmer, yet proud to a fault. Zhang Shi, though, seemed the loyal sort—probably didn’t mean it when she promoted her maid.

Aunt Hu handed her some lamb rolls. “True. I wouldn’t want Zhen Er serving the masters either. If she can work in the sewing room for a few years, and if I gain enough standing to arrange her marriage, that’d be more than enough for me.”

Jin Niang smiled. “That’s why I’m teaching Zhen Er. Lately, it’s been hectic—here, Zhen Er, I’ve brought a new embroidery pattern. It’s a hollyhock I drew. Stitch up and down here, then side to side here. The needle goes in from this spot.”

“I can’t follow anyone else, but you break it down just right. This hollyhock is lovely!” Zhen Er clutched the pattern like a treasure.

After leaving Aunt Hu’s, Jin Niang returned to work on a new wedding quilt. She’d already finished “Blooms of Wealth” and “Lovebirds in the Water.” Now, for the third set—since the eldest young lady’s dowry required ten sets, she chose “Crabapple and Butterflies,” symbolizing longevity. The white satin was stitched with twisted silk threads in every color.

The design depicted crabapple branches swaying in a spring breeze, blossoms tilting backward, leaves curling and twisting—capturing their grace, as clear as water, pure as frost.

They had to make two red quilts and one of another color.

After a full day’s work, Jin Niang finally completed the sketch. Si Er poured water into the foot basin and, while Jin Niang washed her feet, picked up the drawing. “Sister, your work keeps improving.”

“I’m just hitting my stride. I’m still far from the masters’ skill.” Jin Niang rested her chin in her hand.

Si Er widened her eyes. “But I think it’s wonderful.”

Amused by her earnestness, Jin Niang chuckled. “Alright, you should go wash up too.”

Their giggling grated on Qin Shuanger, who was still outside, painstakingly embroidering the “Hundred Sons and Thousand Grandsons” quilt late into the night. Hers was especially intricate—two identical ones, no less—leaving her sore and exhausted.

So she deliberately brought up, “Jin Niang, I heard the second young lady will return from the Jiang family soon. Watch your back—she’ll come for you again.”

“What can I do? She’s the young mistress—her word is law. At least Third Master He doesn’t know.” Jin Niang dried her feet and glanced toward Fang Qiaolian.

Si Er whispered, “Sister Jin Niang, why are you looking at Sister Fang?”

Jin Niang’s lips curled. She knew Fang Qiaolian was He family’s informant—why else would she suddenly dress in finery the moment Third Master He arrived?

Hmph. Both your natal family and marital family have blocked your path. If you’re sore about it, you’ve got no one to blame but yourself for crossing me first.