Chapter 48

Chapter 48

Feng Sheng bought that house outright the moment he saw it—he fell in love with it instantly. Located near Jinliang Bridge in western Bianjing, the three-courtyard house without a garden cost a total of five thousand guan.

He only told Rong Niang after completing the purchase, intending to surprise her. He sent the carriage to bring her there before revealing the news.

Rong Niang was initially delighted when she saw the house, but her joy quickly turned to concern: “How much did we borrow?”

“Not too much—don’t worry,” Feng Sheng replied confidently.

Now thirty-three, he’d always wanted a home of his own. The down payment came from years of savings and rewards as a physician—fifteen hundred guan in total. The remaining three thousand guan would be repaid over time.

Seeing Rong Niang still unconvinced, he added, “Don’t worry—I didn’t spend all my money. I still have some medicine to sell tomorrow. We’ll live comfortably.”

To reassure her, he gave her a hundred-guan note, which she accepted—but she still felt uneasy. “We owe so much now—we’ll have to be frugal from now on,” she warned.

She had heard that if they failed to repay the loan, the house could be repossessed—making this a huge risk.

Feng Sheng earned well, but unlike Jin Niang—who lived in her own home and managed on just one guan a month—he supported an entire family. His savings weren’t as substantial as one might imagine.

Rong Niang suspected her husband had been goaded by Jin Niang. Just then, Feng Sheng pointed out, “Look—the whole house has wooden flooring, so even in winter your feet won’t get cold. And here are two courtyards: one for Lin Geer, one for Guan Geer. We couldn’t ask for more.”

He glanced at Rong Niang, thinking to himself, *Despite everything, I’ve never looked down on her. I’m a man of conscience.*

Compared to Feng Sheng’s swift action, the third uncle’s household was stunned.

“Does embroidery really pay that well? I thought she was joking,” Ying Niang grumbled. She had always considered herself the successful one, while Jin Niang was just “poor and idle”—yet now…

Third Aunt frowned. “Could it be that her fiancé paid for it? Maybe she’s getting married.”

They speculated endlessly, even snubbing Luo Yue when they saw her.

Luo Yue sighed to Jin Niang, “What’s wrong with them?”

“We’ve always been generous—we never envied them when they bought houses. But the moment I buy one, they can’t handle it.” This was why Jin Niang rarely bothered arguing with them—they were too shallow.

Wei Xiong chimed in, “Do you really need to hire a building contractor? I’ve heard they take a hefty cut. Your mother and I could help instead.”

Jin Niang waved him off. “The property agent recommended him. You know I’m at the Embroidery Academy daily, and neither of you knows much about building houses. Lumber, stone, tiles, coordinating workers—it’s too much. With a contractor, I only deal with one person. Otherwise, I’d have to manage a dozen. Plus, they guarantee to meet the deadline. What’s wrong with that?”

“No one works for free. If there’s no profit, who would do it? As long as it’s reasonable, I don’t mind.”

The contractor, Mr. Gong—known as Master Gong—had already sketched the designs. “Look how nice these carved steps would be,” he suggested. “And many homes have overhanging eaves like this…”

These were unnecessary add-ons, and Jin Niang refused. “Skip the fancy bits. Just build it normally.”

Keep the basics plain—she could focus on furnishings later.

But she did insist, “I want a well dug near the east wing.”

“That’ll cost at least ten guan. Isn’t there one at the alley entrance?” Master Gong asked.

Jin Niang smiled. “Sharing one well with so many people is a hassle. Having our own is better—and isn’t that well’s water the best?”

Master Gong agreed. Then he mentioned, “We mix pepper into the wall plaster—it keeps the house warm. Would you like that?”

“Pass. Pepper won’t help much.”

Let's skip the gimmicks.

Mr. Gong brought up flooring again. Wooden floors were too expensive, so Jin Niang chose more affordable five-inch-thick gray bricks, which would later be sealed with lime mortar.

With all the various materials, Jin Niang was extremely patient, questioning every flawed detail. Even Mr. Gong didn’t dare to cut corners—he had assumed Wei Xiong was in charge, but realized that this young woman handled every decision.

She wasn’t only literate and skilled at calculations, but she could also draw, was quick on the uptake, and very practical. Most importantly, she paid promptly.

For the foundation and brick materials, the first installment alone came to thirty guan (a hefty sum), and she handed it over without hesitation. When payments are prompt, work naturally moves quickly.

After Mr. Gong left, Jin Niang said to Luo Yue: "Once the new house is ready, we’ll move there and rent out this one. Though this place is basically a slum, it can still fetch at least three guan a month—a future income stream."

"Wait—we’re moving too?" Luo Yue and Wei Xiong both exclaimed in surprise. After all, this was Jin Niang’s dowry, and they had thought her offer to let them move in was just playful talk.

Jin Niang scratched her head. "Of course! You two and my brother will live downstairs, and I’ll take upstairs—your rooms just won’t be as big as mine. I’ll have the carpenter make your cabinets together, but you’ll need to buy your own beds and desks."

Luo Yue suggested, "Why not bring our current beds over?"

"Buy new ones. Leave these here—we’ve slept on them for years. Even hiring someone to move them would cost a few hundred wen," Jin Niang laughed.

That’s just how she worked—laying everything out clearly ahead of time. That way, things went smoothly with her parents-in-law. If things were left vague, money disputes might arise later.

The group dreamed aloud about their new home, while Jin Niang visited every evening with her mother-in-law to check progress. Coming during the day felt like hovering, making the workers uncomfortable, and besides, she wouldn't understand everything they were doing.

Of course, she couldn’t stop her embroidery work either, especially with the house expenses. She couldn’t do private work at the Embroidery Academy during the day, so she lit candles at night to embroider.

That month, Brocade Pavilion paid her a record thirty-five guan. Jin Niang was delighted, and the shopkeeper added, "That lady adored your embroidery—she even bought up all your old stock."

But Jin Niang knew this was an exception—customers like that were few and far between. Plus, she wouldn’t receive the full payment until next month. Brocade Pavilion always withheld half the payment.

This made her even more certain that buying the house in Sweetwater Lane was the right choice. She needed her own shop. The cramped stall Brocade Pavilion provided barely held anything, and commuting from Sweetwater Lane would be too far.

She could be earning so much more!

Around Qingming Festival, the Embroidery Academy was busy making garments. Jin Niang carefully drew flower designs, preparing for her future shop. She didn’t want a traditional embroidery shop and already had plans for its layout.

Just then, a servant hurried in and whispered, "Head Embroiderer Wei, Academician Wu wants you to make a lined jacket for his wife. He’s asking if you have time."

"Academician Wu?" Jin Niang recalled the frail old man.

Though Song officials received generous salaries, she’d heard that Academician Wu’s family lived in poverty—both he and his wife suffered from chronic illness, and their son was very young and reportedly ill too.

The servant nodded. "Yes."

Remembering how Academician Wu had helped her on her first day by providing patterns despite his own troubles, she agreed. His home was no better than Stinky Water Alley—an old lane with sewage pooling outside. Jin Niang regretted wearing her satin shoes; they were ruined.

Finally locating his house, she knocked. Delivering the jacket directly from the Academy might look improper.

An elderly servant answered the door and led Jin Niang and her mother inside. Madam Wu’s hair was streaked gray, and though the weather had warmed, she wore a threadbare quilted coat. A tarnished silver hairpin held her bun, and she coughed into a handkerchief before ordering tea.

Jin Niang kept a straight face and beamed. "Madam Wu, I’m an embroiderer from the Embroidery Academy. The lined jacket Academician Wu requested is ready. Please try it on—I can adjust it if it’s too loose."

"Cough... thank you for your trouble," Madam Wu replied.

Jin Niang didn’t charge much—a token five hundred wen, since the jacket had little embroidery. "No trouble at all. We at the Embroidery Academy are grateful for Academician Wu’s drawings."

To her surprise, Madam Wu was quite talkative. Though life was hard, she didn’t complain. Looking at the jacket, she said, "He’s stubborn—it must’ve been hard for him to ask for help. We only have cotton and thin clothes here; our old lined jackets itch when worn. Your craftsmanship is amazing—such fine stitches in barely two or three days! Miss Wei, don’t think I’m flattering you. My family back in Wuzhong used to hire professional seamstresses in better times—you’re better than any of them."

"You’re too kind," Jin Niang blushed, then asked curiously, "I notice you’ve been coughing—what’s troubling you?"

Old Mrs. Wu waved her hand, “I originally had an eldest son who was about to marry at twenty when he suffered a fall while mountain climbing and plunged down a cliff. Then at forty, I gave birth to my younger son but caught a chill during childbirth, leaving me plagued with chronic coughing ever since.”

Her words resonated deeply with Lady Luo, who also had a younger son: “I was nearly thirty when I bore my son, and I caught a chill in my waist during the postpartum month—it still aches to this day.”

The two women exchanged stories of family life. When Jin Niang learned that Academician Wu personally taught his son to read, she immediately sensed an opportunity. Only exceptional individuals could enter the Hanlin Imperial Painting Academy; even a few lessons from such a distinguished scholar would be priceless for ordinary people.

“Old Mrs. Wu,” Jin Niang smiled as she spoke, “my younger brother is about the same age as your son. May I ask—does Academician Wu still accept students?”

Lady Luo, who had been listening quietly, glanced at her daughter in surprise. The idea of having a Hanlin academician personally tutor her son was something she had never dared to dream.

Old Mrs. Wu did not give a direct answer: “Such matters are beyond my control.”

“Mrs. Wu,” Jin Niang continued, “my brother has already studied under primary instruction for four years. He is kind-hearted and gentle by nature, though our family’s scholarly background is modest. If not for your kindness, I wouldn’t have dared bring it up. I’m not expecting immediate acceptance—just a chance for the elder to meet him. If he sees potential, then it is destined. If not, we will not insist.” She carefully avoided any mention of payment.

Old Mrs. Wu appeared hesitant but eventually agreed. Jin Niang then casually mentioned how busy she had been settling into her new home and that her parents would soon move in.

After leaving Academician Wu’s house, Lady Luo expressed her doubts: “Most scholars look down on merchant families. Do you really think Academician Wu will accept your brother?”

“Mother, what do we stand to lose?” Jin Niang countered.

Lady Luo paused—indeed, even if the Wu family declined, her son would continue studying regardless.

Still, she asked, “But you haven’t received your wages yet, have you?”

"Exactly. Since they haven't paid me, there's hope. You and Father should prepare the tuition and formal gifts for the apprenticeship ceremony." Jin Niang smiled.

It’s like courtship—if both sides are interested, things naturally align. If not, they would have handed over the money already. Still, she warned her parents: “If Academician Wu accepts my brother, he’ll have a real chance at entering Luming Academy. But we must keep this quiet.”

Success comes through secrecy; failure through careless talk.

Just as when she bought the house—she secured the deed before making any announcements. To accomplish anything, one must act discreetly and reveal only after success is certain.

Later, Old Mrs. Wu relayed Jin Niang’s request to Academician Wu: “Since she’s a female official at the Embroidery Bureau, she must be a determined young woman to purchase a home in Bianjing on her own. I thought perhaps her brother might come and keep our Shao’er company. It would make the household livelier.”

They were elderly, raising a very young child, and Shao’er rarely spoke. Having another boy around would be good. Though the Wei family were merchants, Jin Niang clearly came from a well-mannered, resilient household—and most importantly, their finances were stable. The master would also receive tuition fees.

A few days later, Academician Wu tested Yang Ge’er and found him honest, steady, and showing promise as a scholar, so he accepted him. Wei Xiong and Lady Luo brought out twenty strings of coins saved over half a year as tuition. Jin Niang took fine silk from her chest, cut several feet, and chose two handkerchiefs. Lady Luo added ten boxes of homemade juicy meat buns as gifts.

Under Tutor Gou’s instruction, Yang Ge’er had barely learned to recognize characters. But with Academician Wu—a learned and warm-hearted old scholar—as his teacher, his progress was remarkable.

First, his crooked handwriting transformed into the neat, squared 馆阁体 (Imperial Academy script). Second, his studies became far more structured.

At first, Jin Niang had hoped her brother might become a bookkeeper or manager at a money house. After all, only those who truly study know its hardships. The imperial exams are far more difficult than today’s tests—a perilous bridge to cross. Although the Song Dynasty uses the sealed-name system, the practice of submitting practice compositions is rampant. For a small merchant family like theirs, raising a palace graduate is rarer than winning the lottery.

Though Academician Wu’s household was modest, he was wise and warm-hearted. He tested Yang Ge’er multiple times, confirming his upright character and decent aptitude before accepting him as a disciple.

Her parents were delighted and threw themselves into their work with renewed energy.

By May, the foundation was laid, and the structure began to rise.

Jin Niang and Lady Luo visited often, while Wei Xiong, occupied at home, came less frequently. When he did arrive, he was surprised to see how much had already taken shape.

“Jin Niang, why are there three doorways here?” he asked.

She explained, “These three rooms will be joined into one embroidery shop. The center will hold the counter, the east side will have embroidery stands, and the west will serve as a parlor where guests may rest and drink tea.”

They walked inside and saw a space several feet wide. The eastern side was covered by a shed roof with grooves beneath, while the western side had a privy built in, complete with a doorway. Wei Xiong stepped inside briefly, then backed out sheepishly.

Jin Niang covered her mouth and giggled: “I had two privies built—one right here for customers’ use, and another on the west side of our upper floor, keeping ours separate.”

The moon gate in the middle had already been built, and Jin Niang pointed to an empty space behind it. “I specifically asked them to leave this area for planting peach blossoms. That way, when you look from our main hall through the central gate, you’ll see a view framed by blooming peach blossoms, with our little house nestled among them—very pretty indeed. And I want the second-floor balcony decorated with flowers too, so no one will realize we used plain gray lime for the walls.”

Minimal structural work, maximal decorative touches—Jin Niang had experience renovating houses in her past life.

By noon, everyone was tired from walking around, so Jin Niang went to the Great Xiangguo Temple and bought many inexpensive vases, bamboo curtains, baskets, and other delicate bamboo crafts—cheap yet elegant items said to be shipped from Zhejiang.

Luo Yü’e tugged at Jin Niang’s sleeve. “Did you notice just now while you were buying things, the steward of a rich household was also shopping there…”

“That’s how it is,” Jin Niang replied. “Things outside might be cheap, but once they enter the inner quarters, prices jump tenfold. We, born on the streets, pinch every copper—we have to. But inside those mansions, their servants are their eyes and ears. Which cook doesn’t pocket something? When I was at the Zhou family’s, I saw them drop hundreds of taels without blinking on plants that cost only a few dozen coins apiece outside. The skimming alone must’ve been staggering.”

Near the Great Xiangguo Temple, her mother treated them all to roasted meat at Zhu Yuan restaurant. The four of them staggered out stuffed.

Back home, they found Auntie Third had come by, saying Ying Niang had given birth to a daughter a few days ago and inviting everyone to the baby’s third-day bath.

Luo Yü’e smiled. “Great, we’ll definitely go if we can.”

“What kind of talk is that? All the maternal relatives should be there,” Auntie Third pressed, eager to shake down the second branch for some cash, especially since their business had been struggling lately. Seeing others buy houses and build properties made her even more resentful.

She went on a tirade, rambling about what a proper gift should be, practically demanding gold Buddhas and jade Goddess statues, repeating “maternal relatives” over and over until even Wei Xiong couldn’t stand it anymore. He snapped, “We’ll talk about it later. It’s late—you should go home now.”

Only then did Auntie Third pout and leave.

When she got back, she found Third Uncle dressed up and ready to go out. She hurriedly asked, “Where are you off to?”

Third Uncle sighed. “Ying Niang gave birth, and as maternal relatives, we have to cover most of the costs. I’m heading to the gambling den. Business has been bad since the start of the year—I’ll try my luck.”

Remembering he’d won big last year, she didn’t want to spend her own money. So she said with a smile, “Then go early and come back early. I’ll leave the door open.”

Third Uncle hefted his coin purse and set off, aiming to strike it rich.

...

The next day, Jin Niang went to the Embroidery Academy and bumped into Zou Yue’e.

“Jin Niang, since you were off yesterday, you probably don’t know—Broker Cheng came looking for you. He wanted to talk about re-signing your contract. Honestly, we forgot ours expired at the end of last year.”

Jin Niang nodded. “Thanks for letting me know. I’ll go find him at noon.”

Zou Yue’e smiled. “Good.”

But when she met Broker Cheng, she was surprised to find he still offered two guan per month. “You sure? Why’s it still two guan?” she asked, puzzled.

Broker Cheng’s eyes flickered. “That’s what the academy requires. We have no say.”

“But now I’m interim Chief Embroiderer. If they really stick to two guan later, I’ll get the short end with no recourse.” Jin Niang wasn’t about to trust sweet words alone—they could change anytime.

Broker Cheng, being an old acquaintance and not a bad sort, seeing her sharpness, kindly warned, “You’ve got a lot of people watching your position. You’re only temporary. I won’t say more than that.”

In other words, if she refused the two-guan deal, she’d have no contract—and no job. Bottom line: the Chief Embroiderer title wouldn’t be hers anymore.

Strangely, hearing this, Jin Niang actually felt lighter. “Well, nothing lasts forever. In that case, I won’t sign. Since I’ve got no contract with the academy anyway, I’ll just let the Chief Embroiderer know.”

Truth was, she’d been planning to open her own shop once the new house was done, and had been on the fence between keeping the academy job or going independent. Now, she could cut ties with the academy and focus fully.

Broker Cheng often worked with officials. Last time Jin Niang bought her house, it was his brother-in-law, Master Gong the bookbinder, who helped arrange the craftsmen. So he added, “Even though you didn’t finish the full month, I’ll make sure you’re paid.”

“Okay,” Jin Niang said, letting out a relieved sigh.

How unpredictable life is. Fortunately, I had already thought of a plan.

Zou Yue’e had, of course, signed the two-strings-of-cash contract. She was very surprised to hear that Jin Niang was leaving. Knowing that Zou Yue’e was someone who disliked change—she hadn’t even gone looking for work at embroidery houses like the Splendid Pavilion, just kept her head down and worked here without looking elsewhere—Jin Niang smiled and said, “I never expected our parting to come so soon. Wishing you all the best ahead.”

At least she had pretty much learned all there was to learn at the Embroidery Academy.

Zou Yue’e hadn’t expected her to leave so decisively and stood stunned. Without this job and still unmarried, how was she going to get by?

Jin Niang shouldered her bundle and headed home, only to find her parents’ faces dark with anger at the door. She was still wondering whether they already knew she had left the Embroidery Academy—had Broker Cheng told them?

Just as she was about to speak, her father said, “Jin Niang, your third uncle gambled in Xingqing Ward yesterday. While fleeing from the officers, he fell from a wall and died right then and there.”

Jin Niang was stunned.