Chapter 53

Chapter 53

When Jin Niang received the message, she paused for a moment before grabbing a handful of loose change for the errand boy. She then had A Ying pack some pastries for him and went to inform Luo Yue of the news.

"They said they’d like you and me to come over for a chat," Jin Niang said.

Luo Yue gasped, then hesitated. "I don’t know much about etiquette—what if I make you lose face?"

Jin Niang laughed. "You have me, don’t you? Besides, we still have half a month to prepare. Honestly, we don’t really need anything from the Zhou family. When you ask nothing of others, you stand tallest."

Only those seeking official positions or harboring ulterior motives would tiptoe around, afraid of making mistakes.

This was their first New Year in the new house. Luo Yue and Ju Xiang took charge of the cooking, with Chen Xiaolang helping on the side, while Jin Niang began sewing clothes for the mother and daughter.

A Ying remarked, "Miss, why not take a few days to relax?"

"I *am* relaxing. Today I slept in till the sun was high, and now I’m just doing some needlework." Jin Niang thought to herself that sewing for others felt different than sewing for herself.

Then she turned to A Ying. "If you’re not in the mood for needlework, go help them with the New Year’s feast."

A Ying, always restless, immediately headed to the kitchen. Jin Niang nodded inwardly—this girl had some sense and wasn’t the type to slack off.

At noon, everyone gathered around the same table to eat, setting aside formal hierarchies. After the meal, they all prepared to bathe and wash their hair, truly living up to the spirit of "out with the old, in with the new."

On New Year’s Day, A Ying, Ju Xiang, and Chen Xiaolang kowtowed to Jin Niang, who gave each of them a red packet with sixty-six copper coins as a reward, along with a box of osmanthus cakes. The two girls received red hair ribbons, while Chen Xiaolang was given a headscarf.

Luo Yue also gifted each of them a pair of silk shoes worth forty coins and a pair of straw sandals.

Jin Niang’s family then set out to enjoy the festivities. The streets—Ma Hang Street, Pan Lou Street, the roads outside Song Gate in the east and Liang Gate in the west—were all lined with colorful tents housing stalls selling rare treasures, jewelry, hair ornaments, clothes, and flowers.

"When we get tired, we’ll stop by a nearby restaurant for a meal—my treat," Jin Niang said with a smile.

Everyone clapped in delight.

Thinking ahead to their visit to the Zhou family, Luo Yue picked out two pairs of silk flowers, while Jin Niang spent a full guan on a gilded hairpin adorned with a row of tiny pearls and a pair of silver earrings with leaf motifs. After the purchase, her heart ached at the cost.

It wasn’t that she didn’t love beautiful accessories—what woman wouldn’t? But with debts still unpaid and her goal of saving a thousand guan far from reach, small expenses were manageable, but splurging still stung.

A Ying and Ju Xiang, however, were thrilled. The two didn’t get along well—A Ying was sharp and quick on her feet, occasionally lazy but never greedy, not even tempted by gold and silver right before her. Ju Xiang was decent at cooking but not the quickest, though she bore hardships patiently.

Jin Niang valued their strengths and intended to keep them both.

She addressed them directly at the table: "I’m telling you this now so you won’t worry. After the New Year, I’ll send for the matchmaker to secure your indentures. From then on, we’ll be family."

A Ying and the others were overjoyed. Both were bound by irrevocable contracts—essentially lifelong bonds—but serving a mistress like Jin Niang was far better than elsewhere.

Since joining, they had better clothes, someone who cared for them, reasonable workloads, and simple relationships—truly a good place.

But Jin Niang also set expectations: "Our household doesn’t have many rules, but I want each of you to learn a new skill. Ju Xiang, perfect three standout dishes. Xiaolang, learn to identify different fabrics. A Ying, learn to dress hair properly. If you do well, any gratuities from patrons will be yours to keep—I won’t take a share."

Without goals, folks just muddle along. With them, there’s always something to strive for.

The three cheerfully agreed.

After returning from their outing, Jin Niang rested on the couch. That night, as A Ying kept her company with needlework, she mused, "When making clothes, if you promise fifteen days, try to finish in about a week. That way, you won’t panic should you take ill or something unexpected happens."

"Miss, if only we could come into fortune one day—then you wouldn’t have to work so hard," A Ying said, thinking of how hard Jin Niang worked to make ends meet, support her, and had even given her a ring earlier.

Jin Niang chuckled. "Who doesn’t want to get rich? But if someone without the ability comes into money unprepared, they’ll be eaten alive."

With that, she reminded A Ying again: "We're going to the Zhou residence for the Lantern Festival. There are many high-status women there—observe how they style their hair and remember well."

A Ying placed a hand over her heart and quickly assured her she wouldn't forget.

Except for one outing on New Year's Day, Jin Niang spent the rest of the days cutting fabric and embroidering. After finishing each piece, she carefully pressed the garments by hand and hung them on clothes racks to avoid any creases.

By the seventh day of the new year, Jin Niang had completed all the clothing orders. On the eighth day, she reopened the shop and began working on embroidered floral patches—roses, peonies, and magnolias. For the roses, she referenced Huang Quan's *Butterfly and Rose Painting*.

She was already very familiar with Huang Quan’s work—a mere glance sufficed before she could begin sketching. Fortunately, there were no customers that day, so she could focus entirely on her embroidery.

A Ying let out a long sigh: "Miss, some people came earlier but just asked around and left."

"That's normal. Which family can afford to make new clothes every day? Even wealthy households only get a few new pieces each season." Jin Niang had earned twenty-five strings of coins by the end of last month. Even if no one came before the Lantern Festival, she had nearly met this month's goal already. Besides, it was only the eighth day—the festival was still several days away.

Moreover, hers was primarily an embroidery shop, not a tailor’s. Many less affluent families went to tailors for clothing—her parents had even had theirs made at the alley entrance for just two or three hundred coins apiece.

A Ying picked up her needlework as well. Now serving as a personal maid, she was responsible for making Jin Niang’s socks, undergarments, and menstrual cloths. She knew that although Jin Niang had earned some money last month, buying the three of them had cost over ten strings of cash, and there were still debt payments to be made—so little remained.

That’s why she felt anxious.

Fortunately, on the tenth day, a customer arrived requesting embroidery on the hems of two pleated skirts—one grass-green, the other pure white. Jin Niang showed them several floral patterns to choose from, collected two strings of coins, and agreed to rush the order.

Just as she finished sketching the designs, an elderly servant woman entered and asked whether she made Hundred Sons blankets. Jin Niang shook her head: "I mostly do flower and bird embroidery. You might want to ask elsewhere."

When the woman left, Luo Yü happened to overhear and asked Jin Niang: "Why didn’t you take that order?"

"Mother, each trade has its mastery. If I were skilled at embroidering figures, wouldn’t I have chosen that from the start? It’s better for me to focus on flowers and birds—I’m better at that than trying to do everything. I know my limits. I don’t have divine gifts or supernatural advantages, nor am I truly gifted—I rely only on ordinary intelligence and hard work.

My reputation in floral and avian embroidery isn’t yet established. If I also took on what I’m not good at, I’d lose ground on both fronts."

Luo Yü considered this and nodded: "That makes sense."

Now that her morning food stall closed early, she often lingered in the front shop. With others handling laundry and cooking, life had become much easier for her. The winter chilblains that once afflicted her hands barely flared up this year.

Before long, the Lantern Festival arrived. In the morning, Jin Niang was still busy in the shop. At noon, she locked up and began getting ready. She applied a dusting of powder, and A Ying helped with her eyebrows—some people simply have natural talents, and A Ying clearly excelled at styling hair and applying makeup.

If Jin Niang did her own brows, they often ended up uneven or unsuitable for her subtle features.

Her delicate face couldn’t carry bold makeup; a fresh, understated look suited her best, giving her a gentle, appealing charm. Since she was unmarried, her hair couldn’t be fully pinned up. A Ying styled only the front sections, securing them with a gold-washed hairpin and two blue silk flowers that matched her dress.

Standing before the mirror, Jin Niang admired her reflection—refined and gentle—and was quite pleased.

After helping Jin Niang, A Ying called Luo Yü to help her with her own hairstyle. Luo Yü, who used to spend an hour changing outfits before going out, had even higher standards today for visiting the Zhou family. She complained that A Ying’s updo looked too old-fashioned and that Jin Niang’s rose-scented powder was too heavy.

"Mother, my rose-scented powder costs half a tael of silver per box!" Jin Niang protested.

Luo Yü waved her off: "Never mind, never mind. I’ll just use my eighty-coin rice-flour powder. I can’t get used to your expensive things."

Jin Niang urged her: "Hurry up. We should make our greetings before their mealtime—otherwise, they’ll think we’re just there for free food."

Luo Yü quickly apologized: "Alright, alright, dear daughter. Just a moment longer."

Jin Niang and A Ying exchanged a knowing smile.

Finally, mother and daughter set out, with Wei Xiong driving them to the Zhou residence. When they arrived at Magpie Lane and stepped down from the carriage, A Ying supported Jin Niang and asked: "Miss, which house is the Zhou family’s?"

"The whole lane is Zhou property—their three branches all live side by side." Jin Niang looked around, feeling as though she were revisiting a familiar place, though now in a far better mood.

The Zhou gate was as bustling as ever. Jin Niang told A Ying: "Hand our calling card to the gatekeeper first."

"Okay, but what if they ignore me?" A Ying felt a bit intimidated by such a grand household.

Jin Niang smiled. "No worries. You go ahead and speak first. If it doesn’t work out, I’ll step in."

A Ying nervously approached to hand over the invitation. The servant at the gate asked them to wait for a while. After quite some time, Xiang Ming finally appeared, greeting them warmly. "Sister Jin Niang, Madam Luo, sorry to keep you waiting. Madam Jiang specifically asked us to invite you to the theater pavilion for a chat."

"Theater pavilion? Are there guests today?" Jin Niang inquired.

Xiang Ming lowered her voice. "Yes, there are guests—it’s also for the Fourth Young Lady’s marriage prospects. Madam Jiang’s mother’s side of the family, the Old Madam’s relatives, and even the married Eldest Young Lady are all here. But don’t worry, Sister. The more people there are, the better it is for you."

Jin Niang was surprised. What did this girl mean? She wanted to ask further, but Xiang Ming refused to elaborate.

As they walked, Jin Niang remained composed, while Luo Yu’e and A Ying walked carefully. Upon reaching the theater pavilion, they crossed the pavilion over the water to the opposite hall, where they waited outside until Xiang Ming let them know they could enter.

Inside, the air was filled with the scent of perfumed silks and the glint of jewelry. The ladies were chatting and laughing over some topic.

That day, Madam Jiang was accompanied by her brothers’ wives. By noon, some of the outside guests had already left, leaving only close relatives from their mothers’ sides engaged in conversation.

Upon hearing of Jin Niang’s arrival, they promptly invited her in.

Yet, when the women entered, Madam Jiang was momentarily stunned. Beautiful women were not uncommon, but rarely did one carry such grace—her gentle smile and graceful bow were like pear trees bursting into bloom all at once.

The transformation was so dramatic that she almost didn’t recognize her.

Wu Shi gestured for seats to be brought for Jin Niang and her mother, then inquired about their experiences over the years. Jin Niang knew that gatherings like these thrived on good conversation and new people or interesting stories—today, she was that novelty.

The Fourth Young Lady, seated below, finally understood why Zhou Cunzhi had taken a liking to Wei Jin Niang. She had always found it confusing, but now it was clear—the woman was truly beautiful and capable.

"...After leaving the estate, I got into the Embroidery Academy. While working there, I also helped out at an embroidery shop, which allowed me to purchase some property..."

Jin Niang didn’t boast excessively. In her eyes, she couldn’t even compare to Feng Sheng’s wealth—how could she show off in front of the Zhou family?

Wu Shi, however, seemed eager to elevate her. "I heard you bought property in Sweetwater Lane, including a shop front? Why not invite us over sometime?"

"At first, funds were tight, so I only bought a plot of land. Later, I had a house and shop built, but the place is still small, and I’ve only just opened for business. I wanted to wait until business improved before inviting anyone, but then I happened to meet Xiang Ming while repairing kesi fabric. So, I took the liberty of sending festival gifts—thankfully, the ladies didn’t disdain them." Jin Niang spoke humbly.

Xiang Ming chuckled. "Madam Wei is being modest. When I visited her shop, I was too awed to step inside—three spacious shop fronts, with a circular moon gate in the middle revealing a building behind. The entire layout was her own design."

Jin Niang quickly waved her hand. "Xiang Ming, you’re exaggerating."

Madam Jiang smiled. "The buttery abalone pastries you sent were delicious—better than any I’ve had elsewhere."

Unbeknownst to her, the surrounding ladies were inwardly astonished. When Madam Jiang passed around the handkerchiefs Jin Niang had gifted, their initial suspicions about the source of her wealth vanished—her embroidery skills were genuinely exceptional.

Even Luo Yu’e added, "The Embroidery Academy once suggested she take the exam to become a female official, assuring her she could rise to Embroidery Chief or even Chief Embroiderer. But she chose to return and start her own business out of filial piety."

The Fourth Young Lady did some mental calculations—shop fronts, a residence, and land deeds amounted to at least two or three thousand taels. With such craftsmanship and steady monthly income, Jin Niang’s wealth wasn’t far behind her own as a young lady.

"I heard Madam Luo also has a son?" Madam Jiang inquired.

Luo Yu’e smiled. "Yes, I have a younger son, ten years Jin Niang’s junior. He’s currently studying under Academician Wu of the Hanlin Academy." She then credited all the achievements to Jin Niang.

Wu Shi, surprised, remarked, "Academician Wu is actually somewhat related to my mother’s side of the family."

At this, Madam Jiang and the other ladies regarded Jin Niang with even greater admiration—everyone respected talent.

Moreover, Jin Niang answered fluently. When Madam Jiang asked, "I heard last year’s heavy rains in Jiangnan caused a silk shortage," she replied,

"Indeed. That’s why Kaifeng Prefecture plans to sell stained Zhejiang silk this year to alleviate the shortage. First-grade silk ranges from 1,200 to 1,400 wen per bolt, while colored silk is only 1,000 wen. I happen to know someone from the Silk and Brocade Office, so I acquired a few bolts. This underrobe of mine is made from colored silk bought in Kaifeng." Jin Niang smiled.

The ladies noticed the exquisite patterns on the inner garment beneath her beizi, never imagining how it was made. Some of them were genuinely intrigued.

Don’t think the rich aren’t out for a deal—often, the richer they are, the more they seek bargains. Her mother had told her how even men in fine brocade robes would bargain over a few coins for their steamed buns.

Glancing at the sun, Jin Niang smiled. "Ladies, the day is waning. We’ve paid our respects and fulfilled an old wish, so we won’t overstay our welcome."

As a former maid of the Zhou household, she knew drawing too much attention might not be wise.

Jin Niang was just a passing distraction. Jiang Shi’s main purpose today was arranging the fourth young lady’s marriage. Though Han Xiao was a widower, at just twenty-two, he was still a hot commodity—even a grand councilor wanted to marry off his grandniece to him.

Jiang Shi had brought Jin Niang along to prove that a woman’s skills mattered most. The fourth young lady, though a concubine’s daughter, was dutiful, and her brother was a twice-ranked imperial scholar. The grand councilor’s grandniece, orphaned and without siblings, couldn’t compare to the Zhou family.

Once Jin Niang and her mother left, Jiang Shi remarked, "You really can’t judge by looks. Had this young lady not spoken of her background, sitting there quietly, she’d rival any official’s wife."

Wu Shi chimed in, "Exactly! Her only flaw is her background. Yet, the world is full of shallow minds. Those who recognize true worth without prejudice are the fortunate ones."

Sadly, Madam Han paid no heed, though the others present did.

Exhausted upon returning home, Luo Yue sighed, "I didn’t dare move a muscle there. Home is so much more comfortable."

"Mother, I’m off to bed—I’m truly worn out," Jin Niang yawned.

Luo Yue nodded.

Talking to noble ladies was more tiring than hard labor.

After the Lantern Festival, Jin Niang reopened her shop, keeping it spotless and working hard on embroidery every day, never slacking.

Meanwhile, Feng Sheng was being pushed out of work. After the festival, he visited the clinic only to realize he was being sidelined—important patients were now handled by a renowned physician Dr. Zhao had summoned from Huzhou. To make matters worse, he was told his contract wouldn’t be renewed and to look for another job.

"But Dr. Zhao always trusted you! Why the sudden change?" Rong Niang was baffled.

Feng Sheng scoffed. "I thought curing that noble would boost my career. Instead, once recovered, they wanted nothing to do with me. Dr. Zhao, always sharp, didn’t hesitate to shove me aside."

At a loss, Rong Niang pleaded, "Why not join another clinic? With your experience, you could easily secure a position."

Feng Sheng shook his head. "Even if he wants me gone, I won’t go without something in return."

"What are you planning?" Rong Niang went pale, afraid he’d do something rash.

Feng Sheng gave a cold laugh, then disguised himself the next morning and shadowed Dr. Zhao, tracking him dawn to dusk until he uncovered clues.

On the day his contract ended, Dr. Zhao pretended to be kind: "May you find great success."

"Many thanks. But perhaps you’d care to explain this?" Feng Sheng produced a note bearing the address of Wutong Lane, arms crossed.

Dr. Zhao froze. Terrified of his wife—yet childless—he had secretly kept a mistress, hidden meticulously. Now Feng Sheng knew.

"What do you want?"

Feng Sheng smiled.

An hour later, he climbed into a carriage, clutching a bundle. Opening it, he saw eight hundred guan in crisp banknotes.

When he recounted this to Rong Niang, she felt uneasy—his scheming made her uneasy.

Feng Sheng just grinned. "I’ve already secured a new clinic—twenty-some guan monthly, just as a resident physician." He bragged excitedly about how he’d uncovered Dr. Zhao’s secret and tailed him...

By late February, Jin Niang learned of Feng Sheng’s new position. Though distant relatives, she was wholly absorbed in her shop. Hearing of her brother-in-law’s maneuver, she said, with rare approval, "He does have his methods."

But Rong Niang seemed somewhat displeased, though Jin Niang had no idea in what way.

In February, she earned a total of thirty-eight strings of coins—far more than expected. However, six strings went toward repaying a loan, one string was set aside for monthly wages, and after taxes, she was left with just over twenty strings.

Fortunately, on the first day of March, Wu Shi gave her business. Wu Shi’s maid, Lan Ruo, asked Jin Niang to make two sets of clothes for Qin Geer and deliver them. Since Lan Ruo hadn’t brought the measurements, Jin Niang would have to visit their household in person.

On her way to pay respects to Wu Shi, she happened to meet a young man—none other than Zhou Cunzhi. After becoming a jinshi, he had been assigned to a provincial post for three years and had since risen from county magistrate to Circuit Judge. He had now come to visit the second household for a drink.

Though somewhat arrogant, he immediately moved out of the way upon seeing an unmarried woman.

Still, in that brief encounter, she struck him as rather beautiful.

Later, a servant from the second household explained: “That’s not some stranger—it’s Miss Wei from the former needlework room of the first branch. She now runs her own shop. Our Second Lady remembers how she once saved our boy Qin Geer, so she made sure to give her the order.”

So that was Jin Niang? Could it be that she’d actually slimmed down after hearing his words?