Chapter 54

**Chapter 54**

Zhang Shi was packing Zhou Cunzhi’s luggage. The couple had been separated for three years, but since reuniting, they had gotten along peacefully. Still, she wouldn’t be joining him on his new posting. At this thought, she recalled her mother’s words.

Men, after all, are all the same—there’s no cat that doesn’t sneak a bite. So it’s best to turn a blind eye.

Fortunately, during Zhou Cunzhi’s three-year absence, he had come back alone, without bringing anyone else with him. She had grilled his attendants, and they all confirmed there had been no funny business. That put her mind at ease.

But now Zhou Cunzhi was about to leave again for another posting, and what would happen in the next few years? She couldn’t say.

“Second Madam, the Second Master has sent a servant out once more to have clothes made.”

Since the household’s needlework department had been disbanded, Zhou Cunzhi’s clothing had always been her responsibility. So what was this about?

Zhang Shi kept a close watch on things and felt a vague unease. “He’s having new clothes made behind my back? Did he go anywhere else?”

“No, the Second Master has been in his study the whole time,” the servant replied.

Then the servant added, “Do you know which shop he went to? It’s the home of that Madam Wei who came by during the Lantern Festival.”

Zhang Shi scoffed. “So it’s that merchant’s daughter. No wonder she showed up uninvited that day—she must’ve been scheming.”

“What do you mean?”

Zhang Shi snorted coldly. “Just keep an eye on him.”

Jin Niang, meanwhile, was none the wiser. When Zhou Cunzhi’s servant came to have clothes made, Chen Xiaolang interjected: “Young sir, our shop only serves female customers. Please take your business elsewhere for men’s garments.”

The servant hurried back to report, leaving Zhou Cunzhi speechless. Zhang Shi, who had secretly sent someone to eavesdrop, was delighted.

Thus, after Zhou Cunzhi left for his posting, Zhang Shi even did business with Jin Niang, commissioning her to embroider pink peonies on the hem of her blue satin skirt. Jin Niang pocketed two strings of coins from the deal.

Fourth Miss naturally heard about this. Though she couldn’t meddle in her brother and sister-in-law’s affairs, she was relieved that Jin Niang—who in the book had been her brother’s concubine—now had no connection to him.

Why was this lifetime so different from before?

She even began to wonder if she had read a made-up story.

Meanwhile, Jin Niang was hard at work on Five Poison pouches and ropes for the Dragon Boat Festival—these needed to be sold before the holiday. Unexpectedly, a matchmaker showed up.

She was there for Luo Yue. The matchmaker beamed at Luo Yue and said, “Your daughter is so fortunate—she’s caught the fancy of an official’s son!”

It turned out that the Gong family’s wife had been ill for a long time and could no longer manage household affairs, so they wanted to take Jin Niang as a concubine.

Luo Yue put her hands on her hips and shouted, “Get out! My daughter would rather never marry than become someone’s concubine!”

The matchmaker protested, “The Gong family isn’t just anyone—they’re the son of the Kaifeng Prefect! Don’t be ungrateful!”

“Then I’ll go to Kaifeng Prefecture myself and ask what the penalty is for forcibly seizing common women!” Luo Yue slammed a cleaver into the table, scaring the matchmaker silly. Then she clapped her hands and laughed. “Did you think I was raised to be easily intimidated? Our family wouldn’t have survived in Kaifeng without some grit.”

Later, after the matchmaker left, she discussed the matter with her daughter. “Even though your embroidery shop only serves female customers and you rarely go out, your age, looks, and wealth will attract more and more shady types. Rather than letting others pick for you, we should choose someone ourselves.”

Jin Niang was well aware. When her embroidery business was still struggling, things had been fine. But now that it was thriving, all sorts of people were poking around once they learned she was unmarried.

Her friend Qu Fengying had hastily married in March as a second wife, and this month had confided in Jin Niang that her husband was not much to speak of.

Jin Niang sighed but still couldn’t make a decision.

Soon, however, she heard whispers of another rumor: the emperor still had no heir, and many wealthy families were planning to select beautiful young women from common households to be raised as foster daughters and sent into the palace.

"Mother, I promise you—I will choose someone to marry. He must be of similar age and appearance, and his family background shouldn’t differ too much from ours. After marriage, I still want to continue my business." Jin Niang finally made her decision.

Her birthday unfolded in this uneasy atmosphere. Luo Yue naturally couldn't just pick anyone at random—she had to reach out to people she knew, even humbling herself to approach Ying Niang and Rong Niang.

For her daughter’s sake, it wasn’t shameful.

But Jin Niang said, "Forget about them. They wouldn’t lift a finger to help even if it cost them nothing. Besides, you know that even if they did introduce someone, it wouldn’t be a good match."

Luo Yue fretted, "Then what should we do? What if you really get chosen to enter the palace?"

Word had spread that the imperial court was selecting women to enter the palace. Some families, eager to ease their burdens, willingly sent their daughters, while others—like Jin Niang, who was exceptionally beautiful—might be chosen as maids for imperial consorts or concubines, eventually presented to the emperor.

Jin Niang sighed softly and reassured her mother, "This is just speculation—don’t take it too seriously. I’m just an ordinary girl; entering the palace isn’t so easy."

Yet trouble always comes in waves. Jin Niang had always believed staying single was best—marriage would bring too many constraints, and she’d lose her freedom. As long as she stayed at home under the guise of filial duty, with her parents around, no one could force her.

"Mother, I feel like those who end up with matchmakers have already been picked through and discarded." Jin Niang always found matchmakers unreliable.

Luo Yue was just a petty trader—the people she knew were hardly worthy of her daughter. But then she thought of the Zhou family: "Last time I visited the Zhous, I noticed the first and second madams were both decent. Maybe you could ask them for help."

"Forget the first madam, but the second madam might still owe me a favor."

After all, she had once saved Qin Geer, and just last March, she had even made clothes for him. Wu Shi was kind enough, but asking for help went against Jin Niang’s nature.

Asking favors went against her nature.

Just as she was brooding, A Ying came in and said, "Miss, there’s a customer outside."

"Alright, I’ll go out now."

Once she crossed the threshold of the embroidery room, she assumed a polite smile. The visitor was a woman in her forties who looked somewhat familiar—gaunt to the point of emaciation, yet traces of former beauty lingered on her face.

"Madam, what would you like? I can help recommend something for you."

The gaunt woman, however, was impatient: "I’ve been seriously ill—just these past few months, I’ve lost so much weight. How can I appear less frail?"

Jin Niang smiled. "Broad embroidery patterns would only emphasize your thinness. Instead, you should choose a straight-collared undergarment—a tube top wouldn’t suit. A cross-collar style would be best. I’ll use two layers of color at the collar, and then you can wear a narrow-sleeved beizi over it. That’ll look very elegant."

The woman nodded. Seeing how ill she was, Jin Niang added, "Let me draft a design first, and then we can discuss the colors."

With that, she took out a drawing board and sketched a pink cross-collared undergarment, adding an extra layer of bright red at the collar. For the narrow-sleeved beizi, she suggested, "I’ll pad the shoulders for better shape—that way, your head and shoulders won’t look disproportionate. It’ll be very flattering."

The woman asked, "I happen to have a bolt of brocade. What would the total come to?"

"For the undergarment and beizi, plus some embroidery, the labor would be four guan."

As they spoke, another customer came in to buy a collar panel for one guan. The woman blinked, then immediately agreed to Jin Niang’s price.

Jin Niang politely prepared a receipt for her maid. To her surprise, the woman lived in Nanxun Lane—a neighborhood populated by many officials.

She had no idea the woman’s visit was deliberate. Later, Jin Niang reasoned with herself—there was no need to scare herself unnecessarily. She’d face each challenge as it came. Marriage was a lifelong matter—how could it be treated so casually? Besides, even daughters of officials struggled to marry without dowries these days. Though she had no noble status, with property and a business, why panic?

If she lost her composure now, one misstep could lead to many more. Marriage wasn’t some trivial game. A poor marriage could ruin her.

Other things required hard work, diligence, and luck—but when it came to love, fate held all the cards.

Then, two days later, Xiang Ming arrived.

Jin Niang assumed she had embroidery work to discuss, but instead, Xiang Ming said, "I’ve come about a matter—concerning your marriage prospects."

"My life's great matter?" Jin Niang asked, puzzled.

Since Xiang Ming had helped Madam Jiang repair the kesi garment last time and received a flower album and embroidery tips from Jin Niang, she had been promoted from third-rank maid to second-rank maid this month. Thus, she often stayed by Madam Jiang’s side and was very well-informed.

Therefore, she said, "The Sixth Madam of the Jiang family wants the First Madam to act as a matchmaker and propose marriage for you, but the First Madam turned her down."

Jin Niang didn’t know who the Sixth Madam Jiang was, but since Madam Jiang had refused, it was likely that she didn’t want her to marry into the Jiang family. Although Madam Jiang seemed to favor her last time, at heart, she still saw her as once having been her family’s servant—unworthy of marrying into her natal family. Thinking this, Jin Niang voiced her reasoning.

Upon hearing this, Xiang Ming said, "You see right through things, Sister. It seems I’ve only made things worse. Actually, this would actually be a good match." She then explained how she had brought Jin Niang into the matter and felt deeply remorseful.

Jin Niang, however, was deeply moved: "Thank you for remembering me. Your kindness alone is enough."

"Actually, the First Madam thinks that since the Sixth Madam is the real mother of Third Son-in-law Jiang Fang, she may not necessarily look down on you, Sister. It’s mainly because she fears that former mistress and maid might become sisters-in-law in the future," Xiang Ming analyzed.

Only then did Jin Niang understand—this Sixth Madam Jiang was the mother of Jiang Fang, the Third Son-in-law, though Jiang Fang had been adopted out.

Since she didn’t know these people anyway, she simply said, "It’s alright. Please don’t blame yourself."

Xiang Ming, however, smiled and said, "Although the First Madam refused, I doubt the Sixth Madam will take no for an answer. If the First Madam hadn’t mentioned the Third Son-in-law, it might have been fine, but now that she has, given the Sixth Madam’s temper, she’ll likely push even harder for the match. So, to make it short, the Sixth Madam has three sons and one daughter. The eldest is already married, the second was adopted out, and the daughter is long wed. Only the youngest son, Shiliulang, remains unmarried."

"He’s well-read, handsome, and a few years younger than you, Sister. He’d be perfect for you."

Just then, someone outside called for her, and she quickly stood up: "I came here on behalf of the First Madam to offer incense, so I can’t stay long. I must go now. Sister, be ready in the coming days."

Though Jin Niang thought the matter pretty unlikely, she didn’t want to dismiss Xiang Ming’s kindness and smiled, saying, "Don’t worry."

Of course, she didn’t mention this to anyone and continued cutting cloth for sachets. She then called Chen Xiaolang in and said, "I bought a length of Jianyang gauze from a Fujian customer earlier. Take it to the Gao family dye workshop and have them dye it in these two colors for me. Here."

*A note on currency: A length of Jianyang gauze cost only five hundred wen. Even with the dyeing fees for crimson and emerald green, the total wouldn’t exceed one guan.*

She didn’t always source her fabrics from Qu Fengying’s family—sometimes she sought out affordable yet beautiful materials herself. Now, she began cutting sachets, which could serve as freebies or be arranged in a full display for a lovely effect.

After embroidering a pair of sachets, Jin Niang started working on the floral embroidery for Lady Liu. She was completely absorbed in the task, and with A Ying now fully capable of handling ordinary customers, Jin Niang had no worries.

Meanwhile, after offering incense, Xiang Ming returned to report. Madam Jiang was troubled over the marriage prospects of her fourth daughter. Originally, she had intended to match her with Han Xiao, but Han Xiao had instead married the daughter of Chancellor Liu.

Thinking of Chancellor Liu reminded her of the Sixth Madam Jiang, née Liu, and she couldn’t help but complain to her eldest daughter, who was visiting: "You wouldn’t believe it—your Sixth Aunt is such a money-grubbing woman that she wants to marry her son to a merchant’s daughter!"

The eldest Miss Zhou had left early during the Lantern Festival to attend to her mother-in-law, so it was her fourth sister who later told her how Jin Niang, who once made clothes for them, had seemingly transformed and now held considerable wealth. Having been a married woman for years, the eldest Miss Zhou was no longer the romantic girl she once was—she understood the importance of money.

Thus, she said, "Sixth Uncle has repeatedly failed the imperial exams and has always been fond of putting on airs. With the family’s fortunes declining, he’s easily tempted by those with property and shops. But if he’s looking, he should aim for real wealth. I happen to know a family that owns a pearl shop—we often buy from them. Why not let me introduce them?"

"That might work. I heard Shiliulang was studying under Chancellor Liu but was recently dismissed. Do you know why?" Though Madam Jiang disliked the Sixth Madam, she was quite fond of Jiang Xian.

The eldest Miss Zhou hesitated before reluctantly answering, "I heard it was because Madam Xun was displeased with how close Liu Dalang and Xian-ge had become. You know, it was Chancellor Liu who noticed Xian-ge’s intelligence and allowed this distant relative to study there, especially since he got along well with Liu Dalang. But whether it was the Lius, the Xuns, or even some servants who couldn’t stand it, there was a lot of gossip. Someone must have egged her on, leading Madam Xun to make a scene, and the Chancellor had no choice but to send Shiliulang away."

"What vicious gossip! Just because Shiliulang is handsome, they spread such rumors?" Madam Jiang said indignantly.

The Sixth Madam Jiang said the same. Her original intention in asking Madam Jiang to act as a matchmaker wasn’t solely because of Jin Niang’s wealth—it was also because Jin Niang was exceptionally beautiful. In her view, the only way to dispel the rumors about her son’s rumored improper tendencies was to arrange his marriage as soon as possible.

She just hadn’t expected Madam Jiang to refuse.

Looking at her youngest son, her heart ached. *[coughing]* "Your aunt only knows how to criticize merchant daughters, but isn’t her own second uncle engaged in trade? Without this merchant uncle, where would her daughters’ dowries come from? Even princesses and noblewomen have married merchants—who do we think we are? I’m the daughter of a Hanlin scholar, and your elder sister-in-law is from an official’s family. What good has it done us? Back then, I said marrying the daughter of a poor official would only bring hardship, but your father wouldn’t listen. In the end, we had to sell a shop for the betrothal gifts, and her uncle barely scraped up two hundred guan for her dowry after much difficulty. Now, our family is declining further, my health is failing, and who among your father, brothers, or sisters-in-law will care for you? They can’t even take care of themselves."

"I’ve seen that Madam Wei—not only beautiful and talented—but also good with money. Most importantly, she’s humble and filial. Don’t be like those always wanting more, dreaming of waiting until you pass the imperial exams to marry. You’re only seventeen—who knows when you’ll become a jinshi? When I’m gone, who will look after you?"

...

Jin Niang never expected her mother to suddenly suggest going to Renwang Temple to offer incense. Luo Yuer added, "If you want to marry a good man, you must pray to the Bodhisattva with all your heart."

"But we shouldn't go to Renwang (Benevolent King) Temple—it's quite far from here," Jin Niang said.

"Though it’s a bit out of the way, it’s quiet, and we can enjoy a vegetarian meal before heading back," Luo Yüeh replied with a smile.

Then she leaned in conspiratorially: "Jin Niang, today Madam Wu—Academician Wu’s wife—suddenly came to my house and said she wanted to set up a match for you. I was so surprised I nearly jumped."

At the mention of her own marriage prospects, Jin Niang dropped all pretense of modesty. "Really? Which family is it?"

"It’s a son from an official family. His great-grandfather once served as chancellor, though his grandparents have passed away. Theirs is a true literati household—his mother is the daughter of an academician, and his father is a scholar too. They live in a three-courtyard mansion with a large garden in Nanxunfang, and they also own a five-bay shopfront on Golden Bridge Street, plus two hundred acres of paddy fields." Luo Yüeh was grinning from ear to ear.

Jin Niang laughed. "Why would a family like that want me?"

"Don’t sell yourself short! You now own your own home and shop—and they’re *yours*. That family has two sons, and when the parents are gone, there may not be much left after the split." Luo Yüeh thought her daughter could even marry into royalty.

Jin Niang gave a slight nod. "Then I’ll go meet them. But if things don’t work out, please don’t force me."

"Of course not! When have I ever forced you?" Luo Yüeh spread her hands wide.

Thinking it over, Jin Niang realized she had a point. After all, even if they liked each other at first glance, she could still discreetly inquire about his temperament. It wasn’t as if one meeting meant immediate marriage. She agreed.

When A Ying learned that Jin Niang was going on a blind date, she remembered how reluctant Jin Niang had always been to spend money on jewelry. So she used her own savings to buy a pearl-ornamented hairpin to help dress her up.

"You really are paying to do your job, aren’t you?" Jin Niang said with a wry smile.

A Ying replied, "I’ve saved every tip I’ve ever gotten from customers. I don’t spend much, and even my handkerchiefs, rings, and earrings were gifts from you."

Jin Niang could only sigh. "Alright, alright."

A Ying styled her hair in a *Falling Tassel* updo, twisting it into a concentric bun and securing it with silk ribbons. At the crown, she placed two pearl hairpins—one bought by A Ying, the other gifted earlier by Lady Zhou—and added pearl drop earrings. Her makeup followed the *Flying Rosy Clouds* style: first applying rouge, then powder, creating a fresh, delicate glow of pink beneath white.

She wore a willow-green *moxiong* (tube top) paired with a pale-yellow silk blouse, and below, a pearl-white pleated gauze skirt. At her waist hung an exquisitely embroidered pouch.

"Your neck needs powder too," A Ying said, dabbing a touch more onto Jin Niang’s collarbone with a soft puff.

At dawn, Wei Xiong drove the mule cart to take Jin Niang, her parents, and A Ying to the temple. The cart had been newly outfitted with brocade drapes and was now reserved for outings and deliveries.

Jin Niang hadn’t felt nervous at first—but as they neared Renwang Temple, her heart began to race.

Meanwhile, the Jiang mother and son had already arrived. Jiang Xian wore a cross-collar robe with subtle lotus patterns, dark green trousers, and a sheer gauze outer jacket. He stood beside his mother wearing a jade hairpin and black boots.

Passersby couldn’t help but glance at him. His features were refined, lips naturally rosy, teeth straight and white. One remarked, "*Now* there’s a handsome lad!"

Jiang Xian smiled and gently fanned his mother.

Madam Jiang Liu muttered, "Honestly, they raved about this pearl merchant’s daughter, but I did some digging. She puts on airs and is barely literate. Her family is wealthier than Madam Wei’s, yes—but she’s an only child with a widowed mother. I bribed her servants and found out she’s a shrew. She beats the staff constantly and throws tantrums over nothing. Once, I dressed plainly and accidentally spilled tea on her sleeve—she turned livid. If we married someone like that, people would think we were gold-diggers, and our home would never know peace."

She was no simpleton; her father had been an academician. When she married, her husband was the grandson of a chancellor—at the height of their fortunes.

Back with Jin Niang’s group, they had reached the foot of the mountain. Luo Yüeh called to Wei Xiong, "They’re waiting at Tu Family Tea Shop down below. Don’t rush over and make a scene."

Wei Xiong frowned. "Why would *I* be laughed at?"

"Because you're so swarthy," Luo Yüeh teased, thinking her husband lacked self-awareness.

Jin Niang paid no mind to their bickering. Taking a deep breath, she waited while A Ying stepped down and set the footstool. Then, with elegance, she alighted from the cart. Luo Yüeh hurried forward to greet them—they had met again briefly at the Wu residence.

This was Jiang Xian’s first time seeing Jin Niang. Though her beauty was striking, she carried herself without the usual coyness of young women. Standing poised and composed, she seemed radiantly pure, as if the breeze itself carried her scent.

The adults walked ahead deliberately, giving the pair space. They exchanged greetings. Jin Niang was stunned to see Jiang Xian—he was the same youth she had glimpsed fleetingly on the day she left the Zhou estate. Even then, just one look had been enough to leave an unforgettable impression.

When Jin Niang wasn’t sure what to ask next, she heard Jiang Xian say, “Five years ago, during my year in the zodiac cycle, my mother brought me to Renwang Temple. The path up isn’t steep, and their vegetarian meal includes a delicious dish of braised dried bamboo shoots.”

Five years ago was his zodiac year—so he must be seventeen now, three years younger than her!

“Since you mention it, I’ll have to try that dish later. What do you usually do at this time of day?” Jin Niang asked.

Jiang Xian smiled. “At this hour, I’d already be studying.”

Since this was a matchmaking meeting, it was best to clarify. Jin Niang inquired, “Are you preparing for the jinshi or mingjing exam track?”

“It’s the jinshi track. Just yesterday, I composed a poem under my tutor’s guidance,” Jiang Xian replied, then recited the full poem.

Jin Niang found the poem well-structured and chuckled when she heard the word “gamboge” (a yellow pigment). “I often use gamboge when painting. Oh, look—that’s a gamboge tree over there!”

Jiang Xian was surprised. “So that’s a gamboge tree?” He admitted with some embarrassment, “Though I’ve used the word in poetry, I’ve never actually seen one. How did you recognize it? To me, it looks like a loquat tree.”

“They do resemble each other, but there are differences...” Jin Niang began to explain.

Jiang Xian looked impressed. “My mother told me about your exquisite embroidery, but I hadn’t realized you were also knowledgeable about poetry.”

Jin Niang quickly demurred, “You flatter me, sir. I merely happen to know a little—hardly enough to be called knowledgeable.”

Since coming to this world, she had rarely met anyone she could converse with so effortlessly. Jiang Xian was one such person, and their conversation felt easy and natural. Wait—no, Jin Niang thought with amusement. It wasn’t some instant connection; he had been skillfully guiding the conversation all along.

This guy's good!