Chapter 66

**Chapter 66**

The matter of dividing the property was postponed until the next day, when Wei Xiong and Luo Yu’e, along with several of Xu Shi’s brothers and their wives, were summoned to witness the proceedings. Only then was it finalized.

Jin Niang suddenly found herself in possession of several contracts. On one hand, she felt pleased at her growing assets; on the other, a sense of unease crept over her. Her parents, unfamiliar with the intricacies of inheritance disputes, considered being asked to witness an honor—and even felt somewhat awestruck by the occasion.

Jiang Xian was keeping her parents company in conversation. Wei Xiong could only reminisce about his days in the imperial guard—a story he had told so often that Jin Niang and the others were sick to death of hearing it. Moreover, since he wasn’t particularly articulate, Jin Niang always worried he might reveal his incompetence in public. Thus, in most situations, she usually urged him to speak less, so as not to expose the gap between his imposing appearance and his true nature—lest others target him for it.

Sure enough, Wei Xiong repeated the same story multiple times, prompting Xu Shi’s maternal uncles to grow impatient, shooting him dismissive glances. Jiang Xian, however, kept them company over drinks, remaining attentive and courteous throughout.

After the midday feast ended, Jin Niang saw her parents off, changed into fresh clothes, and accompanied Jiang Xian to the Zhou household.

Both were dressed plainly, yet Jin Niang looked all the more striking in simplicity. Her lips were soft pink like cherry blossoms, and Jiang Xian couldn’t resist tilting her chin up and pulling her close for a kiss—deep, relentless, and so tender it left her breathless.

“What’s wrong?” Jin Niang gasped when they finally parted.

Jiang Xian chuckled. “Nothing. I’m just marveling at how quickly everything happened—it feels unreal. And now we’re going to a funeral… everything feels a bit surreal.”

Jin Niang understood perfectly: “The sun rises in the east and sets in the west every day. As the older generation passes away, a new generation rises in its place, continuing the cycle endlessly. We may grieve, but we must also live our lives well—to make our time here worthwhile.”

It was likely that Sixth Madam had chosen to divide the estate now because her health was failing, and she wanted to settle matters early.

Her words seemed to resonate deep within him. Few had ever spoken to him this way—even among close friends, some things simply weren’t said aloud.

Jiang Xian grew even more reluctant to part from her. Even now, as they prepared to offer condolences (dao nao), he said urgently, “I’ll go ahead to greet Second Master, then come back for you.”

“It’s fine,” Jin Niang reassured him. “I know the Zhou family well—it’s just a different role now. If they mock me, I’ll pretend not to hear. If they treat me politely, I’ll exchange a few words and leave.” Suddenly, she realized something: if someone truly cared for you, they would never push you aside—they’d hold you dear to their heart.

Jiang Xian kissed her again and changed his mind. “No, I’ll take you to Aunt first. If I treat you as precious, no one will dare look down on you.”

The decline of the Jiang family had left few capable heirs. The reason Lady Jiang valued him so highly was precisely because she needed capable men to handle difficult matters.

In truth, Jin Niang didn’t fully understand why Jiang Xian treated her this way—it almost felt like too much.

The elderly matriarch of the Zhou family had been of advanced age and frequently ill in recent years. Her burial garments and coffin had long been prepared in advance. Since she was not the birth mother of the Zhou masters, Lady Jiang and the others wept, but their tears were perfunctory.

At the moment, Lady Jiang and her two sisters-in-law were setting up the funeral altar. The eldest master of the house and Zhou Cunzhi had yet to return, so only close relatives had gathered.

When Lady Jiang looked up and saw Jiang Xian, her face brightened—but at the sight of Jin Niang, she frowned almost imperceptibly.

“Aunt,” Jiang Xian said respectfully, “my wife and I have come to offer our condolences. Please take care of yourself.”

Jin Niang, however, did not dare address her as “Aunt,” and simply said, “I hope the ladies do not grieve too deeply.”

After exchanging a few polite words, Jiang Xian turned to Jin Niang and said, “Stay here and attend to Aunt. I’ll send for you when it’s time to leave.”

It was obvious to everyone that Jiang Xian had personally escorted Jin Niang here—even Fourth Young Lady found it strange that someone like Jiang Xian would treat Wei Jinniang so kindly.

Jin Niang took a seat. Her presence today was partly due to the illness of the First Madam of the Jiang household. Her son and daughter-in-law, having been denied hereditary appointments, had already returned to the countryside to live as members of the leisure gentry. Moreover, Jiang Xian himself carried more weight in the Zhou family than others.

As maids served tea, Third Young Lady—now married to Jiang Fang—asked, “Jin Niang, how is your mother-in-law’s health?”

Unlike Lady Jiang, Third Young Lady harbored no resentment toward Jin Niang. Besides, if the sixth branch of the Jiang family were to publicly expose her husband Jiang Fang’s refusal to acknowledge his birth mother, his official career would be ruined—especially since Jiang Xian and Jiang Yan were his full brothers, and Liu Shi, though he disowned her, remained his birth mother.

“She’s still the same—bedridden from coughing fits. This month, we’ve called in another physician to try a new prescription.” Though Jin Niang spent her days at the shop, she never neglected her morning and evening visits to Sixth Madam.

Third Young Lady sighed. “I have some herbs here that are excellent for coughs. I’ll send them to you later—if I gave them directly, Sixth Madam might refuse.”

Sixth Madam was a woman of unyielding integrity and pride. Even in dividing the estate, she had spared no effort for her sons until the very end. She hadn’t split a single home between them precisely because she knew Jin Niang already had her own residence and ran a thriving business. Thus, even if they received only shops, they’d have a place to live and no lack of funds. Meanwhile, Xu Shi had used dowry money to purchase hundreds of acres of land and a grand residence, ensuring she could live comfortably off rental income.

Such a strong-willed person has made her decision—how could I possibly offer my opinion?

Jin Niang smiled. "I appreciate your kindness, but we must respect her wishes."

The third young lady didn’t press further. "I won’t trouble you, then."

Jin Niang nodded.

Just then, a maid entered and whispered to Xi Shi, "Auntie Qin says the young master has caught a chill today and asks if you could send for a physician."

Xi Shi nodded. "Have someone summon Dr. Qiu and draw the consultation fee from the accounts."

"What’s the matter?" Jiang Shi asked.

Xi Shi quickly replied, "Nothing serious. It’s just that Young Master Zhu is unwell. I’ve already sent for a doctor."

Jiang Shi suddenly turned to Jin Niang. "Speaking of which, Young Master Zhu’s aunt is none other than Qin Shi, who came to our household with you years ago to do sewing work."

At first, Jin Niang thought Jiang Shi might be going through menopause. Nine years ago, when she first came to the Zhou household, Jiang Shi had been much more restrained. Now, however, she seemed to have reverted to childish behavior, acting almost like her second daughter.

So, instead of feeling the expected anger, Jin Niang merely replied calmly, "Your memory is excellent."

The fourth young lady kept her head lowered. She knew Jiang Shi was getting older. Since the eldest young lady married into the Wang family, the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law had been at odds—a lofty marriage that's been hard to swallow. As for the second young lady, even though she married into her aunt’s family, life wasn’t easy, and she had only borne a daughter in recent years. Not to mention the tensions between Jiang Shi and Zhang Shi. This time, making funeral arrangements, the second master of the Zhou family wasn’t as generous with funds as before, leaving Jiang Shi seething with pent-up anger.

That morning, she had punished several maids by making them kneel for hours and even had an elderly maid tied up in the stables—though outwardly, she showed nothing.

"Ma, do you know when Uncle and Second Brother will return?" Wu Shi skillfully steered the conversation away.

Jiang Shi replied, "Second Brother is in Taiyuan, and his father is in Shaanxi. It’ll take at least half a month for them to return."

...

After leaving the Zhou household, Jin Niang went to the shop. Jiang Xian escorted her inside with a smile, then immediately questioned Xi Qiu and Min Zhi, who had accompanied her earlier. "Did anyone say anything while you were with your mistress?"

Xi Qiu and Min Zhi exchanged glances.

Jiang Xian had little patience for them. "Speak."

They relayed Jiang Shi’s provoking words, causing Jiang Xian to narrow his eyes and bite back his anger. "Very well. I understand. Don’t mention this to your mistress—she’s kind-hearted and forgiving. Just look out for her more in the future."

"Yes," Xi Qiu and Min Zhi replied.

**

Once in the shop, Jin Niang headed straight to the embroidery workshop to work on the Luoyang Brocade garments. Sachets could be left to Zhu Xiuniang, but the brocade dresses had to be finished a month in advance. She needed to start designing summer sheer gowns—the kind that evoked the wind-swept drapery in Wu Daozi’s style. Earlier, in Jiang Shi’s parlor, she had seen a Buddhist painting by Wu Daozi, its lines fluid, the robes billowing as if stirred by wind.

That was the summer feeling she wanted—the sensation of that lakeside breeze against the skin.

She had been embroidering for an hour when Luo Yue came over and asked about their visit to the Zhou household. Jin Niang said, "The Zhou household seems troubled. Otherwise, the first madam wouldn’t have cast aside all decorum."

"How petty of her. You’re her nephew’s wife now, yet she still brings up past grudges. Quite unkind," Luo Yue scoffed.

Jin Niang smiled. "True, but Shiliulang gets along well with her family, and she’s an elder. Besides, the second madam and third young lady have been kind to me, so I won’t hold a grudge."

Mother and daughter chatted for a while. Jin Niang mentioned she planned to hire workers the next day to build a study. Luo Yue thought it too hasty and said, "You two may have gotten a shop, but who knows if you'll even get the rental income? Why rush?"

"Ma, if you wait until the last moment to do things, it’s already too late. Besides the study, I also want to add wing rooms. If someone comes to stay, they’ll have a place. If not, we can use them as storage," Jin Niang reasoned.

Luo Yue, however, worried about the expenses and tried to dissuade her. But seeing her daughter wouldn’t listen, she gave up. This daughter of hers had always been decisive.

"Fine, have it your way. It’s your money, after all," Luo Yue said, with a resigned shrug.

Jin Niang reassured her mother, "Earlier, a cloth merchant came by to sell fabric. I noticed the summer linen was lightweight and soft—perfect for breathable clothing in hot weather—so I bought a bolt. Later, I’ll cut some and have the tailor make two summer robes for Yang Geer to take to the academy."

"Alright," Luo Yu’e chuckled.

That evening, when Jin Niang returned home, she went first to greet Madam Jiang Liu, only to find out she had already gone to bed. She then returned to her room to bathe and change. It had been an eventful day, and she was still tense. However, A Ying reminded her, "Miss, I heard from Min Zhi that they had to wait a long time today just to fetch water from the main kitchen."

"It’s to be expected. Now that the property has been divided, their branch won’t lift a finger for ours," Jin Niang said.

But A Ying replied helplessly, "Even if the estate is split, we’re still using communal supplies."

Jin Niang shook her head. "This sort of thing will likely happen often from now on."

Generally, Xu Shi usually only picked on her—after all, Jiang Xian was her mother-in-law’s treasured son, and Xu Shi wouldn’t dare provoke him yet.

That was precisely why Jin Niang had focused on fixing up the house in Sweetwater Lane. When she was young, she had seen how easily conflicts arose among sisters-in-law sharing the same household, especially when the entire estate was handed over to the eldest branch.

Even someone like her third aunt, who had lived there so long she considered it her own, had grown bitter—how much more so now that the division was official and the house clearly belonged to the eldest branch.

For three consecutive days, Jin Niang sought out carpenters, not for books but for construction. The reason? Mr. Gong, realizing she was looking for him, immediately raised his price, figuring she was desperate and had no other options. But she wasn’t about to put up with that kind of arrogance.

Eventually, she found Foreman Yu, an experienced carpenter with a solid reputation, and their discussions went smoothly.

Jin Niang asked him to draw up the plans for the study, calculated the costs for labor, materials, and demolition, and agreed once everything seemed reasonable.

That evening, she described the study’s layout to Jiang Xian: "The walls will be made of woven bamboo and mud plaster—a technique common in the south, but I think it’ll work well here too. For the doors and windows, we’ll use aged fir wood, fashioned into double-lattice doors. I plan to replace an entire wall with lattice doors and use translucent silk to cover the windows, so the study will be bright."

"How much will this cost?" Jiang Xian asked.

Jin Niang did a quick calculation. "I’ve put aside a hundred taels for it. The craftsman said a single thick fir log alone costs thirteen guan—it’s pricey."

Jiang Xian looked at her, knowing how frugal she usually was—never buying jewelry, only purchasing ice during extreme heat, and spending her days tirelessly embroidering at the shop without any leisure. Yet now, she was willing to spend so much at once.

"Wife, why go to such lengths?" he said, taking her hand.

But Jin Niang didn’t see it as a big deal. Jiang Xian had handed her the deeds to their house, land, and fields—was he really moved just by her spending a hundred guan? Besides, this money came from his family’s betrothal gifts, meant to furnish their home.

So she continued enthusiastically, "In the past, studies were usually papered in white or adorned with famous calligraphy and paintings. But I don’t have any famous artworks! So I thought of using rust-colored paper as a base, tearing shimmering pea-green mica paper into irregular fragments, arranging them so the rust peeks through the gaps, creating an ice-crackle pattern—like the dark-glazed plum-blossom motifs on the Ge kiln vase you love."

When she finished, Jiang Xian remained silent for a while. Jin Niang covered her mouth. "Do you need to read? I’ll go rest over there to give you some peace."

But before she could leave, he pulled her into his arms. Flustered, she pushed lightly at him. "What are you doing?"

"Letting you rest. Don’t overwork yourself," he said, gently massaging her head.

Jin Niang laughed. "I’m not tired. Evenings are my free time now, and once I finish these last two garments, I can focus on designing the 'Wu-style flowing robes.'"

"My wife is truly remarkable—truly, a woman of great talent," Jiang Xian praised.

That night, he held her close and murmured sweet nothings until her heart melted.

The next morning, he even gifted her rare pigments, saying they were from a friend who had no use for them. But Jin Niang knew he’d likely hunted them down himself.

At the Embroidery Shop, Foreman Yu arrived with workers to dismantle the gallery, saving the tiles and recycling the old wood. Jin Niang also brought Min Zhi along, having her assist Ju Xiang in the kitchen to prepare steamed buns for the laborers.

Min Zhi was delighted. She served Shiliulang and his wife, and if worse came to worst and the master and mistress passed away, she and the others could follow Madam Wei into a fresh start.

Madam Wei was kind, generous, capable, and financially secure—they all wanted to stay with her.

The demolition was completed in two days. After signing the contract and setting a schedule, Jin Niang paid the deposit. Within half a month, she finished embroidering the Luoyang Brocade garments, inspected each one carefully, had A Ying steam them, and personally delivered them—even receiving a reward: a string of Japanese rock crystal rosary beads.

"Look, isn't it lovely? If I designed a dress to match this string of beads, it would be even more beautiful," Jin Niang said with a smile.

After some lighthearted banter, she returned home and began designing dresses. She created three sets in total: one used multiple sashes and scarves to evoke the flowing-ribbon style of Wu Daozi; another drew inspiration from *Li Sao*, incorporating the lines "Making garments from lotus leaves, Gathering lotus blossoms for a skirt"—a green top with a red skirt, and an ornamental breastband shaped like lotus petals; the third set focused on intricate details around the waistband.

While designing, she also had Zhu Xiuniang make vests and ornamental breastbands to sell in the shop.

At the same time, the shop took on some commissions, such as embroidering designs on fans for a fan merchant. She prepared patterns for twenty fan faces at fifty copper coins each. She provided the patterns and silk threads, letting Jing An do the embroidery, dividing the profits equally—the nun could earn five copper coins per fan.

Jin Niang gave Ju Xiang a tael (approx. 40g) of silver: "These days, you can cook some chilled mung bean soup or sour plum drink daily and cool it in the well water. It's so hot, and the craftsmen are working hard—we can't let them suffer from the heat."

"The boss has such a good heart," Zhu Xiuniang couldn't help but remark.

Jin Niang shook her head. She simply believed that you can't have your cake and eat it too—there was no such good fortune.

In the afternoon, when the sun was at its hottest, Jiang Xian arrived. Jin Niang smiled at him: "Why come at this hour? I told you not to go out in this heat."

"I just wanted to check on things," he said, then made to rush to the back.

Jin Niang tugged at him teasingly: "Here to see your study?"

Previously, he had been reluctant to come, but now he couldn’t resist. She teased him, but he didn’t mind and even treated everyone in the Embroidery Shop to ice-cold drinks.

In half a month, only the walls had been built. Jin Niang pointed through the doorway to the back: "We've added wing rooms and attic spaces on either side of the main building. They can be used for servants if we have more people in the future, or as storage if we don’t stay here often."

Jiang Xian, worried Jin Niang might get sunburnt, urged her to stay in the shop while he went to inspect. The load-bearing pillars were made of old cedar, though the doors and windows weren’t installed yet.

Foreman Yu was meeting Yamen Scion for the first time. Hearing he was the proprietor’s husband, and seeing his striking appearance, refined speech, and dignified bearing—clearly a Yamen Scion—he hurried over nervously to report.

When Jiang Xian asked about the cedar, Foreman Yu quickly replied: "This giant three-hundred-year-old cedar is no ordinary timber. Regular cedar costs two strings, but this one was transported from Jingdong Road. Jin Niang's Madam Wei insisted on using the best for her husband, so she bought it. Our doors are also cedar, and the thin silk for the windows was bought by Madam Wei—she said the study should be bright. Once the walls are smoothed, we’ll apply oil before installing the doors."

Hearing these details moved Jiang Xian deeply. The next day, he brought wine for the craftsmen, thinking that since Jin Niang, as a woman, didn’t drink, it fell to him to treat the men.

That evening, Jin Niang told Jiang Xian: "I just think Sweetwater Lane is our fallback. Of course, it’d be great to stay in Nanxun Ward forever—having the whole family together brings prosperity. But if one day there’s no room here, we’ll have Sweetwater Lane ready. Better than being caught off guard later."

"You always think ahead for me—I don’t know how to repay you," Jiang Xian sighed softly.

Jin Niang laughed: "What’s there to repay? Between husband and wife, it’s about love, not repayment."

But Jiang Xian thought to himself: My wife loves me so much, yet I often have selfish thoughts. I’m truly heartless.

Jin Niang paid no mind to such things. She focused on finishing the dresses and, by the end of June, completed all three sets she had designed. One was the dreamily ethereal flowing-ribbon style of Wu Daozi dress, embroidered with jasmine on sheer gauze—jasmine symbolizing summer fragrance—with wide sleeves that billowed in the wind, making the ribbons and dress flutter as if the wearer were floating.

Naturally, this dress received high praise. Jiang Xian, however, grew jealous, teasing that she looked like the moon goddess Chang’e who had abandoned him. To placate him, Jin Niang made him a gauze outer robe.

The inner layer was a white patterned silk cross-over collar robe, overlaid with gauze. As a man, his embroidery was limited to jasmine motifs at the collar and shoulders. Even so, when Jiang Xian wore it to the Zhang family, it made the officials' sons do double-takes.

Usually, they critiqued women’s attire, but now appreciating a handsome man was refreshing.

Some even asked where it was made. Jiang Xian smiled smugly: "You won’t find the place—my wife made it for me personally."

Even when visiting the Zhou family to see Zhou Cunzhi, Zhang Shi couldn’t help but glance at him a few extra times.

After Jin Niang wore her designs, many came inquiring, though most winced at the price tag. She didn’t push—sometimes, you truly got what you paid for.

She began working on the lotus-leaf top and hibiscus skirt, with the ornamental breastbands varying the most—some embroidered with lotus blossoms, others shaped like petals.

By the fifth day of the seventh lunar month, a big order finally came. Young Master Shen from Wuxing bought all three dresses for his favorite concubine, along with three ornamental breastbands: the jasmine-embroidered one for fifty strings of cash, the lotus-inspired one for thirty, and the third set—designed to accentuate a slender waist—for ten strings, totaling ninety.

Of course, Jin Niang knew that the sweltering summer kept customers indoors, and wealthy patrons were rare. Most days, she only sold vests and such.

Once the money was in hand, Jin Niang first paid forty-five strings of cash for the doors, windows, and craftsmen’s wages. She then gave six strings to Jiang Xian for his expenses. With the civil service exams coming up next month, she couldn’t afford any carelessness now.

Jiang Xian refused the money and said, “Fan Tower just added new dishes to their menu—I’ve reserved a table for us. I had to pull some strings to get it.”

Of course, he also knew how to keep up appearances by sending a portion of the meal to his in-laws.

Jin Niang happily dressed herself up while Jiang Xian stayed protectively by her side. When they entered the restaurant and sat down, the manager gave Jin Niang an appreciative glance and remarked to Jiang Xian, “You’re a lucky man, sir.”

Nearby, Gong Yanei, the son of the Kaifeng Prefecture magistrate—who had once sought to marry Jin Niang as his concubine—spotted the couple and muttered to Zhou Cunzhi beside him, “She could’ve married up.”

…

“Darling, try this fish,” Jiang Xian promptly said, picking out the tender belly meat for her.

Jin Niang had been about to eat when suddenly the smell of fish made her nauseous. She even dry-heaved a few times, which startled Jiang Xian so much that he immediately patted her back.

“What’s wrong, darling? Are you unwell?”

She tapped his forehead gently. “I suspect you’re about to become a father.”

After her monthly cycle was delayed, she had begun to suspect she was pregnant. Lately, she had excused herself by saying she was feeling feverish and avoided sleeping with Jiang Xian. A physician had checked her pulse but said it was still too early to confirm anything. Today’s nausea seemed to confirm the signs of morning sickness.