Chapter 90

Chapter 90

In early spring March, Jin Niang received a letter from Luo Da at the courier station. Opening the secret compartment inside, she discovered rental income from the shops at Jinliang Bridge and silver from two estates, totaling 600 strings of cash (a traditional Chinese monetary unit consisting of 1,000 coins strung together). The rent from her shop in Sweetwater Lane would not be collected until May, so for now, she only had the income from these two sources.

But this was enough. Jin Niang asked Jiang Xian to withdraw the money first: "I originally had 400 taels of silver on hand, and now the family has sent 600 strings. Why don’t we use some of it to purchase an estate here, along with some productive fields and orchards?"

"How do we suddenly have so much money again?" Jiang Xian wanted to ask Jin Niang. She had previously said she only had a little over 200 strings to last the year, and by the end of last year, she had just bought him a pair of leather boots. Now, they had another 1,000 strings.

Jin Niang nodded: "Yes, and there’s more. My painting of Guanyin seated on a lotus is finished, and I’ve embroidered Buddhist scriptures beneath it. I asked Chen Xiaolang about it—it can sell for over 200 strings. Plus, there’s another 200 strings from my shop in Sweetwater Lane that hasn’t arrived yet."

Jiang Xian thought of his recently received salary and couldn’t help shaking his head. "Wife, even though I’m an official now, I still rely on you to support me."

"Nonsense. The 400 taels I earned—wasn’t it because I’m your wife that people asked me to be their wedding luck-bringer?" Jin Niang blinked.

Jiang Xian sighed: "My wife is far richer than I am."

Jin Niang giggled: "Then you’ll have to accompany me to look at the land. I’ve learned a lot, but I still feel like it’s all just theoretical."

Choosing land was an important matter and couldn’t be done carelessly. Moreover, Jin Niang added: "Aren’t you now a magistrate responsible for the people's welfare? Shouldn’t you also understand their hardships?"

"Alright, whatever you say, I’ll support you fully," Jiang Xian said, raising both hands in agreement.

Buying land wasn’t something to be done hastily—it required careful inspection. Meanwhile, Jin Niang measured out some satin to make herself a new dress. The satin had been a gift from the Gu family, all the latest fashion.

As for Yun Jieer and Ning Geer, she had two outfits each made for them, leaving the sewing to Min Zhi. Min Zhi was now pregnant and didn’t need to go out, so Jin Niang simply let her rest well, only doing some needlework.

First, she made an underbodice in pale yellow with an orchid pattern, then a long beizi in celadon satin with a collar panel embroidered with magnolias, paired with silver-red trousers and a sheer white overskirt.

This was the most fashionable style in Wu County at the moment—pale yellow paired with celadon. Her skills were excellent, saving her the cost of hiring an embroiderer.

Jin Niang didn’t believe in squandering money just because she had it. Her parents had only been comfortable but not wealthy, yet she had managed to study, read, and rent a house in Bianjing. Her embroidery and craftsmanship surpassed others’, though in the end, she had no dowry and had struggled. Now, she hoped to save a dowry for her daughter so she wouldn’t suffer in the future.

Of course, she was also doing this for her and her husband. Money shouldn’t be invested in overly risky ventures—though the profits might be high, they could easily be lost. It was better to buy land and houses for steady income.

A Ying spoke up: "Madam, why don’t you have a golden crown made?"

"You don’t understand how expensive those golden crowns are. Even Tian Niang’s half-pound crown cost 400 strings. When I had mine made, it was still 42 strings. With that spare money, I’d rather save it for emergencies." Jin Niang shook her head.

Thinking of this, Jin Niang worked on her needlework. Honestly, doing it every day was tiresome, but after a break, she felt a bit excited again. She began embroidering the collar panel.

Someone outside handed her a crimson invitation card. Opening it, she saw it was from Madam Tongpan, inviting her to admire flowers at Zhaode Temple.

"How rare—she actually invited me. Prefect returned to the capital at the beginning of the year to report on his duties, and now Pingjiang Army is under the temporary authority of the Vice-Prefect. Madam Wei is certainly asserting her position," Jin Niang laughed.

A Ying, who loved dressing fashionably, eagerly urged her: "Madam, if you won’t make a golden crown, at least make a stylish headpiece to wear, right?"

Jin Niang thought it over and agreed. She had a carriage prepared and went straight to Silk Flower Lane. She didn’t plan to make another gold or silver crown but wanted one with realistic floral designs. After visiting several shops, she found most designs either too elaborate or outdated. Fortunately, one shop had a lotus crown that was exceptionally well-made.

A Ying quickly asked the price: "How much is this lotus crown?"

"You see, this lotus crown has a base adorned with two circles of pearls, and there’s another pearl on top of the lotus. I’ll give you an honest price—the lowest is six strings and a thousand cash. Otherwise, I can’t sell it at this price." The shopkeeper, seeing a young woman in a veil accompanied by servants, immediately quoted a figure.

Though Jin Niang liked it, she wasn’t about to be swindled: "I’ve bought these cultured pearls in Bianjing before—fifty coppers apiece. Huzhou in Liangzhe produces pearls, and as a merchant, you probably buy them even cheaper. Add in this little bit of silk gauze—three strings and six hundred cash, and I’ll take it right away."

The shopkeeper looked like he wanted to cry: "Madam, you’re knowledgeable, but your offer is too harsh."

"My price is very fair, and I’m sincere about buying it." Jin Niang could tell the pearls weren’t anything special—just ordinary ones.

Just as the shopkeeper was about to speak, a young woman walked out. She appeared to be around seventeen or eighteen, with a few silk flowers pinned in her hair, understated yet refined. She was tall and exceptionally graceful.

"Madam."

So this young woman was the true mistress of the establishment. At first, her expression had been indifferent, as if haggling with customers were an everyday occurrence. But upon seeing Fang Ma, she immediately stepped forward and said, "Fang Ma, I never expected to meet you here. What a pleasant surprise."

Fang Ma seemed somewhat awkward upon seeing her. "Ah, it's you, Madam Lin."

She then whispered a few words into Jin Niang's ear.

Jin Niang now realized that this was the wealthy merchant's daughter who had been abducted by traffickers during this year's Lantern Festival. The girl had even prepared her own dowry to become Jiang Xian's second wife, which so startled him that he swiftly put a stop to it.

Fang Ma introduced, "This is my mistress."

Madam Lin promptly invited Jin Niang to sit in the inner chamber. After Jin Niang married Jiang Xian—who was several years younger and exceptionally handsome—such situations were inevitable. Most people would back off upon learning he was already married, but now that Jiang Xian held an official position, those offering concubines or beauties would surely multiply.

Some even argued that a household without concubines or maids reflected poorly on the wife's reputation, urging women to accept such arrangements.

But Jin Niang didn't rely on Jiang Xian's fidelity—she trusted herself.

Thus, she remained composed with Madam Lin. "I didn’t realize this was your family’s business. As the saying goes, misfortune may be a blessing in disguise. After this ordeal, Madam Lin, your fortunes will surely turn for the better."

Madam Lin, however, was deeply embarrassed. She had been betrothed young, but the man died early. During this year's Lantern Festival, she had intended to release a flower lantern to pray for a good match, only to be abducted. At that moment, she had felt utterly hopeless—until the county sheriff rescued her.

County Sheriff Jiang was said to come from a distinguished family, a young scholar who had passed the imperial exams, and was exceedingly handsome. Though he had a first wife, men of his standing often kept multiple concubines. Madam Lin hadn’t thought much of it—until she learned that some men truly remained devoted solely to their wives. She had no idea who County Sheriff Jiang’s wife was until this chance encounter.

To her surprise, the woman’s first words were words of comfort. Madam Lin silently admired her magnanimity while discreetly studying Jin Niang. In her twenties, with light makeup, Jin Niang’s skin seemed to glow like snow, her eyes sparkling. Her face alone exuded an elegant, scholarly charm, yet her figure—full bust and slender waist—was the complete opposite, striking every man’s fancy.

Madam Lin felt inferior and forced a smile. "Your words honor me. I can only hope they come true."

Jin Niang was no philosopher, but fearing Madam Lin might suffer lingering distress from the abduction, she couldn’t help offering more advice. "Madam Lin, you’re young, healthy, and wealthy. Someone as vibrant as you will surely have a bright future."

Madam Lin paused, then her smile widened.

As Jin Niang prepared to leave, Madam Lin insisted on gifting her the pearl-adorned lotus crown she had admired earlier. Jin Niang refused to take it for free—she would either pay or decline altogether.

After much persuasion, Madam Lin accepted only three guan (a silver coin), refusing any more.

With the lotus crown secured, Jin Niang wandered through Embroidery Lane—her original trade. Suzhou embroidery was a treasure, and Jin Niang lingered, captivated. Watching artisans work on double-sided embroidery, something she’d never had time to study before, she realized it appeared less daunting than she had imagined.

She observed the common stitches used in double-sided embroidery: raozhen (winding stitch), qiangzhen (snatching stitch), and gunzhen (rolling stitch). The embroiderer would trim the thread tail neatly, pierce downward, then start again a few threads away, leaving a small tail. With successive short stitches, the tail would be concealed, ensuring no loose ends showed on either side.

They also held the needle vertically, careful not to pierce the reverse threads, ensuring both sides were flawless and identical, with no trace of stitches or threads.

Jin Niang didn’t hold back, purchasing a double-sided embroidery fan and another with dual-color embroidery. The essence of double-sided embroidery, she realized, lay in hiding the stitches.

Leaving Embroidery Lane, she visited a nearby fruit shop, buying cherry preserves for the children and fresh lychees, walnuts, jiayingzi (sweet preserved plums), and kumquats for herself.

She didn’t know how other families handled it, but as a child, she'd always eagerly awaited her parents’ return, hoping for treats. So she never came home empty-handed for the children—or even her husband, bringing back boxes of pastries. A successful outing indeed.

Soon, the day arrived for the visit to Zhaode Temple. They would travel by boat, and Jin Niang wore her lotus-inspired robes from years ago, modeled after the *Li Sao* (The Lament): *"Fashioning lotus leaves for my robe, Gathering lotus blossoms for my skirt."*

Her underbodice was lotus-pink with lotus-petal motifs, layered under a lotus-leaf-green robe, and a slightly deeper lotus-pink skirt. Paired with the lotus crown, even Ning Geer clamored to be held by her that day.

The morning was still chilly, so Jin Niang wore quilted trousers underneath and draped a sable-sleeved outer robe over her shoulders.

Madam Bao had never seen such attire—clearly expensive, beyond the skill of ordinary embroiderers. It even eclipsed Madam Tian’s outfit that day.

When Jiang Xian first arrived, Jin Niang lived modestly and cautiously. But now that he had resolved several important cases and won commendation from his superiors, things were different. She remained humble but no longer constrained by excessive caution.

They were aboard an ornate pleasure barge, enjoying the scenery along the shore, with fruit trays and sweets laid out on the small table. The willows on the bank swayed gently, and Jin Niang suddenly felt inspired—she could make Jiang Xian a willow-leaf-patterned sheer silk robe.

It was good to be out; being outdoors brought inspiration.

On the barge, Lady Bao and Lady Tian were playing backgammon. Jin Niang suddenly noticed that although Lady Tian had many fine possessions, she lacked income from shops or farmland, as if most of her wealth came solely from her dowry trunks.

She had once heard Jiang Xian mention that Lady Tian’s husband, Secretary Han, also hailed from an aristocratic family and had some administrative ability. Yet he remained neutral, never committing to either side, carefully maintaining his noble status. While he handled tax collection, it was Jiang Xian and County Sheriff Mei who managed the county’s river projects and relief efforts.

As she was thinking this, she saw a woman from Madam Qi’s entourage approach with a cup of wine: “My lady, some wine for you.”

Jin Niang looked up and saw it was Hou Sanjieer, the younger sister of County Magistrate Hou. This girl was said to have been born after her father’s death, over twenty years younger than the magistrate, and now of marriageable age. According to Lady Bao, she had even brought her dowry trunks, likely hoping to find a match in Wu County.

She smiled and said, “How can I let a young lady serve me? Please sit, and let’s chat.”

Hou Sanjieer shyly took a seat.

Knowing it was improper to speak too freely with an unmarried girl, Jin Niang steered the conversation toward light household topics.

Before long, they arrived at Zhaode Temple, an ancient monastery. They took sedan chairs up to the main hall, where Jin Niang contributed ten taels as incense money. The Vice-Prefect’s Wife invited everyone inside to rest. Jin Niang assumed it would be like previous times—she would simply play a supporting role and later slip away to explore on her own.

To her surprise, the Vice-Prefect’s Wife treated her with unusual courtesy, saying, “County Sheriff’s Lady, you and County Sheriff Jiang are a perfect match—both so talented and well-suited.”

Jin Niang modestly deflected the praise, only to hear the Vice-Prefect’s Wife ask, “I’ve heard you have a son and daughter. Have they been betrothed yet?”

“They’re still quite young, so nothing has been arranged,” Jin Niang replied. Though not overwhelmed by the attention, she suspected it was due to Jiang Xian’s status. Still, she had no intention of arranging marriages now—marriage should unite families and depend on the children’s own feelings.

When Jin Niang fell silent after answering, the Vice-Prefect’s Wife became even more effusive. She had, of course, learned that Jiang Xian was the nephew of Chancellor Liu, with ties to the Dou family of Yangzhou and the Zhou family of Hangzhou—his marital connections were extensive. More importantly, he was a jinshi scholar from a wealthy family. Having seen Jin Niang five times, each time dressed in exquisite, lavish outfits and adorned with different, clearly expensive jewelry, she was convinced that even if Jiang Xian’s career stalled, his wealth alone made him a desirable match.

Perhaps because of the Vice-Prefect’s Wife’s favor, from then on, the county office staff referred exclusively to Jin Niang as “County Sheriff’s Lady,” effectively ignoring Lady Bao, who also held the title.

Lady Bao, who often stirred up trouble when there was none, had once been on decent terms with Jin Niang. But since both were called County Sheriff’s Ladies, she constantly found herself outdone.

Especially when Chief Yang’s wife quarreled with her, shouting, “You only pick fights with us and boss us around. Look at the real County Sheriff’s Lady—she never scolds or hits us, treats us kindly, and shows respect to the poor and elderly. Unlike some people who put on airs, thinking they’re royalty when they’re not cut out for high circles.”

Lady Bao slammed the table and snapped at Qiao Er, “If I don’t take her down a peg this time, she’ll really think I’m easy to push around.”

Qiao Er, who had also been bullied by Chief Yang’s wife when she first arrived, joined her mistress in scheming payback.

In the end, Lady Bao muttered, “It all comes down to that Madam Wei. She always tries to outdo everyone else, to prove she’s better.”

If only she could humiliate Wei Shi just once.

After returning from Zhaode Temple, Jin Niang found Jiang Xian at home and relayed the Vice-Prefect’s Wife’s implied intentions. As she spoke, Jiang Xian barely listened—he was too distracted by how breathtaking she looked, like a goddess stepping down from a lotus pedestal.

**

Acting on impulse, he swept her into the inner chamber in broad daylight. Jin Niang could only sigh, “You rogue.”

After their heated moment together, Jiang Xian, remembering Jin Niang’s wish to avoid another pregnancy, pulled away in time.

Later, he agreed with her reasoning. “You’re right. The Vice-Prefect may outrank me now, but that could change. Besides, marriage arrangements can wait until the children grow older.”

His elder brother’s marriage to Xu Shi had been plagued by discontent—Xu Shi constantly pressured him and their son, resentful of unfulfilled ambitions. If their own son turned out less accomplished, would he too suffer under such a woman’s scorn? And his wife alongside him? Unthinkable.

Jin Niang shook her head at his long-term musings. “What I meant was, with the new Prefect yet to arrive, the Vice-Prefect’s Wife already acts as if everyone must bow to her. Who knows how things will be once the new lady arrives?”

“True,” Jiang Xian conceded.

Jin Niang asked him again, "How are you getting along with the County Magistrate now? Counting this year, he will have served as magistrate of Wu County for five years. Surely he won’t be reappointed after that?"

Even if he has powerful connections above, there’s no way he can extend his term like this.

Jiang Xian laughed, "As long as I don't interfere with his affairs, he won't dare cross me. Besides, now that I've revealed my connections, he wouldn’t dare provoke me."

In officialdom, it's common for the big fish to eat the small, and the small to eat the shrimp—but he was no mere shrimp.

Jin Niang felt reassured. This was precisely why she’d agreed to marry Jiang Xian back then—the Jiang family had connections in various places, enough to intimidate others. Otherwise, if she had married some poor scholar, she would have done so long ago.

The two shifted their conversation from official matters to purchasing land. Jin Niang said, "Originally, I planned to go during this administrative break, but Madam Subprefect disrupted things. Let’s make plans for the next one instead."

Jiang Xian nodded, "That’s fine."

During this break, Jin Niang began her mornings by lounging in bed, reading a book, then working on her double-sided embroidery. She also cut some spring-green silk to make a cross-collared shirt for Jiang Xian, embroidering willow leaves in the same color along the white collar. She paired it with a dark green pleated skirt, its hem embroidered with golden willow leaves, and layered it with a white crepe beizi. On the left collar panel of the beizi, she embroidered green willow leaves, while on the right, she stitched white leaves accented with green—creating a fresh and natural look.

But once again, their plans fell through because the second daughter of the Gu family was getting married ahead of schedule. As the *Complete Fortune Matron*, Jin Niang naturally had to attend.

For this wedding banquet, county officials and clerks alike were invited. Jin Niang wore the new outfit she had recently made, with a carnelian bead necklace gifted by Second Madam Dou around her neck.

Bao Niangzi remarked to Clerk Huang’s wife, "She’s a gentry lady, while we’re just common wives."

There were only two clerks in the county office. The wife of Clerk Qin was on good terms with Jin Niang, so Bao Niangzi instead befriended Clerk Huang’s wife. The latter had previously suffered under Chief Yang’s wife’s bullying, but Bao Niangzi had helped her out a few times, so the two were quite close.

Clerk Huang’s wife had a piercing voice and loved to banter. Hearing Bao Niangzi’s words, she chuckled lightly, "Don’t be angry. Shouldn’t someone else be the one upset?"

This "someone" was, of course, Madam Qi—the one who'd been upstaged.

Bao Niangzi shook her head, "She never cares about these things."

Madam Qi had once been provoked by Madam Tian, but instead of holding a grudge, the two had grown closer—leaving Bao Niangzi as the sole target.

During the banquet, Madam Gu asked Jin Niang if she was planning to buy land. Jin Niang knew the Gu family had extensive business dealings, so if she inquired through a broker, the Gu family would surely find out. She didn’t hide it, simply saying that since Wu County had fertile land, she wanted to purchase some estates so that when her husband retired to the countryside, they wouldn’t have to worry about food and shelter.

Madam Gu smiled, "This old woman has a relative settled in Changzhou who happens to have several qing of land entrusted to our family for sale. Would the County Sheriff’s Lady like to take a look?"

"That would be wonderful. Let’s go see it during the next administrative break. If it works out, I’ll give you ten percent commission—don’t think it too little," Jin Niang said with a smile.

Madam Gu had intended to gift the land to Jin Niang, but seeing her insistence on a proper transaction, she wondered whether the County Sheriff’s Lady was truly upright or had greater ambitions—corrupted so quickly.

After the Gu family’s second daughter’s wedding, Jin Niang and Jiang Xian accompanied Madam Gu to inspect the land—a three-qing estate with proper deeds and tenant farmers. Jin Niang had originally planned to buy only two hundred mu, but this three-hundred-mu property even included a three-section compound.

It also had chickens, ducks, fish, geese, waterfowl, and fruit trees. Jin Niang and Jiang Xian looked around and found it quite satisfactory. Moreover, since the Gu family sincerely wanted to befriend them, they wouldn’t deliberately sell poor-quality land.

Thus, two qing of fertile land were priced at 2 guan per mu, and one qing at 3 guan, totaling 700 guan. The manor itself was valued at 150 taels, bringing the total to 850 taels.

Madam Gu and Madam Gu both said, "This is just a gesture of our regard."

But Jin Niang smiled and replied, "That’s not the way to put it. I value your generosity, but since I’m buying the land, I’ve prepared the funds. Reciprocity is the foundation of lasting relationships."

Hearing this, Madam Gu felt even more that Jin Niang was worth befriending. She took the initiative to round the price down to 800 guan altogether and even gifted the deeds of over a dozen tenant families as a gesture of goodwill.

Jin Niang had someone bring over the gold and silver on the spot—800 guan in total—and counted it out then and there.

Meanwhile, Jiang Xian, being from the county office, ensured all the official procedures were properly completed, and the red contract soon ended up in Jin Niang’s hands. Of course, Jin Niang wasn’t one to take advantage of others. When the Gu family’s second daughter returned for her homecoming visit, Jin Niang gifted her a high-quality Javanese sleeping mat—originally given to them by Jiang Xian’s uncle.

Having repaid the favor, Jin Niang breathed a sigh of relief.

Though they had spent a considerable sum and would have to cut back on expenses for a while, Jin Niang was timid by nature. She couldn’t bring herself to loan money at interest, invest in merchant ventures for dividends, or deal in salt or tea monopolies. The rental income might be smaller, but it was far more reliable.