Chapter 94

Chapter 94

Meanwhile, Jin Niang was discussing with Jiang Xian: "I'll take the children with me. With that Madam Bao around, I’m always uneasy. As for the storage chests at home, you must keep an eye on them. When you’re not home, make sure someone locks the door."

From Wu County to Yangzhou, traveling by water could take three to four days at the slowest or just one to two days at the fastest.

This was also why Jin Niang decided to go—otherwise, people might accuse them of being arrogant.

Jiang Xian frowned. "Wife, why don’t I take a day off and escort you there? Otherwise, I won’t feel at ease either."

"No need, no need. You’re a government official—how can you leave your post without permission? Besides, I want to see the world on my own too." Jin Niang even sounded a little excited.

*"Yangzhou in the season of mist and flowers"*—last time she had rushed to Yangzhou, she only visited the Dou family and didn’t get to see any other places. Now, if she could take in the local sights and culture, it would be wonderful.

Seeing her like this, Jiang Xian quickly said, "Wife, I’m not joking. You’re young and beautiful—you must be careful when you’re out. The three of you leaving me behind as a lonely man doesn’t matter, but I’m mainly worried about you."

"But there’s no other way." Jin Niang couldn’t very well ask Jiang Xian to accompany her, given his official duties.

As she spoke, she began writing up the betrothal gifts: two bolts of fashionable Suzhou satin, six cakes of local tea, two sets of porcelain, and a pair of gold hairpins with an intertwined lotus design.

This would count as her contribution to the dowry, but Jin Niang still felt it wasn’t enough, so she added two packets of premium incense.

There was no helping it—as the matron of honor, she would also need to bring in some income. After all, among Second Madam Dou’s maternal relatives, Jiang Xian was the most accomplished, so she was essentially going to add prestige to the event.

To cut a long story short, the group soon boarded the decorated pleasure boat sent from Yangzhou to fetch them. Jiang Xian even assigned Cao Da to protect them, while Chen Xiaolang also accompanied them to handle affairs.

Fang Ma, as Jin Niang’s original partner in her venture as a matron of honor, strongly supported her going. She even said, "Actually, it’s good for you to step away for a while. With you there, Madam Wen is always watching you. By leaving like this, you’re letting them fight among themselves."

"I think so too. On the surface, it looks like petty quarrels among women in the inner quarters, but in reality, it’s an extension of the power struggles in the official world." Jin Niang saw things clearly. The magistrate had delegated authority, and his foundation wasn’t as deep as Jiang Xian’s now, so the subordinates had split into factions—which was why Madam Wen was so determined to outdo her.

But since they were out for leisure, Jin Niang didn’t want to dwell on these annoying matters. She simply said, "It’s good for us to relax a little."

Aside from the dowry gifts for Dou Yuan, Jin Niang also brought along some local specialties: crates of Taihu whitefish, perch, and crucian carp from Suzhou, and even six shad fish.

On the first day aboard the boat, Jin Niang enjoyed the scenery along the riverbank and listened to her children’s playful chatter, feeling nothing but joy. Yun Jieer sighed like a little adult: "It’s a shame Father didn’t come with us."

"If your father had come, he probably wouldn’t have stayed with us anyway," Jin Niang said with a laugh.

Qing Rong specially brought over a bowl of sweet soup made with snow fungus and lotus seeds—good for cooling the body in autumn. After finishing a bowl, Jin Niang heard A Ying say, "Madam, this riverboat is so beautiful! There’s even a small balcony on the second floor where you can sit and drink tea."

"Not just the second floor—the first floor is decorated even more finely than a boudoir. There’s even a backgammon table. If you girls are interested, you can go to the back and play." Jin Niang knew A Ying wanted to go and relax.

Everyone was tempted by the idea. Seeing them enjoy themselves, Jin Niang admired the scenery, feeling equally happy.

Then, as evening fell and lanterns were lit, lighting up the deck, a sudden "splash" was heard—someone had jumped into the river, seemingly a woman. Jin Niang quickly ordered the boatman to rescue her.

A Ying went out to check and returned to report, "Madam, Qing Rong changed her clothes and fed her ginger soup. She’s awake now."

"Fang Ma, please go ask where this young lady is from so we can send her back," Jin Niang said.

What she thought would be a simple good deed—sending the girl home—turned out to be more complicated. The woman they had rescued was an ex-courtesan who had bought out her contract.

Fang Ma returned and said, "I heard she was once the star performer at Leyun House in Yangzhou. Later, she fell in love with a scholar, spent her savings to buy her freedom, and even supported his studies. Unfortunately, once the scholar was admitted to the Imperial Academy, he began to look down on her past and repeatedly found excuses to drive her away. In a fit of anger, she jumped into the river."

"What a spirited woman. Invite her over for a chat." Jin Niang, being resolute by nature, admired such women and asked Fang Ma to bring her over.

Fang Ma hesitated. "Madam, a lady of your standing shouldn’t meet with her—wouldn’t that lower your standing?"

Jin Niang smiled. "Let’s meet her anyway. At the very least, we should persuade her not to try to take her life again."

Here is the edited translation incorporating the expert suggestions:

Seeing that she couldn't dissuade Jin Niang, Fang Ma invited the young woman over. Shortly after, a woman arrived. Her features couldn't be called strikingly beautiful or breathtaking, but she exuded a quiet, bookish elegance. She curtsied upon entering.

"Please, have a seat," Jin Niang smiled at her and gestured for tea to be served.

After sipping the warm tea, the woman knelt and kowtowed. "Ru Yan thanks you for saving my life."

"Ru Yan? Is that your real name? It's a lovely name," Jin Niang said, looking at her without a trace of condescension.

Most women who entered pleasure houses were driven there by desperate circumstances. Jin Niang had only avoided that fate by birthright. Moreover, for Ru Yan to rise as a leading courtesan and buy her freedom was no small feat.

Of course, her tale might not be wholly true, but Jin Niang wouldn't dismiss her outright. Sometimes, helping those in need might someday help yourself.

Ru Yan studied Jin Niang—a young, well-bred woman with a kind face, radiating both refinement and respect. This unexpected kindness made Ru Yan feel understood. She stood and explained, "I lost my parents at eight and was taken in by a brothel keeper. I was trained in the arts and initially only performed, not sold. At fifteen, I was compelled to take clients. I longed to find my parents. Cheng Lang's father was an official, and I fell for him—partly because of his devotion, partly because he promised to help me find my family. But now that he's been chosen as an Imperial Academy student, he's forgotten his promises. In anger, I..."

Listening carefully, Jin Niang said, "I see. But your body and life are gifts from your parents. If you died, what if they're still searching for you? Then your family would never reunite."

"You're right," Ru Yan admitted, her earlier fury giving way to cold dread.

After a few more questions, Jin Niang learned Ru Yan excelled at mimicking handwriting. Testing her, Jin Niang wrote a few characters, which Ru Yan replicated perfectly. Impressed, Jin Niang felt a growing appreciation for her talent—though she still needed to verify her background.

Notably, Ru Yan had carried her certificate of free status when she jumped into the river.

"So, you truly are a free woman now. What are your plans? If you wish to search for your parents, I can provide money for your journey."

"No, madam. A lone woman would just be snatched and sold before getting far," Ru Yan replied, well aware of the dangers.

Jin Niang smiled. "Then what would you prefer?"

Ru Yan quickly said, "You saved my life, madam. Ru Yan will do as you say. Please grant me shelter."

At this, Fang Ma interjected, "Madam, we don't know her history. She shouldn't serve by your side."

Fang Ma wasn't alone in her reservations—A Ying and Qing Rong shared them. Jin Niang understood their concerns, including the unspoken fear: Ru Yan, a former courtesan, might turn Jiang Xian's head, bringing trouble to our door.

As her loyal attendants, they prioritized her safety.

Jin Niang kept her thoughts to herself. "Ru Yan, write down your history for me. I'll investigate before deciding."

If she were lying, she'd likely flee. If truthful, she was genuinely unfortunate.

Fang Ma relaxed. Their greatest fear was a soft-hearted, indecisive mistress who might let a fox into the henhouse.

Ru Yan, surprised by Jin Niang's caution, promptly wrote her account. Jin Niang took it and arranged a place to stay for her.

After Ru Yan left, Fang Ma remarked, "You seem to admire her."

"She has talent, but whether she's truly capable remains to be seen," Jin Niang replied with a smile.

A day later, they docked at Yangzhou. Jin Niang settled Ru Yan in a nearby inn, with A Ying covering three days' stay, instructing her to wait.

The Dou family sent Lan Mama to greet them. Reuniting after a year, the group was overjoyed.

Lan Mama noted Jin Niang's transformation—now a magistrate's wife, adorned with a jeweled headdress and pearl-embroidered robes, looking every inch the noble lady.

On the way, Jin Niang learned from Lan Mama that Dou Yuan was betrothed to a Zhen family from Daming Prefecture.

"Our elder master helped arrange this match. The Zhens were former colleagues, and the young master is said to be a fine scholar." Jin Niang was delighted for Dou Yuan. Unlike her brother, the girl was considerate of her mother.

Upon arriving at the Dou residence, Second Madam Dou first welcomed Jin Niang with a reception, then arranged for her to meet the Zhen family. The elder representing the Zhen family was an aunt, referred to as Madam Zhen the Seventh. She wore a brocade skirt and a large golden phoenix crown, her plump body glistening with sweat as if she had just stepped out of a hot bath.

The contrast between Jin Niang and Madam Zhen the Seventh was striking.

After the welcoming banquet, Jin Niang had changed into an outfit of a lotus-root-colored plain silk bandeau paired with an ivory-white undergarment, over which she wore a long violet gauze beizi. The collar trim and edges were embroidered with irises and chrysanthemums, complemented by an ivory-white sheer skirt, making her look crisp and cool.

Thus, Jin Niang appeared entirely at ease, conversing effortlessly with Madam Zhen the Seventh.

Observing Jin Niang’s dignified grace and knowing her husband was a young scholar in Wuxian County with both a son and daughter, Madam Zhen the Seventh couldn’t help but respect her.

Second Madam Dou, seated nearby, had intended this effect. While the Dou clan had women who had borne both sons and daughters, they were all older and not official wives. Jin Niang, however, was not only beautiful but also graceful, well-spoken, and highborn. Upstaging Madam Zhen the Seventh also served to remind the Zhen family that Dou Yuan’s marital connections were not to be taken lightly.

Jin Niang understood why Second Madam Dou had invited an outsider as the Complete Fortune Matron rather than a Dou family member—likely due to her previous warning about Third Madam Dou, which had sown distrust.

After a day at the Dou residence, Jin Niang set aside another day to explore the city. She wore a veiled hat and moved cautiously. Just as Luoyang’s tree peonies were renowned as the finest under heaven, Yangzhou’s tree peonies and herbaceous peonies were equally famous.

At first glance, tree peonies and herbaceous peonies appeared similar, but there were key differences. Tree peony leaves split at the tips, while herbaceous peony leaves were pointed and undivided. Moreover, tree peony stems were hard and sturdy, whereas herbaceous peonies had soft branches. The most obvious distinction was that tree peony flowers hid beneath the leaves, while herbaceous peonies bloomed above the foliage.

Though Jin Niang had never cultivated flowers, her skill in painting birds and blossoms allowed her to discern these details.

"*Precious Adornment*—its fragrance is richer than orchids or musk. I’ll take one each of the purple, pink, and white," Jin Niang said, bending to inhale their scent with delight.

She also admired the "Yellow Tower" herbaceous peonies, alternatively called "Taoist Adornment," and after examining several pots, purchased them all, arranging for delivery to the riverside in two days.

Naturally, besides herbaceous peonies, Yangzhou was also famous for its Chinese snowball (*Viburnum macrocephalum*), of which Jin Niang bought two pots.

As for Yangzhou’s renowned velvet flowers, she purchased several boxes—these were inexpensive. Only the lacquerware was costly, but Jin Niang splurged on a set of black-lacquered bowls and plates.

Other edible gifts need not be detailed.

The two children were thrilled. After walking all morning, both Yun Jieer and Ning Geer ate two bowls of rice upon their return. With the Dou family occupied that day, Jin Niang dined with the children and spent the evening reading and chatting indoors.

When word came that Dou Yuan had arrived, Jin Niang promptly invited her in with a smile.

A year had passed, and Dou Yuan had grown noticeably taller. Now betrothed, she carried herself like a young woman of standing. Without reservation, she began discussing family matters: "Brother was taken by Uncle to his post for studies. Though Uncle hasn’t mentioned adoption, Mother is much more at ease now."

"Your uncle must be observing your brother’s conduct," Jin Niang mused, thinking the Dou patriarch was cautious—though the eldest Dou son was far from sensible.

Dou Yuan fretted for her brother, but Jin Niang reassured her: "Your marriage is imminent, and your brother is older. You should consider your own future. I’ve heard the Zhen family in Daming Prefecture is a great house. In such families, being a daughter-in-law is no easy task."

These were Dou Yuan’s very concerns. Her own family was large, where outward harmony masked inner tensions among sisters-in-law. Still, as a Dou daughter, though she often worried for her parents and brother, her life had remained largely untouched. But in the future...

She turned to Jin Niang for guidance, remembering her cousin’s loving marriage.

Jin Niang smiled. "There’s little I can teach you. In truth, your cousin and I both worked at our relationship, and so we’ve prospered. They say this Zhen gentleman is talented, handsome, and virtuous—as long as you two unite, no hardship is insurmountable. But remember one thing—"

"What is it?" Dou Yuan pressed.

"Secure your own foundation—through skills, talents, or your dowry," Jin Niang said.

A marriage thrived not by one alone. Even Jiang Xian had contributed, and Jin Niang, recognizing his kindness, reciprocated. If one refused to cooperate, the other’s efforts would falter—especially in great houses where divorce was rare. Within such constraints, one needed footing.

Be resourceful, building connections so your husband relied on you. Or manage your dowry well, ensuring your own means and independence.

Dou Yuan listened intently, nodding. She was clever, and later, even when faced with a *baiyueguang* (unattainable ideal) in the Zhen household, she reclaimed her position—thanks in part to Jin Niang’s advice.

The betrothal proceeded smoothly, and Jin Niang, as the Complete Fortune Matron, received generous gifts: first, a magnolia *guan* (ceremonial headdress) of silk and rice-paper artificial flowers, then a complete set of hair ornaments, including two arched gold hairpins, one filigree floral gold hairpin, one phoenix hairpin, two pairs of pearl-inlaid gold comb backs, two pinecone *ji* (hair buns), and three gold wire filigree hairpins adorned with floral and bird motifs.

Here is the edited translation incorporating all expert suggestions:

In addition to the headpiece, there was also a load of tea cakes, six bolts of fashionable satin, and a pair of plum-blossom vases.

Of course, Second Madam Dou also gave Yun Jieer and Ning Geer each a beaded necklet.

Having completed her task, Jin Niang prepared to return home, never expecting that Ru Yan was actually still waiting for her here. She had already sent Chen Xiaolang to investigate Ru Yan. While eighty percent of what Ru Yan said was true, twenty percent was false—for instance, she hadn't been separated from her family before being trafficked to a brothel. Rather, her parents had passed away, and her aunt, who ran a clandestine brothel, had taken her and her cousin to operate a pleasure quarter.

Of course, it was true that she had been unwilling to become a courtesan, though her later attempts to find a respectable husband had failed.

Ru Yan was actually quite nervous as she looked at Jin Niang.

"You've worked so hard to gain your freedom from the registry. If you serve me, wouldn't you just be returning to servitude? I have two paths to offer you—I wonder if you'd be willing?" Jin Niang said.

Ru Yan tensed. "I'd like to hear the details."

"Very well. The first is that the female coroner, Jiang Liuniang, in this county is short of an assistant. She's complained to me several times, and I could recommend you to her. Don't worry—it wouldn't mean re-entering the debased registry. She also knows medicine, and you'd just be assisting. If you could learn even a fraction of her skills, you'd never have to worry again. The second option is to work as a Wine Attendant at the Gu family's teahouse. There, you'd have food and lodging covered, earn a decent income, and could even open your own food stall in the future," Jin Niang explained slowly.

Fang Ma thought to herself that this was a good idea—it would reveal whether Ru Yan truly wanted to live an honest life or had ulterior motives.

Ru Yan, however, considered that working as a Wine Attendant would mean dealing with disgusting men again, enduring harassment without complaint. She'd rather learn coroner work, even if corpses were frightening.

But what Jin Niang said was right—if she didn't want to be a servant or controlled by others, she had to learn a skill.

"I'd like to learn coroner work," Ru Yan said earnestly.

Jin Niang nodded. "Good. I'll be watching."

This Ru Yan had no parents, no money—if she could acquire a skill working for the yamen, no one would bully her, and she'd have her own foundation.

With this settled, Jin Niang's mood improved greatly, and she was eager to return home. However, she didn't expect that Madam Bao was secretly gossiping with her friend Madam Tian: "Did you know that the wife of County Sheriff Jiang was originally a maidservant? Who would've guessed?"

"That can't be," Madam Tian didn't believe it.

Madam Bao insisted, "I'm not lying—her own sister said so!"

Madam Tian fell silent, unwilling to engage in such gossip and aware that Madam Bao was slandering others behind their backs. But when Madam Bao saw that Madam Tian wasn't interested, she turned to Clerk Huang's wife, who was more receptive. She found Madam Bao's words somewhat plausible.

Yet, to Madam Bao's surprise, most people didn't seem to react much.

"Why doesn't anyone believe me?"

When County Sheriff Mei heard Madam Bao's words, he was furious: "Do you think everyone is like you? Only a country simpleton would believe such nonsense. If she were just a poor maidservant, how could she have countless trunks and spend a thousand taels on land at a whim? Do all maidservants get lucky, receiving thousands of strings of cash in dowry from their masters?"

This left Madam Bao red-faced. "I only repeated what I heard—I never said she was poor!"

County Sheriff Mei rolled over and stopped speaking to her.

Naturally, Madam Bao repeated these words to Madam Wen, but instead of delighting in the gossip as expected, Madam Wen scolded her: "Madam Bao, what nonsense are you spouting? We're all wives of yamen officials—we should maintain outward harmony."

In Madam Wen's view, she did want to take center stage, but not through such underhanded means. Everyone had to maintain outward harmony—they couldn't let the lower-ranking servants and clerks laugh at them.

Scolded by both County Sheriff Mei and Madam Wen, Madam Bao was deeply upset. Just then, she saw Jin Niang returning from her trip, wearing a gold-wire inlaid headdress and dressed exquisitely—a pomegranate-red silk tube top, a matching pleated skirt beneath, and a peacock-blue beizi with interlocking lotus patterns, its collar panel embroidered with peony sprays.

Her servants carried numerous trunks behind her, and as she chatted with the other yamen wives, they all clustered around her, making her the picture of prosperity.

Madam Bao seethed with envy. Chief Qin's wife had already whispered to Jin Niang about Madam Bao's meddling. Hearing this, Jin Niang narrowed her eyes—she hadn't expected it was Rong Niang who had betrayed her background. Rong Niang wasn't a fool; divulging such details so thoroughly could only mean ill intent.

But now, Jin Niang's target was Madam Bao. She deliberately walked over and took Madam Bao's hand, saying, "You didn't know, but on my way back from Yangzhou, I passed by the Zhaoxuan Commissioner's manor. The commissioner's wife actually knows the Dou family and mentioned that you, Sister Bao, had served her for a long time. Why haven't you gone to pay your respects?"

In truth, Jin Niang had long known Madam Bao's background—she had once been a maidservant in the Zhaoxuan Commissioner's household. County Sheriff Mei had been the commissioner's guard, not inheriting his uncle's position as he claimed. But Jin Niang had never exposed this—it was their past. Yet today, since you provoked me first...

Madam Bao had repeatedly replaced her servants to hide her past, never expecting Jin Niang to expose her publicly. She felt lightheaded, her face stinging as if slapped several times.

Chief Yang's wife, who had never gotten along with Madam Bao, observed pointedly, "No wonder someone was so quick to slander others—turns out they're the real culprit..."

Madam Bao, usually sharp-tongued and stubborn, now broke into a cold sweat, her face pale as paper. Jin Niang thought to herself, With such poor constitution, you still tried to harm me? How pathetic. Now, she had given her a taste of her own medicine, making it clear she wasn't to be trifled with.