Chapter 113

Chapter 113

Strangely enough, it seemed that every time they were assigned to a new post, just as they were getting familiar with everything, everything would change again. Now, almost all the superiors had been replaced, and they had to get to know unfamiliar people in a familiar place.

If it were just Madam Liu, it wouldn’t be a problem—they had known each other before. But now, with the newly arrived Xia family, and Madam Xia, whom Madam Liu had already warned her to be cautious of, Jin Niang was rather wary of interacting with them.

But then she thought, since they were just colleagues' wives, as Madam Qian put it, no matter what, it would only be for a year at most. It wasn’t like they had to live together every day.

"Have the gifts for the Xia family been prepared?" Jin Niang asked.

A Ying brought them over: "Take a look."

Jin Niang smiled as she scanned the list, which was similar to what they had sent to Madam Qian before, and gave a satisfied nod. "Good, just like this. Have Chen Xiaolang deliver them."

After A Ying left, Jin Niang turned to Fang Ma. Instead of asking about Madam Xia first, she inquired about Madam Liu: "What was this lady’s temperament like when she was young?"

Madam Liu was the daughter of Chancellor Liu and, by extension, a relative of her mother-in-law’s family. They had interacted quite frequently, so Fang Ma should know. Unexpectedly, Fang Ma said, "Actually, Madam Liu wasn’t raised in the Liu family. After she was born, it was said that her fate was too harsh—if she stayed with her parents, she might bring disaster upon them. So she grew up with her maternal relatives. By the time our Madam met her, she was already fifteen."

"No wonder I rarely heard Madam Liu mention her when I visited Chancellor Liu’s home," Jin Niang mused thoughtfully.

Fang Ma analyzed, "Madam, pardon my bluntness, but now that you’ve established ties with the Wei family, not to mention the Zhen family, the saying goes, 'A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.' Whether Secretary Han is good or Judicial Officer Xia is good has little to do with us. Fewer interactions between people mean fewer disputes."

Jin Niang nodded. "You’re right."

When they first arrived here, unfamiliar with the place and the people, they had to pay respects to the local powers. But now that they were so familiar, it wasn’t as necessary anymore. Thinking this, Jin Niang threw herself back into managing the household and continuing her embroidery work. Speaking of embroidery, Madam Wei had seemed interested in her Lotus Throne Guanyin embroidery last time, but she hadn’t given it away—after all, nothing stoked demand like scarcity.

She had also borrowed Buddhist statues from a local ancient temple for reference, first tracing outlines before selecting one she felt confident in to begin painting.

Just as she was finishing the painting of the Buddha statue, Dou Yuan from across the street came over. Somehow, she had heard about the rumored power of Jin Niang’s embroidered images and said that Luo Jieer had taken ill, so she wanted to borrow one to hang for a few days.

Jin Niang quickly asked, "Have you called a doctor?"

We mustn’t rely on superstition—she was only doing this for her embroidery business, not because she actually believed in it.

Dou Yuan hurriedly replied, "We have. It’s just that my mother-in-law took the child out to play in the garden, and she got chilled."

"It must be a cold. Then take the embroidery over. Once the child recovers, you can return it," Jin Niang said.

Dou Yuan thanked her profusely and took it to hang in the room. Just then, Madam Zhen arrived and, seeing the embroidery, her eyes lit up. She asked, "How is she? Is the child still feverish?"

"It’s gone down a bit, but she still has a slight fever. The doctor said to give her more medicine later, but the child is so small—when we try to feed her the medicine, it just spills out," Dou Yuan said, exhausted.

Madam Zhen pointed at the embroidery and asked, "Is this the Judge’s wife’s handiwork?"

Dou Yuan nodded. "Exactly. It took a lot of persuasion for my cousin-in-law to lend it to me. Even Madam Wei asked for it last time, and she refused. This has been consecrated with prayers—I heard that every time my cousin-in-law embroiders these, she recites scriptures diligently."

"Then our Luo Jieer should be fine," Madam Zhen said, muttering 'Amitabha'.

Dou Yuan stayed by her daughter’s side all night. By the next morning, the fever had finally subsided. Early that day, Jin Niang came over and touched the child’s forehead. "She’s fine now. Once the fever breaks, she’ll recover."

"All thanks to you, cousin-in-law," Dou Yuan said, rubbing her eyes.

Jin Niang felt a bit guilty and quickly explained, "It’s because you found a good doctor and took such diligent care of her—it has nothing to do with me. This embroidery truly can’t have that much power. You should still call the doctor often."

Ironically, the more Jin Niang downplayed it, the more Dou Yuan grew certain of the embroidery’s preciousness and was reluctant to return it. She even begged Jin Niang to let her keep it for a few more days until the child fully recovered.

Jin Niang naturally agreed.

Returning home, she changed into casual clothes and saw an invitation from Madam Liu, announcing a welcome banquet for Madam Xia that evening and expecting everyone to attend.

Though pressed for time, Jin Niang still dressed up properly for the occasion. Generally, for such formal events, women were expected to wear headdresses. Jin Niang wore an ivory-white embroidered bodice with the Eight Immortals pattern, layered with a light green plain silk undergarment, paired with a pleated skirt of the same fabric as the bodice. Over it, she draped an emerald-green long overrobe adorned with floral sprigs. Her hair was styled into a bun, first secured with a pearl net and then covered with a gold-inlaid headdress, radiating grace and luxury.

"My lady, the carriage is ready outside and is waiting for us."

Jin Niang smiled. "Alright, I understand. Let’s go now."

A Ying still seemed dissatisfied. "My lady, why didn’t you wear that fully embroidered 'Blooming Prosperity' gown?"

"This modest attire is enough. There’s no need to outshine everyone," Jin Niang replied.

The group arrived at Secretary Han’s residence within forty-five minutes. Jin Niang and the others were welcomed inside, where Liu Daniang introduced the so-called "Tigress in Rouge," Mrs. Xia. Surprisingly, she turned out to be a rather shy and quite beautiful woman, around thirty-five or thirty-six years old, appearing very amiable.

Liu Daniang had someone bring over prepared flower honey, saying, "Drizzle this on the fruitcake—it’s guaranteed to be delicious."

Jin Niang added a little, took a bite of the fruitcake, and listened as Liu Daniang and Mrs. Xia chatted casually.

Though Liu Daniang had previously spoken much about Mrs. Xia to Jin Niang, now she showed no sign of disapproval toward her. On the contrary, she was quite affectionate, even more so than she had been with Lan Shi, a former honored guest.

During the banquet, Liu Daniang had the household maids perform songs—a common practice among wealthy families, as music was deemed essential for dining. Even in Jin Niang’s home, where there were no musicians, she would hire performers for such occasions.

Jin Niang noticed that as soon as the musicians began playing, Mrs. Xia’s lips curled slightly in disdain, though barely noticeably.

Lan Shi was discussing local customs with Mrs. Xia. "Since you’ve come from Shuzhou, you might not know that here, we start preparing warm jackets as early as October. I know a few reliable shops—I can recommend them to you later."

"That would be wonderful. I’d appreciate that," Mrs. Xia replied with a smile.

After the banquet, Liu Daniang invited them to the inner hall for conversation, having Han Xiao’s two concubines join as well. Jin Niang recalled that during her last visit to the garden, Liu Daniang had also brought them along. The wives and concubines got along very well in the Han household, seeming harmonious and joyful.

"Madam Wei, why didn’t you bring your two children today? Last time, Elder Sister Liu mentioned how well you entertained our children at your home," Concubine Guan said with a laugh.

Jin Niang had heard that Concubine Guan was skilled at making pastries and had a gentle temperament, which made her quite favored—she had even borne Han family’s eldest son. Sometimes, Jin Niang privately wondered if everyone who associated with the Han family had to be somewhat proficient in cooking.

Snapping back to the present, Jin Niang replied, "Oh, don’t mention it. It was just humble dishes—nothing special."

Jin Niang harbored no disdain for concubines or maidservants. After all, who wouldn’t prefer to earn an honest living and live well? It was merely the constraints of the times.

If one didn’t aspire to be a virtuous wife and refused to arrange concubines for their husband, that was one thing. But to seek a reputation for virtue while looking down on concubines was simply venting one's frustrations on their inferiors.

Just like Yan Hong back then.

Thus, though Jin Niang wasn’t particularly close to Han family’s concubines, she maintained a cordial demeanor with them. Lan Shi was even less reserved—she was currently playing drinking games with another of Han’s concubines, thoroughly enjoying herself.

Perhaps due to drinking too much, Jin Niang stepped out to use the privy, where she happened to run into Mrs. Xia, who had also stepped out. Mrs. Xia turned her ankle slightly, and Jin Niang quickly instructed Zi Teng to support her, asking with concern, "Are you alright?"

Mrs. Xia shook her head. "I’m fine. Thank you. When did you and your husband take up your posts in Daming Prefecture?"

"Two years ago," Jin Niang replied, preferring to keep personal details to herself with unfamiliar people.

Mrs. Xia then asked about local temples and nunneries, and Jin Niang obliged by guiding her through the introductions. It turned out Mrs. Xia was deeply devoted to Buddhism—her household reportedly owned ten chests of scriptures and numerous ritual objects.

She even shared, "Once, my husband nearly drowned. He couldn’t eat or drink, and we even prepared his coffin. But I obtained a relic from a master, and slowly, he recovered."

Jin Niang thought to herself, *My embroidered portraits are just a backup plan in case I lose my livelihood—but this relic story seems far-fetched, doesn't it?*

After hosting Mrs. Xia, Jin Niang returned the favor by inviting Han Xiao and Liu Daniang to her home for a meal. Jiang Xian mentioned that they had hit it off during the Double Ninth Festival, so as practically family, there was no need for formalities.

However, when Jiang Xian personally prepared two dishes, he tried to credit Jin Niang. "Later, I’ll say you made these?"

"Wait—why would you say I made them? I can’t even cook!" Jin Niang quickly waved her hands in protest.

To cover one lie requires countless more, a truth Jin Niang understood well. Yet Jiang Xian said, "Darling, the problem is I bragged about you having all eighteen kinds of talents, especially your culinary skills. Now, well... for the sake of my momentary vanity..."

He continued, "Don’t be mad at me. I just thought that if Han Zineng enjoyed our meals, it would foster better relations between us, which would benefit me too."

"But you could’ve just said you made them yourself," Jin Niang muttered, still displeased.

Jiang Xian replied, "Go ahead, punish me—make me kneel on a washboard if you must! But next to you, anyone would think *you’re* the talented one. You’re so good at embroidery, so quick-witted—who’d believe a clumsy fellow like me could carve radishes into flowers?"

Jin Niang shot him a look and poked his forehead. "You... I really don’t know what to do with you."

"Darling, my dearest," Jiang Xian cooed, hugging her and babbling on.

Just then, word came that Han Xiao and his wife were here. He straightened up and went out with Jin Niang, who couldn’t help thinking: *So he slaved in the kitchen for an hour, and I reap the rewards?*

Han Xiao, in his thirties, was in the prime of life. If Jiang Xian was dashingly handsome, Han Xiao had a refined air. After exchanging greetings, Jin Niang was still pondering how to open the conversation when Jiang Xian smoothly said, "Brother Zineng, this is my wife."

Having a socially adept husband certainly had its perks.

Jin Niang stepped forward again. "Minister Han."

Han Xiao waved it off. "No need for that, sister-in-law."

"Let’s sit and talk over dinner," Jiang Xian suggested, gesturing for them to proceed.

Once seated, A Ying oversaw the serving of dishes. Ju Xiang wasn’t a pro, but Jiang Xian’s two dishes stole the show. Jin Niang wasn’t picky—especially with meat on the table. Normally she ate lightly, but banquets were her chance to indulge.

She started with the steamed perch, its tender flesh rich in protein and barely any bones.

Seeing her enjoy the fish, Jiang Xian thought she was adorable. Han Xiao, who hadn’t been hungry, suddenly craved the fish he usually despised after watching Jin Niang eat.

Next, Jin Niang took some goose breast while listening to Madam Liu discuss property. "We bought ours on recommendation," Madam Liu said. "We’ll sell it when we leave."

"You’re quite right," Jin Niang agreed, pouring her a drink. "Daming’s a key location—properties sell easily here."

"I think so too," Jin Niang said, helping Madam Liu to a drink.

Madam Liu, mid-conversation, noticed the pile of fish and pork bones by her husband’s plate—something she’d never seen before. Jiang Xian was equally baffled: *Did Ju Xiang’s cooking surpass mine? Han Xiao ate so much of her dishes!*

After the meal, Jiang Xian gave Ju Xiang sixty extra coins.

Han Xiao, who hadn’t eaten so well in years, got sleepy—a miracle for someone who never sleeps. Before leaving, he remarked, "Their food’s better than the Lans’. We should visit more often."

"Of course, as long as you enjoy it," Madam Liu replied warmly.

Once the Hans left, Yun Jieer returned early from polo, cutting school. Jin Niang sent her to bathe and change before chatting.

"You should’ve seen us play today!" Yun Jieer beamed. "If Sister Ji Er had been there, we’d have won even more decisively—she’s brilliant at polo!"

But Jin Niang frowned at the participant list. "Only three from your school joined? You had to team up with outsiders?"

"Ugh, don’t even start. It’s all because the Sun sisters couldn’t come," Yun Jieer grumbled.

Yet the Suns had no choice. Leaving two young girls alone in the prefecture during turbulent times was too risky. Bringing them home was the only option, though Zhou Si was now stuck in a dilemma—having spent heavily on arrangements she couldn’t use, split between her son and girls.

Worse, Sun Shichen, often away, had taken up with a pretty maid—her own confidante, Ruo Liu, once promised freedom through marriage to a scholar or merchant. Who knew she’d end up in his bed?

How could she debase herself like this?

Did she really think Sun Shichen would treat her well? No, he merely saw her as a toy.

"Madam, that scheming girl Ruoliu has been moved by the master to serve in his study. You wouldn’t believe how much private funds he’s given her!" Dan Ruo said indignantly.

Zhou Si let out a sigh of relief. She remained silent now because Sun Shichen hadn’t reproached her about their daughters missing school. Otherwise, if he pursued the matter, it would expose her negligence, and she wouldn’t be able to keep pressing the issue of Ruoliu.

She had thought they were all her close maids, and she had always treated them well—who knew they’d betray her like this?

Ruoliu stood at the door, knowing full well that in this household, the mistress still called the shots. But she was thirty years old—unlike Dan Ruo, who had no intention of marrying. The mistress always said women didn’t need to marry, that remaining a spinster was perfectly acceptable. But then why had the mistress herself married?

Women like them, shuffled between households like merchandise, had no natal family to rely on. If she could stay with the master and bear him a child, that would be her ticket up. If she waited a few more years, who knew if she could even conceive anymore?

Ruoliu’s actions wore Zhou Si down. She didn’t know how to face this maid who had climbed into her husband’s bed.

...

All these troubles had kept the Sun sisters from attending school. Meanwhile, Jin Niang had her own headache to deal with.

The Guanyin embroidery she had hung for Dou Yuan had gone missing!

"Who could have taken it?" Dou Yuan was fuming.

Jin Niang glanced at Dou Yuan, unsure whether it was truly lost or a family thief. Dou Yuan’s room wasn’t easily accessible to outsiders—what thief would dare steal from the daughter-in-law of the Minister of the Imperial Ancestral Temple?

So she calmly asked, "Who usually visits your room often?"

Dou Yuan, sensing Jin Niang’s gaze, felt there was no way to explain. "My mother-in-law, sister-in-law, and younger sister-in-law have all sent people to visit."

"How strange. Has any servant fled your household recently?" Jiang Xian, being a Judge, heard the case and initially deduced it must be an inside job.

Dou Yuan replied, "There was one—she was my elder brother-in-law’s concubine. She stayed with my sister-in-law in widowhood for several years but couldn’t endure it any longer, so she was allowed to leave."

Jin Niang cared little about familial ties. She said to Jiang Xian, "Since you’re the Judge, I’ll report this officially. You must retrieve my belongings. This isn’t just some trinket..."

If sold, it would fetch at least fifty strings of cash. Given Jin Niang’s current status, it might even sell for a hundred strings—this was valuable property.

"Very well. If even our embroidery is stolen, who knows how much the Zhen family has lost without realizing it." Jiang Xian quickly spun it as protecting the Zhen family’s best interest.

Dou Yuan added, "Cousin Sixteen, you can investigate, but could you do so discreetly? I fear a public scandal would be disastrous."

Jiang Xian reassured her, "Don’t worry, I’ll be subtle."

Normally, if something went missing in a relative’s home—especially the home of a superior—who would dare investigate? But now that Jiang Xian had framed it as helping the Zhen family, Dou Yuan hurried back to inform her mother-in-law.

Once Dou Yuan left, Jin Niang and Jiang Xian shared a look. Jiang Xian said, "It must be an inside job. I’ll apply pressure first—if they return the item, so be it. If not, you’ll go and say this."

He motioned for Jin Niang to lean in, and after hearing his plan, she couldn’t help but laugh. "Good, good. I was thinking the same."

"Madam, if someone truly stole your embroidery, it could become priceless in the future," Jiang Xian said with a bow.

Jin Niang looked at him and replied, "Life has its ups and downs. In good times, wealth can be preserved, but in bad times, who knows? But if I retain this skill, as long as I have needle and thread, I can always keep us afloat."

By then, working day and night on garments wouldn’t be practical. With age, memory fades, the mind slows, and even eyesight weakens. But if she could embroider two Guanyin images a year, she’d earn nearly two hundred strings of cash—enough to recover from any setback.

Upon hearing that figure, Jiang Xian’s eyes lit up. "Our two hundred acres of land only yield that much in a good year. Don’t worry, Madam—I’ll leave no stone unturned to get it back."

"I thought you’d say to let it go since it involves family. I never expected such backbone from you—truly impressive. I’ve had enough of those who make their own family suffer while kowtowing to strangers." Jin Niang recalled how Jiang Xian had stood by her during her mother-in-law’s funeral, putting her first. Her admiration for her husband came from the heart.

Jiang Xian patted his chest and said, "My dear, what kind of talk is that? I am absolutely not that kind of person."

Jin Niang nestled into his arms and asked, "Could it be her mother-in-law, Madam Zhen? Look how Dou Yuan instinctively listed her mother-in-law first when mentioning who enters her room."

"Don’t worry, I’ll intimidate them a bit, and the item will resurface. People like them value their reputation, but we shouldn’t push them too hard either." Jiang Xian, with his extensive case experience, spoke confidently.

Meanwhile, Dou Yuan returned and told Madam Zhen, "My cousin said that since even items from my room were stolen, it must have been done by maids or servants. So, he’ll come by tomorrow to look into it himself. Don’t worry, I told him not to make a fuss about it yet."

Madam Zhen paused her prayer beads. "We can’t just let anyone waltz in and start poking around!"

"Mother, this belongs to my cousin’s wife—it’s a family heirloom! Don’t worry—my cousin is a renowned detective. He even cracked the case where the Cui family’s only heir was smuggled into a mine! Ours is just a minor matter in comparison," Dou Yuan said with a smile.

Madam Zhen responded, "Oh? Well, that’s something."

Dou Yuan then stepped out, glanced back, and snorted coldly.

The next morning, the missing Guanyin embroidery reappeared in the garden, and Dou Yuan hurriedly brought it over.

"Cousin-in-law, isn’t it strange? It just magically appeared in the garden—can you believe it?"

Jiang Xian took it and frowned at the dirt stains on the white border, feeling a pang of distress. Jin Niang, however, reassured him, "I’ll clean it up in no time. Talk about winning without lifting a finger!"

The three of them burst into laughter.