A month later,

    Wu Sanniang woke up early as usual and was busy in the kitchen from before dawn. She collected eggs from the henhouse, watered the vegetables and pickled some for year-long consumption. She lit the stove for hot water, which she only did once in the morning and then divided the meals to save on firewood. Soon, the smell of smoke from the wood and delicious food wafted from the kitchen, providing the officials at the town hall with tasty meals every day.

    Since her mother passed away years ago, Wu Shihuang decided not to remarry, so the duties of cooking and cleaning fell to his daughter. Aside from her mischievous nature, Wu Sanniang could indeed be considered a good homemaker. The major incident that occurred previously helped spread the word about eel dishes throughout the households. Thus, Wu Sanniang tried to come up with various eel dishes to feed her father well.

    "Hmm... too salty, the doctor said to avoid salt,"

    the young woman noted, tasting the spicy crispy fried eel. She then checked the rice pot boiling over, stirred it well to make sure the rice was loose, then closed the lid and pressed it down with a stick. She saved the rice water to drink during the day or to give to poor villagers for feeding their infants instead of milk. In times of war like this, villagers survived by digging up yams, bamboo shoots, or bamboo fibers instead of rice. But the Wu family was fortunate enough to have some rice stored, so her father instructed her to cook rice with a lot of bamboo shoots to save rice.

    "Your cooking smells so good it reached my house, Niang’er,"

    Ping Ping teased as she clung to the low earthen fence, sniffing playfully. She is the daughter of a minor official in charge of the Ma Jiang docks, growing up together with Wu Sanniang, they were inseparable and mischievous daily. It was only recently, since Ping Ping got engaged, that she started behaving more demurely, so much so that Wu Sanniang often teased her about her flushed cheeks.

    Ping Ping handed over a basket of plums, "Mother sent me to trade these for some of your chicken eggs."

    "For the beautiful Miss Ping Ping, I could never refuse," Wu Sanniang laughed merrily as she passed a basket of fresh eggs over the fence. They chatted vivaciously, typical of close friends, until Ping Ping waved goodbye, about to leave but then suddenly remembered something.

    "Are you prepared?"

    "Prepared? For what?"

    "What? Have you forgotten that today Master Chen is testing us on the Yi Jing scriptures? No matter how much I memorize, I can't seem to remember anything. I memorize one part and forget another. Sigh," Ping Ping looked anxious, as memorization was not her forte. Initially, Wu Sanniang thought the exam would be difficult, However, upon learning that it was a memorization test, she smiled reassuringly. Her smile faded when she remembered they would also be tested on manners and etiquette.

    "I'm doomed for sure, Master Chen will rap my knuckles again."

    Wu Sanniang was clumsy with the refined and delicate behaviors expected of a lady. Whether standing, sitting, or walking, there were strict rules to follow; how to eat or drink gracefully, or even the words used in conversation needed to be elegant. Wu Sanniang struggled with these, but Ping Ping excelled, which is why they often sighed and went back to their respective homes.

    "Father, breakfast is ready,"

    Wu Sanniang carried a tray of food into her father's study and library, where walls lined with overflowing bookshelves showed that the magistrate's salary was either spent on helping the townsfolk or on books.

    Wu Shihuang was engrossed in his work, so Wu Sanniang carefully placed the tea tray on the bamboo table amid stacks of books and pending documents. The simple yet tidy arrangement resembled a scholar's study, and the most striking decoration was a painting beside the window—not of mountains or rivers or auspicious animals, but of a vast field of golden rice, inscribed with the words,

    'The duty of the noble is to nourish the people.'

    The magistrate's residence behind the courthouse was modest, only large enough for one family. Therefore, magistrates typically accepted invitations to stay at the grand manor of the Jiu family. But Wu Shihuang was an honest and direct judge, renowned for not sparing anyone who tried to bribe him, no matter how valuable the gift. This had spread his reputation far and wide.

    Wu Sanniang lit incense for her mother, then set the dining table with three sets of chopsticks and bowls, thinking that the spirit of her mother might enjoy sharing their meals.

    "Please drink your medicine first, Father."

    "Mmm," Wu Shihuang half-sat, half-laid, buried in a pile of complaint letters, draped in a thick robe. Wu Sanniang helped her father sit up as he looked particularly unwell, coughing heavily and breathing with difficulty. "It gets worse every year as winter approaches."

    "Tomorrow I will make rice porridge, it’s smooth and warm, just the thing."

    "Hmm, make sure to add plenty of sliced yam. Rice is getting scarce in the market again."

    "Yes, father," she said as she poured him tea, brightening his expression. "Look, Father, Old Man Su has caught us plenty of eels. You must eat more meat to nourish yourself during your illness."

    "It’s good that we have eels to eat, it helps sustain the villagers too. But tax collection is approaching again. There was news of a crop failure the other day. The villagers hardly have rice to eat, let alone to pay taxes. Sigh... I truly worry."

    Wu Shihuang sighed heavily, struggling to think of a solution to this perennial problem. Wu Sanniang quietly served him the rice and they ate in silence.

    After cleaning up the dishes, the daughter of the small-town magistrate sat pensively on the porch, a sewing project on her lap. If it had been earlier times, she might have found better fabric to sew a warm coat for her father. But now, conditions were worsening. Even her father, with his salary of fifteen taels per month, had to scrape by. What about the farmers and peasants?

    Wu Sanniang thought deeply. What could she do to ease the villagers' suffering? Surely there was a role for her beyond reciting books mindlessly or practicing demure steps to charm men. There had to be some duty assigned by the heavens for her!

    ............................

    Come afternoon, it was time for her leisure.

    Wu Sanniang rolled up her sleeves and jokingly called out to the children to help catch eels for cooking. But before they could start, Ping Ping, having seen this, dragged Wu Sanniang to Master Chen's house instead. No skipping the examination!

    Master Chen, also known as Chen Jinyao, is an elderly woman nearing sixty. She was once a court maid serving in the palace. As she aged, she retired and settled at home. Various ladies with daughters would come to her, pleading for Master Chen to help train their daughters in proper manners and etiquette. Matchmakers frequently visited to inspect the young misses. Over time, Master Chen opened her home and set up a training school for young women, also taking on the role of a matchmaker for both families. It became a tradition that every young woman in Ma Jiang County would attend Master Chen's school, and Wu Sanniang was no exception.

    The school's hall was exquisitely furnished like a royal palace, complete with aromatic sensors adapted from those used in the royal court. Chen Jinyao sat sternly at a round pearl table, surrounded by untouched delicacies and fine tea, cold and ignored.

    "I can't promise anything, but I will try my best."

    "Help me, Sister Chen. I left the palace as ordered and have searched far and wide without success. There's only three days left, and that's why I came to you,"

    The petitioner, named Li Cuipin, is a middle-aged woman with a distinct appearance. She dresses like a high-ranking royal servant and has sharp, discerning eyes. Her long journey from the capital, spanning months without rest, has left her looking weary, yet she maintains a straight posture, never losing her dignified demeanor.

    "Then take a look and see if anyone catches your eye... Miss Jiu, Miss Wang might do, or if you want someone well-behaved, it must be Miss Zhao," Chen Jinyao gestured to a group of young ladies lined up neatly, hands clasped in front, heads bowed, utterly still. The royal servant stood up and began inspecting the line, while Chen Jinyao sighed softly, touching her temple.

    "I'm here on the orders of Lian Wang. His Majesty wants to select a maiden of prime age. The chosen one will receive great honors and rewards, and her family will never want for anything. I've traveled searching for a beauty who meets His Majesty’s standards but haven’t found one yet. Are you willing to participate in the selection?"

    "I am willing to participate in the selection,"

    the young women said softly and gracefully, bowing their heads. The court lady, Li Cuipin, nodded in acknowledgment and paused to lift the chin of each young woman to inspect them more closely. Ping Ping and Wu Sanniang, who had just arrived and realized they were late, hurried to the back of the line with their heads down, unaware that Master Chen had an important guest.

    "Your beauty is striking, and the crimson dress is currently in vogue in the capital."

    "Thank you for the compliment, I often have the chance to travel with my father to the capital, so I am somewhat familiar with fashion, but still not as graceful as you, lady."

    This young woman, Jiu Meixiang, sister of the scholar of Xiucai from the wealthy Jiu family, considered herself a lady of high standing. She dressed exquisitely, was Chen Jinyao’s number one student, and was sought after by many young men, hence she only associated with peers of similar social status and always acted superior to others. Upon receiving such a compliment, she beamed with joy.

    "Does this mean you will choose me to enter the palace?"

    "No, I just wanted to point out that the ladies in the capital are so overdone in crimson that it has become tedious."

    Jiu Meixiang's smile faltered instantly, followed by snickers from the back of the line, causing her to glare resentfully at Wu Sanniang.

    "This selection is very important as it is a direct order from His Majesty. Anyone who passes the tests has an equal chance to enter the palace. He specifically wants someone literate and intelligent,"

    explained the court lady, clapping her hands three times. A servant followed with a beautifully carved sandalwood tray covered with a golden silk cloth. When the court lady unveiled it, a perfect pearl gleamed brightly, catching everyone's attention, even Wu Sanniang.

    Many of the young women, including Wu Sanniang, had never seen such a precious object and gaped in awe, only to be scolded by Master Chen. Jiu Meixiang sneered at the lower-status ladies, particularly Wu Sanniang and Ping Ping.

    "Anyone wishing to take the test, please line up one at a time. Whoever can string this pearl will be admitted to the palace."

    Jiu Meixiang immediately volunteered to go first. She was accustomed to seeing pearls like this and thought stringing such a pearl would be an easy task. However, no matter how much she tried, she could not do it. This was because the pearl was not ordinary; it was a complex, nine-curved pearl, intricately twisting inside with nine bends and having two holes, one for entry and one for exit. The task seemed simple but was actually quite difficult, leading every hopeful young woman who tried to inevitable disappointment.

    Wu Sanniang and Ping Ping, standing at the end of the line, were disinterested in palace life.

    "Why don't you want to enter the palace?" Ping Ping twirled her hair playfully, nervously kicking the ground with her toes. "His Majesty is indeed old, but he has not yet appointed any of his consorts as the chief wife. Moreover, he has no sons. There's even a decree stating that if anyone can present a son to him, that person could become the chief wife."

    "No, I do not wish to enter the palace. My father is old, and I want to stay to take care of him."

    "Me too, I'm already engaged and don't want to leave home."

    "Do you not want to leave home, or do you not want to leave that handsome young lord from the Yong family?" Ping Ping was teased, her cheeks reddening once more. She was bright and innocent, making the imperial palace unsuitable for her. Wu Sanniang, having read many of her father’s books and occasionally summarizing official dispatches from the capital, knew of the treacherous deeds of Lian Wang; the previous chief consort was executed to please a favored concubine, but once his affection waned, the situation deteriorated. Eventually, Lian Wang executed the concubine and indulged himself in the pleasures of a new favorite, continuing in an endless cycle of betrayal.

    "And do you know how to string the pearl?"

    "Of course, it’s really easy," Wu Sanniang laughed heartily before whispering the solution. Ping Ping listened with wide eyes and laughed along. The test ended with no one able to string the pearl. The distressed imperial envoy sighed, but Jiu Meixiang stepped forward with confidence.

    "Please give me another chance; I've figured out how to do it now."

    "Really? Let’s see then."

    Jiu Meixiang bowed deeply before instructing them to prepare a silk thread dipped in oil and an ant. She tied the slippery thread around the ant’s waist and let it enter the pearl. Everyone was amazed at Jiu Meixiang's ingenuity, praising her as the top student of Chen Jinyao.

    However, the ant refused to walk, only moving back and forth through the same entrance. Jiu Meixiang’s smug expression faltered.

    "You didn't come up with this method yourself, did you?" Chen Jin Yao, who had been watching, knew the personalities of her students too well. "Who told you this method?"

    "I really thought of it myself."

    Chen Jinyao slammed her hand on the table. "Don't delay any further; it’s audacious to lie in front of the emperor’s representative! Tell me again, who thought of it!"

    With a tight-lipped look of distress, Jiu Meixiang glanced back at the end of the line where Wu Sanniang stood, admitting her dislike but acknowledging her intelligence. Having overheard the method, she never expected to get caught. "It was Wu Sanniang who thought of it."

    "Ah..."

    All eyes turned towards the back of the line. Wu Sanniang looked up and quickly denied it, but the imperial envoy Li Cuipin was already intently observing her.

    Li Cuipin whispered to Chen Jin Yao while Wu Sanniang stood frozen with nerves.

    "Can you make the ant walk out the other end of the pearl?"

    "I... I..."

    "Don’t be afraid, just say it."

    "You have to lower the ant slowly. If it doesn't move, you blow a light stream of smoke to stimulate it to exit through the other end of the pearl. That’s all it takes. I like to play tricks; I’ve tied ants for fun before."

    "Correct... You are very clever. Although plain in appearance, you are charmingly delicate. A touch of makeup would make you as beautiful as anyone."

    Li Cuipin circled Wu Sanniang, measuring her height and examining her facial structure. Despite her age, it was rare for Li Cuipin to encounter such naturally appealing beauty, and her expression shifted as if she had uncovered a priceless treasure.

    "Where are you originally from?"

    "I… I was born and raised here. My father is from Han San[7], and my mother... she was from Chu Region."

    "Chu? Oh, the province that fell many years ago. Excellent... very good..."

    Lady Li Cuipin was quite pleased, her gaze lingering incessantly on Wu Sanniang. The clever glint in Wu Sanniang’s deep black eyes was inherited from her father, while her charming facial structure came from her mother. Dressed in a fresh light green outfit—somewhat dated but immaculate—she looked radiant. Her hair was styled into braids on either side of her head, adorned with silver heirloom jewelry from her mother. Her dignified stature and delicate fair skin made her the epitome of beauty that many longed for.

    "Whose daughter is she?" Lady Li turned to ask Chen Jinyao.

    "She is Wu Sanniang, the only daughter of the magistrate of Ma Jiang, Wu Shihuang."

    "An only child? And why the name San Niang[8]?"

    "Ah... Magistrate Wu is one of the rare virtuous officials, but his life is full of hardships. His wife lost their first daughter at birth, and the second pregnancy ended in a miscarriage. His wife struggled through her third pregnancy, and when San Niang was born healthy, Magistrate Wu named her so in memory of the first two who were lost... Afterwards, Furen Wu's health declined, and she passed away a few years ago."

    "Oh... So there are no other relatives?"

    "That's right, it's just the father and daughter," Chen Jinyao answered nonchalantly. "Though Magistrate Wu holds an official title, he doesn't mingle with merchants or nobles, hence his humble status and lack of progress. He's been in service nearly his entire life and is still only a fourth-rank official. Look at San Niang's clothes; she’s been wearing the same outfit for three years. He hasn’t even bought her a new piece of jewelry; she’s practically wearing her mother’s old things. And up till now, not a single matchmaker has shown interest in San Niang. Truly shameful."

    Wu Sanniang, displeased by the harsh words of her teacher, held her head high. Her father fulfilled his duties daily without rest, personally inspecting any troubles. Known for his integrity, he never accepted bribes or embezzled money. Although Wu Sanniang was motherless, her father’s virtue filled her with pride.

    "Master... My father always taught me not to be disheartened if our clothes and food don’t match others', but if our morals, knowledge, and abilities fall short, that is when we should feel ashamed."

    "Listen to her speak! So bold as to be disrespectful to elders; where is that acceptable?"

    "Poverty is a scholar's norm. Sister Chen criticizes her father like that, and she, being close and loyal, naturally feels upset."

    "Sigh, you know nothing. This child is more cunning than a fox, acting immaturely, stubborn, and aggressive. Ask anyone in Ma Jiang; they all know her antics."

    "What did she do?"

    "Recently, my nephew had to kowtow to a sewage worker because of her, and then her father broke his leg for causing trouble. All because of her antics, he’s a Xiucai but she acts without regard for her elders. If you insist on having her at the palace, I would vehemently object."

    "There was such an incident? Truly shocking," said Lady Li, stifling a chuckle, amused at the thought that a matchmaker would consider such a notorious girl. Wu Sanniang also abused her beloved nephew, Chen Jinyao was even more incensed, constantly denigrating Wu Sanniang.

    Lady Li sipped her tea to relax, then turned to Wu Sanniang, "Little girl, what you said is correct; your father has not failed in his duties as an official. But don't forget, the issue of you still being unmarried is significant for a young woman. Thus, it is a failure on your father’s part. You should be thankful to your teacher for her concern."

    "I am at fault, Master... I was too hasty and didn't think things through, speaking disrespectfully to you. I apologize," the young woman knelt and bowed deeply in apology to her teacher, but Chen Jinyao turned away dismissively.

    "The knowledge I've imparted to you is like pouring water onto the ground, completely wasted. It's utterly disgraceful."

    "Master, I accept all your reprimands, but regarding entering the palace, I'm not willing..."

    "Hmph! Rest assured, I would never send you to the palace only for others to speak ill of me behind my back. Go now, I am done dealing with all of you."

    If Jiu Meixiang was the favored disciple, Wu San Niang was the detested one. Chen Jinyao and Lady Li continued their discussion to decide who to select, while the ladies dispersed to their respective homes.

    "Venomous snake, her true colors show now."

    Though Jiu Meixiang's attire was elegant, it couldn't mask her true character. As she deliberately bumped into Wu Sanniang's shoulder with a mocking smile and hissed, "You didn't fully disclose the method, intentionally making me look foolish. Don't think I don't know, a lowly magistrate's daughter like you knows how to deal with ants because you're just like them—understandable language."

    "Miss Mei Xiang, you pick fights with me every day. Aren't you tired of it?"

    "Hah! What you did to my brother, I haven't even settled that score yet. Pretending today that you don't want to enter the palace, but in reality, you're just dying to raise your status. Just so you know, a poor magistrate's daughter like you shouldn't even dream about it! A lady without manners, with no mother to teach her."

    Wu Sanniang, scorned yet smiling, walked away confidently, her handkerchief fluttering. While her attire might not be as luxurious as Jiu Meixiang's, her simple dress—her mother's old dress—was elegant and compelling. When combined with her self-assured demeanor, Wu Sanniang looked every bit as attractive.

    "You're insulting someone without a mother?"

    "I'm insulting you, you fool."

    Before she could finish, Wu San Niang kicked forcefully. Unprepared, Jiu Meixiang tumbled into a muddy pond, splashing down. Followed by loud screams as Wu San Niang used a stick to prevent her from getting up, she shouted for help, but in reality, was just pinning her nemesis down.

    "Help! Help! The beautiful Miss Mei Xiang is splashing in the mud. Come quickly, everyone, come and see Miss Mei Xiang playing in the mud!"

    Wu Sanniang's uproarious calls drew the attention of the villagers who gathered to watch the spectacle of the elegant Miss Jiu covered in mud. Once the workers managed to help her out, Wu San Niang tossed the stick aside and laughed heartily.

    "The female pig's mud bath is over, I better go eat something. It’s stinky around here, Oh, I forgot... when speaking to pigs, I should grunt."

    "You wretched creature! I'll tell your father!"

    "Go ahead, grunt. I'll be waiting. Next time I'll take you to the cesspit. Grunt."

    Wu Sanniang walked away relaxed and stretched out, while Ping Ping hesitated but decided to follow her. Jiu Meixiang, seething with anger to the point of choking, struggled to her feet, stomped angrily, and shook off the lowly workers clinging to her. She glared furiously at her friends who stood silently by, offering no help—a truly heart-wrenching sight!!

    ……………….

    Upon hearing the news from his sister, Scholar Jiu Jinfang hurried to Chen Jinyao's house immediately.

    "I had intended to propose your sister for the palace from the beginning. Li Cuipin also agreed. She has ordered Mei Xiang to prepare to follow her into the palace. I have sent someone to inform your house; by now, they must be celebrating."

    Chen Jinyao was very fond of these two nieces. Jiu Meixiang's manners and etiquette, shaped by expert guidance, along with her appearance and status, were unmatched in Ma Jiang district. If there was anyone to support, why not support one's own relatives? Upon hearing such good news, Jiu Jinfang felt elated. Soon his sister would bear a royal child, securing a prominent and influential position.

    "I've instructed someone to inform Grand Minister Guang already. Rest assured, Mei Xiang will only rise higher, and you too should prepare a substantial amount of money for your journey to the capital with Mei Xiang."

    "Aunt understands us so well, but I have a proposal to make."

    "Go ahead."

    "Soon, as a Xiucai, I will secure a high official rank, and my sister will enter the palace as a royal consort. The only thing missing will be a maid to accompany her into the palace."

    "Traditionally, Mei Xiang can take two close servants into the palace with her. She'll probably choose Xiao Hua and Xiao Zi to serve her, so you don't need to worry."

    "I want Aunt to recommend another person."

    "Who?"

    "Wu Sanniang." Jiu Jinfang smirked as he looked at his broken legs, which made it necessary for others to carry him around, an utterly pitiable sight. The village's mindless chatter about the scandal only fueled his rage. Just yesterday, he heard villagers discussing providing an umbrella[9] for Wu Shihuang, which only added to his resentment. He wanted to obliterate the Wu family.

    "Hmm... Your thoughts align with mine. Li Cuipin assured that she would make that girl enter the palace too. I suggested that she follow Mei Xiang as a servant, and Li Cuipin had no objections."

    "Good! Then everything is as I wish. I want that girl to be constantly suppressed and serve Mei Xiang until her death. As for her father, I will..."

    Jiu Jinfang nearly blurted out his plan in rage, thankfully noticing a servant nearby. Ever since the embarrassing incident, Jiu Jinfang had been extremely cautious and paranoid. Chen Jinyao covered her mouth to laugh while indulgently feeding her nephew with treats. "You don't need to be impatient, Noble Official. Li Cuipin has already entrusted the task to you."

    "What task?"

    "Let's just say everything will go exactly as you wish," Chen Jinyao evaded the question, leisurely wiping the tea steam off her cup and smiling contentedly.

[7] Han San, the capital of the Lian Province.

[8] A third woman.

[9] It is a Chinese tradition that when a noble creates good deeds, the villagers come together to make a large paper umbrella and sign their names on it, calling it an umbrella to honor the virtue.