Xu Erpeng had purchased a three-courtyard residence in the bustling area of Changmen without fanfare, keeping even his ancestral family completely unaware. During his leisure time from writing, he sought out construction workers rumored to be from the renowned Xiangshan Guild, who had worked on the Forbidden City during the Yongle era. He hired painters to renovate two street-facing rooms into a bookstore and commissioned carpenters to build bookshelves.
While the storefront was being renovated, he also contacted a brokerage to hire two engravers—brothers surnamed Tang—who charged one and a half tacels of silver per page of about five hundred characters, along with two scribes paid four cents per hundred characters.
Additionally, he procured Fujian bamboo paper and jujube and pear wood for carving.
With limited funds, he focused on printing only the most essential and popular titles: examination-related books like Collected Commentaries on the Four Books, Model Policy Essays, Zhaoming’s Literary Selections, Top Graduate’s Strategies, and Selected Exemplary Essays, often emblazoned with covers promising “Guaranteed Success” or “Certain to Pass.” The other category consisted of popular storybooks and operas, such as Journey to the West: Overcoming Tribulations, The Cowherd and the Weaver Girl, The Legend of Guanyin’s Origins, The Story of Bodhidharma, Chronicles of the Southern Song, Chronicles of the Northern Song, and Popular Romance of the Great Song Revival.
As he already had a readership, after completing his April manuscript, he began preparing a new book, starting with a ten-volume, roughly 100,000-word installment as an introduction.
Thus, besides managing the shop, Xu Erpeng wrote feverishly at night. Mei Shi did the same: during the day, she cared for the children and spun yarn to weave cloth; in the evenings, she made summer socks, with Miaozhen joining in after school. The whole family worked together with one purpose.
Sometimes, when Xu Erpeng stood to stretch, he would discuss shop matters with Mei Shi: “Bamboo tools are cheap—we’ll make do for now. Once the business is stable, we’ll invest in better furnishings.”
“Don’t worry about us; focus on the shop first,” Mei Shi replied with a smile.
Xu Erpeng said, “After we move, we’ll find a better tutor for our daughter. When times improve, we’ll hire servants to attend to you and her—that’s what matters most.”
Touched by her husband’s consideration and capability, Mei Shi was delighted. After their conversation, noticing Miaozhen had fallen asleep on her small bed, they tiptoed back to their tasks.
The book market typically attracted out-of-town booksellers and small vendors on the first, fifteenth, and sixth of each lunar month. Xu Erpeng aimed to open by May.
Meanwhile, Xu Third Uncle had yet to secure a shop location: decent spots were exorbitantly priced, while poorer ones didn’t meet his standards. Bao Shi’s complaints grew increasingly frequent, blaming Miaolian’s education for draining funds and threatening to withdraw her from school. Only after others intervened did Miaolian continue her studies.
In contrast to Third Aunt’s readiness to halt her daughter’s schooling, Da Bomu specifically hired a female tutor to teach Miaoyun painting. One night, when Miaozhen got up to use the outhouse, she overheard her father say, “Eldest Brother borrowed five tacels from Third Brother for Miaoyun’s painting lessons. He even mentioned that Da Bomu had already paid ten tacels for Miaoyun to learn tea ceremony and incense art, leaving them strapped for cash.”
Miaozhen was astonished, but also puzzled: Wasn’t Eldest Uncle a tribute scholar? Why did it seem he was borrowing money?
Now, regarding Xu Dalang and Huang Shi, they rented a residence in the busiest area between Changmen and Xumen, costing six qian of silver per month, which amounted to seven taels and two qian per year. Both husband and wife earned decent wages: Huang Shi raised silkworms, reeled silk, and wove it into silk fabric herself, producing about sixty bolts a year. After deducting costs, she netted over forty taels. Previously, Xu Dalang worked as a lecturer earning ten taels a month, but he felt insecure in that role, fearing others would uncover his inadequacies, so he switched to teaching at a community school. As a result, his annual income dropped to just twelve taels, with an additional two fen per day for meals, totaling no more than seven or eight taels a year.
For ordinary people, this would have been quite comfortable, but Huang Shi was desperate to have a son, spending heavily on various remedies and medicines, while also investing in their daughter’s upbringing. Thus, their finances became strained, forcing them to borrow money.
Of course, Xu Dalang never informed his family about his resignation from the academy and move to the community school.
Somehow, though, Xu Dalang felt a sense of relief—no longer having to worry about being doubted.
This, however, left Huang Shi dissatisfied: “You’re a tribute scholar, more than qualified to be a lecturer. If one academy wasn’t good, couldn’t you have gone to another? Why settle for a community school? It’s embarrassing to even mention it.”
What could Xu Dalang say? He felt utterly helpless…
Nearby, Miaoyun watched her mother scold her father and silently lowered her eyes. Fortunately, seeing their daughter’s reaction, the couple quickly stopped arguing.
Then in May, when Xu Dalang learned that his younger brother had moved to a new home, he was incredulous. He asked Xu Sanlang, “Is this true or not?”
“It’s true. Second Brother opened a Jinchang Confucian Bookstore at Changmen and sold me the two rooms at home, saying he needed to raise funds. He borrowed a huge sum to buy that property. I’ve just taken over a shop myself and am short on cash, so I only gave him a few strings of coins for now, promising to pay the rest later.” Xu Sanlang’s words were a subtle hint for Xu Dalang to repay his debt soon.
Upon learning that his second brother had bought the property, Xu Dalang felt obliged to visit. Huang Shi prepared two modest gifts, and the family of three went to Niujia Lane. There, they found the area lined with bookstores offering exquisite volumes, alongside numerous entertainment establishments, confirming it as the most prestigious district.
“Is that it?” Miaoyun, sharp-eyed despite her youth, spotted it quickly.
Following their daughter’s pointing finger, the couple saw a tidy two-bay bookstore front with a plaque reading “Jinchang Confucian Bookstore.” The pillars were adorned with elegant paintings of plum blossoms, orchids, bamboos, and chrysanthemums, and a banner outside announced, “New Arrival: ‘Zhou Yu Seeks His Father While Teaching His Son.'” The shelves were stocked with the latest storybooks.
Just then, Xu Erpeng came out to greet them: “Elder Brother, Sister-in-Law, let me take you through the side entrance.”
He instructed a clerk to mind the store and led them around to the eastern gate. Xu Dalang observed carefully: the front section had been converted into the bookstore, with a curved awning installed between the first and second courtyards. Beneath the awning stood a wheelbarrow, likely for deliveries. To the west were several rooms where craftsmen could be seen busy at work. The second hall comprised several large rooms, and Xu Erpeng explained, “This is where we usually receive guests. There’s a door on the west side of this hall leading to the kitchen and storage. My wife and I live opposite the main hall, and the third courtyard has a boudoir for Zhenjie.”
Walking directly from the second hall to the main chamber was a narrow path flanked by charming flowerbeds where roses, trumpet vines, scutellaria, and blooming roses displayed their vibrant colors.
The men were conversing in the second hall. Xu Dalang noticed his second brother’s father-in-law, Mei Juren, arriving with several of the Mei family brothers-in-law, all engaged in lively discussion. These were the same people who had once looked down their noses at his second brother, but now addressed him affectionately as “brother-in-law” at every turn.
Xu Erpeng smiled and said, “Today is the book gathering, so I must excuse myself for a while. Eldest Brother and Third Brother, please help entertain our guests.”
Meanwhile, Huang Shi held her daughter Miaoyun’s hand as they entered the main chamber, where many female relatives were gathered, creating a bustling atmosphere. Though Huang Shi felt a twinge of bitterness, she saw Mei Shi smile and say, “After purchasing this residence, our family has truly exhausted our funds, so we beg everyone’s understanding.”
Though the house lacked luxurious furniture, the fact that they could afford such an elegant and refined residence was what truly inspired envy.
This was Miaozhen’s first time staying in the new home, and the emptiness still felt somewhat unfamiliar—the second branch of the Xu Family had suddenly upgraded their circumstances dramatically. Yet she loved the new house, particularly the two-story boudoir: the ground floor intended for future maids, and the upper floor reserved for her own use.
Qiao Yimu, the wealthiest among the sisters, presented a potted lucky bamboo in a blue-and-white porcelain vessel and a set of gold-trimmed porcelain. Her voice carried the most authority as several aunts and sisters-in-law vied to flatter her.
The Qiao Family were prominent landowners in Suzhou Prefecture. While no immediate relatives held high official positions, their extended family included figures like former Administration Commissioners. Qiao Yimu’s elder brother-in-law was a maritime merchant specializing in exporting raw silk and porcelain overseas, returning with jewels and spices—each venture yielding substantial profits. This Elder Master Qiao was also a Student of the Imperial Academy from Changzhou County.
Her husband was no less accomplished. Though initially a Student, he had donated to become a Supervisor, gaining status as a Student of the Imperial Academy, and operated two money houses in Suzhou. Consequently, Qiao Yimu wore an embroidered gown with peonies and gold thread against a blue background, paired with a horse-face skirt featuring delicate pleats and floral embroidery. Even the cloud-patterned tips of her shoes were adorned with pearls.
Her sleek coiled hair was pinned with coral and jade hairpins, encircled by a necklace at the base. Pearl hair ornaments trembled as she spoke, while jade bracelets accentuated her wrists like mutton-fat jade. In her resonant voice, she advised, “Elder Sister, you ought to hire several maids. Surely Brother-in-law wouldn’t refuse such expenses?”
Other female relatives from the Mei family echoed her sentiment. Mei Shi and Qiao Yimu were half-sisters who had never been close during their maiden years. Mei Shi had long heard that Qiao’s husband frequented pleasure quarters, maintained multiple concubines at home, and even kept secondary wives outside—typical behavior for merchants, she thought. In some ways, this made her appreciate her own marriage more, as Xu Erpeng was upright, capable, and talented, giving her a sense of superiority in marital happiness.
Seeing the congratulatory gifts from Qiao Yimu, she felt no inferiority and simply smiled. “We’ll consider it when the shop turns a profit. The family still has debts to settle.”
Noting Mei Shi’s composure, Qiao Yimu refrained from further comment—had Mei Shi appeared embarrassed, she would have undoubtedly drawn comparisons. Scanning the room, her eyes fell on Miaozhen. “Has Zhen’er begun her studies?”
Miaozhen replied, “I’ve been attending school for two and a half years now.”
Aunt Qiao smiled and said, “Your uncle has invited a female tutor from Hangzhou Prefecture. She originally comes from a wealthy family and is particularly skilled in poetry. Since she’s just starting out, if you’re also beginning your studies, you could keep each other company.”
Her words were insincere—she merely wanted to show off, not genuinely intending for Miaozhen to study. Thus, Miaozhen replied with a smile, “I appreciate your kindness, Aunt. My father mentioned he plans to find me a tutor soon as well.”
Young girls generally dislike mingling with adults, so Miaozhen rose and led her cousins and two maternal cousins to her boudoir. She retrieved two plates of fruit-filled pastries, one plate of silver-thread candy, and one plate of tangerines from the cabinet, inviting everyone to eat.
The two younger maternal cousins happily nibbled on the pastries and candy, while Miaolian picked up a piece of silver-thread candy to eat. Only Miaoyun abstained. Noticing her shyness, Miaozhen asked, “Elder sister, don’t you care for these? Would you like to try the fruit pastries?”
Only then did Miaoyun use her handkerchief to delicately hold a pastry, taking small bites. Though she was around the same age, Miaozhen detected an air of elegance in her demeanor.
Today marked the Xu family’s housewarming celebration. After the guests had eaten and drunk their fill, they left behind a scene of disarray, which Mei Shi, Feng Niang, and even Xu Erpeng himself personally cleaned up.
Despite this, the entire family felt joyous—they finally had a home of their own.
Xu Erpeng was a pragmatic man. Having earned over fifty taels in remuneration fees over several months since April, he saved every bit, fearing unexpected expenses might arise.
Thus, even a month after the bookstore opened, the Miaozhen household hadn’t hired additional servants. Daily meals were prepared jointly by Mei Shi and Feng Niang, with Miaozhen assisting by tending the kitchen fire.
Her father used the saved funds to purchase numerous printing blocks. As a newcomer to the trade, he gradually realized that while new books required commissioned carving, many older texts already had existing wooden blocks—cheaper and more practical.
A single set of printing blocks could yield thousands to tens of thousands of impressions, making the initial investment in blocks essential. With the Zhongyuan Festival approaching in July, he printed various Buddhist scriptures, offering the most affordable versions on bamboo paper as well as slightly pricier cotton paper editions with engraved illustrations.
In previous years, writing furiously had netted him at most a hundred taels annually. This time, from May to August alone, he’d already earned over a hundred taels.
With profits in hand, Xu Erpeng didn’t hold back. He bought a kitchen maid named Yu Xiang for six taels, added two maids—Jinchai and Yinhuan—for Mei Shi at three taels and five mace each, and acquired two personal maids for Miaozhen—Xiao Xi and Xiao Tao—also priced at three taels and five mace apiece.
Thus, the household began to resemble a modest family. Mei Shi could now focus solely on caring for Jian Ge, while both heavy and delicate tasks were handled by others.
As a modern soul, Miaozhen initially felt uneasy about having dedicated personal attendants. But she soon succumbed to the luxury. Xiao Xi and Xiao Tao, both two years her senior, could style hair, launder clothes, and serve tea—freeing up Miaozhen’s time to delve into medical texts.
Xu Erpeng had been observing his daughter closely. Noting that she continued daily calligraphy practice and reading even without attending Xiucai Yu’s lessons, and could roughly recite half of the “Complete Collection of Effective Prescriptions for Women,” “Danxi’s Mastery of Medicine,” and “Essential Prescriptions,” he finally recognized her perseverance and resolved to seek a proper tutor for her.
In his view, everyone had their own way of living. If the family was poor, learning needlework and embroidery could serve as a skilled trade, which was highly valued in Suzhou. If the family had modest means, the options were broader—one could study things others didn’t know.
Naturally, reading and needlework should not be neglected.
Just as he had a talent for writing storybooks, he couldn’t rely on that alone for a lifetime. Even if he stopped writing, his status as a Xiucai allowed him to earn a living by drafting legal petitions or opening a school. He could even buy a few acres of poor land, exempt from taxes, ensuring he could get by no matter what.
Thus, he hoped his daughter would excel in both needlework and scholarship, while also mastering a medical skill, so that if one path failed, another might succeed.
Therefore, instead of using the leftover money from buying a maid to furnish their home, he enrolled Miaozhen in the girls’ school run by Chou Niangzi. The annual tuition of ten taels was more than ten times what Scholar Yu charged.
However, hearing that Chou Niangzi taught the six arts and proper etiquette made it worthwhile.
Moreover, the couple made a new set of clothes for Miaozhen and had Mei Juren take her to pay respects to her teacher. Together, they visited the residence of the renowned physician Tao Dingguo. Tao’s father was also a famous doctor, particularly skilled in treating cold damage disorders, and his wife, Ru Shi, came from a lineage of esteemed physicians, specializing in gynecology.
Initially, Ru Shi was reluctant. During the Ming Dynasty, learning medicine generally followed two paths: one was through family traditions, where even female physicians in the Three Wu regions and Anhui were taught by relatives—about seventy percent of female doctors came from such backgrounds. Ru Shi’s own niece was studying under her. The other path was self-study, often pursued by scholars who failed the imperial examinations, though such individuals accounted for only ten to twenty percent.
But when Ru Shi met Miaozhen and saw her articulate speech and clear, bright eyes, she couldn’t help but ask, “Have you studied before?”
“I’ve studied for two and a half years. Later, I expressed my desire to learn gynecology to treat my mother and to bring honor to us women. Many female healers and medicine women cannot diagnose pulses or prescribe formulas; they only purchase pills to deceive patients, making people increasingly look down on female physicians. So, when my father brought back the Nanjing, Maijue, and Su Wen, I grasped their meanings. I only beg you, Madam, to teach me more,” Miaozhen replied.
Hearing this, Ru Shi decided to test her: “What do ‘all wind disorders with dizziness and tremors’ pertain to?”
Miaozhen answered without hesitation, “All wind disorders with dizziness and tremors pertain to the liver.”
“What is the uterine disease mentioned in the Lingshu?”
“It is stone concretions.”
Mei Shi, standing nearby, felt her heart in her throat as her daughter answered, relieved she got both right. But Ru Shi continued, “What is the main symptom of cold reversal?”
Miaozhen smiled, “It is cold limbs.”
“And for treating coughs of the six bowels, where should one needle?”
“One should needle the He-sea points.”
Just as Miaozhen expected more questions, Ru Shi smiled and asked, “Are you afraid of needling? Are you afraid of hardship?”
Miaozhen shook her head quickly, “No, I’m not.”
She knew such questions meant Ru Shi was considering taking her as a disciple. Sure enough, Ru Shi said to Mei Shi, “You’ve raised an exceptional daughter in the Xu family.”