by: 春未绿
As the saying goes, where there are many people, there is much drama.
Such is the case in the household of Zhou, the Commissioner of the Bureau of Military Affairs in Bianjing. Setting aside the disputes among his wives and concubines, his four daughters—both legitimate and illegitimate—are particularly fond of competing and outshining one another.
The eldest is a scheming beauty, the second is young but hot-tempered, the third is fiercely competitive, and the fourth… well, she might just be a transmigrated “fellow villager” pretending to be a pig to eat the tiger.
Jin Niang thought she could quietly work as a little maid in the sewing room, staying far away from the girls’ squabbles. But when the imperial examination results were announced, bringing forth a wave of handsome, young scholars, Zhou began eagerly planning to “catch a son-in-law under the rankings.” Suddenly, the daughters began dressing up, and even the little maids in the sewing room became hot commodities.
Especially Jin Niang—her exceptional embroidery skills made her the center of attention, with everyone vying to win her over.
Faced with the eldest’s veiled promises, the second’s blatant threats, the third’s secret overtures, and the fourth’s seemingly genuine care, Jin Niang could only clasp her hands and plead: “Young mistresses, please spare me.”
Reading Notes:
This is a slow-burn slice-of-life story with light domestic intrigue, centered on business and daily life. The setting is fictional—the “Northern Song” is an imagined dynasty, not historical. While inspired by Song Dynasty aesthetics, it does not involve real historical events or figures. Everything serves the plot, so please refrain from excessive scrutiny.
The male lead is a younger, dark lotus who only has eyes for the female lead.
The transmigrated girl is not vilified; the conflicts arise from differing perspectives.