The Tale of Jin Zhao

In the bustling Northern Song capital of Bianjing, the Cao family is a prominent household thanks to Cao Qi’s position as a Vice Director in the Ministry of Works. The Cao family has many children, each following a different path in life.

The eldest daughter, Cao Jinmei, marries into a high-ranking family and lives a stable life.

The second daughter, Cao Huijuan, born to a concubine, wins her way into the merchant Chen family with her kind heart. She is filial to her in-laws, clever and quick-witted, and praised by everyone. Her husband, Chen Yu, passes the imperial examinations in the top tier, placing twelfth.

The third daughter, Cao Jingjiao, marries into a duke’s household and enjoys a life of honor and privilege.

The fourth daughter, Cao Chunwan, also born to a concubine, marries the legitimate only son of the Yu family, whose father is a Vice Minister of Personnel. A newly minted Presented Scholar, he is the Yu family’s sole legitimate heir. Through her skillful management, she takes charge of the household and becomes its mistress.

The Cao family’s legitimate eldest son, Cao Yongbai, is good-natured and generous. He understands music, excels at chess and archery, enjoys writing poetry, and loves martial arts.

The fifth daughter, Cao Zhaoshu, has a life full of hardships. Her fiancé, Li Zhi, looks down on her, but this leads the Empress Dowager to take notice of her and make her Empress. Though Song Renzong does not favor her, she uses her wisdom and virtue to establish herself in the palace.

The sixth daughter, Cao Xiting, unexpectedly meets Qi Yu, the son of Minister Qi. They fall in love and marry.

The Cao family’s legitimate second son, Cao Yongzhi, is innocent, romantic, and lively. After the woman he kept outside the household dies in childbirth, he goes to Lingnan, finds a virtuous wife, and lives out his days in peace.

The seventh daughter, Cao Yunjing, is noticed by the young Marquis at a banquet held by the Lin family. The young Marquis of the Lin family schemes to marry her into his household.

The eighth daughter, Cao Zhiyu, is betrothed to the Grand Preceptor Yao’s youngest grandson. She marries a mischievous young scamp, and the two become a bickering couple with a bright future ahead.

The ninth daughter, Cao Shangmiao, is the apple of her whole family’s eye, growing up carefree and innocent. Lady Cao sometimes frets about her marriage prospects.

Where will the paths of this family lead? Stay tuned to find out.