Lady of Fortune, Jiao Niang

Chapter 104

Actually, if Fang Shi hadn't mentioned it, Ye Jiao would have already forgotten that this Lu family wife had proposed marriage for Third Brother.

After all, whether it was Liu Shi or Fang Shi, both seemed unwilling to form this marriage alliance. Since both mother-in-law and sister-in-law were unwilling, Ye Jiao felt it wouldn't work out, so naturally she didn't take it to heart.

Now suddenly hearing about it, Ye Jiao took a moment to react before coming to her senses.

Liu Shi fingered the prayer beads in her hand, using her handkerchief to cover her mouth, turning her head slightly and speaking in a gentle voice to them: "Remember to watch your words later, say as little as possible."

Fang Shi agreed, and Ye Jiao also responded.

Then Little Ginseng saw Liu Shi had already put on a smile and said warmly to Lady Wu who was walking over: "Fifth Lady, you're here too, what a coincidence."

"So Third Lady is here too." Lady Wu smiled as she approached, reaching out to gently grasp Liu Shi's hand, looking particularly affectionate. "I originally intended to bring my daughter out to pray today, I didn't expect to encounter Fifth Lady. This must be Seventh Miss, such beauty and grace, Third Lady is truly blessed."

Liu Shi maintained her smile, while Fang Shi and Ye Jiao stood behind her. Fang Shi muttered quietly: "What coincidence, today isn't even a proper day for this. If this were really coincidence, that would be the strange thing."

Fang Shi's words were so quiet that only Ye Jiao could hear them.

But thinking about it carefully, today really wasn't a proper day for burning incense. Usually this place was crowded with pilgrims, but today it seemed rather quiet.

Liu Shi had specifically chosen a quiet day to come, yet they could still run into each other, which could only be intentional.

Ye Jiao didn't respond but looked toward the Seventh Miss Lu that Lady Wu was leading.

This Seventh Miss Lu didn't look very happy, but still put on a shy demeanor when facing Liu Shi. Her speech and behavior were quite proper, giving the impression of a well-bred young lady.

However, Seventh Miss Lu only greeted Liu Shi and didn't spare a glance for Fang Shi or Ye Jiao.

Fang Shi had a round figure but a stubborn personality. When others ignored her, she wouldn't speak either, obediently following behind Liu Shi. Ye Jiao also followed Fang Shi's lead and remained quiet.

Lady Wu didn't notice these details. She said to Liu Shi with a smile: "Meeting today is also fate, how about after we finish burning incense, we have some tea? The spring water in this Clear Spring Temple is exceptional, and the tea brewed with it is particularly clear and sweet."

Liu Shi smiled and nodded, then they took different mountain paths up.

When they were certain the other party couldn't hear them, Fang Shi frowned: "Is she so sure we'll agree to this marriage?"

Liu Shi appeared much calmer: "Other people's business has nothing to do with us." However, Liu Shi glanced at Ye Jiao. "Jiao Niang, what do you think?"

Ye Jiao hadn't expected Liu Shi to ask her. She blinked and replied: "Third Brother needs to prepare for the provincial examination, and husband has him writing 30 pages of calligraphy every day, so he must be very busy."

Liu Shi felt this reason was quite sufficient, though she couldn't quite understand why her younger son needed to write 30 pages of calligraphy every day...

On the other side, Lady Wu was confident about this marriage: "They will naturally agree, this is a wonderful opportunity, who wouldn't be pleased?"

The servant who came with Lady Wu first glanced at Seventh Miss walking behind them, then said quietly to Lady Wu: "But I can see our young lady isn't very happy."

Lady Wu's mouth twitched: "Don't worry, she knows what's important. I'm doing all this to cover up her shame now. If she had said two years ago that she admired my natal family's nephew Wu Da Lang, I would have been happy to help them achieve their happiness. But now that Da Lang has married the Qian family, and my sister-in-law is that fool Madam Zhang, my daughter absolutely cannot become someone's concubine."

"But the young lady probably looks down on the Qi family."

Lady Wu covered her mouth with her handkerchief: "Although the Qi family are merchants with humble origins, their Third Young Master is still decent, good at studies and not bad looking, worthy of my daughter."

The servant lowered her head and whispered even more quietly: "But about last time when we caught... encountered the young lady and Young Master Wu in the courtyard, that scene... if the Qi family finds out later, what will happen to our Lu family's reputation?"

Lady Wu couldn't help but think of that upsetting incident, and just thinking about it gave her a headache.

But on the surface, Lady Wu remained calm: "Precisely because of this, I chose the Qi family. They're a small household that can't make big waves, and Third Young Master Qi wants to enter officialdom, so he must have someone to support him. Our family has a capital official as backing, so even if the Qi family finds out, they'll have to consider their future prospects and swallow it."

The more Lady Wu spoke, the more confident she became. She had never thought the Qi family would refuse from the beginning.

The reason she targeted the Qi family was that the Lu family now had a glamorous exterior but was hollow inside. All their food, clothing, and expenses required money, but their accounts were already empty and couldn't last much longer.

Lady Wu was a second wife who came to the Lu family, lacking confidence, and without a son, only having one daughter. After much deliberation, she had no way to conjure money from thin air.

Later, when the Lu family targeted the Qi family's wine recipe, Lady Wu set her sights on Third Young Master Qi. The more she thought about it, the more she felt the Qi family was the most suitable to take her daughter.

She even thought that if they married their daughter over, Third Young Master Qi would gain backing in official circles, the Lu family could obtain shops and stores from the Qi family as betrothal gifts to fill their deficit, and their daughter could cover up her scandal with the Wu family's eldest son. It would be killing three birds with one stone.

As for Third Young Master Qi's dignity, Lady Wu had never cared about that.

After finishing their prayers, the two families encountered each other again at the stone table in the courtyard.

Ye Jiao saw the tea set already prepared there and knew her sister-in-law was right, this Lu family mother and daughter had come prepared, otherwise they wouldn't have made such complete preparations.

Seventh Miss Lu wasn't as good at concealing things as Lady Wu. Being young after all, her face always showed some arrogance.

However, her tea ceremony skills were quite good. The whole performance flowed smoothly and was quite pleasing to watch, even earning Liu Shi's nod of approval.

But when she was about to hand the celadon teacup to Liu Shi, just as she stood up, her body swayed slightly.

Ye Jiao quickly reached out to steady her, one hand grasping her wrist and the other supporting her arm, helping her stand firm without spilling the tea.

Seventh Miss Lu glanced at Ye Jiao and slowly thanked her.

But Ye Jiao didn't immediately return the courtesy. Instead, her brow furrowed slightly, and only after releasing her grip did she bow in return and sit back down.

Liu Shi took the teacup and sipped it, then exchanged pleasantries with Lady Wu, mostly mutual flattery. Whenever the conversation touched on Third Young Master Qi, Liu Shi deflected it.

However, Ye Jiao seemed rather silent, remaining quiet until the three women returned to their carriage.

Fang Shi couldn't help asking her: "Sister-in-law, what are you thinking about?"

Ye Jiao looked at Fang Shi, then at Liu Shi, but said nothing, reaching for a red bean cake to put in her mouth.

Liu Shi smiled: "She must be hungry." Then she pushed the plate toward Ye Jiao. "Eat some, we'll have a proper dinner when we get back."

Ye Jiao nodded and took another piece.

Meanwhile, at the Qi family home, Qi Yun was in the small room of his courtyard, taking inventory of yesterday's items.

Tie Zi had become quite capable by Qi Yun's side, especially his abacus skills, which even Manager Song couldn't match.

But even capable as Tie Zi was, after checking accounts all afternoon, his arms were sore.

However, his face showed constant excitement. When the last entry was recorded, Tie Zi's cheeks flushed red, his voice filled with joy: "Second Young Master, this trip's profits are truly substantial!"

Qi Yun wasn't particularly surprised, or rather, he had anticipated the merchant caravan's profits early on: "These face powders and rouge aren't top quality, but once they cross the frontier, they become more precious than gold."

Tie Zi nodded repeatedly. Just from the accounts, ordinary rouge that cost five coins of silver could sell for 50 strings of cash, and people would still want it. This business was incredibly profitable.

Qi Yun's voice was calm: "Ordinary merchant caravans like to carry porcelain and tea. Though these sell well, they're easily damaged, losing value if chipped. These rouge and face powders are different. Packed in wooden boxes, they're not easily damaged, and no matter how high the price, people will buy them, naturally yielding great profits."

Tie Zi memorized all these words, listening and nodding.

Meanwhile, Qi Yun picked up another roster, his mouth curving up slightly. The vast sums of money hadn't moved him, but this roster made Qi Yun smile: "Most valuable is that this merchant caravan expedition only injured a few people without any deaths. This business will be much easier in the future."

Ordinary merchant caravans faced life-or-death situations, easily wiped out by any obstacles.

Now that the Qi family's merchant caravan had gone and returned with everyone safe and sound, especially having been captured by deserters yet rescued, if he organized another caravan in the future, far more people would want to join than now.

The profits from this would surely be endless.

However, while the two were discussing serious matters, someone was getting bored.

Xu Bao looked up at Qi Yun, somewhat unhappily throwing away the cloth tiger in his hands.

He was good-tempered and quiet, able to entertain himself and find joy in it. But when there were people nearby who still ignored him, Xu Bao would get upset.

Though Xu Bao was small, he had a good memory. He knew his coquettish and willful behavior worked on Ye Jiao but had no effect on Qi Yun.

So Xu Bao chose to work hard for attention himself.

He toddled on his short legs to under Qi Yun's desk, and under Qi Yun's puzzled gaze, hugged Qi Yun's leg tightly, his chubby little hands gripping Qi Yun's trouser leg with effort.

Then, using both hands and feet, he tried to climb up.

But he was short and weak, and quite chubby, so after struggling for a long time, he didn't move an inch.

Qi Yun: ...

For a moment, Qi Yun didn't know what to do. If he pushed him away, he might hurt his fat son's feelings, but if he left him alone, Xu Bao clearly couldn't climb up.

Just then, there was some commotion outside.

Tie Zi went to open the door and look, then returned to tell Qi Yun: "Second Young Master, Second Young Mistress has returned."

Qi Yun quickly stood up, scooping up the still-struggling Xu Bao and went out to meet them.

Ye Jiao was carrying several paper packages in her hands, things she had bought while accompanying Liu Shi and Fang Shi to the shops. Inside were pastries from Feng Sheng Zhai, as for other things, Ye Jiao hadn't found anything appealing.

Seeing Qi Yun come out carrying Xu Bao, Ye Jiao hurried forward a few steps to open the door for them, saying: "Quick, get inside, it's cold out here."

Xu Bao immediately reached for Ye Jiao when he saw her, calling "Mother" in his soft, sweet voice.

This voice could melt anyone's heart, and Ye Jiao was no exception.

She took Xu Bao and bounced him in her arms, though her eyes were on Qi Yun.

Qi Yun understood and knew his wife had something to say. However, he wasn't in a hurry. He first accompanied Ye Jiao in playing with Xu Bao for a while. Only after Xu Bao had fallen asleep did they quietly leave the inner room and sit at the table in the outer room.

The paper packages on the table still held warm pastries. Qi Yun felt them and picked one that was still warm to unwrap, revealing round, plump sesame balls.

He selected the nicest-looking one and offered it to Ye Jiao. Little Ginseng didn't reach for it but instead bit into it while he held it.

The outside was a crispy glutinous rice skin, fried to perfection, while the inside was sesame sugar filling, extraordinarily soft and sweet. One bite filled the mouth with sweet fragrance, quite delicious.

After taking a bite, Ye Jiao stared at the teeth marks on the sesame ball and said with a smile: "Like the moon."

Qi Yun also took a bite where Ye Jiao's teeth marks were, then held up the remaining sesame ball and shook it: "Now it's a crescent moon."

Such little jokes wouldn't be funny coming from anyone else, but when emotions ran deep, even just being together felt interesting. Now even this hardly amusing joke could make Little Ginseng bury her face in Qi Yun's chest, laughing with squinted eyes.

Because he was holding a sesame ball, Qi Yun was afraid of soiling Ye Jiao's dress. He could only slightly raise his hand while using his other arm to hold her waist, gently patting her. He lowered his head, wanting to taste what the lips of his Jiao Niang, flavored with sesame balls, would be like.

But before that, Ye Jiao had already sat up straight, picked up her teacup, and took a sip, using the clear tea fragrance to wash away the sweetness in her mouth. She said to Qi Yun: "I have something I want to tell you."

Qi Yun rarely heard Ye Jiao speak so seriously. He nodded, setting the sesame ball aside and wiping his hands with a cloth while saying: "Good, Jiao Niang, speak. I'll listen carefully."

However, sesame balls were oily and couldn't be wiped clean. Ye Jiao went to get soap for him to wash his hands. Only after they were clean did she say: "Husband, today I went with Mother to burn incense and met Seventh Miss Lu."

Qi Yun dried his hands with a cloth and said upon hearing this: "The Lu family is quite anxious indeed."

Ye Jiao looked at him and continued: "She also made tea. Mother said it was quite good, but..."

"What?"

"Husband, actually I know how to take pulses."

Qi Yun wasn't surprised by this. After all, his wife had a courtyard full of medicinal flowers, could make pills that saved lives with a simple rub, and often went to medicine shops. Knowing how to take pulses wasn't strange at all.

Ye Jiao gently grasped Qi Yun's hand and said quietly: "I felt Seventh Miss Lu's pulse. She seems to be with child already, over a month along."

At these words, Qi Yun immediately frowned.

Ye Jiao hadn't immediately told Liu Shi because Little Ginseng didn't understand why someone with child would still be getting married. When she couldn't understand something, she always came back to ask her husband.

But Qi Yun was different. He had suspected from the beginning that the Lu family had ill intentions. Now hearing Ye Jiao's words, the previously vague window paper was finally pierced through.

Seeing his strange expression, Ye Jiao couldn't help saying: "Whose child is it?"

Qi Yun held her: "Whoever's it is, it definitely isn't Third Brother's. But it's best not to tell others about this for now. I'm afraid Seventh Miss Lu's parents might not know about this child either."

If they knew, they would never let this child remain.

This wasn't just a child, but leverage.

Seeing Qi Yun fall silent after saying one sentence, Ye Jiao couldn't help patting him: "Should I tell Mother or not?"

Qi Yun looked down at her and smiled gently: "No need, don't let Mother worry. We don't need to do anything about this matter. There are people on the Lu family's side who are more anxious than us."

Ye Jiao truly put this matter behind her and didn't think about it anymore.

In the following days, Ye Jiao was pulled by Qi Yun to learn bookkeeping and management. After all, Qi Yun was someone who wanted to buy a mountain, and there were two estates on top of it that would naturally be entrusted to Ye Jiao.

Meanwhile, Qi Yun quietly sent people out to surround the Lu family's vicinity and bought a teahouse.

Little Ginseng didn't inquire about these things, just focused on learning seriously with her account books. The days passed quickly.

It wasn't until they entered the twelfth month that Ye Jiao had learned the basics, and Qi Yun handed the deed to the mountain estates to his wife, arranging a time to go look at them together.

When they went out, Ye Jiao noticed that Fang Shi was also taking people out.

She couldn't help asking Qi Yun: "Husband, where is Elder Sister-in-law going?"

Qi Yun kissed her, his voice gentle: "To watch a play."

Little Ginseng was somewhat curious: "Mother invited me to watch one before, and I went along to see, but I couldn't understand much. Is this one good?"

Qi Yun pinched Ye Jiao's fingertips, his mouth curving up: "It's good to watch, but it will likely pollute the eyes, better not to go."

Ye Jiao looked somewhat regretfully at Fang Shi's departing carriage, then went with Qi Yun to the mountain to see the courtyard.

Meanwhile, Fang Shi was leading people with great momentum, having held in a belly full of anger and a belly full of words. Only after getting in the carriage did she grit her back teeth and say to the servant beside her: "Is the news Second Brother sent accurate?"

"Accurate. Second Young Master has already taken over the nearby teahouse, and someone is watching there. They say Seventh Miss Lu often goes in and out of a garden not far from the teahouse, and Young Master Wu follows her every time. It stopped for a while before, but somehow it's started again now."

Fang Shi was so angry she laughed, but still took a deep breath and held it in, saying quietly: "Did they accept the invitation we sent to the Lu family?"

The servant replied: "They accepted. Lady Lu said she would come personally, but Seventh Miss Lu has caught a cold and isn't suitable to go out."

"Perfect. Doesn't that Lady Wu from the Lu family like to form relations with our family? Then this time I'll invite her for tea, which can be considered returning her kindness."