Lady of Fortune, Jiao Niang

Chapter 106

Lady Wu was immediately stunned.

When she returned, she had actually thought of many countermeasures, all essentially involving whatever methods necessary to silence the Qi family and tearfully begging her husband to spare her and her daughter.

Lady Wu had planned well. The illegitimate child in her daughter's belly naturally couldn't be kept, but her daughter's life had to be preserved.

Although they lost the Qi family marriage alliance, once her daughter's health recovered and they tormented the Qi family during this period to prevent them from speaking out, they could then find her daughter a good family.

After all, the Lu family was large and powerful with backing, so naturally they needn't fear the Qi family speaking nonsense outside.

But now, the pillar of support in the capital had collapsed, and everything Lady Wu had just planned fell through.

This time her legs truly went weak, and she sat directly on the ground, her eyes somewhat blank: "Master, how could this be... It's impossible. The official in the capital is third rank, how could he be dismissed just like that?"

Although the younger generation of the Lu family were all scoundrels who couldn't amount to anything or handle responsibility, the older generation of uncles and clan relatives still understood propriety.

"Don't say such things anymore. This time coincided with His Majesty rectifying official conduct, affecting many officials, including former dynasty old ministers and remnants of the previous empress's faction. That our official was only demoted to his ancestral home instead of having his family properties confiscated and clan exterminated is already lenient consideration for his old age and frail health."

Hearing these words, Lady Wu knew there was absolutely no room for reversal.

She couldn't help but tremble, her face turning pale, because Lady Wu clearly understood that without their backing, they lost their ability to threaten people. The vast Lu family, aside from an empty shell and facade, had no support left!

Money, New Year gifts, others' respect, government dignity, all of it was gone.

For Lady Wu, these things could actually be temporarily ignored. What was most important to her now was that in terms of family capability alone, the hollow Lu family was far inferior to the Qi family with their flourishing shops.

Now that positions were reversed and the Qi family held leverage over them, as long as the Qi family learned of the Lu family official's dismissal, then tonight's incident... would probably be like paper wrapping fire, impossible to conceal.

The Lu family head also noticed Lady Wu's abnormality. If earlier he could say Lady Wu was worried about the Lu family's future, now Lady Wu's behavior seemed suspicious.

He couldn't help but stand up and ask sternly: "You went out alone from the residence just now. Where did you go?"

Lady Wu opened her mouth. She wanted to say she had gone to see Fang Shi, but feared that if she said it, her husband would go to the Qi family to confirm and expose everything. Lady Wu also wanted to say she had just gone out for a walk, but what would she be walking around for in the evening?

While she was stunned, the Lu family head immediately looked at the servant beside Lady Wu.

This servant was naturally timid, and having just been frightened by the adultery scene, she was even more nervous. Now just being looked at once, she was scared into prostrating on the ground.

Now the Lu family head was certain Lady Wu was hiding something from him. Frowning, the current Lu family couldn't afford any more upheaval, so he didn't look at Lady Wu but called for people: "Take this servant down and beat her. Stop when she tells the truth!"

The servant was terrified and hurriedly said: "Master, Master, I'll tell everything!"

Lady Wu sat to the side in a daze, listening numbly as the servant spilled everything, staring blankly at the surprised or disgusted faces of the Lu family clan uncles, and finally, her eyes met those of the Lu family head.

The Lu family head felt a mouthful of blood stuck in his throat, making his ears ring.

His daughter having illicit relations and carrying an illegitimate child, his wife wanting to harm the Qi family, and being caught in the act...

Despicable woman, despicable woman!

But he didn't curse these words aloud before his eyes rolled back and he fainted.

Meanwhile, at the Qi family, all was calm and peaceful.

Qi Yun obtained all the mountain land deeds and property deeds before New Year, and also went to the government office to process the paperwork, completely making this mountain his own property.

It took Ye Jiao quite a while to accept her identity as a small landlady. The mountain was simply too large. After touring for several days without finishing, and with New Year approaching and strong winds on the mountain, the Qi Yun family came down to busy themselves with New Year preparations.

Counting it up, this was Little Ginseng's third year as a human. Compared to the previous thousand years, three years was nothing, but for Ye Jiao, these were probably her happiest three years.

Even more blissful was that there would be many more sets of three years in the future. Just thinking about this made Ye Jiao unable to control her smiling.

Right now Little Ginseng was having tea in Liu Shi's courtyard. Seeing her laughing to herself, Liu Shi couldn't help asking: "Jiao Niang, is there something happy?"

Hearing this, Ye Jiao looked up at Liu Shi, then answered obediently: "I was just thinking that life is good now, husband treats me well, and the family is also good, so I felt happy."

Liu Shi couldn't help but cover her mouth and laugh. Not many people could directly say such things. Most people's bitter, spicy, sour, and sweet experiences were kept in their hearts, but her second daughter-in-law could say it with such sincerity that it made people happy to hear.

Meanwhile, Fang Shi brought up another matter: "I really did hear something happy this morning."

Hearing this, Ye Jiao looked at Fang Shi curiously: "What?"

Fang Shi's round face carried some mystery as she said quietly: "I heard that the Lu family's backer got into trouble and was stripped of office by the emperor and sent back."

Hearing this, Ye Jiao couldn't help but blink, thinking for a moment before remembering: "The Lu family of Seventh Miss Lu?"

"Right, that's their family."

This wasn't because Ye Jiao had a bad memory. Ever since last time when she felt Seventh Miss Lu's pregnancy, Qi Yun had said he would handle this matter. Little Ginseng had always trusted Qi Yun completely, so after hearing her husband say this, she directly put the matter out of her mind.

If Fang Shi hadn't brought it up, Ye Jiao would have probably forgotten completely.

Liu Shi turned the prayer beads in her hand and said slowly: "For the Lu family, this is a catastrophic disaster, but for us it's indeed good news."

Fang Shi was actually relieved. Last time, relying on her anger and Second Brother's guarantee, she had dared to trouble the Lu family and had the satisfaction of watching a good adultery scene. But after returning home, Fang Shi began to worry.

First, because she had eaten too many refreshments, to avoid gaining weight, Fang Shi abstained for quite a while, wronging her mouth.

Second, because the Lu family's backer was a third-rank official, if the Lu family really wanted mutual destruction, her family probably wouldn't get any advantage.

Now that the Lu family's backer had fallen, Fang Shi didn't care why he had fallen. Fang Shi only knew that those Lu family scoundrels could finally get out of their lives.

In Fang Shi's own words, even if Lady Wu and her daughter hanged themselves right now, she wouldn't feel sorry.

But this kind of joy could only be thought in her heart. Fang Shi wouldn't say it aloud, because the one who originally planned that grand drama was Qi Yun, the one who acted was herself, while her mother-in-law and sister-in-law should be completely unaware.

As the eldest daughter-in-law, contributing to the family was necessary. If it were other matters, Fang Shi would have bragged about it countless times, afraid others wouldn't know about her good deeds. But Fang Shi didn't want to use this incident to curry favor with her mother-in-law.

Her mother-in-law was getting old, and Jiao Niang had always been delicate. It wouldn't be good to frighten them.

So Fang Shi's joy was quite restrained. She tried not to smile too wantonly: "Mother is right, it's indeed good news for our family, especially with Third Brother now preparing for the provincial examination. Without the Lu family's entanglement, Third Brother can definitely study well for the imperial examinations."

Liu Shi nodded, smiling as she looked at Fang Shi, then at Ye Jiao, but didn't continue discussing the Lu family. Instead, she changed the topic: "I had the gold shop make two necklaces earlier, one each for Little Shi Tou and Xu Bao. They were delivered today, perfect for you to take back and try on the children."

Nanny Liu brought over a tray, placed it on the table, and lifted the red cloth.

Inside were two necklaces, one large and one small, pure gold. Because they were to be worn around children's necks, they weren't made too thick to avoid being too heavy and burdening the babies. However, they had openwork and twisted wire patterns, using excellent craftsmanship, obviously not cheap.

Fang Shi's eyes immediately lit up upon seeing them, and Ye Jiao was also drawn to these two gleaming necklaces.

Liu Shi smiled and said: "The large one is for Little Shi Tou, the small one is for Xu Bao. Do you like them?"

Fang Shi and Ye Jiao reached out to take the necklaces in their hands and nodded repeatedly upon hearing the question.

Liu Shi turned the Buddhist beads in her hand again and said gently: "Also, this New Year the family will host a private opera performance. We haven't decided what to perform yet. If you have favorites, go back and write down the names to give to me."

Ye Jiao remembered that Qi Yun had previously mentioned inviting an opera troupe. Hearing this, she knew Qi Yun had spoken to Liu Shi. Although Ye Jiao wanted to watch opera, she couldn't understand much and at most would watch the excitement, so she looked at Fang Shi: "Elder Sister-in-law can choose. I'm fine with anything."

Fang Shi didn't decline either, smiling: "Since it's New Year, let's have something lively and festive. I'll handle the opera selection."

Liu Shi smiled and chatted with them a bit more. Seeing it was getting dark, she had them return.

After the two left, Liu Shi entered the small Buddhist hall, knelt on the prayer cushion, but didn't chant sutras or strike the wooden fish. She just quietly turned the Buddhist beads in her hand.

After a while, Liu Shi said softly: "Nanny Liu, did the Lu family really have problems?"

The servant standing to the side replied: "Yes, Madam, they really had problems. The specifics aren't known yet, but that Privy Council Direct Scholar really fell, and if the Lu family had no problems, they wouldn't have put Seventh Miss in a small sedan chair and sent her to the Wu family as a concubine."

Hearing this, Liu Shi couldn't help but smile slightly.

Actually, Liu Shi knew about everything Fang Shi and Qi Yun had done.

Fang Shi thought she was hiding it from her, but when Qi Yun had Nanny Liu accompany her, it was equivalent to telling Liu Shi about his plans.

From beginning to end, Liu Shi was aware of everything.

Moreover, Nanny Liu had been following along throughout, so even if there were details Liu Shi couldn't figure out, Nanny Liu would fill them in for her.

Liu Shi had never interfered or inquired, and she never even worried, because Liu Shi understood her second son best. If he didn't have complete confidence, Qi Yun wouldn't escalate things to the point of breaking off relations.

However, since Fang Shi was afraid she would worry and tried hard to hide it, Liu Shi remembered her daughter-in-law's good intentions and was happy to pretend ignorance.

But now that the matter had settled, Liu Shi asked a few more questions: "Is Seventh Miss Lu's child still there?"

"That's not clear, but whether it's there or not doesn't matter much. With her only daughter becoming a concubine, Lady Wu will probably be too ashamed to leave her house for the rest of her life." Her voice paused slightly, and Nanny Liu felt somewhat regretful: "It's just that the Lu family got off easy. Second Young Master is kindhearted after all and didn't spread word of the previous incident widely. Otherwise, if people knew about such scandalous behavior that ruins family reputation, how could they still be alive?"

Liu Shi was quite calm: "Second Brother has his plans. This matter isn't glorious. Even if we did nothing, getting involved would mean getting stained with filth that's not easy to shake off. Now we've cleared ourselves completely without implicating Third Brother, which is the best outcome."

Nanny Liu had personally witnessed Lady Wu's behavior that night and was still somewhat indignant: "Are we just going to ignore them?"

Liu Shi's mouth curved slightly, her voice indifferent: "There's no need to bother with them."

If speaking of anger, Liu Shi was angry.

Previously, she would get angry because of Madam Zhang because Madam Zhang always spoke about Qi Yun's health, stabbing her heart once with every mention.

Now she was angry at Lady Wu because Lady Wu wanted to harm her third son, and in an almost humiliating way.

Now it was good. Lady Wu's daughter Seventh Miss Lu had become a concubine to Madam Zhang's son Young Master Wu. Liu Shi felt she wouldn't have to see them for a while, which was what truly made Liu Shi feel comfortable.

Turning the Buddhist beads in her hand, Liu Shi said softly: "In this world, it's always the soft knife that cuts deepest. Fortunately, both my daughters-in-law are good, and family harmony is most precious."

Meanwhile, Ye Jiao, who was being praised by Liu Shi, was soaking in a bathtub, leisurely sprinkling flower petals on herself.

The splashing water sounds reached Qi Yun's ears through the screen.

Usually, Second Young Master Qi would definitely maintain a serious expression, go around the screen, and use the excuse of sprinkling flower petals for his wife to do some things beneficial for physical and mental pleasure.

But this time, Qi Yun was blushing at the ears, restraining his restless impulses, sitting cross-legged on the soft couch, lighting a candle and reading through letters placed on the low table.

This letter was family correspondence from Ye Ping Rong sent from the capital. However, Qi Yun seemed particularly solemn this time, weighing each word carefully when writing his reply.

Perhaps because he was so focused, Qi Yun didn't notice that Ye Jiao had already stepped out of the bathtub, wrapped herself in a thick robe, and curiously walked behind him.

It wasn't until a water droplet from Ye Jiao's hair fell onto Qi Yun's hand that he came back to his senses.

Turning his head, the man met Ye Jiao's eyes, bright as rippling water.

It was now mid-twelfth month, cold outside, but the room was warmed with white charcoal and quite comfortable.

Ye Jiao was wrapped in her robe with the collar wide open, not feeling cold. From Qi Yun's angle, he could see his wife's apricot-colored undergarment and large patches of snow-white skin.

Little Ginseng looked at him with clear, bright eyes: "Husband, what are you doing?"

Qi Yun's ears reddened again. He very much wanted to hold his fragrant little wife in his arms, but Qi Yun only took several deep breaths, reached for a cloth towel hanging nearby and spread it on his lap, then said to Ye Jiao: "Lie down properly, I'll dry your hair so you don't catch cold."

Hearing this, Ye Jiao obediently lay down on Qi Yun's lap. This wasn't the first time Qi Yun had dried her hair for her, so Little Ginseng let her husband gently towel her hair.

Qi Yun's movements were gentle and meticulous.

He always treated Ye Jiao like a treasure. Even when just drying wet hair, each movement was tender, afraid of harming even a single strand.

Ye Jiao lay with her eyes open, somewhat bored as she looked around, finally focusing on the letter Qi Yun had been reading halfway through, asking curiously: "Are you writing back to Elder Brother?" Ye Jiao remembered clearly that Qi Yun only used this gold-flecked paper when writing to Ye Ping Rong.

Qi Yun nodded, his hand smoothing through Ye Jiao's hair while saying: "Today's letter is very important, requiring careful consideration of each word."

"Is there something wrong?"

"This letter isn't just for Elder Brother to read, but also for the emperor to see." Qi Yun never hid anything from Ye Jiao, and this time was no different. "The merchant caravan was funded by that person. Previously we agreed on a 70-30 split. Now that the caravan has returned with substantial gains, I need to ask if he still wants his share of the profits."

However, Qi Yun wouldn't ask Emperor Chu Chengyun directly, but would ask Ye Ping Rong.

After all, based on the results of previous correspondence, Ye Ping Rong would tell Emperor Chu Chengyun everything he knew, so asking either person was the same.

Ye Jiao was somewhat puzzled: "Since it was agreed upon, would he refuse it?"

Qi Yun smiled, his voice gentle: "This is different. If he were only a prince, I would definitely give him the money. But now he's emperor. Whether or not to compete with the people for profit aside, just speaking of this profit, if he takes it, our family would be confirmed as imperial merchants. This is a big matter, so naturally he needs to consider it."

Ye Jiao nodded. In any case, Ye Jiao had never managed these affairs, so she didn't ask further.

Qi Yun felt Ye Jiao's hair was half dry, so he set the towel aside and picked up Ye Jiao's hair oil bottle, pouring some into his palm. He rubbed his palms together, then evenly applied it to Ye Jiao's hair, his fingertips gently massaging her scalp.

This kind of massage was very comfortable, and Ye Jiao's eyes squinted slightly.

Originally, Ye Jiao had started by massaging Qi Yun, but later Qi Yun learned and began massaging her. Each time it made Ye Jiao smile with comfort.

Qi Yun continued: "Besides this, I need to send that person some things. The maps I promised before are what I agreed to, and those grain seeds are my thank-you gift to him."

Ye Jiao couldn't help but look up at him.

The merchant caravan had brought back many things this time: animal hides, medicinal herbs, gemstones, but what Qi Yun valued most were those seeds.

No one knew what the seeds could grow, but they were all edible and fast-growing. If they could really produce crops, it would be enormously profitable.

Now Qi Yun wanted to give away the seeds, which was a generous gift. He must be thanking Emperor Chu Chengyun for great help. Ye Jiao couldn't help asking: "What are you thanking him for?"

Qi Yun's mouth curved up: "Thanking him for helping us solve a big problem, especially since I didn't ask, yet he helped anyway. Naturally, I should give extra thanks." His voice paused. "I'll also send Third Brother's recent calligraphy practice. I think that person would enjoy seeing it too."

Actually, from beginning to end, Emperor Chu Chengyun had only told Qi Yun that Official Lu had improper conduct and would be dealt with, without saying much else. But just this sentence was extremely important to Qi Yun.

Ye Jiao's attention wasn't on this: "Husband, we saved that emperor before. If we need his help with something, why not ask directly?"

Little Ginseng's logic was simple, following the most basic principle of cause and effect that spirits must observe.

There must be cause for effect, kindness must be repaid, just as all things in nature are.

However, Qi Yun explained softly: "It's true we saved him, and saving someone's life is indeed precious, but those who use favors to demand repayment usually don't end well. Moreover, he's an emperor. No matter how good his temperament, he's still the supreme ruler. Asking directly would inevitably make him feel I'm using favors to coerce him, creating resentment. Only when he helps on his own initiative and we show gratitude in return can the relationship last."

Ye Jiao listened, feeling she understood each word individually, but together they were confusing.

Her thoughts were simple. Although she was now focused on learning to be human, human hearts were always difficult to understand.

Little Ginseng couldn't help saying: "Husband, this is so hard, I don't understand."

Qi Yun lowered his head and kissed Ye Jiao's soft lips, smiling: "It doesn't matter, as long as I understand."

Ye Jiao raised herself slightly and gently bit Qi Yun's lip, her voice muffled: "Husband is so good."

But Qi Yun didn't deepen the kiss. Instead, after some gentle touching, he released her.

Pulling Ye Jiao to sit by the charcoal brazier in a chair, Qi Yun said: "Your hair needs to dry before you can sleep."

Ye Jiao nodded obediently in agreement, then saw that Qi Yun didn't stay to warm himself by the fire with her.

The man turned and brought the gold-flecked paper and writing materials from the low table back to the desk, trimmed the candle wick, and began writing.

Little Ginseng propped her chin on her hand, watching him with smiling eyes.

Actually, in Ye Jiao's heart, Qi Yun was extremely handsome at any time.

But as time passed, Ye Jiao felt this man was especially handsome when focused on his work.

Those eyebrows, those eyes, even the subtle curve of his lips, could make her heart skip.

She wanted to pull him over for a kiss, to taste him, to see his ears turn red and hear his breathing quicken. This was probably one of Little Ginseng's great pleasures.

Qi Yun didn't know his wife was staring at him thinking romantic thoughts. He clearly took this letter very seriously.

Although Qi Yun didn't really expect protection from the supreme ruler, having some connection was better than none. He had to carefully control each sentence, hiding all his true thoughts in the casual matters between the lines.

When he finally finished the letter and set down his brush, he saw Ye Jiao stand up at the same time he finished writing.

Then, before Qi Yun could react, Ye Jiao ran over to him and sat facing him directly on his lap.

This sudden change caught Qi Yun off guard. He instinctively supported his wife's waist to prevent her from falling, but this pulled Ye Jiao even closer into his embrace.

Ye Jiao carried the mixed scent of hair oil osmanthus fragrance and bath bean lingzhi fragrance. Having just warmed by the fire, she was warm and fragrant all over. Little Ginseng smiled as she draped her arms around the man's neck, looking up at his face.

Qi Yun looked down at her and asked softly: "What's wrong?"

Ye Jiao tugged at his neck, leaning over to kiss his chin while saying: "Xu Bao is sleeping with Mother tonight."

At these words, Qi Yun understood Ye Jiao's meaning.

He couldn't help but pull Ye Jiao closer into his arms, saying slowly: "I just finished writing the letter..."

Actually, Qi Yun meant that he had just finished writing and hadn't put it away yet. It wouldn't be good to wrinkle it, so they should go to the bed instead.

But Ye Jiao misunderstood. She released Qi Yun's chin, her eyes clear and bright: "It doesn't matter. Last time husband mentioned that effortless method, I've studied it."

...What effortless method?

Qi Yun had forgotten what he had said, but Ye Jiao clearly hadn't forgotten.

She felt her husband was probably tired from writing today. Last time she had promised Qi Yun that if he was tired, she could handle the tiring work too. After returning, Little Ginseng had devoted herself to research and finally achieved results.

Seeing Qi Yun remain silent, Ye Jiao leaned back and took down a book from the bookshelf behind Qi Yun.

Unsurprisingly, it was that four-character rare book again.

Ye Jiao's slender fingers carefully searched through it, finally stopping at one page. Then she turned the book around for Qi Yun to see: "This one, I found it. Husband, this way you definitely won't be tired. You just sit there, I'll handle the rest."

But Ye Jiao didn't get Qi Yun's response. When she puzzled and moved the book away from Qi Yun's face, she saw her husband's face was as red as spilled cinnabar.

Ye Jiao quickly dropped the book and cupped his face with her hands, trying to get up: "Husband, what's wrong?"

Qi Yun grasped Ye Jiao's arm and pulled her back down onto his lap.

The man felt his heart pounding like a drum, his ears filled with thumping sounds, but he still tried to keep his voice proper: "My wife's studies are more thorough than mine."

Ye Jiao beamed at the praise, her eyes curving with smiles.

Then she heard Qi Yun's voice turn hoarse: "Please teach me, wife."

"Alright."

But when they actually started, Ye Jiao regretted it.

Once on the chair, then again on the bed. By the time the clouds and rain gradually ceased, Ye Jiao didn't want to move a single finger.

Before falling asleep, Little Ginseng lightly pounded Qi Yun's chest once, mumbling: "Tired. Next time I won't do it, you do it..."

Qi Yun caught her wrist and kissed it, his other hand gently patting the woman's smooth back, coaxing her to sleep.

As for whether they would do this again in the future, they'd decide then.

The letter Qi Yun had written was sent to the capital the next day. A few days later, when Ye Ping Rong received it, he only glanced at it briefly before entering the palace for an audience, then directly gave the letter to Emperor Chu Chengyun.

After reading it, Emperor Chu Chengyun raised an eyebrow: "Why wouldn't I want my money? Want it, of course I want it! Go tell Second Young Master right now that he must send every single coin to me."