Lady of Fortune, Jiao Niang

Chapter 107

"His asking you this is truly unnecessary, he should just send it directly." Emperor Chu Chengyun looked at the letter again. "And the maps and seeds obtained this time, send them all together. I want everything."

Emperor Chu Chengyun's straightforward acceptance of the letter surprised even Ye Ping Rong.

Although Ye Ping Rong was a military general by background and not particularly skilled in social subtleties, having followed Emperor Chu Chengyun for so long, he had often heard him speak about things like "officials not competing with the people for profit."

Now, his master had become emperor, while Qi Yun was a common citizen. Wasn't what Emperor Chu Chengyun was doing now exactly competing with the people for profit?

However, Ye Ping Rong still understood what should and shouldn't be said. He immediately clasped his hands and bowed: "This subject begs Your Majesty's pardon on behalf of my brother-in-law."

At these words, Emperor Chu Chengyun's face showed amusement, with some helplessness in his expression.

He liked Ye Ping Rong. This man had no background, maintained appropriate distance from court officials, and had an honest, straightforward character. Such subjects were most suitable.

Pure ministers were often every ruler's favorite.

But Ye Ping Rong was also too direct. Sometimes when Emperor Chu Chengyun spoke with slight indirection, he couldn't understand.

However, before Ye Ping Rong could figure out Emperor Chu Chengyun's meaning, he heard him say: "Enough, Ping Rong, stand up. I have no intention of blaming Second Young Master, but rather want to reward him. If even one of these grain seeds grows successfully, it would be a great benefit to the country and people."

Ye Ping Rong had just stood up, and hearing this, he clasped his hands again: "This subject thanks Your Majesty on behalf of my brother-in-law..."

"Enough, enough, stop saying 'on behalf of brother-in-law' all the time. Soon, after another year passes, you'll actually be my brother-in-law."

At these words, Ye Ping Rong's face turned red.

Emperor Chu Chengyun didn't tease him much, waving his hand to dismiss him, while Emperor Chu Chengyun himself had someone bring that stack of calligraphy and left the hall.

When Emperor Chu Chengyun arrived at Lady Meng's palace, Lady Meng was arranging flowers in a vase.

Emperor Chu Chengyun couldn't help asking: "What flowers are these? They don't look like precious varieties."

"These are called Auspicious Flowers. Though their beauty doesn't compare to peonies or roses, their fragrance is quite pleasant." Seeing him arrive, Lady Meng smiled and set down her scissors, then went to wash her hands before quickly coming over to greet Emperor Chu Chengyun. "Why didn't Your Majesty have someone announce your arrival?"

Emperor Chu Chengyun grasped Lady Meng's hand and waved away the string of palace attendants following behind him, then smiled as they entered: "It doesn't matter. Why should we be so formal with each other? Also, as we agreed before, in private you should just call me husband, don't be so distant."

Hearing this, Lady Meng softly called out "Husband," making Emperor Chu Chengyun beam with joy.

Actually, Lady Meng knew in her heart that throughout history, when beauty faded, love often departed, and the palace changing old favorites for new ones was common. Before her marriage, Lady Meng's mother had told her that regardless of whether Emperor Chu Chengyun became emperor or remained a prince, he was ultimately of imperial blood, and she must not forget proper etiquette.

But now Lady Meng still called him husband because Emperor Chu Chengyun still referred to himself as "I" in front of her.

If there truly came a day when times changed and feelings faded, it wouldn't be too late to observe proper etiquette then.

Emperor Chu Chengyun didn't know his empress had thought so much in an instant. He had someone hang up his cloak, then excitedly pulled Lady Meng to sit at the table, placing the calligraphy on the table and saying: "Look, Third Young Master's calligraphy is getting better and better."

Lady Meng took one sheet and unfolded it, studying it for a while before smiling: "Indeed, Third Young Master Qi's calligraphy has improved greatly. You can see he has practiced diligently."

Emperor Chu Chengyun nodded, quite pleased: "Good calligraphy will naturally benefit him endlessly in the future. I imagine it's because his brother Second Young Master Qi supervised him well. I should also encourage Second Young Master to continue watching over Third Young Master Qi's studies carefully. He's a child with insight, and with proper cultivation in the future, he'll definitely be a pillar of the nation no less capable than his brother."

Lady Meng often heard Emperor Chu Chengyun mention Qi Ming.

Third Young Master Qi's imperial examination journey was often accompanied by Emperor Chu Chengyun. Though called companionship, in reality it was Emperor Chu Chengyun invisibly watching him take the exams all the way through.

When Qi Ming achieved the Minor Triple First, Emperor Chu Chengyun was delighted in the palace for quite a while. Lady Meng could understand this feeling.

It was like carefully tending a flower and feeling gratified when watching it bloom.

However, Lady Meng could also tell that Emperor Chu Chengyun not only favored Qi Ming but was particularly fond of Qi Yun, otherwise he wouldn't have considered everything so thoroughly for Second Young Master Qi before returning to the capital.

Pouring tea for Emperor Chu Chengyun, Lady Meng smiled: "Since husband favors Second Young Master Qi, why not summon him to court as an official? Although the imperial examinations are arduous and Second Young Master's health might not endure it, he could still obtain an official position through recommendation or donation, and serve the country."

Emperor Chu Chengyun grasped Lady Meng's hand and shook his head: "Hui Niang doesn't know. That Second Young Master Qi has a frail constitution. Though I've only met him a few times, each time I saw him his complexion was pale and his body weak. Whether through imperial examinations or donations, as long as he can't achieve first-class jinshi status, he can't remain as a capital official but would be sent to provincial posts. Second Young Master probably couldn't handle that."

Lady Meng smiled at him: "Husband is kindhearted."

Emperor Chu Chengyun looked again at Third Young Master's calligraphy on the table and said softly: "Commerce isn't bad either. If done well, it's also beneficial. As for this matter of being an official, having one person per family is enough."

This touched on court politics, so Lady Meng didn't respond, but knew in her heart that Emperor Chu Chengyun had his own plans.

Both the Qi and Ye families had no background, completely grassroots origins. Such people could actually be relied upon more and were trustworthy.

Lady Meng then asked: "From husband's meaning, are you planning to make Second Young Master Qi an imperial merchant?"

"It's not time yet, wait and see. This time with the Lu family matter, I merely gave him a hint, and he knew how to advance and retreat with proper discretion. He handled it very well. Whether he can ultimately obtain the title of imperial merchant depends on his own abilities."

Lady Meng smiled: "Qi Yun is truly blessed."

Hearing this, Emperor Chu Chengyun couldn't help saying: "He naturally has good fortune, at least his wife is excellent."

Lady Meng knew in her heart that Emperor Chu Chengyun still remembered the New Year gambling incident at Thousand Carp Pond, so she took his arm, her voice gentle: "The Thousand Carp Pond was empty before. I've had people wait until spring to stock it with more fish. Then Thousand Carp Pond can be lively again."

Emperor Chu Chengyun nodded seriously and patted Lady Meng's hand. Seeing that besides close attendants no one else was present, he leaned over and asked: "New Year is approaching, and the capital is most lively during New Year. Hui Niang, how about we disguise ourselves and go out to see the lanterns?"

This wasn't proper.

The words circled in her mouth, but Lady Meng saw Emperor Chu Chengyun's expectant expression and immediately curved her lips, saying softly: "Alright."

When Ye Ping Rong's reply was sent to the Qi family, the entire Qi household was preparing for New Year.

Qi Yun now had many more shops under his management, and the merchant caravan also needed to distribute reward money. Just issuing year-end bonuses required a separate account book and took several days to complete.

Qi Yun didn't have time to open Ye Ping Rong's reply until evening.

Ye Jiao sat beside Qi Yun, and when he opened the envelope, she leaned over and asked: "Does Elder Brother have a letter for me?"

Qi Yun took out two letters from the envelope and without looking handed the thicker one to Ye Jiao.

Ye Ping Rong always had much to say to his little sister, seven or eight pages being the minimum, while with Qi Yun it was mostly business matters, finding even one page excessive.

However, this time after mentioning that Emperor Chu Chengyun agreed to share the profits, Ye Ping Rong also noted that many areas in the capital had recently become vacant.

Qi Yun stared at these few words for a while, then said softly: "This might be a good opportunity."

Ye Jiao was reading with interest about Ye Ping Rong's experiences with Hui Niang. Hearing this, she leaned against Qi Yun's shoulder and looked up at him: "What opportunity?"

"It should be from the recent official purge, along with these people's properties being swept clean, leaving many shops vacant." Qi Yun's voice paused as he seemed to be calculating in his mind, then said: "Perhaps I can try to see how business in the capital goes."

Opening shops in the capital had always been something Qi Yun wanted to do, but he had been preparing without implementing it.

After all, the capital region was different from ordinary towns. The power networks there were complex, with fourth and fifth-rank officials everywhere. A slight misstep could easily provoke trouble.

However, now that Ye Ping Rong had secured his position and Qi Yun had found an extremely powerful backing, he could try opening a shop in the capital.

Ye Jiao didn't know much about these matters, but she had always trusted Qi Yun. She fully supported whatever Second Young Master Qi decided to do.

Qi Yun was also decisive. After reading the letter, he burned it, then silently went to play with Xu Bao for a while. When Xu Bao was getting tired, Qi Yun placed him on a wooden horse to play by himself while returning to the table.

Without needing to consult anyone, Qi Yun had his own calculations. By the time Ye Jiao finished reading Ye Ping Rong's letter, he had made up his mind: "The timing is perfect now, I should definitely try."

Ye Jiao blinked: "About how much money will it require?"

"Roughly 3,000 strings of cash."

Seeing Qi Yun had decided, Ye Jiao got up and went to the inner room, taking out a money box from a hidden compartment under the bed. She counted out a stack of bank notes and handed them to him.

Qi Yun took them and smiled: "Jiao Niang, this is more than 3,000 strings."

She had only asked casually, but Little Ginseng answered seriously: "This includes profits from the merchant caravan to be shared with the emperor, plus some capital for opening the shop."

Qi Yun was stunned, then looked down at the bank notes in his hand.

Added together, it was 8,593 strings of cash, exactly matching what he had recorded in his accounts.

This surprised Second Young Master Qi as he looked at Ye Jiao: "Jiao Niang, how do you remember so clearly?"

Ye Jiao was putting the box back, and while closing the hidden compartment, she replied: "Husband, you asked me to manage the money, so naturally I need to remember everything carefully to help you. I remember all the account management skills you taught me before, and I've memorized all the account books you showed me."

These expenses were substantial, plus the money spent previously on buying mountains and land. Ye Jiao's box was again half empty.

However, Little Ginseng didn't feel sorry about it. No matter how much was spent, her husband could earn it back, so there was nothing to worry about.

But because Qi Yun's business was growing larger with increasingly complex accounts, Little Ginseng had to review everything daily to keep it memorized.

Qi Yun stood there looking at Ye Jiao for a long time without speaking.

Actually, after years together, Qi Yun knew his wife's temperament. She appeared lively and playful, but in reality, Little Ginseng's favorite things were eating and sleeping. Her temperament was cut from the same cloth as Xu Bao's. For many things, as long as they weren't urgent matters, Ye Jiao was always too lazy to manage or learn.

She could patiently learn to read because she wanted to study medical texts and pharmaceutical manuals to take care of Qi Yun's health.

She could persist in growing those medicinal flowers also for Qi Yun's benefit. He understood all this clearly.

But Qi Yun hadn't expected that Ye Jiao could even memorize the household accounts.

Second Young Master Qi had a photographic memory and could remember those account books without effort, but his wife didn't have this ability and must have worked hard.

As for the reason, Ye Jiao had just said it clearly: she wanted to help Qi Yun. These words were originally what Qi Yun had said to coax her into freely spending the family money. Even if Ye Jiao hadn't carefully managed the accounts, Qi Yun could still remember everything clearly.

But just for that phrase about helping him, his Jiao Niang had truly put effort into these tedious, uninteresting matters...

Ye Jiao had rearranged the bedding to cover the bed boards when she noticed Qi Yun hadn't spoken.

She turned around somewhat confused, but before she could see him clearly, Qi Yun embraced her tightly from behind.

Ye Jiao had been half-kneeling on the bed, and being hugged like this immediately lost her balance. The two rolled into a heap on the bed.

Little Ginseng cried out in surprise and looked down at the man's hands firmly placed on her waist, patting his hands: "Husband, what are you doing?"

The man rested his chin in the hollow of her neck, his voice filled with laughter: "I wanted to thank you."

"Then you should just say so directly. What if you had hurt yourself just now?"

"I wouldn't. Last time my wife said it was hard, so I had them add much more cotton padding to the mattress. Naturally, there would be no bumping."

Hearing this, Ye Jiao thought of the time her back was bruised red from studying the book.

It should have been an embarrassing matter, but Little Ginseng reached out to press the mattress and nodded: "It is much thicker. Husband is so good."

Qi Yun had guessed Ye Jiao would say this, but actually hearing it still made him laugh uncontrollably as he kissed her face repeatedly.

Meanwhile, Xu Bao, who was riding his little horse on the floor, heard the commotion and turned to look. He saw his daddy and mommy piled together, not knowing what they were doing.

Xu Bao immediately got down from the little horse and ran over happily, climbing at the bedside and bouncing while shouting: "Xu Bao wants to play too! Xu Bao wants to play too!"

Ye Jiao immediately pushed Qi Yun away and leaned out to pick up Xu Bao, her eyes looking at Qi Yun.

Qi Yun was regretting in his heart that he should have taken the fat son out, but when he met Ye Jiao's eyes, he was stunned, then understood and nodded.

Xu Bao was oblivious, happily clapping his hands, ready to play games with his parents.

So Qi Yun and Ye Jiao really did put him on the bed and brought out a cloth tiger to amuse him. It wasn't until Xu Bao was tired from playing and lay down to sleep that Qi Yun had Little Su come in to carry Xu Bao to the adjacent side room.

When Xu Bao was lying in the small bed holding the cloth tiger, his mouth mumbled once.

Usually he slept holding Ye Jiao, but today he had to hold the cloth tiger instead. The little fellow could naturally feel the difference.

Today's mommy was hard and didn't smell nice anymore.

He woke up twice during the night, both times when Qi Yun was helping him relieve himself, but Xu Bao still said nothing in his grievance.

He missed mommy. Daddy didn't smell nice...

However, when Xu Bao woke up the next day, he was in Ye Jiao's arms, though the surroundings were no longer the familiar room but the interior of a carriage.

Xu Bao rubbed his eyes and looked around. First he saw Ye Jiao holding him and happily called "Mother," then he saw another little chubby one staring at him with wide eyes.

Xu Bao had a lively personality. Even just waking up, he could immediately break into a big smile: "Brother Hu Zi."

Dong Shi, who was holding Hu Zi, smiled: "Xu Bao is really smart, still remembering Hu Zi."

Ye Jiao touched Xu Bao's little face, gave him water, then fed him rice porridge mixed with egg yolk and fish before saying: "Let them play together. From here to the mountain takes at least an hour, and having the two children together will keep them from getting bored."

Dong Shi placed Hu Zi on the soft cushion, and when Xu Bao also sat on the cushion, Hu Zi immediately went over and lay directly on Xu Bao, calling "little brother" in a soft, tender voice that sounded particularly affectionate.

Xu Bao giggled and pulled at Hu Zi, skillfully taking out his favorite cloth ball from the carriage cabinet to play with Hu Zi.

The two children got along well, which made Dong Shi happy too.

She had difficulty when giving birth to Hu Zi. He was premature and physically weak, carefully raised to become the current chubby appearance. But because of his poor health, he had been introverted since childhood and didn't like to move much.

But Xu Bao was like a little sun, lively and active, and particularly enthusiastic. The two children had gotten along well since they were small.

Moreover, taking a step back, Xu Bao was the master's Young Master. Hu Zi being able to play with him was also good for Dong Shi.

However, Dong Shi couldn't help being curious.

Early this morning, Ye Jiao had invited her saying they would go to the mountain to see the garden. Dong Shi had also heard that the master had acquired a new garden on the mountain, extremely large, that others hadn't visited. When Ye Jiao mentioned inviting her, Dong Shi agreed, but didn't know what they would do there.

Little Su sat beside the soft cushion with her hands out to protect them, preventing the children from being bumped by the carriage's movement.

With free time, Dong Shi looked toward Ye Jiao: "Is there something you need my help with on this mountain trip?"

Ye Jiao smiled and nodded: "I was thinking that New Year is approaching, and after New Year when the weather gradually warms, some medicinal herbs can be planted. I wanted Spring Orchid to help me see what places on the mountain are suitable for growing them."

Although Little Ginseng had previously been a medicinal herb herself and recognized many varieties not recorded in ordinary pharmaceutical manuals, when it came to growing medicinal herbs, she was still happy to listen to Dong Shi's suggestions. Working together was better than fumbling around alone.

Dong Shi naturally wouldn't refuse. Whether out of respect for her employer or their friendship, Dong Shi was happy to come on this trip.

But just then, the previously smoothly moving carriage suddenly stopped.

Ye Jiao lifted the curtain and asked: "What's the matter?"

The coachman turned around and replied: "Second Young Mistress, it seems there's a commotion ahead blocking half the road. Should we wait?"

Ye Jiao didn't speak but just lifted the curtain to look over. However, she didn't recognize any of the people on either side.

Dong Shi also leaned over and after just one glance said: "Jiao Niang, let's go around. That's the Wu and Qian families. Getting involved with their affairs would be a mess of trouble. It's better to avoid them early."

"Alright, let's go around." After speaking, when the carriage started moving again, Ye Jiao looked at Dong Shi: "What happened with the Wu family?"

Hearing her ask, Dong Shi immediately perked up.

She had a lively, outgoing personality and had befriended many women. When women gathered together, besides games and tea, they most enjoyed discussing family affairs.

Who had taken a concubine, whose shop had failed, there were fresh stories every day, some true, some false, some big, some small. You just had to pick and choose what to listen to.

What could make Dong Shi show this expression was like when the Lin family had their incident last time.

With the spirit of sharing fresh news, Dong Shi leaned close to Ye Jiao and whispered: "You've probably been too busy recently, so you haven't heard. Actually, it's spread throughout the city. They say after Seventh Miss Lu was carried into the Wu family as a concubine, Young Master Wu's wife Madam Qian, who always cried and made scenes, somehow suffered terribly and fell seriously ill, nearly losing half her life. The Qian family is now making endless trouble with the Wu family."