Lady of Fortune, Jiao Niang

Chapter 109

Slippery pulse.

Hearing these two words, Qi Yun reacted for a moment before realizing what this indicated.

A pulse that flows smoothly, with a round and slippery feeling under the finger, like pearls rolling on a jade plate, indicating pregnancy.

Originally Qi Yun had only been guessing. After all, when Ye Jiao was pregnant with Xu Bao, she had been sleepy all day. This time he was just testing, but who knew it would be accurate?

Qi Yun unconsciously rubbed his hand on Ye Jiao's small belly, but quickly released it, only daring to support her lightly. His chin, which had been resting in the woman's neck hollow, also quickly lifted as he sat upright, his whole body stiff as a stone statue.

Ye Jiao had been leaning in his arms, so she could feel all of Qi Yun's subtle changes.

Especially when Qi Yun's arms became stiff, the previously comfortable position suddenly became hard as a board. Ye Jiao reached out to touch the man's forearm, feeling like she was leaning against not a person, but a circular chair...

Ye Jiao couldn't help but turn to look at him: "Husband, what's wrong?"

Qi Yun's face didn't show much expression change, his lips slightly pursed, his voice somewhat low: "Jiao Niang, don't move. This is a critical time for you now."

This made Little Ginseng feel somewhat strange.

Last time when she was pregnant with Xu Bao, she had also eaten then slept, slept without waking, wishing she could sleep ten out of twelve hours in a day.

When they discovered the pregnancy then, her husband hadn't been this cautious and careful.

Why was he being so careful now?

Ye Jiao couldn't help but become nervous too, pressing her hand on his hand back, looking at Qi Yun expectantly: "What's critical? Can't I move... is something wrong somewhere?"

"Nothing's wrong, Jiao Niang is perfectly fine everywhere." Qi Yun was afraid she might say something foolish and wanted to cover her mouth, but both his hands were being pressed down by the woman and he couldn't move. So he simply lowered his head and steadily kissed Ye Jiao's lips.

This made Little Su immediately lower her head. She had originally been happy that Second Young Mistress was pregnant again, but who knew the two masters would start being eye-catching again.

However, having been with them for a long time, Little Su knew what she should and shouldn't look at. Now was clearly a time she shouldn't look, and she remembered to cover Xu Bao's eyes.

Although Xu Bao didn't know why, he also lowered his head, laughing cheerfully as if playing a game with Sister Little Su, his round face full of sunshine.

Ye Jiao raised her head and let him kiss her. When their lips parted, she muttered quietly: "Then you should tell me too. Don't scare me, you've made me not sleepy anymore."

Qi Yun looked at Little Su and Xu Bao over there, then leaned close to Ye Jiao's ear and whispered: "We were fooling around half the night yesterday, I'm afraid... afraid you might be uncomfortable."

Oh, that matter.

Hearing this, Ye Jiao lost her worry and comfortably nestled back into Qi Yun's arms, replying leisurely: "It's fine, I'm perfectly well."

Last time with Xu Bao, neither of them had experience and didn't realize there was a child at all. Qi Yun had also been intimate with her then, and nothing happened. This time Ye Jiao felt her pulse and thought she was very healthy, so she didn't take it to heart.

But Qi Yun still didn't dare be careless. All the way he protected Ye Jiao, afraid the carriage bumping might hurt her. When Ye Jiao fell asleep, he had her lie on his lap while he supported her waist with one hand and held her head with the other, as if a precious treasure that would break at the slightest touch was lying on his legs.

Tie Zi, after learning Ye Jiao was pregnant, rode to town and brought Doctor Li back to examine their Second Young Mistress properly.

Due to the urgency, Tie Zi couldn't take his time strolling with Doctor Li and directly pulled him onto the horse, galloping back home at full speed.

As a result, when they reached the Qi family, Qi Yun and Ye Jiao's carriage hadn't arrived yet.

The gray-haired Doctor Li was jolted dizzy, his legs trembling when he dismounted. Looking at Tie Zi, he reached out and patted his forehead: "You rascal, is this treating patients or trying to kill me? At my age, if you jolt me to pieces, who will treat you and prescribe medicine in the future!"

Tie Zi knew he was in the wrong and let Doctor Li pat him with a smile, afraid he might get angry. He even leaned over to appease Doctor Li: "Sir, you're right to scold me. How about you beat me up to vent your anger?"

Doctor Li wasn't really angry with him. After catching his breath, he stood up and handed his medicine box to Tie Zi: "Forget it, if I beat you up, I'd still have to treat you. Here, carry this properly."

Tie Zi immediately took the medicine box and slung it over his back, then respectfully invited Doctor Li to the front hall.

When the two entered, Fang Shi was meeting with the estate steward in the front hall with her attendants.

Since New Year was approaching, the tenants on the estate also needed year-end bonuses. Qi Zhao was really insensitive to numbers, so ultimately he still needed Fang Shi's help.

Fang Shi was very good at these things. She valued money extremely and never gave out even a single copper coin carelessly. Careful and meticulous, she could calculate every sum accurately.

When Tie Zi and Doctor Li entered, Fang Shi had just finished calculating the last year-end bonus.

Seeing them come together, Fang Shi couldn't help but stand up and ask: "What's happening? Is Second Brother feeling unwell?"

This made the estate steward nervous too. Now Qi Yun's wine shop and her husband Qi Zhao's estate were closely connected. Selling grain to the wine shop for brewing had really increased the estate's income tremendously. The estate steward naturally hoped Second Young Master Qi could live healthily for 140 years.

Tie Zi hurriedly said: "No, Second Young Master's health is excellent. We invited the doctor for good news this time."

Fang Shi was stunned and looked at Doctor Li, but Doctor Li remained silent.

Women are observant, and Fang Shi quickly figured it out. Good news that required a doctor was mostly related to women's pregnancy matters. However, pregnancy was usually difficult, and before it was stable, it couldn't be spoken about casually to avoid disturbing the good fortune. Thinking of this, Fang Shi immediately had the steward return first, while she quickly went to the back courtyard to invite her mother-in-law.

Not long after, the carriage finally returned to the Qi family, but no one got out for a long time.

The coachman was somewhat puzzled and was about to ask when the curtain lifted. Little Su came out carrying Xu Bao first. She glanced at the coachman and said: "You can go back first." Then she took out a string of copper coins to give the coachman as a reward.

The coachman quickly accepted it and left with a smile. Little Su then carried the sleeping Xu Bao, wrapped the Young Master tightly in a blanket to prevent catching cold, and quickly returned to the courtyard.

In the carriage, Ye Jiao was massaging Qi Yun's legs.

Earlier, because Ye Jiao had been sleeping with her head on his lap and Qi Yun hadn't moved, when the carriage stopped, Ye Jiao sat up feeling refreshed all over, but Qi Yun's legs had long since gone numb without sensation.

After massaging for quite a while, they no longer hurt, but still felt sore and tingly. Even touching them brought mixed sensations.

Ye Jiao massaged his legs while saying quietly: "Husband, next time if you feel uncomfortable, just say so. It's fine to wake me up. Don't always make yourself suffer."

Qi Yun smiled at Ye Jiao but didn't speak.

Little Ginseng couldn't help but look at him: "Why won't you agree?"

Qi Yun reached out and gently embraced Ye Jiao, saying slowly: "I was staring at you just now, watching so intently that I forgot about the discomfort in my legs."

Hearing this, Ye Jiao was neither shy nor evasive. Instead, she leaned closer and carefully examined Qi Yun's face, then smiled: "Husband is also handsome. If I stared at you, I'd probably be mesmerized too."

Being praised for appearance usually didn't make men feel pleased. At least Qi Yun didn't think a good appearance was worth praising.

This face was given by his parents. Praising his face was praising his parents for treating him well and giving him a good appearance. It would make him happier to be praised for having many profitable shops.

But these words coming from Ye Jiao's mouth made Qi Yun extremely pleased.

He leaned over wanting to kiss Ye Jiao's cheek, but when he moved slightly, he felt the soreness and tingling in his legs again, making Qi Yun freeze in place.

Ye Jiao then patted him: "Husband should get out and walk around. Sitting like this won't help circulation."

After speaking, she wanted to lift the curtain and go out.

But Qi Yun grabbed her, slowing his voice: "Jiao Niang, wait a moment. Let me get out first... to help you."

Ye Jiao obediently sat at the carriage door, watching Qi Yun's pained expression as he got out, then smiled sweetly as she supported his hand to get down from the carriage.

However, Little Ginseng didn't think she was particularly weak now. On the contrary, she felt her husband needed more help.

When two people who both wanted to help each other had their arms intertwined, supporting each other as they walked forward, they happened to encounter Qi Zhao, who had also just returned home.

Eldest Young Master Qi was quite happy today. This year's snow was thick, so next year's harvest would definitely be good. The estate's income was much more than previous years. Qi Zhao walked with a spring in his step.

But as soon as he entered the main gate, he saw two people walking slowly forward.

Qi Zhao's heart immediately tightened. He quickly stepped forward and grabbed the arm of his younger brother, who he remembered as always frail and sickly, asking: "Second Brother, are you feeling unwell somewhere?"

Qi Yun was stunned: "Elder Brother, I'm not..."

"Come, come, come, I'll help you in. How can a woman support you properly?" Qi Zhao said while tightening his grip on Qi Yun's arm.

Qi Yun wanted to explain, but when Qi Zhao pulled him along, he wasn't gentle at all. His steps were extremely large, and the soreness and tingling in his legs made Second Young Master Qi hiss, unable to say anything.

Then he was half-supported, half-dragged by Qi Zhao to the front hall.

Ye Jiao looked somewhat bewildered at her now-empty hand, then at the two brothers who had walked far away, and hurried to catch up.

When the three entered the front hall one after another, they saw several pairs of bright, attentive eyes.

Ye Jiao was startled and unconsciously pulled back her foot that had been stepping over the threshold. Second Young Master Qi finally explained things clearly to Qi Zhao and turned back to take Ye Jiao's hand.

Fang Shi reacted quickly, standing up to take Ye Jiao's other arm, smiling: "We've been waiting for you. It's very cold outside, come in quickly." Then she looked behind them and asked, "Where's Xu Bao? Didn't he come with you?"

Only then did Ye Jiao enter, saying quietly: "He fell asleep, so I had Little Su take him back first. Are Elder Sister-in-law and Mother here for other business? How about my husband and I go back to our courtyard first..."

"It's nothing, we're here waiting for you." Liu Shi smiled and beckoned, "Come, Jiao Niang, sit beside me."

Hearing this, Ye Jiao released Fang Shi's hand and, pulling Qi Yun, sat beside Liu Shi.

Doctor Li immediately stepped forward, cupped his hands in greeting, took out his pulse pillow, then smiled at Ye Jiao: "Second Young Mistress, please extend your hand."

Qi Yun then released Ye Jiao's hand. Little Ginseng obediently placed her wrist on the pulse pillow.

Doctor Li sat down, his fingertips lightly touching Ye Jiao's wrist, slightly squinting. Soon he smiled and stood up: "Congratulations Second Young Mistress, Second Young Master, this is definitely a pregnancy pulse, about one month and a bit."

At these words, Qi Yun felt his back no longer ached, his legs no longer hurt, and his whole person was beaming with joy.

Liu Shi smiled and grasped Ye Jiao's hand, gently patting it, saying: "Good, very good. Nanny Liu, prepare reward money for Doctor Li." As she spoke, tears appeared in her eyes. She kept wiping them with her handkerchief, her face still smiling.

Fang Shi and Qi Zhao also came to congratulate them. Especially Fang Shi, who looked at Ye Jiao enviously, thinking that her sister-in-law's fortune was incomparable and couldn't be envied.

However, Doctor Li didn't leave immediately. While Liu Shi and Fang Shi surrounded Ye Jiao with care and concern, he quietly said to Qi Yun: "Second Young Master, may I speak with you privately?"

Qi Yun's face had been smiling, but hearing Doctor Li's words, his smile immediately froze. However, he didn't alarm the others. Now everyone's attention was focused on Ye Jiao, so Qi Yun and Doctor Li moving aside went unnoticed.

After confirming no one over there was paying attention, Doctor Li said quietly: "Second Young Master, Second Young Mistress's pregnancy is slightly different."

Hearing this, Qi Yun immediately tensed, his voice becoming hard: "How so? Is it unstable?"

Doctor Li hesitated, then shook his head: "It's not unstable. It feels stable, but it's slightly different from ordinary pulse patterns. The pregnancy is still early, so I can't determine anything yet. But this month still requires careful care, avoiding bumps and knocks. Being careful won't hurt."

He spoke only half, leaving half unsaid.

Pulse diagnosis was ultimately based on experience and mostly guesswork. The specifics would have to wait to be known.

Qi Yun nodded seriously, not daring to be careless in the slightest.

From that day on, Ye Jiao's days became leisurely.

She didn't need to worry about household matters. Others helped with New Year preparations, and even daily dressing and washing only required her to speak, and Qi Yun would arrange everything for her.

One morning, Qi Yun selected clothes for her, wiped her face with a damp cloth, helped her put on shoes and socks, then supported her for a walk outside.

After returning, Ye Jiao leaned on the soft couch, lazily looking at Qi Yun behind the desk and smiled: "Husband, if you keep spoiling me like this, I'm afraid I won't know how to do anything in the future."

Qi Yun was flipping through account books. Hearing this, he looked up at her and curved his mouth: "What, don't you like it?"

Little Ginseng thought about it: "I like it, but just staying like this is rather boring."

Qi Yun then set down the account book, walked over and sat sideways beside Ye Jiao, saying softly: "Doctor Li said these days are critical. Although your pregnancy is stable, we can't be careless. Moreover, outside they're preparing for New Year and it's chaotic with many people. If you get bumped or knocked, it would be troublesome."

Ye Jiao tugged at his sleeve: "But you always have to take care of me..."

"Before, it was always Jiao Niang taking care of me. Now it's my turn to take care of you." Qi Yun kissed his wife's forehead, saying softly: "But you don't need to worry. After New Year, we'll find a time to live at the mountain garden. By then your pregnancy will be further along and not afraid of moving around. Then you can do whatever you want."

Ye Jiao immediately nodded, her face showing a smile.

But before long she felt sleepy, rubbed her eyes, leaned sideways on the couch, hugged a square pillow and fell asleep.

Qi Yun brought a blanket to cover Ye Jiao, instructed Little Su to watch the charcoal brazier and not let smoke affect anyone, then quietly left and walked toward the adjacent small room.

As soon as he entered, he saw Manager Song already waiting inside. Seeing Qi Yun, he was about to bow.

But Qi Yun raised his hand to stop Manager Song's movement, then strode to the table and sat down, his voice faster than usual: "Speak directly about business."

Manager Song also knew what Qi Yun was anxious about. Usually their Young Master would look at accounts in the study, but since Second Young Mistress became pregnant again, Qi Yun had moved everything back to his room. He wouldn't come out unless necessary, and even when going out, he always brought Second Young Mistress along, never separating for a moment.

Only when Second Young Mistress was sleeping would the Young Master come out briefly, so naturally time was precious.

Manager Song immediately dispensed with all pleasantries and said directly: "We've prepared the money needed to open the shop, found a capable shopkeeper, and prepared escort personnel. As soon as the location is selected, we can set off immediately."

Qi Yun nodded: "Don't worry about the location, it's settled. We just need to go look at it."

Ye Ping Rong had previously mentioned three shops in his letter, mostly commercial properties from families of demoted capital officials. Now although the court still didn't allow officials to engage in commerce, having shops in official households was common. This time Emperor Chu Chengyun purged old court forces and demoted many people, so many shops in the capital became vacant.

Among them, Qi Yun had his eye on a shop that originally belonged to a Censorate official.

This official had shallow roots and was eager to liquidate and cash out after demotion, so the price was naturally negotiable. Moreover, the location was good, with the capital's most prosperous restaurant, Immortal's Approach, directly across the street. Opening a wine shop there would do good business.

Manager Song hesitated before asking: "Young Master, who should we send to look?"

Now Qi Yun was concerned about Ye Jiao, and Manager Song knew he was too old to endure the journey back and forth.

Qi Yun already had someone in mind: "Tie Zi has followed me for a long time and learned quite a lot. Now let him lead people to go look."

Actually, with Ye Ping Rong's help, examining the shop didn't require sending someone specially.

But Qi Yun wanted to cultivate Tie Zi. This time was giving him a chance to go out alone and see the world, to learn some social skills.

Manager Song nodded: "Tie Zi is reliable, but if he's going out, just having this intimate nickname probably won't do. He should have a proper name."

Hearing this, Qi Yun also nodded and called Tie Zi in.

Tie Zi had originally been standing outside the door and heard everything clearly. Without Qi Yun asking, Tie Zi said: "Second Young Master, I don't have a proper name."

Actually, in the village, most people just had nicknames. When they grew up, they'd be called by their birth order like Fifth Wang or Fourth Zhao. Ordinary people didn't get proper names.

Just like the Ye family, Ye Ping Rong's name was only changed after he went to the battlefield and gained favor from above for killing enemies with merit. That Second Brother Ye was still just called Second Brother Ye.

Tie Zi was originally surnamed Su, ranked sixth in his family, so he was called Su Sixth Young Master. But now thinking the master wanted to give him a new name, he was naturally happy and looked at Qi Yun expectantly.

Qi Yun thought for a moment and said: "Iron, is also black gold, upright and unyielding. How about the single name Zheng?"

Zheng, Su Zheng.

Tie Zi turned this name over in his mind, then immediately smiled and bowed to Qi Yun: "Thank you, Young Master."

Qi Yun smiled and called Tie Zi over to give detailed instructions, then had Manager Song select several capable people for him. After New Year, they would go to the capital.

This trip would take at least two months to return. Qi Yun had Tie Zi spend these days at home with his parents for New Year.

After Tie Zi left, Qi Yun said to Manager Song: "The Lu family properties I had you investigate before, are there results?"

Manager Song nodded: "All clear. Their family doesn't have much property. They had some before, but they've been living off their savings and sold quite a lot of fields and shops. Now they only have one shop left in the city, selling ink, paper, inkstones and brushes. The income is still considerable."

Qi Yun didn't speak, just tapped his fingertips on the table, then said: "Do we have shops around there?"

"Yes, there's a teahouse next door, not big."

Hearing this, Qi Yun said: "Good. Tell them not to open during New Year. Change it to a steamed bun shop. After the renovation, reopen with great fanfare, request dragon and lion dances, don't worry about expenses, I can cover any shortfall. After opening, find several shop assistants who can shout loudly, double the pay for those with loud voices."

Manager Song couldn't help saying: "Second Young Master, although that place is in the city, it's in a remote location with few passersby. A teahouse for rest might work, but this steamed bun shop should be opened in crowded areas for good business."

But Second Young Master Qi's expression was indifferent: "I never expected it to make money. As long as the Lu family's shop closes, this steamed bun shop can close too."

Manager Song was first stunned, then after thinking understood Qi Yun's meaning.

Shops selling the four treasures of the study needed quiet elegance to attract customers. But if there was a daily self-advertising, fragrant steamed bun shop next door, scholars and literati probably wouldn't want to come anymore.

Over time, they definitely couldn't sustain it.

Manager Song thought that the Lu family had really offended their Second Young Master, otherwise he wouldn't leave any face at all.

But Manager Song didn't ask more. After reconciling accounts with Qi Yun, he left.

Qi Yun immediately left the small room to return to the bedroom.

Calculating the time, Ye Jiao should be awake now. Qi Yun's mind was completely free of any Lu family or steamed bun shop, only thinking that his Jiao Niang had mentioned wanting to eat eel soup earlier, wondering if the small kitchen had prepared it.

But from afar, Qi Yun saw Nanny Liu standing in the corridor.

She seemed to have been waiting for a while. Seeing Qi Yun approach, she smiled and came forward, bowed and said: "Second Young Master, this is what Madam asked me to bring."

"What is this?"

"This morning Madam went to the temple early to pray for protective amulets, saying both Second Young Mistress and Second Young Master should wear them for smooth sailing and safety."

If it were before, Qi Yun definitely wouldn't believe in these things. If they really worked, with his mother's protective amulets nearly filling the drawer, he would still be sickly. It seemed the gods and Buddhas couldn't manage human worldly affairs.

But now he was concerned about Ye Jiao. Things he didn't believe before, he now believed. After accepting them, he said to Nanny Liu: "Please thank Mother for me, and say we've received them and will definitely wear them always."

Nanny Liu agreed and didn't stay long before turning to leave.

Qi Yun then pushed open the door and entered the bedroom.

Ye Jiao hadn't woken yet, lying peacefully asleep on the soft couch.

Little Su saw him enter and withdrew. Qi Yun sat beside Ye Jiao, reached out to gently brush away the scattered hair from Little Ginseng's face, revealing that pink and white face.

Qi Yun smiled and lowered his head to gently kiss her, but didn't disturb her much. He quickly withdrew and sat further away to avoid disturbing Ye Jiao's peaceful sleep. Seeing Ye Jiao's mouth mumble once before falling back into deep sleep, he lowered his head to untie the pouch at his waist.

This pouch had been worn by Qi Yun for several years. It had tassels made by Ye Jiao, still the original ones that looked crooked. Even though Ye Jiao's tassels were much prettier now, Qi Yun hadn't been willing to replace this one.

Inside the pouch, according to Qi Yun's thinking, was the protective amulet Ye Jiao had previously gotten for him.

But when he opened the pouch, preparing to put Liu Shi's amulet inside too, he saw that besides the protective amulet, there was also a section of something black.

Qi Yun reached in and pinched it out, seeing it was a strand of hair.

Fine, soft, feeling like silk to the touch.