Lady of Fortune, Jiao Niang

Chapter 110

Qi Yun knew this texture. He had dried Ye Jiao's hair countless times and naturally knew whose this was.

Only his Jiao Niang had such beautiful hair.

But when was this strand of hair put in, and why was it placed inside?

Qi Yun couldn't make up his mind for a moment and sat there motionless for a long time, holding the pouch in one hand and the hair strand in the other, lost in thought.

When Ye Jiao woke up, she saw the completely still Qi Yun.

Little Ginseng, just awakened, was still somewhat dazed. She rubbed her eyes and yawned, lying there for a while to clear her head before sitting up with support and reaching out to tug at Qi Yun: "Husband, what are you doing?"

Only then did Second Young Master Qi notice his wife had awakened. He quickly set aside what was in his hands on the nearby low table, turned back to gently embrace Ye Jiao, helped her sit properly, then carefully arranged her clothes and put on her embroidered shoes before supporting her to stand and walk around.

Little Ginseng had slept long and felt stiff. Walking around the courtyard with Qi Yun in their cloaks, stretching her muscles, was quite comfortable.

When they returned, Little Su had already brought the freshly made eel soup.

Ye Jiao smelled the aroma and smiled, turning to kiss Qi Yun's cheek: "How did you know I wanted to eat this?"

Qi Yun touched Ye Jiao's head, saying helplessly: "You told me yourself, just before sleeping."

Little Ginseng blinked. Oh, she had forgotten.

Probably because she'd been living too leisurely lately, her brain didn't like to work much either. She forgot things as soon as she said them, which really wasn't a good sign.

Ye Jiao's expression became somewhat serious as she thought, even forgetting to eat the eel soup. After a while, she said to Qi Yun: "Husband, how about you read to me? Those books you wanted me to read before, I haven't finished many of them. Now that I'm more relaxed, could you teach me more?"

Qi Yun knew his Jiao Niang had been bored these past days, but she was considerate of him and didn't complain. Now Ye Jiao's request, Qi Yun naturally agreed to: "Of course. Just right, Xu Bao has been fussing at night lately and won't sleep. Reading to him should put him to sleep."

Ye Jiao couldn't help blinking: "Reading can make you fall asleep?"

Qi Yun smiled and touched the stray hair by her ear, his voice gentle: "Children don't like studying and learning characters. They'll sleep when they hear it, it's human nature."

Little Ginseng couldn't help tilting her head, bringing her face close to Qi Yun's palm and rubbing against it slightly, making Second Young Master Qi's ears turn red. But Ye Jiao didn't think anything was wrong. She just turned Qi Yun's words over in her mind and asked: "But you said before that Third Brother and Little Shi Tou both love reading. If you don't let them read, they'll make a fuss."

Qi Yun's voice paused slightly, but his smile remained, his tone calm: "Is Jiao Niang hungry? Let's eat the soup first."

Ye Jiao's attention was immediately diverted. She picked up the spoon and smiled as she fed herself a mouthful, found it delicious, then fed Qi Yun a spoonful.

Second Young Master Qi wasn't someone who liked eating, but he liked Ye Jiao feeding him. So he leaned over, and they finished the bowl one spoonful each.

Little Su was used to seeing these two being affectionate in the room and still smiled whenever she saw it.

As she smiled, she started thinking about Tie Zi.

Tie Zi had just told her he was going away and wouldn't return until after New Year. In this cold weather, she wondered if he'd be cold or hungry. She had originally made knee guards for Tie Zi, but now thinking she probably couldn't sleep tonight and needed to finish them quickly to give to him in time.

After Ye Jiao finished eating, Little Su carried the empty bowl out, walking briskly to the small kitchen.

Qi Yun's courtyard's small kitchen probably had the most cooks in the entire household, which was also with everyone else's permission.

In the Qi family, there weren't too many rules. Who got more or less depended entirely on need. Now everyone in the household knew Ye Jiao loved eating, while the other courtyards, Liu Shi was getting old and wasn't particular about food, and Fang Shi was someone who wished she could skip dinner altogether. So having cooks come to Qi Yun's courtyard was normal.

Moreover, the cooks especially liked Second Young Master and his wife. This couple had money and was willing to spend it. Good cooking earned rewards, so naturally they were very motivated.

However, these cooks were mostly older women who dressed plainly. But when Little Su lifted the curtain to enter this time, she saw a brightly dressed figure.

Her steps paused. While giving the empty bowl to a cook to wash, she asked that person: "Who are you? I haven't seen you before."

That person immediately turned around. Seeing Little Su, her face showed some timidity and she didn't speak.

A cook said to Little Su: "Little Su girl, this is my daughter, called Fang Cao, also here to help. I thought with New Year approaching, the master's place might be short-handed, so I called her to help." Then this woman patted her daughter's back.

She used quite a lot of force. Fang Cao was pushed into a stumble, then immediately said obediently to Little Su: "Hello, Sister Little Su."

But Little Su didn't accept her courtesy.

Usually Little Su was always quiet and gentle in front of Qi Yun and Ye Jiao, appearing very well-behaved. But having followed the masters for three or four years, Little Su managed many things in this courtyard and was always very straightforward when speaking to these women and maids, with her own definite opinions.

Now seeing an unfamiliar face, Little Su said: "If you're busy, it's the front courtyard that's busy, nothing to do with Second Young Master and Second Young Mistress. If you want to help, go help in front, whether sweeping floors or boiling water, just follow arrangements. Don't always squeeze into the Young Master's courtyard." Her voice paused slightly, "Second Young Master is not easy to talk to. While he hasn't seen you yet, leave quickly."

Fang Cao meekly agreed, and the woman also smiled apologetically. Little Su watched until Fang Cao left the courtyard before returning to outside the bedroom. But she didn't go in, instead taking out her half-finished knee guards and needle and thread, sitting on a bench in the corridor to sew carefully.

Since going in now would just be in the way, she'd wait outside for her masters' instructions.

Inside the room, Ye Jiao was holding warm water and drinking, her eyes watching Qi Yun who was holding the pouch.

Earlier, because he needed to attend to his just-awakened wife, helping her walk around and eat and drink, Qi Yun hadn't asked. Now with free time, he brought over the pouch and asked Ye Jiao with a gentle expression: "Jiao Niang, did you put this hair in?"

Ye Jiao looked and nodded: "Yes."

Qi Yun asked again: "When did you put it in?"

This was several years ago. Little Ginseng propped her chin and thought for a while before replying: "Right after we got married."

Actually, Ye Jiao had originally put the hair in because her husband's health was really poor at the time, seeming like he could die from a sneeze. Ye Jiao had just become human not long ago and had no experience, so her thinking and actions still followed her previous mindset as a ginseng spirit.

When she was still a ginseng spirit, she worried about the little fox's safety, so she had the little fox carry one of her leaves. That way, if the little fox was in danger, she would know.

When Ye Jiao was going back to her natal home, leaving the house for a whole day, she was very afraid this husband she had just met might have some accident. So she cut a strand of her hair for him, thinking he could carry it with him, and if there was danger, she would know.

But Little Ginseng had overestimated herself. She was now just a spirit essence in this body, and the body was merely mortal. At least this hair following Qi Yun was completely useless.

But before Ye Jiao could explain anything, she saw Qi Yun's face full of complexity.

It seemed like joy, like emotion, and like ineffable gratitude.

Before Little Ginseng could react, Qi Yun had already stood up.

He went to get scissors and cut a strand from his own hair, then set down the scissors and returned to the table. He picked up Ye Jiao's hair strand and tied the two strands together.

Then he gently grasped Ye Jiao's hand and said word by word: "Binding hair as husband and wife, loving each other without doubt."

Ye Jiao didn't know the meaning of binding hair, but Qi Yun did.

He placed the knotted hair strand in the pouch, keeping it close to his body, and lowered his head to gently kiss Ye Jiao's lips.

No protective amulet could probably protect him better than this.

Although Ye Jiao didn't know what he was thinking, she was happy when Qi Yun was happy. She smiled sweetly and hooked her arms around Qi Yun's neck, pulling him toward her.

A few more days passed, and it was time for Qi Ming to return home.

Third Young Master Qi returned quite travel-worn this time. To prepare for the provincial examination, he had practically thrown everything into it. This provincial examination was unlike the previous tests, with tens of thousands of students from the entire province competing for limited spots. Never mind getting the top position of Top Candidate, just passing and gaining scholarly rank would be excellent.

As for the Lu family matter, Qi Ming knew nothing, and others wouldn't mention it.

Even if someone wanted to gossip with Qi Ming, seeing Qi Yun's attitude of showing the Lu family no mercy, they wouldn't say much. After all, Qi Yun was now the wealthiest family in the area, and they still had hopes of relying on him. If they angered him and followed in the Lu family's footsteps, what would they do?

This back and forth meant Qi Ming had no idea his family had joined forces to help him avoid a cuckolding romance disaster.

When Qi Ming returned home, he brought a large box containing not only the books he needed to review these days, but also the thirty pages of daily calligraphy practice that Qi Yun had assigned him.

Because the twelfth month was busy with household affairs, they hadn't sent them back, so a whole box had accumulated.

Actually, Qi Yun had assigned him calligraphy practice to avoid the Lu family matter. Now that the Lu family had fallen, Second Young Master Qi had forgotten to tell Qi Ming he didn't need to practice anymore. Only when he saw it did he remember this matter.

The one who brought the box was Liu Si, the new attendant at Qi Ming's side. Liu Si was young with delicate features, but he stuttered when speaking, especially when seeing Qi Yun. Whether from fear or nervousness, Liu Si stuttered even more: "Se-se-se-Second Young Master, this is what Third Young Master wrote, ca-ca-ca... calligraphy."

Qi Yun didn't mind Liu Si's stuttering. After all, a book attendant just served tea, fetched water, arranged paper and ground ink beside Third Brother. A small flaw didn't matter, and when the Lu family caused trouble, Liu Si had kept it from Qi Ming and even lured away Lu family members who wanted to create trouble outside the academy. He was loyal.

Good character was good. Other small flaws could always be corrected.

He nodded: "Set it down. Also, next time don't call me Se-se-se-Second Young Master. Titles should be clear, take your time."

This kind and gentle attitude really surprised Liu Si. He immediately nodded and stood there obediently, giving Qi Ming's calligraphy to Qi Yun.

Qi Yun looked through it while asking: "Did Third Brother go to Mother's place?"

Perhaps Qi Yun's good attitude made Liu Si feel more relaxed, and his speech became smoother: "Yes, Third, Third Young Master said he'll come find, find Second Young Master tonight."

Qi Yun nodded and waved for Liu Si to return. He sealed up Qi Ming's calligraphy to send to the capital later, then stood up to return to his room.

But before leaving, Qi Yun remembered his promise to read to Ye Jiao. His steps paused as he thought about the books on the shelf in his room.

Besides account books, there were medical texts. The only somewhat readable book was "Six Wonders of the Flower Formation."

That couldn't be studied recently.

So Qi Yun specially went to the study and found a copy of "Elementary Learning" on the shelf. This contained mostly parallel sentences that were easy to read and remember. The recorded stories covered everything from astronomy and geography to birds and insects, making it interesting to tell as stories to Jiao Niang.

Second Young Master Qi took the book, put on his fur coat and returned. As soon as he entered the courtyard gate, he saw two little ones peeking around his bedroom door.

Qi Yun's steps paused, then he lightened his footsteps and walked over silently.

As soon as he got close, he heard the two children's conversation.

"Xu Bao, is there really a little baby in Second Auntie's belly?"

"Little baby? Xu Bao baby!"

"No... well, it should be like Xu Bao."

"Mother's belly has Xu Bao!"

"...doesn't seem right."

Qi Yun heard them getting more and more off-topic, so he coughed lightly and said coolly: "What are you doing?"

Xu Bao and Little Shi Tou turned around and saw Qi Yun standing behind them.

Xu Bao, wearing a red jacket, immediately smiled brightly and ran over on his short legs with pattering sounds, hugging Qi Yun's leg and trying to climb up.

Little Shi Tou was startled and stood there, not daring to move.

Little Shi Tou was now five years old and would go to school next year. Although still chubby, he could understand things.

For example, the easiest person to talk to in this household was Second Auntie, and the one who absolutely couldn't be provoked was Second Uncle.

Even though Qi Yun had never shown anger to his face, never scolded him, and could even smile kindly as long as Second Auntie was around, Little Shi Tou was still terribly afraid of him, not daring to breathe loudly.

Now Little Shi Tou stood straight and quietly called: "Hello, Second Uncle."

Qi Yun picked up his fat son and nodded at Little Shi Tou, softening his voice: "Have you finished today's recitation?"

Actually, Second Young Master Qi was really asking if he had recited his lessons well, not trying to scare him. But Little Shi Tou immediately shook his head and said: "Not finished, I'll go recite now." Then he turned and ran, with his attending servant hurrying to follow, afraid Little Shi Tou would fall.

Xu Bao hugged his daddy's neck cheerfully, not showing any fear.

Although Xu Bao preferred his soft mommy, daddy was the one who helped him at night, coaxed him to sleep with mommy, and played horse with him. Xu Bao was naturally close to him too.

Children were like this. Though they looked small and couldn't speak clearly, they could always sense who treated them well.

Qi Yun carried Xu Bao inside, let him play with the wooden horse while he watched and looked through account books. When Ye Jiao woke up, the family of three would eat dinner together.

After eating and clearing the table, Ye Jiao heard Qi Yun say: "Let's read tonight."

Hearing this, Ye Jiao looked at Qi Yun excitedly: "What book?"

Qi Yun showed her the "Elementary Learning": "This one."

Ye Jiao looked at the title, said "Oh," which somehow made Qi Yun feel his wife seemed disappointed.

Xu Bao had been playing with a cloth tiger, but seeing his parents together, he rolled twice on the soft couch and wriggled into Ye Jiao's arms, saying softly: "Xu Bao play too."

Ye Jiao touched Xu Bao's hair: "Daddy is reading, not playing."

Xu Bao blinked and repeated: "Xu Bao read."

Qi Yun sat to the side, pulled the candle closer, opened the book, and said calmly: "When chaos first opened, heaven and earth were established. The light and clear qi that floated up became heaven, the heavy and turbid qi that condensed below became earth..."

The man's voice was pleasant. When he was seriously ill before, drinking bitter medicine and swallowing pills daily, his throat soaked in bitterness inevitably became hoarse, making his good voice inaudible.

Now that his health had improved considerably, even his voice sounded comfortable.

Moreover, Qi Yun explained each sentence after reading it. He was well-read and patient. When he encountered passages with allusions, he told them like stories, explaining very carefully.

Ye Jiao listened with fascination, and even Xu Bao in her arms opened his eyes wide, looking at his daddy with great focus.

When Qi Yun's mouth became dry from speaking, Ye Jiao thoughtfully handed him a cup of warm water she had been drinking, sincerely praising: "Husband, you speak so well."

Qi Yun smiled. Although Ye Jiao always praised him daily, he never tired of hearing these words, even if she said them ten thousand times.

But Ye Jiao soon looked down at Xu Bao and found he showed no signs of sleepiness. Instead, he was patting his leg with his little hand, his bottom wiggling, looking quite anxious, wanting Qi Yun to continue.

Little Ginseng couldn't help saying to Qi Yun: "No wonder Little Shi Tou and Third Brother like reading."

Qi Yun was stunned.

Ye Jiao touched her Xu Bao's hair and smiled: "Look, Xu Bao isn't sleepy. Little Shi Tou and Third Brother probably weren't sleepy when they were young either. No wonder Third Brother reads so well, it's all because husband speaks so well."

...Actually, his Third Brother had cried while reciting back then.

But Qi Yun wouldn't explain this clearly. He smiled and picked up the book to continue reading to his wife and son.

Little Su standing in the outer room also came to the doorway to listen, feeling that those scholarly words became particularly easy to understand and interesting when Second Young Master explained them.

No wonder they said scholars were impressive.

But just then, Little Su saw a small head peeking in from outside the door curtain.

Little Su was startled. Only after standing up did she recognize: "Young Master Little Shi Tou?"

Little Shi Tou made a "shush" gesture, then quietly asked: "Where's little brother Xu Bao?"

Actually, Little Shi Tou and Xu Bao had a good relationship. After running away from Qi Yun's courtyard during the day, Little Shi Tou felt very guilty.

His character was like Qi Zhao's, very honest. He was afraid of Qi Yun, so he thought little brother Xu Bao was also afraid of Qi Yun. He had only thought of himself and run away without caring for his little brother. Little Shi Tou felt terrible about it.

If it were another child, they would probably just let it pass. After all, it didn't affect them.

But Little Shi Tou was kindhearted. He kept worrying about it and couldn't help himself. So he took advantage of the evening to sneak out with his servant to see if his little brother had been bullied by Second Uncle.

Little Su heard this and smiled: "Young Master Xu Bao is reading with Second Young Master. Does Young Master Little Shi Tou want to go see?"

Hearing this, Little Shi Tou didn't even answer. He pulled back his head and grabbed his servant to leave.

His heart was trembling.

He had thought Second Uncle was just saying it casually. After all, he himself felt a headache after reading for just a while. Who knew little brother was really being forced by Second Uncle to read until dark... Compared to this, his own two hours of daily reading was truly blissful.

Poor little brother.

In the room, the "poor" Xu Bao was pulling at Qi Yun's sleeve, shouting: "Daddy, tell another one, tell another one!"

And Qi Yun, who had once successfully scared children with reading, was now sighing in his heart. He was tired and didn't want to continue, but his eldest son just loved listening to recitation...

Even Jiao Niang couldn't handle it and had fallen asleep, yet Xu Bao became more energetic the more he listened, remembering every sentence clearly.

Qi Yun couldn't help thinking: What happened to children not liking to read...