Lady of Fortune, Jiao Niang

Chapter 116

Qi Ming hadn't spoken much earlier. When Ye Ping Rong entered, he had only greeted him with a bow, then sat in his chair lost in thought.

Actually, he was racking his brains for stories, so he'd have something to say when Xu Bao pestered him later.

Obviously, Qi Ming needed to maintain his dignity as Little Uncle in front of Xu Bao.

Now suddenly seeing the box Ye Ping Rong handed over, Qi Ming was first stunned, then showed a delighted expression. After receiving it, he asked: "What has sworn brother given me?"

Ye Ping Rong shook his head: "I don't know." How could he casually open and look at something the emperor had given?

Last time, the longevity lock box had been accidentally opened, but this time Ye Ping Rong had been careful and cautious, not scratching it at all.

Qi Ming opened the box and saw a book inside. Taking it out to flip through, he read the characters on it carefully. Qi Ming said in surprise: "This is a calligraphy copybook?" Then he flipped through several more pages and recognized it: "This is Zhong Shaojing's small regular script, 'Lingfei Jing'... sworn brother and I truly have a spiritual connection. He also knows I've been practicing copying this recently."

Qi Yun silently glanced at his third brother, thinking it wasn't that the man was miraculous, but that all of Third Brother's daily calligraphy practice was now being sent to the capital.

But for Chu Chengyun to have the patience to read through that huge pile of calligraphy, Qi Yun suddenly felt that Third Brother probably held a more important place in that person's heart than he had imagined.

Although this copybook was printed, copybooks had always been precious. Original manuscripts were hard to find, and even printed ones were limited in number. Getting one was excellent.

Qi Yun thought that person truly treated Third Brother well. This copybook wasn't necessarily valuable, but it was very useful.

Just then, Qi Ming exclaimed "Oh" and smiled at the eight characters on the title page: "Sworn brother's calligraphy is truly getting better and better."

Hearing this, Qi Ming and Ye Ping Rong both looked over and quickly saw the characters written in the book.

'Working hard day and night, with unwavering determination.'

Below that was a red seal, apparently a personal seal, with only two characters.

Careful solitude.

Just from the seal, one could see Chu Chengyun's good intentions.

Both of them had seen Chu Chengyun's handwriting before. Looking at each other, both Ye Ping Rong and Qi Yun saw surprise flash in the other's eyes.

This was imperial calligraphy. As long as it was imperial calligraphy, this book became extremely precious.

Qi Ming had always admired Chu Chengyun's literary talent, especially Chu Chengyun's excellent calligraphy, which he liked and respected most.

Previously, when Qi Yun had thought of having Chu Chengyun inscribe his Golden Goblet wine, it was Qi Ming who had strongly recommended it.

Holding the book, looking left and right, Qi Ming felt he could never see enough of these eight characters, never praise them enough. After looking for quite a while, he said: "Such excellent calligraphy is rare, truly rare. Later when I see sworn brother again, I must have him write a copybook for me."

Ye Ping Rong directly covered his mouth with his hand: "Cough, cough."

Qi Yun reached out and patted his little brother's head: "Third Brother, watch your words."

Having Chu Chengyun write you a copybook, you really thought of that... But Qi Ming knew nothing, and these words Qi Yun could only think, not say aloud.

However, Ye Jiao didn't think that much. She leaned over to look and smiled: "It is beautiful."

Actually, Ye Jiao couldn't distinguish good from bad calligraphy before, but she still practiced calligraphy for half an hour every day now. Although her own round characters had become more round, Ye Jiao also knew that writing characters square and proper was not an easy task.

Chu Chengyun had probably put much thought into writing it. Each character was very upright and full.

However, when taken apart, Ye Jiao recognized all of them, but together she didn't understand the meaning. Little Ginseng tilted her head toward Qi Ming: "Third Brother, what does this mean?"

Qi Ming was happy in his heart, and his voice became lively: "These characters mean that he wants me to rise early and sleep late, study hard to clarify my aspirations, and work even harder."

Ye Ping Rong didn't really understand either. Hearing Qi Ming's words, he nodded along, thinking in his heart that the emperor truly liked Qi Ming and had much higher expectations for him than for others.

Qi Yun picked up his tea cup, then set it down, saying gently to Qi Ming: "Third Master speaks truly. Third Brother, the path of imperial examinations is like ten thousand people crossing a single-log bridge. Very few can cross. Naturally, one must work even harder."

Qi Ming just thought his brother was encouraging him. He continued looking at the copybook, nodding with a smile.

But then he heard Qi Yun continue: "Then you should do as it says. I was like this before too. Third Brother should naturally work harder than I did." Then Qi Yun looked at Liu Si nearby: "Keep an eye on Third Brother when you return. Don't let him run around outside. Rise early and sleep late, work hard properly. If he slacks off, write back and tell me."

Qi Ming: ...

The copybook that had seemed so wonderful just moments ago suddenly became hot to handle. Qi Ming wanted to say he also wanted to go out and play. Books were certainly good, but he had already been cooped up in the academy for several months. How nice it was outside.

But before he could speak, he saw Ye Jiao, who had just been leaning over to look at the copybook, smile and stand up, walk to Qi Yun's side and grasp his hand, saying softly: "Husband is truly a good person."

Ye Ping Rong also nodded, sincerely sighing: "Brother-in-law is upright, devoted to family and country, and can always think to encourage his brother. It's truly admirable."

Liu Si also nodded along, but since he still stuttered when speaking, he didn't open his mouth. He just stared at Qi Ming, seeming to tell him with his eyes that studying was good, studying was wonderful, and how could playing outside compare to studying?

For a moment, Qi Ming didn't know whether it was sworn brother who had dug the pit, or if he had dug the pit for himself...

Qi Yun held Xu Bao tighter. Seeing the chubby boy rubbing his eyes, he knew he was sleepy, so he held him closer and used one hand to pat Xu Bao's back to soothe him. His eyes looked toward Qi Ming, his voice gentle: "You must definitely treasure this copybook well, keep it safe... no, carry it with you."

Although the ink stone from before was also a gift from Chu Chengyun, it was still different from objects with imperial calligraphy like this.

Qi Yun couldn't help thinking that perhaps fools really did have fool's luck. His brother hadn't even achieved scholarly rank yet but had gained a sworn brother who reached the heavens.

However, even without Qi Yun's reminders, Qi Ming wouldn't casually misplace sworn brother's copybook.

He nodded, then became happy again, standing up: "Brother-in-law Ye, please wait a moment. I'll go write a reply letter for my sworn brother. Also, I've composed several good poems recently. Let me copy one for sworn brother to take."

Ye Ping Rong followed Qi Ming to the study, while Ye Jiao sat beside Qi Yun, propping her chin and seeming to think about something.

Second Young Master Qi had already soothed Xu Bao to sleep and handed him to Nanny Mo to carry away. Only then did he reach out to embrace his wife and ask softly: "What are you thinking about?"

Ye Jiao looked up at him, blinked, and asked: "Husband, did you also have to study hard at night before?"

Of course not.

Qi Yun had been sickly since childhood. This studying wasn't something he enjoyed, but because when he was in pain from illness, he couldn't go out and often lay bedridden. Besides reading, there was really no other entertainment.

Even when he couldn't sleep at night, it was because his body was uncomfortable, so he could only read to console himself.

Qi Yun never hid anything from Ye Jiao, saying softly: "I used to do it because my body wasn't well. I won't in the future."

"Won't study at night anymore?"

"Mm, won't study anymore. Having Jiao Niang, why torture myself with that?"

Little Ginseng blinked and suddenly said: "I don't believe it. You clearly study books with me at night too. Naturally, you're working hard."

Qi Yun was stunned, then immediately realized this "book" was not that "book."

His ears suddenly turned red, and because Little Su and Tie Zi were both nearby, Qi Yun couldn't say much. He leaned slightly toward Ye Jiao's ear: "If it's studying together with my wife, I'm naturally extremely willing."

Ye Jiao smiled, her eyes clear and clean, untainted by worldly dust.

However, Tie Zi actually hadn't been staring at his master the whole time, but had moved next to Little Su, looking at her with a grin.

Little Su was somewhat puzzled but stood straight, her mouth only moving slightly: "Brother Tie Zi, what are you smiling about?"

Tie Zi was still smiling. He didn't know what he was smiling about either. He just felt happy in his heart when he saw Little Su, and when happy, he wanted to smile. He couldn't control himself.

Probably because they had always been together before, he hadn't felt the change. Now, after being away for several months and returning, he felt Little Su was quite different from before.

She had grown taller and was much more capable. Before, she was a little girl who spoke in low tones, but now she looked like a newly grown willow tree, graceful and upright.

Since the last time she had beaten Fang Cao, Little Su had held her head high. Often, adversity makes people grow, and the current young lady had much more of her own mind than before.

Now seeing Tie Zi not speaking, Little Su thought for a moment and asked quietly: "Are the knee guards useful?"

Tie Zi immediately nodded: "Useful, very useful. I wear them every day."

Little Su looked at him: "The weather's warm now. I don't believe you're wearing them."

Who knew Tie Zi would actually pat his knee, and Little Su could clearly see the shape of knee guards under his pants.

He was actually really wearing them!

Now it was the third month, with warm and mild weather. Little Su couldn't help widening her eyes, wondering if this person was stupid.

Tie Zi was completely oblivious, still grinning foolishly at her, and said crisply: "Yes!"

Little Su didn't understand what he was so happy about, but seeing Tie Zi smile, she also curved the corners of her mouth.

At this moment, a servant came in from outside.

Tie Zi temporarily stopped his conversation with Little Su and quickly walked over. After asking a few questions, he entered the hall and said to Qi Yun: "Second Young Master, the Fang family sent someone saying they have business to discuss with First Young Mistress."

Qi Yun never interfered in Qi Zhao's affairs. Although the three brothers were close, they still lived in separate courtyards. Qi Zhao also had no intention of prying into others' private matters, so he said: "Have the servant go find Elder Sister-in-law. Whether to see them or not is entirely up to Elder Sister-in-law's own arrangements."

When that servant went to find Fang Shi, she was in the courtyard preparing clothes for Qi Zhao.

The third month of spring was a time when others enjoyed warm flowers and beautiful wine, most carefree and comfortable. However, for Qi Zhao, this was the busiest time on the estate. In previous years, Qi Zhao would go live on the estate for a while.

Before, Fang Shi would go with him, but now with Little Shi Tou, she was busy finding him a school and planned to stay home.

Hearing that her natal family had come, Fang Shi didn't have them brought in, but told the servant: "Tell them I went to the estate with my husband and am not at home. I'm afraid it will be ten days to half a month before I return."

The servant didn't ask questions, noted it down, and left. Meanwhile, Qi Zhao, who was playing with Little Shi Tou nearby, heard this and looked at Fang Shi strangely: "Wife, are you coming with me? Then who will find a school for Little Shi Tou?"

Fang Shi was selecting clothes to take for Qi Zhao, her head slightly lowered. Hearing this, she replied: "I'm not going with you. I'm just using this excuse to block my brother and younger brother, to make them go back and stop always trying to get something from me."

Qi Zhao wanted to ask what had happened, but his son was still looking at him expectantly.

After thinking, Qi Zhao picked up Little Shi Tou and placed him on a chair at the table, stuffing a writing brush in his hand: "Write properly. Your mother will check later."

Little Shi Tou: ...

Then Qi Zhao walked over and sat beside Fang Shi, asking what had happened.

Fang Shi originally wouldn't tell Qi Zhao about her natal family's affairs, but this time she hid nothing: "They might also come to you later, so husband must remember, absolutely don't agree."

"What's wrong?"

Fang Shi glanced back at Little Shi Tou, who was obediently writing with his brush, then pulled Qi Zhao to the outer room. After sitting down, she said: "After New Year, my brother has been looking for me, wanting me to find a way to curry favor with Second Brother."

Qi Zhao was somewhat puzzled: "Your brother is a scholar, and Second Brother is in business. How could he curry favor?"

Fang Shi said irritably: "I don't know where he heard about connections. He's gotten close to a distant relative of the prefect. That prefect's distant relative is surnamed Shao and does business in the city, especially wine shops and restaurants. Now that Second Brother's shops are thriving, my brother is scheming to have Second Brother give profits to the Shao family. He calls it 'building good relationships,' but it's really for his own considerations."

Whether for donations to buy office or to curry favor, it was all for himself, with no consideration for the Qi family.

If the Shao family really wanted to discuss business with Qi Yun, they could come themselves. Why go through so many intermediaries?

Qi Zhao was stunned, then realized that regardless of whether this excuse was true or false, it ultimately boiled down to money.

Still taking money from Second Brother's pocket.

However, his brother-in-law's roundabout method was quite elaborate - having his sister ask her brother-in-law to give benefits to outsiders.

Before Eldest Young Master Qi could say anything, Fang Shi continued: "If he wanted to find work, I could help. After all, we're relatives, and I'd handle what I could. But this is clearly currying favor with others while expecting me to use my face to ask Second Brother for benefits, to fill his holes. This is called being generous with others' resources. It's selfish and would ruin your brothers' relationship. He clearly doesn't want me to have a good life. I'm too lazy to see them."

Actually, Fang Shi still had her stingy nature and had never changed, but she was also reasonable.

If her siblings were in dire need, she would try to help them solve their urgent problems, even if it meant begging her in-laws and losing face.

But now it was clearly her natal family being unrealistic, wanting to gain benefits through her while not considering her situation at all. Fang Shi wasn't made of dough - naturally she wasn't pleased.

Not confronting them directly was already her being considerate of sibling relationships. She wouldn't do anything more.

Qi Zhao blinked and just stared at Fang Shi like that.

This made Fang Shi look at him: "Why do you keep staring at me?"

Qi Zhao smiled at her: "I'm looking at my wife because she's wonderful, truly wonderful."

Fang Shi's face couldn't help but redden as she hit him once.

However, the two didn't say much more. After all, they were Fang Shi's natal family members. Qi Zhao couldn't comment on whether they were good or bad, so he just noted this matter and would avoid them recently.

After Fang Shi finished preparing Qi Zhao's bundle, she carried Little Shi Tou to Liu Shi's courtyard.

Ye Jiao was also at Liu Shi's place at this time.

Xu Bao had woken up after a short nap. His afternoon naps weren't long - sometimes Ye Jiao was still asleep when he had already opened his eyes.

This time, Ye Jiao had finally left her courtyard and wanted to see her mother-in-law, whom she hadn't seen for a while, so she came with Qi Yun and Xu Bao.

However, Qi Yun didn't stay long before going to talk with Ye Ping Rong, leaving only Liu Shi and Ye Jiao sitting on either side of the soft couch, while Xu Bao sat on the couch eating milk cakes with his eyes squinted in happiness.

When Little Shi Tou arrived, Xu Bao's eyes lit up as he called out: "Brother Shi Tou!"

Little Shi Tou had also missed him very much. He kicked off his shoes and got on the couch, quickly embracing Xu Bao. However, when Xu Bao laughingly hugged his arm, Little Shi Tou's little eyebrows furrowed.

Before Fang Shi could sit down and catch her breath, she saw Little Shi Tou pouting as he grabbed Liu Shi's hand.

Grandparents were always especially affectionate with grandchildren, and Liu Shi was the same.

Although after having Xu Bao, Liu Shi no longer exclusively favored Little Shi Tou alone, she treated her grandsons equally, loving both this one and that one.

Now seeing Little Shi Tou tugging at her, Liu Shi immediately grasped his little hand and asked with a smile: "What's wrong with Little Shi Tou?"

Little Shi Tou shook his arm: "Sore, Grandma rub it."

Seeing this, Fang Shi said: "He's probably been practicing calligraphy a lot these past few days. It's nothing serious."

Liu Shi could tell Little Shi Tou was acting spoiled and probably wasn't really sore, but she was still soft-hearted. She immediately reached over to have Little Shi Tou lie down properly, then massaged his arm while saying: "He's still young. Reading and writing aren't urgent. Take it slowly."

Fang Shi smiled and agreed, but didn't really take it to heart. What needed to be written still had to be written - she wouldn't be fooled by her son.

Little Shi Tou lay there obediently, watching Liu Shi massage his arm, suddenly recalling the feeling of when Grandma used to favor only him.

Xu Bao nearby had originally been grabbing milk cakes to eat. Seeing this, he looked at Liu Shi, then at Little Shi Tou, then stuffed the remaining milk cake in his hand into his mouth.

Then he lay down straight.

The little chubby body wiggled, first rolling in place, then crawling to Ye Jiao's side.

Meeting Ye Jiao's puzzled expression, Xu Bao said softly: "Mother, rub rub."

At these words, both Fang Shi and Liu Shi laughed.

Especially Liu Shi, who couldn't stop laughing: "This child learns things so quickly and even knows how to compete."

Ye Jiao reached out her hand, hesitated for a moment, thinking that her son hadn't been writing and his arms wouldn't be sore, so she'd just rub randomly.

So little Xu Bao was massaged and rolled around several times on the soft couch by his mama, and he was delighted. When Ye Jiao withdrew her hand, he continued rolling back and forth, then crawled to Little Shi Tou's side and hugged him.

Little Shi Tou never refused his milky-scented little brother. He also grabbed Xu Bao's hand, temporarily forgetting about his claimed sore arm, and sat up to play ball with Xu Bao.

With the two children playing by themselves, the adults had time to drink tea and eat.

Because the weather was warming and flowers were blooming everywhere, Liu Shi was thinking of finding time to go out and walk around. Although Ye Jiao couldn't move around too much now, the mountain garden had been tidied up nicely, so it would be good to invite Liu Shi to see it, fulfilling Qi Yun's filial intentions.

Liu Shi was naturally happy and was about to agree when they heard thunder from outside.

Although it was just a very slight rumble that others didn't pay attention to, Ye Jiao frowned slightly and stood up, supporting herself on Little Su's arm.

Liu Shi looked at her and asked: "What's wrong?"

Ye Jiao hesitated before saying: "I feel... it's going to rain." Her voice paused. "Heavy rain."

She had spent a thousand years in the mountains, witnessing countless spring thunders and winter snows.

At that time, Little Ginseng had never transformed into human form. Regardless of whether she had consciousness, her true body was always a ginseng spirit growing in the ground. Snow would make her stuffy, rain would make her suffocated. Even if the ginseng had grown legs, she couldn't run fast and still had to depend on weather for survival. When weather changed, Little Ginseng naturally had to prepare early.

Even now, Ye Jiao was always more sensitive to these things than others.

Previously when it rained or snowed, the movements were small and Ye Jiao didn't feel much, instead finding it interesting.

But this time was different. Ye Jiao supported herself on Little Su's arm and went to the door to look. Even though there wasn't a single raindrop in the sky, she felt it would be heavy rain.

Liu Shi and Fang Shi didn't know if this was true or false, but the thunder was real. Regardless of whether the rain would be heavy or light, preparing early was never wrong.

Just in case, Liu Shi had people quickly bring in everything that was placed outside in the courtyards, cover the flowers with coarse cloth to prevent them from being ruined by watering, and pad the cellar entrance with wood to prevent rainwater from backing up. Fang Shi returned to tell Qi Zhao to temporarily not go to the estate, just send someone to deliver a message warning the tenant farmers to be careful.

That night, heavy rain fell, pouring like columns. It rained continuously for ten days before stopping.