Lady of Fortune, Jiao Niang

Chapter 118

The capital looked large, but relationships were deeply intertwined. Nothing could be hidden.

Moreover, Chu Chengyun hadn't had people deliberately conceal it. He openly wrote characters and had people make a plaque, so naturally this news flew out like it had wings.

But who exactly this plaque was for and what characters were written on it, no one inquired about.

It wasn't that they couldn't find out, but because the shrewd people in the capital knew clearly that the new emperor wished they would go snooping for information. He had deliberately thrown out a straight hook to fish, and if they really bit, the new emperor could pin them with the crime of prying into imperial intentions. There would truly be nowhere to argue.

As for whether Chu Chengyun really thought this way, no one knew, but no one wanted to take the risk.

However, Ye Ping Rong could know what Chu Chengyun wanted to do with his eyes closed.

But he told no one about these things, only revealing a little when he went horseback riding with Hui Ning.

"You mean Imperial Brother wants to commend the Qi family?" Hui Ning slightly lowered the bow in her hands, looking at Ye Ping Rong with some surprise.

Ye Ping Rong nodded and didn't speak. Instead, he first drew his bow and nocked an arrow. With one shot hitting the bullseye, he replied: "Recently there really hasn't been anything worth celebrating. What could move His Majesty to commend someone would only be my brother-in-law's family. Moreover, what they did is worthy of a golden plaque."

Devoting their entire family's strength to save people from flood and fire, this was no longer just a righteous act, but benevolence.

His word alone wasn't proof, but as long as Chu Chengyun sent people to investigate a little, everything would be crystal clear.

Demoting the county deputy and county magistrate meant Chu Chengyun had already sent people to investigate.

So this plaque could only be to commend the Qi family.

Compared to Ye Ping Rong, a military general, Hui Ning understood Chu Chengyun better. She thought for a moment, then said: "Once this plaque comes down, I think our brother-in-law will truly have turned his fortune around."

Ye Ping Rong was puzzled: "What do you mean?"

Princess Hui Ning smiled as she looked at Ye Ping Rong, pointing to the woods not far away: "Then you say something nice, or go hunt something in the woods for me to add to my lunch, and I'll tell you."

Actually, even if Ye Ping Rong did nothing, Hui Ning would tell him. This was just a little playfulness between the two of them. If Ye Ping Rong really came over to say a few sweet words, Hui Ning would definitely tell him everything.

Who knew Ye Ping Rong would turn his horse around, spur his horse's belly, and the steed with a tuft of white hair on its forehead galloped out, quickly disappearing into the woods.

The attendants beside them hurried to follow. Hui Ning stayed where she was, staring wide-eyed, but soon her face showed some helplessness.

Fine, fine. She had made the request, and he was following it. Wasn't this being very obedient?

But next time she wouldn't give him a choice between two options. This straightforward fellow you could see through at a glance should be given clear instructions so he'd know what to do.

When Ye Ping Rong returned with wild rabbits and pheasants, Hui Ning's face showed no displeasure. She even smiled at Ye Ping Rong: "Da Lang is really capable. This was less than half an hour." Then she said to the accompanying palace attendants: "Go stew the chicken and roast the rabbit."

Ye Ping Rong immediately said: "Keep the white one alive. I specifically caught it alive."

Hui Ning was slightly puzzled: "Why catch a live one?"

Young Master Ye coughed lightly and said quietly: "The white one is pretty. It would be good for you to keep it."

Everyone around very tactfully lowered their heads. Hui Ning looked at the white rabbit and smiled.

She had always been pampered and had raised animals before, including tigers and eagles, but never a rabbit.

If it were from someone else, she definitely wouldn't want it. But since Ye Ping Rong gave it to her, she naturally liked it.

Hui Ning immediately leaned forward, picked up the white rabbit and held it in her arms, carefully stroking it. This soft little thing made her heart soft too. After petting its fur a few times, she felt the white rabbit was indeed beautiful and would make a good hand warmer.

After Hui Ning dismounted, she still held the little white rabbit and sat in the pavilion with Ye Ping Rong to rest.

Ye Ping Rong looked at Hui Ning: "Princess, can you tell me what you said earlier now?"

Hearing this, Hui Ning knew this person had hunted pheasants and caught rabbits to please her, but Hui Ning felt it was fine. Since someone pleased her, she should accept it. Always worrying about whether it was sincere or calculated would be too pretentious.

She petted the little rabbit again, then slowly said: "Although I don't know how deep the connection between Imperial Brother and the Qi family is, since Imperial Brother befriends them, Second Young Master Qi has already stepped into the threshold of being an imperial merchant. Now with Imperial Brother's plaque, he's taking the open path. The Qi family's road will naturally be much easier in the future."

Ye Ping Rong thought for a moment: "So if my brother-in-law wants to do business in the capital, will it be easier?"

Hui Ning smiled: "Not necessarily. After all, the shops in the capital are mostly backed by high court officials. Just one plaque isn't enough for him to walk sideways, but it's enough to establish a foothold. Besides, don't you have yourself? If you work hard, you can always support them."

Ye Ping Rong nodded seriously, then began calculating in his mind whether he should take on more duties.

Little did he know that if he spoke up, Hui Ning's uncle was the Cavalry General, and military promotions weren't as complicated as civilian ones. As long as General Guo nodded, he would advance.

But Hui Ning wouldn't remind him of these things. She just propped her chin and smiled at Ye Ping Rong.

She liked Ye Ping Rong precisely because of his straightforwardness. Naturally, she didn't want to wear away his honesty. Moreover, the current Ye Ping Rong wasn't the Guo family's person but the emperor's close minister. Promotion matters should be left to Imperial Brother. If she interfered, it would actually affect Ye Ping Rong's prospects.

Ye Ping Rong was still concerned about Ye Jiao: "Should we tell Jiao Niang about this so they can prepare?"

Hui Ning shook her head: "Better not to say. Sister is pregnant, so give her fewer things to worry about. Besides, this plaque is being sent through official channels and will pass through many government offices. It probably won't arrive anytime soon. Just pretend you don't know and don't disturb them."

Ye Ping Rong felt Hui Ning made sense and nodded, his expression becoming much more relaxed.

But Princess Hui Ning didn't plan to let him off so easily. She quietly reached out and gently grasped Ye Ping Rong's fingertips.

This startled Ye Ping Rong. He didn't pull his hand back but looked at Hui Ning: "Princess, men and women shouldn't touch hands."

Hui Ning narrowed her eyes: "Then who said before about kissing before parting?"

Ye Ping Rong coughed lightly: "That... I asked again. Only after marriage."

"Aren't we getting married next year? What do you take me for now?"

"Before marriage, Princess is always Ping Rong's master."

These words were reasonable and well-founded, but not very pleasing.

Hui Ning laughed instead. Not only did she not let go, she gripped even tighter: "Since the general considers me his master, I now order you to hold my hand and escort me back to the residence. Are you willing?"

Ye Ping Rong pressed his lips together, looked at Hui Ning, then suddenly gripped her hand in return and stood up: "Yes, this subordinate will escort the Princess immediately."

Hui Ning was first stunned, then smiled and stood up, walking a few steps to Ye Ping Rong's side.

In her heart, Hui Ning felt somewhat grateful to Second Young Master Qi for telling this lie to fool this silly boy. When Jiao Niang gave birth, she would definitely prepare generous gifts.

At this moment in the Qi family, the grain distribution was gradually completed. The tenant farmers had also gradually returned to the estate, and it was said that several families had even built living shrines for the Qi family.

Even though the Qi family had never made a show of it, everyone had an account in their hearts.

Usually those who liked making snide remarks wouldn't criticize the Qi family now. After all, what they had given out was real grain and real silver. Even if it was for fame and profit, few could do this much, let alone that they had never fought for reputation, making it even more precious.

Now when Liu Shi went to burn incense, she often encountered people who came to bow to her. Once or twice was fine, but when it happened too often, Liu Shi didn't want to go to the temple anymore. Otherwise, bowing all the way there and back, she wasn't a bodhisattva and really couldn't handle it.

When she had free time, Liu Shi would call her two daughters-in-law to chat, or go to the garden to look at flowers and birds. Her days were quite leisurely.

This day when they were looking at the garden together, the sun was stronger than usual. Liu Shi hadn't walked far before she went to sit in the corridor to rest, saying to Nanny Liu: "Find a soft cushion. Jiao Niang is pregnant, so she should be more careful."

Ye Jiao took it and sat down, then said: "Mother, Doctor Li examined me before and said it's stable. I don't need to be so cautious. I should walk around more."

Liu Shi had given birth to three children and naturally knew that pregnant women couldn't always stay indoors. Walking daily was necessary for smooth delivery. It was just that Doctor Li had previously said Ye Jiao needed to be cautious, and Liu Shi was extra worried because of Qi Yun's congenital deficiency, fearing Ye Jiao would repeat the same mistakes. So she had watched over her more.

Now hearing that Ye Jiao was fine, Liu Shi nodded, her voice gentle: "That's good. These days Second Brother has been busy. If you want to come out and walk, call me and your Elder Sister-in-law, or bring Xu Bao. Just be more careful."

Ye Jiao responded obediently, particularly well-behaved, while her hand quietly took a piece of glutinous rice cake from the table.

Liu Shi knew she loved eating and didn't disturb her eating and drinking. Instead, she turned to Fang Shi and asked: "Has Da Lang come home these past few days?"

Fang Shi was plump and loved to sweat in the sun. She was wiping her forehead with a handkerchief. Hearing Liu Shi's words, Fang Shi replied: "He's come back twice, but left again quickly. The estate has matters requiring his attention. He'll probably be staying at the estate these days."

Liu Shi nodded and turned her prayer beads, smiling: "If he's hiding anything from you, tell Mother. Mother will scold him for you."

Although this sounded like a joke, Liu Shi was quite sincere.

Previously, when Qi Zhao opened the granaries to distribute grain, he had told Liu Shi beforehand, but Liu Shi didn't know if he had discussed it with Fang Shi. Taking a step back, regardless of whether they had discussed it, Liu Shi felt her eldest daughter-in-law must be unhappy about it.

This was a good deed that could gather people's hearts and accumulate merit. Da Lang had done nothing wrong.

But marital affection should also be considered.

Liu Shi thought that if they really had any disagreement over this matter, they should bring it to her. That would be better than affecting the young couple's relationship.

But Fang Shi was more straightforward than Liu Shi. She said directly: "Mother is talking about the grain distribution, right? I knew about that. He told me, and I agreed too."

At these words, Liu Shi looked at Fang Shi in surprise, as if she hadn't expected her eldest daughter-in-law to say this. She couldn't help asking: "Doesn't it hurt?"

Fang Shi took a deep breath before gritting her teeth and replying: "It hurts, hurts terribly. Especially on the day of grain distribution, my heart hurt, my head hurt, and even my stomach hurt. I didn't sleep all night... But even if it hurts, I can't go against Da Lang. What he said made sense. 'Long sighs to hide my tears, grieving for the people's hardships. Parents separated with no one to rely on, fortunately hoping wealthy people will rescue strong family men.'"

Liu Shi: ...

Ye Jiao: ... I can't understand what Elder Sister-in-law is saying?

Liu Shi was certain those last few sentences definitely weren't said by her eldest son, but she could hear Fang Shi's thoughts.

This matter was right, and Fang Shi didn't oppose it. But she couldn't stop her heart from aching. Taking away her grain was like cutting flesh from her heart, but for Qi Zhao's sake, Fang Shi would accept even having her flesh cut.

Liu Shi couldn't help smiling and handed her prayer beads to Fang Shi: "Take these. They calm the mind and are good for your health too."

Fang Shi was stunned. Usually she did like getting things from Liu Shi to take advantage, but this was the first time her mother-in-law had voluntarily given her a personal possession.

She quickly accepted them and thanked Liu Shi with a bow, treasuring the prayer beads in her hands with a beaming smile.

When the sun rose higher, Ye Jiao estimated Xu Bao should be awake and returned to her courtyard first.

As soon as she entered, she heard Xu Bao's voice.

"Mother!"

This cry was quite loud. Even Ye Jiao in the courtyard could hear it.

She hurried to the side room. As soon as she entered, she saw Xu Bao sitting on the bed holding a cloth tiger, eagerly looking out the window with his head turning left and right. Only when he saw Ye Jiao enter did the little chubby boy throw down the cloth tiger, stand up from the small bed, and walk toward Ye Jiao on his short legs.

Ye Jiao sat on the bedside and reached out to support him, holding his little hand to help him stand while looking at Nanny Mo: "What's wrong with Xu Bao?"

Nanny Mo smiled: "Young Master has been very good. After waking up, he said he was hungry and ate something. Then he kept looking at books, quiet and well-behaved. Just now he saw Second Young Mistress from the window and called out."

Xu Bao nodded along, not knowing if he understood Nanny Mo's words, but he always only listened to words praising himself. He immediately said softly: "Xu Bao, good boy."

What Ye Jiao couldn't resist most was her son's adorable appearance. She lowered her head and kissed his forehead, wanting to hold him on her lap.

But Xu Bao remembered Qi Yun's words. Daddy said Mother's belly couldn't be touched carelessly, so he wouldn't let Ye Jiao hold him. He just snuggled beside Ye Jiao, his round head leaning against Ye Jiao's waist, his chubby paws playing with Ye Jiao's fingers.

Little Ginseng looked at the book on the low table.

Last time she heard about Xu Bao reading, the child was looking at the "Three Character Classic" upside down. Xu Bao couldn't read. He was just imitating adults after seeing them read books often.

This time he was looking at a picture book with drawings of various little stories for children's entertainment.

Little Ginseng had also recently become human and hadn't seen other picture books besides the previous four-character rare book. Now she found it interesting too, so she took it to look at with Xu Bao.

But the afternoon sunlight was warm, falling on them warmly and very sleep-inducing.

Looking at the book, Ye Jiao's eyelids began to fight, and soon she lay down with Xu Bao and fell asleep.

Xu Bao, who had just woken up, was still energetic. He struggled out from under Ye Jiao's arm, took the book to look at, amusing himself with things only he could understand. He threw down the book, took the cloth tiger to play with beside him, making huffing sounds and saying things only he could understand. When he got tired of playing, he had Nanny Mo feed him porridge, and only then did Ye Jiao wake up.

Little Su, who had been waiting outside for a while, came in to help Ye Jiao get up, saying softly: "Second Young Mistress, someone just delivered an invitation saying they want to invite Second Young Master and Second Young Mistress for tea in a couple of days."

Ye Jiao rubbed her eyes and wiped her face with a warm cloth before asking: "Whose invitation?"

"From the county magistrate, and the new county deputy will also attend."

New appointment? Wasn't the county deputy just replaced last year?

Ye Jiao blinked, thinking that being an official wasn't easy—people kept getting replaced like leeks, cut down one crop and another grew. She asked: "Did husband say he would go?"

"Second Young Master agreed."

"Then we'll follow husband's arrangements." Speaking of this, Ye Jiao stood up and glanced at the sun outside, finding it had moved west somewhat. She smiled: "It's still early. Come, let's take Xu Bao outside for a walk."

Because Ye Jiao needed to be careful when walking and Xu Bao was at an age where he loved running and jumping, every time mother and son went out, several people had to follow them.

Ye Jiao even had Nanny Mo twist a soft, sturdy rope with cloth strips at the front that wrapped around Xu Bao's body. If he was about to fall or trip, they could pull him to prevent the child from falling, while also preventing him from running off on his own.

However, as long as Ye Jiao was with him, Xu Bao always stayed close to her, pattering along on his short legs to keep up with her, never running far on his own.

Since Doctor Li had confirmed Ye Jiao's pregnancy was stable, she walked farther this time. Instead of just circling near her own courtyard, she went around to the courtyard where they had previously viewed plum blossoms.

Now it was early April, so naturally there were no plum blossoms to see, but the peach blossoms were in full bloom.

The Qi family had put up cloth coverings before the rain, so the few peach trees they had planted didn't lose all their flowers after being soaked by the rain. Although they didn't look as lively as in previous years, they were still quite beautiful.

Ye Jiao sat down at the stone table in the courtyard while Xu Bao was "led" by Little Su to run under the trees and look up at the flowers.

Little Su followed Xu Bao closely, being extra careful.

However, she glanced up at the courtyard wall in her spare time.

This place was only separated by a wall from the courtyard where Little Black was kept. Usually Little Black liked to stroll back and forth on the courtyard wall like patrolling territory, but today she didn't see it.

It wasn't that Little Su was worried about Little Black's safety, but because she was used to Little Black's daily mischief-making and was afraid it was being naughty again this time.

Xu Bao stood under the tree looking up for a while, then squatted down to pick up fallen petals.

His hands were small and chubby, so he couldn't pick up much, but he wasn't greedy. Whatever he could take was fine. He carefully held the petals and ran back to Ye Jiao, happily offering them: "Mother, flowers."

Ye Jiao quickly reached out to take them. Looking at the scattered, somewhat crushed petals in her hand, her heart felt strangely moved.

Little Ginseng had never really had any concept of being a mother. Xu Bao's arrival was unexpected, his birth was smooth, and for Ye Jiao he was probably just another little creature for her to care for and love, without any other feelings.

But now, looking at this little chubby boy who was cheerfully stuffing crushed petals into her hands, Ye Jiao suddenly had feelings she'd never had before.

This is my son, how wonderful.

She reached out to pick up Xu Bao and gave his chubby cheek a solid kiss, saying to Nanny Mo: "Bring some milk cakes."

Since her son was good to her, she naturally wanted to encourage him. As for what to use as encouragement... Little Ginseng felt food was the best reward.

Fortunately, Xu Bao took after her and had particular enthusiasm for milk cakes. He clapped his hands with laughter upon hearing this.

However, it wasn't Nanny Mo who brought the milk cakes, but Qi Yun.

Second Young Master Qi had been busy these past few days trying to earn back the money he'd spent. Today he had slightly fewer tasks, so as soon as he left his study, he headed straight for his courtyard. On the way, he met Nanny Mo and took the milk cakes from her.

As soon as he stepped through the moon gate into the courtyard, he saw his wife and child standing under the peach tree.

Ye Jiao was looking down at Xu Bao, who was hugging Ye Jiao's leg and looking up at her expectantly. This scene made Qi Yun's heart feel both sour and sweet.

His steps unconsciously quickened. Qi Yun handed the plate of milk cakes to Little Su, then gently put his arm around Ye Jiao's shoulders, asking softly: "Jiao Niang, are you tired?"

Ye Jiao looked back at him in surprise: "Are you finished with your work?"

"Mm, the merchant caravan set out today, and Manager Song is handling things." Speaking of this, Qi Yun glanced at his little chubby son, then said to Little Su: "Take Xu Bao to eat. Watch him carefully."

Little Su responded and bent down to pick up the little chubby boy and walk toward the stone table.

Although Xu Bao would rather hug Mother's leg, before he could object, Little Su had already carried him away.

Xu Bao looked longingly at the area under the tree where his parents were standing closer and closer together, almost touching. He pouted and wiggled in Little Su's arms, saying softly: "Xu Bao eat by himself."

Little Su put him on the ground, wiped his hands with a handkerchief, then placed the plate on a relatively low stone stool so he could reach it.

Xu Bao reached over and grabbed a milk cake, took a bite, and immediately smiled, looking very happy.

Nanny Mo watched from the side and nodded. With food, he was happy. Young Master was quite easy to please.

Since milk cakes for children were usually made small, a little child could finish one in two or three bites. Since Xu Bao had just had porridge and eaten half an egg, Nanny Mo was afraid he'd get too full, so she only brought two this time.

Xu Bao held one and finished it bite by bite, then wanted to take the other one.

But before he could do anything, Little Black, who had been hiding under the table, suddenly stuck its head out, precisely speared the milk cake in the plate with its beak, and with the milk cake hanging from its beak, flapped its wings and ran away.

The whole process was quick and efficient. The chubby Xu Bao couldn't even react before the plate was empty.

He was somewhat confused, first looking at the plate, then at his empty hands. He stared wide-eyed, pouted, and was about to cry.

When Little Su saw Little Black, her heart tightened. Seeing it run away made her heart sink. She suddenly felt Little Black was working hard to become a pot of soup again...

Seeing Xu Bao's expression wasn't right, Little Su quickly squatted down and said to Xu Bao: "Young Master, Young Master don't cry. I'll go get you another plate of milk cakes, okay?"

Xu Bao held back his tears and didn't speak.

Little Su steeled herself and said: "Then, I'll make Young Master a kite, a feather kite, very pretty, okay?"