Lady of Fortune, Jiao Niang

Chapter 125

Qi Yun hadn't mentioned the Imperial Plaque matter to his family, so aside from him and Tie Zi, no one else knew about it.

Since it was still early, Liu Shi had originally been praying to Buddha. Upon hearing the commotion, she called Nanny Liu over to ask. When Nanny Liu said people from the government office had come, Liu Shi was startled and hurriedly had Nanny Liu help her outside.

Before reaching the main gate, she encountered Fang Shi, who was rushing toward the front in a panic.

Liu Shi thought she knew some inside information and quickly asked: "What happened? Why are people from the government office making such a big commotion... Could it be that someone in our family is involved in a lawsuit?"

Upon hearing this, Fang Shi's heart skipped a beat.

It wasn't that she didn't trust Qi Zhao. Actually, Fang Shi knew clearly that among the three brothers in the Qi family, though Qi Zhao appeared to be the oldest and most decisive, in reality he was the most honest and upright one. He was cautious and careful in his actions, generous and kind in character, and never made enemies with anyone. He shouldn't have any wrongdoing.

But with the matter right in front of them, people from the government office waiting in the front hall, and with Second Brother's family up in the mountains and Third Brother studying in the city, only Eldest Brother was left at home. If there really was trouble, it could only involve Eldest Brother...

Fang Shi lost her composure, becoming more frightened the more she thought about it, her face paler than usual.

Liu Shi noticed her nervousness and knew that this eldest daughter-in-law of hers, though she appeared worldly, was actually inexperienced and quite timid. She was probably imagining all sorts of things now. So Liu Shi stopped frightening her, reached out to pat Fang Shi's hand, and led her to the front hall together.

As soon as they entered, they saw everything decorated in bright red.

Red had always been a festive color, but even during New Year, the Qi family had never decorated like this. Liu Shi looked at these constables dressed in red decorations and her own servants bustling about moving incense tables, momentarily unable to understand the situation.

Qi Zhao had arrived earlier and was talking with Qi Yun, while Ye Jiao, seeing Liu Shi and Fang Shi, came over with Little Su's support, saying: "Mother, Sister-in-law."

Liu Shi turned to see Ye Jiao and was stunned again.

Actually, Ye Jiao had been up in the mountains for less than two months, but her belly appeared much larger than before she left.

Originally, Little Ginseng had a slender figure and didn't show her pregnancy much, but now her belly's appearance would be nothing special on an ordinary pregnant woman, yet on Ye Jiao it seemed somewhat different.

Seeing Ye Jiao about to bow, Liu Shi quickly reached out to support her: "Don't move, be careful. You're in your later months now, don't do these formal gestures, it might tire you out." Then she beckoned to Little Su, "Quick, go bring a chair for Jiao Niang to sit."

But Ye Jiao held onto Little Su, smiling at Liu Shi: "Mother, it's fine. We'll need to prepare for a while anyway, so let's sit together and wait. No need to specially bring a chair."

Only then did Liu Shi remember to look at the constables again, asking quietly: "What's all this about?"

Ye Jiao had just heard the prefect explain the situation, so she honestly replied: "I heard the official in charge say that the Emperor felt the Qi family had merit in disaster relief, so he wrote a plaque to send over."

The Emperor, wrote a plaque?

...Imperial calligraphy?

Liu Shi swayed, and Nanny Liu quickly stepped forward to support her.

But this time Liu Shi's face was flushed and she had a smile, clearly not frightened but delighted!

This imperial calligraphy was unlike other objects. It wasn't gold or silver, but it was prestige that couldn't be bought even if one begged for it.

The Qi family's ancestors had been farmers for three generations. Though they had acquired large fields and estates, they were still of peasant origin. Their current success was due to Second Son's shops, but that was merchant business.

Though the current dynasty promoted commerce, ultimately scholars served as officials. These merchants could be said to enjoy wealth without discrimination, but in terms of respectability, they were far inferior to scholars.

But now, having imperial calligraphy would be different. Though the plaque was covered with red cloth and they couldn't see the characters written on it, Liu Shi could guess it must be words of encouragement and praise.

Regardless of what it praised, as long as this plaque was hung up, from now on even officials would have to give the Qi family some consideration!

This was honor, and also a reputation. The Qi family's fortune was about to turn.

Thinking of the benefits this matter would bring, Liu Shi gripped Nanny Liu's hand tightly, using all her strength to keep from being overly excited, but her face still showed a smile.

The last time she had smiled like this was when Ye Jiao was pregnant with Xu Bao.

Liu Shi looked at Fang Shi, then at Ye Jiao, finally coming to her senses, saying repeatedly: "Good, very good. Quick, tell them to work faster. Also, go call the master back, tell him there's big news! Oh, and go get a thick cushion, add several layers. There'll be kneeling later, don't let Jiao Niang be too uncomfortable."

Nanny Liu agreed repeatedly and took people to handle it, while Fang Shi still hadn't reacted.

She looked at her sister-in-law somewhat bewildered, asking quietly: "Really, something from the Emperor?"

Ye Jiao nodded. To Little Ginseng, she didn't think the Emperor was particularly precious. Otherwise, she wouldn't have mixed White Rainbow Fruit dregs with soil and stuffed them into that person back then.

But Fang Shi belatedly covered her mouth with her handkerchief, laughing after her surprise, her round face flushed red with joy.

If before Fang Shi would have felt heartache over the grain they'd given away, now her heart didn't hurt anymore, her spirits were good, and she walked with a spring in her step.

She even specifically went to pull Little Shi Tou out, letting her son also share in the good fortune.

In ordinary people's hearts, worshipping the Emperor was like worshipping the Buddha in temples, even touching it would bring blessings.

Ye Jiao slowly walked to sit on the side, having Little Su bring some pastries. She ate while waiting, but since everyone was busy, she couldn't eat too conspicuously, so she would occasionally reach out, pinch a piece of snow cake, quickly stuff it in her mouth, then pretend nothing happened and put her hand down.

But Little Su, watching from behind, felt that Second Young Mistress was actually more obvious this way.

Especially with her cheeks puffing in and out, anyone could tell she was sneaking food.

Little Ginseng, thinking herself very discreet, patted the glutinous rice flour off her hands with a handkerchief, looked around, then used the handkerchief to cover her mouth, quietly asking Little Su: "Why haven't they started yet? If we wait much longer, Xu Bao will probably wake up."

Little Su immediately bent down, replying quietly: "Young Master was taken by Nanny Mo. Second Young Mistress needn't worry. They're probably waiting for the master. They can start once he returns."

Father Qi was currently on the road to the estate.

Because of the previous heavy rain, not only had the downstream areas flooded, but many fields in the upstream Qi family estate had also been inundated.

Later the water receded, but many rice seedlings had fallen over. The Qi family's tenant farmers had been working to remedy the situation recently.

Today Father Qi was going to check on the progress.

But before his carriage had gone far, he saw someone running toward his house from the opposite direction. Father Qi found it strange and had the driver stop the carriage. Before he could ask after getting down, someone came over and said: "Master Qi, why are you still here? Hurry back, something big has happened."

Father Qi quickly asked: "What big thing! ...Could it be that Second Daughter-in-law has given birth? That can't be right, there are still several months to go."

The person waved his hands, replying: "No, no. I heard people say the government office sent something over, and it's an imperial gift! Master Qi, hurry back to receive the reward. Congratulations to Master Qi."

Upon hearing this, Father Qi had no mind to go to the estate. After saying "Same joy, same joy" several times, he directly climbed back into the carriage and urged them to hurry home.

As soon as he arrived home, he was supported by a servant who had been anxiously waiting at the gate, and together they quickly entered the door.

In the front hall, the Qi family had already gathered together, set up the incense table, and placed the plaque. Father Qi entered and was ushered to the main position by people.

Then came the complete process of receiving imperial gifts: setting up the incense table, lighting incense, kowtowing and thanking imperial grace, and finally unveiling the red cloth on the plaque.

Noble Aspirations, Pure Conduct.

These four large characters surprised everyone in the Qi family, especially Qi Yun. Though he knew Emperor Chu Chengyun had bestowed the Imperial Plaque, he didn't know he had sent these four characters.

This wasn't praising behavior, but commending character.

This was already the highest honor. With this plaque here, the significance was extraordinary.

Let's see who would dare look down on them for their merchant status in the future.

But Qi Yun didn't know whether Emperor Chu Chengyun had considered these things when bestowing it. For Qi Yun, regardless of Emperor Chu Chengyun's original intentions, he would remember this kindness.

After receiving the imperial gift, everyone stood up. Liu Shi and Fang Shi took Ye Jiao to rest on the side, while Father Qi smiled and directed the servants to go outside and entertain guests with a grand banquet.

If there weren't enough cooks, they would call chefs from the restaurants. He must have a lively flowing feast for a full day!

Not only to ensure those who came to watch wouldn't leave empty-handed, but more importantly, Father Qi wanted to show off his imperial calligraphy.

This was an honor that no one in the surrounding area or even the entire prefecture had ever received. Father Qi naturally wanted to be properly proud of it to be happy.

But Prefect Shao didn't leave immediately. It wasn't because he wanted to freeload at the Qi family, but because he still had official business to handle.

Having someone bring over Qi Ming's book box, Prefect Shao looked between Qi Zhao and Qi Yun, then chose to approach Qi Zhao.

In Prefect Shao's view, Father Qi was elderly and didn't usually handle affairs. The major and minor matters of this household should naturally be managed by the eldest son.

Moreover, regarding the previous disaster relief matter, on the surface it was all done by eldest brother Qi Zhao. Only a few people knew that the ideas inside were all Qi Yun's. So Shi Tianrui, after careful investigation, chose to feast with Qi Yun, while Prefect Shao, coming in such haste, just grabbed Qi Zhao to discuss matters.

The prefect was convinced that Qi Zhao was the one who had gained the Emperor's favor, not knowing that Master Qi Zhao had no idea what he was talking about.

Prefect Shao smiled very amiably at Qi Zhao: "Eldest Master Qi is young and talented. One look shows you're a decisive and resolute person, and you must also be broad-minded." The implication was asking Qi Zhao not to be too concerned about what he had done before.

But Master Qi Zhao didn't understand any implications at all. He just laughed heartily and said to Prefect Shao: "Thank you for the prefect's praise. This Qi is unworthy of such compliments."

"Eldest Master Qi need not be overly modest. To be able to manage the family business so prosperously, you must have exceptional ability."

Qi Zhao honestly shook his head: "No, my Second Brother is more capable."

Prefect Shao laughed heartily: "Eldest Master Qi is truly brotherly and respectful, truly a model for the people." Then, seeing him speak politely, Prefect Shao thought his persuasion had worked and his smile became more genuine, "Previously, this official caught a group of criminals in the street and retrieved a trunk with Third Young Master's name on it. This official thought to return it."

Upon hearing this, Qi Zhao quickly said: "Thank you for your hard work, sir. I thank you on behalf of my younger brother."

"You're too kind."

"Not at all."

On the side, Tie Zi's eyelids twitched as he listened.

Though he didn't know exactly what had happened, Tie Zi felt that Eldest Young Master and this greedy prefect were probably not talking about the same thing.

When he turned to look at his Second Young Master, he saw Qi Yun was talking with Ye Jiao.

Tie Zi had Liu Si take the trunk, and the two of them walked toward Qi Yun together.

Second Young Master Qi was patiently coaxing Ye Jiao to drink some warm water to warm her body. But Little Ginseng was naturally warm-bodied, and now it was summer. Drinking warm water, though good for her health, wasn't necessarily comfortable. Ye Jiao kept dodging backward, refusing to drink.

Seeing Tie Zi and Liu Si approaching, Ye Jiao quickly said: "What are you two carrying?"

Liu Si stuttered and didn't like to talk, just looking hopefully at Tie Zi.

Tie Zi replied: "Second Young Mistress, this is Third Young Master's book trunk for studying. It was lost on the street before, and now it's just been found."

Hearing it was Qi Ming's belongings, Ye Jiao became interested. To avoid the water cup Qi Yun was handing her, she dodged to the side, pushed away Qi Yun's hand, and beckoned to Liu Si: "Perfect timing, quickly check if everything inside is still there."

Hearing this, Qi Yun also looked over.

Though he had previously thought the items would be recovered, he hadn't expected this Prefect Shao to react so quickly. He had probably seen the inscription on the calligraphy samples and was likely scared into coming here.

As for the contents, Qi Yun was certain Prefect Shao wouldn't dare embezzle anything.

Since he could take the initiative to step down, Qi Yun hadn't planned to really make trouble for the prefect. He would just consider the matter closed and they could go their separate ways.

Indeed, after Liu Si opened it and looked, he said: "Re-replying to Second Young Mistress, everything's there, nothing missing."

Qi Yun thought, as expected.

But just then, Liu Si looked again, took out a book of calligraphy samples, and without opening it, looked in the trunk again before saying: "Miss-missing, Third Young Master's bag for the calligraphy samples, it's gone."

Tie Zi said: "It's just a bag, nothing important."

Liu Si shook his head repeatedly: "That had, had Second Young Mistress's ta-tassel on it."

Ye Jiao remembered she had indeed made one for Third Brother as a token of affection, but if it was lost, it didn't matter. She could just make another one.

But Second Young Master Qi always treasured everything Ye Jiao made extremely. Regardless of what she made, in Qi Yun's eyes it was precious as treasure, naturally not to be lost. So he had Tie Zi go ask about it.

Tie Zi couldn't ask directly, so he quietly said a few words to Qi Zhao.

Master Qi Zhao was straightforward, saying whatever he thought without beating around the bush. He directly asked: "Prefect, you were able to find my brother's trunk, and I'm infinitely grateful, but I wonder if there was a cloth bag inside?"

Upon hearing this, Qi Yun looked over, while Ye Jiao took the opportunity to pour the warm water from her cup aside, then picked up lukewarm honey water to drink. Seeing that Qi Yun hadn't noticed her little trick, Ye Jiao smiled with curved eyebrows, then looked toward Prefect Shao.

The next moment, she heard Prefect Shao laughing: "That one? This official remembers it had a very ugly tassel. It was probably lost. This official thought it wasn't anything important, so didn't pay attention to it."

Little Ginseng was stunned for a moment, then said nothing, just silently drinking honey water while staring at the pouch tassel hanging from Qi Yun for quite a while.

Qi Yun also said nothing, his face still wearing a gentle expression, lightly stroking Ye Jiao's back. After the plaque was hung up, he helped Ye Jiao back to their courtyard to rest.

Since Ye Jiao was heavy with child, she naturally didn't need to worry about the flowing feast in front. Others would naturally handle it.

Ye Jiao didn't take what happened earlier to heart either. Perhaps she felt a bit uncomfortable when someone said her tassel was ugly, but Little Ginseng didn't hold grudges in her heart. She quickly put it aside and happily played with Xu Bao for a while before sleeping.

After she fell asleep, Qi Yun fanned her for a while. When Ye Jiao was sleeping soundly, Qi Yun gently put down the fan, went out to the outer room, sat at his desk, picked up his brush, and wrote a long letter to Ye Ping Rong.

In the letter, he first expressed his gratitude to Emperor Chu Chengyun with classical references, written very plainly. Though the words were elegant, they weren't flowery enough to seem false, appearing very sincere.

Later, however, he changed the topic and wrote about Qi Ming's matter. Second Young Master Qi also described the incident in detail, not omitting any details, especially regarding Prefect Shao and the Shao family. Qi Yun didn't conceal anything.

Then, with a cold expression, he handed it to Tie Zi: "Have someone deliver this to Commander Ye's residence in the Capital. Go."