Lady of Fortune, Jiao Niang

Chapter 126

This Imperial Plaque brought great prestige to the Qi family, and unlike before, Father Qi and Liu Shi no longer hid it away, but announced it grandly, wishing everyone in the world knew about this matter.

Actually, when Third Young Master Qi achieved Minor Triple First, they had wanted to celebrate like this.

But at that time, the previous emperor had just passed away. Though the late emperor had compassion for the people and left an edict announcing to the world that the people need only observe mourning for three days, anyone with a bit of sense wouldn't make a big fuss. Even happy occasions should be kept low-key. So at that time they just drank behind closed doors and didn't celebrate much.

Later, when the Qi family opened shop after shop, Father Qi restrained his sons, not making too much noise, fearing it would attract others' envy and cause trouble at the shops.

After all, merchants did business with smiling faces, welcoming and seeing off guests required good relationships. Knowing how much money you had was enough; there was no need to announce it to the world, lest it invite hatred and affect reputation.

But this time was truly a face-brightening matter.

An imperial gift, the Emperor saying our family has noble aspirations and pure conduct: who would dare say otherwise?

Look everyone, look and see. This kind of respectability wasn't afraid of being seen.

The flowing feast lasted several days. Whether families had previous relationships with the Qi family or not, they would come to congratulate on the appointed days, eating a meal to form a good connection.

Though Ye Jiao didn't go to the front courtyard, people often came to her courtyard as well.

Early this morning, she saw Dong Shi and Madam Zheng arriving together.

Since Madam Zheng was the county magistrate's wife, Ye Jiao still remembered Liu Shi's previous instructions and wanted to stand up to greet her properly, but Madam Zheng quickly stepped forward to support her, saying: "Don't do that, Jiao Niang. You're at the most important time now, better to skip all these formalities."

Xu Bao straightened his back upon seeing them, his round eyes rolling as he looked expectantly behind Dong Shi: "Where's Brother Tiger?"

Dong Shi, also being a new mother, always liked children, especially Xu Bao who was chubby and spoke in a sweet, crisp voice. Those eyes were so beautiful they softened one's heart, making her adore him immensely. She quickly walked over to pick up Xu Bao and bounce him in her arms, laughing: "Brother Tiger didn't come today, but next time I'll definitely bring him to play with Xu Bao, alright?"

Xu Bao was no longer the easily fooled child he used to be. Upon hearing this, he looked at Dong Shi and extended his chubby little hand: "Pinky promise."

Dong Shi was stunned, and Ye Jiao explained from the side: "Last time Tie Zi promised to bring pastries for Little Su, and they made a pinky promise. He saw it and learned."

For adults, such promises seemed very childish, but for Xu Bao, it appeared extremely solemn.

Ye Jiao specifically reminded: "Spring Orchid, if you make a pinky promise with him, you must remember to bring Tiger next time. Xu Bao is very clever and will remember."

Xu Bao could only hear others praising him. He raised his head proudly and said crisply: "Xu Bao, clever!"

Dong Shi suppressed her laughter and extended her little finger to him.

Xu Bao's hands were small, his fingers short, and he couldn't hook properly, so he just grabbed it directly, shook it lightly, and nodded, looking quite satisfied.

Madam Zheng, watching from the side, couldn't help covering her mouth with her handkerchief and laughing: "Jiao Niang's child is intelligent, truly remarkable. He'll definitely be a pillar of the nation in the future."

Upon hearing this, Xu Bao immediately turned his head, looking somewhat confused: "Not a pillar."

Madam Zheng laughed again, patiently explaining: "That means Xu Bao will become a high official in the future."

Xu Bao became excited: "Yes, become Chancellor, control Daddy!"

At these words, laughter immediately filled the room. Xu Bao got a bit angry, his little bottom wiggling, seeming quite displeased that they were laughing.

This was Xu Bao's grand ambition, and he was very serious about it.

But when Ye Jiao put Xu Bao back by her side and fed him custard, Xu Bao immediately forgot his lofty aspirations, smiling as he opened his mouth and waited.

Madam Zheng and Dong Shi sat to the side, watching Xu Bao. Dong Shi felt a bit envious: "This child is so easy to manage, so well-behaved. Not like mine who's obedient and honest outside but throws his weight around at home."

If it were someone else, they'd probably be modest, mentioning their child's shortcomings. But Ye Jiao smiled and replied: "Tiger is lively, Xu Bao is obedient, both are good."

Upon hearing this, Madam Zheng smiled.

People are like this: if you like someone, everything they do and say seems right. If you're annoyed with them, then everything is wrong, and you can't find anything right about them.

Now Madam Zheng firmly remembered Ye Jiao's life-saving grace toward her daughter, and she also particularly liked Ye Jiao's temperament. Naturally, she found her pleasing in every way. Upon hearing this, she said: "Yes, all good, all good children. Plus your children are close in age, they'll study together in the future."

Hearing this, Ye Jiao looked down at Xu Bao, who was eating custard, remembering what Qi Yun had said about teaching him to read, and pondered thoughtfully.

Dong Shi was delighted to play with the child. When Xu Bao finished his custard and stood up clamoring to ride his little horse, but children shouldn't move around right after eating, Dong Shi volunteered to carry Xu Bao outside for a walk. Xu Bao wasn't shy with strangers and obediently let her carry him, so the two went out the door.

Ye Jiao then looked at Madam Zheng: "Madam, do they study together?"

"Jiao Niang needn't be so formal. Just call me Wan Ying from now on." Madam Zheng smiled warmly: "Ordinary families send children to private schools, and those with some means hire teachers to come teach at home."

Hiring teachers.

Ye Jiao remembered that Fang Shi had indeed hired a teacher to instruct Little Shi Tou, and now Little Shi Tou studied with his teacher every day.

But her Xu Bao was young and probably couldn't join Little Shi Tou.

Little Ginseng had never considered this matter before, but now that it was suddenly brought up and she couldn't think of a solution, her face showed some confusion.

Seeing this, Madam Zheng quickly said: "It's no problem. If you want to start your little one's education, my husband knows many good teachers. Not just in the county town, but even in the Capital. We can certainly help when the time comes."

Ye Jiao could feel Madam Zheng's sincerity. Often, people with pure hearts could see others most clearly. Little Ginseng had always relied on intuition when making friends.

If previously Madam Zheng had been somewhat polite and perfunctory toward her, this time after coming, she was full of genuine sincerity. Ye Jiao naturally accepted this kindness, smiling: "Thank you, Wan Ying. Come, eat red bean cake."

Madam Zheng smiled and picked up a piece to put in her mouth.

After finishing one piece, Dong Shi returned carrying Xu Bao.

As soon as they entered, Xu Bao wiggled to get down. The little fellow ran to Ye Jiao's feet on his short legs, hugged Ye Jiao's calf, and looked up to take credit: "Mother, I have a present for you!"

Since Ye Jiao's belly was large and she couldn't bend down to hug him, she just reached out to touch the little one's head, asking: "What is it?"

Xu Bao showed a big smile: "Little Black, has fur, make kite!"

At these words, Little Su's mouth twitched slightly.

She understood now that their Young Master was truly his Second Young Master's own son. She couldn't see other similarities yet, but this grudge-holding was exactly the same, and he had a particularly good memory, remembering everything in his head.

Their Little Black would probably be bald again for quite a while because of that milk cake.

Ye Jiao didn't see Little Su's expression and just smiled, praising Xu Bao several times.

As for Little Black, its fur grew quickly, so it was fine.

Just then, Madam Zheng's eyes glanced up slightly and saw a jade ruyi placed on the windowsill.

The jade ruyi appeared to be pure white throughout, not large in size, but just from its appearance, you could tell it was a treasure.

Madam Zheng glanced briefly without changing expression, then lowered her eyes and joined them in coaxing Xu Bao.

Though children are energetic, they also tire easily. After walking such a big circle, Xu Bao soon began nodding drowsily. Ye Jiao's eyelids also started fighting sleep.

Seeing this, Dong Shi and Madam Zheng appropriately stood up to take their leave, going together to the front hall to find their respective husbands.

As county magistrate, even in casual clothes, Shi Tianrui inevitably had people coming to flatter him. Though he was upright, he wasn't good at socializing and had average alcohol tolerance. After drinking just two cups, his face flushed.

When he returned with Madam Zheng, his cheeks were slightly red, looking drunk, though his consciousness was still clear.

As soon as they got in the carriage, Shi Tianrui asked Madam Zheng quietly: "Did you find out?"

Madam Zheng shook her head, her voice calm: "I know you think the Qi family has connections to the imperial family, but I couldn't bring myself to ask directly. Jiao Niang has a pure and straightforward heart. She might not refuse to tell me if I asked, but precisely because Jiao Niang is kind-hearted, I couldn't ask directly, lest she worry about these messy matters."

Actually, before coming, Shi Tianrui had discussed the current situation with Madam Zheng. The more they talked, the more they felt the Qi family was different from others.

Others only knew that whoever crossed them would face misfortune, but Shi Tianrui felt the Qi family was probably more precious. Otherwise, two county magistrates and one prefect wouldn't have fallen in succession.

But asking directly would naturally yield no information. He had thought to have Madam Zheng probe indirectly from the women's quarters.

With someone else, Madam Zheng would have already extracted the truth through roundabout questioning. For her, this wouldn't be difficult. But just now, looking at Ye Jiao's pure eyes, even someone as calculating as Madam Zheng couldn't bring herself to probe.

She was a good girl, and Madam Zheng couldn't bear to deceive her.

Shi Tianrui understood Madam Zheng's meaning and smiled, reaching out to pat her hand: "I never thought my wife, who fears nothing in heaven or earth, would finally meet someone who makes her soft-hearted."

Madam Zheng blushed and pushed him: "The first person to make me soft-hearted was you. Otherwise, I wouldn't have followed you to this godforsaken place."

Shi Tianrui knew Madam Zheng was telling the truth. She was a nobleman's daughter, pampered and precious. Being willing to follow him was already remarkable, and her constant scheming for his sake moved Shi Tianrui even more.

But Madam Zheng lowered her voice: "However, I did see something."

"What?"

"When I was in my boudoir, I had many good friends. Empress Meng was close to me then. She had a jade ruyi ornament she particularly liked. I saw it placed right in Jiao Niang's room."

At these words, Shi Tianrui immediately sat up straight, looking at Madam Zheng in surprise.

Madam Zheng looked at him calmly, gently grasping Shi Tianrui's hand: "Husband, I don't understand court politics, but I know one thing: sailing against the current, if you don't advance, you retreat. If you want to climb higher, besides ability, you need opportunity. Now... you should make some plans."

Shi Tianrui took a light breath, then gripped Madam Zheng's hand back, saying quietly: "Don't worry, wife. I have my calculations."

A few days later, a memorial impeaching Prefect Shao for using his position for personal gain and Qi Yun's letter to Ye Ping Rong arrived in the Capital one after the other.

As summer turned to autumn and ginkgo trees yellowed, Ye Jiao heard that the prefectural office had changed hands.

Regarding Prefect Shao, Ye Jiao only remembered him as a thin man who had delivered their Imperial Plaque. His demotion didn't affect Ye Jiao much.

Since that person didn't like her tassel, Little Ginseng was too lazy to care about him. She just thought being an official seemed really difficult, with people changing constantly.

She couldn't help thinking that maybe they should change Xu Bao's goal in the future. Being an official seemed dangerous.

After the End of Heat, the baby in Ye Jiao's belly was nearly eight months along. Fortunately, the weather had cooled down, and even Liu Shi said this child came at just the right time: cooler weather would make confinement easier.

But Ye Jiao's belly was somewhat large. Even Xu Bao was careful, only daring to occasionally touch his mother's belly gently with his hands. He would also lie on top, chattering to another Xu Bao inside, telling him to be good and not keep bothering Mother at night so she couldn't sleep.

When Qi Yun said he should sleep alone for a while, Xu Bao rarely made a fuss but obediently nodded, even making a pinky promise with Ye Jiao: "After Xu Bao comes out, Mother will sleep with Xu Bao together."

He kept insisting that Ye Jiao was carrying another Xu Bao. Ye Jiao didn't correct him and just made the finger promise to coax the child away.

But with Xu Bao not there at night, Ye Jiao didn't sleep peacefully either.

She would whimper occasionally, either her back aching or her legs hurting.

But it wasn't Ye Jiao who was tired, it was Qi Yun. Second Young Master Qi had grown accustomed to quickly sitting up whenever his wife made a sound, rubbing her waist, massaging her legs, and pressing her feet. Often while massaging, he would say in a low voice to Ye Jiao's belly: "Don't disturb your mother, be good. If you keep making trouble, I'll make you memorize books every day when you come out."

Though Qi Yun didn't know whether this threat was effective, saying it was better than not saying it.

This night, Ye Jiao frowned slightly and whimpered softly again. Before Qi Yun could get up to help her massage, he saw Ye Jiao open her eyes.

When their eyes met, Qi Yun leaned over and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead: "What's wrong?"

Little Ginseng rubbed her eyes, then drowsily hugged him, murmuring: "I had a dream."

"A nightmare?"

"Not a nightmare, just strange." Ye Jiao buried her face in his chest, saying quietly: "I dreamed you took Xu Bao to dig up ginseng, dug up two and brought them back, along with a bunch of fruits."

People's dreams are always bizarre, nothing unusual. Qi Yun gently stroked her back, asking: "Isn't that quite nice?"

But Ye Jiao felt a bit wronged: "You all ate the fruits and didn't leave me even one."

Qi Yun couldn't help but laugh, holding her tighter, kissing her face repeatedly, saying gently: "Don't worry, I'll give you all the good things I have, before, now, and in the future."

Ye Jiao was easy to coax. Upon hearing this, she smiled and kissed him back, then closed her eyes and fell back into deep sleep.

Early the next morning, when Qi Yun woke up, Ye Jiao was still asleep. He first dressed and washed up, then went out, planning to go to his study to find some books to read.

As soon as he left the courtyard, he saw Tie Zi waiting by the gate.

Before he could ask, Tie Zi quickly stepped forward and bowed to Qi Yun: "Second Young Master, the newly appointed prefect has invited the wealthy households and local gentry in the area, and sent an invitation to our household as well."