Lady of Fortune, Jiao Niang

Chapter 128

Having previous experience, Ye Jiao appeared much calmer.

Even though this child came faster than last time and was somewhat unexpected, having just heard Doctor Li's words as preparation, Ye Jiao wasn't so surprised and could even comfort Dong Shi: "Don't worry, it's fine."

But Dong Shi was extremely nervous. Even knowing she was overthinking, when Dong Shi gave birth to Tiger, it had been difficult and she'd suffered quite a bit, so now she recalled the pain from that time.

When Liu Shi entered, she saw her second daughter-in-law with a rosy complexion, while Dong Shi, who was supporting her walking, was pale as snow without a trace of color.

Looking roughly, it was hard to tell who was actually the one giving birth.

Liu Shi felt somewhat helpless. Last time it was her son, this time it was Dong family's daughter-in-law. Both were much more nervous than Ye Jiao herself.

Ye Jiao was supporting Dong Shi, walking slowly. When Liu Shi entered, she looked at her hopefully: "Mother, I'm hungry."

Liu Shi had anticipated this and had already had the small kitchen prepare chicken noodle soup and happiness cakes. As soon as Ye Jiao said she was hungry, she quickly had them brought in.

The chicken noodle soup tasted as good as always, and the happiness cakes were slightly hard from being lightly baked.

Ye Jiao took two bites, then stared at the happiness cake in her hand without speaking.

Liu Shi thought she didn't want to eat it and was about to reach over to take it, when she saw Ye Jiao first eat the sweet filling inside, then bit by bit break apart the outer dough and soak it in the chicken noodle soup broth. When it softened, she'd pick it up with chopsticks and put it in her mouth.

She ate while smiling, clearly enjoying her meal.

Liu Shi hadn't had time to marvel at how easy her daughter-in-law was to serve when she saw the midwife had already entered.

By this time, Ye Jiao also felt the contractions becoming more frequent than before, so she covered her belly and stood up, sitting sideways on the edge of the bed.

When Xu Bao was born, Liu Shi had stayed with her, but this time Liu Shi didn't remain in the inner room. Instead, she sat in the outer room holding prayer beads, eyes slightly closed as she recited prayers, blessing her daughter-in-law.

Others said twins were auspicious, and if any family could have twins, even the county office would issue commendations.

But Liu Shi knew the dangers involved, especially since twins often came earlier than normal children. How to deliver them smoothly and raise them successfully wasn't easy.

Compared to helping inside, Liu Shi clearly felt that chanting outside was more important.

While the bedroom was bustling inside and out, the side room half a courtyard away was much quieter.

Xu Bao was pressed against the window, staring straight outside.

Childbirth wasn't just critical business but could easily frighten people. Xu Bao was still young, and even if he didn't see blood, just smelling it might make him uncomfortable. So when Ye Jiao went into labor, Nanny Mo had prepared to take Young Master out for a walk.

But usually Xu Bao, who particularly enjoyed going to the courtyard to stroll, was very stubborn this time. He cried and made a fuss, hugging the door frame and refusing to let go.

Nanny Mo didn't dare pull hard for fear of hurting him, so she could only first carry him to the side room, close the doors and windows to block out sounds from outside, lest Second Young Mistress's cries of pain frighten Young Master during delivery.

But after she closed the door, Xu Bao carefully stood on the soft couch, extended his chubby little hands, poked through the paper on the window, and pressed his face against it to look outside with his eyes.

Nanny Mo hadn't expected Young Master to have such skills. Plus Xu Bao was chubby and his head was larger than ordinary children's, so when he blocked the hole, it covered it directly. Nanny Mo actually didn't notice.

Xu Bao pressed against it watching for quite a while, but aside from seeing a bunch of people coming and going, he couldn't see anything else.

He was tired from standing too, so he panted and sat down on the couch with weak legs, looking up at Nanny Mo with his soft voice asking: "Where's Mother?"

Nanny Mo was holding a bowl of custard prepared for him. Upon hearing this, she smiled and coaxed him: "Second Young Mistress is naturally sleeping now. Young Master needn't worry. Come, eat some custard."

Xu Bao twisted his little plump bottom to sit properly, pattered over, then sat down again, raising his head to look at Nanny Mo, opening his mouth to wait. He obediently ate half a bowl of custard, felt full, and shook his head to refuse more.

With the constant commotion outside, Xu Bao didn't continue watching.

When Nanny Mo went to put away the bowl, he softly asked again: "I miss Mother."

Nanny Mo had already forgotten what she'd told Xu Bao earlier. In her view, Young Master was still small and didn't remember things, so she casually replied: "Second Young Mistress went to the garden. Why don't we go take a look too?"

But Xu Bao had an excellent memory. What Nanny Mo had forgotten, he remembered clearly.

Looking up at her with his chubby little face, Xu Bao's voice was soft: "Daddy said, don't deceive yourself inside, don't deceive others outside."

At these words, Nanny Mo froze.

Not only because she couldn't understand this saying, but also because Nanny Mo hadn't expected that Young Master, so young, could actually remember such scholarly phrases.

Usually his speech was all mumbled.

Xu Bao looked at Nanny Mo with clear, bright eyes: "Daddy doesn't let Xu Bao lie to people. You lied to me, I'm going to tell Daddy."

At this, Nanny Mo immediately sat back down on the soft couch.

Though people generally didn't take children's words seriously, Nanny Mo knew that their Second Young Master had a temperament of being gentle inside and cold outside. Whatever Young Master said, he would believe regardless of truth or falsehood.

If Second Young Master really became disgusted with her, her days in the Qi family would probably be numbered.

But Nanny Mo also noted that she'd better not try to fool Young Master just because he was young in the future. She considered her answer carefully: "Actually, Second Young Mistress is giving birth."

Xu Bao blinked, then suddenly smiled: "Giving birth to Xu Bao!"

Though Nanny Mo didn't know where this came from, seeing Xu Bao smile, she nodded along.

Xu Bao then happily ran back to the window, looking through the hole he'd poked earlier, appearing extremely excited.

But because of the distance, Xu Bao couldn't hear the sounds from over there.

Liu Shi, sitting in the outer room, couldn't sit still when she heard the light or heavy cries from inside. She stood up and grabbed Nanny Liu's hand asking: "Didn't someone go find Second Brother earlier? Where is he?"

Nanny Liu quickly said: "Madam, don't worry. This time Second Young Mistress went into labor rather suddenly, and it's been shorter preparation time than last time. From just now until now it's only been half an hour. Second Young Master is still in the city, probably can't return so quickly. Madam should sit for a bit, just wait."

Liu Shi had just sat down when she heard Ye Jiao's voice again. How could she stay seated? She quickly clutched her prayer beads, forgetting to chant, just muttering for Jiao Niang to be safe.

Meanwhile, Qi Yun didn't know what was happening at home. He had just walked out of the prefectural office and gotten into the carriage when he heard Tie Zi ask: "Second Young Master, shall we return now?"

Qi Yun asked: "What time is it?"

"First quarter of the afternoon."

Calculating the time in his mind, Qi Yun said: "First go to the academy to visit the tutor, then go pick up Third Brother and return."

Second Young Master Qi felt that since he would definitely hire a tutor, he should see him with his own eyes first. Rather than make another trip later, better to finish everything now than risk missing Jiao Niang's delivery by rushing here again.

Fortunately, the academy wasn't far from the prefectural office, so they arrived soon.

The tutor recommended by Madam Zheng was surnamed Feng, a scholar with considerable talent but poor luck in his official career. After achieving the scholar degree, he couldn't advance further.

Fortunately, Master Feng was broad-minded and took things philosophically. His family circumstances were also comfortable, so if he couldn't pass the examinations, so be it. Finding work at an academy teaching and educating people was also a livelihood.

When Qi Yun found him, Scholar Feng was teaching children to recite the "Thousand Character Classic." Qi Yun stood outside the door listening for a while, feeling that Scholar Feng's language was humorous and witty, and he was someone who loved to speak and laugh, with some magnanimity in his words. Just for this, Qi Yun nodded approvingly in his heart.

After all, he wasn't looking for someone to directly teach his son to become the top scholar, but to give Xu Bao early education first.

In other words, knowledge was secondary; learning how to conduct oneself was more important.

This Scholar Feng had a good temperament and was patient, seemed easy to get along with. His son following him should be able to learn something worthwhile.

Feeling positive about him, when they met face to face, Qi Yun showed twelve parts respect in his conversation.

Scholar Feng had good family circumstances, so naturally he wouldn't agree just for a few taels of silver. Fortunately, Qi Yun was respectful toward him, and Qi Yun said Xu Bao had perfect memory, which made Scholar Feng very curious, so he agreed.

The two didn't sign any documents, just verbally agreed that every five days someone would come fetch him to spend half a day at the Qi family teaching Xu Bao. They also settled on compensation, and the matter was decided.

Having resolved one matter, Qi Yun urged Tie Zi to quickly go fetch Qi Ming, his reasoning very sufficient: "Third Brother has been alone in the city for months, I haven't seen him yet. He's probably most nervous right after finishing the exam, better to go comfort him early."

Tie Zi naturally wouldn't delay Qi Yun's brotherly affection, immediately climbed onto the carriage, flicked the reins, and the carriage slowly moved forward.

On the way, Qi Yun saw a pastry shop with rich aromas, so he had the carriage stop and told Tie Zi: "Go buy some to bring back." His Jiao Niang had waited at home so long, he couldn't let her wait for nothing. Buying some pastries would be nice.

Tie Zi couldn't help asking: "Second Young Master, didn't we just say we were worried Third Young Master would wait anxiously?"

Qi Yun looked at him calmly: "Nothing is more important than Jiao Niang. What's wrong with making him wait?"

Tie Zi: Second Young Master makes such good sense.

When they arrived carrying five packages of fresh pastries, they happened to see the doors opening and students streaming out.

Their timing was good, arriving just as the exam ended and students were leaving.

But because they'd timed it precisely, the Qi family carriage was blocked at the very edge of the crowd.

Families able to send someone to take the provincial examination, though some were from poor backgrounds, most still had comfortable circumstances.

Even if not all could be called wealthy, they could at least afford to hire donkey carts.

The Qi family carriage was tall and large, blocked by various donkey carts and ox carts in front, unable to squeeze through. Even standing on the carriage, Tie Zi couldn't see the people ahead.

Qi Yun opened the carriage door, supported by Tie Zi's hand as he got down, saying lightly: "Come, let's go wait in front."

"Yes."

Qi Yun turned back to instruct the driver: "Watch the pastries in the carriage carefully, close the door, don't let the pastries get cold."

Tie Zi listened while his eyebrows twitched slightly, not knowing whether to feel sorry for the driver or Third Young Master.

Now Qi Yun was no longer the penniless invalid of the Qi family, but the renowned "Little God of Wealth."

This title was given by Manager Song. Though no one took it seriously at first, now looking at the quietly spreading Qi family shops, no one would refute Manager Song's words.

Many people recognized Qi Yun. As he walked along, greetings followed him all the way.

Even those who originally didn't know what Qi Yun looked like, upon hearing this was Second Young Master Qi, would stand on tiptoes trying to look forward, wanting to see what this Little God of Wealth looked like.

When the master and servant squeezed to the front row, Qi Yun still maintained his calm demeanor, not feeling uncomfortable about being watched. Obviously, having endured twenty-plus years of illness and torture, accustomed to being looked at like a ghost, current Second Young Master Qi had been tempered into steel, with composure carved into his bones.

Tie Zi was somewhat embarrassed, but he said nothing, just secretly admiring his Young Master in his heart, thinking he must learn more in the future, couldn't embarrass Second Young Master.

Just then, Tie Zi saw Qi Ming walking out the main gate.

At the provincial examination level, there was a big gap among test-takers.

There were gray-haired elderly men, tender-faced young boys, but more were bearded men with wrinkles.

Compared to them, Qi Ming stood out.

The first to greet him was Liu Si, who had been crouching not far from the gate. The young man ran and stumbled toward Qi Ming, helping him take the basket containing the Four Treasures of the Study, then looking at Qi Ming eagerly: "Th-Third Young Master, tired?"

Though Qi Ming and Liu Si were similar in age, probably because Liu Si wasn't articulate and had a soft temperament, Qi Ming always treated him like a younger brother. Upon hearing this, though physically and mentally exhausted, he still smiled: "Not tired, don't worry."

Liu Si nodded repeatedly, then prepared to find a carriage to rent with Qi Ming to go home.

Just then, Tie Zi bounced up and down: "Third Young Master, Liu Si, over here!"

Qi Ming looked over and saw Qi Yun standing there calmly.

This was the first time Qi Yun had come to pick him up. Even though it was just a small matter, for Qi Ming it was inexplicably moving.

He quickly pulled Liu Si toward the two men. When they reached them, Qi Ming's first words were: "Second Brother, I wrote very well, definitely won't embarrass you!"

At these words, quite a few students who had just finished the exam looked at him sideways. Seeing Qi Ming's somewhat tender face, their gazes held some disdain.

Their thoughts were roughly similar: this exam's questions weren't easy, and there had been two incidents in the examination hall. Being able to finish was already not easy.

Once the provincial examination began, candidates were locked inside, unable to leave even if they died. They had to manage their own daily life, and the slightest carelessness could ruin everything.

During these few days, one incident was a candidate accidentally burning his test paper, then having a breakdown and going mad, causing a great disturbance that disturbed many people's concentration. Another time, a candidate suddenly collapsed convulsing and was dragged out, frightening everyone who saw it.

If these two were especially unlucky, then others in the same session also experienced undeserved disasters.

The path of imperial examinations was already full of setbacks, not to mention this time with two consecutive accidents.

Even many veterans of examination halls didn't dare claim certainty, so who would believe what this half-grown boy said?

Probably just a newborn calf not fearing tigers, the ignorant being fearless.

But Qi Yun knew his Third Brother wasn't someone who liked to boast or speak empty words. For him to say this, his performance was probably quite good, and since he was the one who had tutored him, feeling excited afterward was normal.

But they shouldn't be too complacent, not because he feared others' jealousy or criticism, but because sometimes examiners also determined rankings based on a person's character and cultivation.

In the previous dynasty, there were poets who repeatedly failed due to dissolute behavior, and in this dynasty too there were those who fell short due to bad reputations.

Though Qi Yun felt Qi Ming hadn't reached the age of moral deficiency, being cautious was never wrong.

He gently touched Qi Ming's head, saying quietly: "Good, I'll give you a package of pastries when we get back." Then he led him toward the back of the crowd, "Let's go home early. Mother was thinking of you when I left, better to return early and put her mind at ease."

Qi Ming immediately nodded, obediently following Qi Yun with Liu Si.

But just as they saw the carriage, they noticed a servant standing beside the driver.

This servant looked somewhat unfamiliar. Though the two Young Masters of the Qi family were masters, the current Qi family was no longer the ordinary household it once was, but one of considerable status. The servants and guards they employed had multiplied several times, so they couldn't know them all.

But the servant wore Qi family clothing, and upon seeing them, his face lit up as he walked toward them.

First he quickly bowed, and before straightening up, the servant said: "Second Young Master, finally found you! Please return quickly, Madam is so worried she sent all the household servants out to find you and ask you to return early."

Having been away from home for months, Qi Ming's mind was full of studying and exams, so he was confused about what had happened.

Qi Yun felt his heart skip a beat and grabbed the servant's arm: "What happened? Did something happen to Jiao Niang?"

The servant felt pain in his arm, thinking that everyone said Second Young Master was in poor health and looked sickly, but who knew he was quite strong. He quickly said: "No no no, it's not bad news, it's that Second Young Mistress has gone into labor!"

Upon hearing this, Qi Yun immediately released the servant, got in the carriage, closed the door, and shouted: "Quick, back to the mansion!"

His voice was both urgent and agitated, completely lacking his previous composure.

Qi Ming was very sensible, climbing onto the carriage and signaling with his eyes for Liu Si to sit beside Tie Zi, then squeezed into the carriage himself. He didn't mention nearly being left behind by his Second Brother and obediently said: "Second Brother, don't worry. Second Sister-in-law is blessed by heaven, and with Mother there, nothing will happen."

Qi Yun said nothing, not knowing whether he'd heard what Qi Ming said. He just frowned anxiously, remaining silent.

Qi Ming also quieted down, sitting there, his eyes occasionally glancing at those five packages of pastries.

Actually, after handing in his papers this morning, he'd had no appetite for food, staying hungry until now.

When he'd been tense earlier he hadn't noticed the hunger, but now that he'd relaxed slightly, he felt his stomach rumbling.

The pastries were warm and fragrant, smelling delicious, making his mouth water.

Of course, Qi Ming was also worried about Ye Jiao in his heart, but worry and hunger didn't conflict.

He looked at Qi Yun, then at the pastries, thinking that just now Second Brother had said he'd give him a package when they got back, so eating one now should be fine.

So Qi Ming carefully extended his finger to hook a pastry package over.

But before he could touch it, he heard Qi Yun, who had just been sitting like a statue, speak coldly: "One pastry, three hundred essays."

Qi Ming: ...

When the carriage arrived at the Qi family residence, as soon as it stopped, Qi Yun jumped directly out of the carriage without needing assistance. He lifted his robes and ran toward the house at full speed!

Qi Ming and Liu Si couldn't keep up, while Tie Zi was startled and hurriedly chased after him.

He had always followed Qi Yun and knew his master's constitution best. Though it was much better than before, he still couldn't handle extreme emotions, let alone running at full speed now. He'd probably collapse before reaching his destination!

Second Young Mistress giving birth was something no one else could help with - being anxious was useless. It would be terrible if Second Young Mistress was fine but their Young Master injured himself from falling.

But the reasoning that even Tie Zi could understand clearly, Qi Yun couldn't think of at all.

He just wanted to get to Jiao Niang's side as quickly as possible. No matter what he could do, staying by her side would give him peace of mind.

This determination sustained Qi Yun as he ran all the way back to the courtyard. As soon as he entered, he heard Ye Jiao's muffled groaning.

Ordinary women giving birth usually screamed from pain, but Little Ginseng didn't find it that painful, just very uncomfortable. Moreover, shouting too loudly would waste energy and wasn't beneficial, so she only occasionally hummed softly, nothing more.

But even this single light sound was like a thousand-pound hammer striking down, making Qi Yun's vision go dark.

His body swayed slightly. Tie Zi, who had been chasing him, quickly supported him, his voice filled with anxiety: "Second Young Master, you probably ran too hard just now. Why don't we go rest on the side?"

Women's labor often wasn't something that could be resolved in a moment. Tie Zi couldn't let Qi Yun stand in the courtyard for long.

But Qi Yun shook his head, refusing this suggestion. He forced himself to stay alert, gritting his teeth as he said to Tie Zi: "No, help me go in, quickly."

Tie Zi hesitated, not knowing whether to obey.

Second Young Mistress's situation was already busy enough. If Second Young Master went in and something happened to him, with Second Young Mistress giving birth inside and Second Young Master outside, who should they attend to?

But Tie Zi didn't dare dissuade him, thinking Second Young Master probably wouldn't listen anyway.

Just as Tie Zi was hesitating, suddenly a clear cry of a newborn baby reached both their ears.

They looked toward the bedroom door simultaneously and heard Dong Shi's joyful voice from inside: "Born! It's a Young Master!"

Upon hearing this, Qi Yun felt as if all his strength had drained away. His forehead was covered in sweat as he gripped Tie Zi's arm tightly, letting out a long breath.

He didn't know if he was celebrating the smooth birth or relieved that he'd made it in time for Jiao Niang's crucial moment.

The running had truly made Qi Yun feel very dizzy. After all, this body still couldn't function as freely as a normal person's. Getting here on sheer willpower was already remarkable. Now that everything was settled and he was reassured and satisfied, hearing Dong Shi's tone told him Jiao Niang was fine, he could allow himself to faint.

But just then, another baby's cry made Qi Yun instinctively widen his eyes.

This cry was much louder than the previous one, even louder than Xu Bao's had been.

Then Dong Shi's voice rang out again: "Congratulations Second Young Mistress, congratulations Madam, there's another one - a beautiful young lady! Congratulations master, you have both a son and daughter!"