novelraw Chapter 131
Chapter 131
Before Tie Zi said these words, Qi Yun had been thinking about what the storyteller on stage had just said.
Stringing it together a bit, one could tell it was about imperial family matters.
The current imperial family wasn't beyond discussion. As long as one grasped the proper measure, it wasn't a big deal, just like clothing patterns or flower ornament styles that came from the palace, which common people could all imitate.
But openly discussing the emperor and empress like this was rare.
The deeper meaning was self-evident.
However, it had nothing to do with Qi Yun. He quickly looked toward Tie Zi.
After hearing the words, his face unconsciously showed a smile.
When Tie Zi said Qi Ming had passed the examination, his expression was especially proud, his voice particularly loud, as if afraid others wouldn't know.
After he finished speaking, people in the teahouse all stood up to congratulate them. Even the storyteller on stage came down to offer congratulations, showing even more enthusiasm than during New Year.
This wasn't just because it was Third Young Master Qi who had passed, but also because in this era, obtaining the rank of provincial graduate was extremely difficult.
Once one passed the provincial examination, they truly had one foot in the path of officialdom.
As a provincial graduate, even if they failed future metropolitan examinations, they still had opportunities to substitute as educational officials or county magistrates.
One could say that having provincial graduate status was equivalent to having official rank. Regardless of one's previous circumstances or background, once they passed the provincial examination and became a provincial graduate, ordinary people would bow and address them as "Provincial Graduate Sir" when meeting them.
How many students had fallen at this hurdle, taking the examination their whole lives without success. Just in this city alone, there were plenty of county-level scholars, but provincial graduates were pitifully few.
The provincial examination came once every three years. Those who passed soared to great heights, while those who failed had to wait another three years. Before the results were posted, some were jubilant while others were devastated. Just watching the announcement could tell the whole story of scholars' hardships.
For Qi Ming to achieve provincial graduate status at such a young age was tremendous good fortune, so naturally everyone who heard about it came to congratulate.
Especially knowing it was Third Young Master Qi who had passed, even more people came.
Qi Ming's reputation for achieving Minor Triple First had already spread, and with his two capable elder brothers, whether they had connections or not, everyone wanted to come say a few kind words to gain some advantage.
Even those who couldn't get a word in were thinking whether to make a trip to the Qi family.
This household was a rare wealthy family, and generous too. They would probably hold a grand banquet again this time. Even just going to eat a good meal would be worthwhile.
Seeing the crowd here, Qi Yun and Shi Tianrui had to move to the second floor of a nearby restaurant. Tie Zi sent someone home to report the good news, then joined the restaurant staff and manager at the door to control the crowd, finally achieving some quiet.
Shi Tianrui's face showed a smile: "Congratulations on your brother's success in the examination. He will surely be a pillar of the nation in the future."
Qi Yun stood up to return the courtesy, his voice calm: "Thank you, County Magistrate. I thank you on behalf of Third Brother for your auspicious words."
Shi Tianrui was handsome, and his speech had a refreshing quality: "Second Brother needn't be modest. In my view, your brother has outstanding talent. I've read his essays too, they're exceptionally excellent. He could even become the top scholar in the future."
Qi Yun cupped his hands toward Shi Tianrui, but inwardly didn't think Third Brother could achieve such great prospects.
Qi Yun knew better than anyone what Qi Ming was capable of.
Regarding policy discussions, Qi Ming had been guided by Emperor Chu Chengyun for quite a while, so he probably had many ideas. Achieving Minor Triple First wasn't surprising.
But his brother was still immature after all, without enough experience. Passing the provincial examination was already good fortune. As for things like provincial first place, those were currently beyond his reach.
Speaking of the top scholar, Qi Yun looked at Shi Tianrui: "County Magistrate is himself a top scholar, your talent must be extraordinary."
Shi Tianrui curved his lips, his voice gentle: "When studying, I only felt the hardship of ten years of cold window study. When my name appeared on the golden list, I was quite pleased. From farm boy in the morning to imperial hall in the evening, what honor and glory! But only after truly becoming an official did I realize that the path of officialdom requires more than just beautiful essays."
His scholarly spirit had been worn away completely after being demoted from the capital. Though his heart still had sharp edges, Shi Tianrui now knew to wrap himself in a smooth shell, showing considerable growth.
Qi Yun picked up his teacup and didn't respond.
After all, it was someone else's ups and downs in the sea of officialdom, not much related to himself.
Fortunately, Shi Tianrui was someone who had seen through things, and soon smiled: "If the Qi family holds a banquet, remember to invite me."
Qi Yun readily agreed: "Naturally."
Then, after tea and snacks were served, Qi Yun finally brought up serious business: "Previously, thanks to County Magistrate's righteous words, my Qi family was spared from disaster."
Shi Tianrui knew he was referring to the memorial he had submitted to Emperor Chu Chengyun impeaching Prefect Shao.
Prefect Shao had committed many wrongs during his term. If Shi Tianrui had arrived two years earlier, he would certainly have impeached him.
But what made Shi Tianrui determined was that Prefect Shao had offended the Qi family, and the Qi family had countless connections to the imperial family. Shi Tianrui was certain his impeachment would be rewarded, which is why he handled everything properly.
And indeed, as Shi Tianrui had expected, Prefect Shao was demoted, he himself received commendation, and though the Qi family seemed to gain nothing, just being able to have a prefect demoted with a single plaque was already a great achievement.
But what caught Shi Tianrui's attention wasn't just Qi Yun's gratitude, but also how he knew about this matter.
The one who told Qi Yun was naturally Ye Ping Rong. Commander Ye's meaning was to have his brother-in-law maintain good relations with County Magistrate Shi, not letting someone who had worked hard go unrewarded.
But Shi Tianrui didn't know the inside story. Being a cautious person, he naturally felt things weren't simple, even thinking Qi Yun had connections to that person in the golden hall...
Shi Tianrui naturally didn't dare accept Qi Yun's courtesy, slightly turning aside, then saying: "Second Brother, you're being too serious. For the sake of country and people, I couldn't allow such a corrupt prefect to harm the people. Impeaching him was my bounden duty."
These words sounded extremely patriotic and caring for the people. Qi Yun nodded: "County Magistrate Shi is greatly talented, we are ashamed in comparison."
"Not at all."
"You're too kind."
After exchanging pleasantries, Qi Yun sat back down and discussed with Shi Tianrui matters concerning the Qi family during his absence.
When he and Ye Jiao went to the capital, it would be at least half a year, maybe longer.
At that time, Third Brother Qi Ming could be brought along, whether for study or examinations, the capital was certainly better than here. But Eldest Brother Qi Zhao couldn't be easily moved. If the person left, the land couldn't, and the estates needed someone in charge. With Father Qi being elderly, someone had to manage the household.
Taking a step back, Qi Zhao's estates were his livelihood. Eldest Brother probably wouldn't casually abandon the fruits of his years of hard work to leave.
Since that was the case, whether as a son or as a brother, Qi Zhao needed to make proper arrangements for the family.
Shi Tianrui was county magistrate, and Qi Yun could see Shi Tianrui's capabilities. He had future prospects, so Qi Yun wondered if he could entrust many family matters to him.
Since it was Qi Yun asking, Shi Tianrui naturally agreed to everything.
Even without considering that Imperial Plaque, he had to show care for Ye Jiao's sake, since she had saved his daughter.
It wasn't about letting the Qi family act however they pleased, but about ensuring the Qi family received fairness in all matters.
But these words didn't need to be spoken aloud. Both understood with knowing looks, a single glance was clear, a cup of wine could settle it. When they parted, it was with casual indifference that no one could fault.
On the way back, Tie Zi still couldn't contain his excitement.
For him, he had worked at the Qi family since childhood. Previously he had worked blindly, but later followed Qi Yun, learning how to conduct himself and handle affairs. This transformed Tie Zi from the foolish young man he used to be into the capable young man with a name and livelihood he was now.
He regarded the Qi family as his employer, and even more as his own family.
When the Qi family prospered, he could prosper too.
Now that Qi Ming had stepped into officialdom, Tie Zi was naturally happy. On the way back, sitting in the carriage, he smiled at Qi Yun: "Second Young Master, Third Young Master has succeeded this time. Next he should take the top scholar examination!"
Qi Yun didn't have the same considerations with Tie Zi as he did with Shi Tianrui, speaking quite directly: "If he wants to become top scholar, he must start receiving some trials now, or have someone who can truly tell him what real court and country are, otherwise this top scholar position probably won't fall to him."
Tie Zi blinked: "Will you tutor Third Young Master, Second Young Master?"
Qi Yun closed his eyes slightly, as if resting, his voice light: "I probably can't tutor him properly, but what I can't do, naturally someone else will be happy to do. No rush."
His Third Brother was well-read. If Xu Bao now just treated reading as entertainment, then Qi Ming treated national affairs as his interest.
Usually Qi Ming seemed foolish and easily deceived, but as soon as topics of national society or people's hardships came up, Qi Ming had endless things to say.
Probably because he had been mischievous and dishonest as a child, Qi Yun liked using grand matters to suppress him. Today having him read "When flourishing, people suffer; when falling, people suffer," tomorrow showing him "Worry before the world worries, rejoice after the world rejoices."
Qi Yun never cared how much sank in, but it ignited a flame called "National affairs are our generation's responsibility" in young Qi Ming's heart.
Qi Yun might look down on his calligraphy and not think much of his essay word choices, but his brother had a belly full of ideas and aspirations, all quite reasonable.
His essays weren't magnificent, but they had substance, which was truly rare for scholars who liked armchair strategizing.
It was precisely because of this that Qi Ming and Emperor Chu Chengyun always had things to discuss, and only they dared to speak.
Ordinary common people, who would dare casually comment on court policies?
But Qi Ming was bold, and he met Emperor Chu Chengyun, this phoenix son and dragon grandson. One didn't know the other's identity, one had great aspirations, so hitting it off was natural.
Now, Qi Yun was taking him to the capital to give Third Brother an opportunity.
The closer the distance, the greater the opportunity.
As for whether that person would really like him enough to specifically guide him, that depended on Third Brother's own fortune.
But when they were almost out of the city, they passed a bookstore.
When Qi Yun slightly lifted the curtain and saw it, he had Tie Zi stop. He calmly walked in, and came out after about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea.
Tie Zi didn't see him carrying anything, and Qi Yun didn't let him follow, but he could see his Second Young Master's chest was bulging, not knowing what was inside.
Thinking about it, Tie Zi felt it was probably good books he'd bought. His Young Master was such a proper person, he should buy proper things.
When Qi Yun got back in the carriage, Tie Zi didn't ask, just listened as Qi Yun began talking about business matters.
Tie Zi was like his half-disciple. Hearing this, he immediately sat up straight, listening obediently, even taking out the paper and brush he always carried to record important matters, being extremely careful.
While they were talking, the carriage had already returned to the Qi family.
The Qi family at this moment was decorated with lanterns and colored streamers, firecrackers going off, with guests coming and going almost filling the lane in front of the Qi family gate.
Tie Zi was clever, knowing his Second Young Master didn't like appearing in public to deal with these matters, so he took a detour and went to the west gate.
After Qi Yun got off the carriage, the first thing he did was ask the maid holding the horse: "Has Jiao Niang gone to the front hall?"
The little maid had guessed Qi Yun would ask this and had been paying attention, so she replied: "No, Madam specifically ordered that since Second Young Mistress is still weak, with so many people outside, she might be disturbed, so Second Young Mistress needn't come and should just rest well." Her voice paused, then she added, "Should Second Young Master go to the room first for some tea and snacks? They're all prepared."
At these words, Qi Yun looked at her more closely.
The Qi family's servants were mostly tenant farmers' children, or unfamiliar faces they'd bought. Someone assigned to hold horses at the gate probably had no background, and usually the Qi family never let young girls hold horses.
But this was someone with a clever mind and articulate speech. Qi Yun looked at her twice more, then asked: "Whose family are you from?"
The maid's face reddened slightly, she lowered her head and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, her voice like a mosquito's hum, completely unlike her clear and efficient tone just now, instead carrying some shyness: "Replying to Second Young Master, I came to the household a few days ago."
Qi Yun nodded, then asked lightly: "Did they process your servant contract?"
At these words, both Tie Zi and the maid changed expressions.
The maid's eyes naturally lit up, feeling she'd heard heavenly music, but Tie Zi's heart skipped a beat.
He knew about Qi Yun and Ye Jiao's deep marital love, how good they were together in every way. In Tie Zi's view, even if a fairy from heaven came before Qi Yun, he probably wouldn't be moved in the slightest.
But what Qi Yun was saying now made Tie Zi tremble.
Could he really have taken a fancy to this little maid and want to process her contract and take her as a concubine?
That shouldn't be right. How could this be? Tie Zi glanced sideways, feeling this maid had a childish face, no beauty, no figure, how could it be?
But the maid didn't care about any of this, immediately nodding: "Yes, yes, the contract was processed."
Qi Yun nodded again, saying to Tie Zi: "Go tell Nanny Liu later, however much she cost to buy, pay that much to send her back. No need to say anything harsh, just say she's too ambitious and our Qi household is a small temple that can't accommodate her."
After saying this, ignoring their expressions, he pulled his cloak tighter and headed toward his own courtyard.
The maid, experiencing great joy followed by great disappointment, was momentarily stunned.
Instead, Tie Zi's face showed a smile, thinking that Second Young Master was still Second Young Master, still that straightforward temperament, indeed having only his Second Young Mistress in his heart. But his face remained stern, his voice hard: "Someone come, take her to Nanny Liu, find a matchmaker to send her back."
The maid came to her senses, the coquettish expression she'd had completely vanished. In panic, she crawled on the ground trying to grab Tie Zi's clothing hem: "Master Su, Master Su, please, don't sell me, I... I didn't do anything wrong!"
Being called Master Su for the first time, Tie Zi felt somewhat uncomfortable, but still pulled his clothing away from her, then said: "Second Young Master was right, you're too ambitious. Our Qi household doesn't dare keep you."
The maid wanted to cry out, but was gagged by a nearby matron who twisted her arm.
Tie Zi said slowly: "This horse-holding job, you probably schemed to get, and you've been watching Second Young Mistress's movements, seeing everything clearly. Don't think Second Young Master can't see through your intentions. Let me tell you, the last person who tried this was beaten and thrown out. Now Second Young Master only said to return you rather than sell you randomly, which is already merciful. Don't be ungrateful."
Then, ignoring her, he had her taken to Nanny Liu, before running to catch up with Qi Yun.
Qi Yun didn't take this matter seriously. What he cared about was just Ye Jiao.
The maid was sent directly to Liu Shi.
Liu Shi had originally been socializing with the female guests who came to congratulate in the back hall. When she heard from servants that Second Son had sent someone over, she immediately got up, found an excuse, and returned to her courtyard.
On the way, she heard the matron explain the whole process, and Liu Shi couldn't help frowning.
Nanny Liu was somewhat surprised, looking at Liu Shi: "Madam, why was Second Young Master so decisive this time?"
Actually, there were usually some ambitious ones who wanted to climb high, inevitably trying to approach the three Young Masters.
But as long as they weren't excessive like Fang Cao last time, sneaking into the courtyard at midnight, it was just a matter of a few paddle strikes, or sending them back to the estates. There had never been talk of selling them directly.
Qi Yun usually couldn't be bothered with these matters, but this time he was particularly firm.
But Liu Shi understood Qi Yun's thinking very well, walking while saying: "He's making an example to warn others, and this maid probably has some ability and capability."
Hearing this, Nanny Liu nodded.
Second Young Mistress had just finished her confinement, yet someone had other intentions. If Second Young Mistress found out, it would be trouble.
Moreover, capable and able daughters-in-law were good, but servants who were too capable and ambitious were disasters.
Perhaps others liked such women and were happy to take them as concubines, but the Qi family wasn't that kind of household.
Liu Shi was philosophical about it: "Since she has this kind of ambition, we can't casually block her path. Better to let her seek her fortune elsewhere."
Nanny Liu nodded and agreed.
Meanwhile, Ye Jiao was in her courtyard, smiling as she coaxed the babies in her arms, kissing Xu Bao, hugging Ning Bao and Ruyi, her smile becoming increasingly genuine.
Ruyi was one who liked Ye Jiao's kisses. After Ye Jiao kissed her, she would pucker her lips waiting for the next kiss, only stopping when she got it.
Ning Bao liked to hide, frowning his little eyebrows. He let Ye Jiao kiss him, but after one kiss he would bury his face in Ye Jiao's chest, not looking at anyone.
Xu Bao, who had grown quite a bit, directly reached out to hold his little brother's head and gave him several hard kisses. Ye Jiao also leaned over and gave a couple of smacks. When they made Ning Bao cry, Ye Jiao was somewhat confused, while Xu Bao continued laughing, extremely pleased with himself.
When Qi Yun entered, he saw this warm and happy scene.
Nanny Mo was coaxing Ning Bao, while Xu Bao and Ruyi were together laughing happily, each occupying one of Ye Jiao's arms and hugging her without letting go.
Qi Yun always loved all three children equally, but seeing Ning Bao crying now, he reached over and took him.
This child was usually the most well-behaved, not crying or fussing. When he occasionally cried like this, it seemed earth-shaking.
He couldn't help frowning slightly, looking at the two little ones on the bed: "Who upset him?"
Hearing this, Xu Bao immediately dodged behind Ye Jiao.
Usually Xu Bao never feared Qi Yun, pestering him to read books, clinging to him and acting spoiled. Xu Bao had never been afraid.
But perhaps because children's minds were most clear, though he was young, he knew Qi Yun was the one in the house who least indulged him, who meant what he said and was frightening when angry. Besides Mother, no one could save him.
When something went wrong, Xu Bao would seek Ye Jiao's help.
But this time Ye Jiao didn't think he'd done anything wrong, instead saying softly: "I think I accidentally kissed him until he cried just now..."
At these words, Qi Yun's brow relaxed, his eyes looking steadily at the still whimpering Ning Bao.
Then he looked around, and Ye Jiao promptly handed over a ball of yarn that Ning Bao liked. Qi Yun took it and dangled it in his hand. Ning Bao quickly stopped crying and stared intently, extremely focused.
Qi Yun took the opportunity to say to him: "In the future when Mother wants to kiss you, you can't cry. This is filial piety, understand?"
Xu Bao: ...
The little boy was momentarily confused. What about Father being strict and proper? Why could Mother not get scolded?
This question obviously had no one to answer. After making a fuss for a while, Ruyi and Ning Bao were both sleepy, and Xu Bao was also rubbing his eyes and yawning, so Little Su and Nanny Mo took them to rest.
Qi Yun then sat sideways beside Ye Jiao, his eyes showing the gentleness he only had for her: "Are you bored staying home alone?"
Ye Jiao nodded, then shook her head, smiling: "At first it was a bit dull, but when the three children were with me, it became much more interesting. I even forgot you had gone out."
At these words, Qi Yun's hand behind the woman's back paused slightly.
Even knowing that parental love for children ran deepest, even though Qi Yun himself loved them dearly, suddenly hearing this still made his heart skip.
He couldn't tell if it was emotion or sourness.
Fortunately, Qi Yun wasn't someone who liked to complain but preferred to solve problems. He figured it was because she'd been in confinement too long and had somewhat forgotten their previous "beautiful times."
Luckily, Qi Yun had come prepared.
He took a cloth bundle from his chest and handed it to Ye Jiao, saying nothing.
Seeing his mysterious manner, Ye Jiao curiously took it and opened it, finding several books inside.
Opening them, Ye Jiao was first stunned, then laughed.
All pictures, in color, very easy to understand.
These were what Qi Yun had bought on the way back, carefully selected. Every picture was drawn extremely finely, well-printed too, looking quite engaging.
Some were to be given to his brother-in-law, and some were for himself to keep.
Qi Yun, who was buying spring palace illustrations for his wife, showed no embarrassment on his face, speaking seriously as if he were really discussing profound issues with his wife: "Jiao Niang, since it's still early and the children are asleep, how about we try some?"
Little Ginseng smiled and nodded, proactively grabbing Qi Yun's collar and pulling him down: "Sure."
It was still daylight outside, but that had never been a reason to stop these two.
But just as Qi Yun was about to fall over, he heard Tie Zi tapping the window frame outside, saying quietly: "Second Young Master, there's trouble in the front hall. Master is asking you to come."