Lady of Fortune, Jiao Niang

Chapter 147

This rain wasn't particularly heavy, but when it fell, quite a few people were happy about it.

Spring rain is precious as oil, and with last year's autumn and winter having little rainfall, this timely sweet rain was excellent news for farming families.

In the Capital, this gentle spring drizzle was also particularly fitting. Not too heavy or light, when walking with umbrellas, anyone would feel inspired to compose poetry. Poetry gatherings in the Capital were held one after another, creating quite a lively atmosphere.

But for the examination candidates, it wasn't good news.

The examination venue was at the Imperial Academy, where the test cubicles used for examinations were tightly packed together, built with walls on three sides and one side open, facilitating proctoring supervision while preventing cheating suspicions.

Each cubicle was arranged extremely simply, with just one chair and two wooden boards to make do.

At both ends of the cubicle were brick supports of different heights. One wooden board would be set up as a desk, while the other would serve as a bed for rest.

It could be said that the cubicles were extremely crude compared to ordinary rooms.

They could only block rain, not wind. The slightest chill could freeze a person.

Today's scholars were precious, especially those who had reached the metropolitan examination. Inside were all young masters who had come from various places as Recommended Men. Even those from poor families could obtain considerable silver after achieving the Recommended Man title, so naturally they wouldn't suffer such hardships anymore. Moreover, many candidates came from well-off families and had never endured such suffering.

Many Recommended Men failed their first metropolitan examination simply because they couldn't adapt to the environment. They were either cold or hungry, or couldn't eat or sleep well, naturally having no mind for composition.

Now with this rain, it was adding frost to snow. Listening to the pattering sound of raindrops and feeling the chilly spring cold, anyone would feel their heart grow cold and fingertips freeze.

Qi Ming was the same.

He had never worried about money since childhood. The Qi Family had always been extremely good to him, giving him preferential treatment and smooth sailing in everything. In terms of clothing, food, housing, and transportation, though Qi Ming didn't live in luxury, he could be considered comfortable and well-cared for.

Being placed in such a cold and extremely crude cubicle would naturally make him uncomfortable.

However, Chu Chengyun had previously prepared him mentally, telling Qi Ming to be ready. When Qi Ming entered, he came carrying a large bundle.

This bundle contained two thick cotton garments and a brocade cloak.

Although when entering, fearing he might smuggle things in, these pieces were all slashed open by the searchers with knives, they could still serve as clothing if gathered together.

Originally Qi Ming had planned to put the cotton garments and cloak under his quilt at night for more comfortable sleep, but now with the rain, these items had new uses.

Wrapping one around his body, draping one over his shoulders, and using the cloak to block out sound so he could concentrate better on composition, Qi Ming wasn't delayed at all.

After arranging these things, he thought to himself how fortunate it was that Second Brother and Liu Si had considered everything thoroughly, plus his sworn brother's reminders and guidance. Otherwise, he would be like that person across from him, shaking like a sieve.

Looking like that, forget writing, even holding a brush would be difficult.

Enduring this for several days, he'd probably enter standing and leave lying down.

Qi Yun, who was being mentioned by Qi Ming, was also thinking about his third brother at this moment.

Although usually Qi Yun was quite critical of Qi Ming, either disliking his poor handwriting or thinking his reading was too scattered, as Second Brother, Qi Yun genuinely cared about Qi Ming.

Of course, Qi Yun still didn't believe in gods and Buddhas, but before Qi Ming entered the examination hall, Second Young Master Qi had already considered every possible situation for him.

Including this rain, Qi Yun was glad he had his third brother wear thick-soled boots, so it wouldn't be too unbearable.

But despite preparing thoroughly in all aspects, there was still some worry. Sitting  in his study, Qi Yun unconsciously stared at the drizzling rain outside.

Manager Qin noticed his master was distracted and didn't speak, instead carefully placing an exquisite bottle he had brought on the desk.

Before he could turn around, he heard Qi Yun say, "You brought it?"

Manager Qin quickly turned back around, his smile still gentle, and bowed to Qi Yun, "In response to Second Young Master, this is a new batch of Golden Cup Wine. However, it's different from before. This time the alcohol content is slightly lower, with a sweet and crisp taste, most suitable for light drinking."

After speaking, Manager Qin stood aside somewhat nervously.

Because this batch had low alcohol content but good taste, Qi Yun had said early on that they should change their selling method.

Golden Cup Wine originally had golden liquid that was sweet on entry with endless aftertaste, though its price was considerably higher than ordinary wine. But it was still regular wine, mostly contained in jars.

This time they had changed to porcelain containers, clearly specially fired, with bright colors and clever shapes.

Obviously meant to be sold to women.

Second Young Master Qi wasn't the type to sit high above others. On the contrary, Qi Yun had always been down-to-earth in seeking ways to make himself a little richer.

Even though Qi Yun rarely fell ill now, he still felt a sense of urgency, especially after having a wife, sons, and daughters. Men wished they could pile up mountains of gold and silver to feel secure.

The wine business had been thoroughly developed among men, so he turned his attention to the women in inner quarters.

Qi Yun respected and protected his Jiao Niang, so after marriage he often helped Ye Jiao manage inner quarter relationships. He understood clearly that for a household to be proper, the mistress of the inner quarters was crucial, and they were typically limited in entertainment and amusements.

Even so, irregular tea gatherings and poetry meetings continued constantly, and at banquets, fine wine was an indispensable element.

Men preferred strong flavors, while women preferred gentle and pure ones. There was still much business to be done in this area.

This colorful and beautifully shaped porcelain bottle was the first step.

Qi Yun stood up, adjusted his outer robe, then walked over to carefully examine the porcelain bottle on the desk.

This porcelain bottle was somewhat shorter than ordinary bottles, with a large belly and a lid, rather like a cup.

Opening it, he could smell the rising wine fragrance.

Since this was something Qi Yun had specifically instructed, and he had drawn the design himself, the finished product was obviously different from what Qi Yun had envisioned.

He couldn't help but look up at Manager Qin, "This seems different, the colors are overly complex."

Manager Qin sighed, "Second Young Master, I searched throughout the Capital for famous ceramic craftsmen, but none could fire the style you wanted. I have failed in my duties and am willing to accept punishment."

Qi Yun looked at him with a half-smile, "Dock your wages?"

Manager Qin, who had been gentle as jade, shuddered and bent his back, "Second Young Master, rest assured, I'll go look again immediately. Even if I have to go south of the Yangtze River, I'll find the very best!"

But Qi Yun didn't really intend to make things difficult for him. He waved his hand, his voice light, "It doesn't matter, take your time. Just remember, there's still some time before the two-month deadline I gave you. We'll discuss docking wages then."

Manager Qin acknowledged and stood aside.

Qi Yun gestured for him to sit, then Second Young Master Qi brought up something unrelated to business, "Counting the days, they should be taking the second session."

Manager Qin nodded, "Yes, it's been four days since the examination began. Today should be the second session."

Qi Yun nodded without saying more.

After a while, he said, "Does the neighboring Wen Family also have a young master inside?"

Manager Qin knew the Capital's affairs like the back of his hand and immediately replied, "Second Young Master is correct. The Wen Family's Sixth Young Master is also a Recommended Man in this metropolitan examination."

Qi Yun nodded, but his fingers tapped on the desk.

Since they had newly moved here, they should get acquainted with their neighbors, but this had been delayed again and again due to Qi Ming's exam preparation and then the rain.

However, regarding this Wen Family, Qi Yun had inquired thoroughly.

The Wen Family head was also a merchant, but his brothers served as officials in other places, so they had some connections. The residence had one wife and three concubines. Though it appeared harmonious, only one concubine had borne three sons in succession while the others had no children, so it probably wasn't very peaceful.

Originally Qi Yun didn't want Ye Jiao to interact with such a complicated family, but since they lived next door and would see each other regularly, there had to be some contact.

While he was thinking, Tie Zi announced from outside, "Second Young Master, the small kitchen is asking what to prepare for lunch. They want instructions so they can prepare early."

Hearing this, Manager Qin stood up, "Second Young Master, I'll go ponder this porcelain matter again and definitely won't disappoint you."

Qi Yun looked at him and said to that gentle, jade-like face, "If you don't disappoint me, I won't disappoint your wages."

Manager Qin: ......

After Manager Qin left, Qi Yun let Tie Zi enter and asked, "Has Jiao Niang returned from the Taoist monastery?"

Tie Zi immediately replied, "She's back. I just went to find Second Young Mistress. She already obtained peace talismans and returned home not long ago."

"What does she want to eat?"

"Second Young Mistress said she wants to eat hot pot."

Since they had been busy recently, the two often didn't eat lunch together, but today having some free time, Qi Yun said, "Then I'll go join her. I also want to eat hot pot."

Before he could finish speaking, he saw the door curtain lift and Ye Jiao enter.

Originally Ye Jiao had seen a silk shop on the road and thought the fabric was good, so she planned to ask Qi Yun when he had time to make clothes. Also because Little Ginseng missed him, she found an excuse to come see him.

As soon as she entered, she heard Qi Yun's words and immediately smiled, "Good, let's eat together."

Hearing this, Little Su immediately went down to prepare, and Tie Zi didn't stand there being an eyesore, following Little Su out.

But Qi Yun didn't look at them, focusing entirely on Ye Jiao. He walked over as if wanting to test whether Ye Jiao's hands were cold, but his own fingers were always ice-cold, so he pulled back his half-extended hand and just asked, "Were you cold on the road?"

Ye Jiao grabbed Qi Yun's hand and put it in her arms to warm, smiling at him, "Naturally not cold. On the road I only got off the carriage to look at a silk shop, otherwise I stayed in the carriage the whole time. We'll go look together when we have time. But husband, did you drink your soup?"

Second Young Master Qi paused, then nodded.

After intimacy, the next day Ye Jiao would invariably make him various soups. Qi Yun was used to it and even found it comforting over time, though each time having to pinch his nose and drink those strange-tasting soups was indeed a challenge.

Then Qi Yun brought Ye Jiao to sit nearby, poured two cups of hot tea, and waited for the servants to prepare the hot pot.

Ye Jiao was always broad-minded, not taking many trivial matters to heart, but now managing inner quarter affairs was also orderly, so she cared more about details, "Are the quilts Third Brother took thick enough?"

Qi Yun smiled lightly, "Enough, we picked the thickest ones for him. This little rain won't affect him. Ultimately it depends on his learning. For other matters, we do our human best and leave the rest to fate."

Speaking of this, Ye Jiao asked, "Husband, Princess Huaning told me earlier that after the palace examination, I should enter the palace to see Empress Mother."

This made Qi Yun frown slightly.

Ye Jiao hadn't mentioned this to him before, and Commander Ye hadn't let it slip either. Qi Yun knew nothing about this, so when it came up now, Second Young Master Qi's first reaction was not to let Ye Jiao go.

That was the imperial palace. Though it looked magnificent outside, inside it was full of dangers.

His Jiao Niang was always delicate. What if she got involved in trouble?

But when Qi Yun's reason returned, he knew this trip was unavoidable. Not to mention the friendship between the Meng family and his own, just that Meng Shi was now honored as Empress, inviting someone to the palace for a meeting was an honor. Refusing would be a disaster.

So Qi Yun said, "It doesn't matter, I'll accompany you when the time comes."

Ye Jiao was stunned, "Can we go together?"

Second Young Master Qi didn't intend to frighten her, just said gently, "It doesn't matter. Even if I wait for you at the palace gates, that's fine. Didn't you say you wanted to measure me for clothes? We'll go together then."

Ye Jiao agreed and sat closer to Qi Yun with her arm linked in his.

Outside, raindrops pattered, while inside was peaceful and quiet. A burner of incense burned on the table, not the precious agarwood, but sandalwood that could calm the mind and settle qi. Originally Qi Yun had taken it to practice with while teaching his wife, but now this faint, elegant fragrance made Ye Jiao feel particularly peaceful, and she soon fell asleep.

What woke her from her dreams was the fragrant aroma of hot pot.

Ye Jiao straightened up and looked toward the round table.

A copper pot had already been set up with broth bubbling inside, gurgling, and just from the sound it was extremely fragrant. However, this copper pot looked somewhat different from what she had eaten before.

Previously, they would put many spices in, floating on top with a layer, and the taste was also somewhat spicy.

But this one only had light broth, with nothing but scallion segments and ginger slices visible, no other spices, which was refreshing.

Ye Jiao was also hungry. She had run to the Taoist monastery in the morning and ridden in a carriage back and forth. The two bowls of porridge she had for breakfast had long been digested.

Now smelling this aroma triggered her stomach's response.

The copper pot gurgled there, and her stomach gurgled here too.

Yet Ye Jiao felt no embarrassment. Instead, she pulled Qi Yun's hand to her small belly and said softly, "Husband, hungry."

Qi Yun immediately said, "Come, let's eat first..."

"Second Young Master, Manager Qin is here again." Tie Zi's voice came from outside.

Ye Jiao, who had been half-standing, sat back down, looked longingly at the copper pot, then said to Qi Yun, "You go first, it doesn't matter."

Qi Yun squeezed her hand, "If you're hungry, eat first. Don't wait for me."

But Little Ginseng stubbornly shook her head, "No, I'll wait for you."

Seeing her insistence, Qi Yun said nothing more, just had someone bring prepared apricot cheese to fill her stomach first, then got up and returned to the study.

The soft couch was in a side room connected to the study. With the door closed, the activities inside couldn't be seen.

However, Manager Qin had seen his master and his wife's intimate behavior many times recently and knew his coming over might disturb them. Before Qi Yun could speak, he first bowed, "Master, this was sudden. Please forgive my presumption."

Qi Yun said nothing, just sat behind his desk and looked at him, "Speak, what is it?"

Manager Qin was clever and understood the implication.

If it was a big matter that could wait, fine. But if it was trivial, he'd be asking for trouble.

Fortunately, Manager Qin wasn't someone who didn't know his place. He quickly stepped forward and placed a red cloth-wrapped object on the desk. Without waiting for Qi Yun to ask, he unwrapped it while saying, "Second Young Master, please look at this." As he spoke, the red cloth opened to reveal a porcelain jar inside.

Firing ceramics was also a skill requiring excellent control at every stage, and the kiln used was also key. All of this wasn't something ordinary people could accomplish casually.

This porcelain jar was obviously not from any official kiln, somewhat rough, even appearing too hasty in details.

But this color was truly remarkably brilliant.

A deep blue hue, like deep lake water, stunningly beautiful.

Qi Yun immediately asked, "Where did this come from?"

Manager Qin didn't beat around the bush, his voice gentle but direct, "The old man Second Young Master had me look for last time, we just got news. This jar is his family's craftsmanship, but the firing shop and kiln were taken by others. However, the skill remains."

Hearing this, Qi Yun knew there was more to the story.

Since it was a family in decline, there must be reasons behind it. But this beautiful color was indeed excellent, and it would be difficult to find again if missed.

So Qi Yun said, "Go inquire carefully. If we can help, lend a hand. If not, I'll take however many of these porcelain pieces he has."

Either way worked.

Manager Qin understood and acknowledged.

While they were talking, Ye Jiao in the side room was looking longingly at the copper pot, her stomach growling louder and louder.

She naturally wanted to wait for Qi Yun to come eat together, and having Qi Yun serve her food during meals had become one of Little Ginseng's pleasures.

But the hunger was real, at least the stomach's gurgling couldn't be hidden.

If it were other times with dishes on the table, taking a chopstick-full to satisfy her craving would be fine.

But this time it was a hot pot with raw ingredients all around, so naturally it couldn't be done.

Little Su noticed her Second Young Mistress's thoughts and quickly said, "Second Young Mistress, someone has been sent to get the apricot cheese."

Ye Jiao looked at her longingly with watery eyes, "Go check."

Little Su immediately responded and carefully went out without disturbing the people in the study, running to the small kitchen.

Ye Jiao looked around and her eyes suddenly fixed on a colorful porcelain piece on the table.

Colorful and particularly eye-catching.

Ye Jiao picked it up, her slender fingertips pinching the lid to open it, setting it aside, then leaning over to smell it.

Like wine, but without that spicy taste, rather somewhat sweet.

Previously Little Ginseng never touched alcohol, only trying it once and finding that spicy taste unbearable. Being a ginseng spirit, she was naturally hot-bodied, and drinking wine made her feel burning and sweaty, so naturally she was unwilling to touch it again.

Except for that time, she had never drunk again.

However, this bottle was pretty, the contents smelled fragrant, and there were two characters on top.

Golden Cup.

This was the wine's name, and since it was their own wine, there was nothing to doubt.

Little Ginseng licked it and found it somewhat sweetly mellow. Though also spicy, it was more fragrant, so she licked again.

After getting used to it, she poured a mouthful directly into her mouth.

Swallowing it felt not spicy but rather sweet, so Little Ginseng smiled and took another drink.

However, this jar was quite small and was empty after a few sips. Ye Jiao regretfully put the jar down.

She got up wanting to see if Little Su had returned, but as soon as she stood, she felt her head was somewhat dizzy.

Steadying herself against the table, Ye Jiao felt her cheeks slightly hot and her ears warm too. The wine that had been cool and crisp suddenly took effect in her stomach, warm but not burning, just cozy, so warm her head grew dizzy.

Little Ginseng, who had never been drunk before, just felt she might be sleepy. Walking forward two steps, she swayed again and reached out to grab the door frame.

At this moment, Little Su returned just in time to see her Second Young Mistress looking confused and sliding down against the door frame.

She couldn't care about what she was carrying, casually setting it aside. Little Su lifted her skirt and ran over in big steps, catching Ye Jiao in her arms.

Though Little Su was small, she was strong, directly supporting Ye Jiao, her voice urgent, "Second Young Mistress, Second Young Mistress, what's wrong with you?"

Ye Jiao stared at her for a moment without speaking, instead curving her lips into a smile.

Little Ginseng was naturally beautiful, with delicate features and clear eyes. No matter how much she ate, her chin remained pointed, and her palm-sized face was pretty from far or near.

Now Ye Jiao had two patches of blush on her cheeks, her nose tip was also red, and her eyes were veiled with moisture. Light shimmered in those eyes like nighttime stars, making even Little Su unconsciously blush.

This was... too beautiful.

Ye Jiao was barely standing with her support, but when she spoke, her voice was soft and gentle, "Little Su, why do you keep swaying? Stop swaying, it's making me dizzy."

Hearing this and smelling the faint wine scent in Ye Jiao's words, Little Su knew her Second Young Mistress was drunk.

Though she didn't know where the wine came from, Little Su had seen women servants drink before and heard them say that drinking on an empty stomach was easiest to cause drunkenness. Now with her Second Young Mistress having eaten nothing, getting dizzy after a few sips was normal.

Little Su immediately straightened up, supporting Ye Jiao a bit more, and said gently, "Second Young Mistress, you've had too much to drink. Let me help you rest, okay?"

Ye Jiao blinked. Too much to drink, too much of what?

Her head was confused, and words she understood could become incomprehensible. She held onto the door frame refusing to move, just saying softly, "I don't want to rest, I want to find my husband."

Little Su couldn't persuade her, and when Ye Jiao spoke so softly, it was truly impossible to refuse. Little Su kept agreeing and coaxed her to sit down. Fearing she might bump into the pot and get burned, she had a woman servant remove the copper pot first, then went to find Qi Yun.

Since both sides faced each other through doors, Little Su knocked and said, "Second Young Master, Second Young Mistress... Second Young Mistress asks if you'd like tea?"

Little Su had been well-taught by Nanny Liu and knew not to casually say the master was drunk. Getting drunk during the day wasn't good, and if Manager Qin heard, it might cause trouble, so she changed her phrasing.

Manager Qin just thought Second Young Mistress missed her husband and came to urge him. He smiled inwardly but kept a serious expression as he stood to take his leave.

Only after he left did Qi Yun push open the door to the side room. As soon as he entered, someone threw themselves into his arms.

He quickly caught the soft person in his embrace. Before he could figure out what had happened, he heard his wife's gentle voice in his ear, "Husband, I'm hungry, and I'm dizzy, and also..."

The woman's hand hung around his neck, and she stopped talking, instead burying her face in his chest.

Qi Yun was somewhat confused and anxious, stepping back to look at his wife and see what was wrong.

The next moment, he saw Ye Jiao touching the hairpin on her head with her pale hand, looking at him pitifully with reddened eyes, her voice actually carrying sobs, "Husband, what should I do? I think I'm growing grass."