novelraw Chapter 150
Chapter 150
When the little fellow ran in, Little Su was following closely behind.
Now that Xu Bao could run and jump, he was much more lively than before, and he ran particularly fast. Little Su just protecting him made her break into a sweat.
When Xu Bao was vigorously patting the door, Little Su wanted to stop him but it was already too late.
Seeing him push the door open and enter, Little Su could only crouch down, hug Xu Bao's chubby body to prevent him from barging into the inner room, and whisper to him, "Little ancestor, Second Young Master and Second Young Mistress are doing important things. Let's wait outside for them, okay?"
Xu Bao raised his chubby little face to look at Little Su, his voice crisp, "Third Uncle is important!"
This wasn't something Xu Bao made up, but what Qi Yun had personally told the little fellow.
Present-day Xu Bao still didn't understand what imperial examinations were. Qi Yun's explanation was "if you want to become prime minister, you must work hard at this thing." Xu Bao's ambition was to become prime minister to manage his father. He always grabbed his father to read books to him. This was very important, so imperial examinations were very important.
Qi Ming was good to him, always willing to coax him and read him stories. Now that Qi Ming had gone for imperial examinations, Xu Bao naturally assumed Third Uncle was doing something great.
All other matters could be set aside. Right now the most important thing was to find Third Uncle!
Xu Bao even tugged at the small clothes on his body, "Xu Bao specially dressed up to find Third Uncle."
Little Su looked at the bright red clothes Xu Bao was wearing and for a moment didn't know what to say. Fortunately, the inner room door opened.
Qi Yun was drawing Ye Jiao's eyebrows. Hearing the commotion outside, he came to open the door and look. At a glance he saw his chubby son staring at him.
Second Young Master Qi was holding spiral black pigment and couldn't hold him, so he could only ask, "So early, how did Xu Bao run over by himself?" Then he looked at Little Su, "Has he eaten?"
Before Little Su could speak, Xu Bao immediately answered, "Xu Bao will eat with Mother." Then he craned his neck to look inside.
Qi Yun indicated that Little Su could release Xu Bao, then he returned to the vanity mirror holding the spiral black pigment, while helping Ye Jiao draw her eyebrows again and saying, "Wait a moment."
Xu Bao pattered over and hugged Qi Yun's leg, "Daddy, when are we leaving?"
Qi Yun didn't immediately respond to him, but carefully drew the distant mountain-style eyebrows he was most skilled at.
Although today was about picking up Qi Ming, this was also Ye Jiao's first proper outing since entering the Capital.
After arriving in the Capital, Qi Yun discovered the biggest difference between here and their hometown wasn't wealth or official power, but that people's eyes here were never idle.
Those who could live in the Capital all had some ability of their own. Whether merchants or officials, they were never ordinary people.
So they were accustomed to sizing up others. Even if they didn't look openly, they would steal glances, then ponder and speculate in their hearts, imagining entire dramas.
Now that his Jiao Niang was appearing in public for the first time, there would certainly be others' eyes watching her from the shadows. Qi Yun didn't think Ye Jiao needed to deliberately make any changes. Rather, he himself needed to do his job well to protect his wife.
Drawing eyebrows was one such task.
After finishing, Qi Yun put down the spiral black pigment, wiped his hands with a cloth, then bent down to pick up Xu Bao and said to him, "We'll leave after breakfast."
Xu Bao clung to Qi Yun's neck like he was being spoiled, his chubby cheeks nuzzling against him, softly pleading, "Take Xu Bao, Xu Bao will be good, take Xu Bao along."
Qi Yun bounced him but didn't answer.
Ye Jiao had originally been applying flower ornaments to her forehead while looking in the mirror. Seeing the silence, she turned back to look, then saw her husband had no expression but his eyes were smiling, clearly seeing through Xu Bao's thoughts and enjoying his son's pleas.
Little Ginseng didn't expose him, letting the father and son be affectionate. She got up and had Little Su set the table, then the two of them ate breakfast with one child. After Ye Jiao fed the twins, Qi Yun sat by the soft couch playing with the twins and Xu Bao, while Ye Jiao went behind the screen to change clothes.
Women were always slower when going out, and Ye Jiao was the same. Not that she was dawdling, but women's clothing had layer upon layer. You had to consider color coordination, choose hair ornaments, and match appropriate forehead decorations and makeup. If any element was wrong, it wouldn't work.
Ye Jiao was easygoing about other matters, but she was as persistent as any ordinary woman about making herself beautiful.
Qi Yun held Ning Bao in his left hand and Ruyi in his right, swaying gently, hoping to lull them to sleep so he and Ye Jiao could go out later.
Ning Bao was always well-behaved, lying in Qi Yun's arms holding a ball of yarn. He could fall asleep by himself without Qi Yun's swaying.
But Ruyi wouldn't have any of this. She squirmed uncomfortably, muttering incomprehensible sounds that made Qi Yun somewhat puzzled. Then he heard Xu Bao say, "Daddy, put little sister down."
Qi Yun didn't understand, "Why?"
Xu Bao's little face answered very seriously, "Little sister feels uncomfortable from the poking."
Qi Yun: ......
Second Young Master Qi admitted he was indeed somewhat thin. Even though he was much more solid than before, he still hadn't gained much flesh.
But being so bluntly called out still made Qi Yun somewhat helpless.
After putting down the already sleeping Ning Bao and the still fussing Ruyi, Qi Yun looked at Xu Bao and asked, "How did you know?"
Xu Bao moved close to Ruyi's side to hug her, while saying to Qi Yun, "Because when Daddy holds me, Xu Bao also feels uncomfortable from the poking." That expression was straightforward yet considerate, as if telling Qi Yun he hadn't mentioned it before out of filial consideration.
Qi Yun: ......
When Ruyi saw Ning Bao was asleep, she didn't bother him. She turned and hugged Xu Bao, laughing cheerfully while grabbing Xu Bao's fingers and shaking them back and forth.
Xu Bao also played with her properly, sitting up straight with his two little chubby hands tightly hugging Ruyi to prevent her from falling.
This made Qi Yun feel gratified. Although his chubby son usually seemed to know only how to act spoiled and throw tantrums, whenever he was in front of his little brother and sister, he was very much like a big brother.
But Ruyi was still small and soon became sleepy, falling asleep while lying on Xu Bao.
Nanny Mo came forward to carry away the two little babies and take them to the adjacent room to sleep.
Qi Yun took advantage of this time to pick up Xu Bao and put him on his lap facing him. Second Young Master Qi looked at him and instructed, "I'm taking you this time, but there are many people outside with complicated situations. You need to pay attention and not run around, or bad people will target you."
Xu Bao bit his finger and tilted his head, not quite understanding, "Bad people?"
Qi Yun didn't know how to explain. Saying too much might scare him, and if such a young child started being afraid of people, it would be hard to teach him later. But he couldn't not say anything, lest a moment's carelessness result in someone carrying him off.
So Qi Yun could only describe it vaguely, "If someone sees you and asks your name, what your parents do, says they're friends of your parents and wants to carry you away, those are bad people."
Although Xu Bao was small, his memory was excellent. He immediately repeated it back, then asked, "What should Xu Bao do? Xu Bao can't bear to leave Mother and Daddy."
Hearing this, Qi Yun was gratified and patted his son's head. His heart sighed that Xu Bao's head was indeed a full circle larger than other children's, while he said, "If you really encounter this, just shout 'Someone's kidnapping a child, catch the bad person,' and someone will save you."
Xu Bao nodded and carefully memorized this.
Just then, Ye Jiao emerged from behind the screen.
She had chosen a lake-blue curved-hem robe that fit snugly throughout and flared at the bottom. A piece of purple jade hung from her waist sash. At this moment Ye Jiao hadn't yet arranged her hair, with her long hair loosely tied at the ends with a ribbon. When she moved, wisps of hair fell beside her ears, so beautiful that Qi Yun unconsciously held his breath.
This outfit was made by the silk shop Ye Jiao had seen before, using the finest materials.
Previously, Second Young Master Qi hadn't thought the quality of clothing made much difference. After all, he liked this person, and even if a fairy came, he wouldn't spare a glance. As for attire, as long as it was suitable, he didn't have any particular feelings about the rest.
But at this moment, Qi Yun suddenly understood why women had so many pursuits regarding beautiful clothes and jewelry, and why silk shops in the Capital charged more for one fine garment than gold was worth.
"What adorns her head? Emerald leaves hanging by her temples. What can be seen behind? Pearls pressing her waist sash, fitting perfectly."
But in this instant of distraction, Qi Yun didn't speak. Instead, Xu Bao spoke first, shouting, "Mother is beautiful!" Then he raised his hands wanting Ye Jiao to hold him.
Little Ginseng immediately smiled, walked over to scoop up Xu Bao and hug him, kissing him several times.
Qi Yun stared at this little flatterer and snorted lightly, though he showed nothing on his face. Instead, his expression was calm as he said, "I'll go have Tie Zi hitch the carriage. We'll leave shortly."
But when leaving, Qi Yun still leaned close to Ye Jiao's ear and said softly, "Make a few more next time. I'll accompany you."
Ye Jiao agreed with a sound, smiling with curved eyes.
When the Qi Family carriage went to the Imperial Academy, there were already several other carriages waiting there.
Qi Yun didn't have the carriage push too far forward, but found a shady spot to stop. He brought Ye Jiao down to walk around and stretch their bodies. When he saw the crowd growing, he returned to the carriage with Ye Jiao. He neither greeted anyone nor acted too conspicuously.
But there were still quite a few eyes looking in that direction. Dong Shi from the Wen Family carriage was one of them.
After the Qi couple returned to their carriage, Dong Shi lowered the curtain without speaking. A woman servant beside her whispered, "Madam, should we go greet the Qi Family?"
The woman servant's meaning was clear to Dong Shi. Now the Wen Family and Qi Family were neighbors, and with her real brother Shi Tianrui being friends with the Qi Family, it would be appropriate for her to go greet them.
But Dong Shi made no move.
She was different from Shi Tianrui. Shi Tianrui was devoted to serving the country, brilliant but with a lofty character. If not for his past incompatibility with officialdom, he wouldn't have been demoted from the Capital.
But Dong Shi was patient, thinking three steps ahead with every action, extremely cautious and careful.
Even knowing the Qi Family had become her neighbors, Dong Shi had never revealed a word about it in letters to Shi Tianrui. Now she certainly wouldn't actively approach the Qi Family, saying softly to the woman servant, "No rush. The Qi Family lady will certainly come to deliver invitation cards soon enough. We can discuss it then. Otherwise, rushing over now to curry favor, given my current situation, if they think I'm trying to borrow their influence, it would actually make things difficult to get along."
Hearing this, the woman servant's face showed some indignation, "But every time invitation cards come, they're intercepted by that little wretch in the west courtyard. They never reach our hands."
Dong Shi said nothing, just covered her mouth with a handkerchief.
The Wen Family had one wife and three concubines. Dong Shi, with her family fallen, was no longer valued even as the legitimate wife. With no children, everything was controlled by the favored concubine Sun Shi, who had borne sons. Now Dong Shi basically didn't manage household affairs. Except for occasions requiring the legitimate wife's presence, she ignored everything else.
But she had her own calculations, "Don't worry. Although my husband is confused about relations between men and women, he won't be muddled about these matters. If news of favoring concubines and destroying wives spread, neither he nor I would have face. No matter how favored Sun Shi is, she can't touch these matters. Otherwise, why would he have me come out to wait when his son is taking the examination?"
The woman servant thought about it and felt this made sense, so she said nothing more.
But she didn't see the coldness in Dong Shi's eyes.
There had long been no affection between her and the Wen Family head. They rarely even spoke, and though called husband and wife, they were less than strangers.
Dong Shi had just been observing. Even though Qi Yun and Ye Jiao had only come down to walk briefly for less than an incense stick's time, those two were clearly devoted to each other.
They were truly an enviable couple that others couldn't envy even if they tried.
No wonder her sister-in-law Zheng Shi, who was quite scheming, would grow close to Ye Jiao. Every letter praised her several times. Now, even just seeing her once, Dong Shi felt warmth in her heart.
There were probably quite a few people staring at them just now, likely many with jealous and envious eyes. Dong Shi was calm and peaceful. Perhaps because there was no hope in her own family, and she wasn't the type of madwoman who wanted everyone to suffer if she couldn't be happy herself, seeing Ye Jiao now actually filled Dong Shi with goodwill.
Squeezing the silk handkerchief in her hand, Dong Shi closed her eyes and said no more.
Ye Jiao had no idea that just walking around briefly could attract such envy. She was sitting in the carriage, leaning against Qi Yun, holding a piece of osmanthus cake and putting it in her mouth.
Qi Yun had placed a silk handkerchief on her lap to prevent osmanthus cake crumbs from soiling her dress. His other hand encircled Ye Jiao's slender waist, looking at Ye Jiao with smiling eyes.
In the past, Qi Yun would never have imagined he could become entranced watching someone eat. But now, he couldn't see enough of his Jiao Niang doing anything, wishing his eyes could grow on Ye Jiao's body, wanting to keep his wife in his arms and carry her everywhere.
Ye Jiao misunderstood Qi Yun's meaning. Seeing him staring at her, she offered the half-eaten osmanthus cake, "Husband, do you want some?"
Qi Yun wasn't fond of sweets, but since Ye Jiao offered, he wouldn't refuse. He took the osmanthus cake from Ye Jiao's hand and ate it.
Xu Bao watched enviously but didn't speak up to compete.
The little baby understood very well when he could act spoiled with his parents and when he should sit quietly. Having grown up watching his parents' harmony, he was quite perceptive in this regard.
But staying in the carriage for a long time became boring. It would be fine if the carriage was moving, but just sitting motionlessly for several hours made even children feel restless.
So he tugged at Ye Jiao's sleeve and asked, "Mother, Xu Bao wants to go down and play."
Ye Jiao was about to speak when someone knocked on the carriage exterior, saying, "Second Young Master, Manager Qin sent someone with a message."
Hearing this, Qi Yun said to Ye Jiao, "You sit in the carriage for now. I'll take Xu Bao down for a walk."
Ye Jiao nodded and helped Qi Yun smooth the wrinkles at his collar, then watched him carry Xu Bao down from the carriage.
Qi Yun set Xu Bao on the ground and instructed him, "Just walk around here. You can't run far. Do you remember everything I told you before?"
Xu Bao immediately straightened his back, "I remember."
Only then did Qi Yun nod, indicating that the woman servants nearby should follow him. He gave Xu Bao a nine-ring puzzle, and seeing Xu Bao obediently sit on a small stool working on the nine-ring puzzle, he called Tie Zi over to talk.
Tie Zi looked around, and seeing no one else nearby, said to Qi Yun, "Second Young Master, Manager Qin said he's found the old man who made ceramics from before. They're staying at an inn outside the city. They were originally planning to return to their hometown. Their rivals have also been identified," Tie Zi lowered his voice, "it's the Wen Family."
Qi Yun raised his eyebrows slightly, his voice calm, "Which Wen Family?"
"Our neighbors." As he spoke, Tie Zi glanced toward the distance where the Wen Family carriage was.
Hearing this, Qi Yun frowned slightly.
Previously, Qi Yun hadn't wanted any dealings with the Wen Family. In his view, those with troubled inner quarters usually had chaos in front as well. So much so that Qi Yun hadn't even inquired carefully about their affairs, thinking peaceful coexistence would suffice. After all, there was no business overlap and no need for close friendship.
But now it seemed this Wen Family was even more chaotic than he'd imagined.
However, after thinking briefly, Qi Yun said, "Go tell Manager Qin now to find a way to have them stay temporarily. We'll cover their food and lodging. We can discuss other matters after they've rested."
Tie Zi acknowledged and ran off to relay the message.
Qi Yun then looked back at Xu Bao.
The little fatty had said he wanted to come down and wander around, but actually he just disliked being cooped up in the carriage. As long as he could get out, he didn't run around wildly. He sat obediently working on the nine-ring puzzle, unhurried and patient, quite focused.
Qi Yun didn't help or approach, but stood at a distance looking around.
He had chosen a good spot to park the carriage. They could see the surroundings but were in a sheltered spot where conversations wouldn't easily be overheard. Plus, with the Qi Family's unclear background, ordinary families didn't approach them much, so the area was quite spacious.
There was less than an hour until the Imperial Academy opened. Quite a few people had already arrived, including some standing below waiting, though few exchanged greetings.
After all, everyone's thoughts were inside the Imperial Academy. Rather than spend time on pleasantries, they'd rather pray to heaven for their sons' success.
But looking around, Qi Yun noticed two people who looked particularly familiar.
They had originally been standing far away, but after looking over, they started walking in this direction.
Squinting slightly, Qi Yun quickly recognized their identities.
Chu Chengyun, and Commander Ye.
Both looked very low-key. Unfamiliar people would certainly not recognize them at a glance. Chu Chengyun was even wearing a scholar's cap and carrying a paper fan, completely different from his previous appearance.
Even with many people around, when they lowered their heads slightly, probably no one would think the ruler of the nation would be strolling around outside the Imperial Academy at this time.
Qi Yun didn't just stand there either, but walked toward them.
This allowed Chu Chengyun and Commander Ye to smoothly reach Qi Yun. Upon seeing Chu Chengyun again, Qi Yun immediately showed surprise, then was about to bow, "This commoner..."
"Enough. I'm disguised leaving the palace, so you don't need all those empty courtesies." Chu Chengyun was obviously delighted to see surprise on Qi Yun's face. He raised his hand to stop Qi Yun's movement, but his eyes looked toward the Imperial Academy gates.
Qi Yun naturally knew Chu Chengyun had come to see Qi Ming. He was moved that his third brother had such good fortune, but outwardly remained composed, saying softly, "Your Majesty's concern for scholars throughout the realm is truly admirable."
This statement hit right at Chu Chengyun's weak spot.
He obviously thought his secret meetings with Qi Ming were hidden from everyone. Qi Yun certainly wouldn't know, and his coming here now was private. But when Qi Yun put it this way, it became completely honorable. Chu Chengyun immediately smiled, "Indeed, these are all future pillars of the court, so naturally they deserve more attention."
Commander Ye listened from the side, somewhat confused.
Was his brother-in-law flattering? But it didn't sound like it. His brother-in-law was someone who cared about the country and the world, and would never do such things. He must be speaking sincerely. Sigh, his brother-in-law was still too straightforward. Commander Ye sighed inwardly.
The three men talked, though rather than a formal exchange, it was more like casual conversation. Qi Yun explained the merchant caravan matters one by one. As this was Chu Chengyun's first investment, he was particularly interested and listened carefully.
Although Commander Ye couldn't join the conversation, he listened attentively too.
He didn't care how much money Chu Chengyun made. Compared to the emperor's master, he was more concerned about how much return his brother-in-law could get, so his sister could live better and he could feel at ease.
But Chu Chengyun's attention wasn't on Qi Yun. Soon he was attracted by a little meatball.
Unconsciously walking over, Chu Chengyun stopped in front of Xu Bao and stared down at him.
For Chu Chengyun, he had never forced the issue of having children. Unlike typical imperial nobles, Chu Chengyun wasn't someone who thought about having countless children to consolidate imperial power every day. He also cherished Empress Meng, never bringing up the topic proactively, afraid of hurting her feelings.
But in his heart, like Empress Meng, he loved children.
Xu Bao was adorable, sitting there soft and cuddly, making anyone want to get close to him.
But standing like this blocked the sunlight in front of Xu Bao.
Xu Bao paused his movements, frowned slightly. The moment his eyebrows furrowed, his expression was exactly like Qi Yun's, but when he looked up, those eyes were crystal clear, his little chubby face looking completely harmless.
During their conversation, Xu Bao had been fiddling with the nine-ring puzzle, neither listening nor watching.
Now suddenly seeing a stranger standing in front of him, Xu Bao first scooted backward, making sure the women servants were still beside him, then opened his mouth softly, "Who are you?"
One sentence made Chu Chengyun's heart melt.
The milk babies he usually saw were mostly taught extensively by their families before being brought before him, proper and well-behaved, even trembling when speaking to him, making Chu Chengyun feel like he was some fierce demon. So he wasn't very willing to see children anymore.
Now suddenly seeing one who wasn't afraid of him, Chu Chengyun became interested and smiled, "I'm your daddy's friend. Who are you?"
Xu Bao blinked his big eyes but didn't speak.
Chu Chengyun didn't mind either. Looking at Xu Bao's age, he knew this should be Qi Yun and Ye Jiao's first son. This child's given name was Qi Ce, and when Ye Jiao was pregnant with him, Chu Chengyun had even said he would help choose a courtesy name for him in the future.
At that time, Chu Chengyun felt he would probably march off never to return, since he had no one supporting him then. His other brothers all seemed more capable than him, and Chu Chengyun was severely injured, inevitably feeling melancholy.
Wanting to give Xu Bao a courtesy name was also giving himself hope, or rather having more expectations for the future.
Now, as the Son of Heaven, he remained pure-hearted and hadn't forgotten everything from the past.
Seeing Xu Bao now naturally made him feel even closer than seeing other children.
So Chu Chengyun smiled and said, "It doesn't matter, I know you're called Xu Bao. I just saw your daddy. Shall I carry you to find him?" Then Chu Chengyun bent down and scooped Xu Bao into his arms.
Xu Bao hadn't had time to resist before being held in his embrace.
Qi Yun in the distance saw this but didn't mind, actually pleased that his son could be close to Chu Chengyun.
The women servants nearby saw he knew their masters and Little Su had signaled them to be quiet, so these women servants didn't say much either.
But Xu Bao suddenly pushed Chu Chengyun's shoulder.
This push baffled Chu Chengyun, but his body was solid and he steadily protected Xu Bao, even supporting his back so the little fellow wouldn't fall.
But Chu Chengyun didn't know that Xu Bao was panicking terribly inside.
Though he was small, his memory was consistently excellent, and Qi Yun's earlier warnings had made an even deeper impression on Xu Bao.
The little fellow's head clearly remembered what Qi Yun had told him:
Bad people were those who said they knew Xu Bao's parents, asked his name, and wanted to carry him away!
This person was about to carry him away now!
Bad guy!
So when the Imperial Academy gates opened in the distance, the little fatty exerted himself, propping his arms to keep Chu Chengyun away from him while stretching his neck to shout, "Daddy, Mommy, help! Bad people kidnapping children!"