Lady of Fortune, Jiao Niang

Chapter 151

This shout completely bewildered Chu Chengyun, who didn't react to what had happened, only instinctively holding little Xu Bao tight so he wouldn't fall.

But Xu Bao's voice didn't attract much attention from others, because the timing coincided with the Imperial Academy opening its doors. The candidates walking out looked particularly exhausted, and those who came to pick them up, whether parents or servants, were all staring intently, searching for their own family members. Naturally they wouldn't notice the situation on the Qi Family's side.

The only ones who really paid attention were the Qi Family's own people.

The women servants needn't be mentioned. Their duty was to protect the young master well. No matter what others said, now that Xu Bao was making a fuss, they naturally had to step forward to help. Little Su also hesitated for a moment, then chose to go over and try to "rescue" Xu Bao.

But faster than all of them was Ye Jiao from the carriage.

Originally Little Ginseng had been half-asleep, but was woken up by her chubby son's shout.

With almost no time to think, Ye Jiao pushed open the carriage door and jumped down directly, snatching Xu Bao into her own arms without even looking!

Then, when Ye Jiao saw Chu Chengyun's bewildered expression, she was also stunned for a moment.

Looking down at the little fatty who was lying in her arms feeling particularly wronged, Ye Jiao bounced him and shook him, "Xu Bao, what were you shouting about just now?"

Xu Bao hugged Ye Jiao's neck tightly. Hearing this, he answered limply, "It's what Daddy said, that bad people would kidnap Xu Bao."

Chu Chengyun's eyes looked at Xu Bao, finally confirming that he hadn't misheard.

He really had called himself a bad person...

Where exactly was I bad?

Ye Jiao remembered the conversation she had heard while changing clothes. Although she had been behind the screen then and couldn't see, she could still hear Qi Yun's instructions to his son.

Ye Jiao wasn't clear what had happened, but the person in front of her couldn't possibly be a bad guy.

However, Ye Jiao didn't know how to explain to Xu Bao, so she could only say, "He won't kidnap Xu Bao. He's... he's your aunt's older brother."

Upon hearing this, Xu Bao immediately straightened his back, his round eyes looking at Ye Jiao, "Aunt? Is it the golden aunt?"

Hearing this, Ye Jiao smiled.

Obviously Princess Huaning's habit of stuffing little gold ingots to the children had been firmly remembered by Xu Bao. Little Ginseng didn't expose this, just smiled and responded, "Yes, that aunt."

Xu Bao's eyes lit up.

Xu Bao had a very good impression of Princess Huaning, not only because of Princess Huaning's good relationship with Ye Jiao, but also because Princess Huaning had a cheerful personality and loved to play. When she came to the Qi Family, she most enjoyed playing with the children. Xu Bao had seen her often, so naturally he remembered clearly.

Since Chu Chengyun was the aunt's older brother, Xu Bao also turned to look at him cheerfully, smiling with curved eyes, his adorable appearance completely free of the wariness and terror from before.

But Xu Bao opened his mouth yet didn't know what to call him, looking at Ye Jiao again.

But Ye Jiao was also somewhat unclear about this form of address. Even though she had been human for so long, she still hadn't sorted out these complex family relationships.

Fortunately, there were several women servants beside them. One came forward and whispered, "He should also be called Uncle."

Upon hearing this, Xu Bao didn't wait for Ye Jiao to speak and softly called out, "Hello, Uncle."

This identity was somewhat complex and sudden. Chu Chengyun thought for a moment before realizing he could escape the identity of a bad person by relying on Princess Huaning's status.

But he couldn't directly say he was the Emperor. Emperors weren't all good people either. Rather than that, it was better to use Princess Huaning's connection.

When Xu Bao saw he didn't respond, he felt he had scared the person earlier and felt somewhat embarrassed.

The little fellow was still young now, but at home he had parents above who loved each other so much they practically stuck together, and soft little siblings below who couldn't even speak. Xu Bao had learned very early how to comfort others while also benefiting himself.

So he directly twisted his body and reached out toward Chu Chengyun, saying, "Uncle, hold me."

One sentence melted Chu Chengyun's heart.

His Majesty the Emperor was almost completely appeased by Xu Bao before he even remembered to be angry.

When Qi Yun and Commander Ye returned, Xu Bao was already grabbing Chu Chengyun's clothes, calling him Uncle this and Uncle that.

Regarding his son acknowledging an emperor as uncle, Qi Yun had never expected this, but now obviously wasn't the time to ask about these things. He suppressed his questions and took Ye Jiao's hand, saying softly, "Why did you come down?"

Ye Jiao squeezed Qi Yun's fingertips to indicate she was fine, her tone gentle, "Xu Bao called me down." Then Ye Jiao's eyes looked toward Commander Ye, her eyebrows curved, "Big Brother."

Although Commander Ye was usually cold and sharp-tongued with outsiders, his face hard as a wooden board, every time he encountered Ye Jiao, his eyebrows and eyes would soften, his voice would warm, and even his tone would become gentle, "Jiao Niang, are you cold? It's still not warm yet, you should wear more."

Ye Jiao obediently shook her head, "I'm not cold." But soon she looked at Qi Yun, "Husband, are you cold? There's a cloak in the carriage, you should put it on, there's wind."

Qi Yun held Ye Jiao's hand, his eyebrows showing the gentleness he only had for Ye Jiao, replying softly, "I'm not cold, don't worry."

Commander Ye watching this young couple felt both gratified and longing.

Gratified by their marital harmony, and longing because he missed Princess Huaning...

At this moment, only Liu Si, who had come with the carriage, saw Qi Ming walking out of the Imperial Academy gates!

Liu Si had originally been standing on a square stone to look over everyone's heads. When he saw Qi Ming, he immediately jumped down from the stone, wanting to tell Qi Yun, but the more nervous he got, the worse his stutter became. He couldn't get a word out with his mouth open, so he simply turned and ran toward Qi Ming.

But Third Master Qi hadn't discovered the Qi Family carriage. It wasn't that Qi Yun had chosen too remote a location, but that Qi Ming was already exhausted.

After spending nine consecutive days crouched in that cage-like examination cubicle, where even standing up would be stared at by the proctoring officials, even with adequate preparation he still couldn't eat or sleep well. Combined with the recent continuous drizzle and bone-chilling wind, he could only rely on thick clothing to ward off the cold. All this made Qi Ming feel as if he had aged several years.

Others said the imperial examination path was difficult, but Qi Ming hadn't had too deep an understanding of this before.

Even after his second brother's health improved and he firmly refused to enter officialdom, this had puzzled Qi Ming. After all, in Third Master Qi's heart, Qi Yun was omnipotent. He himself could achieve Minor Triple First and advance all the way to the metropolitan examination, so Second Brother definitely could too.

But after enduring these nine days of suffering, Qi Ming finally understood that Second Brother was still the most rational.

Not to mention what dangers and hardships he would face after becoming an official, just these few days of torment weren't something Second Brother's weak constitution could withstand.

It was better to make more money and live well... But in the history books, wealthy merchants didn't tend to have good endings. Those who lived smoothly mostly had people in court or imperial protection. Although his second brother had an Imperial Plaque for protection, what if there was no one to rely on in the imperial family?

For a moment, the already exam-addled Qi Ming suddenly felt an inexplicable sense of responsibility.

He had to work hard, had to be a good official, so he could protect the whole family and also protect Second Brother!

And Second Brother having a wife like Second Sister-in-law was enough for this lifetime.

Thinking of this, Qi Ming suddenly remembered what Liu Shi had said about finding him a wife, and his face reddened. He pondered in his heart whether, if he passed the exam, he could have two good things at once. He also wanted someone to feed him osmanthus cakes...

Just as he was thinking, Qi Ming heard someone call his name, "Third Brother!"

Qi Ming turned and saw Wen Liu Lang showing him a brilliant smile.

Originally Qi Ming didn't know Wen Family's Sixth Young Master, but living nearby, plus Wen Liu Lang's intentional friendliness, they had become acquainted over these days. Although this Wen Liu Lang was sixth in the family rankings, after the family division, Wen Liu Lang was the eldest son of the neighbor Wen Family, the oldest of three brothers.

Qi Ming was always gentle with people. Seeing Wen Liu Lang, he smiled and cupped his hands, "Brother Wen."

Wen Liu Lang had delicate features and a tall, slender build. Though his thin lips looked somewhat cold, when he smiled he was very enthusiastic, "No need to be so formal, Third Brother, how did your exam go?"

Speaking of this, Qi Ming shook his head, "Not very well."

Although the topics for all three sessions had inspired him, it was precisely because he had insights that Qi Ming felt he couldn't gauge the bottom.

If it were like before, using flowery essays as decoration, even if he couldn't get first place, he wouldn't be eliminated.

But now, with every word and sentence having substance, if it suited the examiner's taste, he could soar to great heights, but if it didn't suit them, he might be dismissed without a trace.

Worried in his heart, his face showed some dejection. Qi Ming sighed deeply, "One thought makes all the difference. Forget it, it's all up to fate."

Seeing him like this, a flash of satisfaction crossed Wen Liu Lang's face.

After the Qi Family moved here, Qi Ming's reputation as Minor Triple First had spread, and the neighbors praised him constantly, which made Wen Liu Lang resentful.

Originally everyone said Wen Liu Lang wrote well and was learned, but then this half-grown boy came and overshadowed him. Naturally Wen Liu Lang was unwilling.

Now hearing that Third Master Qi hadn't done well, Wen Liu Lang was naturally pleased, his tone rising, "Third Brother, don't worry. At worst you start over. You can take the exam again in three years. Although I feel I wrote decently, I can't be sure I'll definitely pass. Third Brother, you shouldn't take it too hard."

Qi Ming didn't detect the schadenfreude in these words, but looked up at him and said with particular sincerity, "Then I'll first wish Brother Wen success on the golden list."

Wen Liu Lang smiled, "I'll take your good wishes."

Just then, Liu Si had already run over to the two men. He reached out to take the book basket and bundle of bedding and clothes Qi Ming was carrying, securing them tightly, then said to Qi Ming, "Th-th-th-third Young Master, Se-second... Second Young Master and Second Young Mistress are wa-wa-waiting for you over there."

Qi Ming looked up carefully and indeed saw his family's carriage.

But before he could speak, he heard Wen Liu Lang ask in surprise, "Third Brother, why do you keep such an inarticulate book attendant? Aren't you afraid he'll delay things?"

Upon hearing this, Qi Ming looked at Wen Liu Lang.

Actually, according to Wen Liu Lang's temperament, he was usually someone who could put on airs. He could speak such blunt words now only because he saw Qi Ming had a good temper and was certain he wouldn't get angry, so he casually asked this question.

But he didn't know that this Third Master Qi had a good temper, true, and little experience, also true, but his temperament had the particular stubbornness and protectiveness of Qi Family people.

Without saying much, Third Master Qi looked at Liu Si again and reached out to take his arm, "Good, I understand. Liu Si, you lead me there. I didn't see them. Let's go quickly, I'm very hungry."

This was Qi Ming telling a lie, just to make his little book attendant happy.

Sure enough, Liu Si, who had just seemed somewhat cowed by Wen Liu Lang's words, immediately raised his head and pulled back on Qi Ming's wrist, "Young Master, don't... don't rush, hold tight to me, don't get separated. I-I'll take you over."

Qi Ming then politely said to Wen Liu Lang, "Farewell," before leaving.

But before they had gone far, he heard from behind them Wen Liu Lang's servant say, "Sixth Young Master, Madam's carriage is waiting over there."

And Wen Liu Lang's voice came with some annoyance, "She's just a second wife, always trying to overshadow my mother. Now she wants to steal my spotlight at a time like this. Why give her that face? Return to the residence."

Qi Ming's steps paused slightly, then without looking back, he walked away calmly, letting Liu Si pull him along.

When Ye Jiao saw Qi Ming, Third Master Qi's forehead was already sweating.

Little Ginseng was stunned for a moment. Not caring about anything else, she stepped forward to support Qi Ming, imperceptibly circling his wrist with her finger, asking, "What's wrong? Are you ill?"

Qi Ming shook his head, forcing a smile, "It's nothing, just didn't eat well inside, and I'm tired and hungry."

Ye Jiao also felt his pulse, strong and vigorous with no illness. It seemed he was indeed as he said, just hungry. She nodded to Qi Yun, and Second Young Master Qi breathed a sigh of relief.

But as soon as Little Ginseng let go, she found herself holding a little fatty.

Xu Bao, who had just been treasured in Chu Chengyun's arms, was now directly stuffed into Ye Jiao's arms. Chu Chengyun strode to Qi Ming's front, his brow slightly furrowed as he looked at him, "Looking like this, hunger can make you this way? No good, you should go find a medical clinic for a proper examination."

Qi Ming quickly grabbed him, "Sworn brother, don't panic. I'm really just hungry. Having a doctor feed me bitter medicine would be worse than letting me eat something..."

"Avoiding medical treatment is unacceptable." But Chu Chengyun didn't believe him at all, directly grabbing Qi Ming and saying to Qi Yun, "Second Brother, rest assured, I will definitely send him back safely."

Where would Qi Yun be uneasy? Following Chu Chengyun was more reassuring than being anywhere else.

So Qi Yun ignored his third brother's pleading gaze and replied seriously, "Then I'll trouble Your Maj... Third Young Master. I'm afraid I'll also have to trouble Third Young Master to find some food for my brother."

Chu Chengyun nodded, "He won't go hungry." After saying this, he grabbed Qi Ming and strode away.

Commander Ye quickly followed, not even having time to properly say goodbye to Ye Jiao.

Little Ginseng held Xu Bao and walked to Qi Yun's side, asking softly, "Is it alright?"

"Don't worry."

"Then husband, you said earlier you wanted to go to the restaurant, wasn't that preparation wasted?"

"Then we'll go eat, just without taking Third Brother. Let's go."

That evening, Qi Ming, who was sent back to the Qi Family by Commander Ye, had already been cleaned up and was wearing new clothes, but he looked wilted. When he went to find Qi Yun, he directly collapsed into a chair like he had no bones.

Ye Jiao had originally been eating apricot cheese. Seeing him like this, she was startled and wanted to go check his pulse again, but was stopped by Qi Yun.

Second Young Master Qi said softly to Ye Jiao, "He's been tense for so many days. If he wants to be unrestrained today, let him."

Upon hearing this, Ye Jiao felt nothing, but Qi Ming, who had also heard it, felt quite moved.

Although his second brother usually found various ways to discipline him, when it really mattered, the care between real brothers was most important.

Then Qi Ming heard Qi Yun say, "After he recovers, I'll have him copy the Book of Rites fifty times."

Upon hearing this, Qi Ming immediately sat up straight and looked at Qi Yun seriously, "Younger brother was momentarily carried away just now. I hope Second Brother and Second Sister-in-law won't mind."

Ye Jiao said nothing, but looked at Qi Yun.

Qi Yun was feeding a spoonful of apricot cheese to Xu Bao, who was waiting with his mouth open. After Xu Bao ate it, he looked at Qi Ming, "No problem, but why did you come back so late?"

Speaking of this, Qi Ming looked troubled as he honestly told Qi Yun.

After being taken away by Chu Chengyun at noon, he went to some unknown family's residence, where a white-bearded man nervously took his pulse, said a bunch of incomprehensible medical theories, then prescribed medicine for him to drink. With Chu Chengyun watching, Qi Ming could only pinch his nose and swallow it.

"That medicine was particularly bitter, so bitter that even eating had no flavor." As Qi Ming spoke, he wanted to slump again, but when Qi Yun's eyes swept over him, he immediately sat up straight and didn't dare move carelessly.

Ye Jiao was somewhat confused, "Your body is fine, why did you need to drink medicine?"

Qi Ming was also bewildered, while Qi Yun understood clearly.

It seemed Chu Chengyun had dragged Qi Ming to an imperial physician's home for examination. Although Qi Yun had never seen an imperial physician, he did know several doctors who specifically treated high officials and nobles.

Even if the body had no illness, they couldn't say so outright, for fear of being involved in the secret competitions between noble masters. Since they couldn't tell the truth, they could only speak ambiguously, prescribing some strengthening formulas with no particular effect. Drinking them wouldn't cause harm, and it cleared themselves of responsibility.

It seemed his third brother had indeed drunk a belly full of tonic medicine. Otherwise, being so tired for several days, he wouldn't have the energy to come to his place and complain after returning home.

But Qi Ming was a kind-hearted child. Even though he had drunk a belly full of bitter medicine, he was now defending Chu Chengyun, "Sworn brother just cares too much, that's why he was nervous."

Qi Yun looked at him without speaking.

Ye Jiao wiped Xu Bao's mouth with a handkerchief, then pinched the little fellow's chubby cheeks, before smiling at Qi Ming, "Since there's nothing wrong, Third Brother should go back early to sleep and rest. Mother sent a letter earlier saying to write her a letter after your exam finished."

Qi Yun nodded, looking at Qi Ming, "There are still some days before the results are announced. You should also adjust your mood and rest well, and study well."

But Qi Ming said, "Second Brother, I have something I want to discuss with you."

Qi Yun continued pouring tea for Ye Jiao while replying blandly, "Speak."

Qi Ming hesitated, then said, "I want to follow you around the shop these next few days."

Upon hearing this, not only Qi Yun but even Ye Jiao looked at him in surprise.

Since ancient times, the social hierarchy was scholars, farmers, artisans, merchants, and this ranking hadn't changed much.

Even though merchants' status had risen dramatically, having someone with the rank of Recommended Man help in shops was truly unheard of.

Xu Bao also blinked his eyes and asked in his baby voice, "Third Uncle isn't studying anymore? Then how will you become Prime Minister?"

Qi Ming smiled and picked up Xu Bao, bouncing him on his lap while looking at Qi Yun, "Second Brother, I feel I can't endure hardship now. Being idle and ignorant of practical matters, just one metropolitan examination could exhaust me. I don't know how I'll manage the future. I always need to find something to do."

At another time, Qi Yun would definitely scold him and then chase him back to his room to study.

But now, Qi Yun had other plans.

He carefully examined Qi Ming, then nodded, "That's fine. Since you have this intention, I won't refuse. However, you can't go to that shop. I'll have Manager Qin accompany you to walk around and look around the Capital. If you want to go to the suburbs, I just bought an estate there where you can also stay for a few days."

Upon hearing this, everyone in the room stared at Qi Yun.

However, Xu Bao was looking at the apricot cheese in Qi Yun's hand, Qi Ming was happy that Qi Yun had agreed so readily, while Ye Jiao was surprised about yet another new estate.

Little Ginseng felt that compared to herself, her husband was more like someone who knew magic.

First a restaurant, then an estate, her husband's hands probably truly held a cornucopia.

But after Qi Ming left holding Xu Bao, Qi Yun said softly to Ye Jiao, "I arranged that estate according to how you had the mountain estate back home, with a large cool house. When it gets hot, we'll go stay there."

Ye Jiao smiled and agreed, but her eyes kept looking at Qi Yun.

Qi Yun said nothing, just opened his arms.

Little Ginseng got up and sat sideways on Qi Yun's lap, leaning in his arms. She kissed this person's cheek, her voice soft, "Husband, you're truly wonderful."

Qi Yun smiled and held her tighter in his arms.

After being affectionate for a while, Ye Jiao remembered to ask, "Husband, why did you agree to Third Brother so easily just now? Earlier you said you'd make him copy books."

There were some things Qi Yun couldn't say to Qi Ming, but with Ye Jiao he spoke without reservation. This time he also didn't hide anything, saying straightforwardly, "After all, there are only two outcomes. If the metropolitan examination didn't go well, the palace examination has nothing to do with him, so there are still three years. Letting him see more would be good. If the metropolitan examination went well, the palace examination depends purely on his ability, and this short time won't make a difference."

Ye Jiao looked up at him, "What ability?"

Qi Yun's expression was calm, "The ability to write well while in shock."

At the palace examination, the Emperor would personally set the questions and personally proctor. At that time, if his third brother knew his sworn brother was the Emperor, whether he could finish writing properly would really depend on himself.

Although having this relationship was something others couldn't even hope for, Qi Yun knew Qi Ming best. He seemed calm and had grand aspirations for the country and the world in his heart. Having him as an official could make him a capable administrator, but he was ultimately still young with little experience. His mind was definitely not as steady and sophisticated as it appeared.

But although Qi Yun worried about these things, he wouldn't constantly fret over them.

When Ye Jiao kissed the corner of his mouth again, Qi Yun carried his wife into the inner room to study the mysterious secrets in books together.

After a few days, Ye Jiao sent out her invitation cards, inviting the neighbors to come taste tea at home.

When the day arrived, Ye Jiao had just finished breakfast when Little Su entered and said, "Second Young Mistress, Madam Wen has already arrived at the front hall."