Lady of Fortune, Jiao Niang

Chapter 152

Regarding the Wen Family, Ye Jiao's understanding wasn't deep. Qi Yun also hadn't told her about the various disputes outside, to avoid upsetting her, only mentioning that the Wen Family was complicated and there was no need to get too close, though he never said they should distance themselves either.

Fundamentally, everything Second Young Master Qi did was for his wife and children. What Ye Jiao liked was what he liked.

Even though Qi Yun was now ambivalent about the Wen Family due to the porcelain matter, he didn't stop Ye Jiao from making friends.

When Ye Jiao sent out invitation cards, she had sent one to the Wen Family. From what the young servant said when he returned, she didn't think the Wen Family was very enthusiastic, but she hadn't expected Madam Wen to be the first to arrive.

She adjusted the hairpin on her head and looked at herself in the mirror, then turned to ask Little Su, "Do I look good?"

Little Su's ears turned red as she quickly nodded, "Beautiful, Second Young Mistress looks so beautiful."

This wasn't Little Su's insincere flattery, but because these past few days Qi Yun had clearly developed a fondness for dressing up his wife. He sent jewelry and hairpins in rotation, and silk clothing could be chosen at will. Ye Jiao wasn't stingy either, keeping whatever she liked, so naturally she wasn't lacking in things to beautify herself.

Qi Yun had also specifically hired an experienced woman servant who was skilled in these matters to help her select and coordinate outfits. Ye Jiao only needed to speak, and everything else was served by others.

Ordinary women who couldn't dress themselves were either too plain or turned their heads into jewelry stores with random insertions.

But Qi Yun had considered everything thoroughly, specifically finding a woman servant to help. With Ye Jiao's good foundation, just a little attention made her exceptionally beautiful.

In just a few days, Little Ginseng, who had once been merely pretty and charming, had become the elegant and dignified wealthy merchant's wife she was now.

But for Ye Jiao, it was just wearing prettier clothes and more beautiful jewelry. She didn't feel much different otherwise.

She smiled at herself in the mirror again, then took Little Su to the front hall.

When she arrived, she saw that not only had Madam Wen come, but Princess Huaning was also sitting inside.

But when Ye Jiao saw Madam Wen, she was stunned for a moment.

Actually, Little Ginseng had met quite a few people by now. Combined with her clear understanding and bright eyes, even if she couldn't guess through many people's calculations and schemes, her first impression of people was always accurate.

There were good ones and bad ones, whether close or distant, Ye Jiao had seen them all. But she rarely encountered someone who looked like the person before her.

Neither sad nor happy, sitting there coldly, eyes looking distantly with a touch of cold, deathly air...

Huh, this looks familiar.

Ye Jiao blinked and suddenly remembered, wasn't this similar to the Qi Yun she had first met?

At that time, Little Ginseng had just become human, everything was blurry, she understood nothing. On their wedding night, she only remembered that her new husband was somewhat thin, somewhat pale, somewhat withdrawn. She knew nothing else.

Later, when Ye Jiao recalled, she understood that Qi Yun at that time was already lifeless, counting days to get by. If not for family bonds, Second Young Master Qi would probably have found a well to jump into long ago to end his torment from illness.

This also made Ye Jiao very dislike hearing that person casually speak of life and death. She wanted Qi Yun to live, not to live with thoughts of death.

Now Qi Yun had long since abandoned those thoughts. Second Young Master Qi wished he could live two hundred years, feeling shortchanged by even one day less.

But Ye Jiao saw that familiar expression again on this strange woman's face.

Dong Shi noticed someone entering and turned to see Ye Jiao. Her face showed a gentle expression as she stood up and slightly curtsied, "Mrs. Qi."

Ye Jiao had been drilled in etiquette by Liu Shi for a long time. Her body responded faster than her mind with a return courtesy, then she spoke, "Madam Wen." Then Ye Jiao remembered to say to Little Su, "Bring some cloud-slice cakes."

Hearing this, Little Su was stunned before quickly leaving, but felt very strange in her heart.

This cloud-slice cake was what her Second Young Mistress had specifically requested that morning. The small kitchen had been steaming it continuously, and Ye Jiao never yielded when it came to food. But now she was offering it to this woman she'd met for the first time, which was truly unusual.

Little Su didn't know that Ye Jiao's heart was also curious and confused.

Looking at her complexion, this Madam Wen was healthy. Looking at her clothing, she was also quite wealthy. She shouldn't be so gloomy.

Dong Shi didn't know she had been seen through completely. She sat down with Ye Jiao as host and guest, without saying much.

Instead, Princess Huaning on the side smiled first, "Jiao Niang, you're here. Have you had breakfast? I brought some chicken and mushroom porridge from Linxian Tower, it's still warm. Would you like some together?"

Although Ye Jiao had eaten in the morning, she had indeed expended energy with various preparations for this tea gathering. Hearing Princess Huaning's words, she unconsciously touched her stomach, then obediently nodded, "Good, let's eat together."

Hearing this, Dong Shi felt she didn't need to awkwardly join in.

Although she didn't know what relationship Princess Huaning and Ye Jiao had, from their conversation she could tell they were close. There was no need for her to stay here and be in the way, so she wanted to get up and take her leave.

But Ye Jiao looked at her and said, "Madam Wen, are you hungry?"

Dong Shi's movement stopped. If she had avoided it earlier, that would have shown she understood propriety and etiquette. But now that the person had asked, it would be inappropriate to dodge again, so she smiled gently and nodded, sitting down.

After the porridge was served, Dong Shi smiled lightly, "Our two families live close by. I saw your residence was busy earlier, so I didn't come to visit. Today I received the invitation and wanted to come early. I haven't disturbed Mrs. Qi, have I?"

"Of course not." Ye Jiao looked at her and smiled, her eyes as clear as water.

Dong Shi was stunned by this smile.

She wasn't from a good family background and had depended on her brother. When she was still a maiden, she had to work so her brother could study for the imperial examinations. Later she married into the Wen Family as a second wife. Her days weren't easy. When Shi Tianrui passed the imperial examination and things improved slightly, Shi Tianrui's demotion made Dong Shi lose her support again.

Though Dong Shi looked young, her heart had aged long ago.

The struggles and conflicts between women in the inner quarters made Dong Shi forget what a pure smile was.

Now seeing Ye Jiao's smiling face, Dong Shi opened her mouth but couldn't say a word.

She had received letters from Zheng Shi, knowing that the Qi Family's Second Young Mistress was the most easy-going person, but seeing her now, Dong Shi finally understood why Zheng Shi liked her so much.

This was a woman who radiated warmth at first glance, clear as water and brilliant as sunshine.

But people who had been cold too long would feel both longing and fear when suddenly seeing sunlight.

Princess Huaning glanced at Dong Shi and suddenly said, "Speaking of which, you two families also have history. Madam Wen's brother is the magistrate from your area."

Hearing this, Ye Jiao looked at Dong Shi.

Dong Shi's heart jumped. In her view, Shi Tianrui had been driven from the Capital, and though Zheng Shi was from a great family, she had no connection with her family and normally had no revealed contact with noble ladies in the capital. Now being suddenly mentioned by Princess Huaning naturally made her anxious.

But having been the legitimate wife in the Capital for many years, she had the composure she should have. Dong Shi quickly raised her head with a light smile, "My brother indeed was posted as magistrate. It's rare that Your Highness still remembers."

Princess Huaning smiled, her tone meaningful, "Shi Tianrui is a good official. Not only do I remember, but my Imperial Brother remembers too, and won't forget."

These words were somewhat deliberate and somewhat casual, but ultimately conveyed the message.

Dong Shi's fingertips tightened, finally unable to hide her surprise, finally daring to look directly at Princess Huaning.

Princess Huaning smiled at her but said no more.

Ye Jiao held her spoon and smiled, "Earlier Wan Ying also wrote me a letter, saying Magistrate Shi received excellent evaluations. Wan Ying told me to wait a bit longer, she'll be able to come to the Capital to find me soon."

Wan Ying was Zheng Shi's personal name...

Dong Shi bit her tongue to calm herself down, her mind still in chaos.

She suddenly felt that today she had heard many things she had never dared to even think about before.

So her brother hadn't truly been abandoned.

So her sister-in-law's previous words weren't deliberate comfort, but were real.

So... she still had hope.

But Dong Shi kept all these thoughts in her heart without revealing a word, only remembering Zheng Shi's instructions in her letters.

Her brother and sister-in-law had long told her to get close to Ye Jiao. She had been foolish, unable to see clearly. She hoped it wasn't too late now.

She could endure, but she wasn't truly stupid. When a stagnant life finally had hope, for a woman it was like being reborn.

So when Dong Shi looked at Ye Jiao again, she pursed her lips and said softly, "Mrs. Qi, we live close by. If there's nothing else, may I come find you to talk in the future?"

With some caution and some shyness.

The woman servant following Dong Shi was surprised to see that her always placid mistress was now being so careful and earnest.

Ye Jiao smiled at her. Since she knew this was Shi Tianrui's sister, she naturally wouldn't refuse. She nodded readily, "Of course."

After the few of them finished their porridge, Ye Jiao had learned that Dong Shi's personal name was Ying Xiu, and Dong Shi could smile and call her Jiao Niang.

Little Su on the side felt amazed. Having followed Ye Jiao for so many years, she felt her Second Young Mistress was particularly capable. Whether it was Mrs. Dong, Mrs. Meng, or Mrs. Zheng, her Second Young Mistress could become close to them all on their first meeting.

This was truly a talent.

Ye Jiao felt that compared to the deathly atmosphere earlier, Dong Shi had actually become much more vibrant now.

Little Ginseng didn't know what great ups and downs Dong Shi's emotions had just experienced. A few sentences had been able to transform someone completely, but for Ye Jiao, it was just ordinary conversation.

Strictly speaking, they had only shared a bowl of porridge...

Could it be that she had come on an empty stomach, which was why she had been so distressed?

Having once eaten dirt herself, Little Ginseng became more convinced of her guess and felt inexplicably moved.

She thought that Ying Xiu had come early despite being hungry, which was truly rare.

So when going to the back hall, Ye Jiao specifically took her arm and said, "Don't come so early next time, or if you do come early, Ying Xiu, let me know in advance and I'll prepare breakfast to wait for you."

Dong Shi had no idea what Ye Jiao was thinking, only that Ye Jiao was truly treating her well. This woman who had spent years in the cold Wen Family gripped Ye Jiao's hand tightly and nodded forcefully, "Good, I'll remember it all."

Princess Huaning didn't follow them to the back hall but went to play with Xu Bao.

After about an hour, various family wives brought their respective daughters to the Qi residence.

Among these people, the Qi and Wen families were the most prominent.

It must be said that Commander Ye and Princess Huaning had chosen an excellent location for the Qi couple's residence. Not only was the residence itself good, but the neighbors weren't overly prestigious either.

Actually, finding a residence adjacent to great families wasn't impossible, but there were differences between family standings after all. Just arriving in the Capital meant adapting to everything. If they saw high-born noble ladies every day and were constantly overshadowed, their hearts would certainly be uncomfortable.

It was better to be the prominent household from the start, making life much more comfortable.

Indeed, Ye Jiao felt this tea gathering wasn't much different from those back home.

Meeting people, exchanging courtesies, chatting, and listening to compliments and gossip that were true or false. What Ye Jiao needed to do was remember these people's names, maintain her dignity, and smile.

But as they talked, someone brought up the incident of Miss Shen causing trouble outside the Qi residence earlier.

"Speaking of which, that lady is still someone supposed to enter the palace. I heard she's being supported by the Sun family and has moved into their home."

This comment came from someone unknown, but as soon as it was spoken, the atmosphere suddenly grew cold.

Ye Jiao was eating cloud-slice cake. Sensing the quiet around her, she looked up somewhat puzzled and instinctively looked toward Dong Shi.

This was because among these people, the one with any connection to her was Dong Shi. Her first reaction was to ask her who the Sun family was and who Miss Shen was.

Obviously, Jiao Niang had completely forgotten about that "female swindler."

But before Ye Jiao could speak, Dong Shi had already set down her teacup.

This action made everyone hold their breath even more.

Because everyone understood that the previous comment had struck both women's sore spots.

Miss Shen was a woman selected for the palace with a bright future. After Ye Jiao had offended her, things might not go well, and bringing it up publicly was embarrassing for Ye Jiao.

The Sun family that had taken in Miss Shen was the natal family of the Wen family's favored concubine Sun Shi. Sun Shi had borne three sons while Dong Shi remained childless and neglected. This also humiliated Dong Shi.

Many people secretly resented whoever had spoken carelessly, truly bringing up every sensitive topic.

But Dong Shi hadn't thought about the Sun family at all. In her view, the Wen family was a cesspit, and she didn't care who lived or died there.

But Ye Jiao was a good person. Even just for that bowl of chicken and mushroom porridge, Dong Shi wouldn't let anyone embarrass Ye Jiao at this first tea gathering.

Her eyes swept coldly over everyone present. Dong Shi pulled out her handkerchief to wipe her mouth and said coolly, "That Miss Shen caused trouble in the street and had already lost face. Jiao Niang not arguing with her shows Jiao Niang's kindness. How did it become a fault in your mouths? If you truly envy the Sun family for climbing high branches, why don't you send your own daughters into the palace? Maybe they could become noble ladies too."

Upon hearing this, everyone shrank back.

Everyone knew that those pushed forward could become noble ladies, but daughters from merchant families like theirs could only become palace maids if they entered the palace. Who would willingly let their daughters suffer?

Seeing them fall silent, Dong Shi continued, "Instead of this idle gossip, you'd be better off discussing your own businesses. I imagine Jiao Niang still doesn't know everything."

Once this topic came up, all the previous matters were forgotten, and they immediately began chatting enthusiastically again.

The reason so many people were watching the Qi family was because of Qi Yun's wealth and that Imperial Plaque.

Over these days, everyone knew that Qi Yun particularly treasured this wife. If they could build good relationships, they could support each other in business matters in the future. Wouldn't that be wonderful?

As for arguments and conflicts, in the eyes of merchant wives, these weren't important at all!

Merchant families had this advantage - as long as they could make money, they never worried about minor details.

When the gathering ended, Ye Jiao's first action was to rub her face and mutter, "Next time I can't invite so many people. So tiring."

Dong Shi poured her a cup of tea and smiled lightly, "You don't need to do this often either. Usually these tea gatherings and flower viewing banquets have their own established procedures. When I have time another day, I'll explain them to you in detail."

Hearing this, Ye Jiao immediately nodded. Being characteristically direct, she curved her lips and said warmly, "Ying Xiu, you're so good to me. You've helped me tremendously."

Dong Shi rarely blushed, her usually composed temperament seeming to suddenly lose effect. After saying a few more words to Ye Jiao, she got up to take her leave, walking with her woman servant's support while keeping her head down.

Princess Huaning had heard everything clearly from behind. When she came out holding Xu Bao, she sat in front of Ye Jiao and sighed sincerely, "Jiao Niang, you're truly amazing."

She had deliberately given Dong Shi hints because she knew Chu Chengyun was currently replacing the court forces around him. Many of those previously demoted included pillars that the late emperor had left for Chu Chengyun. The late emperor had demoted them, but the future pardoning and recalling of them would be Chu Chengyun's doing. This would make these people grateful to Chu Chengyun and naturally more loyal.

Among these, Shi Tianrui was someone Princess Huaning had personally heard Chu Chengyun praise. That's why Princess Huaning had given Dong Shi some hints, creating a good connection anyway.

What Princess Huaning hadn't expected was that she had brought the porridge, she had dropped the hints, but Dong Shi was completely focused on Ye Jiao.

But thinking about it, Princess Huaning smiled as she looked at Ye Jiao, "That's understandable too. Who couldn't like Jiao Niang?"

Ye Jiao was somewhat puzzled, "What do you mean?"

Xu Bao had originally been playing with the small gold bracelet Princess Huaning had just given him. Hearing this, he immediately looked up and added, "Mommy is beautiful!"

Upon hearing this, both women laughed. Princess Huaning even lowered her head to kiss Xu Bao repeatedly, leaving several red lipstick marks on his face.

But just then, Nanny Mo walked in somewhat angrily. Seeing there were guests, she quickly curtsied, looking somewhat hesitant.

Ye Jiao held Xu Bao's little hand while saying, "It's fine, speak."

"Yes." Nanny Mo stepped forward two paces and lowered her voice, "Second Young Mistress, the neighbors are really too inappropriate. Just now I asked the young servants at the door, and they said that during the tea gathering, someone from next door suddenly came saying their precious concubine Sun Shi was pregnant, making noise for Madam Wen to come see. It was Madam Wen's people who held her back, or she might have caused trouble here."

Upon hearing this, Ye Jiao's first reaction was to cover Xu Bao's ears, not letting him hear, afraid he might learn about wives and concubines and say inappropriate things.

Princess Huaning was unsurprised and snorted lightly.

Having grown up in the palace, she had seen all kinds of schemes. There were plenty in the palace who would make noise about being pregnant, but often the louder they shouted, the worse their deaths.

But Princess Huaning wouldn't say such things explicitly. After all, these were palace methods that were not only shameful but might frighten people if spoken. Princess Huaning just said, "What shameless creature, who gave her such audacity?"

Ye Jiao shook her head, obviously not knowing.

Little Su on the side hesitated, then said softly, "Second Young Mistress, I heard from outside that the Wen family's Sixth Young Master is definitely going to pass this time."

Nanny Mo looked at Little Su, thinking that she had previously only considered Little Su young and not yet mature, but now it seemed she could gather information from outside clearly, showing she had put in effort.

Princess Huaning raised an eyebrow. Without needing to say more, she could figure it out, "This is that precious concubine's son? Assuming her son will pass and acting like this, she's insane. Not to mention that examinations depend on luck, just the fact that examination results reach the emperor's ears means the chief examiner must also consider character. Acting like this, even passing could be blown away."

Ye Jiao didn't care about these various disturbances. She just looked at Nanny Mo and asked, "Did Ying Xiu see it?"

Nanny Mo nodded, "Madam Wen personally had them tied up and taken back."

Seeing that Dong Shi had handled it, Ye Jiao didn't ask more questions. She released her hands from Xu Bao's ears and held the chubby boy in her arms while smiling at Princess Huaning, "Let's have lunch together later. We're having chicken soup at noon."

Hearing this, Xu Bao shook his head and asked softly, "Little Black?"

Little Su shuddered, while Ye Jiao poked his nose, "No, it's doing well. Will Xu Bao eat it?"

Xu Bao nodded readily, "Eat!"

Ye Jiao then said to Nanny Mo, "Use chicken soup to make him some porridge, add two milk buns, and vegetables..."

"Xu Bao doesn't eat vegetables, Xu Bao eats meat!" The little fatty struggled to arch his body.

Ye Jiao directly held him tighter and rubbed his face. Having studied medical texts and pharmacology, Little Ginseng particularly valued this aspect, "You have to eat everything, or you won't grow tall in the future, even shorter than Little Black."

This threat was obviously very effective. Xu Bao immediately closed his mouth and buried his face in Ye Jiao's chest without speaking.

Princess Huaning laughed so hard she couldn't straighten up. Xu Bao could tell she was laughing at him, so he huffed sullenly and hugged Ye Jiao even tighter.

Ye Jiao patted the little fatty's back and looked at Princess Huaning, "What about you, Princess Huaning?"

Princess Huaning drank some tea and finally composed herself before speaking, "I won't stay. Imperial Sister-in-law hasn't been feeling well lately. I obtained a wild ginseng root and plan to send it to the palace. I need to leave soon."

Wild ginseng.

It again, a name that clearly marked it as not being from a good ginseng family.

This name made Ye Jiao's eyebrows twitch, but she said nothing, suddenly remembering Empress Meng.

When Princess Huaning had mentioned Empress Meng before, Ye Jiao hadn't thought much about it, but after two months in the Capital, Ye Jiao wasn't completely unaware.

People were spreading rumors that this consort selection was because the Empress had no sons.

Although not every woman had to bear children, Empress Meng's high position without sons for support was indeed very difficult.

Wild ginseng had no such effects, at most strengthening the body, and wasn't as useful as holding her hand.

The truly effective things were planted in the adjacent room.

Thinking of this, Ye Jiao said to Little Su, "Go bring a pot of Auspicious Flowers." Then she looked at Princess Huaning and smiled, "Take this instead. It's easy to care for, just put it in water and it will live. It's very good for the body."

Princess Huaning knew Ye Jiao understood medicine, so naturally she wouldn't refuse. After Little Su brought the flowerpot, she said, "It's truly beautiful, and the name is good too. Rest assured, I'll personally deliver it to Imperial Sister-in-law."

Ye Jiao smiled and saw her off, then held Xu Bao while walking back and saying, "What does Xu Bao want to do after eating?"

"Fly kites! Feather kites!"

"Alright."

Little Su followed behind, sighing in her heart, feeling that her young master probably still remembered Little Black stealing his milk cakes... In terms of holding grudges, the young master and Second Young Master truly had a father-son connection.

In a flash, several days passed. The day the metropolitan examination results were announced, they had originally planned to go see the results together, but that morning Ruyi had a slight cough, so Qi Ming didn't let his brother and sister-in-law tire themselves for his sake. He told them to take good care of the child while he took Liu Si to the Imperial Academy.

Before reaching the place, Qi Ming saw Commander Ye.

Qi Ming smiled and ran over, his first concern being where Chu Chengyun was.

After all, Chu Chengyun had accompanied Qi Ming through all his examinations, from the previous prefectural and provincial examinations to the current metropolitan examination. Chu Chengyun had never missed a single session, always by his side.

But this time, Chu Chengyun was nowhere to be seen.

Meeting Qi Ming's puzzled gaze, Commander Ye cleared his throat and said gently, "Third Young Master has business today and can't accompany Third Young Master to see the results. He specifically sent me to let you know."