Lady of Fortune, Jiao Niang

Chapter 154

The news of Qi Ming passing the metropolitan examination quickly spread throughout the neighborhood.

The Qi family lived in the eastern district of the city, near the canal with many shops and mostly merchants. Though it couldn't compare to the western officials and wealthy families, it was still considered good feng shui.

In these few streets and alleys, although the Qi family were newcomers, they weren't lacking in gold and silver. They controlled over half of the Capital's liquor supply. Though the neighbors didn't know about Qi Yun's relationships with Commander Ye and Princess Huaning, just the fact that they could come and secure houses in the eastern district showed they had court backing.

Such a family, even having just arrived in the Capital, others dared not underestimate.

But except for Ye Jiao's previous tea gathering, there had been no other opportunities to interact with the Qi family.

Now, with Qi Ming's success as an excuse, many guests came, not only to congratulate but to probe the Qi family's background and build relationships with Qi Yun. After all, they were all merchants who would inevitably interact in the future.

The Qi family prepared firecrackers and lanterns, but didn't make an overly grand display. The banquet was limited to the front hall, not allowing people into the back quarters. The guests understood - Third Master Qi still had to prepare for the palace examination, so it wouldn't be good to disturb him. They consciously didn't bring their wives.

This allowed Ye Jiao to relax somewhat.

In comparison, the Wen family was much quieter.

Previously they had jumped the highest, and now they fell the hardest.

Though the metropolitan examination typically involved thousands of students competing for 300 spots, and it sounded like many Recommended Men were participating, this was a national gathering in the Capital. Actual Capital natives made up less than one-tenth, and among merchants, supporting a promising candidate was quite difficult.

Unlike poor families' hardships, wealthy merchants' sons were born with silver spoons, able to obtain wealth others could only dream of without much effort.

Since they had no worries about food and clothing and could live well without doing anything, why work hard?

Moreover, the current court treated merchants well, and ordinary life faced no discrimination, further diminishing these merchant sons' motivation to advance.

Therefore, this year among the merchant families in eastern Capital, only Wen Liu Lang and Third Master Qi had taken the examination.

Before the results were announced, the Qi family had been quiet, and Qi Ming had even run off with Manager Qin, wandering everywhere, looking unconfident. Wen Liu Lang, however, frequently attended poetry gatherings and literary meetings, appearing certain of victory.

When results were posted, Third Master Qi ranked low but had passed, while Wen Liu Lang failed completely.

Outside mockery of the Wen family never ceased, and with the two families living nearby, the contrast was stark between the Qi family's liveliness and the Wen family's desolation.

But during this period, the person who visited Ye Jiao most often was the Wen family's matriarch, Dong Shi.

If it were someone else, Ye Jiao would definitely not want to see them. But now knowing Dong Shi was Shi Tianrui's sister, plus Dong Shi had previously helped Ye Jiao out of an awkward situation, Little Ginseng felt much closer to her and interacted with her more frequently.

Dong Shi often brought homemade pastries and fruits, and would tell Ye Jiao about various Capital affairs, "We merchants can't compare to those official families. Even with backing, we shouldn't constantly clash with others. We must be cautious and careful in everything, especially recently with the apricot blossoms blooming beautifully and frequent flower gatherings. After your Third Brother finishes the palace examination business, I'll take you to see them."

Ye Jiao smiled and nodded, resting her chin on her hand while looking at Dong Shi.

Dong Shi was peeling loquat fruit. Feeling Ye Jiao's gaze, she returned her smile.

In terms of looks and character, Dong Shi was outstanding. Compared to her deathly pallor at their first meeting, the current Dong Shi loved to talk and laugh, appearing much more vibrant.

Little Ginseng hadn't experienced much human suffering. She just thought that being happy was one day and being unhappy was also one day. She knew Dong Shi treated her well, and seeing Dong Shi happy now made her joyful too.

Dong Shi handed half of the peeled loquat to Ye Jiao, "Try this."

Ye Jiao took it and bit into it, her eyes widening with surprise, "So sweet..."

Dong Shi also peeled one for herself, smiling, "This is from my orchard in the suburbs. This is the season for loquats - you won't be able to eat them after this period."

Ye Jiao was curious, "An orchard? Only loquats?"

Dong Shi's voice was calm and gentle, "All varieties. This orchard was in my dowry. When my brother hadn't yet passed the examinations, he spent all his silver on this orchard for me. I've carefully managed and expanded it considerably over the years," her voice paused slightly, "Even if I can't continue living in the Wen family, as long as I can keep this orchard, I can live independently."

Hearing this, Ye Jiao smiled brightly at Dong Shi, "Ying Xiu, don't worry. Didn't Princess Huaning say Magistrate Shi could return sooner or later? Then your days will surely be good."

Dong Shi nodded, replying gently, "Yes, they will surely be good."

While they were talking, Little Su lifted the curtain and entered, hesitating before saying, "Second Young Mistress, someone came again, saying Concubine Sun is unwell and needs a doctor. They're making a fuss about coming in."

Ye Jiao blinked, somewhat puzzled, "If she needs a doctor, just get one. Ying Xiu can't treat illness, so why come find you?"

Dong Shi understood these complications better than Little Ginseng. While wiping her fingertips with a handkerchief, she said, "She wants to make me angry and use that as an excuse to complain to my husband about my wrongdoings, while also trying to seize my housekeeping authority."

Nanny Mo nearby said nothing, just lowered her head slightly, clearly unsurprised by such behavior.

When she had served Liu Shi before, it hadn't been smooth sailing either. Even though Father Qi had no wandering heart, it couldn't stop women who saw the Qi family's growing wealth from wanting to attach themselves.

Nanny Mo had seen Liu Shi's methods and heard about other families' chaotic inner quarters. Concubine Sun's current behavior wasn't anything new.

But Ye Jiao and Little Su both showed surprised expressions.

Then Ye Jiao looked at Dong Shi, "What will you do?"

Seeing this, Dong Shi smiled and squeezed Ye Jiao's hand, saying warmly, "Don't worry, Jiao Niang. I can handle my family's affairs."

Moreover, in Dong Shi's heart, Ye Jiao was blessed, and these dirty matters shouldn't reach her ears.

With a smile on her face, Dong Shi peeled another loquat for her.

Ye Jiao took it but didn't eat immediately. Instead, she looked at Dong Shi, "Will you get her a doctor?"

Dong Shi smiled without answering, wiped her hands, and stood to take her leave.

Ye Jiao knew she had family matters to attend to and didn't detain her, just having someone bring a bowl of freshly made apricot cheese from the small kitchen for her to take.

After leaving the Qi residence, Dong Shi's smile grew cold.

The woman servant walking beside her, seeing she was angry, quickly said, "Madam, you don't need to stoop to that little wretch's level. She's just acting up because she's pregnant. She can't overturn heaven."

But Dong Shi said nothing. Only before getting into the sedan chair did she say quietly, "She has three sons, and now she's pregnant again. A few days ago, master hinted he wanted to give her the housekeeping authority."

This single sentence made the woman servant's face turn pale.

Actually, she understood her mistress's situation clearly. A second wife with no family support and no children was just an empty shell in the residence, even the servants favored Concubine Sun.

Now that Concubine Sun's sons were grown, even if they hadn't passed the examinations, the eldest might not succeed but there was still the second son. There would always be one with promise.

Once one of them rose up, with the master being one who favored concubines over his wife, life would truly become unbearable.

But Dong Shi was very calm. While being helped into the sedan chair by her woman servant, she said, "Since she doesn't want to live peacefully, I don't need to save face either."

The woman servant hesitated before asking, "Should we still get her a doctor?"

Dong Shi's voice came from inside the sedan chair, "Yes, get the best one, get several. Since she's ill, she should be treated properly. Tell the doctor that regardless of whether she's truly ill, they must carefully protect Concubine Sun's pregnancy. The Wen family isn't lacking money - give them plenty of silver and use all the good medicines. We absolutely cannot let anything happen to her."

The woman servant didn't quite understand Dong Shi's meaning but didn't ask further questions, going to arrange things as instructed.

Dong Shi touched the food box, smelling the sweet fragrance of the apricot cheese inside, and closed her eyes slightly.

Tie Zi quickly reported this matter to Qi Yun.

Second Young Master Qi, who had been reviewing account books, paused and looked up at Tie Zi, "Do you know who Dong Shi called?"

Tie Zi replied, "She called all the famous ones. They say it's quite a spectacle, and she's keeping two in the residence, saying they can't leave until Concubine Sun gives birth."

Qi Yun said nothing, just tapped his fingertips on the table, thinking about something.

Tie Zi was somewhat puzzled, "Second Young Master, what is Madam Wen trying to do?"

Qi Yun answered without hesitation, "Whatever she wants to do is her business, but the Wen family really isn't decent."

Tie Zi rarely heard Qi Yun evaluate a family so harshly. Even with the previous Lu and Shao families, Qi Yun had never spoken like this.

Tie Zi couldn't think of any other wrongdoing by the Wen family besides the porcelain incident.

Then he heard Qi Yun say, "The争斗 between Concubine Sun and Dong Shi is their own affair, but Concubine Sun actually caused a disturbance at my door and disturbed Jiao Niang, clearly trying to embarrass her. If I endured this, any random person could come make trouble at my door demanding to see Jiao Niang in the future."

Tie Zi: ......

No wonder Second Young Master was angry... so someone had offended Second Young Mistress?

But Second Young Mistress herself probably didn't even think to be angry.

Qi Yun didn't care about such things. He closed the account book and took out letter paper from the drawer. While writing, he said, "Go call Manager Qin later, and have him bring that old potter along."

"Yes, Second Young Master."

"Remember to be discreet and not alarm others."

"Yes."

Soon, Qi Yun finished the letter. After reviewing it once and adding a few more characters, he put it in an envelope and handed it to Tie Zi, "Send this back to Magistrate Shi as quickly as possible. Remember, have someone deliver it personally to Magistrate Shi's hands, then bring back his reply to see me."

Tie Zi immediately took it and tucked it into his clothes, acknowledging the order. As he was about to leave, he turned back, "Second Young Master, should we send word to Madam? We haven't told Master and Madam about Third Young Master's success yet."

Qi Yun had originally wanted to nod, but he quickly changed his mind, "Mother has always worried greatly, constantly thinking about Third Brother's affairs. Now that he's passed, it's only the metropolitan examination - the palace examination hasn't started yet. If we tell her now, she'll worry about the palace examination. Let's wait. After the palace examination results come out, it won't be too late to return and report the good news."

Tie Zi acknowledged and left quickly with the letter.

A few days later, it was time for the Metropolitan Graduates to enter the palace for the examination.

The palace examination was different from previous tests. The chief examiner wasn't an official but the current emperor, so the candidates entering the palace examination were also called the Son of Heaven's disciples. The examination location was arranged within the imperial palace, with all rules being much more cautious and careful than before.

After entering, they wouldn't immediately write essays but had to follow a complete set of protocols and etiquette, none of which could be omitted.

Only one session, only one essay - their future prospects were tied to this single paper. No one dared be careless.

Early that morning, Qi Yun went to wake Qi Ming, supervising him as he washed his face and dressed, saying, "I'll take you there shortly."

Qi Ming was using a cloth to wipe his face. Hearing this, he couldn't help saying, "Second Brother, I don't know if my sworn brother will come. If he does, I can go with him."

"Don't worry, he won't come. He definitely has business today," Qi Yun said with certainty. Before Qi Ming could ask, he stood up, "Hurry up and get ready. I'll wait for you in the carriage outside."

Qi Ming said "Oh" and obediently put down the cloth to retie his hair, wanting to look more spirited.

Previously, Chu Chengyun had told him that the palace examination directly faced the emperor. What would be tested wasn't just literary talent but also bearing, manners, and even appearance and demeanor, all of which could influence the emperor's judgment.

In his sworn brother's words: "The current emperor is wise and perceptive, with a keen eye for talent. If you, worthy brother, truly reach the palace examination stage and want a good ranking, naturally you should pay more attention and appear more spirited and capable."

Thinking of this, Qi Ming sighed.

Since passing the metropolitan examination, he hadn't seen his sworn brother again. He wondered how his brother was doing now...

"Knock, knock."

Just then, Qi Ming heard someone knock on his door, but when he opened it, he saw no one.

Feeling confused, he felt his clothes being tugged.

Looking down, he met a pair of bright, sparkling eyes.

Xu Bao was clutching an oiled paper package tightly in his small hands. Seeing Qi Ming look down, his chubby face immediately broke into a smile. He tugged at Qi Ming's clothes, stood on his tiptoes, and raised his little hands as high as possible, "This, milk cake, for Third Uncle to eat."

Qi Ming's heart warmed. He bent down to pick up Xu Bao, but the little fellow dodged.

The child stuffed the oiled paper package into Qi Ming's hands, his voice soft and sweet, "Third Uncle eat quickly, then go test for Prime Minister."

Qi Ming really wanted to tell him that he was still very, very far from being Prime Minister, but meeting Xu Bao's expectant gaze, he couldn't say anything. He just nodded and replied, "Good, I'll definitely test well and not disappoint Xu Bao's expectations."

Xu Bao blinked, "Uncle-in-law? Xu Bao doesn't have an uncle-in-law."

Qi Ming couldn't help but smile. He crouched down, hugged Xu Bao for a kiss, pinched his chubby cheeks, then stood up and ran off.

Xu Bao took a few steps on his short legs to follow, then stopped. Watching Qi Ming leave, he reached out to the waiting Nanny Mo, "I want to find Mommy."

Nanny Mo quickly came forward and picked up Xu Bao, but instead of returning to Ye Jiao's courtyard, she went to the garden.

As soon as she entered through the moon gate, Nanny Mo gasped.

The original garden had been full of blooming flowers. Though Ye Jiao had previously mentioned wanting to find a special place to grow medicinal flowers, construction had been delayed due to Qi Ming's exam preparations and continuous rain.

Now, with Qi Ming having just one more palace examination to complete his scholarly achievement and the weather having been clear for many days, Ye Jiao had finally had work begin.

But she hadn't had the entire garden leveled. Instead, using the artificial mountain as a boundary, she preserved the eastern section and only worked on the western part.

When Nanny Mo entered carrying Xu Bao, half the flower beds had been cleared, with servants busily working everywhere. The scene was lively and bustling with people coming and going.

Xu Bao immediately turned his head and hugged Nanny Mo's neck tightly. Nanny Mo also reached out to protect him and walked quickly toward the covered walkway.

In a pavilion at a corner, Ye Jiao was sitting inside with a small bed beside her containing the twins playing with balls.

Seeing Ye Jiao, Xu Bao reached out his hands, "Mommy, hold me."

Ye Jiao smiled and took him, letting him sit in her lap. She looked at Nanny Mo and asked, "Has Third Brother left?"

"Yes, Second Young Mistress. Third Young Master has already left. Second Young Master said he would take him."

But before Ye Jiao could respond, Xu Bao in her arms raised his head excitedly, "Xu Bao gave Third Uncle cake to eat!"

Hearing this, Ye Jiao smiled and kissed him, "Xu Bao is so good."

The little fellow also smiled, happily swaying in Ye Jiao's arms.

Little Ginseng looked toward the busy workers in the flower beds and said to Little Su, "Little Su, some of those medicinal flowers need sun, some need shade, and some need to be planted in water. Go keep an eye on them."

Little Su had been with Ye Jiao for so long and had always helped manage the medicinal flower beds back home. She was very familiar with all this.

Hearing the instruction, she acknowledged and walked over quickly.

The young girl was always gentle and obedient in front of Ye Jiao, but she was quite authoritative with other servants. Though she looked thin, she spoke decisively and could be quite intimidating.

These people quickly became organized under her supervision. Little Su stood to the side, watching each of them plant one by one with a very strict expression.

Ye Jiao rarely saw this side of Little Su. Seeing it now, she couldn't help but laugh, "Little Su really is different from before. She used to be greedy and playful, but now she looks somewhat like Nanny Liu from Mother's side."

Nanny Mo also laughed, thinking in her heart that Little Su was truly fortunate.

Since Nanny Mo was an old servant from Liu Shi's side, she had seen all the maids and servants in the household. This Little Su had originally just fed chickens and run errands, but being honest and loyal, she caught Ye Jiao's eye and was brought to her side, then sent to Nanny Liu by Qi Yun for training.

The formerly timid and greedy little maid had now become a capable young woman. Seeing how much Tie Zi by Second Young Master's side favored her, if this match succeeded, Little Su's life would be wonderfully comfortable.

Xu Bao had been staring at his little brother and sister in the small bed. Hearing this, he looked up at Ye Jiao and asked, "Where is Nanny Liu?"

Ye Jiao touched his hair, "Do you miss her?"

Xu Bao honestly nodded. He used to often sleep at Liu Shi's place, and Nanny Liu would coax him at night, so missing her was natural.

But Xu Bao quickly added, "I miss Brother Stone more."

Ye Jiao smiled, "In a few more months, Xu Bao will have another little brother or sister. Are you happy?"

Xu Bao immediately scooted backward, staring wide-eyed at Ye Jiao's belly, "Does Mommy's tummy have another little brother or sister?"

Ye Jiao quickly hugged him and flicked his forehead, "It's your eldest aunt who's having a little brother or sister - Brother Stone's real sibling."

Xu Bao blinked, then clapped his hands cheerfully, "Xu Bao is amazing!"

Ye Jiao didn't understand how this related to him, "What does it have to do with you?"

"Xu Bao has little brother, has little sister, two of them. Xu Bao is amazing!"

Hearing this, Ye Jiao felt it was right, yet somehow not quite right.

But Xu Bao unilaterally declared his victory, then happily reached toward the small bed, "Want to read books to little brother and sister."

Ye Jiao stood up and placed him in Ning Bao and Ruyi's small bed.

Though called a small bed, it was more like a platform with railings around it.

The railings weren't very high, surrounded by square pillows and cotton padding to prevent bumps. The bed was covered with thick mattresses so even accidental falls wouldn't hurt.

These precautions were because Ning Bao and Ruyi could now sit and crawl. Though they still couldn't stand, they were much more active than when they were just lying babies, so they needed good protection from injury.

But these measures only worked for Ruyi - they were completely unnecessary for Ning Bao.

From the moment he was brought to the pavilion, Ning Bao had been lying or lying on his stomach, barely moving at all.

Ruyi, on the other hand, happily crawled around, inspecting her new quarters. She would lean on pillows to look outside, and when butterflies occasionally flew by, Ruyi would reach out to catch them, making herself laugh.

Now that Xu Bao had gotten in, Ruyi immediately crawled over and hugged his legs.

Ning Bao lazily lifted his head to glance at Xu Bao, then lay back down.

Xu Bao patted Ruyi with one hand and poked Ning Bao's bottom with the other, saying seriously, "Lazy little brother, get up and listen to big brother read."

Ruyi giggled and sat up, clapping very supportively.

Ning Bao ignored him, lying however he wanted. Finally, unable to stand Xu Bao constantly poking his bottom, Ning Bao reluctantly crawled up and sat properly.

But when Xu Bao actually started seriously reciting the "Three Character Classic," the two babies' reactions were reversed.

Ruyi clearly didn't want to listen. She looked around, and before long was leaning on pillows watching butterflies.

Ning Bao, however, listened very attentively.

Ye Jiao watched from the side, unable to tell whether her youngest son understood or not. But remembering that Xu Bao at this age had also listened obediently to books, she didn't think it was particularly unusual.

Little Ginseng had Nanny Mo watch them while she got up to walk to Little Su's side and supervise the flower beds with her.

Just then, a small dark figure approached.

Xu Bao was particularly alert and immediately turned his head. Spotting the little creature wandering outside the corridor, he pointed and said, "Little Black!"

Nanny Mo also looked over and immediately saw the swaggering black rooster.

Having recently been made into a kite, Little Black's tail was still bare, but this didn't diminish his pride as a rooster.

He strutted around with his neck held high, looking quite majestic.

But Xu Bao held grudges. He still remembered Little Black eating his milk cake and muttered angrily, "Little Black is bad."

Nanny Mo quickly comforted him, "Young Master Xu Bao, don't worry. If you don't like it, I'll have someone catch it and lock it up."

But before Nanny Mo could call anyone, Xu Bao said, "No need."

Nanny Mo was stunned.

Then she heard Xu Bao say in his baby voice, "If it can fly out once, it can fly out twice." Xu Bao squinted his eyes, "I'm going to tell Daddy to have him cover its nest so it can never fly out again."

Nanny Mo: ......

Truly worthy of being Second Young Master's son.

Xu Bao stopped looking at Little Black and continued reciting books to his little brother and sister.

But perhaps Little Black had been cooped up too long and couldn't keep quiet either, suddenly crowing "Cock-a-doodle-doo!"

Xu Bao puffed up his cheeks, about to speak, when he saw Ning Bao act before him.

The usually lazy Ning Bao suddenly grabbed the small cloth ball and turned toward Little Black, throwing it at him!

Ning Bao was young with little strength, so the cloth ball didn't fly far, but it clearly startled Little Black. His crowing stopped abruptly, and the very life-preserving Little Black turned and ran, disappearing from sight.

Then Ning Bao turned back to face Xu Bao, his eyes clean and clear.

Nanny Mo, seeing this, immediately coaxed with a smile, "Young Master Ning is so good, knowing Young Master Xu Bao doesn't like Little Black and helping you."

But Xu Bao didn't speak, just stared straight at Ning Bao.

After a while, he said sullenly, "That cloth ball was my favorite... little brother, why didn't you throw your yarn ball?"

Ning Bao blinked with an innocent expression, clearly not understanding Xu Bao's words.

Seeing Xu Bao wasn't continuing to recite, Ning Bao leaned to one side and lay down again, but he hugged his yarn ball tightly in his arms, not giving it to anyone.

Nanny Mo quickly had someone pick up the cloth ball, wash it clean, and dry it before the young master could play with it again.

Just then, a young servant hurried over and said something to Nanny Mo.

Nanny Mo nodded but didn't move, still watching the three children. Only when Ye Jiao returned to the pavilion with Little Su did she say, "Second Young Mistress, Second Young Master has returned."

Ye Jiao was slightly stunned, "So soon? What about Third Brother?"

Before Nanny Mo could answer, Qi Yun, who had already entered the pavilion, said, "He went in. The palace examination won't end for quite a while, so I came back first to check on things and bring a doctor over."

Ye Jiao didn't understand, "What do you need a doctor for?"

Qi Yun's tone was meaningful, "For emergencies."