Lady of Fortune, Jiao Niang

Chapter 157

Third-Place Scholar... Third-Place Scholar!

Upon hearing this, not only were the Qi family members stunned, but even the surrounding onlookers erupted into commotion, like a drop of water falling into a pot of oil, instantly exploding.

Ordinary people didn't really understand how the imperial examination path should be taken. Common folk who scratched a living from the soil could barely recognize a few characters, and few could even write their own names. Naturally they didn't understand those terms like first tier, second tier, Presented Scholar, Advanced Scholar, and such. At most they heard stories from tale books.

But the three titles of First-Place Scholar, Second-Place Scholar, and Third-Place Scholar were often heard.

In the tale books, those talented scholars who wanted to end up happily with beautiful ladies mostly had to pass one of these three positions to return home in glory. They all had to wear big red flowers and ride tall horses, the most glorious thing possible.

But this triennial examination could only produce three first-tier Presented Scholars, yet they had to compete against talented individuals from all regions. Wanting to pass was as difficult as ascending to heaven.

Just speaking of the area under Magistrate Shi's governance, there were many Recommended Men, but the last person to achieve Presented Scholar status was over twenty years ago. Even that demoted Official Lu, after him there had been no more Presented Scholars.

Now Third Master Qi had achieved Presented Scholar status, and directly tested to become Third-Place Scholar, instantly drawing everyone's attention to the Qi family.

Liu Shi was also stunned for a moment. Only after Nanny Liu called her twice did she come to her senses.

She felt her hands trembling. Although she had countless times imagined what kind of bright future her third son would have, even when praying to Buddha, Liu Shi had never dared to dream this well.

Even dreams should have limits. Even beautiful dreams weren't as real as this moment.

Fortunately, Liu Shi was steady-minded and didn't lose her composure like Qi Zhao in his joy.

She just wavered for a moment before calming down, forcibly suppressing the excitement in her heart, and said with a smile, "Thank you for your trouble, Magistrate Shi. Please come into the residence to sit for a while."

Shi Tianrui didn't refuse and entered the gate with a smile. Most of those who came with Shi Tianrui were runners from the county office, who were also invited by the Qi family to rest.

When the main gate closed, they could still hear the lively discussions outside. Surely this news would spread throughout the entire city before long!

Qi Zhao was grinning foolishly, and even Fang Shi's vigorous patting had no effect on him.

Eldest Master Qi's appearance made Fang Shi somewhat helpless, but she also understood his feelings, because Fang Shi herself felt her heart pounding non-stop.

The Fang family couldn't be considered a scholarly family, but they were educated. Fang Shi's father was a proper Recommended Man, and Fang Shi had been literate since childhood. She naturally understood better than others how difficult it was to achieve Third-Place Scholar.

For ordinary people, this was like a pie falling from heaven. They could praise it and then it would pass, but Fang Shi had personally witnessed her father failing repeatedly, and her eldest brother also failing year after year. Not to mention Presented Scholar status, he couldn't even pass the provincial examination. Being able to achieve first-tier Presented Scholar was truly like a carp leaping through the dragon gate, requiring learning, fortune, and luck, lacking any of which wouldn't work.

"At dawn a farm boy, at dusk in the emperor's hall."

Her third brother-in-law seemed unremarkable, but he would probably truly live out these two lines.

More importantly, with one family member's success, the whole family prospered or suffered together. Now that Qi Ming had achieved scholarly success, he could at minimum obtain a seventh-rank official position, making the Qi family a proper official household!

Although they couldn't compare to great households, there would be many opportunities to benefit in the future.

But similarly, in the future when they did things, they would also need to consider Qi Ming's reputation. Fang Shi had read books and knew that many officials were dragged down by their families. She needed to be even more cautious.

She wanted to discuss these matters with Qi Zhao, but when she turned her head, she saw Eldest Master Qi grinning foolishly.

Fang Shi understood Qi Zhao's joy, and she was also joyful in her heart, but standing here like this all the time wasn't proper.

Supporting her already prominently protruding belly, Fang Shi patted Qi Zhao's arm, "Husband, please sober up a bit. Magistrate Shi came to announce the good news and brought quite a few people. How should they be accommodated? We can't just let them sit there drinking tea."

Qi Zhao was immediately reminded and nodded repeatedly, "Right, right, we need to prepare properly, have them set up a meal..."

"Set up a meal at this hour? The time has long passed." Fang Shi laughed in exasperation, reaching out to grab his arm, thinking her husband was confused with joy. She turned to a woman servant, "Go, have them prepare good tea and refreshments, bring out the good tea, and prepare dinner as well, one thing at a time."

After the woman servant left, Fang Shi saw Qi Zhao staring at her.

This made Fang Shi somewhat puzzled. She looked down at herself to make sure nothing dirty was on her clothes, then glared back at him, "What are you looking at?"

Qi Zhao cleared his throat lightly and reached out to support Fang Shi's lower back to make her stand more comfortably, saying, "I didn't expect my wife to be so generous this time."

The food preparations sounded more complex, but anyone who had actually managed household affairs would know that those refreshments, though each one looked small and seemed like ten wouldn't fill you up as much as one steamed bun, were actually terribly expensive when it came to silver.

Usually his wife was thrifty... no, frugal, and would never bring these out to entertain guests.

But Fang Shi understood Qi Zhao's meaning and wasn't angry. As she supported him walking into the house, she said, "Now that Third Brother has achieved success, this is the family's good fortune. What do a few refreshments matter?"

Qi Zhao looked at Fang Shi, wanting to praise her for becoming generous, but felt that if he praised her like this, it would seem like he had been dissatisfied before. So he just hugged Fang Shi tightly and said sincerely, "My wife is much smarter than me."

But Fang Shi pushed him away, her round face showing some disgust as she muttered, "Don't squeeze the child."

Qi Zhao quickly stepped back half a step, carefully supporting Fang Shi's waist with one hand and protecting her belly with the other. The two walked toward the back hall together.

Just as Fang Shi had thought, the news of Qi Ming achieving Third-Place Scholar quickly spread through all the surrounding villages.

If it were another family, producing such a person would likely bring not only envy but also jealousy, and there might be even more jealous people. After all, human hearts were often hard to satisfy. Seeing those who gained power, they could only see the wealth and glory in front of others, but few could see the hardship behind it.

But the Qi family seemed somewhat different. This wasn't just because of the good reputation they had accumulated during the flood relief, but also because the Qi family's shops and estates mostly employed local farmers. In rural areas where relatives were numerous, everyone was related to everyone else in some way, and the Qi family was considered their employer, near or far.

Compared to other wealthy households, the Qi family could be considered benevolent.

Not only did they not withhold anything, but they would even give extra reward money during festivals. Anyone who had some relationship with the Qi family had received their kindness to some degree.

Even if not everyone remembered their good deeds, the Qi family was a good employer. Changing to another employer probably wouldn't give them such good days, so most people sincerely hoped the Qi family would prosper.

When the Qi family was stable, those who depended on them for their livelihood would also be stable.

Now learning that the master's third young master was about to enter court as an official, everyone was naturally genuinely happy, and those coming to offer congratulations were endless.

Father Qi had originally been at the estate preparing for farming, but upon hearing this news, he immediately rushed back, grinning from ear to ear, hosting grand banquets. The flowing banquets lasted a full five days.

But during these five days, no matter who sent gifts, the Qi family didn't accept them. Even familiar families' congratulatory gifts weren't received, being even more careful than before.

Because Qi Yun's congratulatory letter clearly stated not to accept gifts, especially at this moment they needed to be more careful and cautious, absolutely not digging a pit for Qi Ming.

Debts of gratitude were the most troublesome. If they accepted things, no matter how much, those who gave gifts would remember clearly in their hearts. Especially in rural areas, even giving an egg could be talked about for a year.

It was easy when accepting gifts, but when something really happened and they came asking for help, whether you helped or not would be wrong.

Better to eliminate it from the root now, so no one would trouble anyone else.

This caution seemed unnecessary to outsiders, but everyone in the Qi family agreed with Qi Yun's words and did it thoroughly.

However, for Qi Zhao, whether to accept congratulatory gifts or not wasn't important. What concerned him was another matter mentioned in Qi Yun's family letter.

This night, Qi Zhao very solemnly called Fang Shi and his son Shi Tou together for discussion. But because it was late, when he arrived, Shi Tou was already asleep. Only Fang Shi was patting Shi Tou's back to coax him to sleep while looking at Qi Zhao.

Eldest Master Qi was straightforward by nature and didn't beat around the bush, saying directly, "Second Brother said the academies in the Capital are better, and they've found a good house there, safe and secure. He's thinking of having Shi Tou come there to study, so he can keep Xu Bao company."

Upon hearing this, Fang Shi was stunned.

For Fang Shi, her second brother-in-law had never been an easy person to get close to.

As sister-in-law, Fang Shi cared about him and was willing to listen to Qi Yun and do things for the family, like the time she exposed the rotten affairs of Seventh Miss Lu. Fang Shi had always cooperated with Qi Yun, it could be said she gave all the trust that belonged to family.

But Fang Shi had always been afraid of him. At first it was because Qi Yun was seriously ill, pale as a ghost, frightening to whoever saw him. Later it was because Fang Shi had somewhat seen through Second Young Master Qi's abilities and scheming. The more she understood, the more afraid she became.

She had originally thought that when Second Brother went to the Capital, it would be a new life. Who knew he could still remember her Shi Tou.

Going to the Capital to study was almost like a pie falling from heaven, stunning Fang Shi.

While sleeping Shi Tou didn't know what his parents were discussing, the little body turned over and hugged Fang Shi's arm, his face smiling happily, apparently having a beautiful dream.

Fang Shi held Shi Tou close and quickly realized how rare this opportunity was.

Being able to study in the Capital's academies would certainly be better than studying in the private schools here, and with Ye Jiao's Xu Bao gradually growing up, Shi Tou wouldn't lack playmates. Except for being separated from his parents, everything else would be excellent.

Qi Zhao had also thought of this point, which was why he was asking them so solemnly.

Seeing Fang Shi silent, Qi Zhao thought she was reluctant to part with her son and said gently, "If you're unwilling, it's fine too. Shi Tou is smart, studying anywhere would be the same."

But Fang Shi shook her head, "If it were the same, there wouldn't be so many students desperately trying to get into the Capital."

Qi Zhao could hear that his wife had actually nodded, but was just reluctant to say it out loud. His heart softened, "When Third Brother was Shi Tou's age, he also went to live at the academy. Besides, Second Brother returns every year, so he can bring Shi Tou back with him."

Fang Shi pursed her lips and nodded, but held Shi Tou even tighter, saying softly, "Let Shi Tou try it."

Qi Zhao also squeezed Shi Tou's little hand and nodded slightly.

Two days later, the prefect came with Shi Tianrui to visit. Besides congratulating the Qi family for producing a Third-Place Scholar, they also brought a plaque.

This plaque wasn't a golden one, but was specially made by the prefecture office, inscribed with four large characters:

"Integrity in Family Management."

Once these four characters were hung in the hall, no one sent gifts to the Qi family anymore.

Seeing that even the parent officials encouraged them to do this, those who had originally complained about it also quieted down, completely giving up thoughts of taking advantage of the Qi family.

But there would always be people who felt disgruntled.

Fang Shi's sister-in-law, Shen Shi, came with a smile and left with anger. As soon as she got home, she smashed the box she was carrying all over the floor.

Fang Dalang quickly picked up the box, patting off the dirt while saying, "If you have something to say, say it. Why smash things? These are all good stuff, don't you know how wasteful it is to break them?"

Shen Shi was furious and pointed at Fang Dalang while scolding, "You useless thing, do you know what grief your sister gave me today?"

Fang Dalang replied somewhat irritably, "Isn't it just that your gift couldn't be delivered? I told you long ago, the prefect and magistrate both went to my brother-in-law's house to commend them, saying his family had strict rules and was a model family. Yet you still wanted to take gifts there. Isn't this just asking for embarrassment?"

Shen Shi turned red with anger and grabbed a teacup to throw at him, but at the last moment still felt sorry for the thing and didn't actually throw it. She just shouted loudly, "Who am I doing this for? Isn't it for you! If you hadn't failed repeatedly, would I need to find connections and look for jobs for you! Look at your sister, with two brothers-in-law, one rich and one an official. Even her foolish son can be sent to the Capital. But you? You haven't gained the slightest benefit from her. Is she really your blood sister?"

Hearing this, Fang Dalang became even angrier than her, "Who was it that insisted that Prefect Shao and the Shao family had ability, pushing me to give money and gifts, and wanting to use my sister's connections to drag Second Young Master Qi into it?"

At these words, Shen Shi suddenly didn't know how to respond.

The Shao family affair had indeed been her idea. Because Prefect Shao's position was secure at the time and the Shao family looked quite reliable, Shen Shi had pushed Fang Dalang to try using Fang Shi's connections to make Qi Yun step back and yield profits to the Shao family, so Fang Dalang could benefit from it.

Who knew Fang Shi would flatly refuse and even cool their family relationship.

Later when the Shao family fell and Fang Dalang was implicated, although Qi Zhao stepped in to help and didn't let them actually be imprisoned, in Shen Shi's view, relatives helping each other was proper and due. Now that the Qi family had good fortune but wouldn't let her benefit from it, Shen Shi was particularly angry.

She was habitually petty, always one to pluck feathers from passing geese. But Shen Shi still remembered being in the wrong about this matter, so she didn't press it further. Instead she said, "Fine, your sister's side is unreliable. We might as well find other ways."

Fang Dalang said nothing, just looked at her somewhat gloomily.

Shen Shi stood up and paced around the table in the room. Soon she had an idea, "I received a letter from my niece before, saying she had found support in the Capital. Walking her path might work."

Fang Dalang remembered that particularly arrogant Miss Shen and couldn't help saying, "Can she really enter the palace?"

If this question were asked in the Capital, people would probably laugh at his wishful thinking.

That Miss Shen was already notorious, full of lies, and had almost been sent to the authorities. Especially now that the Qi family was wealthy, the previous drama at their gate spread even wider.

Even ordinary people in the Capital usually had little entertainment. Once they knew something, they would talk about it endlessly. Miss Shen's story had a few peculiar elements, making it interesting no matter how it was told. Now Miss Shen's reputation was completely ruined.

If she were sensible, she would honestly wait for the selection to end and return home to await marriage. At least she was a girl who had been to the Capital, and plenty of families would want her. Besides, the bad reputation in the Capital wouldn't affect her back home. As long as she kept her mouth shut, she could always find a good family.

But Miss Shen wasn't smart enough yet had ambitions higher than heaven. Relying on her beauty, unwilling to accept mediocrity, she was determined to enter the palace for tremendous wealth.

And she was too embarrassed to let others know about the embarrassing incidents, so the letters home only reported good news, not bad. The Shen family was thousands of miles from the Capital, so how would they know these things? They believed everything Miss Shen said, convinced she could enter the palace.

When Shen Shi went back to her mother's family, she had seen her letters and believed Miss Shen completely. Now that the Qi family's path was blocked, she could only focus on this niece. The more she thought about it, the more reliable it seemed, and she said excitedly, "I heard that the emperor's harem has only one empress." At this point, Shen Shi looked around, then carefully continued, "My niece is beautiful as a flower, so naturally she can be chosen. When she has status in the palace, won't it be easy for us relatives to seek positions?"

Fang Dalang was somewhat hesitant, looking at Shen Shi with half-belief.

Shen Shi frowned and glared at him, "Do you understand pillow talk? Besides, who else can you count on now besides my niece?"

Fang Dalang thought about it and felt these words made sense, so he nodded. But soon he asked, "She's from your Shen family. Even if there are benefits, why would she give them to me?"

Shen Shi hesitated before saying softly, "She wrote back saying... she was short of silver and couldn't establish the right connections. Entering the palace also requires money for arrangements. You know my mother's family doesn't have spare money. If we can provide her with some now, naturally we can be closer in the future."

At these words, both husband and wife fell silent.

They had always been extremely stingy, splitting every copper coin in half, calculating even their relatives. Now suddenly talking about taking out money made them hesitate somewhat.

After sitting in silence all night, when they finally decided to give money to Miss Shen, both their faces looked like frost-beaten eggplants, extremely ugly.

But once this money was given out, both felt relieved.

Especially Shen Shi, who felt the anger in her heart could finally be released.

Once her niece was selected, everything would be fine.

What Qi family, what Second Young Master Qi and Third Young Master Qi - she didn't care about them!

The Qi Yun and Qi Ming being talked about by this couple had no mind for imperial family affairs. They had been extremely busy these days.

Qi Ming was preparing for his audience, studying books every day, even holding books while eating.

Qi Yun had to entertain guests coming to congratulate him, plus shop affairs to handle, equally rushed off his feet.

Not until close to the day of Qi Ming's palace audience, when no more visitors came, could Qi Yun get a moment's rest.

It happened to be a sunny afternoon. Qi Yun took Ye Jiao to the garden and specifically had people set up a soft couch in the pavilion, with half the pavilion's four sides blocked by curtains to shield from wind.

It looked rather odd, but this was in their own home, so naturally they could do as they pleased.

Sunlight filtered through the curtains, making people feel warm.

Previously it was always Ye Jiao massaging Qi Yun, but this time it was reversed, with Qi Yun helping Ye Jiao instead.

But he wasn't massaging her body, rather he had Ye Jiao let down her hair and lie with her head on his lap, then used his fingertips to massage her scalp with varying pressure.

This was very relaxing, and it wasn't their first time doing this. They were already practiced at it. Qi Yun controlled the pressure well, making Ye Jiao comfortable enough to squint her eyes.

Qi Yun looked at the medicinal flowers in the courtyard, then looked down at his wife, smiled, and said gently, "You've worked hard these past days."

The garden that had previously been a mess was now neat and orderly.

Those medicinal herbs that had originally been in flowerpots were now properly planted in flower beds. Although they couldn't compare to the brilliant beauty of peonies and roses, Qi Yun had seen such scenery in the old courtyard back home, and seeing it again now felt pleasing to the eye.

Even though these didn't require Ye Jiao to work with her hands like before, just the thought she put into it made Qi Yun feel sorry for her.

Ye Jiao looked up at him, her voice soft, "Husband has also worked hard."

Qi Yun's expression was gentle. He leaned down to kiss her forehead, then took a piece of coconut cake to feed Ye Jiao.

Then both fell silent, quietly enjoying this rare afternoon tranquility.

After Qi Yun finished massaging Ye Jiao, he had her sit up while he helped his wife arrange her hair.

He hadn't known how to do these things before, but like drawing eyebrows, practice made perfect. And for Qi Yun, dressing up his wife was a rare pleasure, so he learned faster than anything else.

But while arranging her hair, Qi Yun brought up another matter, "Third Brother enters the palace tomorrow and will certainly receive an official position, most likely staying in the Capital."

Although Qi Yun said this very calmly and gently, Little Ginseng had lived with him day and night for years and could naturally hear that there wasn't much joy in these words, but rather some worry.

Ye Jiao couldn't help turning her head to ask, "Isn't staying in the Capital good?"

Qi Yun stood up and looked at the distant servants, confirming they couldn't hear the conversation in the pavilion, then walked to Ye Jiao's side. Holding a white jade hairpin, he inserted it into her hair while saying, "Staying in the Capital is good, but staying means becoming a blade in the emperor's hand. His future prospects and disgrace will all be tied to that person."

This wasn't Qi Yun's random speculation, but the result he'd reached after days of thinking.

As a first-tier Presented Scholar, among the three only his third brother was of ordinary birth, which was strange in itself.

Qi Yun had thought someone would come to investigate Qi Ming's background, but these past days, apart from surface congratulations, there had been no other activity.

Either no one cared about this young Third-Place Scholar, or those people already knew what was what.

Chu Chengyun truly favored his third brother, but he probably also intended to bind Qi Ming to him. In the future, Qi Ming would really have to stand with the emperor, wholeheartedly becoming a pure minister.

The path of pure ministers was actually extremely difficult to walk well.

Qi Yun wasn't worried about being implicated himself. He was just concerned about Qi Ming's future, where one wrong step could leave him isolated and helpless.

Especially since pure ministers throughout history had to depend on the emperor's ability. Thinking of this, Qi Yun frowned, "After that person was assassinated and suffered such serious injuries, might there be lingering health problems?"

Ye Jiao knew he was talking about Chu Chengyun and was somewhat curious, "Why does husband suddenly care about him?"

Qi Yun was quite honest, "I don't care how he is, but his lifespan relates to Third Brother's official career. If the previous injuries left hidden troubles, Third Brother might as well not be an official."

Ye Jiao tilted her head and smiled, "Don't worry, he definitely has no lingering problems."

Little Ginseng was confident about the white rainbow fruit. Even though what she gave Chu Chengyun was just dregs from the white rainbow fruit, it was still life-saving medicine. Not to mention lingering problems, his lifespan probably wouldn't be short either.

Qi Yun was afraid his wife would worry, so he stopped speculating randomly. He steadied himself and sat beside Ye Jiao. After a while, he said softly, "Third Brother has a pure nature. His Presented Scholar status came too easily and smoothly, and he has such a good temper. I'm afraid he doesn't understand how to advance and retreat, making his future path difficult."

Second Young Master Qi was someone who thought three steps ahead, but he couldn't see Qi Ming's future, which made him somewhat anxious.

Hearing this, Ye Jiao gently grasped Qi Yun's hand, using the warmth of her palm to warm Qi Yun's slightly cold fingertips.

Little Ginseng didn't understand much more, but she knew some of the most basic truths of heaven and earth, speaking quite directly, "Husband, do you think the medicinal flowers I planted are good?"

Qi Yun looked up and immediately said, "Good."

Ye Jiao leaned against his shoulder, her voice warm, "That's because when I plant, I pick the tallest and strongest one from each pot. Only such medicinal flowers can grow tall and compete for more sunlight and rain."

Hearing this, Qi Yun couldn't help looking down at her.

Little Ginseng returned a smile and continued, "Even flowers know to compete. Third Brother should understand too."

Ye Jiao's intention was to comfort Qi Yun, but these words had a different meaning in Qi Yun's ears.

Yes, even flowers knew to strive upward. Why wouldn't his third brother know?

There were countless paths, but now gaining the emperor's favor with scholarly achievement was already the best possible result. Everything in this world came with risks proportional to glory. Third Brother fighting for it was better than retreating.

Besides, Chu Chengyun had already decided on Qi Ming. If he tried to retreat, that would truly leave no way back, only an endless abyss.

Only then did Qi Yun look at Ye Jiao, his lips curving in a smile, "I'm not as perceptive as Jiao Niang. Jiao Niang is truly intelligent."

Little Ginseng had no idea Qi Yun had thought so much. She just raised her head slightly, with some pride and joy, looking exactly like Xu Bao after being praised.

Thinking of this, Qi Yun had people bring the children too.

But he had originally intended to spend time with his children since he hadn't been with them properly for several days. Now with free time, Qi Yun was ready to bond with them properly. Who would have thought that when the children came, they abandoned him and instead surrounded Ye Jiao.

Because of weaning, Ning Bao and Ruyi hadn't seen Ye Jiao for several days. Now finally seeing her, they were naturally very affectionate.

Ruyi needn't be mentioned, being an originally lively and active little girl. Seeing Ye Jiao, she hugged her tightly, pressing her whole body against her with a face full of grievance.

Ning Bao also changed from his previous lazy nature. Taking advantage of being fatter than Ruyi, he directly occupied the advantageous position, squeezed into Ye Jiao's arms, curled into a ball, and refused to be moved no matter who tried to pull him away.

Seeing he had no place to lean, Xu Bao didn't compete with his younger siblings. With great elder brother demeanor, he sat beside Ye Jiao, holding Ruyi's clothes with one hand and grabbing Ning Bao's pants with the other, afraid they might fall.

All three children unanimously kissed Ye Jiao's face, extremely dependent on her.

This should have been a very heartwarming scene of brotherly love and sister protection, but for Ye Jiao being pressed down by three children, it was indeed quite heavy.

She couldn't help moving toward Qi Yun, wanting her husband to help share the burden.

But when Qi Yun came over, instead of taking the children, he kissed Ye Jiao's face.

Little Ginseng stared at him blankly, meeting Qi Yun's calm face, then heard him say, "One person, one kiss. That's fair."

Ye Jiao: ......

But just as Ye Jiao was stunned, Xu Bao's body swayed.

He was the biggest of the three children, true, but strictly speaking, Xu Bao was still just a baby with chubby little arms and short legs. Sitting for too long would make him unsteady.

There were women servants and attendants watching, so naturally he wouldn't fall.

But Xu Bao had obviously forgotten he was still holding onto two others. Ruyi was nimble and immediately twisted to break free when she saw Xu Bao about to fall sideways, but Ning Bao was determined to curl himself into a ball and naturally didn't notice Xu Bao's movement.

So when Xu Bao was steadily caught by Qi Yun, Qi Yun saw his eldest son's hand was holding onto something.

It looked like little pants.

Then Qi Yun looked up and met Ning Bao's confused gaze, along with his pale chubby legs and round little bottom...

Ye Jiao quickly grabbed a blanket from the side to wrap Ning Bao, afraid he'd catch cold. But she couldn't stop laughing, and the nearby women servants also started laughing, though they didn't dare be as blatant as the Second Young Mistress and had to turn away to hold it in.

Xu Bao blinked and cheerfully said, "Little brother is so pale!"

Ning Bao obviously didn't understand what had happened, just yawned, tilted his head, and leaned against Ye Jiao to sleep.

But Xu Bao said with a grin, "When little brother grows up, I'll tell him about this."

Qi Yun patted Xu Bao's head, feeling he should stop him.

As a father, he actually understood these children's temperaments quite well. Even though the twins couldn't even speak yet, Qi Yun could see that Ruyi was exactly like Ye Jiao, while Ning Bao was exactly like himself.

His eldest son was good in every way, just a bit too straightforward. If he told Ning Bao about today's incident in the future, who knew who would be the unlucky one then.

But before Qi Yun could speak, he saw Tie Zi walking over quickly. He stood outside the pavilion and bowed, "Second Young Master, Second Young Mistress, Princess Huaning had someone deliver an invitation."

Ye Jiao had him bring it over and opened it to look.

Qi Yun didn't lean over to read but waited for her to finish before asking, "What is it?"

Little Ginseng looked up at him, "Princess Huaning says Empress Meng wants to invite me to the palace tomorrow for a chat."