Lady of Fortune, Jiao Niang

Chapter 159

After this parade through the streets on horseback, the Capital buzzed with excitement for quite a while, and Third Master Qi, who ultimately received the most thrown flowers, became famous throughout the Capital overnight.

Many common people only learned at this time that Third-Place Scholar Qi Ming was the third young master of the Qi family wine shop. Combined with the Qi family wine shop's Golden Cup Wine being sold at reduced prices, even though they found Golden Cup Wine expensive, quite a few people still bought some to take home and join the festivities.

Privately, they all called Golden Cup Wine "Third-Place Scholar Wine," as if buying a jar home could bring them good luck.

Just like many people liked to go to temples and Taoist monasteries to pray for high examination results, Golden Cup Wine now had this function too. If not for the fact that this name had been bestowed by Chu Chengyun, who had specifically written the two characters "Golden Cup," Qi Yun would probably have already changed the name to sell it widely.

Amid all this excitement, Empress Meng's invitation of her family members to the palace went completely unnoticed.

This coming and going not only attracted no attention, but the Meng family members afterward seemed to have changed nothing, so naturally no one cared.

By the time the apricot blossoms had fallen, Third Master Qi had also received his official position.

Hanlin Academy Editor, a proper seventh-rank position. Though the official rank wasn't high, it was a proper Capital official position within the Hanlin Academy. His usual work involved editing books, compiling histories, and drafting imperial edicts. He had many opportunities to interact with the emperor and could directly access court political affairs.

As for whether he could stay in the future, that would depend on individual ability.

But ever since Qi Ming entered the Hanlin Academy, he rarely came home for dinner in the evenings. Qi Yun didn't mind this, but Xu Bao constantly mentioned missing Third Uncle, saying it seven or eight times a day, which made even Ye Jiao pay more attention.

This evening when Qi Ming again didn't return, Ye Jiao looked at Qi Yun and asked, "Has Third Brother been very busy lately? I notice he rarely comes home for dinner in the evenings."

Qi Yun served Ye Jiao a bowl of fish balls and replied, "Entering the Hanlin Academy is a very good opportunity, so naturally he needs to work harder. Don't worry, the people at the Hanlin Academy won't let him go hungry."

Ye Jiao took the bowl and stirred it with her spoon, but her eyes looked toward Xu Bao beside her.

The little fellow could now join his parents for dinner. Although he couldn't eat many of the dishes adults ate and needed specially prepared light, nutritious food, Xu Bao loved the feeling of eating together. He was now happily holding his little porcelain bowl, sitting beside Ye Jiao and eating contentedly.

Ye Jiao picked up some food with chopsticks for him and smiled, "Xu Bao heard what your father said, right? Third Uncle is busy and can't come home recently, so don't make a fuss about him, okay?"

Xu Bao raised his head and said sweetly, "Okay, Xu Bao will be good. Mommy kiss."

Hearing this, Ye Jiao smiled and leaned over to give his little chubby cheek a kiss. Qi Yun also nodded, feeling his chubby son had made considerable progress lately and was much more well-behaved than before.

Then he heard Xu Bao continue, "But Third Uncle can't read books to Xu Bao anymore. Will Daddy read to Xu Bao instead?"

Qi Yun: ......

Ye Jiao immediately turned to look at Qi Yun, "I haven't heard husband read books in a long time either." Her eyes clearly showed anticipation.

While Qi Yun could usually use various excuses to fool Xu Bao, when facing Ye Jiao, he never deliberately avoided her or refused her requests.

Now that Ye Jiao had spoken, Qi Yun couldn't shake his head and could only silently nod in agreement.

Xu Bao cheered, picked up his spoon to quickly finish all the rice in his bowl without leaving a single grain, then reached toward Nanny Mo, having her carry him to find books for his father to read before bedtime.

Qi Yun said nothing, just thinking in his heart that there probably really was such a thing as karmic retribution in this world.

Previously, he had used reading to control Qi Ming and Shi Tou, and now he was being controlled by his own chubby son...

Ye Jiao didn't think so much about it. She used her spoon to take a fish ball and put it in her mouth. Biting down, it was fresh, tender, and bouncy, very delicious.

Seeing Ye Jiao's enjoyment, Qi Yun's face also showed a smile, and he said gently, "This is made by scraping green fish meat and mincing it, mixing it with bean starch and lard, beating it by hand, adding scallion and ginger juice to form balls, cooking until set, then removing and cooling in cold water before adding to chicken broth and boiling."

This wasn't the first time Ye Jiao had heard Qi Yun explain recipes. Although Qi Yun didn't go near the kitchen, when he talked about these things he was always very knowledgeable. Ye Jiao loved eating, and when she heard him talk about food, she would always listen with fascination and smile admiringly afterward, "Husband is so amazing, knowing all this."

Qi Yun forgot about the suffering of having to read books tonight, his face showing a smile, "The restaurant hired a new chef, and this chicken soup with fish balls is his specialty dish. I had him come home to make it for you to try."

Ye Jiao immediately nodded, "I like it."

Actually, calling the shop's chef home was nothing to the chef, who might even be happy about it. His monthly wages wouldn't decrease, and if he did well, he might even get reward money from the master.

As for the shop's losses, since it belonged to Qi Yun himself anyway, he didn't care at all.

Qi Yun even asked, "Should I have him come cook at home permanently?"

Instead, Ye Jiao shook her head, "That would be so wasteful. Besides, it's not far away. We can just go eat there when we want to."

Qi Yun smiled and nodded.

Tie Zi, who was standing at the door reading a book, heard this conversation and felt his eyebrows twitching.

This chef had cost their Second Young Master a great deal of money to poach, with considerable effort involved, all to support the restaurant's business. Yet from what he'd just heard, if Second Young Mistress had nodded, this chef would have ended up in the residence's small kitchen?

Tie Zi wasn't surprised that Ye Jiao would refuse. Second Young Mistress might seem to not manage affairs usually, but she always saw things clearly.

Rather, it was his own Second Young Master who truly spent a thousand gold just to make his wife smile.

Now he finally understood how the ancient "beacon fires to amuse the lords" came about. What a foolish ruler indeed...

"Brother Tie, what are you crouching here for?" Little Su lifted the curtain and came out, carrying removed dishes in her hands, and immediately saw Tie Zi crouching by the door.

If it were anyone else, Tie Zi would certainly remain motionless and do whatever he was supposed to do.

But in front of Little Su, Tie Zi always paid attention to his image. Hearing her voice, he immediately jumped up and stood straight, then smiled, "Reading a book. Second Young Master said I need to finish it this month, and he's going to test me."

Although Little Su was still quite afraid of Qi Yun, compared to previously trembling at the sight of him, now it was more awe, with respect taking precedence.

Second Young Master was so capable that although she was afraid in her heart, Little Su still very much respected him. At least for her, Second Young Master's words were more important than heaven itself, always correct. What he had Tie Zi do naturally had good reasons.

Hearing Tie Zi's words, Little Su couldn't help but smile, "This is a good thing, proving Second Young Master values you highly. Brother Tie, you should work harder."

Tie Zi smiled and agreed, then followed Little Su toward the small kitchen, enthusiastically offering, "Let me help you carry that."

Little Su dodged, saying, "This is my job. Don't you need to read, Brother Tie? Go read quickly."

Tie Zi agreed, then showed a silly smile on his face as he watched Little Su leave.

Only after Little Su entered the small kitchen did Tie Zi reluctantly walk back, glancing back with each step. Just as he reached the door and was about to continue reading, he heard Qi Yun's voice, "Tie Zi."

Tie Zi's smile completely disappeared. He lifted the curtain and entered, standing properly with his hands cupped, "Second Young Master."

"Have you looked for the house I asked you to find before?"

Hearing this, Tie Zi immediately replied, "I'm looking for it, but haven't found a suitable one yet."

Ye Jiao was eating apricot cheese when she heard this. She couldn't help but look at Qi Yun, "Husband, why are we looking for another house?"

Qi Yun poured her a cup of tea, his voice gentle, "Now that Third Brother has received an official position and has proper official status, the place we live is mostly populated by merchants with complicated people coming and going, which isn't convenient. Third Brother has rarely come home for dinner these past days, leaving early and returning late. He mentioned it himself, planning to find a house to live in after he receives his salary."

As soon as he finished speaking, Qi Yun saw Ye Jiao scoop up some apricot cheese and offer it to him.

The man opened his mouth and ate it. Ye Jiao's face showed a smile, and she fed herself a spoonful before saying, "But I heard you say before that Third Brother's monthly salary isn't much. Houses in the Capital are expensive. Will his money be enough?"

Qi Yun's expression was calm, "It doesn't matter. I plan to buy a suitable one, then have someone pretend to be the landlord and rent it to him."

If he directly said he'd buy him a house, Qi Ming definitely wouldn't agree.

But if Qi Ming looked for a courtyard himself, whether he could find one was another matter, and just the time alone would be too much delay. Moreover, whether Qi Ming was an official or not, in Qi Yun's eyes he was still a young man. Letting him go out on his own still made him uneasy, so he thought of this method.

Second Young Master Qi always remembered Liu Shi's instructions. He had led Third Brother onto the path of imperial examinations and brought him to the Capital. Now with their parents absent, he had to take good care of Third Brother, naturally considering everything thoroughly.

Hearing this, Ye Jiao knew this was the result of Qi Yun's careful consideration. Her face showed a smile, and she tilted her head slightly to look at Qi Yun, "Husband is truly a good person." Although her husband usually didn't seem very considerate of Third Brother in his words, when there were real matters, he would still think everything through for him.

Qi Yun kissed Ye Jiao and very calmly accepted this praise.

After nightfall, Xu Bao came running over with his book, pestering Qi Yun to read to him. Ye Jiao also stared at him expectantly, leaving Qi Yun with no excuse to refuse.

The next day, Qi Yun rarely got up late. When he woke, he saw Ye Jiao had already finished washing and dressing and was lying by the bedside, smiling as she watched him.

This made Qi Yun somewhat dazed, and for a moment he was speechless.

He still remembered the morning after their wedding day, when his wife had also lain watching him like this, wearing only a silk undergarment with thin straps around her neck, her eyes wide with curiosity and confusion, making Qi Yun blush all over.

Now Ye Jiao was properly dressed, but her gaze was still the same as before, her eyes smiling and clear, like a spring that could be seen to the bottom at a glance.

Qi Yun was also no longer that paper-frail body that would fall at a breath of wind, and he was no longer a stranger to his wife. So Second Young Master Qi's first action was to reach out and grasp Ye Jiao's wrist, pulling her gently toward himself.

Ye Jiao naturally lay down beside Qi Yun, moving close to his face to look, examining him from left to right. Qi Yun found this somewhat puzzling and asked, "What is Jiao Niang looking at?"

Little Ginseng lay on top of Qi Yun, placing her arm on his chest, smiling as she replied, "Husband is still the same as before."

"How so?"

"Whenever you read books at night, you get up late the next day."

At these words, Qi Yun's ears turned red.

He knew Ye Jiao's words had no other meaning, but this "book" was not that "book."

Last night he had read to Xu Bao until late, which was why he had slept a bit more. But other times when he "studied books," besides taxing his mind, it also exhausted his physical strength, which was naturally different.

So Second Young Master Qi wrapped his arm around Ye Jiao's waist, tightening his hold slightly, and said softly, "Then let's try again tonight to see if I can get up tomorrow, shall we?"

Ye Jiao immediately nodded, "Good." Then she added, "I'll just massage your back when the time comes."

This statement made Qi Yun's ears feel hot again.

Just then, Tie Zi's voice came from outside the door, "Second Young Master, Second Young Mistress, a letter has arrived from home."

Ye Jiao immediately rolled off Qi Yun and went to open the door. After Tie Zi entered, he kept his eyes straight ahead, just handed the letter to Ye Jiao, but didn't leave.

Since it was a family letter, anyone could read it. Ye Jiao took the letter and prepared to open it, saying, "Do you have other business with husband?"

"Yes."

"Then go in. Remember to close the door so husband doesn't catch cold."

"Yes, Second Young Mistress."

Only then did Tie Zi push open the door to the inner room. Qi Yun had already put on his outer robe and gotten up. Seeing him enter, he knew there was urgent business. Qi Yun sat back down and said after Tie Zi closed the door, "Speak."

Tie Zi walked over and said quietly, "The messenger who brought the letter told me he also went to the Sun family, probably to deliver a letter to that Miss Shen."

Qi Yun raised his eyebrows slightly, "Miss Shen? The Sun family is still keeping her?"

"Probably so."

Hearing this, Qi Yun didn't immediately respond.

Regarding Miss Shen, Qi Yun no longer had much impression of her. He just hadn't expected that after Miss Shen's reputation was ruined, the Sun family would still keep her, which rather surprised Qi Yun.

But for people who couldn't stir up any trouble, Qi Yun never gave them a second glance.

Seeing Qi Yun's silence, Tie Zi asked, "Should we keep an eye on her?"

Qi Yun said indifferently, "No need. Let her be. We have plenty of things to do now. Such irrelevant people don't need attention. Jiao Niang has probably already forgotten about her."

Tie Zi remembered another matter, "Just now Manager Qin also came by, saying the old man has fallen ill and has already called for a doctor."

As soon as he finished speaking, Qi Yun stood up, saying, "Remember to mention such things earlier in the future. Help me dress. You come with me as well."

Tie Zi quickly agreed and went over to help him wash and change clothes.

Ye Jiao also heard the commotion and pushed the door open to enter. Seeing this, she was slightly stunned, "Husband, is there trouble?"

"Yes. Jiao Niang needn't wait for me for lunch." Qi Yun came over and kissed Ye Jiao's forehead.

Little Ginseng raised her head and let him kiss her, but said, "I can see it's going to rain outside."

If anyone else had said this, Qi Yun certainly wouldn't believe it, but Ye Jiao had been able to predict the torrential rains before the flood disaster, so Qi Yun naturally believed her words completely. He asked, "Will it be heavy?"

Ye Jiao obediently shook her head, "It shouldn't be heavy, smaller than when Third Brother went to take his examination."

Qi Yun nodded, "Then it's fine. I'll bring a cloak and an umbrella. Jiao Niang needn't worry. I'll go and return early."

Previously, Qi Yun had gone out on rainy days too, and with the weather getting warmer, it should be fine. Ye Jiao nodded but still insisted he finish breakfast before watching him leave.

As for the Sun and Shen families, Qi Yun had already forgotten about them completely and didn't mention them at all.

Compared to the Qi couple's indifference, Miss Shen was angry in her heart and anxious on her face.

She had been in the Capital for quite some time, but her reputation grew worse by the day.

In Miss Shen's thinking, women being sent to the palace should at least have some arrangement. The palace should send people to settle them. But she had arrived far too early and could only arrange for herself. Life in the Capital was difficult, and her money had long been spent completely.

Previously, she had tried to extort some money from that old man on the street but was exposed by Ye Jiao. Not only did she fail to get money, but her reputation was completely ruined.

Although the Sun family was now willing to keep her, it was only because they saw her potential future entry into the palace that they provided her with food and clothing.

But Miss Shen knew in her heart that entering the palace was probably no longer a sure thing.

Not to mention the noble ladies she had recently seen who were each more beautiful and magnificent than the last, just their family backgrounds and wealth were incomparable to someone from a small household like herself.

Even among those from small households, others would find great families to depend on upon arriving in the Capital, using them as backing and future support. But Miss Shen's reputation was completely ruined, and no great family would look favorably upon her. Her future would certainly be even more difficult.

Now, with the palace selection approaching, the Sun family had given her advice, telling her that having money was the only path to success after entering the palace. But the Sun family was unwilling to give her even a single tael of silver, which was why Miss Shen thought of reaching out to her family.

With money, she could establish connections and only then could she remain in the palace.

"Miss, a letter from home has arrived!"

Hearing the maid's words, Miss Shen lost all interest in admiring herself in the mirror. She threw down her comb, turned around, and ran over to snatch the letter from the maid's hands and tear it open.

She didn't care what the family had written or how her parents were doing. She only wanted to see if there was a bank note inside.

Miss Shen wasn't disappointed, a five-hundred-tael bank note almost made her faint with joy.

The little maid who had been following her bent down to pick up the family letter from the floor, looked at it, and handed it to her, "Miss, this says the bank note was given by your aunt."

"Who cares who gave it, as long as there's money, I have a way to stay in the palace." Miss Shen didn't even glance at the letter, just clutched the bank note with trembling fingers, her face alternating between crying and laughing, finally settling on smugness.

Actually, Miss Shen harbored hatred in her heart, with the Qi family being what she hated most.

She didn't think there was anything wrong with using the Qi family's name to deceive people. Instead, she felt that the Qi family exposing her in public was not giving her face and trying to drive her to desperation!

Now, Miss Shen felt her hope had come.

As long as she could enter the palace, everything else would be manageable.

She handed the bank note to her maid and whispered, "Don't let the Sun family see this. Go exchange it for scattered silver, gold ingots and silver ingots are both fine. Remember to be discreet."

The maid quickly agreed and hurried away.

Miss Shen's face had already calmed down, showing a slight smile. She slowly turned back to look at herself in the bronze mirror for a long time, thinking that just wait and see, the Qi family's good days would soon be over, especially Ye Jiao, whom she would definitely make pay.

For Ye Jiao, she had indeed long forgotten about Miss Shen's existence and hadn't even paid attention to the imperial consort selection. She spent the entire day repeatedly reading the family letter.

The former Little Ginseng had the sky as her roof and earth as her bed, with no concept of home, and didn't understand what longing was. Her only friend was the little fox, and they were together constantly, so naturally she wouldn't miss anyone.

But now Little Ginseng had a home, not only her small family with her husband and children, but also that old home thousands of miles away. Although her current life was good, Ye Jiao's heart still held some attachments.

The delivered family letter was thick, with letters from both Father Qi and Liu Shi, as well as from Qi Zhao and Fang Shi, and there was even one specially written by Shi Tou for Xu Bao to see.

Ye Jiao kept smiling as she read until she saw Shi Tou's letter, then she pursed her lips.

Little Su noticed and couldn't help asking, "Second Young Mistress, is there something wrong?"

Ye Jiao looked at her and said, "Shi Tou is so young, yet his handwriting is better than mine."

Little Su: ......

Regarding her Second Young Mistress's round, rolling handwriting, Little Su had long been familiar with it. To be honest, Young Master Shi Tou's writing wasn't particularly good, but at least it was properly horizontal and vertical, certainly more upright than Second Young Mistress's characters that always seemed to be lying on the ground.

But Little Su naturally wouldn't say this directly. However, she couldn't lie and deceive either, so she could only stiffly change the subject, "It looks like it's going to rain. I wonder when Second Young Master and Brother Tie will return."

Ye Jiao then set aside the letter and also looked outside.

There was some worry in her eyes, but Little Ginseng was still comforting herself, "This rain won't be heavy. Don't worry, husband has a carriage and brought an umbrella. It'll be fine."

Little Su nodded along, then said, "Second Young Mistress, should we have people set up some rough cloth to cover the medicinal flowers?"

Ye Jiao had forgotten about this and was reminded by her. She quickly said, "Yes, go give the orders quickly."

Little Su immediately went out, and the servants got busy right away, quickly setting up the frames.

After the rain began, Ye Jiao had no mind for reading the family letter. She couldn't focus on anything else either, just sitting on the soft couch, lying by the window with it cracked open slightly, looking outside.

She hadn't been worried before, but things often couldn't be mentioned, and the more she talked about it, the more she thought about it, becoming increasingly concerned.

Seeing her like this, Little Su knew Second Young Mistress was worried, but since Ye Jiao didn't voice it, she couldn't comfort her much. She could only carefully leave the room and call a maid over in the corridor, whispering, "Go to the front hall. If Second Young Master returns, tell him that Second Young Mistress has something to discuss with him and ask him to come over first."

"Yes, Sister Little Su, I remember."

When the message-carrying maid reached the front hall, she happened to catch Qi Yun's carriage stopping at the gate.

In the carriage, Qi Yun was talking to Tie Zi, "That old man's health needs good medicine to nurture it. Remember to tell Manager Qin not to be stingy with money. We must help him recover his health, as he'll be of great use in the future."

Tie Zi agreed, then hesitated before saying, "Second Young Master, you gave him your cloak when you left..."

Qi Yun didn't mind, "That cloak wasn't bought by Jiao Niang, so it doesn't matter."

Tie Zi was momentarily speechless, then said, "What I mean is, Second Young Master, it's still raining outside, and it's inevitably cold. Without a cloak, you might catch a chill from the cold wind."

Qi Yun had wanted to say it didn't matter, but he himself knew his constitution was indeed weaker than most people's. What others didn't fear, he had to be cautious about.

Especially now, with a wife and children, elders above and young ones below, Qi Yun was even more determined not to let anything happen to himself, lest he worry Ye Jiao.

Just as he was about to have Tie Zi go fetch a cloak for him, he heard Qi Ming's voice outside the carriage, "Second Brother?"

Qi Yun lifted the curtain to look out and saw Qi Ming beside the carriage in his official robes, holding an umbrella and smiling at him.

Qi Ming had heard most of the conversation in the carriage. Now seeing his second brother, he showed a brilliant smile, then said to Liu Si, "Give my outer robe to elder brother to wear, at least to block the wind."

Originally, Qi Yun could have had Tie Zi go inside to fetch something, but now that Qi Ming had spoken up, Qi Yun accepted this kindness. His face also showed a trace of a smile, and he felt gratified, thinking that Third Brother had indeed grown up.

Liu Si immediately handed over the clothes he was carrying. Qi Yun put them on and got out of the carriage, entering the gate with Qi Ming.

As soon as they entered the front hall, the maid came over and said, "Second Young Master, Second Young Mistress misses you... no, she has something to discuss with you."

At these words, Qi Ming smiled first.

The first half was probably true, the second half was made up.

But Qi Ming didn't expose this, his heart instead envying his second brother and sister-in-law's loving relationship. He said, "Then Second Brother, go quickly. I'll go read in the study." Seeing Qi Yun about to return the clothes to him, Qi Ming quickly said, "It doesn't matter. It's the same if Second Brother gives them back to me tomorrow."

Qi Yun paused in his movement and patted Qi Ming's arm before having Tie Zi hold an umbrella and quickly leaving.

Qi Ming watched Qi Yun leave, then pulled Liu Si aside and whispered, "I'm going out again tonight. If Second Brother asks, remember to cover for me."

Liu Si looked at Qi Ming and also learned to lower his voice, "Th-third Young Master, this time... is it also for dinner?"

Qi Ming smiled cheerfully, "It's to discuss poetry."

Seeing Qi Ming's expression, Liu Si knew he was very happy now, but didn't know his Third Young Master was going to meet the current Son of Heaven.

For Qi Ming, he didn't think there was anything wrong with having dinner and discussing poetry with the Son of Heaven. On the contrary, Qi Ming thought this was normal.

After all, in Qi Ming's heart, Chu Chengyun was first his sworn brother, then the emperor.

Usually in court, he was always proper and respectful, but in private, their interactions were as comfortable and natural as before.

But Qi Ming didn't intend to let more people know about this, especially not his second brother.

So Qi Ming instructed Liu Si, "If Second Brother asks you, just say I have an appointment with someone. Don't say anything else. Whatever he asks, just say you don't know, understand?"

Liu Si obediently nodded and replied, "Liu Si, Liu Si doesn't know anything."

"Good boy." Qi Ming smiled and ruffled Liu Si's hair, then took an umbrella with him back to the courtyard to change clothes. He also needed to bring the poems and policy essays he had written recently before carefully leaving through the side gate with his umbrella.

Meanwhile, as soon as Qi Yun entered the courtyard, Ye Jiao, who was lying by the window, saw him.

At this moment, all three children were around Ye Jiao. Xu Bao was reciting the book Qi Yun had read to him the night before. Ning Bao listened attentively while Ruyi listened drowsily.

Little Ginseng put on her shoes and got down from the bed when she saw Qi Yun return. All three babies looked over in unison.

When Qi Yun pushed open the door, he was embraced by his wife, accompanied by the children's laughter.

Second Young Master Qi quickly steadied Ye Jiao, his eyes slightly narrowing as he looked silently at the three babies on the soft couch.

Xu Bao sensibly covered his mouth, though his eyes were still rolling around. Ning Bao remained characteristically silent, having neither laughed earlier nor being threatened by Qi Yun now.

Only Ruyi giggled cheerfully as she lay watching her parents, her laughter clear and somewhat arrogant, as if certain that Qi Yun couldn't do anything to her.

The little girl's thinking was correct. Qi Yun had always doted on her. Seeing her laugh endlessly, he could only shake his head helplessly, then look down at Ye Jiao, "Did Jiao Niang miss me?"

Ye Jiao nodded very honestly, "I did." Then she reached out to grasp Qi Yun's wrist, confirming he was unharmed before saying, "I won't let you go out on rainy days anymore."

Knowing she had been worried, Qi Yun enjoyed Ye Jiao's concern. Although his constitution no longer required such caution, Qi Yun enjoyed Ye Jiao's care. His heart felt warm, his face showed a smile, and he said gently, "Alright, I'll listen to whatever Jiao Niang says."

Only then did Ye Jiao let go of him, and then she noticed Qi Yun was wearing Qi Ming's clothes.

Although Qi Ming had grown taller, he was still half a head shorter than Qi Yun and not as broad. His clothes looked somewhat small on Qi Yun.

Even though there hadn't been much wind outside, rainwater wasn't always straight down. There was always some slanting, and parts of Qi Yun that the outer garment couldn't protect, like his sleeves and hem, were somewhat dampened.

Ye Jiao said to Little Su, "Bring in the bathing tub and heat plenty of hot water."

Qi Yun had wanted to say it didn't matter, but facing Ye Jiao's clear eyes, he swallowed all his words and obediently let Ye Jiao take care of him.

When the bathing tub was brought in, they set up a screen and lit a warming stove before Qi Yun undressed and soaked in.

It was already evening, with lanterns hanging up.

Ordinary people would choose to bathe at night, but Qi Yun was different. He had always been physically weak and consistently bathed during the day. This was Qi Yun's first time entering a bathing tub at night.

So Ye Jiao had people bring in three buckets of hot water, occasionally adding some to prevent her husband from getting cold.

But Qi Yun was afraid she would tire herself and held Ye Jiao's hand, "Let Tie Zi do this. You go rest."

Ye Jiao didn't insist. She smiled and nodded, handing the wooden ladle she was holding to Tie Zi before going around the screen to the inner room.

On the bed, the three children had already started playing.

Ruyi had a lively personality and couldn't stay still. Usually when she was with Ning Bao, perhaps because twins really did share some telepathy, whenever Ning Bao was sleepy, Ruyi wouldn't make noise and would obediently hold Ning Bao while sleeping, being extremely well-behaved.

But whenever Ruyi saw Xu Bao, she immediately became spirited, crawling quickly and hugging tightly.

Xu Bao also loved his little sister very much. He naturally had a gentle temperament and was even more so with his family members. When Ruyi wanted to play with him, he could set aside his favorite books to play with her.

Now Ruyi was holding Xu Bao's leg, giggling as she swayed back and forth, reaching out to grab the cloth ball in Xu Bao's hand.

Xu Bao held up his chubby little hand high, saying in his sweet voice, "Little sister, call me big brother, and big brother will give it to you."

But Ruyi wasn't yet at the age where she could speak. Hearing Xu Bao's words, she made some "ah" sounds and reached out for it.

But Xu Bao was very strict, shaking his head and insisting, "Say big brother. Ruyi, call me big brother."

When Ruyi couldn't say it, she simply stopped trying. She smiled and pounced on Xu Bao.

Then, seeing that Xu Bao really wouldn't give it to her, Ruyi pouted her mouth and hugged Xu Bao somewhat unhappily, trying hard to look up at him.

Just then, Xu Bao felt his arm tickling, as if someone was pinching him.

He instinctively lowered his hand to dodge, and the cloth ball was immediately snatched away by Ruyi, who hugged it to her chest and rolled away giggling.

Xu Bao looked around in confusion and saw Ning Bao slowly withdrawing the hand that had just pinched his armpit. When Ning Bao saw Xu Bao staring at him, he showed no fear, yawned, and hugged his yarn ball, preparing to curl up and sleep.

Xu Bao immediately sat up straight.

If before when Ning Bao bothered him Xu Bao had no recourse, now he had caught him red-handed and couldn't let it pass!

Xu Bao immediately crawled over, trying to pull out Ning Bao's yarn ball. But Ning Bao turned his body, and seeing Ye Jiao had already sat on the bedside, he immediately pursed his lips, hugged his yarn ball, and rolled toward Ye Jiao, tumbling right to her side and burying his little head in her arms.

Without making a sound or crying, he somehow made Ye Jiao feel her youngest son was wronged.

But Little Ginseng had seen everything clearly. Just now Ning Bao had taken sides to help Ruyi trick Xu Bao. Among children there was no real right or wrong, but Little Ginseng always remembered Liu Shi's words about treating children equally and not favoring any one.

This matter was indeed difficult to judge, and Little Ginseng was somewhat at a loss for words.

But before Ye Jiao could speak, Xu Bao had already crawled over. The chubby little fellow sat beside Ye Jiao and patted Ning Bao's little bottom, saying seriously, "Little brother, you just helped Ruyi."

Ning Bao still lay in Ye Jiao's arms without speaking.

The next moment, they heard Xu Bao say, "You did right to help little sister. I was wrong just now for not wanting to give you the ball."

At these words, Ning Bao looked up at him, and Ye Jiao also looked at Xu Bao in surprise.

Even Qi Yun behind the screen made a small sound of surprise.

Usually adults couldn't think through matters so clearly and logically. Right and wrong seemed crystal clear when applied to others, but when it came to themselves, it was always muddled, never wanting to sort things out clearly.

Yet now a three-year-old baby was speaking so coherently and logically, which was truly surprising.

Xu Bao patted Ning Bao's little bottom again, saying sweetly, "Come on, little brother, big brother will play with you."

Ning Bao didn't know if he understood or not, but after staring at Xu Bao for a while, he rolled down from Ye Jiao's arms, moved close to Xu Bao, and even gave him his yarn ball.

Ruyi also came over, cheerfully climbing onto Xu Bao again.

This made Ye Jiao smile endlessly, and she said, "Taking care of children is actually quite easy."

This made Nanny Mo nearby open her mouth but unable to refute.

Really, children like Young Master Xu Bao were too rare... ordinary families' children weren't so easy to manage...

But just then, as Ruyi was laughing and rolling around, she pulled at the clothes Qi Yun had placed on the bed.

Then Ye Jiao heard a crisp sound, as if something had fallen to the floor.

She looked down and saw a jade flower lying quietly on the ground.

The three children were also attracted to it, all lying on the bed's edge, holding onto the bedframe to look down. Ruyi and Ning Bao couldn't speak, but Xu Bao pointed and said clearly, "Flower! Pink!"

Ye Jiao bent down to pick it up, looked at it in her hand, and said softly, "This is a hairpin."

Qi Yun behind the screen frowned.

A flower, a hairpin?

Usually all of Ye Jiao's hairpins were bought by him. He didn't seem to have bought his wife any pink flower hairpins.

Little Su nearby wanted to comment but was pulled back by Nanny Mo.

Ye Jiao stood up, played with the jade flower in her hand, then said with some confusion, "This isn't mine, but it looks like it's been used - it's quite worn." Then Ye Jiao instinctively looked toward the screen.

Inexplicably, even though Qi Yun was soaking in hot water behind the screen, his back felt cold.

Little Su found it strange and turned to see Nanny Mo already sweating on her forehead. Little Su was puzzled and about to ask, but she quickly realized what was happening.

These were Second Young Master's clothes, so naturally it was Second Young Master's item. But what fell out was an obviously used women's hairpin flower...

And it wasn't Second Young Mistress's.

This... was the sky about to fall?

Qi Yun behind the screen heard everything clearly and reacted faster than anyone else.

He didn't care whether he had finished bathing or not and immediately got up, quickly dried himself, dressed, and came out.

Coming around the screen, he immediately saw Ye Jiao and the jade flower in her hand.

Qi Yun walked over and gently held Ye Jiao's hand. Without saying anything about her trusting him, he said, "In my life, you are the only one. If I violate this oath, may heaven strike me down."

This was a heavy oath.

Usually taking oaths was extremely solemn because people believed such words would come true someday. Unless truly sincere, few would use such words to prove their innocence.

Indeed, as soon as Qi Yun finished speaking, Nanny Mo, who had just been sweating nervously, immediately felt relieved.

Little Su and Tie Zi exchanged glances and also breathed sighs of relief.

But Ye Jiao had never suspected Qi Yun of any romantic entanglements. She looked at him with some confusion and reached out to cover his mouth, "Why are you saying such things out of nowhere? You can't speak carelessly about matters involving karma. What 'heaven strike me down' - don't say such things in the future."

Seeing that Ye Jiao didn't suspect him, Qi Yun felt relieved, and his mind settled somewhat.

He gently pulled away the hand Ye Jiao was using to cover his mouth, interlacing their fingers. Only then did Qi Yun have the mind to look at the jade flower in her hand.

This item, Qi Yun had never seen before, and it was clearly a woman's hair ornament.

Where did this thing come from?

Qi Yun took two steps forward and looked at the clothes on the bed.

Besides his own, there was only the outer garment Qi Ming had lent him.

Qi Yun's eyes moved back and forth between the jade flower and the clothes. Then he felt his forehead throbbing.

This item wasn't his, so it could only be Third Brother's.

Had this boy gotten himself into some romantic trouble outside?

The more Second Young Master Qi thought about it, the more likely it seemed, especially considering how this person rarely came home for dinner lately. Qi Yun's eyebrows rose.

Qi Yun tried hard to control his temper. He kissed Ye Jiao's face and had her sit down first. Then Qi Yun released Ye Jiao's hand, held the jade flower hairpin, and turned around.

When Qi Yun looked over, Tie Zi couldn't help but shudder.

He saw that Qi Yun's face was dark as water, his expression cold and severe, his voice lower than usual, "Tie Zi, go bring Third Brother to me!"