Lady of Fortune, Jiao Niang

Chapter 160

At this time, Qi Ming had no idea that chaos had erupted at home. He was happily composing poetry and making couplets with Chu Chengyun in the tea house.

Actually, composing poetry and making couplets while facing the moon sounded rather dull, with neither fine wine and delicacies nor beautiful women to add fragrance. But whether it was Qi Ming or Chu Chengyun, both were thoroughly enjoying themselves.

Because for them this was rare entertainment, and the joy of scholars was just that simple.

Commander Ye, who was guarding nearby, was a military general and also a rough man. Before joining the army, he couldn't even recognize his own name. Even though he had now studied and become literate, and had some understanding of military strategy, he still couldn't appreciate the joy of these two.

So while Qi Ming and Chu Chengyun were talking about everything under the sun, Commander Ye silently sat to the side, holding chopsticks and concentrating on eating the plain noodles before him.

But Liu Rong, sitting nearby, was somewhat nervous.

Liu Rong had previously been just a guard following Commander Ye. At that time, Commander Ye was a Commanding Officer, while he didn't even have a proper official position.

Now Commander Ye had already reached the fourth rank of officialdom, which was extremely glorious for a military officer during peacetime. Liu Rong now also held a sixth-rank position and still followed by Commander Ye's side.

Because of Commander Ye's close relationship with the emperor, Liu Rong was also a favored person before Chu Chengyun, and he was brought along whenever they went out.

But this time Liu Rong felt somewhat uneasy.

Though there were noodles and dishes set before him and his stomach was hungry, he couldn't eat a single bite. His eyes stared straight at Chu Chengyun and Qi Ming, afraid that some accident might happen.

Seeing this, Commander Ye tapped Liu Rong's hand with his chopsticks and said quietly, "Pull your eyes back. Don't keep staring at His Majesty. Don't you want your eyes anymore?"

Liu Rong immediately looked away and turned toward Commander Ye, his voice carrying some tension, "General, it's already the hour of hai and we still haven't returned to the palace."

Commander Ye's voice was calm, "Why do you care so much about the master's affairs? The master can return whenever he wants to return. What, do you have urgent business?"

Liu Rong quickly shook his head, then lowered his voice, "I just feel that outside the palace can't compare to the safety inside the imperial palace. If something were to happen..." At this point, Liu Rong's voice stopped, then he turned his head and said, "Ptui, ptui, ptui."

Commander Ye looked at him with disgust and protected his bowl toward himself before saying, "You know better yourself. Speaking such inauspicious words, if someone else heard that, they definitely wouldn't spare you."

Liu Rong nodded repeatedly, then carefully asked, "General, I still feel uneasy. How about I go downstairs to keep watch?" Then he wanted to get up.

But before he could stand up, he was pressed back down by Commander Ye.

Seeing that Chu Chengyun wasn't paying attention to their side, Commander Ye spoke up, "There are at least 50 guards around this tea house, plus patrol soldiers who make rounds every half hour, and every one of them has better martial arts than you."

Hearing this, Liu Rong was stunned, his eyes widening slightly, "Didn't we say we had to be careful not to be discovered by outsiders when leaving the palace?"

"Would you go outside and announce His Majesty's whereabouts?"

"No."

"Then that's settled. Shut up and eat."

Commander Ye said nothing more and continued eating his noodles.

Liu Rong also steadied himself and prepared to fill his stomach.

But just as he picked up his chopsticks, he heard Chu Chengyun say, "Go have them bring some refreshments."

Liu Rong immediately jumped up and ran downstairs to find the shopkeeper.

Meanwhile, Qi Ming was cheerfully folding the poem he had just finished writing properly and placing it in his chest pocket. He contentedly touched it before saying, "Getting these two poems today was worth it."

Chu Chengyun's face showed a relaxed smile as he looked Qi Ming over and said leisurely, "It's just that your poetry standards now are far inferior to before."

Third Master Qi couldn't help but purse his lips. Just now he had been able to put on a mature act with what he'd recently learned at the Hanlin Academy, but this pursing of his lips immediately revealed his youthful appearance as before. His voice also carried some sighing, "I've been very busy, and my mind isn't settled, so naturally I have no inspiration. When I was studying, I didn't know that being an official was such tiring work."

Chu Chengyun raised his eyebrows slightly, "What, you don't want to do it?"

Qi Ming smiled and answered very honestly, "If this effort can bring clarity to the world and happiness and peace to the people, being a bit tired is appropriate."

If someone else had said this, Chu Chengyun definitely wouldn't believe it. But Qi Ming had a stubborn temperament, and once he decided on a path, he wouldn't turn back. Even his current grand ideals were largely due to Chu Chengyun's deliberate guidance before. Hearing this now, Chu Chengyun naturally believed it.

He had originally wanted to praise him a few words, but then felt this should be the aspiration and integrity of every scholar. It wouldn't be good to deliberately praise him just because others couldn't achieve it. So Chu Chengyun just smiled faintly and didn't say much.

At this time, Liu Rong had already brought up a bowl of soup.

Because of Chu Chengyun's special status, they hadn't let the shop's waiters come up to serve. These foods were also tested for poison downstairs before being brought to the table.

Qi Ming now felt his stomach empty and immediately asked curiously upon seeing the soup, "What is this?"

Liu Rong immediately replied, "Venison soup. The shopkeeper got fresh venison, just the right time to have some."

Hearing this, Chu Chengyun made a sound of surprise.

This venison was a novelty, considered quite rare wild game. Being able to see it outside the palace now was indeed not easy.

Qi Yun looked toward Chu Chengyun and asked, "Your Majesty, don't you like this?"

"I've told you before, public is public, private is private, they should be separate. You should just call me sworn brother," Chu Chengyun said as he served himself a bowl and smiled, "There's usually venison in the palace too, but after getting it, I always have it sent to the Empress. Such nourishing things as venison are much more suitable for her than for me. Come to think of it, I haven't thought to eat it myself these years. This time is just right to try some."

Hearing him say this, Qi Ming stopped being polite and served himself a bowl too.

Both young men now had empty stomachs, so they ate faster than usual.

After his stomach felt more comfortable, Chu Chengyun remembered another matter.

He had called Qi Ming out not only to discuss poetry and literature with him, but more importantly, Chu Chengyun wanted to arrange a marriage for his worthy brother.

The woman would be the fifth young lady of the Meng family, and also Empress Meng's younger sister, Meng Zhilan.

Chu Chengyun knew about Miss Meng accidentally dropping the jade flower. He had only told Empress Meng about it, but somehow the Meng family learned of it and punished their fifth daughter by making her kneel in the ancestral hall for a full three days, until she fainted and was finally released.

This sounded like the Meng family was punishing their daughter, but Chu Chengyun saw through it.

He had met Meng Zhilan, who was a clever girl with seven kinds of wisdom, very much like his own Hui Niang in mind, but much more outgoing in personality.

In Chu Chengyun's view, the fifth young lady accepting this punishment while presumably having set her mind on someone had angered the Meng family elders, showing that Miss Meng had quite definite ideas.

Chu Chengyun didn't mind the Qi and Meng families forming a marriage alliance. Strictly speaking, this would be the Qi family reaching above their station.

Now that the Meng family lady was willing, becoming closer relatives and changing from sworn brothers to brothers-in-law would be a joyous occasion for Chu Chengyun.

Moreover, the things he planned to do with Qi Ming in the future would certainly create waves in court. If he could facilitate this marriage and make the Meng family Qi Ming's support, his somewhat single-minded worthy brother's life would be much easier.

But Chu Chengyun didn't immediately arrange an imperial marriage. Instead, he first came to test Qi Ming's attitude.

An emperor arranging a marriage was tremendous grace that anyone would gratefully accept without a single word of refusal. But Chu Chengyun was kindhearted and greatly valued Qi Yun's future, so he treated him with special consideration.

At least he wanted to ask if Qi Ming was willing before discussing the imperial marriage.

So Chu Chengyun set down his soup spoon and smiled at Qi Ming, "Third Brother, you now have an official position and will reach your twentieth year next year. I wonder if your family has considered marriage matters for you?"

Hearing this, Qi Ming didn't think of other implications and just took it as his sworn brother caring about him. He answered honestly, "My mother said she'd arrange matchmaking once I achieved scholarly success."

Chu Chengyun quickly asked, "What, has your family arranged a betrothal for you?"

Qi Ming honestly shook his head, "No."

Chu Chengyun breathed a sigh of relief, no betrothal was good.

But soon he saw Qi Ming's face redden, and Third Master Qi's voice carried the shyness unique to young men, "But I've seen a young lady before. If there's an opportunity, I'd like to propose to her family."

The heart that had just settled rose again. Chu Chengyun hadn't felt such ups and downs since becoming emperor. He took a deep breath before asking, "Which family's daughter has such good fortune?"

"I don't know either. I only have a jade flower here... Eh." Qi Ming originally didn't want to be too specific. He also didn't know who it was, and just unconsciously wanted to touch that jade flower hairpin.

But he came up empty.

He stood up and searched all over himself before realizing.

That hairpin was probably left in the clothes he'd given to Second Brother, wasn't it?

Third Master Qi's forehead immediately broke out in sweat.

He could tell Chu Chengyun about this matter, firstly because Chu Chengyun was the emperor and he couldn't deceive his sovereign, and secondly because he considered Chu Chengyun a friend, which was naturally different.

But Qi Yun was different. He was Qi Ming's second brother and also an extremely imposing presence in Qi Ming's heart.

Just thinking that his romantic feelings would be discovered by Qi Yun made Qi Ming feel like he'd been caught doing something wrong. His tongue went dry, his heart raced, and he became terribly nervous.

But Chu Chengyun, just hearing the words "jade flower," knew this foolish boy had also taken a liking to Miss Meng.

Fortunately, both had caught each other's eye, so this matter could succeed.

With his heart at ease, Chu Chengyun's face also showed a smile. He looked somewhat playfully at the dazed Qi Ming in front of him and said calmly, "In marriage matters, parents' orders and matchmakers' words are important. If there's a good marriage, you should wait patiently." As he spoke, Chu Chengyun picked up his soup spoon again, "Come, have another bowl."

Qi Ming was anxious inside but couldn't immediately run back to look. He could only sit down and continue drinking.

The perfectly good venison soup became tasteless to him, a complete waste of good food.

When leaving the tea house, Chu Chengyun had Liu Rong escort Qi Ming back to his residence, while he rode with Commander Ye back to the palace.

The guards at the gate were already accustomed to their emperor returning after dark. They silently opened the palace gates, closed them again after they entered, all without a sound.

Every time Chu Chengyun returned to the palace at night, Commander Ye would attend him and also keep night watch for the emperor. Now he followed behind Chu Chengyun asking, "Your Majesty, where to?"

Chu Chengyun had originally wanted to say he'd go to the Empress's palace to discuss Miss Fifth's matter with her, but looking at the time and thinking the Empress would be going to sleep soon, it wouldn't be good to disturb her. So he said, "Back to my chambers."

Commander Ye acknowledged, dismounted, and handed the reins to a nearby palace attendant. Chu Chengyun changed to the imperial palanquin to return to the palace.

But His Majesty the Emperor, who had just settled in, felt a strange fire burning in his body.

If Little Ginseng were here, she would immediately see that Chu Chengyun had over-nourished himself.

White rainbow fruit was a worldly treasure, a miraculous medicine that could revive the dead. For someone like Qi Yun with congenital deficiency and weak constitution, eating it was greatly beneficial. For Chu Chengyun, even just some dregs had excellent nourishing effects.

No matter what Chu Chengyun's constitution had been before, after eating those white rainbow fruit dregs mixed with soil, Chu Chengyun's constitution became one of abundant yang energy and vigorous vitality.

Now, after several bowls of venison soup, he was naturally overheated.

His face flushed above while swelling below, Chu Chengyun hesitated before asking, "Has the Empress had her pulse checked today?"

A palace attendant immediately replied, "Your Majesty, the imperial physician came to see her and said the Empress is in excellent health. Today Her Majesty even took palace attendants to the imperial garden to fly kites."

Hearing this, Chu Chengyun nodded, then looked toward Commander Ye, "You may leave the palace and return home. I don't need you to keep watch tonight."

In the dim night, Commander Ye couldn't see Chu Chengyun's expression clearly. Hearing this, he didn't ask questions and simply bowed in acknowledgment.

Then he heard Chu Chengyun's lowered voice, "Go to Weiyang Palace and see if the Empress has retired for the night."

Hearing this, Commander Ye couldn't help but pause slightly.

Weiyang Palace was the Empress's residence. Just now he said he wouldn't go, so why had he changed his mind?

But Commander Ye was cautious by nature. The most valuable quality for someone who walked before the throne was confusion. He left without looking back.

At this time, Qi Ming had just returned home and immediately saw Tie Zi pacing back and forth in the front hall upon entering.

Qi Ming was slightly stunned. This Tie Zi was Qi Yun's confidant. Qi Ming thought, could it be that Second Brother knew about his sneaking out at night?

Having a guilty conscience, Third Master Qi almost instinctively turned to run when he saw Tie Zi.

But Tie Zi had sharp eyes. Seeing him, he shouted, "Third Young Master is back!"

Then Qi Ming saw four or five people surround him and, before he could resist, was directly lifted up!

Third Master Qi was somewhat dazed, while Tie Zi cupped his hands in a deep bow, saying, "Third Young Master, please don't blame us. This is Second Young Master's order. We've offended you." Then he said to the servants, "Escort Third Young Master over."

Qi Ming was carried all the way to Qi Yun's courtyard without his feet touching the ground.

As soon as he entered, Qi Ming saw Liu Si looking at him expectantly.

Meeting Qi Ming's puzzled gaze, Liu Si waved his hands and covered his mouth, proving his lips were sealed tight and he hadn't said anything.

But Qi Ming felt somewhat helpless.

His Liu Si was honest and loyal, and would relay exactly whatever he instructed. But his saying nothing in front of Qi Yun had confirmed that he was hiding something from Second Brother.

With Second Brother being such a clever person, Liu Si certainly couldn't fool him.

Fortunately, Qi Ming was also perceptive. He stood there obediently, and before Qi Yun could speak, he said first, "Second Brother, I was wrong. I went to have tea with my sworn brother tonight. I'll definitely tell you first before going out in the future. I'll go copy the Book of Rites 50 times right now."

Just as Qi Ming wanted to take Liu Si and leave, he heard Qi Yun's voice, "Wait."

Qi Ming carefully turned around. He had thought saying this would settle the matter, but Qi Yun's expression hadn't improved at all.

Was he really angry?

Third Master Qi was somewhat afraid and instinctively wanted to look for Ye Jiao. After all, with Second Sister-in-law present, Second Brother wouldn't truly lose his temper. But looking around, he didn't see Ye Jiao anywhere.

"Stop looking. Jiao Niang has taken the children to sleep." Qi Yun stood up from his chair and walked to Qi Ming, stuffing the jade flower hairpin into his hand and asking coldly, "Tell me, where did this come from!"

Qi Ming saw clearly what was in his hand, first wanted to laugh, then tightened his facial expression, straightened his back, and replied loudly, "Someone threw it to me during the parade on horseback."

The furrows between Qi Yun's brows still hadn't relaxed, his voice low, "Tell the truth. It wasn't really from some brothel, was it?"

Qi Ming's eyes widened and sweat appeared, "Second Brother, I wouldn't dare go to such places... Fifth Master Lin died of that disease. How would I dare..."

At these words, Qi Yun knew he was telling the truth.

Previously, that Fifth Master Lin had tried to drag him to a brothel, but he hadn't gone. Later, Fifth Master Lin contracted a venereal disease and died. Qi Yun remembered this clearly.

He had originally wanted to use this incident to educate his third brother, but seeing that he also remembered, presumably he wouldn't take risks. Qi Yun's heart settled somewhat.

But Second Young Master Qi's expression remained gloomy as he stared at him unrelentingly.

No romantic debt, but he had almost brought upon himself an unwarranted romantic debt. One matter was one matter, don't think of getting off lightly.

Qi Ming was blessed with sudden understanding. Having been disciplined by Qi Yun so much, Third Master Qi obediently confessed everything without being asked, including what he had just said to Chu Chengyun.

But he didn't know that Chu Chengyun's words sounded like nothing to him, but hearing them in Qi Yun's ears had different implications.

First asking if he had an arranged betrothal, then telling him to wait patiently, without closely questioning the jade flower's origin...

Between the lines, that person intended to arrange a marriage for his third brother?

Though not explicit, the meaning was already very clear.

Qi Yun couldn't help looking at Qi Ming a few more times, seeming to wonder where his foolish brother got such tremendous audacity.

But since Chu Chengyun didn't make it explicit, Qi Yun wouldn't either. He just thought about writing another letter to his parents, absolutely not to arrange a match for Third Brother. He said aloud, "Since that's the case, remember: begin with emotion, end with propriety. Don't think about returning this thing to anyone, but also don't show it to others. Keep it yourself. If heaven intends to fulfill this, it's your good fortune. If there's no fate, destroy this flower to avoid harming the lady's reputation."

Qi Ming obediently nodded in agreement, but his hand clutched the jade flower tightly, looking extremely precious about it.

Qi Yun's expression was much better than before, his tone also gentler, "It's late. Go back and rest early."

Hearing this, Qi Ming knew everything was fine and immediately smiled, preparing to take his leave.

But before leaving, he heard Qi Yun ask, "Have you been busy lately?"

Qi Ming honestly replied, "It's alright. Once the regulations are set in a few days, things will be more relaxed."

Qi Yun nodded and said indifferently, "Xu Bao has been missing you lately. When you find time, read some books to him."

Qi Ming was stunned, "Second Brother..."

"Or practice calligraphy, which is also cultivating oneself."

"No, Second Brother, reading books is great. I love reading books. I'll read tomorrow!"

After Qi Ming left, Qi Yun got up and went into the inner room. He saw Ye Jiao was already asleep holding Xu Bao. Little Ginseng obviously hadn't taken the recent matter to heart and didn't care what they had discussed. She was now sleeping deeply.

Qi Yun carefully lay down beside Ye Jiao. As soon as he lay down, Little Ginseng snuggled over, finding a comfortable position in his arms, her eyes never opening.

Second Young Master Qi wanted to kiss her, but saw Xu Bao also moving over, squeezing between the two of them.

The little fellow was chubby but also soft. Qi Yun was afraid of squishing him, so he loosened his hold slightly, pulled the blanket to cover them, then lay flat and closed his eyes. Soon he fell asleep.

The next day, he was awakened by violent shaking of the bed.

Opening his eyes, he met Xu Bao's chubby face.

The little fellow had just been rolling around on the bed with his little cloth ball, but seeing Qi Yun open his eyes, he immediately sat down, obediently lay down, closed his eyes, and muttered, "Xu Bao sleepy, Xu Bao sleeping, Xu Bao good boy."

Qi Yun: ......

Meanwhile, Ye Jiao was walking over. Hearing Xu Bao's words, her face lit up with a smile, and she patted Xu Bao saying, "Xu Bao is so good, knowing not to disturb Daddy, right?"

Xu Bao immediately nodded, "Right."

Qi Yun looked at his son telling lies with a straight face and wanted to object, but Ye Jiao was already smiling at him, so he could only nod, "Yes, he's very well-behaved."

Ye Jiao's smile was radiant, while Xu Bao silently curled up and closed his eyes, pretending to sleep.

Qi Yun wasn't really annoyed with his chubby son. He just pinched the little fellow's chubby cheeks and sat up to get dressed and wash.

While helping Ye Jiao draw her eyebrows, Qi Yun mentioned yesterday's events.

After hearing everything, Ye Jiao couldn't help blinking, "Husband, are you saying Third Brother might be getting married?"

Qi Yun set down the spiral black pigment and reached for the flower ornament box, selecting while saying, "It won't be that fast. He still needs to ask our parents' opinion." He held up a peach blossom-shaped ornament and asked, "Is this one good?"

"Good." Ye Jiao raised her head to let Qi Yun help her apply the ornament, her voice gentle, "Speaking of which, husband probably hasn't had time to read the family letter yet."

Qi Yun shook his head. Yesterday's events had been too numerous, piling up together, and he hadn't even had time to read the letter.

Ye Jiao then said gently, "Father and Mother mentioned family affairs. Because Third Brother achieved high honors, many people came to congratulate, telling us to manage carefully and take care of ourselves. Nothing else of importance. But Elder Brother mentioned Shi Tou coming to the Capital. Sister-in-law originally wanted to come along to see him off, but since she's far along in her pregnancy, Mother wouldn't let her come."

Qi Yun nodded and asked, "When is Shi Tou coming?"

"They said when the weather gets warmer, Elder Brother will personally bring him."

Qi Yun carefully applied the flower ornament for Ye Jiao, then held the woman's delicate face to examine whether it was straight, saying gently, "Then let Shi Tou study with Teacher Feng first. After summer arrives, we'll send him to school."

Ye Jiao agreed and kept this in mind.

When Qi Yun released Ye Jiao, he stepped back two paces and looked her over before smiling, "My wife is truly beautiful, with flower-like beauty."

Ye Jiao also smiled with curved eyes, "Yes, husband has excellent taste."

Little Su standing nearby couldn't help lowering her head. Though she was accustomed to her Second Young Master and Second Young Mistress's occasional sweet words, hearing them still made her face flush.

After Ye Jiao changed clothes, Qi Yun asked, "Where are you going today, dressed so formally?"

Little Ginseng looked at him, her eyes clear, "To find Princess Huaning. In another month or so, she'll be married. Today I'm taking Little Su and Nanny Mo to the streets to see if we can buy something as a wedding gift for her."

Speaking of this, Qi Yun cleared his throat and said to Little Su, "Take Xu Bao to have breakfast."

Little Su acknowledged and went over to pick up Xu Bao, whose eyes had been darting around though wide open, and left the room.

Qi Yun then gently embraced Ye Jiao, "I've already prepared the wedding gifts, two sets."

Ye Jiao blinked curiously, "What are they?"

"One is wedding bed curtains, the other..." Qi Yun didn't explain clearly, just looked back at the bookshelf.

On that bookshelf, besides account books, were commonly used books, and in the locked drawer were several books worth studying.

Among them, the most exquisite ones were those Qi Yun had previously bought intending to give to Commander Ye.

Ye Jiao also remembered and smiled until her eyes curved.

Since the wedding gift matter was resolved, today became leisurely. Qi Yun accompanied Ye Jiao and the children to see peach blossoms, not wasting this beautiful spring weather.

In the blink of an eye, a month passed quickly.

The previously brilliant peach blossoms had fallen completely. Ye Jiao didn't waste them either, having people use soft fine cloth to catch the petals early, picking and washing them to make peach blossom cakes, sweet and fragrant. She sent many to Dong Shi and Princess Huaning.

She had originally wanted to send some to Empress Meng too, but unfortunately, the palace walls were deep and one couldn't enter without invitation. Ye Jiao could only help Empress Meng by eating her portion too.

This day, while checking Xu Bao's studies, Qi Yun noticed Liu Si, who was also studying with Teacher Feng.

Liu Si was Qi Ming's book attendant and currently served at Qi Ming's side.

But Liu Si was different from ordinary servants. He hadn't signed a lifetime contract with the Qi household, nor had Qi Yun made him sign one. Usually, such people, unless particularly capable, would be sent back to their parents when they came of age to marry and pursue their own futures.

After all, for master families, using people with lifetime contracts was more reassuring; otherwise, there was always a barrier.

Qi Yun had originally thought the same way, but hearing Liu Si recite policy essays to Teacher Feng, he had a different idea.

After Liu Si left, Qi Yun didn't rush to test Xu Bao's studies, but said, "Teacher Feng, what do you think of Liu Si's learning?"

Hearing this, Teacher Feng couldn't help looking at Qi Yun and hesitated before saying, "His learning is good. He's promising material. Though he can't compare to Young Master Xu Bao's intelligence, he's very diligent."

Qi Yun nodded without speaking. Teacher Feng worried he might have caused trouble for Liu Si.

What he said was all true, Liu Si was indeed scholar material, but Teacher Feng also knew Liu Si was Qi Ming's book attendant. Often masters didn't like their subordinates to be too capable, fearing they couldn't control them if they became too ambitious.

Teacher Feng's earlier hesitation was from fear of causing trouble for Liu Si. Now he added, "Second Young Master, I think Liu Si is a good child and loyal, he won't cause trouble."

Qi Yun was rubbing Xu Bao's face and, hearing this, looked up slightly, saying calmly, "I know. His promise is a good thing. Whether he can succeed in the imperial examinations in the future depends on his own ability."

At these words, Teacher Feng was somewhat at a loss.

Sending subordinates to take imperial examinations?

Ordinary families firmly suppressed such capable people, keeping them at home to work, afraid they'd become restless if their ambitions grew. Qi Yun doing this was quite novel.

But for Qi Yun, he was never one to fear subordinates' betrayal. Even Tie Zi didn't have a lifetime contract, yet he kept him close and cultivated him.

Moreover, Liu Si's parents were tenant farmers of the Qi family, with only favors and no grudges between them. They were almost family. If he could have good prospects, it would also benefit their own family. Why not?

Qi Yun glanced at Tie Zi and said, "If you want to study, you can also come listen to Teacher Feng and pursue scholarly success in the future."

But Tie Zi shook his head like a rattle drum, refusing very sincerely, "Second Young Master, please don't tease me. I can't do it. Reading just a few more words gives me a headache. I find looking at account books more interesting than reading books."

Xu Bao then said clearly, "No, reading books is interesting! You come, Xu Bao will read books to you!"

Hearing this, Qi Yun immediately stuffed his chubby son into Tie Zi's arms, his expression indifferent as he said, "Take good care of Xu Bao." Then he turned and walked away, quickly disappearing at the end of the corridor without looking back.

Tie Zi: ......

Xu Bao hugged Tie Zi's neck tightly, hanging on him, saying sweetly, "You sit down, I'll recite books to you."

Left behind by his Second Young Master, Tie Zi was speechless. Seeing that Teacher Feng had no intention of rescuing him either, he could only obediently sit down and listen to Xu Bao recite books he couldn't understand at all, his face full of tears he wanted to cry but couldn't.

Qi Yun hadn't gone to the study but returned to the courtyard. As soon as he entered, he saw Little Su holding a box and walking inside.

That box was obviously not ordinary, clearly not from their household. Qi Yun slightly raised his voice, "Wait, what is this?"

Little Su quickly stopped and bowed to Qi Yun, "Replying to Second Young Master, this was sent by Princess Huaning for Young Master Xu Bao. She said someone's wish was fulfilled, and she had previously promised that if her dream came true, she would give this to Young Master Xu Bao."

This was said vaguely. Qi Yun was somewhat puzzled and walked forward to open the wooden box.

Inside lay quietly a string of beads, jade ones, each bead crystal clear and emerald green.

When he brought the box into the house and placed it before Ye Jiao, she glanced at it once and remembered the words she had spoken to Empress Meng during her palace visit.

Little Ginseng blinked and picked up the bead string to examine it, looking at Qi Yun with a smile, "How wonderful."

Qi Yun didn't know the background and sat beside Ye Jiao, gently holding her hand and asking, "What's wonderful about it?"

But unexpectedly, his wife made a startling statement in a light tone, "Hui Niang is with child."