Lady of Fortune, Jiao Niang

Chapter 161

Qi Yun was stunned when he heard this, staring at Ye Jiao for a while before asking: "Really?"

Little Ginseng nodded and told him everything that happened that day in detail, especially the words Empress Meng had said, all clear and precise.

Qi Yun listened quietly and soon had a clear understanding in his heart.

He picked up the Emerald Bead Bracelet from the box and wound it around his hand to play with it. After a while, he said: "For now, it's better not to tell anyone else about this matter."

Ye Jiao was somewhat puzzled when she heard this and asked: "Why?"

She knew that Empress Meng desperately wanted a child. Now that she had one, why still keep it secret?

In Little Ginseng's mind, good news was nothing to hide.

Qi Yun saw the confusion in Ye Jiao's eyes, so he placed the Emerald Bead Bracelet in Ye Jiao's palm and said gently: "The Empress is the Middle Palace, and the Middle Palace having a child is not just a family matter, but a state affair. We are neither imperial relatives nor high-ranking officials, so it's better to keep quiet."

There was another sentence Qi Yun didn't say directly, which was that many people were now urging the Empress to select consorts, using the excuse that the Empress had no son.

This sounded dignified on the surface, but it was actually blocking her way out. In other words, as long as the Empress was pregnant, they would no longer have reason to interfere in the Emperor's family affairs.

Although Qi Yun was not a court official, living in the Capital, he could always hear some news. Moreover, looking at the Meng Family's current power, naturally other families would want to become imperial in-laws, dreaming of also soaring to great heights by having their consorts favored.

Now that the Empress was pregnant, it cut off their path.

Currently there was no news at all outside, only sending Ye Jiao a string of beads. Qi Yun could guess the Empress's attitude, and he even suspected whether the Emperor knew about it now.

Second Young Master Qi had never underestimated the Meng Family. Back when he was still in his hometown, he had heard storytellers tell tales of the harmonious Emperor and Empress, and it was precisely because of this that the new prefect was so frightened he dared not send his own daughter, instead sending the Shen Family girl.

This must be Empress Meng's handiwork, and her ability to quietly spread the news so widely showed that her scheming far exceeded ordinary people.

Now that the pregnant Empress was already in an invincible position, she must have her own plans.

Qi Yun wouldn't distance Ye Jiao from her because of this, but he had to be more careful not to let his family get involved in imperial affairs.

Therefore, Qi Yun said: "By not speaking of it now, we're helping the Empress."

When Ye Jiao heard this, she felt that trying to be a good person was truly a lifelong learning process. She immediately nodded solemnly, covered her mouth to indicate she wouldn't speak, then looked at Little Su, who also nodded immediately, guaranteeing she wouldn't say a word.

Seeing this, Qi Yun looked at Ye Jiao with a slight smile at the corner of his mouth: "I see that Jiao Niang particularly likes the Empress."

Having spent so much time with Ye Jiao, Qi Yun understood his wife's thoughts very well.

Ye Jiao never treated people differently based on their status or class, but was particularly warm toward everyone, even treating Little Black the rooster with great gentleness.

Previously, when she learned of Chu Chengyun's identity, even Qi Yun was somewhat shocked, but Ye Jiao just calmly accepted it without any fear.

Clearly Jiao Niang was from a farming family background, yet her heart was broader than anyone's.

Thinking about it now, she wouldn't be particularly close to Empress Meng because of her status, so she must truly like her to care so much.

Sure enough, Little Ginseng said to Qi Yun: "Hui Niang is a good person. She treats me well, so I treat her well."

This was a particularly straightforward and simple sense of right and wrong, but when you thought about it carefully, there was nothing wrong with it.

Qi Yun then put the bead bracelet back in the box, closed it, and handed it to Ye Jiao: "Jiao Niang, keep this bracelet safe and don't let Xu Bao see it. That child has an excellent memory, he'll remember it as soon as he sees it, and he might let it slip."

Ye Jiao also remembered her chubby son's outstanding memory and quickly took the box, stuffing it into the drawer.

A few more days passed, and both inside and outside the palace remained peaceful, with no unusual activity reported.

Besides having Princess Huaning help her send a pot of medicinal flowers for nurturing the body into the palace, Ye Jiao did nothing else, and Xu Bao still hadn't received his gift.

However, after the selected beauties entered the palace, news of the Empress's pregnancy finally spread.

The timing was just right, right before the consort selection, and then Chu Chengyun bestowed marriages on noble daughters, sent back those to be sent back, which could be said to have fulfilled many marriages.

As for those beauties sent from various places, they didn't lose out either. Having entered the palace and received rewards, with the Emperor's words before they left the palace: "All are beautiful women, gentle and virtuous, return home to find other good husbands," when they returned, they wouldn't lack for young talented men.

Only some commoner women who had greased palms and paid enough silver, insisting on staying in the palace, were led away by the matrons to be taught and made into palace servants, waiting until they came of age to be released.

In short, the harem still had only the Empress alone in her glory, not keeping a single consort.

Almost all court officials understood the Emperor and Empress's meaning, clearly using their previous words to shut their mouths.

If the Empress had announced her pregnancy earlier, they would have said the Middle Palace shouldn't monopolize favor and urged the Emperor to take consorts.

If it were later, it would be a done deal, with no room for regret.

As a result, the Middle Palace's pregnancy was now cause for universal celebration. The storybooks that storytellers had spread earlier had worked, and many common people were happy to see this outcome. After all, they liked harmony and beauty, and if the Emperor and Empress could become a good story, now even having a child, wasn't this wonderful news?

Regarding the beauties who had already entered the palace, Chu Chengyun's attitude was excellent. These officials' daughters were not only not mistreated, but could even receive bestowed marriages. This was already good fortune, nothing to argue about. Even if they felt some regret in their hearts, they had to happily put on joyful expressions and kowtow to thank the imperial grace.

Empress Meng never showed her face from beginning to end, peacefully nurturing her pregnancy in the palace, still maintaining imperial harmony, playing music in harmony, creating a beautiful story.

Just when the consort selection matter finally had a conclusion, Ye Jiao again followed Princess Huaning's carriage into the palace.

This time, Empress Meng's smile looked much more genuine.

She was now less than two months pregnant, right when she needed to be careful. After Ye Jiao and Princess Huaning entered the hall, she didn't get up, just sat on the soft couch and beckoned: "Come sit."

Ye Jiao sat beside Empress Meng, while Princess Huaning sat sideways on a round stool to one side.

This time Empress Meng was much more talkative than last time, her eyes smiling, her whole person radiating joy, while Ye Jiao gently gripped her wrist, felt that Empress Meng's body was fine, then let go.

Empress Meng's eyes kept darting to Princess Huaning, her voice carrying laughter: "Now that my matter is settled, Princess Huaning's matter will soon be settled too."

At these words, Princess Huaning's face turned red.

Because of the previous imperial examinations and palace examinations, followed by beauty selection and bestowed marriages, both inside and outside the palace had been very busy, but now that everything was settled, Princess Huaning and Ye Ping Rong's wedding preparations could begin.

Even though Princess Huaning was usually fearless, she was still a girl after all, and talking about marriage inevitably made her somewhat shy.

But more than that, she was happy.

For Princess Huaning, Ye Ping Rong was someone she had chosen. When that blood-covered man was rescued, Princess Huaning had decided she wanted to marry him. Now that they could finally achieve their happy ending, even someone as lively as the Princess couldn't help but show her feminine side.

Empress Meng smiled as she peeled an orange in her hands, giving half to Ye Jiao and half to Princess Huaning, saying: "The Princess's mansion is now ready, and what needs to be prepared should be prepared early. Princess Huaning, you should go look too, see what needs to be added, speak up early, otherwise after you marry, these things will have to come from your personal allowance."

Princess Huaning's eyes darted left and right, her voice soft: "It doesn't matter, I'm not short of money, and there's still Ping Rong, he'll think of everything for me..."

But before she could finish, she met Empress Meng's smiling face, and Princess Huaning immediately stopped talking, her face flushing red.

Empress Meng couldn't help but say: "Princess Huaning can rest assured, married life will certainly be harmonious."

Ye Jiao broke off a piece of orange and put it in her mouth. Hearing this, she nodded and seriously chimed in: "Yes, marriage is good."

Princess Huaning had nothing to say and could only stuff orange pieces in her mouth.

Ye Jiao ate one bite and puffed out her cheeks: "Hui Niang, this orange is very sour."

"Give it to me, you eat some pastries." Empress Meng's tastes had changed now, she liked sour things. Hearing this, she wasn't upset, reached out to take Ye Jiao's remaining orange, and slowly ate it herself.

Ye Jiao then looked at Princess Huaning's bulging cheeks and asked puzzled: "Princess Huaning, don't you find it sour?"

Princess Huaning didn't speak, but Empress Meng slowly chimed in: "Even if it's sour, Princess Huaning's heart is sweet right now, so everything tastes sweet."

Princess Huaning: ......

With a soft humph, Princess Huaning swallowed the orange, then gulped tea water into her mouth.

But her eyes were secretly glancing at Empress Meng.

Had her imperial sister-in-law always been so fond of joking? Compared to her previous always-worried appearance, she was truly much more lively now.

Thinking about it, Princess Huaning felt sorry for her. There had been too much bitterness before, and this sweetness had truly not come easily.

But Empress Meng wasn't so sentimental. After finishing the sour orange with satisfaction and drinking a sip of tea, she asked as if casually: "Jiao Niang, now that you've settled in the Capital, have you thought about bringing your family here too?"

Ye Jiao was pinching coconut pastry to put in her mouth. Hearing this, she first swallowed what was in her mouth, then drank a sip of tea to cut the sweetness before saying: "I asked Father and Mother before, they said they're used to living at home and don't want to come to the Capital."

Empress Meng served her another piece of coconut pastry and continued: "Then you should go back to visit during festivals and holidays, that would fulfill your filial duty."

Ye Jiao smiled with curved eyes: "Naturally we must go back. Father and Mother are very good to me, and Elder Brother and Sister-in-law are also easy to get along with. It's just that my husband says Third Brother is now an official and can't go back, otherwise we'd certainly take him along."

Empress Meng wanted to hear the first half, not the second half.

Harmonious family, kind parents, gentle elder brother and sister-in-law, this was good.

Although Empress Meng had a good relationship with Ye Jiao and knew Chu Chengyun and Qi Ming were close, she wasn't someone who would casually decide her sister's life partner. As an elder sister, she naturally had to consider many things for her sister's lifelong happiness, so she had to ask first.

Though she could have people investigate matters concerning the Qi Family, what others said could never be as real as what family members said themselves.

Empress Meng believed Ye Jiao wasn't the type to lie and whitewash things. Now hearing her say everything about the Qi Family was good, she was naturally satisfied, and her conversation with Ye Jiao became even more intimate.

Sooner or later, two good families would become one, and they would be in-laws in the future. It was appropriate for their relationship to be good.

Only Ye Jiao didn't notice Empress Meng's thoughts, but Princess Huaning on the side saw it clearly.

Princess Huaning's eyes darted back and forth between them, and though she didn't know the whole story, she had already guessed seven or eight parts in her heart.

The only unmarried man in the Qi Family was Third Young Master Qi, and her imperial sister-in-law was asking about family background and character, which was basically the same routine as when she found out Princess Huaning had taken a fancy to Ye Ping Rong.

This Third Young Master Qi was probably going to be settled too.

However, Princess Huaning didn't speak up about this immediately, thinking she'd go back and mention it to Ye Ping Rong to confirm before saying anything, lest there be empty joy.

Empress Meng was now with child, and though she wasn't showing yet, she was weak and suffered from morning sickness more severely than ordinary pregnant women. By afternoon she would lie down to rest, so Princess Huaning and Ye Jiao took their leave early.

After leaving the palace hall, the two didn't get in the carriage but took advantage of the good afternoon sunshine to walk in the corridor, also able to speak privately.

Now Princess Huaning was busy with wedding preparations, and Ye Jiao had to manage household affairs, so they rarely had a chance to meet.

For Princess Huaning, she knew many people but was close to few. Having finally found someone like Ye Jiao who shared her temperament, she naturally had endless things to say, especially since one was Ye Ping Rong's future wife and the other was Ye Ping Rong's legitimate sister. They could casually chat about Commander Ye's amusing incidents to deepen their relationship.

Princess Huaning also brought up another matter: "I heard Imperial Brother say that Magistrate Shi has very good performance, especially since his jurisdiction produced a Third-Place Scholar, which is quite an achievement. He should be able to return soon."

Ye Jiao turned to look at her and suddenly asked: "Is this something you're telling me, or something for me to tell my husband?"

Princess Huaning was stunned, then realized Ye Jiao had seen through her thoughts.

Not hiding anything, Princess Huaning smiled: "Tell your Second Young Master. Magistrate Shi is clearly about to be promoted three ranks, this is good news."

Ye Jiao nodded and smiled as she made note of it.

But as they walked, Ye Jiao suddenly heard a voice: "It's you!"

Ye Jiao couldn't help but stop and turn to look.

The reason Princess Huaning wanted to walk was that it was now late spring and early summer, and this corridor had many flowers and plants planted on both sides, all in full bloom now.

Though the flowers and plants in the palace looked orderly without wild charm, they were numerous and of rare varieties, clusters of them looking particularly bright, walking among them felt comfortable.

When Ye Jiao looked over, she saw someone dressed as a palace maid holding scissors, skin dark with reddish tinge, couldn't make out the features in the sunlight, now standing among the flowers glaring at her.

Princess Huaning couldn't help but look at Ye Jiao: "You know this palace maid?"

Ye Jiao blinked, looked carefully for a moment, felt she looked familiar but couldn't say she knew her.

Her memory wasn't as good as Qi Yun's and Xu Bao's, and with so many things happening now, she couldn't possibly remember everyone she'd met.

So Ye Jiao shook her head slightly at Princess Huaning and said quite straightforwardly: "Don't know her."

At these words, before Princess Huaning could speak, the palace maid's expression had already changed.

This palace maid was Miss Shen.

Speaking of Miss Shen, her luck was also poor. She had brought money into the palace and, like many others, was dazzled by the palace's wealth and magnificence after entering.

At that time, she didn't yet know about the Middle Palace's pregnancy, but Miss Shen was very crisis-conscious. When all the beauties were gathered together, she realized how worthless her prized beauty was. There were others more beautiful than her with better family backgrounds, and noble daughters who excelled in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. No matter what, someone like her who only had a face and knew nothing else would never be chosen.

And this face now didn't seem particularly outstanding.

So Miss Shen took all her money to bribe the matrons, begging to stay, and her name was registered early on.

Later, when other women left the palace, they left as soon as they were told to, since they would still have good marriages when they returned, no need to waste away in this hopeless harem.

But Miss Shen had already spent all her money, how could she be willing to just leave like this?

Moreover, her family's money had all been given to her. Miss Shen knew very well how stingy and petty her family was. Having her return empty-handed now, not to mention her family, just the aunt who had given her several hundred taels would rush over and scratch her face!

That way she'd lose both face and dignity.

So she chose to stay and became a palace maid, thinking this was good too. With everyone else gone, only she remained. As long as she could get a chance to see the Emperor, she could naturally soar to great heights.

But Miss Shen hadn't expected the harem to be even more difficult than the outside world.

Without money to grease palms and no connections, Miss Shen was assigned to do chores, and because she didn't know how to deal with people and was harsh to others, she offended the managing matrons, so her work became the most bitter and tiring.

For noble ladies, good afternoon sunshine meant walking in corridors, watching sunlight shine everywhere, but for Miss Shen, working under the blazing sun trimming flowers and grass, how was this enjoyment? It was clearly skin damage!

In just a few days her skin had darkened, and at the worst times it was somewhat red and peeling.

Ye Jiao couldn't recognize her now, not only because Ye Jiao had never taken Miss Shen to heart, but also because this person had changed appearance and was truly hard to recognize.

Miss Shen's earlier exclamation was indeed from shock. In her view, Ye Jiao was just a merchant's wife, how could she be in the palace?

And dressed in fine clothes, looking particularly noble.

This... how was this possible!

When Princess Huaning heard Ye Jiao say she didn't know her, she no longer showed any courtesy, frowning and saying sternly: "Which palace does this slave belong to? Not performing proper greetings is bad enough, but shouting and making noise, how is this proper behavior."

The managing matron hurriedly ran over, bowing fearfully to Princess Huaning. Seeing Miss Shen hadn't moved, she kicked her, directly kicking her down, then said: "Your Highness, please forgive us, this palace maid just entered the palace and hasn't learned proper behavior well. This slave will take her back immediately for re-education." With that, she gave a look, and palace servants came up to drag Miss Shen away.

Miss Shen was sweating profusely. This "education" wasn't like the simple words at home, but real beatings!

She couldn't care about wondering about Ye Jiao's identity anymore and spoke up, her voice hoarse: "Matron, matron, I know I was wrong, I..."

Then she was gagged with cloth.

Princess Huaning was always gentle with people close to her, but she had the authority befitting an imperial daughter when dealing with others. Seeing this dark palace maid being so unruly, she frowned: "Imperial Sister-in-law is too lenient with servants, spoiling you all until your hearts have grown too big."

At these words, people around knelt on the ground, shouting for mercy while fuming inside.

The matron kowtowed forcefully, afraid that any mistake would implicate her, while cursing in her heart, thinking she needed to properly discipline these newcomers when she returned, or they'd drag her down sooner or later!

Ye Jiao felt nothing about this. After all, it was palace business and had nothing to do with her.

Little Ginseng never gave even a glance to people who had nothing to do with her.

But making such a scene wasn't proper either. Ye Jiao looked at the sun and said to Princess Huaning: "Ning Bao and Ruyi should be waking up."

Princess Huaning knew Ye Jiao was eager to return, so she didn't make things difficult for them. She just coldly dropped the words "don't let there be a next time" before leaving with Ye Jiao.

As for Miss Shen, she was just the most ordinary palace servant in the palace and was quickly forgotten by everyone.

After Ye Jiao returned home, she could finally give the Emerald Bead Bracelet to Xu Bao, but because the bracelet was too long and Xu Bao was small, Ye Jiao worried he might hurt himself. She took one bead off to string on a tassel and hang from his waist, letting him just look at and touch the rest before carefully putting it away.

Xu Bao found it novel and played with it when he had nothing else to do, but after playing with it, he didn't find it particularly precious.

It was Dong Shi who, when she came with a fruit basket early the next morning and saw Xu Bao's tassel, said somewhat surprised: "This emerald bead looks of excellent quality. Jiao Niang, where did you get it?"

Ye Jiao blinked: "Is this very precious?"

Dong Shi nodded: "Very precious indeed, this quality could be traded for two shop fronts."

Ye Jiao usually didn't understand jade and emeralds, and Qi Yun hadn't told her about it, only saying to let Xu Bao play with it casually. Who knew this thing was so valuable...

Unconsciously touching the drawer, Ye Jiao thought, what was in here wasn't some bead bracelet, but several hundred shops!

Xu Bao was currently grabbing milk cakes to eat. Hearing this, he looked up and said happily: "This is what Xu Bao won!"

Dong Shi smiled when she heard this: "How did you win it?"

Xu Bao thought for a moment, then said: "Won it with a doll!"

This was said vaguely, Dong Shi didn't quite understand, but didn't ask further. Taking it as childish babble, she just smiled and gave him a fruit to eat.

Ye Jiao looked at Dong Shi and smiled: "You came quite early today." It hadn't even been an hour since Little Black crowed and Dong Shi had already come calling.

Dong Shi looked at Ye Jiao with a gentle smile: "Yesterday Second Young Master Qi sent someone to tell me that Elder Brother had sent a letter. I wanted to come then, but seeing it was already late and fearing to disturb your rest, I didn't set out. Coming early today also let me bring you some fruit, all the freshest from my orchard, try them."

Ye Jiao had Little Su take the basket. Little Su curtsied and left to wash them before bringing them back.

Dong Shi didn't seem particularly anxious, smiling warmly, but Ye Jiao didn't keep her in suspense and said directly: "The letter is still with my husband, I haven't read it, but Princess Huaning told me that Magistrate Shi should be able to return to the Capital in a few months."

At these words, Dong Shi gripped her handkerchief tightly.

For Dong Shi, she had always only focused on immediate matters.

Whether the Empress was pregnant had nothing to do with her, and whoever became the top scholar was also unrelated to her, as long as the Sun family's son had no scholarly honors, everything was fine.

Having struggled for survival in inner courtyard scheming for years, Dong Shi knew very clearly that what she lacked now was backing.

If she had backing, life would be different.

Shi Tianrui's previous decision not to abandon her had given Dong Shi hope for the future.

Now that Shi Tianrui might return to the Capital to become a Capital official again, Dong Shi realized her opportunity had come.

Things she hadn't dared to do before, she could finally do now.

She could barely control her expression, her breathing became rapid, her voice tight: "Jiao Niang, is this... really true?"

Ye Jiao saw her nervousness and, though somewhat puzzled, Little Ginseng didn't ask. She just gently gripped Dong Shi's hand, patted it, then said: "Really, Princess Huaning said it herself. The Emperor values Magistrate Shi highly, this time he'll probably be promoted three ranks. Though he may not necessarily return to his original position, returning to the Capital is certain."

Then Little Ginseng was surprised to see tears in Dong Shi's eyes.

Even when Ye Jiao had previously seen death energy on her, Dong Shi had never cried, but now tears were streaming down, unstoppable.

Seeing this, Xu Bao, who had been eating fruit, put the fruit aside and raised his little hand to wipe Dong Shi's face with his sleeve, his voice soft: "Auntie, don't cry," then he looked around, grabbed the fruit again and offered it to Dong Shi, saying, "This is sweet, for Auntie to eat."

Dong Shi had been overwhelmed with mixed emotions, feeling tearful because life finally had something to look forward to.

Seeing Xu Bao being so well-behaved, the complexity she had just felt was largely dispelled. Though her eyes were still moist, her face was already smiling as she accepted the half-eaten fruit from Xu Bao, saying gently: "Thank you, Xu Bao. Xu Bao is so good."

Xu Bao always loved hearing praise and immediately broke into a big smile, nodding vigorously: "Yes, Xu Bao is good!"

Seeing Dong Shi smile, Ye Jiao also felt relieved, but she stopped mentioning anything about Shi Tianrui, fearing she might touch on her painful memories again. She only waited for Tie Zi to deliver the letter before giving it to Dong Shi to take home and read carefully.

Dong Shi didn't wait for Little Su to bring the washed fruit, but hurriedly took her leave. For the next few days she didn't come calling.

It wasn't until three days later, when Ye Jiao was playing in the courtyard with the three children, that Nanny Mo hurried over, leaned close to Ye Jiao's ear and whispered: "Second Young Mistress, the Wen family is in uproar."

Ye Jiao was slightly stunned: "Ying Xiu's family? What's the commotion about?"

"It seems Madam Wen called the Wen family elders over, saying they want a divorce."