Lady of Fortune, Jiao Niang

Chapter 170

When Qi Yun saw Chu Chengyun, he felt his left eyelid twitch.

Common folk say the left eye twitches for wealth, the right eye twitches for disaster. Though there's no basis for this, it's hard to say if there isn't some mysterious truth to it.

But for Qi Yun at this moment, his left eyelid twitching was simply because he was startled.

Chu Chengyun coming out of the palace to Qi Ming's courtyard was still understandable. After all, Chu Chengyun valued Qi Ming, and this emperor had a easygoing nature. He had previously enjoyed calling Qi Ming out to compose poetry and couplets, so coming to congratulate Third Young Master Qi on his promotion was normal.

Even though this promotion was granted by him, Qi Yun understood that Chu Chengyun divided himself into two people, completely different in public and private matters. This was just private friendship, naturally not interfering with the protocol between ruler and subject.

What truly startled Qi Yun was that Chu Chengyun would actually climb high!

As an emperor, not climbing high and not approaching danger was common sense. Now Chu Chengyun was following his whims, standing on a stool to pick grapes. What if he fell?

Qi Yun didn't care whether he fell or not, but if the emperor fell in his third brother's courtyard, the consequences would be severe.

Qi Yun almost instinctively said to Liu Si nearby: "Go over and steady the chair, absolutely don't... don't let this young master fall."

Liu Si quickly agreed and ran over to help.

Chu Chengyun had already picked a bunch of grapes. Seeing Liu Si approach, he used Liu Si's support to get down, smiling: "Second Young Master needn't worry so much. Am I not fine?"

But Qi Yun maintained a proper expression and serious demeanor, cupping his hands: "Young Master has a noble status, unlike ordinary people. It's better to be cautious."

Ye Jiao rarely heard Qi Yun speak so formally, which made her look at Chu Chengyun with some curiosity. She saw Chu Chengyun's face show some helplessness, yet he still said: "I understand. Second Young Master is still the same as before, elegant as orchid and jade tree, upright in temperament, just a bit too rigid."

Qi Yun looked at him: "For the sake of all people under heaven."

Hearing this, Chu Chengyun felt Qi Yun was truly admonishing him. He immediately set the grapes aside and composed his expression, saying to Qi Yun: "Sir has great talent."

Then the two exchanged bows, extremely gentlemanly, making Ye Ping Rong beside them very gratified, thinking that if Chu Chengyun could be somewhat more stable in the future, it would save him from worry and fear.

But while they were talking, Tie Zi first lowered his eyes, trying hard to hide the helplessness in his gaze.

Probably in this courtyard, only Tie Zi knew that his Second Young Master wasn't really concerned about all people under heaven, but simply afraid that this person sitting on the dragon throne might stumble and fall here, implicating Third Young Master...

But his Second Young Master's greatest skill was hiding his private concerns well and speaking reasons that couldn't be refuted.

Tie Zi glanced at Chu Chengyun, feeling this person's expression was exactly the same as when he had given silver to his Second Young Master's merchant caravan.

Such a benevolent good emperor was truly rare.

But soon they stopped mentioning this matter and had people set up bamboo tables and chairs under the grape arbor.

Liu Si brought up the washed grapes and placed them on the table, with silver picks for removing grape seeds beside them.

Qi Yun greeted Ye Ping Rong properly but didn't see Qi Ming, so he asked: "Elder Brother, where is Third Young Master?"

Ye Ping Rong lowered his voice: "He's cooling wine in the well in the back courtyard, saying he wants to bring it up for everyone to drink."

Qi Yun couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. He hadn't expected Qi Ming to be able to drink now. Clearly before, his little brother would get drunk just from smelling alcohol, but now that he'd entered officialdom, he had indeed grown considerably.

Since this was Qi Ming's courtyard after all, whether it was the noble Chu Chengyun or Qi Yun as elder brother, neither had anyone urge him. They just thought to wait a bit.

After sitting down, Ye Jiao carefully moved closer to Qi Yun, avoiding the scattered sunlight filtering through.

It was already midsummer, and the sunlight outside was harsh. The grape arbor's shade provided coolness, though the passing breeze still carried some heat.

Qi Yun naturally shifted his body to let her lean against him, and Ye Jiao reached out to clasp Qi Yun's hand.

Although Qi Yun's hands and feet weren't as cold as in previous years, his body temperature, slightly lower than ordinary people's, still made Ye Jiao much more comfortable.

Second Young Master Qi asked quietly: "Is Jiao Niang feeling too hot?"

Ye Jiao nodded honestly, looking at him expectantly.

Qi Yun said to Tie Zi: "Go bring down the box I brought."

Tie Zi agreed and went out to call people to help carry it. When they brought it in and Tie Zi opened it in front of everyone, they saw it contained an ice basin.

This ice basin wasn't something ordinary families could afford. Chu Chengyun naturally had them in the palace, but they weren't easily seen in officials' homes, mostly requiring wealthy families with some means.

Qi Yun didn't hide anything, saying directly: "This is an ice basin I obtained before. The merchant caravan brought back seven. I left two at my parents' home, use one myself, gave one to Third Brother, and saved one for the children."

Chu Chengyun calculated: "What about the other two?"

Qi Yun had originally planned to sell the remaining two, but since he encountered Chu Chengyun, he changed his mind, saying lightly: "Naturally they're for Young Master." Seeing Chu Chengyun's surprise, Qi Yun spoke calmly: "Young Master provides the money, I provide the effort. Only then can the merchant caravan grow. This rightfully belongs to Young Master, regardless of your wealth or status. What's yours I will give, and how you handle it isn't for me to consider."

With one sentence, he dispelled Chu Chengyun's doubts.

Even though he was inwardly benevolent, he was still in his position and had to fulfill his duties. If others gave him things for no reason, anyone would think their motives were impure.

But Qi Yun spoke righteously, appearing to have no selfish motives at all. Combined with his image in Chu Chengyun's mind of being completely selfless, always thinking of the nation and people, Chu Chengyun said: "Second Young Master speaks correctly." Then he looked at Qi Yun and sighed: "If only you could serve as an official."

Qi Yun showed his first smile of the day: "As long as one has the world at heart, it's the same no matter what one does. In a few more days, the merchant caravan will return, and it shouldn't disappoint Young Master."

Chu Chengyun remembered the previous matter of having the merchant caravan record maps along their route. Though they had only gone out twice, they could already fill in many previously blank areas.

He wasn't someone who liked to wage war, but knowing oneself and one's enemy was essential for lasting peace. These were naturally extremely valuable.

With excitement on his face, Chu Chengyun discussed with Qi Yun the things the merchant caravan needed to prepare. Qi Yun took this opportunity to gain many advantages from Chu Chengyun, who agreed to everything.

Regardless of whether Chu Chengyun saw through Qi Yun's thoughts, he would agree, because the benefits this merchant caravan could bring far exceeded what they paid.

Ye Jiao didn't pay much attention to these matters. With Qi Yun handling business affairs, Little Ginseng never worried about them.

Right now Little Ginseng was watching Tie Zi move out the ice. Looking at this moderately sized piece of ice, she hesitated: "Break off a piece, put the rest back."

Tie Zi was slightly stunned, saying quietly: "Second Young Mistress, I believe Second Young Master meant to use this ice for fanning."

Ye Jiao naturally understood his meaning. Since Second Young Master wasn't short of money and Ye Jiao feared heat, the Qi family had always been extravagant with ice usage.

Others were only willing to use ice to make frozen treats, using it bit by bit, but the Qi family would bring out large blocks, place them indoors, and have people fan beside them, creating cool breezes to reduce the heat.

Summer ice was extremely expensive. Only someone like Second Young Master Qi, who didn't treat money as money, would dare use it this way.

This time Qi Yun brought the ice basin precisely thinking of using it for Ye Jiao first.

But Little Ginseng remembered what Qi Yun had said earlier. He said he would give Third Young Master an ice basin, so she naturally assumed this one was for Qi Ming.

Ye Jiao didn't know whether what Qi Yun said was true or false, but whatever Qi Yun said, she took seriously.

Items for Third Brother represented her husband's thoughtfulness. In this world, everything else might be cheap, but thoughtfulness was the most precious. Little Ginseng naturally wouldn't want to waste it: "Break off a piece to make frozen treats, break off another piece to cool melons and fruits in water, put the rest back for now."

Seeing Qi Yun didn't object, Tie Zi agreed and had people do as Ye Jiao said.

Qi Yun listened nearby, understanding Ye Jiao's thoughts. After thinking, he didn't speak, just reached out to grip his wife's fingertips tightly, the corner of his mouth slightly raised.

His Jiao Niang always thought of him, just as Qi Yun always kept Ye Jiao at the tip of his heart.

Having such a wife, what more could a husband ask for?

Chu Chengyun didn't notice the warmth between the Qi couple. His mind was full of what to do after the merchant caravan returned and completed the maps.

But Ye Ping Rong glanced at his sister and brother-in-law several more times, always feeling that when his little sister and Qi Yun were together, they formed their own world, everywhere showing sweetness. Even when they weren't talking to each other, they constantly displayed their love.

Soon Ye Ping Rong thought of Princess Huaning, and his expression softened as he wondered what Princess Huaning was doing now.

When Qi Ming returned, the grapes Chu Chengyun had picked had been eaten clean.

Fortunately, Chu Chengyun still remembered his worthy brother and saved him two.

The grape vine seedlings were gifts from Dong Shi, selected from the best varieties in the orchard. The grapes they produced were naturally sweet as honey.

When Qi Ming brought out the wine, Qi Yun had people bring frozen treats for Ye Jiao and didn't let her touch alcohol. Qi Yun's eyes looked at the grapes on the table, then at the wine in the cups, his expression calm, not knowing what he was thinking.

The dishes on the table were all sent by Manager Song. Though Qi Ming's small kitchen could prepare meals, since they were entertaining Chu Chengyun today, Qi Yun naturally wouldn't let the small kitchen delay things. He directly had people order a full banquet from the restaurant.

Manager Song didn't ask many questions but knew Qi Yun spoke seriously, so he naturally didn't dare slack off, having his cook use all their best skills.

However, only Ye Jiao and Ye Ping Rong enjoyed these dishes. The two Qi brothers and Chu Chengyun barely touched their chopsticks.

After two cups of wine, the first to collapse was Qi Ming.

Clearly Third Young Master Qi hadn't yet learned to appreciate this liquid's mysteries. He only drank a little before he couldn't handle it, his face flushed red as he collapsed on the table to sleep.

Qi Yun obviously hadn't expected he truly couldn't drink. After being stunned, he said to Liu Si: "Go make sobering soup, and bring him some food. Make sure he eats it all before sleeping."

Liu Si agreed and hurriedly carried his Second Young Master inside.

But Qi Yun noticed Chu Chengyun hadn't followed in. Instead, he sat there holding chopsticks, smiling as he stared at him.

This made Second Young Master Qi feel strange, but he didn't ask directly. Instead, he remained composed while peeling shrimp shells for Ye Jiao, dipping them in sauce before placing them in Ye Jiao's bowl.

Chu Chengyun had originally come out of the palace with something to discuss with Qi Yun. Now having the opportunity, he no longer waited, clearing his throat: "Second Young Master, I have a matter I'd like to discuss privately with you."

At these words, Ye Ping Rong prepared to stand up and wanted to pull his little sister away.

Ye Jiao looked confused, still holding shrimp with her chopsticks.

Qi Yun stood up: "Coincidentally, I also have something to discuss with Young Master. Shall we go to the study?"

Chu Chengyun thought about it and felt this matter indeed needed private discussion, so he nodded. The two went to Qi Ming's study together.

Seeing this, Ye Ping Rong sat back down, released Ye Jiao's hand, and seeing his little sister's puzzled expression, quickly comforted her: "Jiao Niang, continue eating, don't mind them."

But Ye Jiao put down her chopsticks, looking toward the study with some worry, then turned to Ye Ping Rong: "Elder Brother, what are they discussing?"

Ye Ping Rong had followed Chu Chengyun for many years and naturally knew the reason, but since Chu Chengyun hadn't specified that others could be told, Ye Ping Rong could only pretend ignorance throughout. But now it was Ye Jiao asking him, and Elder Brother Ye had always treated his little sister differently, so he could only say vaguely: "Marriage matters."

This made Ye Jiao blink, then suddenly say: "Husband won't take concubines."

Ye Ping Rong, seeing her misunderstand, found it somewhat amusing: "Jiao Niang, rest assured, no one is making your husband take concubines. It's... it's Master Qi's marriage."

The only one in the Qi family who could be called Master was Qi Ming.

Ye Jiao understood. This was Chu Chengyun wanting to find a wife for her Third Brother.

Her face showed a smile, extremely curious about which family's daughter Third Brother would marry, but Little Ginseng could see Ye Ping Rong's difficulty, so she temporarily restrained her curiosity, didn't ask details, and put the shrimp in her mouth, eating happily.

On the way back, Ye Jiao sat in the carriage holding Qi Yun's arm, finally asking: "Husband, who does His Majesty want to arrange for Third Brother?"

Qi Yun always told Ye Jiao everything: "Fifth Miss Meng, the one who previously gave Third Brother the jade flower hairpin."

The Meng family...

Ye Jiao blinked: "Is it the same family as Hui Niang?"

Qi Yun's eyelid twitched again as he slowly nodded: "Yes, the Empress's younger sister."

Inwardly he complained that his third brother was actually going to become the emperor's brother-in-law. How strange.

Earlier when Chu Chengyun had called Qi Yun away, Second Young Master Qi had thought Chu Chengyun was going to randomly arrange marriages, but who could have thought he had the intention of helping create a good match.

After all, their family backgrounds differed greatly. If Chu Chengyun hadn't personally brought this up, Qi Yun would never have believed it.

But Chu Chengyun had also spoken very clearly: "If Third Young Master and the Meng family can make a good match, there will be more support in the future. The tasks I assign him will be safer. I'm also considering Third Young Master's welfare."

Qi Yun closed his eyes slightly, understanding that Qi Ming was now tied together with Chu Chengyun and couldn't escape.

Chu Chengyun clearly intended to push his policies, and he didn't have many capable officials to use. Shi Tianrui was one, and Qi Ming would be next.

He arranged the Meng family marriage for Qi Ming to provide him an escape route.

This escape route was truly a wealthy and powerful family that people like the Qi family couldn't even dream of reaching, but the better the escape route, the more dangerous Qi Ming's future path would be.

Originally thinking his third brother's friendship with the emperor was good news, but looking at it now, that wasn't entirely true.

Ye Jiao didn't think so much, instead smiling: "Then we should tell Mother about this. In her last letter, Mother mentioned that matchmakers were nearly wearing out our front door. Now that someone wants to arrange a match for Third Brother, it's better not to agree to others at home."

At these words, Qi Yun immediately opened his eyes.

If Father and Mother agreed to someone else, while Qi Ming here was to marry another family, it would be troublesome to have conflicting loyalty and filial duty.

Earlier when he learned about the jade flower matter, he had thought to send a letter to Father and Mother, but later forgot completely. If not for Ye Jiao's reminder now, Qi Yun probably still wouldn't have remembered this matter.

Qi Yun immediately turned to kiss Ye Jiao's mouth. Though Ye Jiao didn't quite understand what he was thinking, she still smiled as she put her arms around the man's neck and leaned over to kiss him.

After returning home, Qi Yun had Ye Jiao wait for him in the courtyard first. After Ye Jiao left, Qi Yun's expression became serious: "Tie Zi, bring paper and brush. I need to write a letter home."

Tie Zi asked: "Should we use a messenger?"

"No, carrier pigeon, the faster the better."

In less than two days, the pigeon landed at the Qi residence, and the letter tied to its leg was delivered to Liu Pozi.

Letters sent by pigeon were usually extremely urgent matters. Liu Pozi hurried to find Liu Shi.

At this time Liu Shi was reciting Buddhist scriptures in the small Buddha hall, but this time she wasn't praying for health, but for safety.

Previously when Liu Shi knelt in the small ancestral hall, it was mostly because Qi Yun's health was unpredictable, often requiring trips to death's door. Only by chanting scriptures could Liu Shi find peace of mind.

Now that Qi Yun's health had improved considerably, with harmonious marriage, children of both genders, and everything going smoothly, Liu Shi would pray for other things.

Seeing Liu Pozi enter, Liu Shi stopped turning her prayer beads, turned to look at her, smiled slightly, and said gently: "What is it? Has Yue'er woken up?"

This Yue'er was the daughter Fang Shi had given birth to a few days ago. Born at night when the bright moon was overhead, she was given the pet name Yue'er.

Though this child wasn't large when born, she was very strong, probably because Fang Shi had maintained good health during pregnancy, making the child in her womb also healthy. The little girl's cries were particularly loud, audible even across courtyard gates. But Liu Shi felt Yue'er's robustness was wonderful, treasuring her immensely. Whether the child was eating or sleeping, Liu Shi's first concern after waking was asking if her little granddaughter was well.

Liu Pozi walked over to help Liu Shi stand, saying: "Replying to Madam, Miss Yue hasn't woken yet, but Second Young Master sent a message by pigeon. I was afraid of delaying important matters, so I disturbed Madam's scripture recitation."

Liu Shi immediately composed her expression and reached out to take the letter from Liu Pozi.

Since pigeon legs were thin and the bamboo tubes they could carry were small, the paper inside was mostly thin strips rolled up, with limited space for writing.

This time Qi Yun's message was brief and to the point.

'Third Brother has his own marriage destiny, which has reached imperial attention. Please grant your approval, Father and Mother.'

Though few words, Liu Shi could understand the meaning.

She immediately said to Liu Pozi: "Go, ask the Master to come."

Father Qi had originally been at the estate. Hearing Liu Shi wanted to see him, he came back without question. By the time he reached home it was already night. He was sweating and speaking breathlessly: "Madam, what has happened?"

Liu Shi had him sit down and handed him the note.

Father Qi looked at it, then looked up at Liu Shi: "What does 'reached imperial attention' mean?"

Liu Shi wiped his sweat with a handkerchief. Hearing this, she knew her husband was confused, so she patiently explained: "It means our Third Son's marriage has the Emperor helping to arrange it, so we don't need to worry."

Father Qi's expression grew stranger: "Why does this Emperor manage everything? Marriage is naturally a matter of parental command and matchmaker's words..."

"Heaven, earth, ruler, parents, teachers. This is our son's good fortune. Are you unhappy about it?" Liu Shi glared at him. Seeing Father Qi obediently shut his mouth, Liu Shi continued: "Second Son never speaks nonsense. Since he says this matter is urgent, then it's urgent. We'd better listen to him."

Father Qi hesitated: "But Magistrate Zhang mentioned this matter to me, wanting to match his daughter to our son. I can hardly refuse."

If it were before, Liu Shi wouldn't refuse the magistrate's good intentions either, but now she was extremely decisive: "As long as you haven't agreed, it's fine. We should refuse when we should, otherwise if something really goes wrong, it would make things difficult for Magistrate Zhang. Better not to start this from the beginning."

Father Qi opened his mouth but said nothing, though his brow still showed some worry.

Liu Shi patted his hand: "This isn't offending people. If you agreed, that would be offending people. Besides, what's more important than our son?"

Though Father Qi was generally mediocre in ability, he valued his wife and children most and was particularly persuadable, so he nodded and personally wrote a letter for the pigeon to take back to Qi Yun.

When Second Young Master Qi received the letter, he felt waves of fear.

If Father and Mother had really arranged a marriage for Third Brother at home while there was also Fifth Miss Meng here, then his third brother would be caught in the middle, neither side happy, possibly even affecting his official position.

Fortunately, the matter was resolved before anything happened. This was indeed good news.

That day Qi Yun spent the entire day in his room writing "In safety, do not forget danger; in prosperity, always consider decline" for self-reflection. That evening he had people boil eggs to eat. But Second Young Master Qi's actions caused Ye Jiao to misunderstand. Little Ginseng pulled Qi Yun to use the bathtub together, then went from inside the bathtub to outside, continuing until the third watch before sleeping.

Another month passed. The heat subsided slightly, and Ye Jiao had people set up a swing in the courtyard beside the cool house.

When Dong Shi arrived, she happened to see servants setting up posts for the swing. Dong Shi quickly walked around them and entered the cool house. Seeing Ye Jiao, she couldn't help asking: "Why did you think of setting up a swing?"

Ye Jiao was currently touching Ruyi's little belly. Hearing this, she turned to smile at Dong Shi: "Not for me, but Xu Bao saw Princess Huaning's swing when he visited my elder brother last time. After playing on it, he's been asking for one. Earlier it was too hot with heavy heat, but now it's slightly cooler, so I had people build one for Xu Bao to play on."

Dong Shi walked to sit beside Ye Jiao, having people place the food box she brought on the table. She seemed to have something to say, but the words reached her mouth and she swallowed them back, instead saying: "It's good for Xu Bao to enjoy playing. It prevents him from staring at books all day and straining his eyes." Then Dong Shi looked at the giggling Ruyi and reached out to greet her: "Ruyi, did you miss Auntie?"

Ruyi was laughing while hugging Ye Jiao's hand, her eyes squinting with laughter. Hearing Dong Shi's words, she looked over, recognized the visitor, and said clearly: "Aunt Xiu, Ruyi missed you."

Though she said she missed her, her hands still held tightly to Ye Jiao, obviously not wanting to leave her mother.

Dong Shi came often and naturally knew Ruyi's temperament. Her mouth was always sweet, pleasing people, but in her heart she was always attached to her parents.

Don't look at how Ning Bao seemed cool and aloof, but as long as people were familiar, anyone could hold him.

Ruyi was different. As long as her mother was present, she wouldn't let others hold her, always looking aggrieved and heartbreaking.

Dong Shi knew this little girl had her own ideas and wasn't angry. Instead, she smiled: "Ruyi being like this is actually good."

Ye Jiao couldn't help being curious: "How is it good?"

Dong Shi smiled at her: "Being with you more, she'll also have a good temperament like Jiao Niang in the future."

Ye Jiao didn't hear that she was teasing and actually nodded, kissing Ruyi proudly: "My daughter naturally takes after me."

Dong Shi nodded repeatedly and also leaned over to kiss Ruyi. Little Ruyi allowed her to kiss but shyly buried her face in Ye Jiao's arms.

After a while, Ruyi began yawning and soon fell asleep.

Ye Jiao handed her to Nanny Mo to take for sleep, then looked at Dong Shi: "Ying Xiu, did you have something you wanted to tell me earlier?"

Dong Shi nodded, moved closer, and said quietly: "I heard that the Privy Council Direct Scholar has been demoted and will leave the Capital soon."

...Privy Council Direct Scholar?

Ye Jiao felt this official title sounded familiar, then remembered that Miss Lu had been from the Privy Council Direct Scholar's family, though that one and this one were different people. Apparently, two different people had held this position in recent years.

It seemed this official position was truly difficult, with considerable risk.

Then she heard Dong Shi say: "From my sister-in-law's tone, the successor hasn't been decided yet. Your family's Third Brother works at the Privy Council, so be careful recently. There might be people trying to curry favor through your family."

Ye Jiao understood nothing about court affairs, just remembered this to tell Qi Yun that evening.

Just then, Little Su hurried in. Seeing Dong Shi there, she hesitated without speaking. Dong Shi could see there was urgent business and smiled as she stood to take her leave.

After she left, Little Su said: "Second Young Mistress, Little Shi Tou was beaten by someone at the academy."