novelraw Chapter 172
Chapter 172
When Qi Ming returned this time, he hadn't arranged to meet with Ye Ping Rong beforehand. The two encountered each other at the Qi residence's gate.
When Qi Ming saw Ye Ping Rong, he specifically looked behind him and discovered he didn't see any trace of Chu Chengyun.
Ye Ping Rong naturally knew who this person was looking for. If it were someone else, Ye Ping Rong would definitely mock that person for being presumptuous. How could the Son of Heaven be seen whenever you wanted to see him?
But Qi Ming was different. Chu Chengyun valued him, and now Third Young Master Qi's marriage with the Meng family was about to be settled. The two would go from sworn brothers to brothers-in-law, with close relations becoming even closer. Naturally he deserved more attention.
So Ye Ping Rong dismounted and smiled at Qi Ming: "Master Qi, stop looking. This morning the Empress felt somewhat unwell, so His Majesty probably can't get away. The poetry gathering originally arranged with Master Qi for tonight probably can't be kept on time either."
Qi Ming immediately replied: "The Empress's matter is naturally important. Poetry can be discussed anytime." Then Qi Ming's voice paused: "In private, Elder Brother Ye should just call me Third Young Master. Always calling me Master feels quite awkward."
Ye Ping Rong wasn't polite either, smiling as he gestured: "Third Young Master, please."
Qi Ming also gestured: "Elder Brother Ye, please."
But before entering, Ye Ping Rong said quietly to Qi Ming: "Recently regarding the Privy Council matters, His Majesty has his own judgment. It's better for Third Young Master to keep your distance."
These words shouldn't be casually spread, but now they were family, and reminding Qi Ming was also Chu Chengyun's intention. Since the matter involved court affairs, it wasn't appropriate to discuss it in front of Qi Yun and Ye Jiao. Seeing him now, it was good to mention it early.
Qi Ming looked at Ye Ping Rong, his steps pausing slightly. Looking around and finding others standing far away, he asked quietly: "Elder Brother Ye, what exactly is this about?"
Now Qi Ming was Deputy Assistant of the Secretariat. Who replaced the Direct Scholar above him shouldn't be his concern, but they were indeed changing too frequently.
He heard the previous one had left less than two years ago, and now this one was also being demoted, leaving Third Young Master Qi somewhat confused.
Ye Ping Rong looked at him with some surprise: "You don't know?"
Qi Ming honestly shook his head.
Since this matter was related to Qi Ming and wasn't any big secret, Ye Ping Rong didn't hide it from him: "This one leaving now brought it on himself. He tried to gain advantage during the previous concubine selection and even approached the Empress, making Her Majesty so angry she fell ill."
At these words, Qi Ming understood why this person had fallen from grace.
How well Chu Chengyun treated Empress Meng was almost universally known. Even storytellers praised it, practically broadcasting the imperial couple's harmony far and wide. Combined with not taking concubines and the Empress being pregnant, it was even more joyous. Anyone rushing to provoke this was bound for misfortune.
Seeing him nod, Ye Ping Rong continued: "As for the previous Direct Scholar Lu, his conduct was already improper. Plus his Seventh Miss was involved with someone and secretly pregnant, yet tried to make Third Young Master you the scapegoat, using various methods to deceive your parents into arranging an engagement. Such a family deserving their misfortune is only natural."
Qi Ming: ......
Seeing Qi Ming stunned, Ye Ping Rong was also curious: "What, Third Young Master didn't know about this?"
Actually, Ye Ping Rong knew these details because Chu Chengyun was concerned about every aspect of Qi Ming's affairs. When Qi Yun's letter arrived then, Chu Chengyun had people investigate, and coinciding with the new emperor's ascension wanting to purify the administration, they swept this Master Lu away.
Logically, Qi Ming as the person involved should know more than him.
But in fact, Qi Ming truly knew nothing.
At that time he was at the academy studying, preparing for imperial examinations. His family never told him these things, so Qi Ming had no idea he had almost inexplicably become a stepfather...
Back then he was clearly worrying daily about how to finish thirty large character sheets.
Thinking of this, Qi Ming had a revelation: "So that's it. Now I finally know why Second Brother made me write large characters back then and wouldn't even let me leave the academy gates. It was all for my own good." Otherwise, if he had gone out, he might have been tied up and forced into marriage.
It must be said that Qi Ming had been troubled by the previous incident of post-examination bride-snatching and still remembered it vividly.
Second Young Master Qi's image became even more glorious in Qi Ming's heart.
Ye Ping Rong had always felt Qi Yun held the nation and people in his heart, and everything he did was right. Even though he didn't understand what Qi Ming meant, he still nodded along: "Yes, naturally. He certainly cares about you."
After Qi Yun received news of their arrival, he had the main gate opened. Now Second Young Master Qi stood at the entrance, watching them be courteous to each other with an indifferent expression. He didn't rush them, only saying after the two entered and exchanged greetings: "From now on, don't be so troublesome when coming home. We're all family. Always yielding back and forth like this means we can't even have a hot meal, and Jiao Niang is still waiting."
Ye Ping Rong only thought his brother-in-law was being inclusive, which showed closeness, and his smile deepened.
But Qi Ming knew his second brother was telling the truth. Second Brother really found them annoying...
However, Qi Ming wouldn't expose this, just agreed, and then the three headed toward the front hall.
When they arrived, they indeed saw Ye Jiao holding Ruyi and swaying gently, but usually when Ye Jiao held children, she would stare at the babies, pinching here and rubbing there as if they weren't precious enough. But today she was staring straight at the table, unable to turn her gaze away.
Little Ruyi was left in her mother's arms and inevitably felt bored. Fortunately, the little girl had been very good at entertaining herself since birth. When she wanted to move, she would tug Ye Jiao's fingers, and then Ye Jiao would unconsciously bounce her.
Tug once, move once. Ruyi seemed to find it interesting, giggling by herself, leaning against Ye Jiao and moving around, humming unknown tunes in her mouth.
Little Shi Tou and Xu Bao nearby each had their own small chairs and sat properly. As for Ning Bao, he was naturally quiet. He would occasionally glance at Ruyi, but otherwise just stared at the table along with Ye Jiao.
Ye Jiao kept looking at the dishes on the table. Only when the men entered did she look over, smiling as she stood to greet them.
With just one glance, Ye Ping Rong understood why Qi Yun had been waiting at the entrance earlier.
Though he had come on impulse to visit, Qi Ming returned home every few days as scheduled. This meal had probably been arranged long ago, but he and Qi Ming had delayed at the entrance, making his sister hungry.
So what brother-in-law had said earlier wasn't politeness, but the truth.
Qi Ming was even more perceptive, taking a few quick steps to take Ruyi from Ye Jiao's arms, holding her up high and making Ruyi laugh before saying obediently to Ye Jiao: "Sorry for keeping Second Sister-in-law waiting."
Ye Jiao smiled: "No problem. Were you hot on the way here?"
Qi Ming held Ruyi, smiling: "Thank you for thinking of me, Second Sister-in-law. I came by carriage this time with ice inside, so it wasn't hot."
Seeing Ye Jiao hadn't asked about him, Ye Ping Rong volunteered: "Sister, don't worry, I wasn't hot either."
Ye Jiao looked at Ye Ping Rong, blinking: "Did Elder Brother also come by carriage?"
"No, I rode a horse."
Hearing this, Xu Bao looked at Ye Ping Rong and said cheerfully: "Uncle, Xu Bao wants to ride a big horse too!"
Ye Ping Rong immediately smiled and with one hand lifted Xu Bao up, letting him sit properly on his arm: "Alright, when Xu Bao can mount a horse by himself, Uncle will take you riding and find you the best horse as a gift."
Xu Bao extended his hand: "Pinky swear, Uncle keeps his word."
Qi Yun wanted to say not to casually promise Xu Bao anything. This child had too good a memory. He would always remember promises made to him and they had to be kept, unable to fool him.
But before Qi Yun could speak, Ye Ping Rong had already extended his finger.
But Ye Ping Rong was a military officer after all, used to wielding weapons, so his fingers were considerably thicker than ordinary people's. Xu Bao was still a child, and seeing Ye Ping Rong's palm-sized hand, he stared with wide eyes in some surprise, even extending his own small chubby hand to compare.
Xu Bao compared while muttering: "So big."
Ye Ping Rong let him fiddle with it, smiling: "Uncle practices martial arts, so having bigger hands is normal."
People who practice martial arts have big hands?
Xu Bao felt he had found another reason not to let his little brother practice martial arts. How scary! This chubby, round, milk-scented little brother, if his hands became this big in the future, it would scare people to death!
But the little one hadn't forgotten about riding the big horse. Since they couldn't do a pinky swear, he directly grasped Ye Ping Rong's fingertip and shook it, showing a smile on his face.
Qi Yun could naturally see what Xu Bao was smiling about.
This child was probably feeling proud inside, thinking he would get the world's best horse in the future.
Ye Jiao smiled and walked over to take Xu Bao and put him in his small chair, then led Ye Ping Rong to his seat, saying to Nanny Mo: "Go add another set of bowls and chopsticks."
Qi Yun followed up: "Also, bring out that jar of wine I brought back a few days ago."
Ye Ping Rong naturally knew Ye Jiao and Qi Yun rarely drank, and he had witnessed Qi Ming's alcohol tolerance. Now mentioning wine was naturally prepared for him.
Without declining, Ye Ping Rong smiled: "Since there's nothing today, His Majesty went to accompany the Empress and shouldn't summon me. A little drinking won't hurt."
Qi Yun naturally knew Ye Ping Rong couldn't get drunk. Even though today wasn't his turn to serve in the palace, Ye Ping Rong was now a favored person before the Emperor. Once Chu Chengyun had any matter, he would summon him to the palace. If he carried alcohol on his breath and offended the imperial presence, it would be disastrous.
So Qi Yun said: "This jar is aged fine wine, mellow yet not intoxicating. Since no one in my family drinks, Elder Brother should take it when you leave."
Ye Ping Rong nodded with a smile.
During the meal, the Qi family had no rule against talking while eating. They spoke quite a bit, mostly without formality but substantial conversation, especially between Ye Ping Rong and Qi Ming. Now that they both served in court, and with changes in Qi Ming's Privy Council leadership, they should keep each other informed.
However, many things couldn't be said explicitly, just hinted at with mutual understanding.
Regarding Qi Yun's business, they also showed concern, not only because Qi Yun's wine shop was increasingly prosperous, but also because Qi Yun's merchant caravan had reached the Capital and Chu Chengyun paid special attention. Those painters and scholars were all to receive imperial audience. Ye Ping Rong's visit this time was to set a time with Qi Yun for Chu Chengyun to meet them.
Ye Jiao focused entirely on eating with an extremely devout expression.
For Little Ginseng, she had never forgotten her original intention. She had never forgotten the purpose of becoming human.
After cultivating for a thousand years, time itself wasn't precious to spirits. What she coveted was this wonderful human scene.
Being able to not eat dirt but have delicious food was heaven's gift. Ye Jiao never wasted even a grain of rice, and when she tasted something delicious, she would smile with squinted eyes.
The children had eaten with her since they were small and learned her manner completely. Even the twins, who could only use spoons, treated the food before them extremely seriously.
Their expressions were particularly focused, clearly showing they were family.
Originally, Little Shi Tou had been pampered at home. Though Fang Shi made him study and learn characters, she indulged him in other matters. Little Shi Tou leaving rice and spilling food while eating was common.
But now after staying with Ye Jiao for this period, Little Shi Tou always finished everything in his bowl without leaving a bit.
Children get sleepy after eating. Soon they were rubbing their eyes, so Qi Yun had people take them for afternoon naps first.
After the children were carried away, the front hall seemed much more spacious.
Ye Jiao could finally ask: "What happened to the Empress?"
Ye Jiao understood Empress Meng's temperament. Though she appeared gentle and graceful, she was actually most stubborn and resilient. Unless it was something major, she wouldn't have Chu Chengyun accompany her for a whole day.
Since it concerned the Emperor's whereabouts, Ye Ping Rong couldn't speak directly and could only say vaguely: "It's nothing serious. The imperial physician was consulted and said there was no problem, just needs some rest."
Hearing this, Ye Jiao felt relieved, thinking she would accompany Princess Huaning to the palace in a few days and could see then.
As for what had happened in the palace, Ye Jiao didn't know. After Ye Ping Rong and Qi Ming left, she returned to the courtyard with Qi Yun.
As soon as they entered, they saw the three children who had already awakened sitting on the soft couch playing together.
Ruyi still held Ning Bao and wouldn't let go. Ning Bao just let her. Xu Bao dutifully fulfilled his responsibility as big brother, protecting his little brother and sister from the side, occasionally reaching out to touch and pinch them, especially loving to rub Ning Bao's chubby cheeks.
If it were usual, Ning Bao would definitely turn away to avoid it.
But today, held down by Ruyi and unable to move, he could only stare while Xu Bao pinched his face.
Seeing Qi Yun and Ye Jiao enter, Ning Bao rarely spoke first: "Daddy, Mommy, want hugs."
Qi Yun could see his younger son couldn't stand Xu Bao but didn't want to refuse his brother's affection, so he could only seek their help, hoping they would "rescue" him.
But Ye Jiao didn't think that much. She rarely heard Ning Bao act spoiled and immediately smiled, walking over to scoop Ning Bao into her arms.
Then Ye Jiao took the object Little Su was holding and stuffed it into Ning Bao's arms: "Here, this is from your uncle. Do you like it?"
Ning Bao looked down and saw he was holding a small wooden sword.
This thing was just a toy, not large, with all sides made very smooth so it couldn't hurt anyone. Rather than calling it a wooden sword, it was more like a toy.
Qi Yun held a small jade ruyi and waved it in front of his daughter: "This is also a ruyi that Uncle gave to Ruyi."
Little Ruyi blinked with some confusion: "This is also Ruyi?"
As she spoke, she reached out to put it in her mouth.
Qi Yun had anticipated this scene, which was why he hadn't given it to Ruyi directly. He turned his wrist to dodge Ruyi's little hand, then sat sideways on the soft couch and held his daughter, saying gently: "This is a jade ruyi. Daddy's Ruyi is much cuter than it."
Ruyi laughed upon hearing this.
Xu Bao chimed in: "Right, little sister is cute."
Ye Jiao, who had just sat beside Qi Yun, was moved to gentleness by these words, but soon felt Xu Bao staring at her expectantly and couldn't help asking: "What's wrong with Xu Bao?"
Xu Bao pitifully tugged Ye Jiao's sleeve and swayed: "Mommy, little brother and sister both have gifts, but Xu Bao doesn't? What about Brother Shi Tou?"
Ye Jiao looked at Qi Yun. Second Young Master Qi spoke calmly: "Xu Bao still remembers Brother Shi Tou. Very good."
Xu Bao was still a child after all. He had been a bit aggrieved, but hearing this, he proudly puffed out his small chest.
Then he heard Qi Yun say: "Uncle brought zhuazhou ceremony items for your little brother and sister this time. Xu Bao already passed his first birthday, so naturally he doesn't need them."
Xu Bao blinked curiously: "Daddy, what does zhuazhou mean?"
Qi Yun knew Xu Bao was clever and wouldn't casually make up stories to fool him, instead patiently explaining: "It's when a child is one year old, they let the child grab things to predict their future."
"Is it accurate after testing?"
"It's just custom."
The word "custom" wasn't appearing for the first time. In Xu Bao's mind, many incomprehensible things were "customs," so he didn't ask deeper, just said "oh," but soon tugged Qi Yun's sleeve again: "Then why didn't Xu Bao have zhuazhou?"
This stumped Qi Yun.
Counting back, Xu Bao's first birthday coincided with the late Emperor's death and new Emperor's ascension, the most critical time, so they didn't celebrate grandly, just invited people for a meal.
The zhuazhou ceremony was done by Liu Shi with Ye Jiao in the room, and Qi Yun didn't see it.
Ye Jiao also remembered and smiled at Xu Bao: "Xu Bao did have zhuazhou. You grabbed a writing brush then. Don't you remember?"
The little chubby one sat there, frowning and thinking for a long while, then shook his head.
It wasn't that he didn't remember, but Xu Bao had loved reading since childhood and liked brush, ink, paper, and inkstone. He would touch them whenever he saw them. As for when it was specifically for zhuazhou, how would he know?
Seeing him unhappy, Ye Jiao lifted Ning Bao and handed him to Xu Bao, whispering to Ruyi: "Come, cheer up your big brother."
Ning Bao wasn't like Ruyi. Little Ruyi was a sweet sister who was best at coaxing people, but as enthusiastic as Ruyi was, Ning Bao was equally reserved, never proactively doing anything.
Now being directly handed to Xu Bao by Ye Jiao, Ning Bao first pressed his soft little lips together, stared at Xu Bao for a while, then extended his hand to pat Xu Bao's shoulder, saying in his baby voice: "Ning Bao loves big brother, big brother smile."
Qi Yun: ......
Hearing this, Ye Jiao smiled with curved lips: "Ning Bao is so smart. You remember everything your big brother usually says, don't you?"
Xu Bao hadn't thought anything of it originally, but now having it pointed out that these were words he said when acting spoiled, and they were even learned by his little brother...
The little one immediately forgot about earlier matters, squeezed into Ye Jiao's arms, buried his face in Ye Jiao's neck, and didn't move, clearly embarrassed.
Ye Jiao let him hold her and casually handed Ning Bao to Qi Yun.
Second Young Master Qi had his daughter on the left and son on the right. Not finding them heavy, he sat cross-legged on the soft couch looking left and right, very satisfied.
After more playing, evening arrived.
The twins were still young and needed lots of sleep. Once asleep, they were carried to the opposite side room.
Xu Bao hugged Ye Jiao and just wouldn't leave. Helplessly, Ye Jiao could only let him sleep in her room tonight.
Qi Yun had wanted to hold his wife, but with a little chubby one lying between them, he could only hold Ye Jiao's hand as they lay down.
After blowing out the candles, Ye Jiao said: "Husband, today a letter came from home saying Yue'er is stable, and sister-in-law has also finished her confinement and is in good health."
Qi Yun made a sound of acknowledgment, lowering his voice: "Don't tell Little Shi Tou about Yue'er yet."
Little Ginseng was somewhat puzzled: "Why?"
Previously they hadn't mentioned it because Liu Shi said newborns shouldn't be talked about too much and they should wait before mentioning it, so the child could be stable.
But now she was stable, so they should tell Little Shi Tou he had a biological little sister.
Qi Yun explained softly: "Little Shi Tou just entered the academy and his mind isn't settled yet. Schoolwork is important. Telling him now when he can't see her anyway would only add longing without other benefits. Better to wait. We'll return for New Year anyway, and telling him then will be fine."
Ye Jiao thought Qi Yun made sense and agreed, turning sideways to kiss Qi Yun: "Husband is right."
But she forgot there was a little chubby one in the middle and ended up kissing Xu Bao's face.
Xu Bao's mouth moved, mumbling "Ruyi, don't make trouble" in his sleep, then turned over to continue sleeping, making the couple both laugh and cry.
But they temporarily abandoned their thoughts, saying nothing more and preparing to sleep.
Yet they could both hear each other's breathing, clearly neither had fallen asleep.
Ye Jiao's fingertips moved slightly, inadvertently brushing across the man's palm, and the next moment Qi Yun enclosed it in his hand.
She wanted to pull her hand out, but Qi Yun gripped tighter and tighter.
Even just fingertips touching created a different feeling. Ye Jiao couldn't describe it, just tingly and numb, like putting her hand in a spring during midsummer, very comfortable, yet feeling a fire in her body that couldn't disperse.
So originally it was Qi Yun holding her hand, but later it became Ye Jiao clasping the man's fingertips.
Little Ginseng lay flat, opened her eyes, looked at the bed canopy top, and asked softly: "Husband, are you asleep?"
After a while, she heard Qi Yun say: "Not yet."
Ye Jiao hesitated: "I have something to ask you."
"What is it? Go ahead, Jiao Niang."
"I want to study."
This was an ordinary sentence, but when the two of them studied at night, besides consuming mental energy, it also required some physical effort.
If earlier Qi Yun had only wanted to hold his wife, now his heart was pounding and heat was rising.
Being so easily provoked, Second Young Master Qi felt his self-control was much worse than before.
Fortunately, someone was keeping him company.
So Qi Yun sat up, turned to look at Xu Bao sleeping spread-eagled, and said quietly: "Should I carry him next door?"
Ye Jiao's gaze was like water, bright and sparkling, also saying quietly: "Carry him across the way."
Qi Yun immediately understood this sentence's meaning. Putting him next door might disturb others, but carrying him to the opposite room, they wouldn't hear...
His ears reddening, Second Young Master Qi coughed lightly and reached out to hold his son, thinking that for his parents' happiness, Xu Bao would sleep alone tonight.
But as soon as he touched him, he heard Xu Bao muttering something quietly.
Obviously the little one had been mumbling for a while, but the two adults had been quietly conspiring to do bad things and hadn't noticed him. Only now when Qi Yun leaned close to hold him did he hear Xu Bao's voice clearly.
This voice was soft and sweet: "Daddy, need to pee... mm, peed..."
Then Qi Yun heard the sound of water flowing, and the bedding was soaked through a large area.
Ye Jiao: ......
Qi Yun: ......
This completely extinguished any fire.