Lady of Fortune, Jiao Niang

Chapter 173

The next day, Xu Bao woke up in the side room bed.

He yawned softly and instinctively reached out to hug someone beside him, then smelled Ye Jiao's scent.

Everyone had their own distinct smell. Like Ning Bao and Ruyi, they had a milky fragrance that was easy to recognize. Qi Yun carried a faint medicinal scent, somewhat bitter but with a clear quality, while Ye Jiao had a scent that made Xu Bao feel comfortable.

There was the osmanthus fragrance from her hair oil, plus a slightly sweet smell that could only be detected when close.

Probably because the ginseng spirit essence was still within Ye Jiao, being near her made his body feel comfortable. Xu Bao loved clinging to her. Right now, without even opening his eyes, he knew he was hugging his mother, so he nuzzled deeper into Ye Jiao's arms.

But before he could act spoiled with Ye Jiao, he felt himself being lifted up.

Then Xu Bao was pulled from Ye Jiao's arms. He instinctively kicked his little short legs, and when he looked up, he met Qi Yun's eyes.

With Ye Jiao, Xu Bao never hesitated to be charming and cute, but with Qi Yun, he knew how to read the situation.

Usually, Qi Yun doted on him greatly, but occasionally when his father was angry, like now, he needed to be careful.

Xu Bao immediately became obedient, sweetly putting his arms around Qi Yun's neck. Being grabbed by the collar didn't make him angry at all. Instead, he said softly: "Daddy, Xu Bao is hungry."

Qi Yun let him hold on and even supported his chubby little bottom to make him more comfortable, saying flatly: "Breakfast is already being prepared. We'll eat when your mother gets up."

Xu Bao nodded obediently and even smiled at Qi Yun.

Qi Yun bounced him and said: "Look around. Do you notice anything different?"

Only then did Xu Bao look up and around before saying: "Daddy, why did we change rooms?" Then Xu Bao looked down at himself: "Xu Bao's clothes changed too. Where are the old ones? They had pretty flowers."

Hearing this, Qi Yun narrowed his eyes.

After this child flooded the bed yesterday, the bedding had to be changed since it was all wet and couldn't be slept on. People had to come clean up, and Qi Yun and Ye Jiao lost all interest in doing anything else. Whatever fire they had was extinguished, so they simply moved to the side room with Xu Bao to sleep.

But all this commotion delayed them quite a bit, which was why Ye Jiao got up late and was still sleeping now.

Qi Yun looked down at his son who was staring at him with wide eyes and said flatly: "This is Daddy's fault. I didn't watch you properly yesterday."

Xu Bao blinked: "Xu Bao forgives Daddy."

"So you know you wet the bed?"

"......"

Only then did Xu Bao realize he had wet the bed. His face turned red and he buried it in Qi Yun's chest, hugging his father tightly without speaking. This rascally appearance made even Qi Yun smile slightly.

Actually, when the child said he needed to pee yesterday, it was because he and Ye Jiao hadn't heard him. The child was still young after all, so not being able to hold it was normal. The fault naturally lay with the adults.

But Second Young Master Qi was planning to negotiate some conditions with his son.

When Xu Bao looked up at Qi Yun, he stared pitifully at his father: "Xu Bao won't do it again."

Qi Yun had already hidden his smile and said flatly: "Actually, you're getting big now."

"Xu Bao wants to sleep with Daddy and Mommy!" The little one was always very perceptive with Qi Yun. Hearing the beginning, he knew the ending. He immediately straightened his back and stared intently at Qi Yun: "Mommy also likes holding Xu Bao while sleeping."

Nonsense. Your mother clearly likes holding your father to sleep.

Qi Yun refuted this in his mind but didn't say it out loud, just pinched the little chubby one's cheeks.

Xu Bao let him pinch and even shook Qi Yun's hand pitifully.

But Second Young Master Qi, who not only didn't get what he wanted last night but also had to change rooms in the middle of the night, was obviously not so easily appeased. He glanced at Xu Bao and said: "This won't happen again."

Xu Bao looked at Qi Yun, then said after a while: "Then Daddy, I won't drink so much water before bed." Otherwise, if it happened again and he couldn't hold it, Daddy would definitely make him sleep alone in the courtyard.

Hearing this, Qi Yun knew this child had guessed his thoughts. Not only was he not angry, he actually nodded, thinking his son was indeed clever, just like himself.

Father and son made a pinky promise, establishing a gentleman's agreement.

Just then, Little Su said from outside: "Second Young Master, Princess Huaning sent someone saying she'll come in an hour and wants to invite Second Young Mistress out."

Hearing this, Qi Yun looked out the window, then withdrew his gaze and asked: "Why so early?"

"Her Highness didn't say."

Qi Yun stopped asking and instead said: "Tell them Jiao Niang agrees, and invite the messenger in for tea."

"Yes."

After Little Su left, Qi Yun put Xu Bao on the bed and made a gesture for him to cover his eyes. Seeing Xu Bao obediently lower his head and bury his face in the blanket, Qi Yun leaned over and gently kissed Ye Jiao's earlobe.

Little Ginseng was very ticklish there. Just pinching it would make her weak in the knees.

Now, with just a light peck, Ye Jiao unconsciously smiled, then opened her eyes. Seeing it was Qi Yun, she reached out to hug him, softly holding him as she sat up, murmuring quietly: "Husband, is someone here?"

Normally, Qi Yun wouldn't wake her while she was still sleeping.

Waking her like this could only mean there was urgent business.

Qi Yun patted Ye Jiao's back and spoke gently: "Huaning is coming later, probably to take you to the palace. Get up."

Ye Jiao agreed but still stayed in Qi Yun's arms for a while longer. Only after her head cleared somewhat did she straighten up and reach for her clothes.

Then Ye Jiao immediately noticed Xu Bao still lying face-down on the blanket with his little bottom sticking up.

This cute appearance made the woman smile as she reached out to scoop up her son and held him while getting out of bed to wash up.

Since there was still time, they finished breakfast leisurely and even coaxed the twins before Huaning's carriage arrived.

Ye Jiao wasn't a court lady, so she didn't need to perform kowtow ceremonies when entering the palace. Her dress didn't need to be too elaborate, just proper. Ye Jiao remembered that Empress Meng hadn't felt well yesterday, so she chose plain clothing without complex floral patterns to avoid being harsh on the eyes of someone who was ill.

But regarding what illness Empress Meng had contracted, Ye Jiao didn't know, and Huaning didn't seem very clear either. It wasn't until they entered the palace and saw Empress Meng's face pale as gold paper that Ye Jiao realized the situation wasn't as light as Ye Ping Rong had made it sound yesterday.

Empress Meng was leaning against soft pillows. Seeing them arrive, she first forced a smile, then looked somewhat helplessly at Huaning: "Why did you bring Jiao Niang too?"

In Empress Meng's mind, Ye Jiao was a delicate, soft person who couldn't handle being frightened. She didn't want Ye Jiao to know about many things, afraid this pure-hearted, clean-minded good girl would be scared by the murkiness of this world.

But Huaning couldn't hide her surprise either. Hearing this, she softened her voice: "I also didn't know Imperial Sister-in-law was injured so severely."

If she had known, she definitely wouldn't have brought Ye Jiao to the palace.

Not only because Huaning also felt Ye Jiao was innocent and easily frightened, but also because Empress Meng's status was different from ordinary women. She was the current Empress, yet she looked so weak now. The reasons behind this were probably not ordinary matters.

Ye Jiao was Huaning's sister-in-law, but ultimately she wasn't imperial nobility or from a high-ranking family. It was good for her to live her own life well without getting entangled in these messy affairs.

Outsiders thought the palace was magnificent, but only those who truly lived here understood that the more gorgeous the shell, the more it revealed the sinister nature of human hearts.

But Little Ginseng didn't think so much. She was neither frightened nor worried about anything. Instead, she walked directly over, sat sideways on the bed, and reached out to hold Empress Meng's wrist.

Empress Meng thought she was showing concern and let her hold it, dismissing the palace servants. Her face carried a smile as she said gently: "Jiao Niang, don't worry. I'm fine."

But Ye Jiao looked at her and said quietly: "This is poison."

With one sentence, Huaning frowned tightly.

Empress Meng didn't hide it, lowering her eyes and saying slowly: "Yes, it's been neutralized, but I need to rest quietly for a while."

But Ye Jiao knew this couldn't be resolved with just quiet rest.

She didn't know what poison this was or how it had been neutralized, but Empress Meng's health was already poor to begin with, and now with a child in her womb, this had accelerated her decline even more. If left unattended, her lifespan would be greatly shortened.

Ye Jiao frowned slightly, thinking in her mind about what methods were available. Seeing her bow her head without speaking, Empress Meng thought Ye Jiao was worried about her, and Empress Meng actually smiled.

She reached out and gently held Ye Jiao's hand, her voice soft: "Jiao Niang, don't worry, there's no serious problem."

Empress Meng was lying to them.

When the imperial physician examined her before, he had told her about her body's deterioration, but Empress Meng made the physician keep it secret. Even Chu Chengyun didn't know his empress's current physical condition.

For Empress Meng, she wasn't afraid of death, even quite calm about it.

Previously when the late Empress Dowager poisoned and harmed her, Empress Meng thought she would die, but she had endured it.

Later when her body was ruined and she had no heirs for a long time, Empress Meng thought she had no fate with children, but in the end didn't she still have a child?

As for this path to death, she only thought of living one more year at a time, hoping to see the child grow up.

Empress Meng always had her own decisions about other matters.

Huaning sat in a nearby chair and asked softly: "Imperial Sister-in-law, who was it? Do you need my help?"

Empress Meng smiled but shook her head.

The people who poisoned her this time were remnants of several princes from the previous dynasty. Others might not know, but Empress Meng, being at the center of the whirlpool, naturally understood how many lives Chu Chengyun had to trample on his path to the throne.

Winners and losers, that was all there was to it.

It was just that Chu Chengyun always only fought back when pushed to a corner, unlike his brothers who couldn't wait to tear Chu Chengyun apart. Clearly they had raised their knives first, but just because Chu Chengyun won in the end, the former executioners wanted to turn around and claim the new emperor was heartless, quite skilled at turning black into white.

But things in this world were often such that whoever was weaker seemed more reasonable. Empress Meng couldn't be bothered to argue with them.

This time they weren't targeting Empress Meng but Chu Chengyun, only hitting her by mistake.

But Empress Meng felt they had found quite the right person.

After all, among those princes' deaths, there was no shortage of Empress Meng's calculations, most of which Chu Chengyun didn't know about.

In Empress Meng's heart, Chu Chengyun was a wise ruler who should focus on the nation and people, while those demons and monsters in the gutters were hers to deal with.

Though she had been careless and poisoned this time, Empress Meng was quite calm about it, her tone even: "Some things shouldn't go through your hands. I have my own plans."

Hearing this, Huaning understood it concerned her imperial brothers.

What Empress Meng didn't want her to interfere with could only be related to them. Speaking this way now was for her own good, but Huaning felt even more guilty toward Empress Meng.

Her own imperial brothers had committed sins, yet in the end it was Imperial Sister-in-law, a weak woman, who had to bear it.

But Empress Meng's heart wasn't as sorrowful as Huaning's. On the contrary, her nature was more resolute than many men's.

Since those people hadn't poisoned her to death, the King of Hell was short two lives. Empress Meng would naturally use ten times, a hundred times more lives to compensate.

Since they felt their lives weren't precious and didn't want them, then they shouldn't have them. Even if this Empress died, she would make sure they died first, not leaving a single one behind.

But Empress Meng still smiled on her face, wanting to comfort Ye Jiao and Huaning, when she saw Ye Jiao looking at her intently.

Then she heard Ye Jiao say: "Hui Niang, in a while I'll send you a pot of flowers. Though they're ugly, they're beneficial for your health. You must take good care of them." Though most of the White Rainbow Fruit's leaves had been plucked, the branches were still there.

Moving them for Hui Niang would surely be useful.

At these words, Huaning froze, and Empress Meng also sat up straight.

She gripped Ye Jiao's hand tightly, opened her mouth, and asked in a low voice: "Jiao Niang, can you save me?"

Little Ginseng nodded: "Yes."

One word made Huaning's eyes widen.

But before Huaning could speak, Empress Meng raised her hand, signaling her to be quiet.

Then Empress Meng looked at Ye Jiao. She didn't ask if it was true or false, because the pill that had once saved Chu Chengyun was given by Ye Jiao, and Empress Meng knew Ye Jiao's character. As long as she said she could, then she could.

Empress Meng only asked gently: "Jiao Niang, why do you want to save me?"

Ye Jiao smiled: "Hui Niang treats me well, so naturally I should treat you well too."

This was easy to say, but few could consistently do it. Empress Meng gripped Ye Jiao's hand tightly and suddenly felt her nose sting.

She had never doubted Ye Jiao's intentions, because from the first time they met, she knew this woman was a rare transparent person in the world, with a crystal-like heart that could be seen through at a glance.

The more complex one's thoughts, the more one liked such clear people.

Precisely because she knew this, Empress Meng had always been close to her. Even now as Empress, she treasured Ye Jiao immensely. Now Empress Meng didn't know if she was moved that her body could be saved, or enchanted by this pure sincerity.

Ultimately, it was precious.

But Empress Meng's face still carried a faint smile, her eyes clear without any moisture. Staring at Ye Jiao for a long time, Empress Meng pulled the jade pendant from her waist and gently placed it in Ye Jiao's hand before speaking: "Jiao Niang treats me well, and I will certainly treat you well in the future."

Ye Jiao didn't understand the weight of these words, but Huaning beside her did. Just this one sentence, this jade pendant, meant that unless the Qi Second Young Master's family rebelled, they would be worry-free for life.

Little Ginseng felt like every time she entered the palace she brought something back, like... a thief never leaves empty-handed? That phrase didn't seem quite right, but Ye Jiao couldn't think of another word for the moment.

Then she heard Empress Meng say: "But don't let others know you understand medicine, or it will bring unnecessary trouble."

Ye Jiao nodded. Little Ginseng's thoughts were very straightforward. After all, she wasn't a doctor, and she only cared about a few people. She couldn't be bothered with others.

Empress Meng looked at Huaning again. Huaning immediately nodded, indicating she wouldn't speak carelessly.

Her eyes looked at Ye Jiao, understanding somewhat why Second Young Master Qi's previously ruined body could become so healthy.

He had truly married a good wife.

After that, Empress Meng didn't discuss other matters with Ye Jiao in detail. These conflicts between imperial nobility would pollute her ears if spoken, and moreover, Ye Jiao didn't need to worry about these things. Telling her would only make her worry unnecessarily, better not to mention it.

Little Ginseng wasn't curious either. In her heart, saving Empress Meng was purely out of friendship, with no other thoughts.

Her small life was going well, and she had no spare energy to meddle in others' affairs.

Empress Meng kept Ye Jiao and Huaning for a meal, also taking this opportunity to have her subordinates prepare things.

When Ye Jiao returned home, she brought two boxes that made heavy sounds when placed on the ground, causing Qi Yun to look at Ye Jiao with some surprise: "Jiao Niang, what are these?"

Ye Jiao fanned herself with a handkerchief and shook her head at Qi Yun: "Hui Niang only had me bring them back without saying what they were. We'll know once we open them."

Then, just opening a crack, sunlight shone in and there was a flash of brilliance, making both Qi Yun and Ye Jiao unconsciously squint.

When they opened the boxes, they saw the contents.

The left one contained hairpins, gold and jade, and fabric. The right one was full of swords and blades, arranged neatly. Just looking at their appearance, you could tell they weren't ordinary items.

Qi Yun couldn't help looking at Ye Jiao: "These are all precious things. What did she say when giving them to you?"

Ye Jiao blinked: "Hui Niang said they were for Ning Bao and Ruyi's first birthday ceremony."

First birthday ceremony...

Qi Yun didn't believe these were first birthday gifts. Usually close friends and relatives would provide some items for a child's first birthday banquet as gifts, but this was the first time he'd seen such generous ones.

So Qi Yun had Little Su and Tie Zi guard outside first, then he held Ye Jiao's hand and went to the inner room, saying to her: "Tell me in detail what happened just now."

Ye Jiao immediately explained clearly what had just happened.

After listening, Qi Yun felt cold sweat breaking out on his back.

He knew Jiao Niang understood medicine, and he knew the medicinal flowers she grew were all extraordinary.

Actually, the little secrets Little Ginseng thought she hid well, Qi Yun secretly understood in his heart, but he never asked or was curious.

For Second Young Master Qi, even if Ye Jiao really was the ginseng spirit she claimed to be, he felt it was nothing.

After all, for him, the life he lived now was all gained. His life originally belonged to Ye Jiao. Whatever his wife was... whether she was human or not didn't matter to him. As long as life was harmonious, constantly digging to the root was meaningless.

As for whether Empress Meng would massacre people, Qi Yun didn't care either. Matters unrelated to his family needn't be considered so much.

What truly made him afraid afterward was that Ye Jiao had told Empress Meng about her medical abilities.

Fortunately, Empress Meng had an upright mind and Huaning had good character. Both could keep their word, otherwise his Jiao Niang might not have been able to leave the palace easily.

Seeing him silent, Ye Jiao worried: "Husband, what are you thinking about?"

Qi Yun held her and said softly: "I'm thinking the Empress was right. You absolutely cannot tell others about some things."

Ye Jiao smiled: "They treat me well and are good people. I wouldn't tell anyone else."

Hearing this, Qi Yun was first stunned, then understood Ye Jiao's meaning.

His wife was pure-hearted, true, but not stupid. She might not understand many other things, but her ability to judge people was more accurate than anyone's.

Qi Ming had misjudged people before, which led to trouble with Wen Sixth Young Master. Though Qi Yun had never misjudged people, he didn't dare say he could continue being right forever.

It was precisely Ye Jiao, so innocent, who could always see clearly and understand thoroughly. Good and bad people were clear to her from the first meeting.

As long as she nodded approval, they naturally wouldn't turn around and sell her out. Qi Yun felt his earlier worry was indeed being concerned to the point of confusion.

His face showed a smile as he nodded and kissed Ye Jiao's face: "Jiao Niang is right. You're very clever."

Ye Jiao raised her chin, her expression exactly like Xu Bao's: "Naturally."

Then Ye Jiao also showed Qi Yun the jade pendant. Qi Yun thought about it and said: "Put it with that gold lock."

Ye Jiao recalled: "The gold lock the Emperor gave before?"

"Right, put them together." Qi Yun looked at the jade pendant and said softly: "Both are life-saving items, naturally better kept together."

Ye Jiao agreed and went to lock away the jade pendant properly.

Qi Yun gave a few more reminders that fewer people should know about the medicinal flowers the better. Ye Jiao knew he cared about her and agreed to everything. Only then did the two go out together to arrange for the two boxes.

Since they were said to be for the twins, they should be stored properly and given to them when they grew up.

Empress Meng had sent them secretly without official bestowment, probably not wanting to attract attention to the Qi Second Young Master's family. Qi Yun certainly wouldn't rush to show off anything. Even during the twins' first birthday banquet, nothing from these two boxes was taken out.

This time the Qi family held a grand first birthday banquet. Though the Qi family didn't invite only high officials and nobles like wealthy families did, also inviting ordinary families, the grandeur was not lacking.

Most who came had business dealings with Qi Yun, and there were also some court officials, though these officials mostly came for Ye Ping Rong and Qi Ming's sake. But they were still exceptionally warm and enthusiastic on the surface. The Qi residence opened its main gates, wanting liveliness.

Among the arriving carriages, the grandest was naturally Princess Huaning's carriage, with some ladies' carriages nearby that were more modest.

It wasn't that they didn't want magnificence, but some of their husbands were merchant families who didn't want to show off, while others were court officials who couldn't attract attention, so they kept things low-key.

Just then, a carriage approached from the distance.

Though it looked small, you could tell at a glance that this carriage was very expensive, moving extremely smoothly, with equally expensive horses pulling it.

Ye Ping Rong arrived on horseback. Seeing the oncoming carriage, he squinted slightly.

Liu Rong, also on horseback beside him, didn't look that way but smiled: "General, His Highness has already gone in. Why are you still here?"

Ye Ping Rong glanced at him: "Waiting for someone."

Liu Rong was curious: "Waiting for whom?"

"Master."

The only person Ye Ping Rong would call master was Chu Chengyun. Liu Rong immediately fell silent, thinking to himself that the Qi family truly had tremendous prestige.

Just then, the carriage curtain was lifted. First a servant woman got out, then a woman in apricot-colored dress and skirt exited the carriage.

Seeing it wasn't Chu Chengyun, Ye Ping Rong looked away.

But Liu Rong was stunned.

This woman was dressed as a married woman, with delicate and gentle features. When she slightly lowered her head, she was as beautiful as a flower.

Clearly she had a fresh and lovely appearance, yet her eyes carried a touch of coolness.

Liu Rong had seen many beautiful women, but he felt this one was particularly distinctive, and forgot about avoiding suspicion.

The newcomer was the already-divorced Dong Shi.

Her life after divorce hadn't actually changed much. She still maintained connections with the Capital's ladies, regularly attending tea gatherings and poetry meetings. Plus her relationship with Huaning and having a good elder brother, her status had actually risen rather than fallen.

When going out, she bought the best carriages, unwilling to shortchange herself.

Anyway, Dong Shi now had no husband's family to maintain and wasn't short of money, so she did whatever made her happy.

Looking back, Dong Shi felt her former self had been laughably foolish, delayed by a wolf for her good years. She had shortchanged herself for too long. Now if she couldn't be comfortable even while alone, that would be truly foolish.

Since today was the twins' first birthday banquet, Dong Shi had left home early, but unfortunately encountered the now-destitute and drunk Wen Minsong on the road, who almost recognized her. Dong Shi had her people beat him away with sticks before escaping, but this delayed her considerably. When she arrived, carriages were already lined up outside the Qi residence.

Now Dong Shi was anxious. Getting out of the carriage, she said to her servant: "Quickly, go get the gift box I brought first."

But just then, probably because she was too hurried, Dong Shi twisted her foot as she was stepping down from the carriage and lost her balance.

Before she could grab the servant's hand, she cried out softly. Just as she was about to fall from the carriage, Dong Shi closed her eyes in fright.

But at this moment, the stunned servant felt a pain in her back and instinctively lunged forward, just in time to catch Dong Shi.

Dong Shi steadied herself with the servant's help, still looking somewhat shaken. Looking down, she saw a sword sheath on the ground, presumably this object had hit the servant and prevented her from falling.

Then Dong Shi looked up toward the front.

She immediately saw Ye Ping Rong on horseback, and beside him another person she hadn't seen before was looking at her and bowing with cupped hands.

Dong Shi knew Ye Ping Rong because of Ye Jiao, and the person bowing was holding a sword without its sheath, presumably he was the one who had helped her.

After steadying herself, Dong Shi returned the bow from a distance but didn't think much of it, having the servant return the sword sheath and convey her thanks.

Due to propriety between men and women, Dong Shi didn't approach but stood in place watching.

Seeing Liu Rong accept the sword sheath, Dong Shi bowed to thank him again, then had the servant carry the gift box carefully and hurriedly entered the Qi residence gates.

Liu Rong didn't dare look, afraid of causing misunderstanding, only asking Ye Ping Rong: "General, this lady is..."

Ye Ping Rong was focused on finding Chu Chengyun and answered absently: "Madam Dong, previously divorced from the Wen family."

Divorced?

Liu Rong smiled, though he didn't know why he was pleased. Feeling his thoughts were somewhat strange, he coughed and restrained his smile, pretending to look around with Ye Ping Rong, though he himself didn't know what he was looking for.

Just then, Chu Chengyun's carriage finally approached slowly.