novelraw Chapter 174
Chapter 174
Ye Ping Rong dismounted, and Liu Rong immediately dismounted as well, following behind Ye Ping Rong as they quickly walked toward the carriage.
Chu Chengyun sitting in the carriage didn't immediately get out, but asked: "Has the banquet started?"
Ye Ping Rong responded: "Replying to Master, not yet, but soon."
Chu Chengyun nodded, then said: "Has Second Young Master made proper arrangements?"
"Everything is arranged properly, everyone has arrived."
Chu Chengyun said nothing more.
He came this time not only because he valued the Qi family and Third Young Master Qi, but also because he hadn't had time to talk face-to-face after the merchant caravan returned. Now it was good to handle both matters in one trip.
Regarding the gold and silver earned by the merchant caravan, Chu Chengyun didn't value it so much. What he wanted to know more was what it was really like beyond the borders.
Chu Chengyun had never been there and never thought he could go see for himself, but couldn't suppress his curiosity.
This curiosity wasn't for pleasure, but to make early arrangements in case the barbarians invaded the borders. For family and country, everything had to be asked clearly. Some things described in writing were far less vivid than face-to-face accounts.
But many officials had come this time. If they recognized Chu Chengyun, it would be troublesome, so Chu Chengyun said: "I won't go down. I'll go to the teahouse first and come look after everyone disperses."
"Yes."
"There's another matter. After the banquet ends, have someone send something to Magistrate Shi in your name. He'll understand when he sees it." As Chu Chengyun spoke, someone handed a potted plant to Ye Ping Rong.
Inside grew green bamboo, tied in a bundle with a rather tacky little red cloth hanging on it.
Of course, Ye Ping Rong wouldn't directly call it tacky. Since it was given by the Emperor, it naturally had meaning, just that he couldn't fathom it.
Actually, Chu Chengyun had countless palace servants and guards around him. This kind of small matter could be entrusted to anyone and would be handled properly.
But this was a private matter, so it naturally should be entrusted to someone close.
Ye Ping Rong accepted the potted plant and agreed, then watched Chu Chengyun's carriage leave.
Liu Rong beside him also bowed respectfully, not straightening up until Chu Chengyun's carriage was out of sight. Looking at Ye Ping Rong, he asked: "Is this thing for that Magistrate Shi Tianrui we went to meet last time?"
Since Liu Rong had also followed Chu Chengyun out of Prince Duan's mansion all the way, Chu Chengyun didn't hide many things from him. Since Chu Chengyun had let him listen just now, it showed trust, so Ye Ping Rong said truthfully: "Yes, it's for this Magistrate Shi. The person you just helped is his biological younger sister."
Actually, hearing the surname Shi, Liu Rong had some guesses. Now with confirmation, he immediately showed a smile.
But he quickly hid his smile and instead said: "General, since you need to find someone to deliver it anyway, why don't I go? It would be more reliable."
Originally Chu Chengyun's intention was to avoid his own connection, letting outsiders think it was just Shi Tianrui and Ye Ping Rong having a good relationship, unrelated to himself. Ye Ping Rong could just send a subordinate guard.
But now Liu Rong, who also had a proper official position, was rushing to do this kind of errand work, which surprised Ye Ping Rong.
But Liu Rong had his own reasoning: "I also want to get to know this Magistrate Shi."
Hearing this, Ye Ping Rong was first surprised, then felt gratified.
Liu Rong had been following by his side on the battlefield all along. If Ye Ping Rong wasn't very sensitive to court matters, then Liu Rong was completely obtuse, never taking those twists and turns, his thoughts visible at a glance.
The benefits were naturally there: pure-hearted, loyal, and able to gain Chu Chengyun's trust. But military officers like Liu Rong were easily trapped and harmed by others.
Now that he could be mindful enough to get to know a court minister favored by the Emperor, Ye Ping Rong was naturally quite pleased. This certainly wasn't forming cliques for personal gain, just that Liu Rong's vision was much broader than before.
Little did he know Liu Rong had completely different thoughts, but he looked so righteous that he fooled Ye Ping Rong as well.
He heard Ye Ping Rong say: "Good, it's the same if you go deliver it."
This task was given to Liu Rong, who respectfully accepted the flower pot, his smile impossible to hide. Then the two entered the front hall one after the other.
In the back hall, when Dong Shi entered, she heard waves of joyful laughter.
"Ruyi, come, come to Aunt here." Princess Huaning had no princess airs at all, smiling as she clapped her hands, coaxing the little girl.
Sitting on the carpet were the twins, dressed in red clothing, chubby, being coaxed by everyone to move around.
Needless to say, Ruyi could play by herself even if just left there, getting happier the more people there were. Hearing Princess Huaning call her, Ruyi showed a smile and softly called "Aunt," melting Princess Huaning's heart. She immediately picked her up to coddle her, with people around saying auspicious words.
But Ning Bao didn't move at all. After sitting for a while and feeling tired, he leaned over and lay down, curling up motionlessly. He yawned and fell asleep.
No matter who called him, he wouldn't budge, at most turning over. He showed no interest whatsoever in the small items arranged in a circle on the nearby couch.
Grab things? How could that be more interesting than sleeping?
Ye Jiao watched from the side, suddenly feeling that this first birthday ceremony wasn't such an easy matter.
According to custom, the first birthday ceremony should be completed before the noon meal, and those watching the ceremony weren't all the guests, only limited to close friends and relatives.
So when the twins were brought to the couch, there weren't many people standing nearby.
Dong Shi came and went regularly, was close to the two children, and had brought items this time to add to their first birthday ceremony gifts.
For Ruyi, she brought golden scissors, just for show, with everything rounded smooth and unable to open, harmless to people.
For Ning Bao, she added a very precious purple brush, with the handle thinner and shorter than ordinary ones, very suitable for small children.
Ye Jiao looked and smiled, thanking Dong Shi. Dong Shi smiled back, then stood together with Princess Huaning.
This was just an ordinary matter, but in others' eyes it seemed unusual.
The matter between Dong Shi and the Wen family had long been gossip material in the Capital, with all kinds of talk, since mouths belonged to individuals and no one could block them all.
While this matter disadvantaged Dong Shi and the Wen family had indeed wronged her, more people still gossiped about Dong Shi behind her back.
Men said she wasn't virtuous, women laughed that she couldn't bear children. All kinds of talk existed.
But all these laughter and mockery completely disappeared after Shi Tianrui returned to the Capital. Now the friendship between Princess Huaning and Dong Shi wasn't secret either, so others didn't dare say another word.
Things in the world were just like this. Those living miserably were always subjected to cold ridicule. To stop others' mouths, you had to be capable enough that others didn't dare speak or even mention it.
Now seeing Dong Shi chatting happily with Princess Huaning, everyone understood and treated Dong Shi more warmly than before.
Dong Shi still wore that faint smile, seemingly no different from usual.
But she herself knew how much sincerity versus pretense these people had. Now Dong Shi was just casually responding, only when looking at Ye Jiao did her eyes fill with warmth.
Little Ginseng wasn't talking with others at the moment, but staring at her two precious babies, clapping and saying gently: "Ning Bao, Ruyi, come for the first birthday ceremony."
Previously Ye Jiao had explained the meaning of the first birthday ceremony to the twins, but hadn't trained them on what to grab.
Many families, to win their husband's favor, would teach children before the ceremony what they could and couldn't grab, just for good luck.
Ye Jiao had never thought this way. She treated it as a game. She loved her children no matter what, and Ye Jiao was quite curious about what her children would grab.
Qi Yun had long ago prepared all the first birthday ceremony items completely, placing them all in dishes, all auspicious objects where nothing could go wrong no matter what was grabbed.
Though Qi Yun didn't believe in the idea that the first birthday ceremony determined one's life, he still considered everything thoroughly.
Fundamentally, Second Young Master Qi was still that person who wanted everything under his control.
Ruyi was the first to stand up. She could already walk very steadily and spoke clearly. After walking around the dish containing the objects, she asked Ye Jiao: "Mother, what do you like?"
Hearing this, Ye Jiao knew this child wanted to pick something to give her. Her heart warmed slightly, her face smiled: "Ruyi should find what she likes. Mother likes whatever you like."
Ruyi said "Oh," then looked around again.
She was still a one-year-old baby after all, not recognizing many things. She could only reach for something she could hold that was also pretty.
After shaking it and looking at the patterns on it, Ruyi's face immediately showed a smile, not remembering at all that she had seen this thing before.
Nanny Mo standing nearby immediately said: "Miss grabbed the jade ruyi. In the future she'll surely have everything go as she wishes."
Hearing this, Ye Jiao was delighted, picked up Ruyi and kissed her, making the little girl laugh non-stop.
But when Ye Jiao looked at Ning Bao, she met a pair of bright black eyes.
Ning Bao was different from Ruyi. He understood the meaning of the first birthday ceremony, but wasn't very willing to reach out. He just sat there, looking at the objects in the dish, but his eyes occasionally looked at Xu Bao.
Xu Bao didn't quite understand why he was looking at him, somewhat confused.
Qi Yun coughed lightly and said softly: "Ning Bao, are you hungry? We'll eat after you're done grabbing."
Ning Bao looked at Qi Yun again, his chubby little face turning back and forth, then slowly reached toward the dish.
Then he picked up a small wooden sword.
Nanny Mo immediately said: "Young Master Ning grabbed the wooden sword. In the future he'll surely be healthy and become a great general."
At these words, everyone chimed in saying auspicious things, as if Ning Bao could really become a general in the future.
Only Xu Bao pouted, somewhat unhappily squirming in Qi Yun's arms, muttering quietly: "Little brother definitely grabbed wrong."
Qi Yun patted Xu Bao's little bottom. Though he didn't really believe in the first birthday ceremony determining one's life, he was teasing his child now: "How could this be wrong? Whatever you grab is what it is. Probably your little brother is also happy to learn martial arts."
Xu Bao stared at Qi Yun: "Then Xu Bao wants to grab again."
Qi Yun was curious: "What do you want to grab?"
"Grab Mother. If I grab her, she's mine."
Qi Yun held him, curved his mouth corners, and said flatly: "Too late."
Xu Bao pouted and directly laid on Qi Yun's shoulder, sulking by himself.
But his anger didn't last long. By the time they ate longevity noodles, Xu Bao was sitting between the twins holding a small bowl, feeding one a bite here, another there. Looking at his little brother and sister opening their mouths toward him, Xu Bao immediately smiled and fed them even more enthusiastically. Nanny Mo beside them watched nervously, ready to take over at any moment.
Ye Jiao couldn't figure out what this child was happy about, but seeing him cheerful put her at ease.
Until the sky gradually darkened, guests slowly dispersed.
After a lively day, the Qi household gradually returned to peace. The leftover food and dishes in front naturally had people to clean up. Qi Yun felt Ye Jiao must be tired and went back early to accompany her.
Indeed, as soon as he entered, he saw Ye Jiao leaning against the bed frame yawning.
Seeing him return, Ye Jiao stood up wanting to help him undress. Qi Yun quickly walked over to support her back to sitting, saying gently: "Since you're tired, rest. Where are the children?"
Hearing him say this, Ye Jiao stopped trying to get up, still leaning against the bed frame, replying slowly: "They were taken down to sleep. They didn't nap today, so they went to bed early."
Qi Yun nodded, kissed her cheek, then quickly went to change clothes, washed his hands and face, had two basins of hot water brought, then Qi Yun personally brought them into the room, placed them on the footstool beside the bed, saying softly: "Jiao Niang, wake up, soak your feet before sleeping."
Since it was now midsummer, wearing less was more comfortable. But because Ye Jiao feared heat, she usually sought coolness, often eating ice treats and sleeping in the cool house.
Ye Jiao knew she was fine herself. She could nourish Qi Yun and could also nourish herself.
But Second Young Master Qi didn't know these things. He only thought he should soak daily to help Jiao Niang dispel cold energy, which was good for her health.
Since this was quite comfortable anyway, Ye Jiao had never refused.
Half-asleep Ye Jiao responded, didn't even open her eyes, directly kicked off her embroidered shoes, pulled off her socks, slightly lifted her pant legs and soaked her feet in.
Qi Yun moved another basin over, sat beside Ye Jiao, taking off shoes and socks while saying: "The Emperor came just now, mentioning the grass you sent. He seemed not to know what it was for."
Ye Jiao vaguely hummed, then leaned sideways against Qi Yun's shoulder, closing her eyes: "Hui Niang won't tell him. Also, those were flowers, not grass, just that the flowers had withered."
Qi Yun smiled but didn't ask what mystery this thing held.
If Jiao Niang said it was useful, then it was useful.
But Qi Yun continued: "Also, I saw an official from the Hanlin Academy talking with Magistrate Shi for a long time, even wanting to give gifts, but Magistrate Shi didn't accept them."
Ye Jiao's voice was still lazy, casually asking: "Why?"
Qi Yun said flatly: "I only heard one sentence vaguely, didn't catch the specifics, probably wanting to seek marriage with Magistrate Shi's younger sister."
At these words, Ye Jiao, who had been half-asleep just now, immediately opened her eyes, raised her head to look at Qi Yun, somewhat surprised: "Someone wants to marry Ying Xiu?"
Qi Yun nodded: "Yes."
Ye Jiao wasn't surprised that someone would like Dong Shi. After all, in her eyes, Dong Shi was an excellent girl, so it was normal for someone to fancy her. But Dong Shi had never interacted with any officials from the Hanlin Academy, had never even spoken to them, yet someone was rushing to propose marriage. This was indeed strange.
Blind marriage arrangements were for ordinary families. In the Capital, people would at least meet once.
Qi Yun reassuringly turned his head to nuzzle her cheek, saying gently: "These matters naturally have Magistrate Shi to decide. As elder brother, this is his responsibility. But when you go out to tea gatherings and flower banquets in the future, you'll inevitably be asked about this. Just say you don't know."
Ye Jiao stared at Qi Yun for a while, then nodded: "Mm, I'll remember."
Qi Yun looked at her, his eyes gentle as he asked: "Doesn't Jiao Niang ask me the reason?"
Ye Jiao leaned back against Qi Yun's shoulder, hearing this she replied: "Husband must think Ying Xiu won't agree. I also think she won't agree. Now Ying Xiu's life is going well, she can make her own decisions. Others can't control her, so why should I interfere?"
Though these words were different from what Qi Yun was thinking, the reasoning was the same.
That Hanlin official must have other motives. Even though Dong Shi was beautiful and wealthy, she was divorced, which ordinary people wouldn't consider a good match, especially those pedantic scholars with many rules and restrictions. Those who could break free were few.
Now rushing forward, he was probably eyeing Shi Tianrui's prospects.
How similar to Wen Minsong before! Presumably having been fooled once, Dong Shi wouldn't be fooled a second time.
Qi Yun felt that his Jiao Niang not interfering was actually good for Dong Shi. Dong Shi's thoughts were already deep as the sea. She knew very clearly what she wanted and didn't need others' help.
What surprised Qi Yun was that he had expected to spend considerable effort persuading his kind-hearted little wife, but unexpectedly Ye Jiao was once again particularly perceptive.
It seemed like this every time. His wife appeared gentle and obedient, but her heart could always grasp the most genuine and precious truths.
Qi Yun wanted to praise her, but before he could speak, he felt his wife leaning on his shoulder had already closed her eyes and fallen asleep, breathing evenly, expression peaceful.
It was only early evening, yet Ye Jiao had fallen asleep. She must have been very tired today.
Second Young Master Qi stopped disturbing her, carefully supporting her to lie flat, then first dried himself off, went to wash his hands, took clean cloth to crouch on the ground and dry his wife's feet, gently positioning her properly, then went to set the leaf wheel in the room spinning, feeling gentle breezes. Only then did Qi Yun return to bed and lie down.
As soon as he lay down, the sleeping Ye Jiao moved over and tightly hugged Qi Yun.
Qi Yun's body temperature was slightly lower than ordinary people's. Though Ye Jiao always felt sorry for this, in summer it was indeed comfortable to hold him.
Bamboo wives got hot after being held too long, but Qi Yun was much more comfortable than bamboo wives.
Second Young Master Qi let her hold him, reaching out to embrace his wife, gently patting her back to help her sleep deeply.
At this time, the candlelight in the Shi residence's main room had not been extinguished for a long time.
Zheng Shi looked at Shi Tianrui pacing back and forth in the room, making her dizzy: "That person had ulterior motives from the start. Since husband knows this, just ignore him."
But Shi Tianrui didn't speak, also stopped walking, and sat in a chair frowning.
Seeing him like this, Zheng Shi felt somewhat uneasy.
Ordinary families' wives mostly didn't like their sisters-in-law, especially divorced sisters-in-law, who would be disliked by any family.
Zheng Shi was different. She actually felt Dong Shi's divorce was good for Shi Tianrui.
Her divorce from the Wen family, besides keeping the intention to push the Wen family into a pit they couldn't climb out of, was also to avoid burdening Shi Tianrui.
Otherwise, Shi Tianrui having such a brother-in-law would probably cause endless future troubles.
Zheng Shi didn't mind Dong Shi being alone now. Since she had established a female household, she could do whatever she wanted.
But Zheng Shi couldn't quite figure out Shi Tianrui's thoughts.
Ordinary fathers and brothers all hoped the women in their families could have husbands to depend on. The more conventional and rigid they were, the more so. Shi Tianrui happened to be such a conventional, old-fashioned person.
If this person also had thoughts of marrying his sister off quickly, what should be done?
Thinking of this, Zheng Shi became somewhat worried. She was a woman and naturally understood Dong Shi's heartbreak. But if Shi Tianrui made up his mind, she couldn't advise against it. She couldn't help asking softly: "Does husband think of finding another good husband for Ying Xiu?"
Shi Tianrui didn't hear Zheng Shi's probing, still frowning: "I've harmed Xiu'er before. I can't use these things to harm her again. Now Xiu'er's life is good, comfortable and as she wishes. Let her make all decisions herself. I don't want to interfere in marriage matters."
At these words, Zheng Shi was surprised, not expecting such a rigid person to say such perceptive words.
But soon Zheng Shi smiled.
Throughout history, those who treated their own family harshly were fundamentally because they only cared about their own face. In other words, they were so selfish they only loved themselves, completely disregarding others. If they had any family affection, they wouldn't treat relatives as burdens.
Her husband was truly upright and loveable.
Zheng Shi walked over and sat beside Shi Tianrui, reaching out to embrace his arm.
Shi Tianrui was no longer a young man now. Having weathered political storms, his thoughts were more mature than his actual age.
But Shi Tianrui's temperament had always been proper and cautious. Zheng Shi was considerably younger than him but was also from a distinguished family. The two usually maintained mutual respect more than intimacy. Now being embraced by Zheng Shi like this made Shi Tianrui somewhat flustered.
But he didn't push Zheng Shi away either, afraid of angering his wife. He just sat up straight, not knowing where to put his hands and feet.
Zheng Shi smiled at him, saying slowly: "Take this matter slowly. That Wen person is no good and hurt Ying Xiu's heart. Now that she's doing well herself is what's real."
Hearing this, Shi Tianrui forgot his earlier nervousness, just nodding: "Naturally. Xiu'er is such a good girl, she'll naturally have good prospects."
Zheng Shi looked at him with smiling eyes, finding her husband more and more dear the more she looked.
Probably because they had entered the Capital, Shi Tianrui had gained the Emperor's favor, with good prospects in sight, and Zheng Shi's relationship with her natal family had also eased. The things that had previously troubled Zheng Shi had all settled, and her previously suppressed temperament had returned somewhat. Compared to her previous propriety and gentleness, the current Zheng Shi smiled much more and spoke with more liveliness: "Husband, I still remember the scene when I first saw you."
Shi Tianrui looked at Zheng Shi, somewhat puzzled: "Wife means our wedding night?"
Zheng Shi glanced at him, leaned over, saying slowly: "No, I first saw you on the street. You had passed the imperial examination and were parading on horseback through the streets. I watched you wearing court robes with red flowers, very handsome. At that time I thought I would marry no one but you in this life. If father and mother hadn't forbidden it, I would have wanted to capture you and hold a wedding ceremony right then."
This was the first time Shi Tianrui heard Zheng Shi mention this matter. Somewhat surprised, he turned to look at Zheng Shi, holding back for a long time before asking: "Wife fancied my face?"
Zheng Shi hadn't expected Shi Tianrui to ask such a question, just looking at him with a smile: "Husband is good-looking and learned well. Of course I admired you. Doesn't husband like my appearance?"
Shi Tianrui had been married for a long time and even had children, but this was the first time he'd heard such direct words of love.
His ears turned red, and after holding back for a long time, Shi Tianrui squeezed out: "Naturally I like it. Wife is glorious as autumn chrysanthemums, magnificent as spring pines."
Zheng Shi laughed, thinking her husband being well-read was good: when praising people, he had sets of refined words.
Just then, a servant's voice came from outside: "Master, Madam, someone says he wants to see the master."
Shi Tianrui wanted to get up but saw Zheng Shi still holding him, immediately stopping his movement.
Seeing his red ears, Zheng Shi didn't make things difficult for him and smiled as she let go.
Shi Tianrui breathed a sigh of relief. He had originally wanted to tell his wife not to do this in the future, but his heart felt inexplicably happy, so he swallowed the words back.
Then Shi Tianrui walked over to open the door. His face had returned to its usual propriety, his voice also lowered: "Who is it?"
Probably because they had just discussed someone wanting to scheme against his sister, Shi Tianrui was very cautious, afraid another person coveting his little sister had come.
The servant bowed: "It's an official surnamed Liu, saying he's delivering something for General Ye."
Hearing this, Shi Tianrui felt relieved.
He was still familiar with Ye Ping Rong. Since this was someone he had sent, there naturally wouldn't be any ulterior motives.
So Shi Tianrui nodded and headed toward the front hall with the servant.