Lady of Fortune, Jiao Niang

Chapter 175

After Shi Tianrui left, Zheng Shi called a servant woman in and asked: "Who came to the front?"

"Replying to Madam, it's Liu Rong, Master Liu."

She had an impression of this name.

Zheng Shi was a lady from a distinguished family. Even though she had initially left the Capital with Shi Tianrui and seemed to have lost contact with her natal family, now that Shi Tianrui's official position was secure, the Zheng family had also reconciled with Zheng Shi. In the Capital, whenever there were flower viewing or tea tasting events, they would invite her. Zheng Shi was also very clear about those who had gained the Emperor's favor.

Though Liu Rong couldn't compare to Ye Ping Rong's favor, he was also someone who had followed Chu Chengyun for many years. Even though his official rank wasn't high yet, he received more imperial favor than others.

Moreover, military officers' promotions were inherently difficult. Ye Ping Rong had gained his position due to his merit in supporting the dragon and having Princess Huaning and the Guo family behind him backing him. It would be hard for others to match him.

But as long as military affairs became urgent, military officers' ranks and titles would rise rapidly. Liu Rong was considered to have great potential.

Now that he was visiting, Zheng Shi felt it must be some urgent matter, so she said to the servant: "Go prepare some tea and refreshments to send over. They'll probably be talking for a while."

But before the servant could leave, Shi Tianrui had already pushed open the door and entered.

Zheng Shi was slightly stunned, then stood up to greet him, smiling as she asked: "Husband finished talking with him? That was quick."

Shi Tianrui glanced at the servant, who immediately lowered her head and quickly withdrew.

Only after the door closed did Shi Tianrui set down what he was holding and say: "Just a few words. Naturally it wouldn't take much time."

Zheng Shi didn't look at the flower pot but first led Shi Tianrui over to wash his hands, took a cloth to dry them for him, asking: "You met Liu Rong?"

"Yes, quite a spirited young man, looks quite heroic. Though he's a military officer, his speech and conduct are very proper." Shi Tianrui spoke while nodding, not hiding his approval at all.

Zheng Shi rarely heard Shi Tianrui praise people so much. Hearing this, she was stunned for a moment, then asked: "What did he come for?"

"To deliver a potted plant, that one there."

This rather surprised Zheng Shi.

No matter who sent this thing, it was just a small matter. Liu Rong was now a proper sixth-rank official, yet personally visiting to deliver a potted plant was indeed strange. Moreover, someone who could earn her husband's praise must be particularly proper in behavior and conduct. If it wasn't that Liu Rong was exceptionally outstanding, then this person was deliberately being cautious and careful in front of Shi Tianrui.

It seemed like... intentional ingratiation.

As Zheng Shi was thinking, she heard Shi Tianrui say: "Though Liu Rong said he was delivering this on behalf of General Ye, I think, aside from that person, probably no one else would have such leisure and elegance to send me bamboo."

Only then did Zheng Shi turn to properly look at the potted plant.

This was lucky bamboo, bundled together, looking lush and green, very beautiful, except for a red silk ribbon hanging on it, which seemed somewhat vulgar.

However, since it was sent from the palace, it wouldn't be just a simple object. There would always be some meaning.

This bamboo grows segment by segment, and it had bright red color...

Zheng Shi stared at it for a while, then her face showed understanding as she looked up at Shi Tianrui.

Then she saw Shi Tianrui's eyes held calm as water expression.

The couple looked at each other, everything understood without words. Neither mentioned it again, just carefully tended to the lucky bamboo with special attention.

Several days later, several high ministers jointly recommended Shi Tianrui as Privy Council Direct Scholar. Chu Chengyun stamped his seal and settled the matter.

When this news came out, everyone in court and countryside understood that Shi Tianrui's future was destined to be bright.

Advancing three ranks at once wasn't something ordinary people could achieve.

Those who had previously added insult to injury to the Shi family all wished they could disappear from sight, trembling with fear, afraid of attracting attention and inviting retaliation. Even if Shi Tianrui didn't hold grudges, others wanting to curry favor with him would use them as examples.

Those wanting to curry favor with Shi Tianrui nearly broke down the Shi family's door, but whether Shi Tianrui or Dong Shi, both chose to stay behind closed doors, even more cautious and careful than before.

Because everyone's attention was focused on Shi Tianrui, few people noticed that several high-ranking mansions had become completely empty overnight.

Qi Yun originally didn't know either, until Manager Qin came to the residence with the wine shop's account books to find him.

Since it was raining outside today, Manager Qin specifically wore a straw raincoat and wrapped the account books in several layers of oiled paper, afraid of getting them wet.

When he entered, Tie Zi ran over to help hang up his clothes, then was about to leave but was stopped by Qi Yun.

Tie Zi understood his young master was allowing him to listen in, so he obediently stood to the side.

Qi Yun opened the oiled paper package, took out the account books and a slip of paper on top.

After scanning a few lines, the man raised his eyebrows slightly in surprise.

Manager Qin said nothing, standing with hands at his sides.

"They want to order 400 jars of Golden Goblet wine?" Qi Yun glanced at Manager Qin. "If it were just this kind of matter, you wouldn't make a special trip."

Though 400 jars of Golden Goblet wine sounded like a lot, the Qi family wine shop was now one of the top wine shops in the Capital. Four hundred jars wasn't impossible to produce, and this quantity wasn't considered much either. Manager Qin managed all the wine shop business in the Capital, so this obviously wouldn't warrant his personal visit.

Indeed, Manager Qin bowed slightly, his voice steady: "Master, they want us to personally deliver to Dianzhou. It's a long journey, and... they'll only pay when we arrive."

At these words, Qi Yun raised his eyebrows.

Going from the Capital to Dianzhou would necessarily require the water route. If the Qi family were to personally escort, they would naturally need to use ships on the water routes.

This couldn't help but make people think more.

Previously, Qi Yun had blocked the Wen family's goods precisely by cutting off the Wen family's supply chain through water transport routes, directly ruining Wen Minsong. This matter was no longer secret, naturally observed by others, making them increasingly value the Qi family's power in water transport.

Now having them personally deliver wine, what Qi Yun could think of was that someone wanted to use their ships.

Qi Yun set the account book aside and asked: "Who are they?"

Manager Qin replied: "People from the former Prince Zhuang's mansion and Prince Su's mansion."

At these words, Qi Yun immediately frowned slightly, quickly understanding the intricacies involved.

Previously when the Empress was poisoned, Ye Jiao had entered the palace. When she returned, she had told Qi Yun everything, including what Empress Meng had said to Princess Huaning. Though it sounded incomplete, Qi Yun understood they were being vague to hide things from Ye Jiao.

Now that people from Prince Zhuang's and Prince Su's mansions were leaving the Capital, connecting these two events, Qi Yun could naturally guess some of the details.

This so-called leaving the Capital appeared to be the Emperor and Empress compromising to cover up things done during the struggle for the throne, sending them to Dianzhou fiefdoms, wanting to settle matters peacefully. But what Empress Meng had said then didn't sound like she intended to let them off lightly.

Back when Empress Meng was still Prince Duan's consort, Qi Yun had already known her methods.

These people would most likely never return.

So Qi Yun said directly: "Refuse them. Say we don't have that much inventory, and our ships are all requisitioned. Whatever reason you use, just refuse them."

This surprised Manager Qin somewhat.

Even though Manager Qin had been in the Capital for so many years and seen countless high officials and nobles, he had never seen any family be so disrespectful to princely households.

Manager Qin had always obeyed Qi Yun completely, but this time he hesitated before asking quietly: "Master, is this... appropriate?"

Those were imperial relatives after all. The current Emperor was benevolent, and if they offended them, there would inevitably be trouble later.

But Qi Yun was extremely resolute: "Most appropriate." His voice paused slightly. "If we really agreed, never mind the future, we wouldn't get a single coin for these 400 jars of wine." Those people might not even survive to reach Dianzhou.

Anyone else would definitely ask for the reason.

But Manager Qin, upon hearing they couldn't get the money, immediately straightened his expression, didn't ask another word, took the account book and bowed before leaving.

Qi Yun looked at Manager Qin's retreating figure, thinking that being stingy had its advantages. Sometimes only caring about money was also a virtue.

Seeing the rain outside hadn't stopped, Qi Yun asked Tie Zi: "Has Madam gone out?"

If Ye Jiao had gone out, Qi Yun would definitely go pick her up.

Tie Zi immediately replied: "Second Young Mistress originally planned to go to Princess's mansion, but didn't go because of the rain. She just ordered some refreshments."

Qi Yun nodded and had Tie Zi hold an umbrella as the two left the study one after the other.

Before entering the garden, Qi Yun specifically looked down to examine himself.

Ye Jiao had always been very concerned about her husband. Though Little Ginseng might not care much about other things or pay them much attention, as long as it was related to Qi Yun, Ye Jiao would inquire about everything, large and small.

Last time Qi Yun had accidentally gotten his clothes wet on the road. When he returned, Ye Jiao noticed and felt sorry for him for quite a while, preparing ginger soup and moving the bathtub, afraid Qi Yun would catch cold.

Qi Yun could endure illness but couldn't bear his wife worrying about him.

So going out and coming in, Qi Yun was extremely careful, especially when entering, he would always carefully check himself, afraid of any oversight.

Previously he did this to protect his health, now he did it to keep his wife at ease.

Seeing this, Tie Zi said: "Second Young Master, rest assured, you're perfectly clean."

Qi Yun nodded and stepped inside.

As soon as he entered the room, he smelled the familiar spicy aroma. Looking at the table, he indeed saw a bowl of ginger soup placed there.

Seeing him return, Ye Jiao set down what she was holding, picked up the ginger soup and walked over with a smile: "Husband, you're back."

Qi Yun responded, then smoothly took the soup bowl, tested the temperature, and drank it all in one gulp.

Since it was prepared by his wife, he had to drink it.

When Qi Yun set the soup bowl aside, he was met with his wife standing on tiptoes to give him a gentle kiss.

Soft lips pressed against the area above his throat. Even though it was just a touch, it made Qi Yun feel that bowl of ginger soup was very worth drinking.

Little Su beside them looked completely natural. Previously Little Su had been quite curious, after all, this intimate affection between husband and wife had only lasted a year or two. Like her Second Young Master and Second Young Mistress who could be so loving every day was indeed rare.

But seeing it often, it no longer seemed strange. Little Su used to blush, but now could handle it calmly.

Taking the ginger soup bowl from the table, Little Su withdrew from the room and thoughtfully closed the door.

Tie Zi approached wanting to talk with Little Su, but heard Little Su say: "I saved a bowl of ginger soup for you in the small kitchen. Go drink it."

Actually Tie Zi didn't like drinking this, but since Little Su said it, he smiled, enthusiastically agreed, then bounced along following Little Su to the small kitchen.

Qi Yun held Ye Jiao's hand as they entered the inner room together, then saw various flower petals spread out on the table.

He couldn't help looking at Ye Jiao. Little Ginseng spoke before he could ask: "There's been a lot of rain recently, and these medicinal flowers are about to wither. I had people pick the flowers first to prevent them from being damaged by rainwater and losing their medicinal properties. I'll make them into flower packets later to put in sachets, which will be good for health."

Since he knew his Jiao Niang had extraordinary medical skills, Qi Yun wasn't surprised. After sitting down with Ye Jiao, he said gently: "Is there anything I can help with?"

Ye Jiao didn't stand on ceremony with him, pointing to several piles: "Separate these by color, be careful, these are all for the children."

Hearing this, Qi Yun became much more attentive, handling the flower petals with extra gentleness.

While stuffing things into brocade bags, Ye Jiao said: "Huaning hasn't been going out much these days, saying she fears the heat. I haven't seen Hui Niang for a long time either."

Thinking of what had just happened, Qi Yun said softly: "Not going is good. The Empress probably has matters to attend to."

Ye Jiao nodded in agreement, then brought up another matter: "Third Brother also needs more staff. In a few months it'll be winter, and when we return home, only Third Brother will be left in the Capital. I always feel uneasy."

Qi Yun was stunned: "It's still early, no rush."

Ye Jiao changed to another brocade bag. Hearing this, she looked at Qi Yun and smiled: "We need to prepare early. Buying people, assigning duties, arrangements, all take time. We need to arrange everything properly for Third Brother."

Hearing this, Qi Yun felt his wife had learned quite a lot.

When he had first married Jiao Niang, she was still a little girl who didn't even understand dining etiquette. Later Jiao Niang learned to read and write, studied account books page by page, learned household management skills one by one. Now when she discussed these matters, she was already well-organized and thorough, apparently having mastered much.

His wife had always been working hard toward a better future.

Inexplicably, Qi Yun suddenly had a feeling of "wife has grown up" gratification, his voice also carrying emotion: "I'll listen to Jiao Niang's arrangements. Jiao Niang thinks comprehensively."

Hearing this, Ye Jiao couldn't help looking at him, her eyes bright. That expression was exactly the same as Xu Bao's when he was praised, her voice also rising slightly in the same way: "Husband is praising me?"

Qi Yun smiled and nodded: "Yes, Jiao Niang has grown up."

Ye Jiao blinked and asked: "Grown up how?" Before Qi Yun could speak, she looked down to compare herself.

But because her constitution was different from ordinary people, even though Little Ginseng ate a lot, she didn't get fat, still maintaining a slender waist and snow-white wrists, showing no change at all.

Finally Ye Jiao found only one area, reaching out to tug at her clothes, nodding in strong agreement: "It is bigger. I'll need new clothes tailored, and new undergarments made. Husband should come with me later."

Qi Yun followed her gaze and saw his wife's elegantly curved neck, then the slight rise hidden within her cross-collared dress.

Because of the rain today, over her usual light gauze outer garment she wore another layer, concealing her graceful figure.

But their constant togetherness made Qi Yun very aware of what a wonderful person his wife was.

But Ye Jiao's eyes were clear and pure. Even when gesturing, she had no other meaning, always making Qi Yun feel his impure thoughts were too shameful to mention.

This time Qi Yun only responded verbally without saying much more.

Only after nightfall, when the candles were extinguished, did he properly research the matter of "growing up" with Ye Jiao, studying it quite thoroughly. It was just that the next day it was still Second Young Master Qi who got up late, though fortunately both were used to it and enjoyed themselves.

Summer passed to autumn. Entering September, the weather no longer held summer heat. With autumn winds rustling, the cool house was temporarily closed.

Soon it would be Ye Jiao's birthday.

Originally Little Ginseng couldn't remember when Ye Jiao's actual birthday was. When Qi Yun had asked her before, she had mentioned the day she became human.

The eighth day of the ninth month, that was the first time she had used a human body to look at this world, and on that day, she had married Qi Yun.

Perhaps Ye Jiao herself forgot after saying it, but Qi Yun remembered clearly.

Previous birthdays had never been celebrated, but this year it must be made up for.

But because this date didn't match the birth date the Ye family had provided, to avoid complications, Qi Yun prepared to celebrate privately at home.

Besides himself, only a few children knew.

The twins didn't quite understand what a birthday meant, but Xu Bao kept it in mind, counting the days and privately planning with Little Shi Tou for a long time about what to give Ye Jiao.

Ye Jiao knew nothing about all this.

Since Dong Shi's orchard had a good harvest this year, Ye Jiao liked to visit when she had nothing to do. After Dong Shi avoided the attention from Shi Tianrui's promotion, she also enjoyed organizing gatherings, inviting Capital ladies to taste fruits, getting to know more people and passing time.

Women had their own circles. These meetings seemed ordinary, but everyone could sense different flavors from them.

This day Ye Jiao had originally wanted to bring Xu Bao along, but Xu Bao said he still had homework to finish, so he stayed at the Qi residence.

Liu Si, who always studied with Xu Bao, was somewhat puzzled seeing this: "Xu, Xu Young Master, didn't you always, always want to go very much?"

Xu Bao watched Ye Jiao's carriage leave longingly. Hearing this, he nodded, his voice soft: "I want to go. Auntie's fruits are delicious." Then Xu Bao turned to look at Liu Si: "But today I have something to do, can't let Mother know."

Hearing this, Liu Si turned to leave.

In his view, things that couldn't be told to the masters were definitely not good things. He definitely couldn't stop Xu Bao, so better to pretend ignorance and clear himself first.

But Xu Bao grabbed Liu Si's leg with both arms, his bright eyes staring at him: "Liu Si, help me."

Liu Si knew he couldn't escape, so he resignedly crouched down and asked: "Whatever Xu Young Master commands, just command."

Xu Bao immediately showed a smile, that chubby little face carrying a joyful expression: "Go catch Little Black for me."

Liu Si was stunned. This was... catching chickens?

Xu Bao tilted his head and said clearly: "I want its feathers to make a kite for Mother!"

Ye Jiao, who had already arrived at Dong Shi's orchard, didn't know her children were planning to celebrate her birthday. When she entered, quite a few ladies from various families were already seated inside.

There were many wealthy families in the Capital, and many official families too. You could say if you spilled a basin of water on the street, you'd wet several officials.

Probably because there were many officials, they were actually more low-key than those posted elsewhere.

Officials posted elsewhere were often very imposing, especially those with backing in the Capital, becoming even more arrogant, with quite a few abusing their power.

But once they became Capital officials, most would hide their fox tails well. No matter how they behaved behind the scenes, at least in public they maintained proper appearances.

Because no one knew what important person they might encounter. Even street vendors might be protected by someone, and offending them would bring trouble.

Now though Dong Shi only had an orchard and was divorced without family backing, she had Shi Tianrui as her biological brother and Princess Huaning as her close friend, so her status was naturally extraordinary.

Many ladies from distinguished families had come, and those who could sit in front with Dong Shi were either duke's daughters or marquis' wives, which was quite an honor.

When Ye Jiao entered, she looked around trying to find where Dong Shi was, then heard someone call from above: "Jiao Niang, come sit here!"

Turning her head, she saw Princess Huaning sitting in front waving at her.

Ye Jiao smiled and walked over.

This movement drew quite a few sideways glances.

Everyone knew that in the Capital now, old power was sinking while new power was rising. Giving Dong Shi face now was giving Shi Tianrui face. These seating arrangements seemed like small matters, but strictly speaking, they represented a reorganization of power, with very strict rules.

They also knew Ye Jiao somewhat. The Qi family madam, with a top scholar brother-in-law and a princess sister-in-law. Even though Ye Jiao herself was just an ordinary merchant's wife, her status was still precious.

But who among those present didn't have backing? Even fourth-rank officials' wives had to sit in back, so why could Mrs. Ye move forward?

Some women sitting in back covered their mouths with handkerchiefs, stopped talking, and looked toward the front, wanting to see how those noble ladies would embarrass Ye Jiao.

But surprisingly, Ye Jiao sat steadily beside Princess Huaning, with everyone greeting her kindly, not one finding fault.

If Princess Huaning being close to her as sister-in-law and sister-in-law could be understood, then those other noble ladies and official wives who usually seemed ready to explode now being as gentle as bodhisattvas, speaking so softly and gently to Ye Jiao, was quite shocking.

But these distinguished ladies had their own calculations in mind.

Precisely because they were from high-ranking families, they could know Ye Jiao's standing in the palace. This was someone who could chat and laugh with the Empress!

Even though Empress Meng had never openly bestowed anything on her, just Ye Jiao's private relationship with Empress Meng was enough to make them deliberately befriend her.

Because everyone knew Empress Meng's methods. She was someone with schemes in her very blood, yet she could let news of Ye Jiao's palace visits reach their ears, which was itself a hint, telling them Ye Jiao's status was unusual and that they should weigh this in their hearts.

Being so, who dared not give the Empress face?

Moreover, Ye Jiao's husband, Second Young Master Qi, was like a god of wealth. Which family didn't have several shops? Being on good terms with Ye Jiao would benefit them too.

So everyone was exceptionally amiable on the surface, speaking as refreshingly as spring breezes.

Women from great families, when they wanted to befriend someone, were extremely careful, weighing every word, naturally pleasing to hear.

Ye Jiao felt no exclusion from the Capital's noble ladies and was actively accepted by them from the start.

Princess Huaning was also happy to see this, smiling as she sat beside them, occasionally sipping water but rarely speaking.

When fruits were served, Ye Jiao picked up a longan, applied slight pressure with her fingertips to crack the skin, peeling while asking: "Huaning, where's Ying Xiu?"

Princess Huaning smiled: "Probably busy with something. With so many guests today, as hostess she needs to be thorough."

Ye Jiao nodded without asking more, instead putting the peeled longan in her mouth.

Finding the longan sweet, she took another to peel, smiling at Princess Huaning: "Very sweet, let me peel one for you."

Normally Princess Huaning would be happy to accept.

But this time she gently held Ye Jiao's hand and said quietly: "Thank you, Jiao Niang, but I'm afraid I don't have this fortune."

Ye Jiao was somewhat puzzled, set down the longan, wiped her hands with a handkerchief, asking: "What's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"

Then Princess Huaning took her hand and gently placed it on her lower abdomen, lowering her head slightly, smiling as she said in a voice only the two of them could hear: "I'm pregnant."