Lady of Fortune, Jiao Niang

Chapter 176

Ye Jiao was first stunned, then her face showed joy: "You have a baby?"

Then Ye Jiao grasped Huaning's wrist and quickly felt the slippery pulse, naturally confirming the pregnancy without doubt.

Huaning nodded, but her voice was still quiet: "Yes, I've only told you and Imperial Brother and Sister-in-law. Even Ping Rong doesn't know."

This made Ye Jiao slightly stunned, somewhat puzzled: "How does Elder Brother not know?"

Huaning smiled and gripped Ye Jiao's hand in return: "He's been busy with official duties lately. Imperial Brother assigned him a map-drawing task that even I must be kept from. He leaves early and returns late every day, looking extremely tired. He's always been nervous about me, so telling him would only make him worry. I thought I'd wait until the pregnancy stabilizes before telling him."

Ye Jiao knew Huaning was being considerate of her elder brother, so she nodded, her face unable to hide her happiness: "This way, I'll be... um..."

Probably too overjoyed, Ye Jiao couldn't think for a moment what Huaning's child should call her.

Fortunately Huaning's mind was clear, smiling as she continued: "Should call you aunt, but it's only been a little over a month. It's still early before they can speak."

Ye Jiao nodded repeatedly: "Right, right, I heard Mother say that when children are still small, you can't talk about them too much."

She couldn't remember exactly why they couldn't be talked about, but Ye Jiao kept all of Liu Shi's words carefully in her heart, treating them as necessary lessons for learning to be human.

Now Ye Jiao looked at Huaning as if looking at a treasure, occasionally reaching out to quietly touch her lower abdomen, her movements extremely gentle.

Huaning thought Ye Jiao was just curious and let her, not knowing that Ye Jiao wanted to help nourish the child in her womb.

Even though it was only one month along, babies at this time weren't stable yet. Ye Jiao, this little ginseng, was more nourishing than anything else, so touching more would naturally be beneficial.

But Ye Jiao didn't loudly announce Huaning's pregnancy, just spoke quietly with Huaning without telling others, especially with many noble ladies and married women around, it wasn't appropriate to say more.

After a while, Ye Jiao sighed: "Counting the days, it's really fast."

Ye Jiao said this sincerely.

She herself, because of her arranged marriage with Qi Yun, had been a little ginseng spirit who had just become human and understood nothing. Qi Yun had entered the bridal chamber with divorce papers, always worried about his life-and-death struggles and naturally unwilling to burden her. The two had thus made do for several months before being honest about their feelings and consummating the marriage. Having children was also long after their wedding.

Dong Shi and Empress Meng needn't be mentioned. The former had miscarried and damaged her foundation, while the latter had been poisoned and her body ruined. Both had difficulty conceiving, barely able to hope for children.

Now Huaning had happy news just four months after marriage, which was definitely top efficiency.

But this comment made Huaning's face turn red, especially thinking of the three days after marriage when Ye Ping Rong had kept her in bed without getting up. Huaning wanted to bite Ye Ping Rong hard to vent her anger.

Her chosen husband was for her to enjoy.

But she had seen those books Qi Yun and Ye Jiao had given to Ye Ping Rong, truly very embarrassing. Now with Ye Jiao saying this, her face immediately couldn't hold up. She used chopsticks to pick up a piece of already cut pear and stuffed it directly into Ye Jiao's mouth, leaving Little Ginseng bewildered.

Ye Jiao ate the pear in her mouth, feeling its sweet fragrance, and smiled: "Very sweet. Ying Xiu's orchard is really good. The fruits are so delicious they've spoiled my palate."

Huaning set down her chopsticks, pressed the back of her hand against her slightly red cheeks, and seeing Ye Jiao's calm expression, just snorted and stopped mentioning it, instead talking with Ye Jiao about other things.

People around noticed they were no longer huddled together whispering and came over to chat and laugh. The atmosphere was very pleasant.

But when the excitement from Huaning's pregnancy subsided, Ye Jiao noticed that Dong Shi still hadn't returned.

She was somewhat worried and turned to Little Su: "Go find someone to ask where Ying Xiu is. If there's any trouble, help if you can."

At this time, Dong Shi indeed had trouble, but this trouble had come looking for her.

Looking at the man standing properly before her, Dong Shi supported herself with a servant woman's help, maintaining a five-step distance, neither too far nor too close, speaking with great distance: "Master Liu, today I'm hosting the Capital's ladies. It has nothing to do with you."

Liu Rong stood straight there, seemingly somewhat nervous, not knowing how to position his hands and feet, only able to maintain military camp-like tension, standing like a spear stuck in the ground. But he unconsciously softened his voice when speaking: "I... I got a beautiful hairpin, bought it to give to you. I didn't know I was disturbing your banquet. Sorry."

Dong Shi faced Liu Rong, momentarily unable to describe her feelings.

Since that meeting at the Qi residence gates, Liu Rong had frequently come to court her favor.

At first Dong Shi thought he was kind-hearted, after all, she had avoided falling thanks to Liu Rong's help. But Liu Rong had a straightforward temperament and quickly exposed his purpose.

This person was pursuing her, using extremely direct methods.

Today sending dragon's beard candy, tomorrow sending a small clay figure, completely random gifts that didn't seem meant for women but rather for coaxing children.

Dong Shi wasn't stupid. On the contrary, she was much cleverer than ordinary women. She could see this person's thoughts clearly, and she knew his sincerity.

But not every sincere heart in this world would be rewarded.

Now she lived alone, established as a female household head, living freely. She had long given up thoughts of marriage. Moreover, Shi Tianrui had made it clear that her elder brother wouldn't consider her a burden, and Dong Shi could now support herself without needing to depend on a husband's family.

Liu Rong's admiration was his own business. Dong Shi hadn't yet considered marrying him.

So whether food or trinkets, whatever the man sent, Dong Shi returned everything without keeping anything.

When occasionally meeting Liu Rong, Dong Shi only treated him politely. But this person always rushed to do things for her. Though he was always extremely careful, afraid of damaging Dong Shi's reputation, Dong Shi avoided him more and more.

Previously she had maintained distant politeness, but later when Dong Shi realized Liu Rong's goodness, she avoided him even more.

Liu Rong was persistent and indefatigable.

Dong Shi had never seen someone so shameless before. She had previously hinted to Shi Tianrui about this, but whenever Shi Tianrui mentioned Liu Rong, he praised him highly, looking extremely appreciative. Dong Shi couldn't speak frankly, afraid of interfering with her elder brother's court prospects, so she could only refuse to see Liu Rong.

If she said she had no feelings at all, that would be Dong Shi lying. But this vague fondness was far from enough to make Dong Shi muster courage to enter the inner quarters again.

She had suffered too much before, nearly losing her life. Now she didn't dare gamble.

Who knew Liu Rong looked like a rough man but was extremely persistent, now actually running to her orchard.

Dong Shi looked up at him. She had been cold before, had angrily scolded him, but none of this worked. Liu Rong could always smile at her each time. This time Dong Shi could only helplessly speak her true thoughts: "Master Liu, you're still young, actually three years younger than me. You have plenty of good prospects ahead. Don't waste time on me. You naturally have better girls who would suit you."

Liu Rong was hearing something other than cold words from Dong Shi for the first time. His heart was happy, and he spoke more cheerfully than usual: "No problem. In my heart, you're the very best girl. My mother said women three years older bring gold bricks, just right."

Dong Shi was stunned: "What did you say..."

Liu Rong was a martial artist without many complications. Since he had made sure no one was around before daring to appear, with only his words and her ears, he spoke even more directly: "I want to marry you as my wife, truly and sincerely, with heaven and earth as witnesses. As long as you agree, I'll go to Magistrate Shi right now to arrange the betrothal."

At these words, Dong Shi's face immediately turned red.

She had met many people, with plenty rushing to court favor, especially after Shi Tianrui gained power. There was no shortage of those secretly sending love poems, which Dong Shi never looked at because she knew there was no sincerity in them.

With so many complications, Dong Shi had never seen anyone so straightforward.

But Liu Rong spoke truly and sincerely, almost ready to swear oaths. Dong Shi knew his sincerity and naturally wouldn't question his honesty, but was still shocked.

Unable to tell if it was shame or anger, in her annoyance her words weren't so polite: "If you're truly determined, why don't you go directly through proper matchmaking procedures?"

Liu Rong, seeing her like this, was frightened and looked at her carefully, his voice much lower: "I wanted to first ask if you'd be willing to marry."

Dong Shi glared at him: "I told you before, I'm not willing."

Liu Rong agreed but showed no defeat: "No problem. Maybe in a few days you'll be willing. I can wait."

...Shameless!

Dong Shi stared at him, speechless for a long time.

Liu Rong, seeing her like this, knew he had been presumptuous. Afraid of making Dong Shi angrier, he quickly said: "Don't be angry. If I've caused you trouble, I'll wait quietly from now on. Whenever you're willing, I'll arrange the betrothal."

Then Liu Rong carefully placed the hairpin he had brought on a nearby stone table, then disappeared into the woods without a trace.

Dong Shi gritted her teeth, squeezing words through them: "This person spent his study time on such sneaky matters, truly... truly..."

After muttering for a long time, she still hadn't said anything bad.

The servant woman was somewhat angry for Dong Shi: "This person is too rash, with no propriety at all."

Expecting this to make Dong Shi agree, who knew Dong Shi, who had just been scolding him, said quietly: "Speaking of rashness, he's much more proper than those men with ulterior motives. At least he doesn't openly give me things for everyone to know, and he knows to avoid people, protecting my reputation."

The servant woman was stunned and looked at Dong Shi.

Actually, the servant woman understood what twisted intentions those men pursuing Dong Shi had, nothing more than seeing Magistrate Shi's good fortune and finding profit in Dong Shi, rushing to say sweet words hoping to deceive their master.

Only this straightforward man was thoughtful in everything, considerate of Dong Shi in all matters, which was genuine.

But what truly surprised the servant woman was that Dong Shi was actually defending Liu Rong.

Thinking about it now, Liu Rong seemed to have never asked if Dong Shi liked him, only asking if Dong Shi was willing to marry him now.

Looking at it this way, Liu Rong seemed certain that their master was attracted to him...

Previously the servant woman had thought it was Liu Rong's one-sided feelings, but now it seemed more like mutual attraction with neither crossing the line.

Dong Shi was clever, just momentarily confused from Liu Rong's provocation, and turned to leave.

But after walking a few steps, Dong Shi turned back and said to the servant woman: "Put that hairpin away." Her voice paused, as if explaining: "So others don't pick it up and cause me trouble."

The servant woman had already guessed in her heart, and hearing this became even more certain that their master had already been moved but didn't realize it. She suppressed a smile and ran to put the hairpin away.

Dong Shi took a deep breath, used the back of her hand to cover her cheeks, confirmed her expression was normal, then led the servant woman back to the banquet hall. Entering and seeing Little Su looking out at the door, she knew Ye Jiao had arrived and hurried over with quick steps, putting Liu Rong's matter out of mind.

After entering, she maintained a normal expression, smiling faintly as she dealt with the female guests, composed and calm, showing no trace of her earlier embarrassment and anger.

Especially upon seeing Ye Jiao, Dong Shi smiled and took Ye Jiao's arm to talk with her.

With the hostess Dong Shi present, this fruit banquet officially began.

Ordinary women gathering together weren't like men who would ride horses and shoot arrows, but would play interesting games instead.

Those with literary talent would gather to compose poems, those who enjoyed playing could throw arrows or balls, while others had arranged flowing water for entertainment.

Noble ladies in the Capital had been gathering to play games since their boudoir days, naturally forming their own circles. Playing with familiar people could pass time and strengthen friendships. Sometimes their relationships represented connections between their husbands' or natal families. Even just standing aside and observing coldly could reveal the current situation in the Capital.

Those with intentions would naturally pay attention, but Ye Jiao seemed at ease, not caring at all who was friends with whom or who disliked whom. After all, her husband was just a businessman with no need to deliberately associate with these high-ranking families.

Ye Jiao came to see Dong Shi, and now learning of Huaning's pregnancy was an unexpected joy. She didn't care much about other things.

But many people came to talk with Ye Jiao. Most knew of Ye Jiao's past connection with Empress Meng and came to get acquainted, even if they didn't necessarily become close, it was better than being strangers and might be useful someday.

Ye Jiao had developed some coping methods over the years. When talking with them, she smiled warmly with a gentle temperament, carrying natural grace. It must be said that Liu Shi's earlier teachings were all remembered in Ye Jiao's heart and never forgotten.

After the banquet ended, Ye Jiao had wanted to have private time to talk with Dong Shi and Huaning, but saw a woman bowing gracefully before her.

Ordinary women usually exchanged equal courtesies. Suddenly seeing someone so excessively polite, Ye Jiao instinctively stepped aside, looking at her with some puzzlement: "Who are you? Why do you bow to me?"

The woman stood up, and when she raised her head, her eyes looked bashfully charming, appearing very lovely.

But Huaning, with her noble status, never saw others except those she cared about. Dong Shi observed her with a smile but no goodwill, while Ye Jiao always judged people by her heart and wasn't fooled by her delicate appearance at all.

The performance was wasted without an audience.

The woman's cheeks turned slightly red, then she stood up and said softly: "Mrs. Qi, I'm from the Zhu family, fourth daughter."

Though Ye Jiao didn't know her purpose, she still nodded: "Fourth Miss Zhu."

Fourth Miss Zhu smiled, her palm-sized face showing an obedient expression: "I just watched Mrs. Qi throw arrows extremely well, quite enviable. I wonder if there might be a chance for me to visit and seek instruction?"

Hearing this, Dong Shi raised her eyebrows.

Praising someone's arrow-throwing was just an excuse; fundamentally it was to get acquainted with Ye Jiao.

Many people had such thoughts, but she was the first to be so direct and urgent.

Dong Shi didn't have that childish mentality of "if you're friends with me, you can't be friends with others," but matters of offering courtesies for no reason should be approached cautiously. Thinking Jiao Niang had a good nature and might not be able to speak harsh words, Dong Shi wanted to refuse for her.

But before Dong Shi could speak, Ye Jiao said: "I don't throw arrows at home, and I don't want to teach others." Seeing Fourth Miss Zhu about to speak, Ye Jiao continued: "Fourth Miss Zhu can find another teacher. It's not difficult."

Though spoken politely, there was no warmth in these words.

At this, Fourth Miss Zhu's smile became hard to maintain, but with people around watching, she couldn't pester and had to force a smile, quickly leaving with her maid and getting into her carriage.

After she left, Dong Shi said quietly: "That's the daughter of Privy Councilor Zhu, in the same office as my elder brother and also with your brother-in-law."

Ye Jiao wasn't curious about what this person's family did. She just shook her head: "I don't like her."

This Fourth Miss Zhu looked at her with deliberate, aggressive eyes that made Little Ginseng uncomfortable.

Dong Shi smiled: "No problem. If you don't like her, there's no need to associate."

Huaning had remained silent. With her straightforward nature and noble status, she most despised the servile behavior of officials' daughters and was too lazy even to look.

Seeing Fourth Miss Zhu leave, Huaning smiled and took Dong Shi and Ye Jiao to chat until evening before parting.

When returning to the residence, Ye Jiao first went to check on the twins. Seeing them asleep, she didn't disturb them, just leaned over to kiss their faces before carefully withdrawing.

Then Ye Jiao went to Scholar Feng's place to ask about Little Shi Tou and Xu Bao's lessons. On the way back to her courtyard, she noticed Little Black with a bald tail and was somewhat surprised. Only after asking did she learn Liu Si had plucked its feathers.

Ye Jiao looked at Little Su, originally afraid Little Su would be heartbroken, but saw Little Su looking completely calm.

Meeting Ye Jiao's gaze, Little Su replied: "Second Young Mistress, don't worry. I think Little Black doesn't hurt." Just plucking feathers, not losing its life. As a rooster that grew tail feathers like chives, they'd grow back after plucking. No problem, she was used to it.

Ye Jiao smiled and said to Little Su: "You've been busy all day today too. No need to serve tonight, rest early."

Little Su knew this was Ye Jiao's consideration and smiled in agreement, then said: "When leaving this morning, I had the small kitchen prepare chicken soup. It should be ready now. Let me first make a bowl of chicken soup wontons for Second Young Mistress, and there are fresh shrimp too. I'll bring them together after preparing."

Hearing this, Ye Jiao also felt hungry and nodded in agreement.

While Ye Jiao was talking with Little Su, they stood outside the room door. The warm sunset light cast their shadows on the door. Qi Yun inside saw this and immediately set down what he was holding, quickly closed a box and stuffed it into a drawer.

This was the birthday gift he had prepared for Ye Jiao. Since the day hadn't arrived yet, naturally he couldn't let Ye Jiao see it.

Just after putting it away, Ye Jiao pushed the door and entered.

Little Ginseng, seeing Qi Yun there, smiled and said: "Husband came back early today."

Qi Yun smiled and walked over: "Nothing at the shop, so I came back early."

Then Qi Yun accompanied Ye Jiao to wash her hands and helped her remove her hairpins one by one.

Ye Jiao never liked her head to be too heavy, always saying it pulled and gave her headaches. Going out required careful dressing, but after returning home she would usually undo her hair and remove jeweled pins to feel comfortable.

After tidying up, both came out of the inner room.

Qi Yun probably had something on his mind, as his eyes kept glancing toward the writing desk. Ye Jiao's eyes looked over smilingly, seeing the still-open drawer, and leaned over to ask: "Is husband looking for something?"

Second Young Master Qi hadn't expected to forget to close the drawer. He naturally wouldn't reveal the secret but was reluctant to lie to his wife, leaving him speechless.

Just then, Little Su brought in chicken soup wontons, resolving Second Young Master Qi's embarrassment.

After Little Su left, Qi Yun immediately sat beside Ye Jiao and helped her shell shrimp.

This was something Qi Yun was accustomed to doing. He quickly peeled out complete shrimp meat and put it in Ye Jiao's bowl.

Little Ginseng ate wontons with a spoon while occasionally feeding Qi Yun a bite.

Qi Yun wasn't hungry initially, but probably from the habit of feeding children, Ye Jiao would always blow on food and test the temperature with her lips before feeding him, which made Qi Yun immediately change his mind. Soon he and his wife had shared a bowl of wontons and a plate of braised shrimp.

Second Young Master Qi went to wash his hands while Ye Jiao went to the inner room to change clothes first. From behind the screen, she said to Qi Yun: "I just went to Scholar Feng's place. He said you tested the children's lessons?"

Qi Yun responded: "Yes, they've been studying for quite some time. There should be some results."

Ye Jiao changed clothes while smiling: "They're still young. Scholar Feng said husband is somewhat too strict."

"Xu Bao is fine, but Little Shi Tou goes to school and I usually can't see him, so naturally I should help elder brother watch over him more." As Qi Yun spoke, he gradually moved toward the writing desk.

Seeing Ye Jiao behind the screen where she couldn't see this area, Second Young Master Qi carefully walked to the desk, closed the drawer, but before he could feel at ease, immediately opened the drawer again to check.

He wasn't the type to hide private money. Since marriage, Qi Yun had no secrets from Ye Jiao, and both were very honest with each other.

He had even given Ye Jiao the keys to the money vault.

But being too honest made it troublesome now to find a place to hide things. The birthday gift Qi Yun had prepared for Ye Jiao was completed today, but he wasn't comfortable leaving it elsewhere. Keeping it in the room, he felt everywhere might be discovered.

Having just put it in the drawer, he was now uneasy again, afraid Ye Jiao might remember and come look, finding the box he had carefully hidden. Qi Yun took out the item, preparing to stuff it behind the bookshelf.

But the bookshelf held many books and wasn't a good place to hide things. Probably when people panic they make stupid mistakes. Second Young Master Qi actually moved books down, stuffed the box in, then carefully replaced the books.

At this moment, Ye Jiao finished changing and came out, seeing Qi Yun fiddling with something at the bookshelf: "Husband, what are you doing?"

Second Young Master Qi was usually someone who could speak appropriately to anyone, with no one able to trap him.

But just this simple question from Ye Jiao made Qi Yun somewhat flustered, replying offhandedly: "I'm looking for a book."

Ye Jiao blinked: "It's already dark, what do you need a book for?"

Second Young Master Qi didn't know what for either, so could only say vaguely: "Need it later." Then randomly took one down.

Then the man saw Ye Jiao's face show some astonishment.

Qi Yun looked down, his ears instantly turning red.

What unfortunate luck to grab "Six Wonders of the Flower Formation"...

Since buying new books last time, this one was rarely taken out. Having read it too many times and even practiced it, they didn't often look at it.

Who knew today would be so coincidental!

Qi Yun dropped the book as if it were hot, wanting to explain, but looking up met Ye Jiao's knowing smile.

Little Ginseng looked at him with a smile, her voice soft and sweet: "Husband is truly nostalgic."

Qi Yun: ......