Lady of Fortune, Jiao Niang

Chapter 178

Ye Jiao had also given birth twice and naturally knew that ordinary women carried babies for over nine months. Even when she gave birth to the twins slightly early, that was because they were twins, naturally different.

Those who gave birth at seven months, Ye Jiao only remembered Dong Shi. That was premature birth, a matter of life and death, nearly costing her life.

Now suddenly hearing that Empress Meng was also giving birth at seven months, Ye Jiao became nervous and hurriedly asked: "Could it also be twins?"

Huaning shook her head. Seeing no one else in the room, she carefully moved close to Ye Jiao's side, one hand protecting her belly, the other holding Ye Jiao's arm, leaning to her ear to whisper: "Last time Imperial Sister-in-law was poisoned, it damaged her foundation after all. Today someone collided with her, and this is why..."

Hearing this, Ye Jiao looked at Huaning with some surprise: "With so many people serving in the palace, someone could still collide with her?"

Huaning's eyes unconsciously carried some coldness: "Having many servants is precisely the trouble. Golden birds kept in cages aren't necessarily safe."

These words carried sarcasm, because Huaning had seen too many conflicts since childhood. Now with someone causing trouble around Empress Meng, Huaning couldn't help feeling resentful.

But Ye Jiao was more concerned about Empress Meng's safety, asking softly: "How is Hui Niang?"

Huaning didn't dare delay too much time and said directly: "Imperial Sister-in-law just went into labor not long ago. I'm afraid something might go wrong, so I came to find you."

Ye Jiao didn't think much upon hearing this, but Qi Yun, who had been silent beside them, looked up at Huaning.

He felt Huaning also knew about the palace's dangers.

Empress Meng's premature birth this time probably involved complicated circumstances that couldn't be explained quickly. If things went smoothly, that would be fine, but if not, whoever got involved would be unlucky.

Only Empress Meng and Huaning knew about his Jiao Niang's medical abilities. Coming now probably meant wanting Ye Jiao to enter the palace to help.

Unlike Ye Jiao, for Qi Yun, he only wanted to protect his own family. Call him selfish or cold, Qi Yun truly didn't care what happened to Empress Meng. He only cared whether Ye Jiao was safe.

From Huaning's words, the palace situation was clearly complex. If his Jiao Niang went, whether she could return safely was unknown to anyone.

But at this moment, Ye Jiao turned to look at Qi Yun, then reached out to grasp Qi Yun's fingertips.

The woman's palm was very warm. Since their wedding, Ye Jiao had always liked holding his hand.

Previously it was Elder Brother Ye protecting her from overwork. Later when Elder Brother Ye disappeared without trace, Second Sister-in-law Ye wanted to sell her to wealthy families as a concubine, restricting her food but not making her do field work. So when they married, though Ye Jiao was so thin her small chin was pointed, her hands were as soft and smooth as satin.

Now it was the same, warm and soft. Qi Yun unconsciously clasped them.

Then he heard Ye Jiao say: "I want to enter the palace to see Hui Niang, go early and return early. Is that alright?"

Qi Yun wanted to stop her. He wasn't afraid of imperial power or losing everything he had accumulated, but facing those clear black and white eyes, he couldn't speak words of refusal.

His wife was truly a pure and kind woman. She treated people well simply because they treated her well, always like this.

This world didn't lack hypocrites who were generous with others' sacrifices, nor false gentlemen full of righteousness and morality. But precisely because they existed, truly innocent people seemed precious.

Qi Yun looked steadily at Ye Jiao for a moment, then said: "Alright, but I must accompany you."

Ye Jiao didn't know Qi Yun had thought so much. Previously when she entered the palace, Qi Yun never followed. Now Ye Jiao couldn't really agree on her own, only looking at Huaning.

Huaning was clever and naturally understood Qi Yun's thoughts, nodding: "That's good too. Ping Rong is also in the palace. Don't worry, he and I will definitely send you both back safely."

This was a guarantee that no matter what, Ye Jiao wouldn't be harmed.

Qi Yun understood and his expression relaxed slightly.

But Second Young Master Qi still called over Tie Zi and Manager Qin, giving careful instructions, even having them contact Shopkeeper Wei on the water routes early to leave the children a way out, before helping Ye Jiao into Huaning's carriage to enter the palace.

Before getting in the carriage, Ye Jiao paused, released Qi Yun, and without having anyone follow, ran back to the courtyard herself. She opened the hidden compartment under the bed, took out the leather pouch inside, felt the two round objects inside, steadied herself, tucked the pouch into her bosom, then returned to the front hall to get in the carriage and leave.

The palace was already in chaos, naturally not many paid attention to Huaning's carriage.

After they got out, Huaning supported her belly and led Ye Jiao toward Empress Meng's palace. Qi Yun was guided by Liu Rong to wait in a side hall.

As soon as he entered, he saw Ye Ping Rong standing straight, and Chu Chengyun pacing in circles.

After Qi Yun entered, Chu Chengyun didn't notice him, still frowning and pacing back and forth, the whole person anxious like an ant on a hot pan.

Ye Ping Rong saw Qi Yun first, initially surprised, then showing understanding in his eyes.

Actually, when Huaning went to fetch Ye Jiao, she had said: "Second Young Master Qi protects Jiao Niang like the apple of his eye. He'll definitely follow, probably wanting you to guarantee Jiao Niang's safety. You must agree properly then, don't let people worry."

Now it seemed brother-in-law truly held little sister at the tip of his heart. Ye Ping Rong felt comforted but showed nothing on his face, saying quietly: "Second Young Master."

Qi Yun nodded to him, then looked at Chu Chengyun and directly performed a grand bow: "This commoner pays respects to His Majesty."

Chu Chengyun was now troubled and irritated, especially thinking of what the imperial physicians had said about various dangers made his head ache even more.

Seeing Qi Yun now, he forcibly suppressed his inner irritation, but his tone was still somewhat cold and hard: "Second Young Master, no need for ceremony. Go sit aside."

Qi Yun had also waited outside when Ye Jiao gave birth, naturally knowing Chu Chengyun's current mood. He didn't say much, just sat in the chair farthest from Chu Chengyun.

This position was closest to Ye Ping Rong.

Seeing Chu Chengyun start pacing again, Qi Yun showed no expression, slightly raising his eyes to look at Ye Ping Rong, saying quietly: "No matter what, you must send Jiao Niang out of the palace."

Ye Ping Rong heard this and thought how accurate Huaning's prediction had been. On his face, he straightened his expression: "Don't worry. She's my little sister. I'll naturally protect her."

Only then did Qi Yun nod, sitting quietly with closed eyes, not saying a word.

In the Empress's palace, the palace servants were sweating with anxiety but didn't dare slack off, walking back and forth with water basins and trays on light feet, wishing they could split themselves in two.

Not only for Empress Meng, but for themselves too.

The palace servant who had collided with Empress Meng had already been dragged out for interrogation, but the remaining people weren't safe. The sword hung over their heads. If anything happened to Empress Meng, they would probably all have to be buried with her!

Empress Meng had always been tolerant toward palace servants. Only if she was safe and sound could these servants' lives possibly be spared. Otherwise, when the Son of Heaven was enraged, they dared not even think about it.

The palace servants personally attending Empress Meng were kneeling all over the floor outside the hall, trembling, not daring to breathe heavily.

Huaning glanced once and looked no more, instead tightly covering her own lower abdomen.

After all, she still had taboos in her heart. If not for genuine concern for Empress Meng, Huaning would never enter the palace at such a time. After all, she had a little one in her belly. If she was affected by the blood energy, it would be life-threatening.

Ye Jiao completely ignored how others were behaving and walked straight into the inner hall.

As soon as she entered, she saw Empress Meng leaning on a palace servant's arm, walking back and forth.

Her head was covered in cold sweat, her face deathly pale, yet she still bit her teeth and slowly moved her steps. Seeing Ye Jiao, Empress Meng didn't even have time to wonder why she was entering the palace, just reached out toward Ye Jiao and called softly: "Jiao Niang..."

Ye Jiao hurried over, supported her, and gently placed her hand on Empress Meng's lower back, letting her body lean against herself. Ye Jiao softened her voice: "Are you hungry?"

Empress Meng felt pain, pain all over her body. Hearing Ye Jiao's words, she only shook her head, but tears fell from her eyes.

This appearance frightened the surrounding palace servants into kneeling all over the floor, angering Huaning who sternly said: "All stand up! Do your jobs. Anyone who dares slack off will be dealt with according to palace rules!"

But Empress Meng couldn't hear others speaking. She sat on the bed, leaning against pillows, her eyes always looking at Ye Jiao, her voice hoarse: "Jiao Niang, where is my husband?"

Ye Jiao hadn't seen Chu Chengyun when she came and looked toward Huaning.

Huaning was helped to come closer. The princess who had just loudly scolded people now smiled extremely gently, comforting: "Imperial Sister-in-law, don't panic. Imperial Brother is waiting in the side hall."

Empress Meng gripped Ye Jiao's hand tightly, tears still flowing down her face.

The usually incredibly strong woman was now very helpless. As the pain increased, Empress Meng's breathing carried cries of pain.

A palace servant nearby saw this and hurried forward. Someone lifted the blanket to look, then shouted loudly outside: "Her Majesty is about to give birth! Quick, hot water!"

Huaning was startled and somewhat flustered. Ye Jiao, having experienced this twice, was calmer and said to Huaning: "You go sit outside first, avoid any accidents. I'm still waiting for this child to call me aunt."

After hesitating, Huaning felt she was only getting in the way standing there, so she left.

Ye Jiao stayed by the bedside, tightly gripping Empress Meng's hand without saying a word.

Empress Meng indeed couldn't hear or see anything. Even with her eyes open, she felt everything was pitch black before her.

Probably the tearing pain brought countless helplessness. Empress Meng's tears flowed more and more.

She was devoted to Chu Chengyun, and Chu Chengyun treasured her, but her half-life had been full of hardships.

Though she had the highest honor a woman could have, she bore countless sufferings. Family glory, imperial dignity, Empress Meng felt tired. This was a feeling she had never had in many years.

Even hearing someone tell her she couldn't cry or shout, or she'd have no strength, Empress Meng still couldn't stop crying.

In her confusion, she could hear palace servants kneeling on the ground pleading tearfully, could smell the heavy scent of blood. It seemed she was going to die.

Death would be clean.

Until her mouth was pried open and someone stuffed a sweet, fragrant fruit inside, Empress Meng suddenly opened her eyes.

This was her instinct. Having been harmed by the former Empress Dowager and later poisoned by the remnants of deposed princes, all of this made Empress Meng very wary of anything entering her mouth. Even now when she wished she could die, having something extra in her mouth still made Empress Meng instinctively open her phoenix eyes wide and look over fiercely.

Then she saw Ye Jiao's worried gaze.

What she had just put in Empress Meng's mouth was a White Rainbow Fruit, something life-saving.

She had brought the White Rainbow Fruit to prepare for emergencies. Who could have thought it would actually be needed?

When giving it to Chu Chengyun before, Ye Jiao had been very stingy, but now treating Empress Meng, Ye Jiao was extremely generous.

Seeing Empress Meng staring at her, she leaned closer, as if afraid Empress Meng couldn't hear, moving close to this person's ear and saying quietly: "Hui Niang, eat it. I won't harm you." Seeing Empress Meng motionless, Ye Jiao simply used her hand to lift her chin.

The White Rainbow Fruit broke in Empress Meng's mouth. The sweet, fragrant juice was unconsciously swallowed, and then Empress Meng felt her vision clear considerably. The previously hazy sounds could also be heard clearly.

The pain was much clearer than before, but Empress Meng still struggled to turn her head to look at Ye Jiao.

She took a deep breath. Her eyes no longer held tears, those phoenix eyes regaining their usual determination. Empress Meng knew this was Ye Jiao saving her, just like saving Chu Chengyun before.

But she wouldn't say it directly. With so many people around, who knew who might take advantage.

Empress Meng only gathered her strength to say one sentence to Ye Jiao: "What I said before... I will always remember."

Ye Jiao's hand had been gripping Empress Meng's wrist. Now Little Ginseng was gratified this person had revived. Hearing Empress Meng's words, she was instead confused: "What words?" Hui Niang had said so many things, how could she know which sentence?

Empress Meng took another deep breath, then said: "Jiao Niang treats me well, and I will certainly treat you well in the future." Her voice paused: "Protecting your descendants, this resolve will not change."

At these words, people around were about to kneel again. But Ye Jiao, remembering Huaning's earlier words, directly shouted: "Do your jobs!" Then Ye Jiao released Empress Meng, saying softly: "We can talk slowly later. Hui Niang, focus on having your baby. I'll wait outside for you."

This surprised the nearby palace servants somewhat as they looked at Ye Jiao.

Just now this woman's body had blocked Her Majesty's face, so others couldn't see clearly what she had done. Probably she said something, but anyway she had awakened Her Majesty.

This was tremendous merit, and Her Majesty had spoken such weighty thanks. Anyone would want to stay here properly, letting Her Majesty keep seeing and remembering them, to gain more benefits later.

These were imperial favors that ordinary people couldn't seek in a lifetime.

But this Mrs. Ye let go and wanted to leave, without any hesitation.

Empress Meng's mind was now clear and naturally understood Ye Jiao's meaning. Jiao Niang was certain she had no life-threatening danger. Not wanting to claim credit or hold this favor over her, that's why she wanted to go out.

Her heart warmed, but then came even clearer pain.

Empress Meng bit her teeth tightly, listening to the midwife's voice telling her to push hard with each count, thinking in her heart that if this child dared to be unfilial later, she definitely wouldn't forgive them!

Ye Jiao directly withdrew from the room. Only when she reached sunlight did she notice her sleeves and dress hem were stained with blood.

Huaning nearby hurried over wanting to ask, but heard Empress Meng's cries of pain from inside.

Though it sounded miserable, Huaning was overjoyed.

Having sounds was better than the earlier deathly silence. As long as there were sounds, it meant Imperial Sister-in-law still had strength, which was tremendous good news!

Huaning believed in neither Taoism nor Buddhism, but now she put her palms together, murmuring scriptures.

Ye Jiao felt the leather pouch with only one White Rainbow Fruit left, tucked it more securely in her bosom, and seeing Huaning muttering something quietly, asked curiously: "What are you praying for?"

Huaning still had her eyes closed: "For peace."

Little Ginseng blinked: "Praying for Hui Niang?"

Huaning first nodded, then shook her head, slightly opening her eyes to look up at the clear sky, saying softly: "For Imperial Sister-in-law, and for the world."

If something happened to Imperial Sister-in-law, her Imperial Brother probably couldn't remain a benevolent wise ruler. What he might become, Huaning really couldn't imagine.

Fortunately, fortunately...

The two didn't go to the side hall but sat outside the bedchamber, talking, but their hearts hung on what was inside. Ye Jiao was experiencing for the first time what it felt like waiting for someone to give birth. Time seemed so long, every cry of pain could make one's heart clench.

In the side hall, after Chu Chengyun heard Empress Meng's voice, he stopped pacing and stood straight as a rod, eyes looking toward the bedchamber direction, his whole person straight as a sculpture.

Ye Ping Rong wanted to go over and persuade him to sit down, but seeing Chu Chengyun's tense face, he dismissed the thought.

Qi Yun wouldn't say anything either, just sitting there. Since Chu Chengyun had told him to sit, then he'd sit. He'd stand up when the Emperor remembered to tell him to.

Until they heard a baby's cry, Chu Chengyun finally moved.

After taking one step, he almost fell forward, caught by Ye Ping Rong. Only then did Chu Chengyun hazily realize his legs had gone numb from standing, and moving slightly brought unbearable itching and pain.

But he still pushed Ye Ping Rong away and walked straight out of the side hall.

Ye Ping Rong followed. Qi Yun had wanted to go too, but saw Huaning and Ye Jiao walking in.

The bloodstains on Ye Jiao's dress hem made Qi Yun's whole body freeze. He could even hear the buzzing in his eardrums, but before he could ask, Huaning spoke first: "This is blood Jiao Niang accidentally got from Imperial Sister-in-law. Jiao Niang is fine. I've properly sent her back to you."

But Qi Yun didn't respond, instead first touching Ye Jiao's arms to confirm she was unharmed, then giving Huaning a deep bow: "Thank you, Your Highness."

Huaning smiled and waved her hand: "This time it's not you thanking me. There are plenty of people who should thank you both."

What this meant, Huaning didn't explain, and Qi Yun didn't ask.

Since things were settled there, the Qi couple didn't linger in the palace but rode Princess Huaning's carriage home.

Only after entering their own small courtyard did Qi Yun hold Ye Jiao and let out a long breath: "Good to be back."

Ye Jiao was quite calm in her thoughts, smiling at Qi Yun: "Why don't you ask how Hui Niang is?"

Qi Yun replied without thinking: "His Majesty will naturally care for her. Besides, she must be fine, otherwise why would wife be so happy?"

Hearing this, Ye Jiao stood on her toes to kiss his face, then smiled: "Hui Niang's baby is tiny, but cries very loudly. Mother and child are both safe."

Mother and child safe, so today he had been guarding the birth of the Crown Prince.

Qi Yun didn't ask for details. He wasn't particularly concerned with these matters anyway.

Ye Jiao also didn't elaborate. Thinking she hadn't seen the children all day and wondering if they missed her, and afraid the bloodstains on her clothes might scare them, she changed clothes first before pulling Qi Yun to see the children together.

Xu Bao was sitting in front of the twins, reading to them from a book. Seeing Qi Yun and Ye Jiao return, all three children smiled, with Ruyi smiling most brilliantly.

With Father and Mother back, Big Brother wouldn't force her to listen to books anymore. How wonderful.

Ye Jiao hurried over to touch their little faces, kissed each one, and talked to coax them.

Qi Yun walked to Ye Jiao's side and asked softly: "Just now, were you afraid?"

Ye Jiao looked at her twins, reached out to touch them, and hearing this shook her head: "Not afraid. As long as Hui Niang is well." Then her voice paused: "But that imperial palace is better not entered lightly."

Even though Empress Meng didn't want to frighten her and hid everything, Ye Jiao wasn't blind. She could see how dangerous that magnificent place was.

Empress Meng was already a rare intelligent person, yet still faced such difficulties. An innocent person probably couldn't survive.

Qi Yun nodded, deeply agreeing.

Xu Bao nearby heard this and firmly remembered these words. As for the twins, Ning Bao didn't even lift his eyelids, while Ruyi tilted her head, rarely not smiling, instead reaching out to touch Ye Jiao's hand and calling softly: "Mother, hug hug."

Ye Jiao knew her good daughter was comforting her, so she smiled and reached out to hold Ruyi in her arms.

The soft, fragrant little daughter made Ye Jiao's thoughts much more stable. Feeling comfortable in her heart, she felt hungry and immediately looked up at Qi Yun.

Second Young Master Qi understood completely. Before Ye Jiao could speak, he called outside: "Have the small kitchen set the table, prepare some soft foods."

Little Su responded and ran to prepare.

Ye Jiao let Ruyi lie on her shoulder, gently stroking Ruyi's plump little back, looking up to ask Qi Yun: "When do we depart?"

Qi Yun held Ning Bao, hearing this replied gently: "We delayed too much time today, not good to travel at night. Waiting until dawn tomorrow to leave will be safer."

Xu Bao watched longingly as Mother held little sister and Father held little brother. He puffed out his chubby cheeks, ran over to hug Ye Jiao's leg, and said softly: "Mother, love Xu Bao."

Ye Jiao was stunned, then saw Qi Yun smile while looking at her.

But the first to react was Ning Bao in Qi Yun's arms.

The little one yawned, glanced at Xu Bao, then reached toward the small bed, his voice soft: "Ning Bao wants to sleep."

Qi Yun put his younger son in the small bed. Seeing Ning Bao hold his yarn ball and sleep, Qi Yun reached out to pick up Xu Bao.

Originally Xu Bao had wanted Mother to hold him. Mother's body was soft and fragrant, not hard like Father's, but Xu Bao was naturally sweet and happy with whoever held him. He immediately hugged Qi Yun's neck, smiling as he nuzzled over, making Qi Yun quickly hold him tighter and stand still, letting Xu Bao play with him.

After dinner, Qi Yun and Ye Jiao checked over the things to take home again.

This return home was for New Year, and coming from the Capital, they naturally had to bring some Capital items as New Year goods. With so many family members, whether taking them or leaving them behind, everything needed proper arrangement.

Both slept very well that night and got up early the next day. When Ye Jiao opened her eyes, she could still hear Little Black's calls.

She turned sideways to hug Qi Yun, closed her eyes again, and mumbled: "Are we taking Little Black or not?"

Qi Yun stroked Ye Jiao's back, saying softly: "Not taking him."

Ye Jiao made a sound of agreement, yawned, and slept another short nap for about the time of one incense stick. When she woke again, seeing Qi Yun still maintaining that position staring at her, Little Ginseng smiled and asked: "What are you looking at?"

Qi Yun smiled back and kissed her forehead: "Wife looks beautiful."

Ye Jiao calmly accepted this praise and also complimented her husband's looks. After being affectionate for a while, they got up and dressed together.

Since it was already the twelfth month, it was very cold outside. Though the room had charcoal braziers burning, it wasn't as warm as spring and summer. Even indoors they had to wear thick clothes.

Today Ye Jiao chose a newly made padded dress with flower patterns appliqued, looking very elegant.

Just then, Tie Zi hurried over from outside, calling through the window: "Second Young Master, Second Young Mistress, people from the palace have come. They're holding an imperial edict in the front hall right now."

At these words, Ye Jiao was stunned for a moment, while Qi Yun directly gripped Ye Jiao's hand, frowning slightly.

What he feared had come to pass.

Could it be that Chu Chengyun knew about Jiao Niang's abilities and didn't want to let her leave?

Pressing Ye Jiao's shoulder to keep her from moving, Qi Yun walked to the door, took a deep breath and opened it, looking at Tie Zi and asking in a deep voice: "Did they bring anyone else?"

Tie Zi didn't know about Qi Yun's worries, just shaking his head: "No one special, just a eunuch and some attendants. But I looked at what they were carrying, it looked like tiles with gold characters on them, though from far away and covered with red cloth, I couldn't see clearly what was written."

Hearing this, Qi Yun's expression changed slightly. He opened his mouth but made no sound, then after a while said: "Have them served tea, prepare an incense table, and hurry."

Hearing this, Tie Zi knew something big was happening and ran to prepare.

Ye Jiao walked behind Qi Yun, reached out to clasp the man's fingertips, and asked softly: "Husband, what's wrong? What tiles?"

Qi Yun closed the door, stared at Ye Jiao for a while, then slowly said: "Those aren't tiles."

"Then what are they?"

Second Young Master Qi steadied himself, then said: "They should be Iron Certificates with Cinnabar Inscriptions."

Ye Jiao was stunned: "What certificates? What are they used for?"

Qi Yun pulled her into his arms, trying to keep his voice calm, but his slightly hoarse voice still revealed the man's emotions: "Iron Certificates with Cinnabar Inscriptions exempt from all death sentences except treason and rebellion, extending to descendants."