Lady of Fortune, Jiao Niang

Chapter 180

Qi Yun's eyesight wasn't as good as Tie Zi's. Having studied since childhood with poor health, though he had no eye diseases, his vision was quite ordinary.

Hearing Tie Zi's words now, Qi Yun didn't speak rashly but pulled his fur coat tighter and walked closer with Tie Zi.

Then Qi Yun could clearly see the person sitting on that carriage. It was indeed Seventh Great-Uncle.

The last time he'd seen Seventh Great-Uncle was when Qi Ming passed the imperial examination. Seventh Great-Uncle had come with people to freeload and seek benefits, then had no contact after being sent away. He hadn't appeared in any letters Liu Shi sent later either. But now looking at him, Seventh Great-Uncle was red-faced and spirited. Though white-haired, he looked much better than last time, obviously in his glory days.

Qi Yun watched coldly and saw his cousin who should have been in prison for his crimes looking arrogant. Though tall and strong, he had shadows under his eyes, clearly very weak physically.

But he spoke quite loudly: "All stand back! My grandfather finally came out once. What do you think you're doing surrounding him like this?"

The things those people were saying were chaotic. He could only vaguely hear a few sentences:

"Master Qi rarely comes out. Would you honor us by having a simple meal at my humble home?"

"My family has also prepared everything. Please grace us with your presence, Master Qi."

"Small trinkets, not worthy gifts."

Tie Zi watched from outside, feeling speechless.

This kind of scene was commonly seen. Even in the Capital, there were many people wanting to curry favor with Qi Yun. If the Qi family were willing to accept gifts, gift-givers could line up from the front gate to the end of the alley every day.

But Qi Yun never casually accepted gifts. Especially after receiving the Iron Certificates with Cinnabar Inscriptions, Qi Yun had called his close attendants into the carriage to lecture them, telling them to remember to be cautious and careful. Though that thing could save lives, it was also a target. They should just enshrine it. His family needed to be even more aware of their place than before to last long.

In Tie Zi's mind, having met the Emperor several times, there was naturally no spectacle he hadn't experienced.

But seeing this scene of openly accepting gifts on the street, so brazen, truly left Tie Zi dumbfounded.

Especially since this Seventh Great-Uncle had been slapped in the face and thrown out by Qi Yun personally. He should have had no connection with their family, yet now he was using false prestige to make money, truly shameless.

He couldn't help looking at Qi Yun, wanting to ask how his Second Young Master would handle this.

Qi Yun remained composed. Since everyone's attention was focused on that carriage and not looking back, naturally no one noticed that this man wrapped up like a black fur ball was the long-unseen Second Young Master Qi.

After coldly observing Seventh Great-Uncle and his two grandsons who had done disgraceful things, Qi Yun had no interest in exposing anything now. He just said to Tie Zi: "We'll go to the medicine shop to rest first. You go tell the convoy."

Tie Zi agreed, ran to relay the message, then ran back to help Qi Yun into the carriage, his brow furrowed tightly.

Qi Yun saw his doubts and said: "If you have something to say, speak up. Don't hide it."

Tie Zi didn't conceal anything and asked: "Second Young Master, they're using your name to swindle and deceive. We should expose them. Why let them continue?"

Qi Yun didn't rush into the carriage but turned to Tie Zi, saying flatly: "Though we've separated households, we haven't changed surnames. To outsiders we still appear as one family. Behind closed doors we can do anything, but outside, their disgrace is their business. Getting our family involved isn't worth the loss. Moreover, I've been in the Capital so long, I don't know the inside story. I should ask my parents first before acting."

This was quite direct, and Tie Zi understood clearly.

Whether it was disgraceful, Tie Zi felt his Second Young Master probably didn't care that much. What he really cared about was not knowing if this Seventh Great-Uncle had reconciled with the Qi elders.

After being away from home so long without knowing the inside story, if Qi's father and Liu Shi had softened and renewed relations with Seventh Great-Uncle's family, Qi Yun would have to be cautious.

Even though he felt his parents wouldn't backtrack, Qi Yun still said nothing, just telling Tie Zi: "You go inquire around. I'll wait for you at the medicine shop."

Having followed Qi Yun for so long, Tie Zi naturally knew what he wanted to know. So he agreed and left with two servants at a trot.

Qi Yun got into the carriage and immediately saw Ning Bao in the small bed looking at him with open eyes.

Since it was winter, the carriage had braziers making it warm and cozy. When the carriage moved, it was especially sleep-inducing.

The twins were young and slept most of the time. Ye Jiao also dozed off with the rocking. She was now lying on soft cushions, covered with a cloak, sleeping peacefully.

Qi Yun hadn't expected Ning Bao to wake first. Seeing him about to speak, Qi Yun quickly closed the carriage door and gestured for silence.

Ning Bao immediately closed his mouth obediently. Without needing Qi Yun to say anything, he turned over to hug Ruyi. The two little ones put their heads together and fell asleep again.

When they woke again, the carriage had stopped in the medicine shop's back courtyard.

Ye Jiao was still sleeping soundly. Qi Yun couldn't bear to wake her. After thinking, he turned to the twins: "Turn around."

The two babies rubbing their eyes with little fists looked at Qi Yun in unison. Then Ning Bao pulled Ruyi's little hand, and both turned around together. Little Su beside them understood and lowered her head, covering their eyes with her hands.

Then Qi Yun leaned down and gently kissed Ye Jiao's lips.

The woman's lips were soft. Since they were traveling, her makeup wasn't elaborate. Each day she only darkened her eyebrows and arranged her hair. Nothing else. Her lips weren't painted with rouge either. Kissing them now, there was no sweet floral fragrance, only soft texture.

Ye Jiao had no reaction at first. When he began gently licking her lower lip, Little Ginseng finally opened her eyes, instinctively reaching out to embrace Qi Yun, her voice muffled: "Are we home?"

Qi Yun straightened slightly. After their lips parted, he held Ye Jiao as she sat up, letting her lean on his shoulder. The man gently stroked Ye Jiao's back, his voice very gentle: "Not yet, but the road is difficult. We'll eat something at the medicine shop first before going home."

Ye Jiao made a sound of agreement but was still half-asleep, squinting as she leaned against Qi Yun. After a while, feeling more awake, Little Ginseng finally reacted.

Taking the damp cloth Little Su handed her to wipe her face, Ye Jiao was about to push open the carriage door: "Is this Chunlan's medicine shop?"

Qi Yun quickly reached out to pull her back down, returning the damp cloth to Little Su. Then Qi Yun took the cloak to wrap around her, using the fur collar to cover his wife's pointed chin: "Don't rush. There's wind outside. Put on your clothes properly before going out."

Ye Jiao obediently raised her head to let him tie the strings, her eyes eagerly looking outside.

After tidying up, they bundled the twins tightly and carried them out of the carriage, one each.

Before entering, they saw Dong Shi waiting outside.

Dong Shi now looked somewhat plumper than before, holding Huzi's hand, staring straight in their direction. Seeing Ye Jiao, Dong Shi immediately smiled, directly handed Huzi to Fang Li, lifted her skirt and ran to Ye Jiao's side. She first bowed to Qi Yun, then put the hand warmer she was holding into Ye Jiao's arms, smiling: "Jiao Niang finally returned. I've been missing you terribly."

Ye Jiao also smiled. Since she was still holding Ruyi, she couldn't embrace her and said: "Chunlan, you look much better. Come, call Auntie."

Little Ruyi obediently said: "Auntie."

The soft little one was especially endearing. Though Dong Shi had held Ruyi when she was small, this was the first time seeing her able to talk. She immediately took her into her arms, treasuring her immensely.

Ye Jiao brought Ning Bao over and had Nanny Mo bring Xu Bao. They followed Dong Shi to the back hall while Qi Yun stayed in the front hall to discuss business with Fang Li.

Once inside, Dong Shi sat beside Ye Jiao with endless things to tell her.

Ye Jiao looked around the surroundings.

The Qi family medicine shop had operated very well this year but hadn't expanded. However, the shop was much more refined than when she'd last seen it, especially the back hall, which was arranged very thoughtfully. The paintings and vases displayed around were obviously not ordinary items.

Having seen many fine things, Little Ginseng had naturally developed an eye for quality. Just looking, she knew these items were valuable, suggesting the medicine shop's recent profits were quite good.

Ye Jiao was also happy about this. Placing Ning Bao on her lap, she smiled at Dong Shi: "It's good that your life is going well. But usually you only send me things and rarely write letters. You should write more in the future."

Dong Shi was using a handkerchief to play with Ruyi. Hearing this, she looked at Ye Jiao and smiled: "I know you treat me well, Jiao Niang. I just can't bear to trouble you."

This wasn't polite talk from Dong Shi but came from her heart.

Previously when Dong Shi had Zheng Shi bring medicinal flowers to Ye Jiao in the Capital, Ye Jiao had someone send back a letter thick as a book.

It contained drawings of the medicinal flowers' appearances and detailed descriptions of each pot's uses, covering everything thoroughly.

Dong Shi was moved but also felt sorry.

In her view, going to the Capital was extremely difficult. Even though Zheng Shi had mentioned Ye Jiao's connections with high-ranking nobles, meaning many things needn't be worried about, Dong Shi still felt that living in a strange place would always bring various troubles.

Her intention in sending flowers was good, but it would unnecessarily add to Ye Jiao's burden. Dong Shi felt this was her fault.

Even if Ye Jiao didn't consider it a burden, Dong Shi cared about Jiao Niang and naturally didn't want her to work hard.

Now Dong Shi smiled: "It's better when we can talk face to face. Letters back and forth aren't as good as speaking in person."

Ye Jiao didn't know Dong Shi had thought so much. While pulling Ning Bao's hand from his mouth, she said: "But I have to go back after New Year. How can we talk face to face then?"

Dong Shi smiled, her eyes showing joy: "Jiao Niang might not know yet. Second Young Master discussed with my husband before about wanting to open a medicine shop in the Capital. But he doesn't have many reliable people around, so he wanted our family to go to the Capital to help."

Hearing this, Ye Jiao was stunned.

Though she didn't interfere much with Qi Yun's business affairs, Ye Jiao held the keys to Qi Yun's treasury and his account books, so she could understand some things.

Fang Li's medicine shop was now very profitable with its own connections, ranking among the best in this city.

Going to the Capital would mean starting from scratch.

Thinking of this, Ye Jiao said: "But your business here is very good. Why go to the Capital?"

Dong Shi knew Ye Jiao was considering things for her. Her smile was genuine as she said gently: "Don't worry, Jiao Niang. Second Young Master and my husband have their considerations. They calculate theirs. For me, being able to be closer to you means we can visit each other, which is naturally more interesting than corresponding by letter."

Ye Jiao smiled and told Dong Shi about her life in the Capital, omitting palace-related matters but thoroughly describing Dong Shi, Zheng Shi, and Huaning.

Since Dong Shi would eventually go to the Capital, they would inevitably interact. Understanding more would be beneficial.

After a cup of tea, Ye Jiao looked outside: "Husband said the road wasn't good, so we needed to rest and eat something. I wonder if it's passable now."

Just as she finished speaking, Ye Jiao noticed some hesitation on Dong Shi's face.

Little Ginseng blinked and had Little Su take Ning Bao and Ruyi to feed them porridge first. Then she looked at Dong Shi: "Chunlan, do you have something to tell me?"

Dong Shi nodded, stood up, and led Ye Jiao to sit on the soft couch: "Do you know about that Seventh Great-Uncle of the Qi family?"

Ye Jiao found it familiar. She had only heard Qi Yun mention him once when Seventh Great-Uncle visited, but hadn't paid attention and couldn't remember clearly now.

Dong Shi continued: "I imagine that side has already cut ties with the master's family, which is good. That family has a glutton's nature, only taking without giving, plucking feathers from passing geese. Previously their younger generation committed crimes and everyone shunned them. But after the master's Third Young Master got an official position, their whole family became arrogant. When Magistrate Shi went to the Capital, somehow they connected with someone and not only got their people released but also showed off everywhere using the master's reputation."

Ye Jiao was puzzled: "Showed off what?"

Dong Shi's eyes showed some disdain, which she quickly concealed, her voice calm: "Looking for meal tickets, freeloading. Basically nothing honorable."

"If Chunlan knew, why didn't you mention it before?"

Dong Shi patted Ye Jiao's hand: "After all, they're people with blood ties to the master. We servants and shopkeepers shouldn't speak directly, or one wrong word could be seen as sowing discord. It's better to keep quiet."

Hearing this, Ye Jiao smiled: "But Chunlan told me."

Dong Shi glared at her: "You and I are different. Aren't I thinking of you? Since you're back, this matter should be handled clearly. Otherwise, if they cause big trouble later using the master's name, that would be the real problem."

Ye Jiao nodded, taking note of this matter. Then she heard someone say food was ready and asking them to go to the front hall.

Fang Li had put special care into this meal, preparing it meticulously, especially making food suitable for children. The meal was enjoyable for all.

After clearing the table, Ye Jiao followed Dong Shi to see newly arrived medicinal flowers while the children gathered together.

Since Dong Shi's child Huzi and Xu Bao were born around the same time, they should have been close. But Huzi didn't have Xu Bao's exceptional memory and had somewhat forgotten this brother he'd played with as a small child after not seeing him for so long.

Xu Bao remembered him and called him big brother constantly upon meeting. With Xu Bao's sweet and endearing appearance, even though Huzi didn't remember childhood events, he especially liked Xu Bao. Soon he was playing with Xu Bao and Little Shi Tou.

But Qi Yun didn't accompany the children as usual. After seeing Tie Zi return, he took him aside. Before Tie Zi could speak, Qi Yun said first: "Your food is warming in the small kitchen, and there's soup Little Su made personally, all saved for you. Remember to eat it later."

Hearing this, Tie Zi immediately grinned, his mind full of "Little Su made soup for me," looking like a little fool.

Second Young Master Qi tapped his forehead: "Talk business."

Tie Zi quickly composed himself and said to Qi Yun: "Second Young Master, I inquired around. The master and madam have no involvement with that side."

Qi Yun nodded, asking no more details: "What have they done? Tell me the important parts."

"Those two used Magistrate's influence to get out of prison but owe considerable money. Some have IOUs, some don't. The written ones are for large sums they probably can't repay."

At these words, Qi Yun's face showed a flash of helplessness.

Since Third Young Master Qi got his official position, every letter Qi Yun sent home mentioned Qi Ming's difficulties in court, describing the hardships of being a Capital official.

Actually, Qi Ming's life was quite comfortable. With the Emperor as his sworn brother helping and Senior Official Shi Tianrui guiding him, even his marriage was settled early. It should have been very smooth, but Qi Yun only reported worries, not good news.

This was to let Qi's father and Liu Shi know that as relatives of officials, they needed to be even more cautious and couldn't cause trouble.

Absolutely couldn't abuse power to bully others.

Who knew that while his family didn't do this, others did, even getting the magistrate's favor. Though said to be given to Seventh Great-Uncle's family, in the magistrate's mind, this favor would be credited to Qi Yun.

Second Young Master Qi didn't want to bear this blame for nothing. He quietly told Tie Zi: "Go to the magistrate's office now and tell the magistrate the inside story. Urge him not to let any treacherous villains escape. Find someone eloquent to tell those merchants with IOUs that the Qi family has separated. If they ask..." Qi Yun stopped speaking and looked at Tie Zi.

Tie Zi immediately replied: "Tell them to find that family. If they can't get their money back, go to court. They'll get it back eventually."

This was something Qi Yun had taught him before: reason with those who could be reasoned with, send the unreasonable to court. There would always be a solution.

Qi Yun nodded and patted Tie Zi's shoulder: "Eat first, then work after eating well."

Tie Zi agreed and trotted to the small kitchen.

After another half hour, when the street outside was clearer, Qi Yun had them harness the carriage and leave the medicine shop.

When passing Fengsheng House, Qi Yun had the carriage stop and sent someone to buy a package of pastries.

Placing the paper package on the low table and opening it revealed neatly arranged osmanthus cakes.

Seeing them, Ye Jiao's eyes lit up. She picked up one and put it in her mouth. It crumbled with a slight bite, tasting sweet, soft, and exactly as she remembered.

Qi Yun handed osmanthus cakes to the children while watching Ye Jiao, smiling: "Do you like them?"

Ye Jiao nodded repeatedly, smiling until her eyes curved.

Actually, regarding pastries, though Fengsheng House was the best here, it probably wouldn't amount to much in the Capital.

Everyone said the Capital was good, not only because of the many high officials and nobles but because to do business there required excellent skills. Even pastries had to be especially refined with thoughtful touches everywhere.

But these osmanthus cakes were flavors Ye Jiao had eaten for several years. She'd grown accustomed to them and loved them. Eating them now was especially sweet.

She even held half an osmanthus cake to Qi Yun's mouth. Though he didn't have a sweet tooth, this was his wife's kindness, so Second Young Master Qi gladly accepted.

After eating two pieces, Qi Yun said: "Since Jiao Niang likes them, I can pay handsomely to bring the cook back to the Capital."

Ye Jiao first nodded but quickly shook her head: "No."

This puzzled Qi Yun: "Why? Doesn't Jiao Niang like them?"

Little Ginseng picked up another osmanthus cake, took a bite, and said muffledly: "When you miss many things about home, you want to return. There should always be something to long for. If you take it away, even eating it daily wouldn't be as good."

These osmanthus cakes were good to eat at home because they carried longing. If taken away, even made by the same cook, they wouldn't have that flavor.

Qi Yun curved his mouth corners, nodded, and turned to kiss his wife: "Jiao Niang is always so perceptive."

Ye Jiao smiled and put the remaining half in her mouth.

In the small bed beside them, Ning Bao and Ruyi each got a small piece.

They were now at an age where they could speak and walk. Eating some of this soft pastry wouldn't hurt. Qi Yun chose small pieces, giving them one each to hold, whether to eat or play with was up to them.

Fortunately, both little ones especially loved eating and drinking, not wasting any, both holding theirs with both hands and nibbling bit by bit.

The difference was Ruyi ate faster while Ning Bao ate slower.

When Ruyi finished her small piece, Ning Bao still had most of his left.

Ruyi stared longingly at Ning Bao without asking for any, just watching. When Ning Bao felt her gaze and turned to look, Ruyi deliberately looked away. When Ning Bao lowered his head to eat, Ruyi continued watching.

After two times, Ning Bao understood his sister's thoughts and handed his remaining osmanthus cake to Ruyi: "Sister eat."

Ruyi happily took it and stuffed it in her mouth.

Ning Bao then looked at Xu Bao.

Actually, among the three siblings, Ning Bao was the one who loved eating most.

Xu Bao had been more gluttonous when small but now had no interest in food and drink. Ruyi was picky about eating. Only Ning Bao ate everything, just like Ye Jiao, eating whatever was available and being grateful for every meal.

Now Ning Bao gave his osmanthus cake to Ruyi not because he didn't like it, but because in his mind, compared to osmanthus cake, his sister was more important. He'd give her what she liked. But Ning Bao still wanted to eat, so he slowly turned to look at Xu Bao.

Xu Bao, being two years older, understood Ning Bao's meaning.

Since he wasn't gluttonous anyway, giving his portion to his little brother was fine.

But Xu Bao felt he should get some benefit first.

Rolling his eyes, Xu Bao walked over to Ning Bao: "Little brother, kiss big brother, and big brother will give you half."

Ning Bao blinked and without hesitation grabbed the railing to stand up, leaned over, and kissed Xu Bao's cheek with a "smack."

Xu Bao was happy and prepared to break off half, but unexpectedly Ning Bao leaned over again and kissed his other cheek.

Left and right, two kisses. Ning Bao stopped moving and just looked at Xu Bao, saying softly: "One kiss for half. Big brother said so."

But Xu Bao was stunned.

One kiss for half, two kisses meant the whole thing?

Watching from the side, Qi Yun timely said: "Honesty is the foundation of all relationships."

At these words, Xu Bao simply gave the osmanthus cake to Ning Bao.

But after receiving it, Ning Bao still looked at Xu Bao and asked: "Does big brother want to eat?"

Xu Bao shook his head, somewhat dejected: "Not eating. Little brother, you eat."

Ning Bao looked down at the osmanthus cake in his hand, broke off half, and handed it to Xu Bao: "Big brother, eat cake."

Xu Bao was stunned. Looking at Ning Bao's chubby little face, then at the osmanthus cake his little hand offered, Xu Bao immediately smiled, clearly agreeing and taking it, repeatedly saying little brother was good and he'd definitely love little brother for life.

Ye Jiao had been pleased by their brotherly harmony, but thinking about it felt something was odd. She quietly said to Qi Yun: "Husband, that's not right. Ning Bao used Xu Bao's things to turn around and make Xu Bao happy?"

Back and forth, it was all Xu Bao's things, but in the end it became Ning Bao's favor. Something seemed wrong.

Qi Yun said nothing, just looked at Ning Bao, thinking: truly my son.

At this moment, the carriage stopped. Little Su lifted the curtain to look outside, her voice unable to hide excitement: "Second Young Master, Second Young Mistress, we're home."