Lady of Fortune, Jiao Niang

Chapter 185

Xu Bao immediately looked toward Ruyi, and Ning Bao also lifted his face from Qi Yun's embrace, looking at his little sister. His chubby face showed a smile as he softly said: "Little sister is amazing."

The onlookers around were also extremely amazed, feeling this little girl had very good luck and must have excellent birth timing.

But Ruyi didn't think she was any different from others. From the beginning, she had been staring at that golden sheep flower lantern. As long as she could get it in her hands, she would be happy.

Hearing the stall owner's words, Ruyi directly threw the small ball into the plate, clapped her little hands, her little bottom bouncing up and down as she raised both hands toward the golden sheep flower lantern at the very top of the frame. Her pair of beautiful almond-shaped eyes sparkled brightly, obviously extremely delighted.

Although the stall owner felt heartbroken, he was someone who had seen the world. The gambling business was still business, so naturally he wouldn't renege on his debt.

With a mournful face, he had his assistant use a pole to take down the largest flower lantern. The stall owner also took a duster to carefully sweep away the dust on top, checked the candle burning inside, then handed the flower lantern to Ye Jiao, saying: "Madam, you and your young miss truly have good luck. This humble one admits defeat. Willing to bet, willing to lose. Here, please take it carefully. Happy New Year."

Such magnanimity made Qi Yun look twice more. He still remembered that last time, after this stall owner gave away many things, he sat on the ground unable to get up. This year he had improved considerably, even able to offer congratulations. This was truly not easy.

Ye Jiao smiled and took it, lifting her hands to let Ruyi in her arms see the flower lantern. Little Ginseng's eyes looked toward the stall owner and she returned the greeting: "Happy New Year."

The stall owner cupped his hands toward Ye Jiao, thinking in his heart, may we never meet again in the future... Meeting once meant losing once, this was too painful.

The little assistant standing to the side hadn't dared to speak the whole time. Looking back, the largest prize on the frame had been won away. If their stall continued operating, probably no one would come. Today they had fallen into these people's hands.

Neither of them saw that Qi Yun, wrapped tightly in black fur coat and black rabbit fur hat, quietly left something on the table before carrying Ning Bao away.

The stall owner sighed heavily for quite a while before saying: "Alright, let's pack up the stall. We'll come again tomorrow."

The little assistant agreed and was about to clean up when he noticed there was a round little thing placed in the tray on the table.

Ordinary balls were all carved from wood and painted with different colored lacquer, inevitably having some bumps and unevenness.

But this ball was golden and shiny, still reflecting light under the illumination of the street flower lanterns.

The little assistant moved closer, used his hand to fish it out and placed it on his palm to weigh it, then bit it with his teeth. His eyes widened and his mouth opened as if to shout.

But immediately he covered his mouth, swallowing back his words, and trotted to the stall owner's side, presenting the bead: "Boss, boss, look at this."

The stall owner was still feeling heartbroken and, hearing this, didn't even look, saying irritably: "Look at what?"

"This, it's gold, a ball made of gold!"

Hearing this, the stall owner immediately looked down and saw the golden ball the little assistant was holding.

Taking it in his hands to examine and weigh it, the stall owner said quietly: "This piece of gold could buy ten flower lanterns."

The little assistant was first happy, then somewhat puzzled, asking: "Could this be something someone dropped?"

The stall owner knocked him on the head: "Silly boy, this must have been left by that madam's family who won the flower lantern."

The little assistant still didn't quite understand: "Why?" The flower lantern was something they won by drawing, so why give money?

The stall owner couldn't figure it out either, only that saying "Happy New Year" had earned him a golden ball.

For those who could make his wife and children happy, Qi Yun was never stingy.

After getting the golden sheep flower lantern, Ruyi's spirits immediately rose.

There was definitely a reason why this flower lantern had been made the stall owner's biggest prize. This golden sheep flower lantern felt somewhat heavy when lifted, with gold foil on the eyes and horns, and very thin jade pieces as decoration.

Although it couldn't be considered top-quality jade, using these to decorate a flower lantern was quite luxurious.

Ruyi was too young to carry it, and with Ye Jiao holding her, it was inconvenient to also hold the flower lantern. Along the way, it was mostly Little Su who carried it for Ruyi to see.

The little girl kept happily looking at her trophy, occasionally pointing and saying "This is Ruyi's, I'll play with Yue'er when we go back." Xu Bao and Ning Bao beside her also nodded along. The three children naturally could chat well together.

Qi Yun also bought flower lanterns for the two boys, though neither was as big as Ruyi's. But the two boys didn't mind this at all, instead being particularly pleased that their little sister got the biggest one.

It seemed they had known from childhood how to dote on their little sister.

When walking through the long street, there were many small trinket stalls on both sides with quite a few good things.

Qi Yun had excellent judgment, so Ye Jiao pulled him along to buy many small items. Though they weren't worth much money altogether, they were delicate and unique. Little Ginseng thought to keep some for herself and take some back to the capital to give to Princess Huaning, the Shi family, and Empress Meng as tokens of affection.

After releasing Kong Ming lanterns and writing love poems, the family finally returned to their carriage to prepare to leave.

The three children were already tired and asleep, lying side by side on the soft cushions, each covered with small quilts, sleeping soundly.

Ye Jiao sat beside Qi Yun, reaching out to fiddle with the tassels hanging from the flower lantern, saying softly: "This is made of paper after all, I'm afraid it won't withstand much playing."

Qi Yun also looked at it, and after examining it said: "It doesn't matter, I have a solution."

Ye Jiao felt relieved and carefully placed the golden sheep flower lantern to one side. When the carriage started moving, she leaned sideways against Qi Yun's embrace, closing her eyes slightly and saying: "Mother mentioned Third Brother's marriage before. I imagine it can be settled this year."

Since a warming stove was burning in the carriage, Qi Yun had already taken off his furry coat. Now he was only wearing a dark-colored cloak. When Ye Jiao leaned over, Qi Yun slightly opened the cloak and wrapped his wife tightly in his embrace.

Then he lowered his head to kiss the woman's hair and said gently: "This marriage can be settled early, but Third Brother's wedding will probably have to wait a while. Choosing an auspicious date, and having to go through proper channels with the emperor, it will probably be sometime in the second half of the year."

Ye Jiao smiled and nuzzled Qi Yun's neck, saying softly: "I just wonder if Third Brother knows he's getting married."

Qi Yun thought to himself, naturally he doesn't know, otherwise that silly boy would probably be too excited to sleep every night.

Then Ye Jiao reached out to lightly hook Qi Yun's fingertip with her finger, yawned, and said: "There are several more tea gatherings coming up, and Mother wants to take me to the temple to pray. It will probably be another month or so before we can return to the capital."

Although Qi Yun still had business in the capital, for Second Master Qi, his wife's comfort was most important. Hearing this, he said: "Do you want me to accompany you?"

"I can go to the tea gatherings myself, Sister-in-law will also accompany me. But for going to the temple to pray for blessings, let's go together. I'll pray for a peace amulet for you."

Qi Yun couldn't help but smile: "I thought my wife didn't believe in gods and Buddhas."

Ye Jiao looked up at him and said: "I didn't believe before, but I think Mother is right. Pray more, and maybe one time it will work."

Second Master Qi hadn't expected his mother could actually brainwash Ye Jiao. Somewhat amused, he leaned over to kiss her lips again and said softly: "Jiao Niang is my miracle medicine."

Little Ginseng smiled proudly: "Of course."

Xu Bao, who had woken up and opened his eyes to see his parents being affectionate together, neither made noise nor fuss. Very tactfully, he averted his gaze, slowly turned over, and directly hugged the chubby little Ning Bao, lazily yawned, and went back to sleep.

After this flower lantern viewing, even though the city's flower lanterns would continue until the Lantern Festival, Ye Jiao had no time to take the children to see them again.

She had things to do every day. Besides going out with Fang Shi, she had to chat with Liu Shi, and those shopkeepers' wives would also come to have tea with Ye Jiao. Little Ginseng rarely had any free time.

The children, however, played together well and weren't affected at all by the household's bustle.

Although Little Shi Tou and Xu Bao each had homework to complete, because it was New Year, the adults didn't require much of them. Only they themselves would be somewhat strict with themselves.

Needless to say about Xu Bao, reading was this child's favorite entertainment. It was difficult to even drag him out of his room.

Little Shi Tou had more of a child's nature and didn't bury himself in books. But when leaving the capital, Little Shi Tou had received a box of pastries from Wu Miao'er and a letter of encouragement from her.

It clearly stated Wu Miao'er's earnest hopes for him, particularly optimistic that he could study well.

Although Wu Miao'er had only politely mentioned it once, Little Shi Tou had a straightforward nature and believed what was written. Moreover, Little Shi Tou had decided to become sworn brothers with his Brother Wu when he returned, and since he was a few months older, he should work even harder to set a good example.

So when Xu Bao studied, Little Shi Tou also studied along. Without Qi Yun's supervision, he could work hard at writing and forget to eat and sleep, making both Fang Shi and Ye Jiao somewhat worried.

After all, they should go out and walk around. What was the point of being cooped up in a room?

Finally, the two mothers found a way to pull them out of their rooms: using their respective little sisters to coax them out.

Yue'er was still small but needed to go outside regularly to get some sun. Ruyi had a lively personality, could run and jump, and loved to play most. When Ye Jiao had her call her brothers, she would go, her voice sweet as honey: "Brother Shi Tou, Brother Xu Bao, play with Ruyi."

How could these two resist? Every time they chose to put down their books and go outside to humor their little sister. As long as Ruyi smiled, they would smile along. Ning Bao always looked at his two silly brothers with speechless expression.

During these days, what Ruyi liked most were Yue'er and the golden sheep flower lantern.

Having always been the youngest at home, Ruyi naturally liked seeing Yue'er who was even smaller than herself. Yue'er was also fair and pretty, and though still a baby, loved to smile and was particularly lovable.

Ruyi enjoyed having the maids hold Sister Yue'er while they looked at the golden sheep flower lantern together. Especially at night, Ruyi insisted on having someone light the candle inside the flower lantern. The children would gather around it, whether playing games or listening to Xu Bao recite books, as long as the flower lantern was there, Ruyi was happy.

But flower lanterns were still flower lanterns. After playing with them for a long time, they would inevitably break.

This day, after Ye Jiao coaxed the twins to sleep, she sat to the side, frowning slightly as she looked at the flower lantern placed on the low table.

Hearing the door open outside, Ye Jiao immediately got up, carefully picked up the flower lantern, had Nanny Mo watch the children, then carefully left the inner room.

Closing the door and turning around, she saw Qi Yun taking off his fur coat.

Usually when he returned, Ye Jiao would definitely go over to take his hand, either asking if he felt well or talking about what happened that day. The couple always had countless things to chat about.

But this time Ye Jiao only placed the flower lantern on the table and said to Qi Yun: "Look, what should we do?"

Qi Yun looked over and saw brown stains on what should have been the clean golden sheep flower lantern.

Actually, after the children had played with this flower lantern for so long, some damage was inevitable. Children's hands weren't always clean, and even though Ruyi treasured it, she wouldn't always be careful. She would inevitably accidentally tear it or knock it over.

Fortunately, there was the handy Tie Zi at home. Usually the Qi family's paper kites were all made by Tie Zi. Now whenever the flower lantern had holes, Tie Zi would take it away while the children were sleeping to patch it up. Making do, it could still be presentable.

But just now when Ruyi was drinking soup, she had poured half a bowl of soup on it.

Not to mention the paper covering, even the gold foil and jade pieces had changed color from the soaking.

"Fortunately Nanny Mo reacted quickly and diverted Ruyi's attention with milk cakes, so she didn't notice. Otherwise she'd probably be crying now." Ye Jiao said while poking the completely disfigured flower lantern.

Qi Yun went to wash his hands, dried them with a clean cloth, and went to the charcoal brazier to dispel the cold from his body before walking behind Ye Jiao to embrace his wife's waist, saying gently: "What, does my wife feel sorry for the flower lantern?"

Ye Jiao turned her head and lightly bit his lips, mumbling: "The flower lantern isn't precious, what's there to feel sorry for? I feel sorry for Ruyi."

Ye Jiao still understood her three children.

Xu Bao had a good temper. Even when encountering unpleasant things, he could always console himself. Before anyone could comfort him, the child would have comforted himself.

Ning Bao had a calm nature. It was difficult to get him to say even a few extra words. Despite his young age, he had strong opinions.

Only Ruyi was young with a delicate nature. She was indeed a well-behaved and obedient little cotton-padded jacket, but she was also the most tender-hearted. In her eyes, this flower lantern was like a living thing. If she knew the flower lantern was ruined, she would probably be sad for quite a while.

Qi Yun let Ye Jiao nibble on him. After all, his wife wouldn't bear to really hurt him, so Second Master Qi was quite fearless.

When Ye Jiao wanted to let go, Qi Yun leaned over and gave her a solid kiss, making Little Ginseng stare at him with wide eyes, forgetting what she wanted to say.

Qi Yun curved his lips slightly and said quietly: "Don't worry, Jiao Niang, I was prepared."

Ye Jiao was startled, then watched the man release her and walk to the box beside the bookshelf, reaching out to open the wooden chest.

This box was one Qi Yun had brought back from the capital, originally containing account books and volumes.

But what Qi Yun took out was an extremely exquisite flower lantern.

Placing this flower lantern next to the discolored golden sheep flower lantern, Qi Yun said: "Give this one to Ruyi to play with."

Ye Jiao couldn't help but move closer to examine it, first nodding, then shaking her head.

These two looked roughly the same, but careful examination revealed many differences.

This new flower lantern that Qi Yun held used not only gold foil and jade pieces, but also pearls strung as the frame and fine silk as covering. It was obviously countless times more exquisite than the previous one.

Ye Jiao couldn't help but look at Qi Yun: "This one could last a long time, but... will Ruyi notice?"

Second Master Qi smiled: "Don't worry, she won't notice."

Although Little Ginseng always had unconditional trust in her husband, she was still somewhat anxious when giving the flower lantern to Ruyi.

Her daughter, though not yet two years old, was very clever, and she looked at this flower lantern every day. Being discovered was inevitable.

The newly awakened Ruyi didn't immediately ask for the flower lantern but stayed in Ye Jiao's arms acting spoiled for a while, then went to play with Ning Bao and the cloth tiger. Only when Little Shi Tou and Xu Bao came to find her did she remember her flower lantern.

When she turned to look, Ruyi stared at the new flower lantern on the couch table, stunned. After a while she said: "Little sheep changed."

Little Shi Tou and Xu Bao immediately recognized that the flower lantern had been switched, but they tactfully shook their heads.

Little Shi Tou spoke first: "No, it's still the same. Look how pretty its eyes are."

Xu Bao also nodded: "Right, still the same." Then Xu Bao's eyes looked toward Ning Bao, who was sitting on the soft couch holding a ball of yarn.

Little Ning Bao slowly looked at Xu Bao, then at the flower lantern, before saying softly: "It's the same."

Seeing all three brothers nod, even though Ruyi had some doubts, she quickly threw them to the back of her mind. Smiling happily, she stood up to touch the flower lantern, said many things to the little sheep, then played with her brothers.

Seeing that they had gotten away with it, Ye Jiao felt relieved and turned to kiss Qi Yun's face: "Husband is still the smartest."

Qi Yun smiled faintly and calmly accepted this praise.

But this flower lantern didn't return to the capital with them. Instead, it was left by Ruyi for Yue'er.

When little Ruyi had someone leave the flower lantern for Yue'er, she didn't hesitate at all. When Ye Jiao asked, Ruyi answered very straightforwardly: "Sister Yue'er is good. Ruyi has brothers, but Brother Shi Tou can't stay with Yue'er. Let little sheep keep her company."

Hearing this, Ye Jiao kissed Ruyi's face several times in a row, feeling her daughter was truly wonderful, with a heart as soft as water.

When the Qi Er family was about to return to the capital, all the children were somewhat downcast, with Ruyi crying the most pitifully.

Children ultimately couldn't bear the sadness of parting. Even though they had only returned for a month, Ruyi was extremely reluctant to leave this place. Tears fell in strings. Finally, Qi Yun had to wait until the little girl cried herself to sleep before he could carry her into the carriage.

Ye Jiao held Ruyi in her arms comforting her, looking with some heartache at the little one's red-rimmed eyes even in sleep, and said softly to Qi Yun: "Will she still cry when she wakes up?"

Qi Yun thought for a moment, then opened the carriage door and said to Tie Zi: "Go call Xu Bao over in a bit."

Tie Zi agreed and went to greet Nanny Mo in the other carriage.

Ye Jiao was somewhat puzzled: "What do you want Xu Bao for?"

Qi Yun was calm and composed, his voice steady: "Have Xu Bao recite books. Ruyi can't stand listening to that and will definitely forget about crying."

Ye Jiao: ...

When the Qi family returned to the capital, the items they had purchased had already arrived in the capital ahead of them.

Since Qi Yun planned to stay at home for 50 days, but the things they bought were mostly for New Year use, and gifts shouldn't be delayed too long, he had them sent to the capital early and had Manager Qin find reliable people to deliver them.

Among them were items Ye Jiao wanted to give to the wives she had good relationships with, as well as things Qi Yun wanted to give to families he had connections with in the capital.

Ye Jiao had specifically bought a beautiful yellow jade carved fruit ornament to send to the Shi family, got a jade screen to send to Princess Huaning, prepared a fine tortoiseshell comb for Madam Zheng, and the gift for Empress Meng was to be brought into the palace by Princess Huaning.

Princess Huaning had now passed the most dangerous months, her pregnancy was stable, and going out no longer required the same caution as before.

Since she was in good health, aside from feeling her belly was a bit heavy, there were no other inconveniences.

When entering the palace, Princess Huaning also walked briskly. Seeing Empress Meng, Princess Huaning's face was full of bright smiles: "Greetings, Imperial Sister-in-law."

Empress Meng was sitting on the soft couch staring at Chu Jingming in the cradle. Hearing Princess Huaning's voice, she smiled and beckoned to her: "Huaning, no need for formalities. Come sit."

Princess Huaning came over to sit as instructed, her eyes looking at the soundly sleeping little Jingming with a smile: "This child looks even chubbier than last time I saw him."

Calling a child chubby wasn't really a compliment, but Empress Meng particularly enjoyed hearing it.

Since he was born prematurely, little Jingming had been tiny when born, not much bigger than a kitten. Though his cries were strong, seeing such a small little thing was heartbreaking.

Now being able to raise him to such a plump and fair appearance, Empress Meng had put in effort. What she most enjoyed hearing was others saying her child had gotten fatter.

Being plump and fair meant he was healthy. Empress Meng only hoped her child would be healthy and well.

She tucked the blanket around Chu Jingming and looked at Princess Huaning with a gentle smile: "What brings Huaning here today?"

Princess Huaning handed over the box in her hands to Empress Meng: "This is a gift from Jiao Niang, entrusted to me to bring to Imperial Sister-in-law."

In Empress Meng's heart, Ye Jiao was not only an excellent friend but also the benefactor who had saved her and her child, naturally holding a special place. Her smile became much more genuine as she reached out to accept the wooden box.

Just as she was about to open it, she heard a palace servant respectfully report from behind the screen: "Your Majesty, Eunuch Du sent word that Dingzhou..."

"You may withdraw first. Don't you see this palace is speaking with the Princess?" Empress Meng suddenly frowned, her voice carrying some coldness.

Usually Empress Meng had an extremely gentle and mild temperament. Now that she was angry, the palace servant dared not speak, hurriedly apologized and stood to the side in silence.

When Empress Meng looked at Princess Huaning again, she was smiling once more. Princess Huaning paid no attention to these matters, just looking at little Jingming. The more she looked, the more she liked him. She touched her own rounded belly, thinking that whether it was a boy or girl, she would love them dearly.

As for what the palace servant had said, Empress Meng didn't ask again.

It wasn't until Princess Huaning left that Empress Meng gently touched Jingming's cheek and said quietly: "Come here."

"Your Majesty's command."

Empress Meng withdrew her hand and picked up the wooden box Ye Jiao had sent, asking gently: "Speak, what did Du An say?"

The palace servant hurriedly said: "Eunuch Du said that something happened in Dingzhou. The two princes and their families encountered bandits while traveling. Their carriages fell off cliffs, all attendants were slaughtered, and they probably can't be found."

Empress Meng thought to herself, as expected, this was the matter.

On the surface, she remained composed and slowly opened the wooden box.

Inside was a warm jade that felt warm to the fingertips when touched, carved with auspicious patterns and strung with red cord. You could tell at a glance it was a good item.

Empress Meng waved for the palace servant to withdraw. She placed the jade beside little Jingming, then leaned over to gently kiss her son's forehead.

After straightening up, Empress Meng smiled, not with her usual gentle demeanor, but with particular joy.

She took a deep breath, trying hard to lower her voice, and said softly: "Jingming, look, your father is indeed a good husband and good father. He can protect us mother and son."

Empress Meng could guess that those people had been eliminated by Chu Chengyun's orders.

Even though Empress Meng had wanted to act personally, having Chu Chengyun do this made Empress Meng even happier.

The man she loved was worth all the schemes she would devote her entire life to.

This imperial family matter didn't attract anyone's attention. Even if some people inquired, they would remain silent. Silence was golden.

Manager Qin, after delivering all the gifts, prepared to welcome his master home.

Ten days later, Qi Yun's family convoy finally arrived in the capital. Before they could enter their gate, they saw someone waiting at the Qi residence entrance.

Seeing the carriages arrive, the person trotted over, bowed deeply, then smiled and said: "This humble one is the Meng residence steward, sent by my master to deliver an invitation to Second Young Master Qi."