novelraw Chapter 186
Chapter 186
Ye Jiao had originally been pinching Xu Bao's little chubby cheeks for fun when she heard the voice and wanted to poke her head out to look.
Qi Yun gently supported her and said quietly: "I'll go see," then pushed open the carriage door, stepped down using the low stool, and looked at the unfamiliar man standing before him with a smile, saying: "May I ask which Meng residence you're from?"
Although there was only one Meng residence currently connected to the Qi family, the capital was so large with many people surnamed Meng, so it was better to ask clearly for safety.
The man smiled and said: "My master is Prime Minister Meng. I've come on my master's orders, specifically waiting here for Young Master Qi. I hope Second Young Master Qi will visit our residence for a discussion. My master has important matters to discuss."
Hearing this, Qi Yun nodded and reached out to accept the invitation. The Meng residence steward smiled, cupped his hands, and took his leave.
After he left, Qi Yun turned around to see Ye Jiao pushing open the carriage door preparing to get down. He quickly put the invitation in his chest and walked over to help her.
But Ye Jiao didn't let him help her, instead stuffing the chubby Xu Bao into Qi Yun's arms: "Hold him steady."
Qi Yun held his fat son in his arms, letting Xu Bao sit on his arm. Second Master Qi bounced him and hesitated before saying to Ye Jiao: "I feel like after going home once, Xu Bao has gotten quite a bit fatter than before..."
"I'm not fat, I'm strong!" Xu Bao immediately protested, puffing out his little chest and grabbing the fur on Qi Yun's coat to defend himself.
Hearing this, Ye Jiao laughed and leaned over to kiss Xu Bao's face, comforting him: "That's right, our Xu Bao has grown up, he's not fat at all."
Only then was Xu Bao happy, smiling as he hugged Qi Yun's neck and leaning his face against his neck, directly claiming his daddy.
Since they had been going out as a whole family these days, and the twins were even younger than Xu Bao, naturally they had to be held first.
Xu Bao loved his little brother and sister and never competed, but in his heart he still wanted his parents to hold him.
Having finally gotten a chance for daddy to hold him, even though Xu Bao would have preferred his fragrant, soft mommy to hold him, having daddy was also quite good. Xu Bao wasn't picky.
Sitting in the carriage for a long time was actually quite tiring, especially for children. Even though it was just past noon, the children quickly went to their respective rooms to sleep.
Only Xu Bao kept tossing and turning, refusing to sleep.
Ye Jiao patted the little fellow's back while looking at Nanny Mo and asking: "Where's Little Shi Tou? Is he resting?"
Nanny Mo replied: "A guest came to the house. Young Master Shi Tou is talking with that person. Someone just sent over some refreshments."
Ye Jiao was startled, thinking that earlier a Meng residence steward had come and called away her husband, and now another guest had come looking for Little Shi Tou. Who would have thought that coming back from a trip would be not the least bit peaceful.
Xu Bao turned over and looked at Ye Jiao, saying: "I know, it must be Sister Wu looking for him."
Hearing this, Ye Jiao smiled and touched Xu Bao's cheek, asking: "How does Xu Bao know?"
"Because Brother Shi Tou keeps talking about Sister Wu..." At this point, Xu Bao got stuck.
Because he remembered that Little Shi Tou had said he wanted to become sworn siblings with Wu Miao'er, but in the books Xu Bao had read, only men became sworn brothers with men, and women with women. How could a man and woman become sworn siblings?
Xu Bao stopped talking. Ye Jiao didn't ask further, but turned to Nanny Mo and said: "Who's attending to Little Shi Tou?"
"Reporting to Second Young Mistress, it's Qing Feng."
Ye Jiao nodded. Qing Feng was reliable, so she said: "Watch over him more. Today's travel was exhausting. Have someone send over some easily digestible food later."
"Yes, Second Young Mistress, I've noted it down."
Then Ye Jiao focused on rubbing Xu Bao, wearing down his energy. After he fell asleep, Ye Jiao finally returned to her own bedroom.
As soon as she entered, she saw that the room had been tidied up properly. The items they had taken were quickly returned to their original places by the servants. Only a box with three locks that Ye Jiao always carried with her was carefully placed on the table, untouched by anyone, not even Qi Yun.
Seeing her return, Qi Yun looked at her with gentle eyes: "Are they all asleep?"
Ye Jiao nodded: "Mm, they're all settled." Then Ye Jiao walked to the table and sat down, casually setting the box aside and pouring herself a cup of hot tea.
But soon Qi Yun handed Ye Jiao a tea cup that had been cooled in advance: "New flower tea, try it?"
Ye Jiao smiled, took it and drank it all in one go. It was neither too cool nor too hot, and after drinking it, her body felt much more comfortable.
Qi Yun took out the invitation, looked at it again, and said: "I need to go to the Meng residence later. You rest well first, take a nap. I'll be back when you wake up." Then he handed the invitation to Ye Jiao to look at.
Little Ginseng took it and opened it to look, somewhat surprised: "This invitation is rather different."
It wasn't that the invitation's appearance was unusual, but the writing inside. The handwriting was beautiful, but there weren't many words, only asking Qi Yun to come to the residence for a discussion, without mentioning anything else.
Usually when inviting people over, one would write some pretext, either saying they wanted to look at flowers together or admire the moon. This one was quite simple and direct.
Qi Yun's lips curved slightly as he said mildly: "It seems the Prime Minister personally wrote this invitation."
Ye Jiao couldn't help but look at Qi Yun, thought for a moment, and asked: "Is it related to Third Brother?"
"Probably so." Qi Yun put the invitation back in his sleeve and said gently: "The marriage between Fifth Miss Meng and Third Brother is already set in stone, just waiting for the emperor's decree. Then Father and Mother can come to the capital for the full ceremony, and Fifth Miss Meng can prepare for marriage. But the two families haven't met yet, which really doesn't make sense. The Prime Minister asking me over is nothing more than to inquire about our family situation. It's no big deal."
Seeing that he was confident, Ye Jiao didn't say much more. She got up to find Qi Yun a set of clothes to change into, specifically choosing a jade-inlaid belt. After he was properly dressed, she stood on her tiptoes to kiss Qi Yun's cheek and smiled: "Be careful on the road."
Qi Yun smiled and nodded, then left with Tie Zi.
After he left, although Ye Jiao felt tired, she didn't go to sleep but had Little Su call Manager Qin over.
Currently, the Qi family had no butler. Most matters were handled by Tie Zi, who could be considered Qi Yun's trusted aide. Though not officially a butler, he did a butler's work.
When they returned home for New Year, Tie Zi had gone with them, so the household's major and minor affairs were handed over to Manager Qin to handle.
Manager Qin was nominally the wine shop manager, but like Manager Song before him, he ostensibly only managed one shop but actually helped manage many of Qi Yun's properties. Moreover, Manager Qin was much younger than Manager Song and was in his prime, so handling more work wouldn't tire him out.
Qi Yun had also determined that this man couldn't see past money, so as long as he gave him more monthly wages, Manager Qin would eagerly work harder.
Now hearing that the young mistress had summoned him, Manager Qin immediately dropped what he was doing and hurried over. Upon entering, he said gently to Ye Jiao: "Second Young Mistress, good health." Then he respectfully placed the account books on the table: "These are the household expenses from these past days. Please review them, Second Young Mistress."
Usually Qi Yun managed the shop affairs, but the household finances were all in Ye Jiao's hands.
The account books naturally needed to be reviewed, but there was no rush. Ye Jiao just smiled at Manager Qin and said: "Manager Qin, please sit first. I have some things I'd like to ask you."
Manager Qin sat down as instructed, still wearing his gentle and refined smile, his voice mild: "I wouldn't dare. Please speak, Young Mistress."
"Were the items I asked you to deliver to various households in the capital all delivered?"
"They were all delivered. Except for... that person's, which Princess Huaning delivered on our behalf, all the others were personally delivered by me." As Manager Qin spoke, his smile remained unchanged, but he felt somewhat emotional inside.
He usually worked with Qi Yun and deeply admired Second Master Qi's methods and schemes.
As for Ye Jiao, Manager Qin didn't know much about her and had little contact with her. Usually he didn't know who his young mistress associated with.
Only after delivering gifts for Ye Jiao this time did Manager Qin understand. No wonder these two had married and made a good match, each with abilities that made Manager Qin gasp in amazement.
Ye Jiao hadn't thought that much, hearing this she smiled and said: "That's good. Did anyone send back messages for you to bring?"
Manager Qin quickly said: "Yes, Princess Huaning specifically mentioned that now that her pregnancy is progressing, she's not eating or sleeping well. If Second Young Mistress has free time, she hopes you could visit and chat intimately."
This invitation was simple and straightforward, with neither formal invitation nor credentials. But since the two were now sister-in-law and younger sister-in-law with a close relationship, they didn't need such formalities.
Ye Jiao said: "I understand. Thank you for your trouble."
"I wouldn't dare." Manager Qin stood up and cupped his hands, then sat back down and continued to Ye Jiao: "While the master was away, we hired craftsmen to renovate Master Feng's study. This was ordered by Second Master before leaving. It's mostly finished now, but some details still need Master Feng's careful consideration when he returns."
Ye Jiao was putting a piece of osmanthus cake in her mouth when she heard this and said: "Master Feng rarely gets to go home. My husband gave him a long vacation. He probably won't return for another half month. We'll discuss it then."
"Yes."
"There's another matter. During New Year, families usually give out year-end money. I don't know if the capital has this custom, but my husband and I discussed it and feel we should treat everyone equally."
Hearing about money, Manager Qin's eyes immediately brightened, and his smile became much more genuine.
Ye Jiao knew this manager's money-loving nature and wasn't surprised. She just smiled and said: "Though it's called year-end money, the twelfth lunar month has already passed, so consider it bonus money for the staff. You go prepare a detailed list first. When my husband returns, you can discuss it with him."
Manager Qin immediately stood up and agreed. Seeing that Ye Jiao looked somewhat tired, he tactfully took his leave. As he walked away, he seemed to carry wind with him, his whole person particularly spirited.
Ye Jiao was indeed feeling drowsy. She had only eaten half the osmanthus cake before setting it down and yawning.
Little Su quickly brought scented tea for rinsing her mouth, had Ye Jiao rinse, then helped her remove her jacket and skirt. After Ye Jiao lay on the bed, Little Su lowered the bed curtains, carefully tucking them under the mattress before quietly going to the outer room.
Ye Jiao fell asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow. When she woke up, it was already dark outside, and someone was sitting beside her.
Little Ginseng was half-squinting when she felt someone beside her and instinctively reached out to touch.
After her cool fingertips were grasped, Ye Jiao said softly: "Husband, you're back."
Qi Yun tightened his fingers, holding Ye Jiao's hand and gently tugging: "Get up and clear your head. I had them prepare dinner. Get up and eat."
"Mm." Ye Jiao rubbed her eyes, then pulled Qi Yun's hand to sit up.
But Little Ginseng always woke up slowly. Even with her eyes open, her head was still groggy, and she just leaned against Qi Yun without moving.
Second Master Qi was also used to Ye Jiao's temperament. He set down the book in his hand and embraced Ye Jiao with both arms, gently stroking her back.
After about half a cup of tea's time, Ye Jiao finally woke up properly. She got dressed and stood up, smiling as she asked: "Did my husband see Fifth Miss Meng on this trip?"
Qi Yun first wrung out a warm, damp cloth for her to wipe her face, then they sat together at the dining table. While ladling soup for her, he said: "I didn't see her, but whether I saw her or not doesn't matter much. Knowing what kind of temperament the young lady has is enough."
Ye Jiao took the soup bowl while looking at Qi Yun with curious eyes: "You can tell without meeting her? My husband is truly amazing."
Hearing this, Qi Yun's lips curved up as he picked up chopsticks to serve Ye Jiao food: "Try this, freshly cooked mutton. It's most delicious eaten hot."
Usually Ye Jiao didn't eat much mutton. Though she wasn't picky about food and drink, when she was back home, the mutton often wasn't fresh enough and inevitably had a gamey smell. No matter what spices were used to mask it, there would still be a faint odor that Little Ginseng found hard to swallow.
But after coming to the capital, though one would expect fresh mutton to be even rarer here, the more precious the place, the more extravagant the choice of ingredients. For one plate of fresh vegetables, any amount of manpower and resources would be spared.
This mutton was specifically from sheep Qi Yun had people raise at an estate outside the city, choosing places with abundant water and grass. The sheep's diet was particular, producing meat that not only had no gamey smell but actually had a sweet freshness.
Ye Jiao tried a bite and her eyes crinkled with smiles: "Delicious..." Then Little Ginseng paused, reached for her tea cup to take a sip, and widened her eyes slightly: "This is spicy, but not like ordinary spiciness."
Qi Yun said: "This mutton should be cut in large pieces, skewered with iron forks and roasted over fire. The spices sprinkled on include the usual ones, plus some the trading caravan brought back from beyond the passes this time. If you like it, I'll have them save more in the future."
Ye Jiao nodded repeatedly, smiling as she used her chopsticks to pick up more, eating three pieces before stopping.
But eating something delicious didn't make Ye Jiao forget the matter. She looked at Qi Yun and asked: "You still haven't said, is Fifth Miss a good person?"
It wasn't that Ye Jiao was overly curious, but Liu Shi had carefully instructed her when they came that even though the marriage was settled, Liu Shi still hoped Ye Jiao could look after Qi Ming more. As a sister-in-law, Ye Jiao naturally had to pay more attention.
Qi Yun didn't hide anything from her, saying gently: "She's definitely a good person. Though I didn't see her appearance, when marrying a wife, one marries virtue, so appearance isn't important anyway. I specifically paid attention to this young lady's character during this visit." Qi Yun paused: "She's excellent."
Hearing this, Ye Jiao leaned closer to Qi Yun and smiled: "Husband, tell me in detail."
Qi Yun served Ye Jiao another helping of vegetables, then said: "Prime Minister Meng's first wife died early. His current wife is a second wife who manages the household, but the ones actually handling household affairs are the wife of Prime Minister Meng's eldest son from his first wife, and this Fifth Miss Meng."
Having managed household affairs for quite some time now, Ye Jiao immediately understood upon hearing this: "The managing matron doesn't actually manage, but lets her daughter-in-law and the first wife's daughter manage instead. That's quite unusual."
Wasn't this sidelining the second wife?
Qi Yun said: "How the Meng family handles their affairs is none of our business, and I didn't inquire much. But this Fifth Miss Meng had never been known for any virtuous reputation before. She must have kept a very tight lid on things, never seeking attention outside, yet she can make Empress Meng scheme for her and have Prime Minister Meng acknowledge our family as in-laws. I'm afraid her scheming isn't what ordinary women can match."
Ye Jiao was drinking soup when she heard this, so she set down her spoon and asked: "Compared to Third Brother?"
Qi Yun's lips twitched: "Probably even higher."
He knew his own brother. Third Master Qi was single-mindedly focused on the country and world. When it came to court matters, he was probably thorough, but regarding the ordinary twists and turns between people, from current appearances he was far inferior to Miss Meng.
But Ye Jiao didn't find this strange at all, smiling: "Hui Niang is intelligent, so it's normal for her sister from the same mother to also be clever."
This comment left Qi Yun speechless for a long time.
Yes, if the older sister was smart, the younger sister would be smart too, but why weren't Third Brother and himself the same?
Seeing him not speaking, Ye Jiao couldn't help asking: "Isn't this good?"
Qi Yun collected himself and shook his head: "No, it's good, very good. Third Brother only understands court affairs but is too upright as a person. Having a virtuous wife to assist him is simply a blessing beyond what one could ask for."
Speaking of this, Qi Yun couldn't help but look toward the direction of the imperial palace.
Wasn't there a ready example sitting right in there?
This brother-in-law relationship wouldn't be a loss.
Ye Jiao always trusted him. Since her husband said it was good, then it was good. Thinking this was a good marriage that wouldn't disappoint Liu Shi's expectations, she felt relieved and focused on eating.
After finishing dinner and having servants bring in a bathtub for bathing, by the time everything was tidied up, it was already the hour of hai.
Ye Jiao bathed first and, after drying her hair, lay on the bed and even drew the bed curtains. When Qi Yun finished tidying up and was ready to sleep, just as he pulled open the curtains, what he saw wasn't his wife lying down properly, but Ye Jiao sitting cross-legged and looking up at him.
The room was heated warmly by the charcoal brazier. Ye Jiao was still wearing her outer garment, sitting on the quilt, so naturally she wasn't cold. But at first glance, Qi Yun saw the green chest band and two fair white legs, immediately reddening the man's ears.
But Ye Jiao seemed oblivious and smiled at him: "Husband, don't sleep yet. I forgot to put the things from the box into the hidden compartment. Go get it."
The hidden compartment where they kept important things was on the bed board. Ye Jiao probably wasn't sleeping now because she wanted to store things.
And not because...
Qi Yun mentally spat at himself for having such messy thoughts, then went to the table to fetch the box. Ye Jiao took it, found the key, and opened the box.
Inside were three items.
One was a leather pouch containing White Rainbow Fruit. They had used two before, so the remaining one was naturally important. Ye Jiao would carry it with her when traveling far.
Another was an account book containing not only household expenses but also Qi Yun's money expenditures. Since Second Master Qi's money was all managed by Ye Jiao, Little Ginseng always felt that managing his accounts reduced Qi Yun's burden, so she kept every account in great detail.
There was also a book, placed face-down at the very bottom of the box, so one couldn't tell what it was.
Qi Yun thought Ye Jiao was going to put it in the hidden compartment too, but saw that Ye Jiao only put the leather pouch and account book inside before closing it. This book wasn't stuffed in.
He was about to ask when he saw Ye Jiao had already taken out the book.
Little Ginseng looked up at him, then lowered her head to flip through the book. She quickly turned to a page, nodded to herself, then turned it around and handed it to Qi Yun to see.
Second Master Qi looked and not only his ears turned red, but his whole face flushed.
This was indeed the Avoid Fire Illustrations he had bought, and this wasn't the first time his wife had used the book to show him pictures, but... being caught off guard like this would startle anyone.
But Ye Jiao was very calm, efficiently grabbing Qi Yun's collar and pulling him over, then lowering the bed curtains. She smiled brightly at Qi Yun: "I originally wanted to bring this back to look at with my husband during New Year, but I've been so busy these days. Even when I had some spare time, I had to accompany the children, so I never got to use it."
Qi Yun was stunned. Just now he thought he was the one thinking improperly, but it turned out his wife had been pondering this matter all along?
Ye Jiao lay on top of Qi Yun, cupping the man's face with both hands, smiling with curved eyes: "Now that we have time, husband, do you want to?"
Her answer came in the form of the man leaning over for a long, lingering kiss.
When their lips parted, Qi Yun's slightly deeper voice sounded in Ye Jiao's ear: "I want to, naturally I want to. My wife and I have always thought alike."
Little Ginseng reached out to embrace this man's neck and wanted to say something more, but in the next moment was flipped over by him and pressed onto the bed.
Soon she couldn't think of anything else or speak in complete sentences. Ye Jiao could only squint her eyes when feeling comfortable and think that being human really had many benefits.
The following days were much more leisurely than during New Year. She didn't have to attend countless tea gatherings or be constantly busy with affairs from dawn to dusk. Instead, she could leisurely do her own things, or sit in a reclining chair watching the children play. For Little Ginseng, this was truly the height of comfort.
When she went out, it was mostly to see Princess Huaning.
Although Ye Ping Rong and Princess Huaning lived together, and Ye Ping Rong was still Ye Jiao's elder brother, now Ye Jiao couldn't think of Ye Ping Rong at all. Every time she went straight to Princess Huaning's room to chat endlessly with her.
This wasn't just because the two had intimate things to discuss, but also because Ye Jiao wanted to spend more time with Princess Huaning to help supplement her energy so that future childbirth would go more smoothly.
Princess Huaning was also happy for Ye Jiao to visit often. She didn't have many friends she could confide in, and entering the palace was too troublesome. Having Ye Jiao come to chat with her was naturally good.
This day when Ye Jiao came, she saw Princess Huaning holding a silver fork and eating kiwi fruit flesh.
Ye Jiao also liked eating this. It was shaped like a pear and colored like a peach. When ripe, it had to be picked and left to sit, becoming as sweet as honey and very delicious.
Seeing her arrive, Princess Huaning smiled and called out: "Jiao Niang, come try some."
Ye Jiao took a fork and speared a piece to put in her mouth, then immediately puckered her face from the sourness.
Princess Huaning was startled, then realized and felt somewhat embarrassed: "Sorry, Jiao Niang, I forgot my taste preferences have changed a lot now. Are you alright?"
Ye Jiao shook her head, but her face was still puckered until Princess Huaning stuffed a piece of candy in her mouth, then she finally recovered.
Sucking on the candy, Ye Jiao rubbed her cheeks while looking around: "This was brought by Ying Xiu, right? Where is she?"
Princess Huaning was stroking her belly when she heard this and said: "She was just here. She said she wanted to go out for a walk, so she went out." After a pause, Princess Huaning said: "Jiao Niang can go look too. I got a parrot that's extremely beautiful, hanging under the peach tree in the back courtyard."
Ye Jiao had never seen a parrot since becoming human, so she smiled and stood up: "What about you, Princess Huaning?"
"There's wind outside, so I won't go for now. I'll wait for you here." As she spoke, Princess Huaning speared a piece of sour kiwi and put it in her mouth.
Ye Jiao felt her teeth ache just watching, so she took another piece of candy to put in her mouth before going out.
Ye Jiao visited this residence often and didn't need anyone to guide her to find the place.
After passing through a moon gate, she could see the peach tree, but Ye Jiao stopped after passing through the moon gate.
She stood under the peach tree, reaching out to support herself against a peach branch, blinking without speaking.
Little Su, seeing that Ye Jiao had stopped walking, looked over somewhat puzzled and immediately saw Shi family's wife in a blue cloak, and across from her... eh, wasn't that Liu Rong, Master Liu?