Lady of Fortune, Jiao Niang

Chapter 193

The only person Qi Yun knew who could be called Third Young Master was the one sitting on the dragon throne.

This surprised Qi Yun somewhat, and Ye Jiao didn't quite understand either, tugging at Qi Yun's arm and asking: "Why did he come?" Empress Meng had a very good relationship with the Qi family, yet she had never specifically left the palace to visit their home. Instead, it was Chu Chengyun who had come calling, which somehow felt wrong.

Qi Yun patted the back of Ye Jiao's hand and said gently: "It's nothing. He used to go out frequently to drink tea with Third Brother. The whole world belongs to him, he can do whatever he wants."

Ye Jiao felt this made sense and didn't ask further, releasing Qi Yun.

After Qi Yun left with Tie Zi, Little Su quickly came over, holding a round fan to fan Ye Jiao while saying: "Second Young Mistress, shall we return?"

Ye Jiao stood up, reaching out to smooth minor wrinkles on her sleeves, and smiled: "Since there's nothing else to do, come, let's go look at the medicinal flowers. Counting the days, quite a few should be blooming. We can find two pots of the best ones to send to Hui Niang."

Little Su agreed, handed the round fan to a nearby servant woman, and instead took up a paper umbrella to shield Ye Jiao from the sun as they walked toward the medicinal flower garden.

Although Qi Yun had just reassured Ye Jiao, he felt somewhat uncertain in his heart.

It was true that Chu Chengyun often left the palace, but his destinations were always Qi Ming's small courtyard or teahouses and wine shops. He had never come to the Qi residence before.

This person wouldn't come to his home for a casual stroll without reason. Throughout his walk to the front hall, Qi Yun pondered in his mind what Chu Chengyun's purpose might be. Only by guessing early could he respond appropriately. After turning several corners in his thoughts, by the time he saw Chu Chengyun, Qi Yun's face showed little expression.

Perhaps thinking too much made his mind clearer, and Qi Yun actually felt more settled now.

Before entering, he called Tie Zi over and said quietly: "Brew a pot of that pre-Qingming Longjing tea from before. Remember to discard the first steeping and prepare it carefully before serving."

Tie Zi was startled, then lowered his voice: "Second Young Master, I heard Manager Qin say that this pre-Qingming Longjing we obtained was extremely early, and we shouldn't bring it out casually to avoid inviting trouble."

This wasn't Manager Qin's wild speculation, but because there were many powerful people in the capital who thought much about such things.

Even if it was just small tea leaves, if a merchant family obtained them while they didn't, it would invite resentment.

Speaking of harboring resentment over such trivial matters was indeed somewhat laughable, but reality was as such, and there was no helping it. Life in the capital was difficult not only because land prices were expensive and making a living was hard, but also because with so many powerful people around, one had to be careful and calculating everywhere.

Even without actively offending people, one could still earn hatred over minor details.

However, Qi Yun extended his finger and knocked Tie Zi's forehead, saying coolly: "What kind of person is the one inside? Do you think he really doesn't know what we usually do?"

Tie Zi covered his forehead and was startled upon hearing this.

Then he heard Qi Yun continue: "Using good tea to entertain him is proper and appropriate. If I entertained him with coarse tea while drinking good tea myself, that would be deceiving the ruler."

Qi Yun knew clearly that while Chu Chengyun might not know everything under heaven, he would know all affairs within the capital crystal clear.

If the place where the imperial palace was located couldn't be fully under control, then this emperor wouldn't be worth much.

Tie Zi also belatedly realized he had said something wrong, breaking out in a sweat as he covered his head and nodded repeatedly.

Qi Yun didn't punish him for anything, just saying: "Remember in the future, as a merchant, always being honest is foolish, but when dealing with such royal nobility, deliberate deception and concealment will only bring misfortune upon oneself." His voice paused slightly: "As for how to seek benefits within this, that depends on how well you can grasp the proper measure."

Tie Zi nodded again, thinking to himself that he should first achieve the first half, and as for the second half... he was still far from his young master's level of being able to get things from the emperor with empty hands, so he'd take it slowly.

Tie Zi ran off to brew tea while Qi Yun straightened his clothes before stepping into the front hall.

Since Second Master Qi had known Chu Chengyun early on, he had seen this person in all kinds of states, so he couldn't put on the panic that ordinary people would show upon seeing the emperor. He simply bowed and said: "This commoner didn't know Your Majesty had arrived, please..."

"Enough, Second Brother, let's not have so many empty formalities between you and me." Chu Chengyun smiled and gestured for Qi Yun to sit down.

In Chu Chengyun's heart, this Second Master Qi had always been of a cool temperament. Although he seemed somewhat aloof, he always kept family and country in his heart. As a merchant, he never engaged in heartless profiteering, whether in trade caravan matters or disaster relief. In Chu Chengyun's mind, Qi Yun was like a hermit in the mortal world, the most benevolent person.

Once this first impression was established, it was difficult to change, making Chu Chengyun find him more pleasing to the eye the more he looked.

Qi Yun didn't stand on ceremony with him either, sitting across from Chu Chengyun.

Chu Chengyun also didn't beat around the bush, saying directly: "I've come today about family matters."

Qi Yun looked up at him and said: "Your Majesty speaks of Third Brother's marriage?"

Chu Chengyun smiled and nodded: "Exactly. The Meng family is now extremely satisfied with Third Brother. They even specially entered the palace to find the Empress about this marriage. I've come to ask when it can be settled."

Qi Yun's expression remained unchanged, but he felt somewhat emotional inside, thinking his Third Brother really had great influence, to have the emperor personally make a trip for his marriage proposal.

However, this probably also involved Empress Meng's intentions. Chu Chengyun had always respected Empress Meng, and now it was Empress Meng marrying off her sister, so him coming to look into it could indeed count as family business.

So Qi Yun put aside his previous worries and said gently: "I mentioned to my parents before that the two elders are extremely fond of Fifth Miss Meng's talent and character, they value this marriage greatly. Hearing that Your Majesty is the matchmaker made them even more delighted. They've long had people prepare betrothal gifts, thinking that whenever Your Majesty's decree comes down, they'll come to the capital and prepare wedding necessities according to custom."

After speaking, Qi Yun had someone serve tea, his eyes casually sweeping over Chu Chengyun, and indeed saw this person beaming with joy.

Actually, since there was already understanding between Qi Ming and Fifth Miss Meng's marriage, even if the Qi family elders weren't willing, there was nothing they could do. Once the imperial decree came down, they'd have to listen whether they wanted to or not. Moreover, this was the Qi family marrying up, so how could the elders be unwilling?

But Chu Chengyun just wanted to hear these words of gratitude.

No matter how he controlled court affairs while sitting on the dragon throne, how many calculations and strategies he had in his heart, his nature hadn't changed, he was still an inherently good person.

He could distinguish right from wrong, so he had judgments about court affairs and human relations.

Qi Yun was someone he recognized as a good person, so his thoughts weren't so heavy. Hearing the gratitude implied in Qi Yun's words, Chu Chengyun was naturally happy.

It was precisely because he knew Chu Chengyun's temperament that Qi Yun had said such things.

Second Master Qi's smile was light, as he pondered in his mind how to write to the Qi family elders asking them to come to the capital.

At this moment, someone brought in tea. Chu Chengyun picked up the tea cup and took a sip, immediately knowing it was top-quality pre-Qingming Longjing, tea leaves picked before the Qingming Festival. Longjing tea from this time was the most tender, with clear tea liquor that left a sweet aftertaste, recognizable as a tea treasure at first taste.

Although it couldn't compare to palace tributes, it was extremely pleasant to drink.

Chu Chengyun had drunk much good tea, but tea was all about freshness. This pre-Qingming Longjing was truly delicious. Even to Chu Chengyun, it wasn't a rare item, but this crisp taste was enough to make him sigh: "Good tea, truly fresh."

Qi Yun's tone was calm: "If Your Majesty likes it, I'll have someone wrap some for you to take when you leave."

This piqued Chu Chengyun's curiosity: "This tea shouldn't be something you bought."

Qi Yun had been waiting for this question. His expression remained unchanged and calm as he looked at Chu Chengyun: "I've contracted tea gardens in the south. This is tea produced there. Taking the water route is naturally faster, and the cargo capacity is also large. The stone and timber I used to build bridges for my hometown were transported by water route."

Chu Chengyun knew about Qi Yun building bridges and roads for his hometown. Hearing him mention it now, his smile deepened, feeling this person blessed his native land and was indeed benevolent.

However, Chu Chengyun was more interested in the water route: "So it seems that water transport isn't just for flood warnings and carrying passengers, it appears to have many more uses."

Qi Yun nodded: "Exactly. If more ports could be built, water transport would be even more developed. And rivers flow into the sea, what lies beyond the sea is still unknown."

Hearing this, Chu Chengyun calculated in his mind and felt these words made sense.

Although the court now had a water transport office with quite a few ships, they mostly transported personnel. While many used water routes for cargo transport, because shipbuilding was time-consuming and laborious, land transport was relatively more common.

If things were truly as Qi Yun described, with civilian water transport ships being this fast, then increasing water transport construction would naturally benefit both the country and the people.

Previously, the court didn't interfere much to benefit the people rather than let officials monopolize everything.

Now being able to increase water transport construction would be excellent for both the court and the people.

And what lay beyond the sea...

The more Chu Chengyun thought, the brighter his eyes became. Looking at Qi Yun, he seemed to see a golden treasure: "Second Brother, Second Brother, if only you could serve as an official in court, how wonderful that would be."

Qi Yun smiled and said: "This commoner's health can't bear it. I can only live longer in the marketplace. I hope Your Majesty will show mercy."

Chu Chengyun was just sighing and didn't insist, so he stopped mentioning it and instead enthusiastically discussed water transport matters with Qi Yun.

However, Tie Zi on the side looked at his second young master several times, his eyes first showing confusion, then understanding.

Originally, Tie Zi hadn't quite understood why Qi Yun had specifically instructed him to brew tea, but now he understood. From the beginning, Qi Yun had planned to discuss water cargo transport with Chu Chengyun.

Indeed, every meeting with this Third Young Master yielded some gain. His second young master truly left no opportunity unexploited... no, this was strategic planning.

Chu Chengyun picked up his tea cup again, took a sip, then set it aside to continue: "After your parents come to the capital, you must tell the Meng family. The parents from both sides should meet."

Qi Yun agreed and, setting his tea cup aside, replied: "The dates are all flexible. Now that the river has opened, taking the water route is naturally faster. But after bringing my parents to the capital, they'll still stay at my house first. Third Brother's courtyard is fine for him alone, but would seem crowded with others."

Chu Chengyun smiled and said: "Isn't that your courtyard?"

Hearing this, Qi Yun knew that Chu Chengyun had learned about him buying the courtyard and then renting it to Qi Ming. But this was his care for his brother, nothing shameful, so he replied calmly: "Your Majesty finds it amusing. That courtyard is indeed rather small. In the future..."

At this point, Qi Yun's voice paused as he remembered another matter.

Since Qi Ming was getting married and bringing home a wife, they would need to arrange for proper housing.

Qi Ming's current courtyard, never mind whose it was, just considering its size, there was no way to hold a wedding. Usually, he managed alone, but now he was marrying a young lady from the Meng family, a daughter from a high-ranking household. The Qi Ming's current residence probably wasn't as large as one of her rooms. Since it was a marriage, they shouldn't subject her to hardship and suffering, which wouldn't be appropriate.

But with Qi Ming's current salary, he obviously couldn't afford a mansion.

Qi Yun thought, perhaps he should spend his own money to buy a larger place for his third brother?

But land in the capital was extremely expensive, every tree had its owner, and finding a ready-made mansion wasn't easy.

Chu Chengyun seemed to see through Qi Yun's thoughts and said: "You don't need to worry about the mansion. Third Brother and Xiao Yuanbai gave me a good idea together. I'll grant him a residence soon, and the deeds to your ten shops will also be delivered to you then."

Hearing this, Qi Yun stood to bow and express gratitude, but his heart sank slightly.

It was true that Chu Chengyun treated Qi Ming well, but he wasn't the type to randomly bestow rewards.

He had casually mentioned giving advice, but this probably wasn't simple.

However, since it involved court politics, Qi Yun didn't ask further. After exchanging a few more words with Chu Chengyun, Chu Chengyun left the Qi residence with his people.

After seeing him out, Qi Yun returned to sit in the front hall for a long time, until the tea had gone cold without getting up.

Tie Zi stood nearby, seeing that Qi Yun showed no intention of leaving, and couldn't help feeling worried.

At this moment, he heard Qi Yun ask: "Do you have something to ask me?"

Tie Zi first shook his head, then nodded: "Second Young Master, I don't quite understand why you brought up water transport matters with the emperor."

Currently, the Qi family was the largest in water route business.

It sounded easy, but to do this business well required not only managing the ship business but also buying many shipbuilding shops. The connections and money involved were countless.

Now they had finally started seeing some returns, but Qi Yun had casually handed it over to Chu Chengyun, even proactively telling him many details.

Wasn't this like giving away money they had earned to the imperial family?

Qi Yun stood up, walking toward the corridor while saying: "You can think of these things, not bad. You haven't looked at the account books in vain, knowing how much money each of our shops has made."

Tie Zi received praise but didn't get cocky. Having followed Qi Yun for years, he knew his temperament.

Praise was often followed by correction.

Indeed, Qi Yun changed his tone: "But you only recorded these accounts without taking them to heart."

Tie Zi had always been eager to learn. Though he was called a servant following Qi Yun, Qi Yun had always trained him like teaching an apprentice. Now Tie Zi straightened his expression and bowed his head obediently: "Please enlighten me, Second Young Master."

Qi Yun's voice was calm: "If you looked carefully, you could compare and see that although water route profits are high this month, they're a full thirty percent less than the same time last year."

Tie Zi couldn't help but recall and nodded, then frowned.

How could there be less?

This business had always grown bigger, and unless the money source was cut off, there was no reason for it to shrink.

But when it came to water transport, it had actually become smaller than before. Without mentioning it, it was fine, but now that Qi Yun brought it up, Tie Zi could sense something unusual.

Qi Yun didn't need him to guess wildly and said directly: "When accounts are abnormal, there's naturally a reason. I wrote to ask Manager Wei, who's in charge of water transport, and he said recently there have been water bandits, with bandits robbing merchant ships from time to time, disrupting normal operations."

Tie Zi was startled, then quickly understood: "Second Young Master means that approaching... that person was actually to find protection for our business?"

Qi Yun nodded, his voice calm: "Previously, because the court didn't pay attention, ordinary merchants had opportunities to make money. Now, to gain court protection, it's impossible without giving up benefits."

Because the court encouraged merchants, the waterways were mostly filled with merchant ships. The court only collected taxes and established water transport offices for protection, but didn't interfere otherwise. This gave the Qi family opportunities to relatively easily acquire ships and shops.

But precisely because of this, water bandits targeted the Qi family. As for why their losses weren't managed by the authorities, Qi Yun didn't want to investigate deeply.

The people don't fight officials, this was common sense.

But whether officials could fight the imperial family depended on how much courage they had.

So Qi Yun decided to find backing, and he wanted to find the biggest one, solving everything at once rather than suffering losses everywhere.

Tie Zi suddenly understood, his face showing a smile, thinking it more and more worthwhile.

But Qi Yun didn't look particularly pleased. He had matters on his mind, making his expression much more serious.

When they returned to the room, as soon as Qi Yun opened the door, he heard Xu Bao's voice: "Mother, what would you like to hear? Xu Bao will recite it for you."

Upon hearing this, Qi Yun stopped in his tracks.

There wasn't much Second Master Qi feared in this household, except he was somewhat wary of his own son.

It wasn't that Xu Bao was scary, but this little bookworm not only loved reading himself but also liked dragging others to read with him.

Especially when encountering Qi Yun, Xu Bao would always hug Qi Yun's leg and not let him go, insisting Qi Yun read to him before giving up.

Usually, Xu Bao wouldn't use reading to bother his mother, but today, the twins hadn't woken up yet, Master Feng was resting and shouldn't be disturbed, and Little Shi Tou had gone to the academy, so Xu Bao had turned to Ye Jiao.

Although Little Ginseng could read and memorize medical classics and pharmaceutical texts, Ye Jiao only read what she needed.

Medical-related material was for her and Qi Yun's future happiness.

Those with pictures and illustrations... also counted as for happiness.

But Ye Jiao never read the Four Books and Five Classics. She didn't need to rely on scholarly achievement, so she had no interest in these. Hearing Xu Bao mention it now, Ye Jiao didn't want to refuse her good baby but didn't know what to have him recite.

After thinking, remembering the peonies she had seen with Princess Huaning and Shi family's wife, Ye Jiao placed Xu Bao on her lap and said gently: "Then, will Xu Bao recite a poem about peonies for Mother?"

"Okay!"

Other children were terrified of being made to recite poetry and write essays by their parents, but Xu Bao puffed out his little chest at such times, his face full of happiness.

Without much thought, he blurted out: "Flowers grow on glazed ground, light wind spins purple cloud flowers. Since seeing them in the celestial maiden's dish, until today my eyes are even brighter."

Ye Jiao blinked and couldn't help asking: "Where are the peonies in this?"

Xu Bao leaned against Ye Jiao's embrace, saying softly: "Purple cloud flowers refers to peonies."

"What do the last two lines mean?"

"They say peony flowers are more beautiful than celestial maidens."

Ye Jiao couldn't help but laugh, pinching Xu Bao's little cheeks: "Has Xu Bao seen celestial maidens?"

Xu Bao smiled with squinted eyes, letting Ye Jiao knead his face while saying: "I haven't seen them, but Xu Bao knows that no matter how beautiful celestial maidens are, they won't be as beautiful as Mother."

Ye Jiao was so charmed by him that her smile wouldn't stop. Holding the chubby Xu Bao, she kissed his forehead hard, making Xu Bao laugh too. As if embarrassed, he buried his face in Ye Jiao's embrace and wouldn't come up.

This left Qi Yun, watching from outside the inner room, feeling helpless.

He knew Xu Bao read a lot and liked clinging to Ye Jiao, but Qi Yun hadn't expected his eldest son to have such a sweet tongue.

Who did he take after? Clearly, Second Master Qi felt he couldn't say such things.

When he entered, Ye Jiao smiled and called out: "Husband." But before Qi Yun could respond, Xu Bao looked up first.

Without Ye Jiao's help, he climbed down from her lap himself, standing steadily on the ground. With his little short legs, he pattered over to Qi Yun, hugged his calf, and looked up with his face bright: "Daddy, Daddy, read books!"

Qi Yun: ...

The caught Qi Yun initially didn't want to agree, but seeing Ye Jiao also watching him, Qi Yun changed his mind.

He bent down to pick up Xu Bao and sat with him on the soft couch. Qi Yun looked at Ye Jiao, who was propping her chin with one hand watching him, then at Xu Bao, who was staring at him with big eyes. Second Master Qi felt emotional that Xu Bao's eyes were indeed very much like Ye Jiao's. His heart softened as he said: "What would Xu Bao like to hear?"

"The Song of the Five Sons!"

Hearing this, Qi Yun was somewhat surprised. This was a piece from the Book of Documents. Even when Qi Yun was small, he had only read this around age eight. He hadn't expected his son to reach this point at only six years old.

This sparked Second Master Qi's interest. He held Xu Bao tighter and said: "I'll say one line, and Xu Bao will remember one line, alright?"

Xu Bao immediately nodded, beaming with particular joy.

Then Qi Yun began reading to him. Ye Jiao also listened from the side. Since Qi Yun didn't just recite the text when reading but also told many stories related to the articles, it wasn't dry or difficult to understand but quite interesting and humorous. Ye Jiao enjoyed listening too.

This continued for over an hour. When Little Shi Tou returned from school, Xu Bao still hadn't finished listening.

Usually, Little Shi Tou would look for Xu Bao at the swing set. Xu Bao particularly loved that swing and would put down his books every evening to come out and play, saying he could sit on the swing and fly high to see the evening clouds better.

But this time, Little Shi Tou didn't find Xu Bao at the swing set.

He looked at the oil paper package in Qing Feng's hands containing snacks he had brought for Xu Bao, hesitated, then said: "Come, follow me to talk with Second Aunt."

Qing Feng agreed and followed behind Little Shi Tou.

After walking through the corridor to the courtyard entrance, Little Shi Tou went in. Tie Zi, guarding the door, didn't stop him, just stepped aside to let him pass.

Little Shi Tou was about to speak when he heard Qi Yun's voice from the inner room: "There are models and standards, bequeathed to their descendants. Kwan, Shi, and Jun..."

This made Little Shi Tou's scalp tingle as he stopped in his tracks.

Little Su saw him and walked over with a smile: "Young Master Shi Tou, are you looking for Young Master Xu Bao?"

Little Shi Tou nodded, motionless, just pointing inside: "Are Second Uncle and Xu Bao in there?"

"Yes."

"Reading?"

"That's right."

Hearing this, Little Shi Tou's face showed some sympathy.

Usually, Qi Yun was very strict with Little Shi Tou's studies to account to Qi Zhao, and was particularly unforgiving when testing him.

Little Shi Tou hadn't expected Second Uncle to be so severe with Xu Bao too... he hadn't even learned this section yet...

His heart full of sympathy for Xu Bao, Little Shi Tou didn't dare go in. He just stuffed the oil paper package into Little Su's hands, dropped the words "Remember to give this to Brother Xu Bao," then pulled Qing Feng away.

Little Su vaguely felt this scene had happened before but couldn't remember when. She just shook her head, placed the oil paper package on the table, and quietly closed the door without disturbing the family of three inside.

Inside the room, after Qi Yun finished the entire passage, he picked up his tea cup to moisten his throat. Xu Bao had already begun closing his eyes to silently recite the text he'd just heard. It was Ye Jiao who looked at Qi Yun with bright eyes and a particularly soft smile.

Qi Yun couldn't help but ask: "What is Jiao Niang looking at?"

Ye Jiao moved closer to Qi Yun, reaching out to link arms with him, smiling brightly: "Looking at Husband. Husband is handsome."

Qi Yun didn't know why Ye Jiao had said this and looked down at her, asking: "How am I handsome?"

Ye Jiao didn't know many poems and songs and couldn't casually recite poetry like her son. She just said directly in a soft voice: "Husband is just handsome. I could look at you for a lifetime and never tire of it."

At this moment, Qi Yun finally understood who his sweet-tongued Xu Bao had inherited this from.

He couldn't help but lean over to kiss the corner of Ye Jiao's mouth. Ye Jiao widened her eyes and pushed him, seeing that Xu Bao hadn't noticed before patting Qi Yun's shoulder: "What are you doing?"

Qi Yun smiled and placed his chin in the woman's neck, saying softly: "I'm tasting whether Jiao Niang's mouth is sweet."

Ye Jiao was somewhat puzzled: "I didn't eat anything, how could it be sweet?"

Qi Yun chuckled softly: "I think Jiao Niang is sweeter than honey."