Lady of Fortune, Jiao Niang

Chapter 194

These words made Ye Jiao's ears slightly red, but the smile on her face wouldn't stop.

If it were an ordinary time, they would have already moved close together, foreheads touching as they spoke intimately.

However, as parents, Qi Yun and Ye Jiao still considered Xu Bao's feelings. They didn't move closer together but instead pulled apart slightly, appearing to fidget with the snacks on the table in a serious manner. Yet their gestures of breaking pieces for each other to eat still revealed an unmistakable sweetness.

Xu Bao was naturally a clever and bright child. "The Song of the Five Sons" was neither long nor short. After silently reciting it twice with his eyes closed, he had memorized it.

But when he opened his eyes and saw his parents leaning together again, Xu Bao very obediently turned around, preparing to silently recite the text again.

Having seen such things often, they were no longer novel. Little Xu Bao understood very well when he should speak and when he should be quiet.

But just as he turned around, Ye Jiao noticed and immediately pushed away her husband, instead reaching out to scoop up Xu Bao into her arms, smiling: "Has Xu Bao finished reciting?"

Xu Bao obediently raised his smiling face and nodded: "Finished."

Qi Yun, who had been pushed by his wife, calmly straightened up and cleared his throat lightly, looking at his eldest son with a serious expression: "And the meaning? Do you understand it all?"

Xu Bao immediately puffed out his little chest: "I understand it all."

Usually in front of Ye Jiao, Xu Bao was well-behaved and adorable, never competitive or aggressive.

But in front of Qi Yun, he was completely different. In Xu Bao's eyes, his father was the most learned person in the world, even more learned than Third Uncle. Xu Bao's dream was to become an official and administrator, to be a high official and manage his father.

Even though Xu Bao had given up the idea of constantly pressing Qi Yun to read to him every day, his ideal of becoming a high official had never changed.

So Xu Bao thought that no matter what, his learning must be higher than his father's in order to become a high official.

Therefore, whenever Qi Yun asked about his studies, Xu Bao would pay special attention.

Qi Yun knew Xu Bao's abilities and nodded, reaching out to touch his son's head: "Truly intelligent," his voice paused, "worthy of being my son."

These words ostensibly praised Xu Bao, but actually ended up praising himself.

Yet Ye Jiao was particularly supportive, smiling as she said: "Naturally, husband is extremely capable," then she looked at her son, kissed the little fellow's forehead, and said, "Xu Bao is also exceptionally gifted."

Look at this little head, being bigger than others' should mean being smarter than others.

Xu Bao laughed happily as he leaned against Ye Jiao's embrace, his big dark eyes rolling around as he said to Qi Yun: "Daddy, you explain better than Master Feng."

Hearing this, Qi Yun looked at Xu Bao: "As a disciple, one must not speak of the teacher's faults."

Xu Bao shook his head: "Master Feng is already very, very good, but Daddy explains better than anyone. When you explain, I understand. Daddy is naturally better."

This praise was sincere, and Qi Yun said nothing more, simply accepting it completely.

Then he heard Xu Bao say: "If only Daddy could be a teacher."

Qi Yun raised his eyebrows slightly, not expecting his son to have such thoughts, and asked: "Why do you want me to be a teacher?"

Xu Bao looked up at him, his voice carrying childish softness: "The books say, 'A teacher of classics is easy to meet, but a teacher of character is hard to encounter.' If Daddy could be a teacher, teaching and educating people, he would surely be like Master Feng hopes, with students throughout the world and spring radiance in all directions."

Upon hearing this, Qi Yun looked at his son with some surprise, and Ye Jiao also looked down at Xu Bao.

In Little Ginseng's heart, Xu Bao was still that soft little child who always spoke in repeated words with a babyish voice. Perhaps because Xu Bao remembered things early and spoke articulately, this made Ye Jiao feel he was no different now from when he was two or three years old.

Even though Xu Bao had just recited poetry for her, with famous verses flowing from his mouth, Ye Jiao still felt he was very young.

But now when Xu Bao said these words, Ye Jiao felt her child had grown up considerably. Although Ye Jiao didn't know what was good about being a teacher, hearing Xu Bao's words inexplicably made her feel that being a teacher was an excellent thing.

However, soon Xu Bao shook his head again, gripping Qi Yun's fingers: "Never mind."

Qi Yun, who had just been surprised by his child, couldn't help but say: "What, don't you like it anymore?"

Xu Bao pressed his pink little lips together and muttered: "Daddy is busy. You read to me so rarely. If you taught others too, you'd be even busier. Xu Bao doesn't want that."

Upon hearing this, gone was the earlier maturity, he was still that childish little fellow.

Qi Yun couldn't help but smile faintly, and Ye Jiao also reached out to rub her son's little chubby face.

At this moment, Little Su knocked on the door outside: "Master, Nanny Mo says the young master and young lady have woken up."

Ye Jiao looked at the time and felt it was time to serve dinner, so she thought of bringing them in to eat.

However, Qi Yun spoke first: "Xu Bao, would you go eat dinner with your brother and sister?"

Xu Bao had always liked clinging to Ye Jiao, but he was particularly obedient to Qi Yun. Without Second Master Qi saying much more, Xu Bao released Ye Jiao's hand, stood up on the soft couch, let Qi Yun hold him down to the ground, then the little chubby fellow bowed to his parents before opening the door and leaving, holding Little Su's hand.

Seeing Qi Yun send Xu Bao away, Ye Jiao knew there was something he didn't want Xu Bao to hear, so she asked: "Husband, do you have something to tell me?"

Qi Yun nodded but didn't speak immediately. Instead, he had someone serve dinner first.

Because Ye Jiao loved good food, the Qi family's small kitchen always varied the dishes. As long as they cooked well, there would be reward money, so the cooks in the small kitchen were all particularly diligent.

Among the dishes served today, besides those Ye Jiao had seen before, there was one she hadn't seen.

She held her chopsticks but didn't pick anything up, instead turning to look at Qi Yun.

Seeing this, Second Master Qi picked up a bowl to serve Ye Jiao soup, saying gently: "This sea cucumber is extremely fresh. The restaurant got some and sent some to the house."

Speaking of ingredients, Little Ginseng had seen many, but she had mostly stayed in the mountains. The birds and beasts she'd seen all walked on land. She had rarely seen things from the sea, so her eyes inevitably held curiosity.

Qi Yun continued: "Sea cucumber is a flavorless ingredient, very difficult to cook, but when properly handled, this sea cucumber is excellent to eat. Select small spiny sea cucumbers, soak them to remove sand and mud, then blanch them three times in meat broth, then red-braise them in chicken and meat broth until tender, finally stew them with mushrooms and wood ear to make soup, and it becomes delicious. Try it, Jiao Niang."

It was clearly just a bowl of slightly dark-colored soup, and Ye Jiao hadn't had much desire to eat it, but after Qi Yun's explanation, Ye Jiao developed an appetite.

It seemed that every time she tried something new, Qi Yun would explain the cooking method to Ye Jiao, always describing it in detail and enticingly, making Ye Jiao involuntarily put it in her mouth.

Now she took a spoon and ate a mouthful of soup, immediately feeling her mouth full of fresh fragrance, tender and chewy, like pig's trotters but more elastic than trotters.

After just one taste, Ye Jiao liked it.

Seeing her smile with delight, Qi Yun also showed a smile and said to Little Su: "Who made this soup?"

Little Su quickly replied: "It was made by the head chef from the restaurant."

Qi Yun didn't find this strange. After all, this dynasty didn't place much importance on ocean fishing. Sea cucumber was a rare delicacy, naturally hard to obtain. Ordinary cooks probably hadn't seen it and wouldn't know how to handle it, which was normal. He said nothing more, just: "Send an ingot of silver to the restaurant, consider it payment for this dish."

Although sea cucumber wasn't common, an ingot of silver for one dish was still rather expensive.

However, Little Su knew this was reward money for the head chef, so she agreed and quickly went out to pass on the message.

Ye Jiao finished one bowl and didn't immediately serve herself a second, instead looking at Qi Yun: "What did husband want to say earlier? Go ahead."

Qi Yun picked up some fresh bamboo shoots for her, saying: "That person came today and told me two things."

Ye Jiao nodded but didn't speak, waiting for Qi Yun to continue.

She heard Qi Yun say: "The first matter was asking when father and mother will come to the capital. Miss Meng and Third Brother's marriage needs to begin preparations."

Ye Jiao had always kept this matter in mind. Since only the two Qi brothers were in the capital, with elder brother and parents not nearby, Lady Liu had entrusted Third Brother to Ye Jiao, asking her to pay more attention. Ye Jiao also cared about Qi Ming. Marriage was a major life event, so naturally she needed to think more about it.

Hearing Qi Yun's words now, Ye Jiao nodded: "Calculating, it's about time. Mother told me before that the betrothal gifts were already prepared. As soon as the emperor grants the marriage, they can immediately be sent to the capital. However, Mother also said they need to arrange a residence for Third Brother first."

Qi Yun's hand holding the chopsticks paused slightly, then he said softly: "This is the second matter. The emperor has granted Third Brother a residence. It should be in Third Brother's hands soon."

Hearing this, Ye Jiao first smiled, thinking it was good news, but seeing Qi Yun's face showed no smile, she was somewhat puzzled: "Doesn't husband think it's good?"

Qi Yun didn't hide it from her and said directly: "I can't say whether it's good or bad, I just feel this residence is somewhat hot to handle, not very secure to hold."

Chu Chengyun said it was because Qi Ming had given him advice that he wanted to grant Qi Ming a residence.

But what advice it was, whether it would bring trouble to Qi Ming, Chu Chengyun hadn't said, and Qi Yun couldn't ask. He just felt this residence wouldn't be easy to live in.

Ye Jiao didn't know these inside details. She had always been straightforward about what was in her heart, and this time was no different: "Husband said before that the emperor treats Third Brother well, like a brother treats a younger brother. I think he wouldn't push Third Brother into a pit."

Qi Yun thought carefully and felt his wife's words made sense.

After all, Qi Ming had already firmly stood behind Chu Chengyun and would inevitably be bound together in the future. Whether good or bad, there was no way to change it.

Taking a step back, Chu Chengyun was no longer what he used to be. If he could be ruthless enough to protect Empress Meng, he could naturally find ways to protect Qi Ming.

This time finding the Xiao family to stand in front wasn't protecting Qi Ming?

Thinking of this, Qi Yun felt much more open-minded and said softly: "Each has their own destiny, gains and losses."

Ye Jiao was focused on eating bamboo shoots. Hearing this, she looked up at Qi Yun, wanting to ask something, but then saw Qi Yun hand her a custard bun. She forgot what she wanted to ask and just smiled while eating dinner.

After eating, Qi Yun went to write to the Qi family elders, inviting them to the capital. Ye Jiao sat nearby, fanning herself with a round fan, then fanning Qi Yun, and got up to grind ink for Qi Yun.

Ordinary people would find holding a grinding stone tedious, but Ye Jiao treated this as entertainment, doing it with particular enthusiasm.

Qi Yun also enjoyed having red sleeves add fragrance. Although his wife didn't have the rich fragrance described in books, she had the sweet scent of osmanthus and the milky fragrance from just drinking a bowl of milk, which made Qi Yun feel even more comfortable.

This made Qi Yun, while writing his letter, frequently glance at his wife, though he would look away when Ye Jiao looked over.

The man seemed to split himself in half, one half seriously writing the family letter with perfect wording and phrasing without any omissions, while the other half studied the lovely woman before him. His mind produced a heap of words describing beauties, yet he felt none could compare to her goodness.

His wife was wonderful in every way, beyond what ordinary words could express.

After Qi Yun finished writing the letter, he picked it up and blew on it, waiting for the writing to dry before handing it to Ye Jiao: "Jiao Niang, help me see if anything was left out."

Ye Jiao took it and was about to sit aside to look, but Qi Yun instead gripped Ye Jiao's wrist with his other hand, not using force, just holding it loosely, looking like it could be freed with a slight struggle.

But Little Ginseng very naturally turned her body and sat on Qi Yun's lap, finding a comfortable position, leaning sideways against the man's chest, grasping Qi Yun's arm to wrap around her waist so she wouldn't slide down, while Ye Jiao's eyes remained fixed on the letter.

Clearly doing something intimate, yet Ye Jiao's face showed no other meaning.

Qi Yun also didn't do anything else, just held her as they looked at the letter together.

Ye Jiao focused on looking at Qi Yun's handwriting. As she looked, she muttered: "When will I be able to write as beautifully as husband?"

Hearing her mention this, Qi Yun thought of Ye Jiao's characters that always lay on the ground in a heap, and couldn't help but curve his lips: "Jiao Niang writes very well, don't force it."

Ye Jiao stared at him, her cheeks slightly puffed: "Husband is lying to me. Where is it good?" She clearly knew her own writing was unpresentable.

But Qi Yun replied calmly: "It's legible. Jiao Niang's writing is unique in the world, no one else can write like that."

These words sounded like praise. Ye Jiao smiled at first, but soon sensed something was wrong.

Where was he saying her writing was good? He was clearly laughing at her!

Even though Ye Jiao acknowledged her poor handwriting, she straightened up and opened her mouth to bite the man's hand.

However, she couldn't bear to use force and only intended to nibble once before letting go.

Who knew Qi Yun would suddenly stand up, making Little Ginseng instinctively reach out her arms to tightly embrace the man's neck.

Qi Yun held her horizontally, his expression calm: "Wife, is there anything missing from the letter?"

Ye Jiao looked at the letter paper that had somehow been taken away by Qi Yun and placed on the table, and shook her head.

Qi Yun looked down at her, the corners of his mouth slightly raised: "Then there's no need to look anymore. The night is deep, why don't we rest?"

Ye Jiao understood Qi Yun's meaning and didn't object at all. Instead, she held the man tighter and nodded with a smile.

Then Qi Yun carried Ye Jiao into the inner room.

A few years ago, Second Master Qi absolutely couldn't have carried Ye Jiao. Even though Ye Jiao had a body that couldn't gain weight and was lighter than ordinary women, at that time Qi Yun, who could strain his back from a single cough, was more fragile than a paper lantern. Forget carrying people, even using a little force could leave him flat on his back unable to get up.

Now it was different. Qi Yun's health had been well-adjusted, and Ye Jiao had also taken good care of him. Although he still needed constant care, carrying Ye Jiao was no problem.

Ye Jiao had been worried at first, but seeing Qi Yun carry her several steps without stumbling, she let him be.

However, after walking into the inner room, neither of them noticed there was a small wooden horse on the floor.

This had been played with by Xu Bao earlier and casually left on the ground. Normally, this small wooden horse wasn't a small object and could usually be seen, but Ye Jiao was staring at Qi Yun while Qi Yun was carrying someone and couldn't see his feet, so neither of them noticed.

Thus, Qi Yun kicked the small wooden horse, and the next moment he was tripped and involuntarily stepped forward.

He finally managed to steady himself, but Ye Jiao in the man's arms bounced out of his embrace.

Fortunately, the bed was right ahead, with thick enough bedding. When Ye Jiao was "deposited" on it, she didn't feel pain, just somewhat dazed.

Unfortunately, Ye Jiao had forgotten she was still tightly holding her husband's neck. The result was that Second Master Qi, who had just managed to stand steady and hadn't had time to pull Ye Jiao back, was pulled by Ye Jiao to fall onto the bed.

One lying down, one on top, when their eyes met, neither spoke.

Qi Yun read from Ye Jiao's eyes the pity of "Husband, you really need more nourishment." Second Master Qi wanted to defend himself, but the next moment, he felt his waist tighten.

Then, positions reversed. The usually steady and composed Second Master Qi lay on the bed with a bewildered expression, looking at Ye Jiao sitting on his waist, and asked: "Jiao Niang, how did you... I'm not..."

But Ye Jiao felt she had just exhausted her husband and felt particularly distressed.

So she reached out to cup Qi Yun's face, leaned down to kiss him, and comforted: "It's alright, I know. Take your time, husband, no rush."

Qi Yun: ...

"This time you don't move, I'll do it. But remember to massage my waist tomorrow."

Qi Yun was stunned for a moment, immediately thinking of a certain scene, his ears turning completely red.

All of Second Master Qi's explanations were swallowed back, and he just nodded and agreed.

Since it was a good thing, Qi Yun had no reason to refuse.

Ultimately, this night was quite memorable. The only thing Second Master Qi couldn't understand was why the next day it was still his energetic wife who massaged his waist...

Could his wife really be a yang-absorbing, yin-supplementing demon?

After some more days, when the cicadas in the capital began to sing, the residence granted to Qi Ming by Chu Chengyun was finally renovated.

This courtyard was originally confiscated property, previously home to a fourth-rank official who was demoted and sent from the capital during the administrative purge, and his granted residence was also reclaimed by the imperial family.

Although it was now granted to Third Master Qi, to live in it still required renovation.

Though called renovation, the craftsmen sent were only responsible for major repairs to the houses and courtyards, repainting walls and pillars to make it look like a brand new residence. But the flowers and plants inside, tables and chairs, and small items like pots and pans all needed to be rearranged.

On the day Qi Ming moved, Qi Yun and Ye Jiao also went to help Qi Ming arrange things.

Since moving was inherently chaotic, Ye Jiao didn't bring the children, only bringing capable servants from home. As soon as Ye Jiao entered the residence, she directed people to arrange furniture.

After the large items were finished, Ye Jiao didn't manage the small details anymore. Instead, she called people brokers to help Qi Ming select serving boys and attendants.

Originally, they needed to select some maids too, but Qi Yun said Third Master Qi's life wasn't that particular. Previously, it was just Liu Si attending to him personally, so he wouldn't need maids in the future either.

"When Third Brother gets married, let Fifth Miss Meng select maids." Qi Yun said this lightly, though only he understood the meaning.

His Third Brother was quite a catch. Previously, even Fourth Miss Zhu could throw away her dignity and literally fall at his doorstep. Who knew if others might cause other incidents in the future?

Having once nearly been approached by a maid in his study, Qi Yun felt it was good to be cautious about everything.

While Fifth Miss Meng was keeping watch, it was better to nip potential threats to their engagement in the bud early.

So Ye Jiao only selected male servants and found a few capable women from home to tend the kitchen, which was barely adequate.

Qi Ming followed behind Ye Jiao the entire time, exceptionally well-behaved.

Although he had generally learned how to be an official, he knew nothing about managing household affairs. Having his sister-in-law come to help made Qi Ming extremely grateful. Naturally, he wouldn't say no to anything, just being a good little tail following behind Ye Jiao. Whatever Ye Jiao asked, he would answer, very obediently.

When everything was settled, they finally had time to rest in the front hall.

As soon as Qi Yun sat down, he saw Qi Ming stand up and bow to him solemnly: "Thank you, Second Brother, for renting the courtyard to me before."

Upon hearing this, Qi Yun instinctively looked at Tie Zi.

That courtyard was Qi Yun's private property. Not many people knew about this. Ye Jiao certainly wouldn't say anything, so it could only be Tie Zi.

Tie Zi immediately covered his mouth and shook his head, trying hard to prove his innocence.

Qi Yun raised an eyebrow, suddenly remembering that the person in the palace also knew. It made sense for Chu Chengyun to reveal this to Qi Ming. There was nothing to investigate. Qi Yun said coolly to Qi Ming: "It doesn't matter. You paid silver to rent, I received silver to rent to you. It was just business, nothing to thank."

Although he said this, Qi Ming knew in his heart that the courtyard was well-located with a good area, probably very difficult to acquire.

Although his Second Brother often tormented him, he had considered everything for him, taking care of every detail. Qi Ming even felt that making him write large characters box after box was Qi Yun's way of training him.

Second Brother was truly an excellent person.

Seeing Qi Ming's moved expression, Qi Yun said nothing, just drank his tea silently.

Just then, Liu Si came in: "Master, Director Xiao has arrived."

Hearing this, Qi Ming said: "Please ask him to wait for me in the study." Then Qi Ming said to Qi Yun and Ye Jiao: "Brother Xiao coming to see me is probably official business."

Qi Yun nodded, his expression unchanged: "Go ahead."

Only then did Qi Ming leave.

After he left, Qi Yun said softly: "This Director Xiao is probably the former top scholar, Xiao Yuanbai."

Ye Jiao smiled: "Last time at Third Brother's door, I saw them sharing a carriage. Later, Third Brother also asked me for peach blossom cakes to give to Director Xiao. They seem to have an excellent relationship."

Upon hearing this, Qi Yun fell silent.

Because Qi Yun had been paying more attention lately, he could vaguely learn that Qi Ming's advice was to reform the imperial examinations, add legal subjects, and employ people based on talent alone.

This wasn't something that could be accomplished overnight. The previous emperor had been gradually implementing it while alive, and now they were just confirming it.

There were naturally dangers involved. Employing people based on talent alone would inevitably infringe on the interests of some high-ranking households. Their displeasure was normal, and it would also affect many scholar-officials' interests. These people would inevitably resent Qi Ming.

However, it was Xiao Yuanbai who submitted the memorial, with Qi Ming's name only following behind. The one strongly advocating implementation was Chancellor Meng, and the one who approved it was Chu Chengyun.

With these figures in front, they formed an iron wall that no one could touch.

Especially the Xiao family, who rose from Hedong and were among the top prestigious families in the capital. Many powerful families looked to them for leadership. As long as the Xiao family spoke, the matter was half done.

Originally, Qi Yun thought Xiao Yuanbai standing in front of Qi Ming to help him block most of the arrows probably involved Chu Chengyun's hints, but now it seemed this Top Scholar Xiao had a considerable relationship with his Third Brother.

Seeing him remain silent, Ye Jiao was somewhat curious: "Husband, what are you thinking about?"

Hearing this, Qi Yun gripped Ye Jiao's hand and said softly: "I'm thinking that Third Brother's ability to make friends is much greater than his ability to study."

Going out, he recognized a sworn brother who turned out to be the future emperor. His colleague at work was a Hedong aristocrat. Even the beloved he fell for at first sight while riding through the streets had a chancellor for a father.

Third Brother didn't have many friends, but each one was extremely useful.

Ye Jiao heard this vaguely and was about to ask when she saw Tie Zi run through the door.

Qi Yun looked at him: "Catch your breath before speaking."

Tie Zi obediently straightened up and took several deep breaths before saying: "Master, Princess Huaning just sent someone to say that General Ye has returned victorious and is stationed at Ten-Li Pavilion. He'll enter the capital tomorrow."