Lady of Fortune, Jiao Niang

Chapter 195

Ye Ping Rong was coming back.

He had gone to war, and when generals were away, whatever happened wouldn't be quickly reported back to the capital. Even if there were military reports, unless it was a great victory, they wouldn't announce the war situation to ordinary people.

Regular battle reports would only be sent to the palace for the emperor and ministers to discuss, but wouldn't be casually told to others.

Ye Jiao was indeed Ye Ping Rong's biological sister, but she knew nothing about what Ye Ping Rong was actually doing at the frontier or how the battle situation was.

This was the first time Ye Jiao had heard news of Ye Ping Rong since the last great frontier victory, and she immediately learned that her elder brother was stationed at Ten-Li Pavilion, very close to the capital.

Ye Jiao immediately smiled, reaching out to tug at Qi Yun: "Can I go see elder brother?"

Qi Yun knew Ye Jiao extremely missed Ye Ping Rong. His wife had always been the type who "treats well whoever treats her well." Elder Brother Ye had never held back in his treatment of her, so Ye Jiao naturally kept Ye Ping Rong in her heart at all times.

Now hearing that Ye Ping Rong had returned and wanting to see him was normal.

But Qi Yun gently hugged Ye Jiao and said softly: "I also want to see elder brother earlier, but those who lead troops to war are different from others. As long as he hasn't returned to the capital and hasn't reported the battle situation to the emperor, he's still considered to be on the battlefield and can't easily see others. Moreover, now that he's stationed at Ten-Li Pavilion, it must be by the emperor's instruction. Tomorrow there will naturally be ceremonies to welcome him, with many things to prepare. We should wait."

Little Ginseng was someone who listened to reason, and what Qi Yun said made perfect sense, so she nodded. However, the smile on her face still couldn't be stopped.

At this moment, Qi Ming in the study also received the news. He and Xiao Yuanbai looked at each other, both showing some joy in their eyes.

The function of the Bureau of Military Affairs was to assist the chancellor in managing military and political affairs, taking charge of military secrets and managing frontier defenses.

When trouble arose at the frontier this time, the Bureau of Military Affairs was the first to know.

As Bureau Directors, both Qi Ming and Xiao Yuanbai had paid special attention to Ye Ping Rong's campaign. Now knowing he had returned victorious, both felt relieved.

Not only were they happy for Ye Ping Rong, but the pacification of the war was also good news for the Bureau of Military Affairs.

At least tomorrow the two would get a day of rest.

Xiao Yuanbai had always been steady in temperament. Although he was happy inside, his face remained calm: "This is good news. Tomorrow you'll accompany me to welcome General Ye outside the city."

Qi Ming smiled and nodded, his tone joyful: "Since it's a triumphant return, according to General Ye's previous promise to His Majesty, the frontier shouldn't have any enemy activity for 30 years."

Xiao Yuanbai nodded, the corners of his mouth slightly raised, looking quite pleased.

But speaking of this, Qi Ming was still somewhat puzzled: "Brother Xiao, you say those small foreign countries have always caused trouble. Now that our country is prosperous and militarily strong, why not make them tributary states? Wouldn't that bring more lasting stability?"

Hearing this, Xiao Yuanbai first picked up his teacup and took a sip, then said: "Since our dynasty's founding, we don't require other countries to pay tribute, not because we can't, but because we don't want to."

Qi Ming straightened up slightly: "Oh? What do you mean?"

If it were before, Xiao Yuanbai wouldn't have privately discussed such matters with others, but now he and Qi Ming were colleagues, and Qi Ming suited his temperament. Xiao Yuanbai didn't mind saying more: "When the previous dynasty was at its peak, it had many tributary states that paid tribute and came to court yearly, but the court had to spend ten or a hundred times more silver to support them. Their appetites were never satisfied, no amount of silver could fill them. Our dynasty no longer establishes tributary states and doesn't need that kind of prestige."

These things couldn't be read in books. Even though Qi Ming read well and wrote well, he ultimately came from an ordinary merchant-farmer background. He could see far ahead but couldn't look back at history.

But Xiao Yuanbai was different. The Xiao family had stood firm in Hedong for hundreds of years without falling. Their inheritance was naturally different from others, and they saw things differently too.

Others thought having all nations come to pay homage was dignified and magnificent, but to high-ranking families like the Xiao family, past history proved that wolves couldn't be tamed. It was better to be practical, so naturally they wouldn't have other thoughts.

Xiao Yuanbai continued: "Besides, those bandits resort to desperate measures because their home countries are harsh. If you really conquered such barren land, what use would it be? The Treasury Department alone would be in chaos. Better to forget it."

Qi Ming nodded and took Xiao Yuanbai's words to heart, then thought some more: "In that case, military funding still can't be reduced, otherwise frontier defense will be troublesome."

Xiao Yuanbai raised his eyes, thinking naturally it couldn't be reduced. This world wasn't a utopia, there were countless major and minor issues, everywhere requiring people and silver.

Taking a step back, there were many military officers in the court now. If funding was really cut, what would they use to earn military merit in the future?

But Xiao Yuanbai didn't speak too clearly about these things. Instead, he reached for a peach blossom cake from the plate.

Now the season of peach blossoms blooming had long passed. The peach tree branches no longer had delicate flowers, only green new buds. But there were still many peach blossom cakes available, especially those from the Qi family, which particularly suited Xiao Yuanbai's taste.

Qi Ming pushed the plate toward him and smiled: "These cakes were made by my Second Sister-in-law. She kept many, all stored in ice storage. Whenever you want to eat them, they can be taken out and prepared fresh."

If it were someone else, knowing that precious-as-gold ice storage was used to preserve food, they would probably be shocked by such extravagance.

But Xiao Yuanbai thought this was a good method and should have his own household learn it.

Qi Ming continued: "Since we're going outside the city tomorrow to welcome Director Ye, we probably won't need to go to the office in the afternoon. Brother Xiao, I see the weather is nice. Why don't you, Brother Guo, and I go out for a walk together?"

Guo Chengji?

Xiao Yuanbai's movement paused slightly. Actually, he and Guo Chengji were childhood friends who grew up together, but they had always found each other disagreeable, not only because of their different family backgrounds, but also because he had a quiet personality while Guo Chengji was overly lively. When they got together, it often ended unpleasantly.

However, when Qi Ming was present, Guo Chengji could restrain himself, and Xiao Yuanbai was too lazy to argue with him. These three fellow scholars often traveled together.

Hearing Qi Ming's words now, Xiao Yuanbai nodded lightly: "Alright, let's meet at Qi family restaurant tomorrow. I'll host."

Qi Ming was startled, not quite understanding why they should meet at the restaurant.

But he didn't investigate further, just smiled and nodded in agreement.

Since Qi Yun and his wife were still there, after Xiao Yuanbai finished discussing official business with Qi Ming, he took his leave.

Qi Yun and Ye Jiao ate dinner with Qi Ming, then looked around the house to see what needed to be added. After having Liu Si write it down, they returned home.

Early the next morning, Ye Jiao took Xu Bao to Princess Huaning's residence.

Originally Qi Yun was going to accompany her, but because Chancellor Meng was leading all the officials to welcome Ye Ping Rong outside the city, and many shops along the street belonged to the Qi family, including quite a few of the ten shops granted by Chu Chengyun, Qi Yun went to inspect the shops.

However, Qi Yun still escorted Ye Jiao to the entrance of Princess Huaning's residence before leaving with peace of mind.

Ye Jiao pulled Xu Bao's little hand as they walked inside. Though now somewhat bigger, little Xu Bao liked being held by his parents when sitting, but when walking around, the little fellow preferred to walk by himself.

Especially when with Ye Jiao, Xu Bao rarely let her carry him, mostly walking by himself so as not to tire his mother.

As he stepped over the threshold, Xu Bao asked while climbing: "Mother, are we here to see little brother Anhe again?"

Ye Jiao stopped and reached out to pull his little hand to help him, saying: "Not just to see little brother Anhe. Your uncle is returning today, so we're also here to see uncle."

Xu Bao had just steadied himself when he heard this and immediately looked up at Ye Jiao: "The uncle who rides the big horse?"

Ye Jiao smiled and nodded.

In Xu Bao's mind, Ye Ping Rong was good to him, could fly, and would play with him, so he was a good uncle. However, Ye Ping Rong had also said he would teach Ning Bao martial arts, and Xu Bao had always remembered this.

Now he instinctively frowned, looked around, then remembered that Ning Bao hadn't come. Only then did he smile with squinted eyes, swaying Ye Jiao's hand as they walked inside.

Little Ginseng didn't know what her son had been thinking in that short time, but seeing him happy, Ye Jiao also curved her lips as she led him toward the front hall.

Upon entering, Ye Jiao saw Shi family's wife sitting at the table and Princess Huaning pacing back and forth.

Since Ye Ping Rong was returning in triumph this time, and it was the first great victory since Chu Chengyun's accession to the throne, it naturally called for great celebration.

Even though Chu Chengyun hadn't personally gone outside the city to meet him, having Chancellor Meng lead all officials to welcome him was already extremely high honor. Ye Ping Rong would also need to go to the palace to report the battle results, receive rewards and punishments, and could only return home after eating the victory banquet in the palace.

As a princess, Princess Huaning naturally knew these procedures, but she was still very worried now, restlessly pacing back and forth. She didn't even notice Ye Jiao and Xu Bao entering.

Ye Jiao didn't disturb her, just led Xu Bao to sit beside Shi family's wife and asked quietly: "Did something happen?"

Shi family's wife shook her head, looking puzzled: "Princess Huaning was like this when I arrived. She won't say what's wrong when asked."

Perhaps their conversation was heard by Princess Huaning. She turned to look over, first smiled at Ye Jiao, then frowned again, walked over to sit down, and asked: "Jiao Niang, could you see where Ping Rong has reached now?"

Ye Jiao had just come from the street and smiled: "I just saw, it's very lively outside. Although there were many people and I was far away so I couldn't see clearly, the one at the front riding a horse decorated with flowers must be elder brother. Counting the time, he should be entering the palace now."

Speaking of which, it was also amusing. It seemed that whenever there was a mounted parade through the streets, they liked to tie something red to the person and put flowers on the horse's head.

Ye Ping Rong was a military officer, now wearing armor, his silver armor looking particularly heroic and spirited. But after being decorated with red silk, it looked somewhat awkward.

It was just that the people liked to see excitement, and wearing some bright colors was also part of celebrating with the people, so even if one didn't want to wear it, one had to.

This seemed nothing to Ye Jiao, but Princess Huaning showed no joy.

Shi family's wife couldn't help but comfort her: "Now that General Ye has returned triumphant and in good health, it fulfills the name you gave Anhe. This is a joyous occasion that should be celebrated happily."

Princess Huaning pressed her lips together. There were some things she didn't say clearly to the two people in front of her.

A mounted parade through the streets was naturally a good thing. This was glory bestowed by the emperor, naturally different from others.

But Princess Huaning knew this mounted parade carried risks.

Ye Ping Rong was upright and straightforward. Previously, he had always stayed by Chu Chengyun's side. As a close minister, he had Chu Chengyun's support in his words and actions, so naturally he didn't need to worry.

But now her husband had achieved military merit and returned in triumph, which should be a time of great glory. However, the more glorious the time, the more cautious one needed to be. Countless eyes were watching, and any misstep could damage imperial favor.

Especially since this time Ye Ping Rong was leading the troops independently, with subordinate rewards and punishments all depending on his reports to her imperial brother, Princess Huaning naturally worried in her heart.

The more one cared about someone, the more one would overthink for them. But some things became more frightening the more one thought about them. Princess Huaning was currently in this state.

But Princess Huaning couldn't explain these things to Shi family's wife and Ye Jiao, afraid of making them worry along with her.

Just then, a maid outside said: "Your Highness, the general has sent someone who requests an audience with Your Highness."

Princess Huaning immediately raised her head: "Let him in."

Then a man dressed as a guard entered, respectfully greeted everyone, and said: "Your Highness, the general asked me to bring this to Your Highness." As he spoke, the guard presented a brocade box.

A nearby nanny quickly walked over, took the box, and brought it back to hand to Princess Huaning.

Princess Huaning opened the box and saw a bracelet inside, along with a letter.

Ye Jiao looked at it. She had seen many fine things, especially since Qi Yun's trading caravans had done business near the frontier for years, bringing back countless precious jade items. Having seen so much, her eye for quality had been trained.

But even though Ye Jiao had seen so many fine things, she still thought the bracelet Ye Ping Rong sent to Princess Huaning was exceptionally rare.

This bracelet was made of jade, emerald green and lustrous, perfectly natural. At a glance, one could tell it wasn't ordinary.

Princess Huaning looked at the guard: "Why did you give me this?"

"In reply to Your Highness, this was a reward the general privately requested from His Majesty. As soon as he received it, he had this subordinate bring it to the princess."

Upon hearing this, Princess Huaning's face broke into a smile.

The jade bracelet looked valuable, but it wasn't something her imperial brother couldn't afford. Now that Ye Ping Rong had only asked for this and hadn't requested houses or land like many military officers, Princess Huaning understood.

Her husband had always been clear-headed and hadn't become arrogant even after achieving merit.

With her heart settled, her smile increased.

Princess Huaning dismissed the guard, directly removed the white jade bracelet from her wrist, replaced it with the jade one, then said to Shi family's wife and Ye Jiao: "Does it look good?"

The two naturally saw that Princess Huaning was showing off, but this princess rarely showed off. Now she was like a little squirrel that had gotten a fruit, pleased in an adorable way. They indulged her by nodding, and Shi family's wife even smiled as she praised the bracelet several times.

She was ostensibly praising the bracelet, but actually praising Ye Ping Rong's sincere feelings for Princess Huaning, which indeed made the previously gloomy Princess Huaning beam with joy.

Then Princess Huaning took out the letter from the box to read. After finishing, she quietly glanced at Shi family's wife, then put the letter back, her expression unchanged as she smiled: "There's still some time before Ping Rong returns. Why don't we find something to do?"

The well-behaved Xu Bao immediately raised his head and said crisply: "Want to see little brother, and want to see the parrot."

Princess Huaning already liked Xu Bao, so hearing his words, she naturally agreed and had someone bring Anhe out.

Shi family's wife smiled: "Speaking of parrots, I brought the crimson-breasted parrot Jiao Niang gave me today too. Why don't we put the two parrots together?"

Princess Huaning also found this interesting and nodded.

After a while, the nanny brought Anhe over, and Princess Huaning's parrot and Shi family's wife's parrot were placed side by side on the table, making Xu Bao's eyes unable to look away.

Both parrots were crimson-breasted parrots, but Princess Huaning's was slightly larger while Shi family's wife's was relatively smaller. However, its voice wasn't any quieter, instead being particularly talkative. As soon as it met Princess Huaning's parrot, it began chattering the words Shi family's wife had taught it.

Parrots simply mimicked speech, learning whatever people taught them. These crimson-breasted parrots were a clever variety, seeming to understand the meaning of words, making their speech particularly amusing.

But while people entertained parrots by making them talk, when parrots were together, it seemed like they were arguing.

Shi family's wife had mostly taught poetry, or else the names of fruits in the garden, so this parrot spoke in a scholarly manner. Princess Huaning's parrot was different, learning everything, whether what Princess Huaning taught or what the servants said. It remembered it all, speaking randomly, creating a strangely amusing effect when speaking continuously.

Later, the two parrots seemed to be competing. You say one sentence, I say one sentence. If you don't finish, I absolutely won't speak, but once I start, I can't stop!

Even little Anhe, who was being held and having his hands played with, looked over with bright, lively eyes.

Ye Jiao hadn't expected two birds to be able to argue and was first surprised, then could only laugh.

With this amusing entertainment, time passed much faster. When Ye Ping Rong entered, what he heard was a crisp voice saying: "Pluck out your feathers and make soup for little master Anhe!"

Ye Ping Rong: ...

The man paused, then entered and immediately saw the two parrots standing proudly on their perches with heads held high.

Ye Jiao heard the sound and turned around. Seeing Ye Ping Rong, she stood up and smiled: "Elder brother, you're finally back."

Princess Huaning had been holding Anhe with a smile, but hearing this, she paused, then turned around.

Upon seeing Ye Ping Rong, the previously cheerful Princess Huaning suddenly fell silent, sitting motionless with only her eyes fixed tightly on him, carefully examining him as if confirming whether this person was truly uninjured.

Ye Ping Rong saw through Princess Huaning's thoughts, his heart tightening as he quickly walked over: "Princess Huaning, I'm back."

Princess Huaning stood up, reached out to pinch him here and pat him there, only then feeling relieved. Then she opened her mouth, but in the end only said: "You're back. That's good."

Shi family's wife quietly moved aside and pulled Ye Jiao with her, sitting to the side to make room for Ye Ping Rong.

But the Ye Ping Rong couple didn't notice their small gesture, just looked at each other. Though they had thousands of words to say, they couldn't speak any of them.

Others thought Ye Ping Rong had gained glory and would probably be promoted, which should be cause for great joy.

Only they themselves knew how much fear and worry they had endured during the time apart. There was joy, but more than that was relief.

Princess Huaning was just relieved that her husband had returned completely whole, with all his arms and legs intact, which was truly wonderful.

Ye Ping Rong didn't know Princess Huaning was worried about his physical completeness. His eyes unconsciously moved to the little fellow in Princess Huaning's arms.

It wasn't that Ye Ping Rong deliberately wanted to look, but the little thing wrapped in swaddling clothes didn't like being held in the same position for too long. After a while, he naturally felt uncomfortable. But he didn't cry or fuss, just squirmed, hoping his mother would adjust how she held him and soothe him.

This movement caught Ye Ping Rong's attention.

Only then did Elder Brother Ye realize this was his son.

He was now a father too.

Princess Huaning saw his dazed expression and smiled, handing the child over to him: "This is Anhe, Ye Anhe. Hold him."

This name was one they had chosen together, so Ye Ping Rong naturally knew it.

But Ye Ping Rong had never held such a small baby. Previously when he played with Xu Bao and Ning Bao, those two boys were already big and could be tossed around casually. But this child was so small, so soft, looking like he wasn't even as long as his forearm. Ye Ping Rong really didn't know what to do.

Especially since this was his own son, his biological child. His feelings were naturally very different from looking at other people's children.

To hold him, he was wearing silver armor, but this child's skin was as soft as a bag of water. If he got bumped, he would be the one feeling heartbroken.

But if he didn't hold him, Ye Ping Rong couldn't stop liking him, so he finally extended his hands.

But his way of holding a child was different from others. General Ye spread his hands flat, evenly supporting the little baby, letting Anhe lie in his hands like he was holding some great treasure. His arms held straight, his expression solemn, looking extremely serious.

But this way of holding a child was truly unexpected. Shi family's wife couldn't help but cover her mouth and laugh, Ye Jiao also curved her lips, and Princess Huaning glanced at him sideways without saying anything, though the smile on her face couldn't be stopped.

Ye Ping Rong knew holding the child this way was wrong, so he only supported him carefully to examine him before returning him to Princess Huaning.

Little Anhe obviously didn't recognize Ye Ping Rong yet. People said fathers and sons were connected at heart and would recognize each other immediately, but reality was that little Anhe was startled and buried his face in Princess Huaning's embrace as soon as he returned to her arms.

Princess Huaning quickly held and soothed him, with Ye Ping Rong also leaning over to help soothe, but he received a kick to the leg from Princess Huaning. Ye Ping Rong laughingly moved farther away, but his eyes still wouldn't leave the child.

Seeing him like this, Princess Huaning said: "Spend more time with him later, and he'll recognize you."

Ye Ping Rong immediately said "Okay" with a continued smile.

Princess Huaning then continued: "Ping Rong, I..."

Before Princess Huaning could finish, the parrot raised its head first.

Since it was kept to entertain Princess Huaning, she often talked to it, and this parrot had a clever brain. Given a beginning, it could continue.

Now the parrot smoothly continued: "Ping Rong, I missed you, I missed you!"

Princess Huaning: ...

Upon hearing this, Ye Ping Rong was first confused, then understanding, finally just laughing with a bit of silliness.

One could imagine that Princess Huaning had spoken of missing him too often, which was why the parrot remembered.

Princess Huaning's ears turned completely red. She didn't dare look at Ye Jiao and Shi family's wife, who were laughing together, and just glared at the parrot.

Usually when Princess Huaning smiled, she was particularly radiant, but she was after all from a military family. When angry, her presence was extraordinary. With one glance, the parrot shut its mouth.

Princess Huaning's parrot had just threatened to pluck the feathers of its companion to make soup for the little master, but now, glared at by Princess Huaning, it developed a crisis sense that it might be the one getting plucked.

So the parrot hid its head under its wing and lay motionless, playing dead.

Shi family's wife took this opportunity to carefully pick up her parrot's cage, and Ye Jiao also tactfully scooped up Xu Bao. The two quietly left with their people, leaving time for the couple.

After they left, Ye Ping Rong took Anhe over to look at again, but without the earlier smile. Seeing Anhe yawn, he handed him to the nearby nanny, then embraced Princess Huaning and asked softly: "Have you told them about Liu Rong's situation?"

Princess Huaning shook her head, remembering the contents of Ye Ping Rong's letter in the box, and frowned slightly: "Really can't find him?"

Ye Ping Rong was silent for a while before nodding: "I just received the news too. It only said Liu Rong had planned a surprise attack but never returned. The battle report should come back in the next few days." His voice paused: "It's good that you didn't tell Mrs. Shi. We can hide it for as long as possible."

Princess Huaning pressed her lips together and asked softly: "Can he come back?"

Ye Ping Rong was silent again, then after a while replied: "It's a matter of life and death."