Lady of Fortune, Jiao Niang

Chapter 60

The news that Third Young Master Qi had won first place as top candidate quickly spread in the area.

Nowadays, there weren't many literate people. Ordinary families just hoped to raise their children safely so they could help with household work and support the family. Often only families with some money could think of sending their children to study and write.

Qi Ming had been supervised by his Second Brother Qi Yun since childhood. He also enjoyed reading and had always had a reputation for being clever. But since he went to school early and rarely returned home, others didn't know how well Qi Ming was actually doing.

Who could have thought that he would quietly return home with a top candidate title, bringing great honor to the Qi family!

The messenger arrived one step ahead of Qi Ming, shouting all the way that Third Young Master Qi had passed and won first place as top candidate, spreading the news.

When Qi Ming returned home, he saw the house was already busy, with big red lanterns hung up, preparing to host a banquet to celebrate for him.

This made Qi Ming somewhat embarrassed: "Mother, the county examination is only the first hurdle. There's still the prefectural examination in April. If your son doesn't do well then, wouldn't Mother's kind intentions now be wasted?"

Qi Ming's meaning was simple: the imperial examinations were never a sure thing. Whether examination essays were good or not depended entirely on the examiner's judgment.

Now he had won top candidate, but for the next prefectural examination, he didn't dare say he would definitely pass.

If he didn't pass, wouldn't he be disappointing Mother Liu's expectations?

Mother Liu was currently discussing with Ye Jiao and Fang about the dishes to serve at tonight's banquet. Hearing Qi Ming's words, Mother Liu glared at him: "Don't say those unlucky things. Third Son, quickly spit three times."

Qi Ming obediently did as told.

Fang smiled sincerely and said: "Third Brother, don't worry. Although the county examination is the first hurdle, countless people can't even pass the county examination. Now that you've won top candidate, this is the first of the three minor honors. In our area, you're the only one in ten years to achieve this. Celebrating is appropriate."

Mother Liu could hear that Fang's words had implications, as ten years ago the one who won top candidate in the county examination was her father.

But Mother Liu didn't think this boasting was inappropriate. After all, this was her own father's achievement, so mentioning it was reasonable.

But Fang seemed afraid Mother Liu might overthink it and quickly added: "Especially since Third Brother is only fifteen after New Year. Such a young top candidate should indeed be a great blessing."

Ye Jiao also nodded. Qi Yun had just explained to her that winning this top candidate was not easy for Third Brother.

Qi Yun had also roughly explained the imperial examination path to Ye Jiao, what the provincial and metropolitan examinations were. Little Ginseng listened in a daze, only remembering the general idea.

She calculated in her mind that Third Brother was only five more examinations away from becoming the top scholar. It would be soon.

Obviously, Little Ginseng also had blind faith in Qi Ming, this "student" brought up by Qi Yun.

Qi Ming's face turned red. Although his personality was relatively calm and his studies and writing were top-notch, he was still a half-grown youth. Being thin-skinned, when his mother and sisters-in-law praised him so fiercely to his face, he felt he couldn't handle it and fled with a red face.

Mother Liu looked at his retreating figure and smiled: "Third Son is still a child after all. He'll need more tempering in the future."

Fang put the menu aside and brought up another matter: "Mother, speaking of which, Third Brother isn't young anymore. Should we arrange a marriage for him?"

This wasn't beyond Fang's duties. As the eldest sister-in-law, she should mention this to Mother Liu.

But Mother Liu still shook her head: "Third Son is clever, and this time he won top candidate in the county examination. He has great blessings ahead. If he truly becomes an official one day, he'll be different from ordinary people. His marriage should be planned later."

Hearing this, Fang nodded and didn't mention it again.

Ye Jiao just listened without expressing opinions. After all, these matters didn't need her to worry about. Little Ginseng's attention was more focused on the menu in her hands.

The Qi family was different from others. When hosting banquets, they didn't hire outside chefs, only used their own kitchen maids. The dishes served weren't necessarily expensive, similar to what they usually ate.

But the Qi family usually ate well, so just setting out their usual food looked appetizing.

Ye Jiao's eyes scanned the menu once, seeing that most of it was food she hadn't tried before, and felt her stomach beginning to get hungry.

Then Ye Jiao looked outside, as if calculating the time.

Hungry, wanted to eat.

But Mother Liu misunderstood Ye Jiao's intention. Seeing Ye Jiao looking outside expectantly, she thought she was missing Qi Yun. Smiling inwardly, she said calmly: "It's getting late. I won't keep you two either. You don't need to help with other things, the servants will naturally arrange everything. You go back and change clothes first. Come when the banquet starts."

Hearing this, the two daughters-in-law stood up and bowed, each returning to their courtyards.

As soon as Ye Jiao entered the courtyard gate, she saw Tie Zi returning from outside and called out to him: "Where did you go?"

Hearing this, Tie Zi immediately stopped and respectfully replied to Ye Jiao: "Second Young Mistress, I just went to call Doctor Li to come..."

At these words, Ye Jiao became anxious.

Doctor Li regularly came to the Qi family to examine Qi Yun's health, but the difference was that previously when Qi Yun's health was constantly poor, especially last year when he had reached the terrible state of being bedridden and unable to get up, Doctor Li came every day, doing his human best and leaving the rest to heaven.

But now it was different. Qi Yun's health had improved considerably, so Doctor Li only came once every ten days to check on his peace and safety.

Ye Jiao remembered that today shouldn't be the day for Doctor Li to come, but Tie Zi was going to fetch him. Her first reaction was naturally that Qi Yun's health had taken a turn for the worse!

Before Tie Zi could finish speaking, Ye Jiao lifted her skirt and started running.

Little Su hurriedly followed behind, shouting: "Young Mistress, slower, slower, don't fall!"

Tie Zi also quickly caught up, afraid something might happen to Ye Jiao.

Qi Yun heard the noise inside and quickly opened the door, only to be embraced by his wife.

The man quickly supported her and also reached out to brace himself against the door frame, pulling Ye Jiao into his arms and saying: "Why are you running? What if you fell? Don't do this again in the future."

Ye Jiao grabbed Qi Yun's arm and stepped back from his embrace. Her hands frantically felt around the man's body, her voice somewhat tight: "Husband, where do you feel unwell? Are you cold, or hot, or did you bump into something?"

Hearing this, Qi Yun was startled, then seeing Tie Zi who had returned, he guessed the reason.

He turned and hugged Ye Jiao, smiling: "It's nothing. I just wanted Doctor Li to come take a look. My health is fine."

Ye Jiao looked at him with some confusion: "If you're fine, why have the doctor come?"

Qi Yun wanted to say it was to examine her, but since Jiao Niang didn't seem sick, saying this without reason might worry Ye Jiao unnecessarily. So he concealed it and only said: "Spring is here and the weather is nice. I was thinking of taking you to our family's garden in the mountains in a while. When that time comes, it won't be easy for Doctor Li to come, so I moved it up a bit."

Hearing this, Ye Jiao breathed a sigh of relief and reached out to hang on the man's neck, mumbling: "Then tell me earlier next time. You scared me just now."

Qi Yun patted her back: "It's my fault. It won't happen again. I'll definitely explain everything to Jiao Niang clearly first."

Ye Jiao smiled and then remembered the upcoming banquet, so she pulled Qi Yun to help her choose clothes.

Tie Zi pulled Little Su aside.

Little Su had recently begun to show results from learning proper behavior with Nanny Liu. When following Ye Jiao, she was much more composed, but in front of Tie Zi, she unconsciously showed her girlish side: "Brother Tie Zi, is there something to eat?"

Hearing this, Tie Zi smiled and patted her forehead: "All you think about is eating. Don't worry, you won't go without food later." Then Tie Zi tapped at the two people choosing clothes over there, then looked back at Little Su: "I have something to tell you."

Little Su nodded: "Brother Tie Zi, please tell me."

"Later, Second Young Master will go to the front hall, and you'll be with Second Young Mistress in the back hall. If anything happens, remember to come to the front hall to find me."

"Alright."

"Also, Young Master just had me call the doctor for Second Young Mistress, though we don't know the reason yet. But when Doctor Li comes later, he'll inevitably encounter the banquet."

Little Su blinked: "Then should I say Young Master asked him to come check for peace and safety?"

Tie Zi smiled: "Right, just say Young Master asked him to come. Don't say it was specifically requested for Second Young Mistress, and don't explain to Second Young Mistress either, to avoid disturbing her mood."

Little Su nodded to remember, and then Tie Zi went out to wait while Little Su went to bring fresh tea.

After about an hour, someone came to say that people had started arriving in front to offer congratulations.

Qi Yun was drawing Ye Jiao's eyebrows, his expression focused, his voice unconsciously softened: "This time, mostly managers from various families and wealthy merchants are coming. Later I'll go to the front to be with Father, Big Brother, and Third Brother to meet the visitors. You stay in the back hall and listen to Mother."

Ye Jiao had originally been focused on thinking about food, but hearing Qi Yun's words, she still pulled his sleeve: "Then don't stand by the main door. The wind is strong. Just wait inside the front room."

Qi Yun softened his expression and agreed.

After finishing her makeup and helping her pin her hairpin, Qi Yun went to the front hall while Ye Jiao went to the back hall.

Many people came today, partly to congratulate Third Young Master Qi, and partly hoping to use the opportunity to get closer to the Qi family.

If originally the Qi family was just an ordinary wealthy household, now in others' eyes, this family seemed to have limitless prospects.

The eldest son's estate was peaceful, the second son's shops were thriving, and now the third son could return home with top candidate honors, bringing glory to the family. All three Young Masters of the Qi family were enviable.

Most people, unlike the Cai family who schemed to cause trouble, thought about maintaining good relationships so they could help each other in the future.

Most visitors also brought their families, which was a sign of respect for the Qi family.

Mother Liu stayed in the back hall with her two daughters-in-law, entertaining the female guests. There wasn't much to do, just chatting and laughing, so it wasn't tiring.

Dong Shi also came to help. She had a straightforward personality, and as the wife of someone from the Qi family's subordinate shops, helping was reasonable. When she sat down, Ye Jiao waved to her, having her sit beside herself.

Dong Shi looked over there and saw Meng beside Ye Jiao, so she sat on Ye Jiao's other side.

The Qi family didn't have such strict rules. Before the banquet, it was mostly for chatting, with people often standing up, so seating arrangements weren't so particular.

Since it wasn't yet time for the proper meal, only some fruits and pastries were on the table. But this time, Ye Jiao didn't reach for those pastries.

This surprised Dong Shi: "Jiao Niang, don't these osmanthus cakes suit your taste?"

Ye Jiao looked at the osmanthus cakes. She also found them delicious, especially after last time when she was thoroughly tormented by Qi Yun over eating one osmanthus cake, making Little Ginseng's impression of this pastry particularly deep.

But her mind was full of the upcoming menu, so naturally she didn't plan to fill her stomach with pastries and take up space.

Meng seemed able to guess Ye Jiao's thoughts but didn't point it out, just smiled warmly: "Last time, the Auspicious Flowers you gave me bloomed extremely well and smelled wonderful, but they kept dropping petals for no reason."

Dong Shi looked at Ye Jiao. Actually, when she grew them, this also happened, but she had been holding back from asking.

Ye Jiao didn't find it strange: "Those flowers fear cold and dislike wind. They drop when the wind blows. If you put them inside the house, they'll naturally bloom well."

Meng nodded and had the maid beside her remember this, then wanted to talk about something else.

Just then, a voice rang out: "Third Lady, congratulations to you. Your Third Son is truly promising."

Ye Jiao looked toward the voice and saw a familiar person.

Madam Zhang.

She had no particular impression of Madam Zhang, only remembering she was Mother Liu's surface friend. She didn't remember anything else.

After all, last time when Ye Jiao had slapped her face resoundingly, Ye Jiao herself didn't know how she had done it, so her impression of this person wasn't deep.

But Dong Shi saw her and said "Eh": "How does she dare bring Madam Qian out again?"

Ye Jiao couldn't help looking at the woman in plain clothes behind Madam Zhang. This time that person wasn't wearing a veil, but seeing these light colors, she knew it was Madam Qian.

Dong Shi was truly puzzled. Actually, she didn't know about the grudges between Madam Zhang and Mother Liu, but she remembered the scene these two had made at her medicine shop opening.

Last time when Madam Zhang and Madam Qian came and left, Dong Shi hadn't paid much attention since no trouble was caused. But later, when shop assistants gossiped with her, she learned that these two had made such a spectacle.

In Dong Shi's mind, to preserve face, it would be fine for Madam Zhang to come alone. Why bring Madam Qian, who had just embarrassed herself?

Moreover, looking at Madam Qian's outfit, she clearly hadn't learned her lesson and was still petty.

But Dong Shi didn't know that Madam Zhang had compelling reasons to bring Madam Qian out.

Just after the banquet started, as Ye Jiao was studying which dish was ham braised meat and which was red-cooked chicken, she suddenly heard Madam Zhang's voice: "Daughter-in-law, are you feeling unwell again? I told you that as someone carrying a child, you can't eat carelessly. Come, drink some soup, this one is mild."

At these words, everyone looked at Madam Qian.

Usually, getting married and having children wasn't anything new. What should happen would happen, but people rarely spoke about it so directly.

Especially since this was a banquet celebrating Third Young Master Qi's top candidate achievement, suddenly mentioning one's daughter-in-law's pregnancy seemed somewhat inappropriate.

Since they had mentioned it, as the host family, Mother Liu couldn't ignore it. She smiled faintly: "Having a child is a joyful thing, being able to add to the family is also a blessing." She instructed Nanny Liu: "Go cook her some noodles, in case she has morning sickness."

Madam Qian cooperatively lowered her head to thank her, but her eyes were looking at Ye Jiao.

Madam Zhang had brought her for reasons Madam Qian didn't know, but Madam Qian came to provoke Ye Jiao.

She was proud and arrogant but felt inferior to others everywhere, so she harbored resentment.

But glancing over, she found that Ye Jiao not only wasn't looking at her but was also continuously picking up food with her chopsticks, seeming quite content.

This made Madam Qian's mouth twitch. She covered her mouth with a handkerchief, seeming even more uncomfortable.

But Fang looked down on their behavior. She might be somewhat petty and calculating at home, but outside she always remembered she was the eldest daughter-in-law of the Qi family. Her words and actions always protected her family. Now seeing Madam Zhang intending to cause trouble, she said to Nanny Liu: "I see her morning sickness is quite severe. Don't use chicken broth for the noodles, just put in some vegetables. She can't eat much else, plain noodles will be more comfortable."

Her words implied that Madam Qian was being pretentious and hard to serve.

But Madam Zhang seemed unable to hear the implications, just smiling and looking particularly happy: "Indeed, life is boring without a child to make it lively. She never had any movement before, and I thought she was unlucky. Fortunately, my daughter-in-law is blessed."

But this statement didn't move Mother Liu and Ye Jiao. Instead, it hurt others' hearts.

Meng, who had thin connections to children due to previous back residence struggles, covered her face lightly with a handkerchief at hearing this, hiding her cold expression.

On the other side, Dong Shi, who had always wanted a child but never had one, and for whom this had become a daily concern, darkened her face and lost her smile.

Ye Jiao knew about Dong Shi's heartache. Hearing this, she finally put down her chopsticks and looked at Dong Shi with some concern: "Are you alright?"

Dong Shi forced a smile, but her mood was really poor.

Ye Jiao wanted to comfort her and reached out to cover Dong Shi's wrist.

But with this touch, she felt something different.

Ye Jiao blinked and switched hands, grasping Dong Shi's wrist and gently feeling it. Then she opened her eyes wide in surprise.

The pulse was smooth and flowing, round and slippery like pearls rolling on a jade plate, very similar to what Little Ginseng had felt when she used leaves to check the little fox's pulse before.

At that time, the little fox had given birth to a fat baby within a few months.

So now... was Spring Orchid pregnant?

But just then, whether from real discomfort or not, Madam Qian covered her mouth, her face turning pale.

Mother Liu frowned slightly, unclear whether from concern or annoyance.

Just then, someone came to Mother Liu and said: "Madam, Doctor Li has arrived and is waiting in the corridor."