Lady of Fortune, Jiao Niang

Chapter 62

When the Qi family's back hall was bustling with activity, the three Qi brothers were not in the front hall, but had gone to stroll in the back garden.

Now it was the good time when winter had passed and spring had come. Although one could still feel the sharp cold in the morning and evening, by noon when the sun shone brightly, one would feel warm all over.

Seeing the fine weather, and since Qi Yun could now move around freely and his health was improving, eldest brother Qi Zhao saw that the banquet was almost over and brought his two younger brothers to walk around the courtyard, thinking they would return when it was time.

As soon as they came out of the front hall, Qi Ming seemed much more relaxed.

Actually, for Third Young Master Qi, being top candidate in the county examination wasn't really a title worth bragging about.

He had seen and heard much at the academy, and among the minor three yuan, county examination top candidates were the most numerous.

The higher you went, the harder it became. The county examination was just a threshold.

Although achieving top honors at his young age was indeed good news, for Qi Ming, his path in the imperial examinations was just beginning. There was still a long road ahead.

Celebrating for just one threshold examination was obviously not Qi Ming's intention.

However, seeing that his parents valued this achievement greatly, and Qi Ming could also see that most of the visitors hadn't come for him, but to have an excuse to visit and build relationships with his family. The focus was really on his father and two older brothers. So he said nothing and let his parents arrange the celebration.

But once the banquet started, every visitor praised him to the skies, and most of them were merchants. Their flattering words flowed so smoothly, describing Qi Ming as if he were the reincarnation of the Star of Literature. The praise made Qi Ming blush.

Now that he had escaped to peace and quiet, Qi Ming finally felt comfortable and at ease.

His series of changes were all observed by his two older brothers.

Qi Zhao had a straightforward temperament, but after being with his younger brother for so many years, he understood Third Son's character to some extent.

Just now he had seen Qi Ming's face turning red from embarrassment, looking like he could hardly stand it anymore, which was why he brought them out for a walk.

Now seeing Qi Ming's refreshed appearance, Qi Zhao couldn't help but exchange a glance with Qi Yun.

Qi Yun cooperatively nodded but smiled without speaking.

The brothers all tactfully avoided mentioning Third Son's county examination results, and Qi Zhao took the lead: "Now that the weather is getting warmer, when March comes, shall we all go out to see the flowers together?"

Although the Qi family was wealthy, while ordinary families would go out for spring outings, the prosperous Qi family had never had this luxury.

In previous years, it was either because Qi Yun was in poor health, or because they were taking care of Qi Ming's studies when he hadn't returned. They could never make the trip.

Now Qi Zhao was bringing up old plans because he was happy inside.

Second Brother's health had improved considerably, and Third Brother had achieved academic success. As the eldest brother, he had been delighted since New Year's, thinking they should go out and have fun this year.

Qi Ming opened his mouth but didn't speak. Instead, Qi Yun understood and said: "The spring outing plan might have to be delayed. Third Brother's next prefectural examination should be in April. Soon he'll need to visit new schools to enroll."

Qi Ming nodded repeatedly, showing some regret on his face.

Qi Zhao was good-natured: "Sorry Third Son, I didn't remember your examination schedule. But after you finish the exam will be May, which is also a good time."

Qi Ming also smiled and readily agreed.

Qi Yun then talked about his business: "Elder Brother, the wine shop is thriving now, but if we want to expand to the city, we might not have enough wine supply. I wonder if we could connect with Elder Brother's estates then, using grain from our own farms to brew wine?"

Once this suggestion was made, Qi Zhao knew his Second Brother was offering him benefits.

The grain from the estates, after paying the portion owed to the court, was either stored or sold.

The profit from this wasn't small, but it wasn't huge either.

But if it could be connected to wine brewing, even just providing raw materials, the profit for the estates would double.

Qi Zhao had never had this idea before. Even knowing the inside story, he had never brought it up, because he didn't want to interfere with his Second Brother's business, and didn't want his wife to know.

He understood Fang Shi's temperament best. She was easy to talk to when money wasn't involved, but once it touched silver, her head would get hot and her words and actions would be completely different from usual.

Normally Qi Zhao could look after her, and although Fang Shi was sometimes willful, she still listened to him.

But if she knew about the profits in his Second Brother's business, she might get hot-headed again.

But now that Qi Yun had brought it up proactively, he must already have a plan. Qi Zhao only asked: "Can we keep clear accounts?" Everything on the table, to avoid possible conflicts later.

Qi Yun curved his lips and nodded: "Of course."

So the two brothers exchanged glances and came to an understanding.

Although Qi Ming didn't understand business matters, he still wanted to contribute to his brothers. His eyes turned and he said: "Elder Brother, Second Brother, I don't have great abilities, but I have an idea."

"Go ahead, Third Son." Qi Zhao had always been very fond of Qi Ming. Seeing his younger brother, his smile became gentler.

Qi Ming touched his face and organized his words before saying: "Now when selling wine, besides having good taste and aroma, you also need a good origin story. Previously our Jade Liquid Wine sold well because of its excellent quality, but it lacked a proper origin story."

Hearing this, Qi Yun raised his eyebrows.

For Second Young Master Qi, business was about profit coming and going. He hadn't thought much beyond that. Now that Qi Ming mentioned it, and Qi Yun being exceptionally clever, Third Son had only just started but Qi Yun could already see the conclusion: "It looks like we should create a story for our wine."

Qi Ming had the same idea, his eyes sparkling: "In ancient times, Li Taibai could compose a hundred poems after drinking. Why not find a line from Taibai's poems?"

Qi Yun thought this was a good idea, keeping it in mind while saying: "Then we'll ask someone with excellent calligraphy to write the name, and it will be perfect."

When calligraphy was mentioned, Qi Ming blushed.

He was well-read with considerable learning. The essays he wrote were both flowery and substantial. The academy teachers often said that even if his essays were sent to the imperial examination, they wouldn't be lacking.

It was just that his handwriting was truly unpresentable.

Previously Qi Yun had urged him to practice, and he persisted in writing a hundred characters daily, but he really couldn't speak of improvement.

But when it came to people with good handwriting, Qi Ming had someone in mind: "Second Brother, among the people I know, Third Young Master has the most excellent calligraphy. I've discussed poetry and literature with him. Third Young Master could be described as having brocade in his chest and dragons and snakes under his brush. If we could obtain his calligraphy, that would be the best."

Qi Zhao knew nothing about literary matters and didn't comment, just curious when he heard Qi Ming mention Third Young Master: "Who is this person?"

Hearing this, Qi Ming smiled: "He's a sworn brother who once saved my life, the master of that warrior I mentioned to you before."

Sworn brother?

This term made Qi Yun pause: "Third Son, you never said you and this Third Young Master had sworn brotherhood."

Qi Ming scratched his head: "It's also a recent thing. The county examination site wasn't far from Third Young Master's medicine shop. After the exam I felt weak, and thanks to his care I could rest at his place and recover my spirits. I also discussed the county examination questions with him. Our views were perfectly aligned, and in a moment of impulse we called each other brothers, though we didn't formally swear brotherhood."

It was common for scholars to call each other "foolish elder brother" and "worthy younger brother," but truly becoming sworn brothers was rare.

After all, scholars looked down on each other, and these examination students' futures were often worlds apart.

Once someone succeeded on the golden list, they would soar to great heights, but if they failed, no one would acknowledge them. Sworn brotherhood inevitably carried some risk.

But what Qi Yun worried about wasn't these things, but this Third Young Master's identity.

Until now, his younger brother didn't even know the person's surname and given name, yet had foolishly sworn brotherhood with him. What should they do...

While thinking, he suddenly saw someone running into the garden.

The person was Nanny Liu. She had searched the front hall and, knowing the three brothers had gone to the back, ran to the back to find them. She had visited every courtyard before finally reaching the garden.

Nanny Liu wasn't young anymore. Running back and forth plus being anxious, she was now sweating at the forehead and dizzy. Seeing them, she sighed in relief and leaned against a decorative rock, gasping heavily while saying intermittently: "Finally... finally found the Young Masters. Huff... Second Young Master, please hurry to the main hall to see."

Hearing her specifically call for him, Qi Yun immediately became nervous: "Nanny Liu, what's the matter? Did something happen to Jiao Niang?"

Nanny Liu was gasping and couldn't continue. Hearing this, she nodded repeatedly: "Yes, big news, great joyful news..."

But Qi Yun couldn't wait to hear her finish. He didn't even hear the word "joyful," and ignoring any farewell to Qi Zhao and Qi Ming, his face changed dramatically as he strode quickly toward the main hall.

Nanny Liu knew he had misunderstood and wanted to chase after him to explain.

But Qi Yun's health had improved considerably now, and being worried about his wife, he went from walking to running, finally rushing all the way to the main hall.

Upon entering, he didn't see any tense atmosphere inside. Instead, it was harmonious.

Dong Shi was holding Hui Niang and Ye Jiao, crying and laughing. Ye Jiao was gentle in her manner, letting Dong Shi hold one hand while using her other hand with chopsticks to put food in her mouth, managing to eat and be moved at the same time.

Liu Shi was standing with Fang Shi, responding to the auspicious words these ladies were saying, with an exceptionally genuine smile on her face.

That pair of mother and daughter-in-law who had come to cause trouble and ended up embarrassing themselves had long since quietly left, afraid of making more jokes.

Doctor Li was standing to the side with a smile, facing Little Su. He was telling Little Su something item by item, and Little Su nodded after hearing each instruction, showing she understood and listening very attentively.

When Qi Yun entered, Little Su had sharp eyes and saw him. She first bowed to Doctor Li, then ran over and said: "Second Young Master, you're finally here. Second Young Mistress is inside."

Tie Zi, seeing her like this, knew it wasn't bad news, but he couldn't figure out exactly what it was about.

After all, he was just a half-grown boy and didn't think about much.

If it were normal times, Qi Yun would certainly have noticed Little Su's joy at a glance. But right now his heart and eyes were full of worry for his Jiao Niang. He didn't even look properly at Little Su, didn't even see the others, as if they were all illusion, his eyes only had Ye Jiao.

Walking quickly over, Qi Yun stood behind Ye Jiao. When Hui Niang saw him coming, she tugged at Dong Shi, and the two women looked at each other and smiled, standing up to sit elsewhere, making room for them.

But Ye Jiao was oblivious. Feeling Dong Shi release her hand, she prepared to reach for her teacup.

When she was embraced from behind, Ye Jiao's mouth was stuffed with a shrimp cake, her cheeks puffed out, thinking how delicious the shrimp cake was. Who knew the next moment she would be held by someone.

Ye Jiao was very familiar with Qi Yun, familiar with this person's embrace temperature, familiar with this person's breathing rhythm, familiar with the herbal scent on this person.

Without turning around, she knew it was her husband. But Little Ginseng could feel his hands trembling slightly, and could hear Qi Yun's voice: "Doctor Li, what are you standing there for? What exactly happened to Jiao Niang!"

As soon as these words came out, many people looked over.

Then they all unconsciously covered their mouths and smiled.

Second Young Master Qi's handsome appearance had been widely known since the medicine shop's opening, completely overturning his previous reputation as a fierce demon. Now he had long become the handsome young gentleman in everyone's mouths.

Now seeing him, the rumors were indeed true.

But more true than the rumors was the intimacy between the couple.

Look how nervous he was. It was enough to make others die of envy.

All the ladies present thought of their own husbands, thinking they should tell them about this when they got home, have them learn from Master Qi Second Son, and stop learning from the fallen Cai family, always wanting to bring concubines into the house, ultimately leading to family ruin.

Liu Shi could see at a glance that Qi Yun still didn't understand what had happened. Covering her smile, she stood up and walked over, saying to Qi Yun: "Be gentle. Jiao Niang is different now. She's carrying a child. Don't keep frightening her. Let Jiao Niang finish swallowing before speaking."

Ye Jiao was leaning in Qi Yun's arms, looking expectantly at Liu Shi, then at her half-eaten shrimp cake, extremely reluctant to part with it.

Qi Yun caught the key point, stunned for a moment, looking at Liu Shi, then at Ye Jiao in his arms: "Carrying a child? Jiao Niang, you're pregnant?"

Doctor Li also spoke at the right moment: "Congratulations Second Young Master, Second Young Mistress has a joyful pulse, about two months along."

Ye Jiao finally swallowed what was in her mouth. Hearing this, she nodded, but she didn't think this was anything remarkable.

She was different from Dong Shi. Dong Shi had been injured before, making children difficult. Now being able to have a child was naturally cause for extreme excitement.

But Ye Jiao knew her body had always been healthy, so having a baby wasn't surprising.

Plus, the Auspicious Flowers had been in the room for so long. Previously even the little fox, that fluffy little ball, could be affected by the Auspicious Flowers and have a baby. It was quite normal for her to have one too.

But this matter shocked Qi Yun considerably.

When they consummated their marriage, he only placed red dates and dried longan, but didn't place lotus seeds and peanuts, because he had no expectations for children.

Being able to have Jiao Niang as his wife was already unexpected good fortune. What else could he ask for with his health?

But now the child had come, so unexpectedly. For a moment, Qi Yun felt somewhat dizzy.

Just now from running, plus being anxious, Qi Yun's body was weak again. Being greatly surprised and delighted, he inevitably felt his vision darkening.

But this time, Qi Yun's reason told him he couldn't fall, couldn't faint.

This was good news, and with so many people watching, he couldn't make Jiao Niang worry.

So he supported Ye Jiao. His body that was about to sway backward actually straightened up again.

This moment might not have been clear to others, but Ye Jiao saw it clearly.

Especially when this person first loosened his hold on her, then embraced her again. In this loosening and tightening, Little Ginseng discovered the problem.

She immediately stood up, dropped her chopsticks, didn't care about the shrimp cake anymore, and softly said to Qi Yun: "Husband, I'm a bit tired."

Hearing this, Liu Shi immediately said: "Tired? Then hurry up and go rest. Second Son, take good care of Jiao Niang. Don't let her bump into anything."

Ye Jiao agreed, appearing to let Qi Yun support her, but actually she was secretly using strength to support Qi Yun. When they left the room, she called for Little Su and Tie Zi to come help.

Liu Shi watched them leave, her eyes showing not only joy but also some tears.

It wasn't that she was eager for grandchildren. On the contrary, Liu Shi had never asked, dared not ask, could not ask.

She had only asked for her son's health, nothing more.

But now that good fortune had arrived, Liu Shi was also full of joy.

But Liu Shi was steady by nature. She dabbed at the corners of her eyes with her handkerchief, and when she looked at the guests again, her smile was warm. The others were also happy to congratulate the Qi family on their double happiness, and the main hall was bustling with activity.

After Ye Jiao helped Qi Yun back to their courtyard, Qi Yun sat on the soft couch, the man's head still somewhat dizzy.

Actually, this feeling hadn't occurred for a long time. As his health gradually improved, he no longer had the problem of frequently feeling weak and dizzy.

But this time was different from before.

Previously it was from the sorrow of weakness, now it was from the joy of new life.

Ye Jiao had Little Su and Tie Zi leave first, while she gently held Qi Yun's hand, using her own method to supplement his health.

Seeing Qi Yun's complexion gradually return to normal, she stood up: "It's time. I'll go get your medicine."

Qi Yun had been taking medicine every day, one bowl, never missing a dose.

But as soon as she let go, she felt herself being pulled back by this person.

Turning back somewhat puzzled, she saw the man sitting on the soft couch looking up at her.

Ye Jiao rarely looked at the man's face from this angle. At this moment, the afternoon spring light was just right, gently filtering through the window lattice and falling on him, warm and soft.

Qi Yun gently tugged at her hand: "Jiao Niang."

He only called her name once, but didn't say what he wanted to do. Ye Jiao didn't leave either, turning back to stand in front of him.

Qi Yun then gently encircled the woman's slender waist, resting his face against her soft abdomen, and said quietly: "Jiao Niang."

Ye Jiao also softly responded: "Mm."

"Let's wait a bit before taking the medicine." Qi Yun's voice was calm.

Ye Jiao placed her hand on the man's neck, softly replying: "You should take it when you're supposed to. You promised me."

Qi Yun exhaled: "Jiao Niang, you are my elixir."

These words, he spoke from the heart, with true meaning.

What he had sought and what he hadn't sought, Jiao Niang had given him everything.

Ordinary medicine heals the body, but his Jiao Niang healed the heart.

Ye Jiao blinked and hugged Qi Yun a little tighter: "Of course, I am your medicine." After all, she had always been supplementing her husband's health this way. Holding him now would work too.

While they were being tender, Little Su carefully knocked on the window: "Second Young Master, Second Young Mistress, Young Master Ye is here."

Ye Ping Rong?

Qi Yun's emotions had stabilized considerably by now. Hearing this, he took a deep breath, slightly released Ye Jiao and stood up, saying: "Your elder brother should be here to congratulate you. Go see him." Just quite quickly.

Ye Jiao blinked without immediately answering, only insisting: "You drink your medicine first."

Qi Yun knew she was worried about him and nodded: "I'll drink it, but don't go get it yourself. I'll go to the front hall and drink it there."

He was going to be a father. This was joyful news. He should go out and walk around.

Ye Jiao felt his wrist pulse and confirmed this person was truly fine before nodding.

But before Qi Yun left, he stopped at the door and pointed to his face.

Ye Jiao was puzzled at first, then remembered what Qi Yun had taught her before, and obediently stood on tiptoe to kiss the man's face.

This scene was witnessed by Ye Ping Rong, who was just entering the courtyard.

His eyes showed amusement, thinking it was good that they were harmonious as husband and wife, but he didn't make a sound, letting Qi Yun leave before he stepped through the courtyard gate.

Ye Jiao saw him and smiled: "Elder Brother."

Ye Ping Rong had intended to tease her, deliberately asking: "What were you just doing?"

He had expected to embarrass his little sister, but who knew Ye Jiao's expression remained normal, her voice clear: "Husband said that after marriage, if we're saying goodbye, we should do that."

Ye Ping Rong: ..