Lady of Fortune, Jiao Niang

Chapter 64

Ye Jiao's pregnancy was a major event in the household. Besides celebrating, Liu Shi specifically instructed Doctor Li to come regularly to examine Ye Jiao, lest there be any mistakes.

Plus this was Ye Jiao's first time, so Liu Shi ordered everyone in the household to be more careful, not to disturb her, and instructed the small kitchen to pay attention to the food they made, avoiding anything that might harm Ye Jiao's health.

But what was surprising was that Ye Jiao seemed no different from usual, except for being more sleepy. She had no other abnormalities.

She didn't have the morning sickness and vomiting that others experienced. Even though there was a small life in her belly, Ye Jiao still ate and slept as usual, living very comfortably.

Doctor Li also found it strange. The pulse showed that Ye Jiao's health was far better than others, with abundant qi and blood, completely not needing supplements, as if she could supplement herself.

Liu Shi often said privately to Father Qi: "This second daughter-in-law we married is truly blessed. I've only seen one person who could be so comfortable when pregnant."

Fang Shi also saw this, saying to Qi Zhao before bed: "My sister-in-law is much better now than when I was pregnant with Shi Tou."

While saying she was envious, she was actually somewhat jealous.

Qi Zhao could hear the meaning in Fang Shi's words and knew her little temper.

In front of others, his wife was most protective of family, but behind closed doors, she liked to compare with others.

Fang Shi had indeed grown closer to her Second Sister-in-law, but thinking of her previous hardships while Ye Jiao had everything go smoothly, she felt uncomfortable.

But this time Qi Zhao didn't refute her, instead showing more tenderness.

Eldest Young Master Qi wasn't the type to be completely inconsiderate of his wife. On the contrary, when Fang Shi's morning sickness was worst, he stayed with her almost every day, naturally knowing Fang Shi's difficulties.

Hearing this now, Qi Zhao turned over and hugged Fang Shi in the bedding: "You were pregnant right in midsummer, which was already hot, and eating and drinking everything was heated, it was indeed very difficult."

Fang Shi snorted lightly: "As long as you know."

Qi Zhao hugged her tighter: "Actually, Second Brother's life was too hard before, and sister-in-law's life wasn't good either. Now they've suffered through it and finally things are sweet."

One sentence broke through Fang Shi's earlier slight jealousy. She thought of how thin and weak Ye Jiao looked when she first came to their house, and her heart softened: "Sigh, sister-in-law's natal family really isn't decent, but mother is right, sister-in-law is blessed. Blessed people, no matter how they're tormented, can always live good lives."

Qi Zhao nodded in agreement and hugged Fang Shi tighter: "Sister-in-law has good fortune, Second Brother is doing well now too, our family is so harmonious and happy, I'm really pleased. Sometimes seeing the two of them makes me happy too."

Fang Shi asked strangely: "What are you happy about?"

"Sister-in-law is kind-hearted. I'm naturally happy for Second Brother that he could meet her."

Hearing this, Fang Shi immediately reached out and pinched his waist: "You only know how to praise others, what about me?"

But Fang Shi didn't use much strength, and she loved her husband, never really wanting to hurt him. Qi Zhao only felt it was ticklish and didn't feel pain.

It was just that Fang Shi's words made Qi Zhao feel helpless: "You were just praising them, you said it yourself..."

Fang Shi glared at him: "I can say it, you can't."

When it came to big principles, Qi Zhao could still argue with Fang Shi, but in these small matters, he was always someone who did whatever his wife said.

This time was the same. Qi Zhao immediately said: "My wife is also kind-hearted, good-natured, and should be blessed," his voice paused, "if you're envious of sister-in-law, why don't we..." As he spoke, he leaned close to the woman's ear and whispered a few sentences.

Fang Shi blushed with embarrassment, spat at him, but didn't push him away, letting Qi Zhao have his way.

While the eldest son's room had warm curtains and bedding, the second son's room was quiet and peaceful.

Ye Jiao still slept deeply and woke late, but her spirits were particularly good.

Seeing it was April, when peach blossoms bloomed magnificently and peonies opened everywhere, it was the time of spring colors filling the garden. Ye Jiao was also happy to look at these bright colors.

Since the first few months were critical, Ye Jiao rarely left the Qi household, only walking around at home.

Dong Shi also didn't visit. Her pregnancy was even earlier than Ye Jiao's, and since this baby was one she had longed for, Dong Shi didn't want to repeat past mistakes. She was naturally extremely careful, only staying home to rest peacefully, not daring to move at all.

Without Dong Shi coming to chat, Ye Jiao visited Liu Shi's courtyard more frequently.

Liu Shi didn't stop her either. The weather was now warm and the sunshine was good. Having given birth to three children, Liu Shi knew that going out for walks on such nice days was good for the body, so she always prepared snacks and waited for Ye Jiao to come.

This day Ye Jiao went to Liu Shi's courtyard early and saw Liu Shi embroidering at her embroidery frame as soon as she entered.

Nanny Liu greeted Ye Jiao, and Liu Shi also looked up without putting down her needle and thread, just smiling: "Sit down. Nanny Liu, remove the tea."

"Yes, Madam."

Ye Jiao didn't find this strange. Now whenever she came, Liu Shi would replace the tea, sometimes with plain water, sometimes with sweet soup. Ye Jiao loved sweets anyway, so she felt it tasted better than tea.

Today Liu Shi had specially prepared steamed egg custard with milk for her, a hot bowl that looked milky white inside, tasting sweet, fragrant, and smooth. Ye Jiao's face showed a smile as she asked Liu Shi: "Mother, this is delicious. How is it made?"

If she had asked Qi Yun this question, he would certainly have told her in detail.

But Liu Shi didn't want her to worry about it, only saying: "If you want to eat it, just tell the small kitchen, or tell Nanny Liu if that doesn't work. They'll naturally make it for you."

Nanny Liu also nodded.

Actually, when ordinary women were pregnant, the whole family would pamper and serve them, giving them whatever they wanted. But their Second Young Mistress was different. She was naturally sweet-spoken and kind-hearted, and Liu Shi knew she loved to eat. Whatever good food she got, she'd think of her first. Now giving such instructions seemed ordinary.

Ye Jiao finished the bowl of steamed egg custard cleanly, picked up some warm water nearby and drank two sips, then looked at Liu Shi's embroidery frame: "Mother, what are you embroidering?"

Liu Shi was concentrating on her needlework and didn't look at her, answering gently: "Embroidering a tiger and some patterns. When your child is born, whether boy or girl, it can be used to make a bellyband or swaddling clothes."

Usually the clothes in the house were made by hired embroiderers. Although Liu Shi's embroidery skills were excellent, she rarely did needlework.

Now doing it personally was a gesture of affection for the child.

"Thank you, Mother." Ye Jiao's voice was sweet and soft. After speaking, she stood up to look, seeing the exquisite pattern and expressing slight surprise: "Mother, your embroidery is so detailed, both detailed and beautiful."

Little Ginseng couldn't embroider. With hands that could write characters like balls, she didn't expect herself to do such fine work.

But she had many clothes with embroidery work on them, so seeing much of it, she could naturally distinguish good from bad. Liu Shi's embroidery skills were excellent.

Liu Shi also enjoyed hearing her praise, smiling warmly: "The first thing for a child should naturally be done with care. Jiao Niang, don't stand, go sit over there."

Ye Jiao obediently went back to sit, but her eyes looked to the side: "Didn't Elder Sister-in-law come today?"

"She's with Shi Tou. That child is at his most active age and always likes to cling to you. Children don't know their own strength, and if he bumped into you, it would cause trouble. She's coming later these days." Liu Shi had just finished her thread and had Nanny Liu put away the embroidery frame. She picked up her teacup and smiled: "Anyway, Shi Tou has things to do. I heard he can now recite several lines of the Three Character Classic. He's a clever one."

Hearing Liu Shi's words, Ye Jiao nodded along. Shi Tou was indeed clever and very studious: "Last time my husband told me that Shi Tou loves reading so much. If you don't let him read, he'll cry and shout demanding to read."

Liu Shi was startled. How was this different from what she'd heard?

Last time Fang Shi had come and said that Shi Tou would throw tantrums whenever studying was mentioned...

Speaking of reading, Liu Shi continued: "Third Son just came to bid me farewell. He's going to take the prefectural examination. I'm going to the temple tomorrow to burn incense and pray for blessings. Jiao Niang, you stay home and don't come with me. Don't come over tomorrow either, just rest well."

Ye Jiao nodded in agreement.

After finishing a second bowl of steamed egg custard, Ye Jiao saw Liu Shi looking somewhat tired and stood up to take her leave at the right time.

Liu Shi had Nanny Liu pack some shrimp cakes for Ye Jiao. These shrimp cakes were simple to make, just crushed shrimp fried into cakes, but the ingredients were precious, eaten for their freshness. Last time Liu Shi had remembered that Ye Jiao liked them, taking a bite and not letting go, so now having gotten fresh shrimp, she saved them for her.

Ye Jiao also remembered Qi Yun: "Mother, are there any for my husband?"

Liu Shi looked at her and smiled, saying warmly: "Don't worry, I've sent some to all three of them, and your sister-in-law has some too. Just eat yours, you don't need to save any for Second Son."

Ye Jiao agreed and then left.

Little Su was carrying a food box with the shrimp cakes, following behind Ye Jiao as they left Liu Shi's courtyard, then asking: "Second Young Mistress, shall we go straight back?"

Ye Jiao saw no one around and stretched, smiling brightly: "Let's walk around the garden first."

Little Su agreed, thinking that her Second Young Mistress probably wasn't hungry yet, otherwise she would have gone back and finished that plate of shrimp cakes long ago.

Then she heard Ye Jiao say: "Perfect for going to the pavilion to eat something. If this gets cold, it won't taste good."

Little Su: ...Oh.

When Ye Jiao entered the garden, she saw there were already people in the pavilion. She stopped and looked, seeing the shorter one was Qi Ming, so she said: "Third Son, aren't you going to take the prefectural examination?" Her eyes swept around and Ye Jiao saw two other people.

One was Ye Ping Rong, and the other looked familiar to Ye Jiao, but she couldn't remember where she'd seen him for a moment.

When she got closer, she recognized him. Wasn't this the person who had drawn a bunch of black balls at the gambling stall?

This was the first time Ye Jiao had encountered someone so unlucky, which was why she remembered.

Chu Chengyun also recognized Ye Jiao. Compared to Ye Jiao's vague impression of him, Chu Chengyun's impression of Ye Jiao was particularly deep. Even now, the fan he'd won from chances shared from Ye Jiao was still in the golden silk fan pouch at his waist.

However, Chu Chengyun didn't approach, but stood in the distance with Ye Ping Rong.

He bowed to Ye Jiao from afar, and Ye Jiao gracefully returned the courtesy.

Her posture was dignified and her smile gentle, without a single flaw to find.

This surprised Ye Ping Rong somewhat. After all, the recent times he'd seen Ye Jiao, she was either eating and drinking or being affectionate with Qi Yun. Even in front of him, Ye Jiao was always soft and gentle. But now she looked very proper, very much like a lady from a wealthy family, with no trace of her usual softness visible.

But Elder Brother Ye didn't know this had become Ye Jiao's habit.

Although Liu Shi treasured her pregnancy and physical burden, she never neglected what should be taught. She taught household management and proper demeanor.

She wasn't like those governess teachers who would scold and beat at the slightest provocation. On the contrary, Liu Shi couldn't bear to mistreat Ye Jiao. Even when teaching rules, she spoke gently and explained everything clearly, never saying a cold word.

Human hearts naturally have preferences. While Liu Shi had to maintain fairness on the surface to manage the inner quarters properly, Ye Jiao was young, obedient, and well-behaved. Anyone would like her, and Liu Shi always favored Ye Jiao somewhat in her heart.

Naturally, this couldn't be seen on the surface. Liu Shi even had to be more generous toward Fang Shi. But when alone with Ye Jiao, Liu Shi was always particularly gentle.

Although she taught proper behavior, it was mostly gentle guidance, neither forced nor harsh.

Fortunately, Ye Jiao was particularly enthusiastic about learning to be human, always taking things to heart and never making mistakes, remembering everything carefully.

One taught carefully, one learned diligently. Several months of gradual influence allowed Ye Jiao to quickly switch between her public and private personas.

Her current proper appearance was something Ye Jiao switched to almost instantly upon seeing Chu Chengyun, an outsider.

Ye Ping Rong showed a smile toward Ye Jiao. Although he didn't greet her, this smile was seen by Chu Chengyun.

"You know her?" Chu Chengyun looked at Ye Jiao, then at Ye Ping Rong.

Ye Ping Rong had been with him at Prince Duan's household, and through their interactions, Ye Ping Rong's loyalty was unquestionable. But this man had a perpetually stern face, didn't like talking or smiling, standing there like someone wearing an iron mask.

Now he so easily showed a smile, they must know each other.

Hearing this, Ye Ping Rong knew that Hui Niang had probably helped him find his sister earlier without telling Chu Chengyun, so his prince didn't know about Ye Jiao's relationship to him.

But there was nothing to hide about this matter. Ye Ping Rong immediately replied quietly: "Your Highness, that's my sister."

Chu Chengyun was somewhat surprised: "Your sister? Why didn't you say so last time?"

"Last time was on the street with many eyes and ears, and Your Highness needed people around you. I was afraid of alerting others, so I didn't speak."

Chu Chengyun nodded, then looked at Ye Jiao again, saying quietly: "Your sister is clearly a good woman with excellent luck."

Hearing this, Ye Ping Rong's eye twitched, immediately saying: "She's now married into the Qi family, the wife of Second Young Master Qi."

Chu Chengyun didn't know this person was silently criticizing him in his heart, still smiling: "Oh? So she's also Third Son's sister-in-law. That's quite good. This worthy brother of mine can also benefit from some good luck."

Qi Ming, who had left the pavilion early, didn't hear the conversation between Chu Chengyun and Ye Ping Rong. Reaching Ye Jiao, he said: "Second Sister-in-law, would you like to come sit?"

Ye Jiao smiled at him: "No, you're meeting with friends. I won't disturb you." Her eyes glanced around: "Are you very familiar with him?"

Actually Ye Jiao was asking about Ye Ping Rong, but Qi Yun misunderstood and replied directly: "Sister-in-law, that's the Third Young Master I told you about, and the Warrior Ye who saved me."

Ye Jiao was startled: "Who?"

"The Warrior Ye who saved me when I fell down the mountain slope last time. He's Third Young Master's attendant and a very good person."

Ye Jiao blinked, surprised in her heart.

She knew Ye Ping Rong's identity. He was a court official after all, and she had only thought he was connected to Hui Niang and her husband, not knowing her elder brother was following them to work for them.

An official wouldn't run errands for ordinary commoners, would he?

So, who exactly were this Third Young Master and Hui Niang?

Ye Jiao couldn't figure it out and just kept it in mind, thinking to ask Qi Yun when she returned. What she couldn't understand, her husband would surely be able to figure out.

She smiled at Qi Ming and changed the subject: "I just heard Mother say you're leaving for the examination today. It's getting late, you should set off."

Qi Ming said: "Third Young Master mentioned he also had business in the city, so I waited for him to go together. Now that he's here, I should go too."

Ye Jiao smiled, looked around, then had Little Su bring over the food box and handed it to Qi Ming: "This is the shrimp cake Mother gave me. I can always get more at home when I want some, so take this with you. Consider it me borrowing flowers to offer to Buddha, wishing you success in the prefectural examination."

Qi Ming accepted it and thanked Ye Jiao.

Ye Jiao didn't linger either, leaving with Little Su.

When she returned to her own courtyard and entered the room, she immediately saw Qi Yun sitting inside, along with the shrimp cakes in front of him.

These were sent by Liu Shi, who said she had also prepared a portion for Ye Jiao. But Qi Yun knew Ye Jiao liked them, so he hadn't touched them, saving them for her.

Now seeing Ye Jiao enter, Qi Yun put down the account book in his hands, stood up and said: "How was everything at Mother's?"

"Fine. Mother is making clothes for the baby, very beautiful." As she spoke, Ye Jiao sat at the table, staring longingly at the shrimp cakes.

Qi Yun then took chopsticks and picked up a piece, bringing it to her mouth.

Ever since their wedding night when the man fed her that first sip of water, Ye Jiao had grown accustomed to being fed by him. Now she naturally opened her mouth to bite from his hand.

The shrimp meat was bouncy with a light spicy fragrance, crispy outside and fresh inside. Ye Jiao smiled with squinted eyes.

Seeing she seemed hungry, Qi Yun fed her that piece then picked up another, asking: "Didn't Mother specially give you a plate? Didn't you eat it?"

Ye Jiao shook her head, swallowing what was in her mouth before saying: "I met Third Son and saw he was going out, worried he wouldn't eat well, so I gave it to him." Speaking of this, Ye Jiao remembered her confusion and repeated what Qi Ming had said in the garden to Qi Yun.

After listening, Qi Yun indeed raised his eyebrows slightly.

For Ye Ping Rong to be the one who saved Qi Ming deepened the connection between both sides, which was good news and nothing surprising about that.

But for Ye Ping Rong to actually be the Third Young Master's attendant was what truly made Qi Yun fall silent. He thought one step further than Ye Jiao.

Once commoners became officials, they were no longer ordinary people. Those who could have them as attendants and guards could only be imperial relatives.

That Third Young Master was most likely surnamed Chu. And unfortunately, his younger brother had sworn brotherhood with him...

Qi Yun took a deep breath, then slowly exhaled, only saying: "Third Son's luck... I just don't know if it's fortune or misfortune."

Ye Jiao blinked: "What do you mean?"

Qi Yun wanted to explain, but quickly realized that since Ye Ping Rong had remained silent all this time, there must be deep reasons. Otherwise, given his affection for Ye Jiao, he couldn't possibly not mention it at all.

Since Ye Ping Rong didn't plan to tell Ye Jiao to avoid worrying her, Qi Yun smiled and squeezed her hand: "I was just guessing."

Ye Jiao blinked: "But when husband speaks, it sounds like it's real."

Qi Yun looked at her with gentle eyes, picking up another piece of shrimp cake to bring to her mouth: "Does Jiao Niang believe everything I say?"

Ye Jiao nodded while eating. Of course she believed him - everything her husband said was right.

But Qi Yun thought of those things he'd said before and couldn't help silently criticizing himself in his heart.

However, when they finished the shrimp cakes and were about to leave the room, Qi Yun made up his mind to turn back and tell Ye Jiao the truth: "Actually, what I said before about kissing goodbye when leaving, actually it was..."

But before he could finish, he felt the soft touch on his cheek.

With the scent of milk and a faint osmanthus fragrance.

Ye Jiao stood on tiptoe to kiss him, and after finishing asked: "What did you want to say?"

Qi Yun looked at her and curved his lips: "Nothing."

This matter could wait until later.