Lady of Fortune, Jiao Niang

Chapter 66

Chu Chengyun asked Qi Yun to sit down. After tea was served, he discussed merchant caravan matters with Qi Yun, but gradually the conversation involved national affairs.

Though the current court greatly promoted commerce and the people were prosperous, there were still many bumps and obstacles.

As royalty, even though Chu Chengyun didn't want to ascend the throne as emperor, he inevitably had his own worries about these matters.

Qi Yun was different from him. Second Young Master Qi had always observed this world coldly. If not for having Ye Jiao, he would probably have waited indifferently for death like this. Yet he had a seven-aperture exquisite mind, which added several parts indifference to his dealings with people.

It was precisely because of this indifference that he could always see things others couldn't, and because of that coldness, Qi Yun's actions always carried particular decisiveness and ruthlessness.

Of course, regarding the latter, Qi Yun wouldn't let others know easily.

After just a few exchanges, Chu Chengyun saw Qi Yun's uniqueness and couldn't help saying: "Second Son, I see your learning is excellent and your reading extensive. Why don't you participate in imperial examinations to serve the country?"

Qi Yun's expression remained calm, his voice light: "The path of imperial examinations requires not only learning but also luck. Since ancient times, serving as an official to benefit one region has been the virtue of officials. But my health is poor. From birth I've taken medicine as water. Even if I could endure the hardships of imperial examinations, I'd probably die on the road when taking up a post. I'm truly powerless to serve as an official."

Chu Chengyun's eyes showed some regret, but hearing Qi Yun's light cough, he still couldn't bear to persuade.

Ye Ping Rong, standing at the door listening to the entire process, had a somewhat indecipherable expression. He always felt that his brother-in-law wouldn't be merely contributing to the court. After all, twice when chatting with Qi Yun about these matters, Qi Yun only spoke of giving Ye Jiao a good life, never mentioning matters of family and country.

But listening to Ye Ping Rong, he felt what Qi Yun said made great sense.

Though he had fought at the frontier for many years, rising from the lowest foot soldier through struggle, usually only encountering swords and weapons, knowing nothing about these commercial and official matters.

But when Ye Ping Rong was at the frontier, he often heard garrison soldiers talk about those merchant caravans. Most caravans engaged in extremely dangerous trade, but whether porcelain or tea they could produce, in barbarian lands these were worth more than gold, with tremendous profits.

But these activities were mostly done privately, not brought into the open.

Ye Ping Rong had initially worried that Qi Yun directly mentioning this would displease Chu Chengyun, but inexplicably Chu Chengyun was not only not unhappy but excitedly wanted to contribute money...

Ye Ping Rong fell into confusion again.

The military officer from farming background obviously wasn't good at scheming. After much thought, Ye Ping Rong could only reach one conclusion to convince himself:

Could it be that his brother-in-law was truly an upright, generous person who worried about country and people?

He hadn't seen it before, probably because Qi Yun had hidden it too well.

Thinking this way, the person his sister married was really good. Just based on this loyalty and passion for the court, one could see he was a good husband. Elder Brother Ye expressed great satisfaction.

Inside the hall, with the merchant caravan matter having prospects, the expression on Qi Yun's face also relaxed considerably.

Chu Chengyun looked very happy too. In his excitement he said: "I've heard that the Jade Liquid Wine from Qi family wine shop is very famous. I've long admired it. Could we perhaps share a cup?"

Hearing this, Qi Ming coughed lightly: "Didn't sworn brother say sister-in-law's health is poor and she can't smell alcohol?"

Chu Chengyun naturally remembered this point and smiled: "Just one cup, briefly tasting. I also don't want my wife to worry for me."

Hearing this, Qi Yun suddenly looked at Qi Ming.

This glance made Qi Ming feel somewhat strange, but soon Qi Yun looked away, his face showing a light expression: "Third Young Master is so kind and generous, I won't be stingy either." Then Qi Yun turned to Manager Song: "Bring out the fine wine newly brewed."

This newly brewed fine wine wasn't Jade Liquid Wine, but carefully improved new wine.

Sweet as honey, though not matching ordinary wine's spiciness, it was particularly mellow with a long-lasting aftertaste.

Manager Song was about to go, but heard Qi Yun say: "Don't take opened ones. Open a new bottle. Fine wine should match the good friend I've made today."

Actually, Manager Song was originally a very shrewd person. Having worked in shops for many years, he'd seen many people and experienced much. Usually Manager Song was someone who calculated eight times in his heart. Just now he was confused only because his Young Master's mind turned too fast for him to keep up.

But having listened to the entire conversation, how could he not know Qi Yun was finding money for the merchant caravan!

Now hearing Qi Yun's words, Manager Song thought, this wine was only delivered these past couple days, none had been opened... Oh, understood.

So Manager Song, understanding perfectly, put on a pained expression: "Young Master, this wine is extremely precious. There are only two bottles total. If we open them all..."

Qi Yun praised Manager Song with his eyes while saying sternly: "Just go. No matter how precious the wine, it cannot compare to Third Young Master's heart for the country. What do I have to be reluctant about?"

Manager Song also understood when to stop, immediately standing to fetch it.

This back-and-forth made Chu Chengyun curious: "What wine could be so rare?"

Qi Yun smiled lightly: "Just rice wine newly brewed by our small shop. To call it rare isn't quite accurate, but it is a step above Jade Liquid Wine."

Not comparing with other wines, only with their own, Chu Chengyun held Qi Yun in even higher regard.

He didn't know that Qi Yun spoke this way only because he could tell Chu Chengyun had never drunk Jade Liquid Wine.

Chu Chengyun felt yearning, and though he wasn't fond of drinking, after hearing this, his heart itched unbearably.

Soon Manager Song brought the wine. Just after pouring it out, before even drinking, Chu Chengyun said: "Good wine."

Qi Ming looked at him somewhat puzzled: "You know before drinking?"

Chu Chengyun patted Qi Ming's shoulder: "Any good wine, before entering the mouth, already carries mellow wine fragrance. This scent alone tells you it's good wine."

This made Qi Ming also want to reach out, but Qi Yun directly tapped his forehead.

Qi Ming covered his head looking at his Second Brother, hearing Qi Yun say: "You'll be old enough to drink in two years."

"Oh." Qi Ming agreed and obediently withdrew his hand.

Chu Chengyun lifted his wine cup, and as soon as his lips touched it, said: "Truly fine brew."

Qi Yun's expression softened: "Though this wine has no name yet, having Third Young Master's praise is also its fortune."

No name?

Just give it one.

Chu Chengyun thought and said: "Today I have fate with sir, and encountered such fine wine. Why don't we name it together?"

Qi Yun put down his wine cup and nodded: "Good. Since Third Young Master has such refined interest, Manager Song, bring ink and brush."

Hearing this, Qi Ming, who was drinking tea, nearly choked.

No wonder... no wonder Second Brother stared at me earlier!

Previously when the three brothers toured the garden together, Qi Yun had mentioned naming the new wine.

At that time it was Qi Ming himself who suggested Qi Yun choose from Taibai's poetry, and he himself who said Third Young Master wrote excellent calligraphy, having him inscribe the wine's name would be perfect.

But after saying this, Qi Ming had consecutive examinations and forgot completely.

Unexpectedly, his Second Brother remembered clearly.

Now his sworn brother had brought it up himself. Second Brother truly wasted no opportunity, never loosening his grip when he should grasp it.

Finally, because of the wine's slight golden tint and rich fragrance, it was named Golden Cup Wine, with Chu Chengyun writing the characters "Golden Cup."

Holding this calligraphy, Qi Yun thought that indeed, as Qi Ming had said, Chu Chengyun wrote excellent characters - flying phoenixes and dancing dragons, elegant and transcendent.

Just missing a seal... better without it. If sealed, he couldn't easily paste it on wine jars for sale.

However, Chu Chengyun didn't accompany them to the Qi family. He had originally come to travel with Qi Ming, and now having talked things through and gained Qi Yun's merchant caravan idea, he was naturally happy inside, wanting to return early to share with Hui Niang, so he took early leave.

After he left, Qi Yun returned home with Qi Ming.

Qi Ming wanted to ask Qi Yun whether what he'd said to Chu Chengyun was true or false, but as soon as he got home, Liu Shi called him away, losing the opportunity.

Qi Yun went straight back to his courtyard. His heart was full of Ye Jiao, naturally not wanting to delay a moment.

Entering carefully, Qi Yun saw the bed curtains weren't yet drawn, knowing Ye Jiao hadn't awakened.

He changed clothes and washed his hands and face, then lifted the bed curtains to lie on the bed. But he didn't close his eyes to sleep, only lying on his side with his hand gently resting on Ye Jiao, his clear eyes staring fixedly at his wife.

Though others said Ye Jiao's pregnancy was easy - four months along and still steady, neither vomiting nor tired, truly blessed.

But Qi Yun felt his Jiao Niang was suffering, suffering greatly.

Usually Ye Jiao liked going out for walks. Little Ginseng had probably stayed in deep mountains too long, so now as a human, she naturally liked places with human warmth. Whether visiting Dong Shi, strolling in town, or even drinking a bowl of wontons streetside, Ye Jiao approached everything with great enthusiasm.

But after discovering her pregnancy, Ye Jiao obediently stayed home without going out, only walking around at home, spending more time sleeping.

But even sleeping wasn't as carefree as before.

Qi Yun had shared bed and pillow with Ye Jiao for months, naturally knowing his Jiao Niang slept most freely. Often when Qi Yun fell asleep, they lay properly together, but upon waking, he'd find Ye Jiao sprawled on top of him.

Especially after Qi Yun's health improved, Ye Jiao became even more clingy.

But look at Ye Jiao's sleeping posture now - lying flat, looking extremely proper, afraid of pressing the little life in her belly. But this looked tiring to Qi Yun.

He felt sorry for Ye Jiao, reluctant to let her suffer even a little, which was why he found ways to spend time with his wife.

Now Qi Yun lay on his side, reaching out to gently rub Ye Jiao's legs and arms, making her more comfortable.

His eyes looked at the woman's slightly protruding belly under the covers, saying softly: "You must be filial to your mother in future, can't disappoint her hard work, or I definitely won't forgive you."

But after saying this, Qi Yun felt foolish - what was he saying to her belly? The baby couldn't hear.

Little Ginseng didn't know what her husband was doing. In her dreams she only felt soft and extremely comfortable. When she woke and saw Qi Yun, even without being fully awake, she instinctively reached toward him.

Second Young Master Qi, who had been spirited and confident at the wine shop, now became tender as water facing Ye Jiao. He hurriedly embraced her gently, half-holding her as they sat up, softly patting her back.

Ye Jiao lazily rested her head against Qi Yun's shoulder, yawning without speaking.

After a long while, Ye Jiao moved her mouth: "Husband, I'm hungry."

Hearing this, Qi Yun couldn't help smiling: "Those who know would say Jiao Niang has a baby in her belly. Those who don't might think Jiao Niang became a milk baby herself."

Ye Jiao didn't understand but was too lazy to sit straight, only asking: "What do you mean?"

"You're becoming more and more clingy."

Ye Jiao knew he was teasing her, lightly tapping his back: "I'm happy being clingy to you. Husband should be happy too."

Qi Yun immediately held her tighter: "Happy, of course happy."

But soon Ye Jiao released Qi Yun to put on a jacket, and fully awake Little Ginseng regained her usual enthusiasm, especially for eating - she always had great passion for it.

Other people during ten months of pregnancy would initially dislike eating and drinking, but Ye Jiao was different - her appetite kept getting better.

When evening meal came and the Qi family gathered to welcome Qi Ming home, Liu Shi, who had just been clinging to Qi Ming, now only watched Ye Jiao.

She saw Ye Jiao was hungry, but this daughter-in-law she'd personally trained now maintained proper demeanor even when hungry.

Her speed didn't decrease, but every gesture remained unhurried.

Liu Shi watched her not just to see her training results, but more importantly, Ye Jiao's eating appearance was truly endearing.

Actually, watching people eat was also scholarly. Her eldest daughter-in-law Fang Shi was plump and usually ate little, fearing each extra bite would add flesh. She'd chew one vegetable for ages, eat one mouthful of rice for a long time. Liu Shi didn't enjoy eating with her, always feeling that watching her made her own food less appetizing.

Ye Jiao was different. She was always curious about everything, didn't pick at food, ate whatever was delicious, and had a particularly reverent feeling when eating. Little Ginseng had eaten much soil before, now finding everything better than soil, so she loved everything, naturally treating each bite with full kindness, finding everything fragrant and sweet.

Eating and eating, her mouth would curve up, those eyes also curved like crescents, looking lovable and pitiful.

Liu Shi thought, watching Jiao Niang eat was truly appetizing.

Fang Shi beside Ye Jiao, seeing her add another bowl of rice, whispered: "Jiao Niang, more?"

Liu Shi smiled: "Jiao Niang is carrying a child now. Eating more is normal."

Ye Jiao could hear both Liu Shi and Fang Shi cared for her, so she served Liu Shi some food, then Fang Shi: "Sister-in-law, today's chicken stew is particularly tender. You should eat more too."

Fang Shi looked at the chicken in her bowl - eating or not eating both seemed wrong, but finally she put it in her mouth.

Delicious, truly delicious. Fang Shi, who hadn't tasted meat in so long, was momentarily moved.

The after-dinner dessert was the snow flower cake Little Ginseng had been longing for.

This was what Ye Jiao wanted to eat. The small kitchen made it carefully - glutinous rice pounded very soft, filled with black sesame and sugar, steamed and sliced. Just smelling it seemed delicious.

Even diet-conscious Fang Shi took a piece, and Little Shi Tou had one in each hand, eating until his face was covered.

Liu Shi knew Ye Jiao liked it and specially prepared a food box for her to take some back, to eat tomorrow as snacks.

After serving tea, the family sat together chatting and laughing. Seeing the sky gradually darken, they each dispersed.

Ye Jiao had Little Su carry the food box while she held Qi Yun's hand, preparing to walk outside to digest food and see how the peach blossoms in the back courtyard were blooming.

Qi Ming, who had spent the afternoon with Liu Shi, finally had a chance to speak with Qi Yun, running after them: "Second Brother, wait."

Qi Yun was supporting his Jiao Niang when he heard this and stopped, turning to look.

Ye Jiao leaned against Qi Yun, and seeing Qi Ming, her face also showed a smile: "Third Brother."

Qi Ming hurriedly greeted Ye Jiao, then looked at Qi Yun. His usually mature face showed some urgency, but mindful of Ye Jiao's presence, afraid of startling his Second Sister-in-law, Qi Ming tried to slow his voice, saying softly: "Second Brother, I have something to ask you."

Qi Yun had nothing to hide from Ye Jiao, so hearing this, he didn't move away but reached out to adjust Ye Jiao's jacket, saying to Qi Ming: "Keep it short."

Qi Ming also knew Ye Jiao was heavy with child now, and his Second Brother was most nervous about her. Not daring to delay, he hurried: "Just about this afternoon at the shop, I'm somewhat unclear why sworn brother would so easily agree to fund your merchant caravan?"

Hearing this, Qi Yun looked at him lightly: "You can't figure it out?"

Qi Ming tried hard to think again, finally honestly shaking his head: "Your younger brother is slow. Please enlighten me, Second Brother."

Qi Yun didn't hide it, telling his brother directly: "Don't think Third Young Master is foolish. On the contrary, he has his own wisdom. It's just that what he thinks about differs from you and me, so he won't see through my thoughts, or even if he does, he doesn't care."

Since Qi Yun guessed this Third Young Master was of royal blood, he had planned what to say and do next. Being able to achieve his goal was because Qi Yun understood Chu Chengyun's mind thoroughly.

"He and I both seek profit, but I seek personal gain, wanting only silver - a small path. He seeks gain for the country and state, wanting family and national peace - a great path. What we seek differs but can coexist, could be called reaching the same destination by different routes, which let me have plans."

These words Qi Yun spoke clearly. Qi Ming heard them and thought, then respectfully bowed to Qi Yun: "Thank you, Second Brother. Your younger brother is instructed."

In Qi Ming's view, Qi Yun indeed sought wealth, but what he said wasn't entirely false - rather, all true.

It seemed his Second Brother truly was someone who worried about the world. He had still underestimated him.

With a smile returning to his face, Qi Ming was about to leave when he heard Ye Jiao ask softly: "Husband, your merchant caravan has funding now?"

Ye Jiao managed money for Qi Yun and could somewhat understand outside affairs.

She didn't care what Qi Yun was doing, but Ye Jiao could see what Qi Yun had been worried about recently.

Though Little Ginseng usually said nothing, her heart contained only Qi Yun. Naturally she'd remember what her husband worried about.

Though she wouldn't say it aloud, knowing Qi Yun's difficulty was resolved, Ye Jiao would be happy too.

Hearing this, Qi Yun smiled while embracing her waist, his other hand protecting her slightly protruding belly, saying warmly: "Mm, today this matter was resolved. Met someone, and he's providing the silver."

Ye Jiao couldn't help tilting her head: "So much, all from him?"

Qi Ming thought Qi Yun would explain what he'd just told him to Ye Jiao. Who knew Qi Yun smiled warmly and said lightly: "Right, anyway he has lots of money. Not using it would be wasteful."

Qi Ming: ...

Why is what you're saying now different from before?

Ye Jiao didn't ask more, thinking resolution was good. She didn't care who provided it.

Then the couple walked away together, looking very close.

Instead, Qi Ming was left behind, thinking for a while before finally understanding, then looking speechlessly at the sky.

Sworn brother, I'm sorry!