Lady of Fortune, Jiao Niang

Chapter 69

Hui Niang's visit today wasn't entirely to see Ye Jiao, but more to observe what kind of family the Qi household was.

Ever since Chu Chengyun heard Qi Yun's plan last time, he had been extremely excited. That very night he went to tell Hui Niang everything, appearing quite interested.

But Chu Chengyun telling Hui Niang wasn't just to share, it was also a habit.

In matters of state and nation, Chu Chengyun had his own ideas. Having him make decisions on court affairs, Chu Chengyun could certainly handle things beautifully. Otherwise he wouldn't have earned his reputation for wisdom among the court's scholars.

But in daily expenses and interpersonal relationships, Chu Chengyun wasn't as thoughtful and thorough as his princess consort.

Fortunately, Prince Duan had always been able to accept this frankly.

Though his birth mother died early, he was always raised under the Empress's name, counting as half a legitimate son. Since the Empress had her own biological children, when Chu Chengyun was young, no one thought he could inherit the throne, sparing him much suspicion. Yet he still claimed half the reputation of a legitimate son, so others wouldn't mistreat him either. This allowed Chu Chengyun to live freely and at ease, developing a willful temperament.

If not for such willfulness, he probably couldn't have done something like draining Thousand Carp Pool and roasting fish on the spot.

Meng Huirou was different. She grew up in deep courtyards of great mansions, with strict family rules, yet couldn't avoid scheming and intrigue.

Hui Niang learned household management extremely well, and also mastered methods of forbearance. After marrying Chu Chengyun, she devoted herself wholeheartedly to him, considering him in everything, being tactful on all sides and thoughtful in all matters.

Chu Chengyun cherished how understanding his wife was, because he knew that learning to be sensible early came at the cost of suffering, something only those who had endured hardship could achieve. Chu Chengyun also respected his wife, willing to discuss everything with her.

In matters of state and nation, Hui Niang never interfered.

But in other matters, Hui Niang had her own plans.

This time when Chu Chengyun returned and told her about the merchant caravan, Hui Niang knew that Second Young Master Qi had his own agenda.

But this agenda could coexist with what Chu Chengyun sought, so Hui Niang said nothing.

Just as Qi Yun thought, what Prince Duan and his wife lacked least was money. Even if they saw through it, they would still agree.

It's just that Hui Niang wanted to see what kind of family the Qi household was.

She had a good relationship with Ye Jiao and had visited the Qi family, but those were during the Qi family's celebrations, when she couldn't observe their usual family conduct.

Today Hui Niang wanted to accompany Chu Chengyun to see exactly what kind of family the Qi household was.

Only families with proper conduct could raise good children. Regardless of their motives, at least their hearts should be pure and kind.

Otherwise, her prince would eventually be deceived.

Upon arriving at the Qi family, Hui Niang unconsciously nodded in her heart.

The inner quarters were peaceful with no concubines, bringing domestic tranquility.

Though mostly tenant farmers and helpers, they worked very orderly, showing that the mistress of the house was very good at teaching people.

From the front hall to Ye Jiao's courtyard, she could see fragrant flowers and plants, as well as chicken coops and vegetable patches, looking very homey.

Children raised in such families couldn't be bad.

Hui Niang walked with light steps and a gentle smile all the way. No one could tell her thoughts had already turned several corners.

When she entered Ye Jiao's courtyard and saw Ye Jiao sitting at the side room table holding a bowl, Hui Niang's smile became more genuine: "Jiao Niang, coming to see you so late, please don't blame me."

Seeing her enter, Ye Jiao didn't get up but smiled and waved: "Hui Niang, come, freshly made wontons, have a bowl." Then she had Little Su serve Hui Niang a bowl.

Hui Niang wasn't originally hungry, and she had always been indifferent to food and drink, but she was happy to be close to Ye Jiao. Since she was a guest in someone's home, she didn't refuse Ye Jiao's kindness.

However, once the wontons entered her mouth, Hui Niang's eyes widened slightly: "Delicious."

She had eaten fine foods before. Sichuan, Shandong, Cantonese, Huaiyang, Fujian, Zhejiang, Hunan, and local cuisines, all the great culinary traditions had good chefs in the capital. Whatever she wanted to eat was available.

But this bowl of wontons was warm and fragrant, especially when slightly scalding, the broth alone was intoxicatingly fresh.

Ye Jiao smiled with squinted eyes: "If it's good, eat more. Every time I see you, you just touch the food with your lips and put it down, starving yourself into a paper sheet."

Ye Jiao spoke these words sincerely. She never urged Fang Shi to eat because she knew her sister-in-law wanted to stay thin. Sometimes in Liu Shi's courtyard, when seeing nice pastries, if Fang Shi didn't reach for them, she wouldn't deliberately eat more either, lest Fang Shi feel uncomfortable.

But Hui Niang was different. She was naturally tall and slender, yet exceptionally thin.

If Ye Jiao was someone who ate without gaining weight, then Hui Niang was thin to a pitiful degree.

Hui Niang stirred in the bowl with her spoon, smiled, and said softly: "Alright, I'll listen to Jiao Niang."

But in her heart, Hui Niang knew she couldn't gain weight. Years ago someone had drugged her, ruining her health. This trip out of the capital involved traveling everywhere, leaving her body quite weak. Even if she managed to put on some flesh, all this traveling could wear it away again.

But Hui Niang wouldn't speak of these matters to others. After finishing a bowl of wontons, she put down the spoon.

Taking a handkerchief to dab the corners of her mouth, Hui Niang smiled: "A couple days ago I visited Spring Orchid. Her pregnancy is earlier than yours, but her belly looks a size bigger than yours."

Ye Jiao was drinking soup when she heard this and couldn't help saying: "How is Spring Orchid's health?"

"Good, she just misses you, but she doesn't dare go out, being very careful." Hui Niang couldn't help covering her mouth and laughing.

Dong Shi was simple-minded, usually rather rash, but this time she was extremely cautious, becoming much more reserved.

Seeing Ye Jiao also put down her bowl, Hui Niang smiled: "These past months I thought you hadn't stabilized yet, so I didn't come to disturb you. Now seeing you in good health, I'm relieved."

Ye Jiao had finished three bowls of wontons. Though she used small bowls, three bowls still made her feel full.

Hearing Hui Niang's words, Ye Jiao gently touched her lower abdomen: "He's quite well-behaved."

Hui Niang looked envious but didn't show it on her face, only saying warmly: "Have you chosen a name yet?"

Only then did Ye Jiao remember there was the matter of naming, but she never put these things in her heart: "My husband will handle it. Let him think about it."

Hui Niang saw her completely trusting appearance and unconsciously curved her lips.

Seeing it was still early and Chu Chengyun probably wouldn't finish talking with Qi Yun so quickly, Hui Niang taught Ye Jiao to make tassels.

Ye Jiao knew nothing about these boudoir arts. Hui Niang didn't have her do anything complex and troublesome. Making tassels was simpler, just to pass the time.

Moving her hands slowly, Hui Niang watched Ye Jiao's progress while saying: "Jiao Niang does it really well."

But Ye Jiao could see her own work wasn't as beautiful as Hui Niang's. However, Little Ginseng's greatest virtue was being willing to learn, even being particularly enthusiastic about learning these things. Her face was always smiling, looking very likeable.

Hui Niang also curved her lips, sitting beside Ye Jiao in peaceful atmosphere.

After finishing the tassels, just as Ye Jiao was examining her handiwork, Hui Niang took a square box from her sleeve and placed it in front of Ye Jiao: "This is for you, it happens to match the tassels."

Ye Jiao blinked, thinking how everyone who came brought her gifts?

Last time Dong Shi came and gave her a book, now Hui Niang came with another gift. This made Little Ginseng take note, thinking she couldn't go empty-handed when visiting them in the future.

When Ye Jiao opened the box, she saw a warm jade stone inside.

Lustrous throughout, perfectly round. Taking it in her hand, it felt extraordinarily warm.

When she turned it over, Ye Jiao saw faint purple on the jade stone.

This colored jade looked somewhat familiar to Ye Jiao, but she couldn't say exactly where she'd seen it, falling into thought for a moment.

Ye Jiao's silence made Hui Niang think she didn't recognize this purple jade, so she said gently: "This purple jade is said to come from the Bofu Kingdom. It looks no different from ordinary jade, but it's warmer than regular jade."

"Warm?" Little Ginseng shifted her gaze to Hui Niang, somewhat curious.

Hui Niang nodded, extending her pale palm to gently grasp Ye Jiao's hand, having her close her five fingers and grip the jade tightly.

In no time, she felt some warmth in her palm.

Ye Jiao was somewhat surprised, opening her hand to look, discovering the purple jade was still purple jade, but the temperature on it didn't dissipate immediately, instead maintaining for quite a while.

It would be excellent for warming hands.

Seeing she liked it, Hui Niang smiled: "Legend says wearing it long-term is good for the body, but this piece has little purple. You keep it, just treat it as a hand warmer."

But Ye Jiao said to Hui Niang: "If it's good for the body, why don't you keep it yourself?"

Hui Niang was startled: "Jiao Niang, why do you say this?"

"Your health isn't good. Since there's something good for the body, you should use it first." Speaking thus, Ye Jiao reached out to gently grasp Hui Niang's wrist.

Actually from their first meeting, Ye Jiao knew Hui Niang's body was weak.

But unlike her husband, Qi Yun's weakness came from the womb, naturally weak constitution. Nourishing him couldn't be rushed, had to be done gradually. But Hui Niang's weakness was acquired. Ye Jiao didn't know why this was so, but since Hui Niang didn't say, Ye Jiao wouldn't ask.

But these words made Hui Niang's fingertips tremble.

She didn't know Ye Jiao could see the problem just by grasping her wrist. Hui Niang, accustomed to being cautious, first thought: could this person know the secret she'd been hiding?

This matter supposedly only she knew about.

But when she looked up into Ye Jiao's purely clear eyes, the wariness she'd just felt instantly crumbled.

Hui Niang told herself that Jiao Niang had always been so innocent, otherwise she wouldn't have spoken so directly. She should be suspicious of such genuine concern, which was truly inappropriate.

Such a good woman, innocent and kind, yet she still harbored baseless suspicions about her. This really didn't do justice to Ye Jiao's sincere heart.

Perhaps everyone with deep thoughts particularly favored those with pure temperaments. Hui Niang quickly showed a smile, saying softly: "My body was already ruined long ago. No amount of nourishing can fix it, so why waste good things."

Ye Jiao looked at her and pressed her lips together.

Though she hadn't spent much time with Hui Niang, far less close than with Dong Shi, Little Ginseng always judged people by following her heart. Since Hui Niang treated her well, Ye Jiao would remember her kindness.

Moreover, in Ye Jiao's view, this wasn't some incurable disease, much easier to treat than her husband's condition.

Ye Jiao looked around and her eyes fell on the Stone Sprout Grass.

Her eyes brightened. She walked over and plucked a leaf from the Stone Sprout Grass.

Randomly taking a brocade pouch to put it in, she also hung the tassel she'd made on top. Ye Jiao handed the brocade pouch to Hui Niang: "This is my return gift, wishing Hui Niang good health."

Since the Stone Sprout Grass was on the wall table by the window with its back to Hui Niang, she couldn't see what was inside the brocade pouch.

Taking it and feeling around, the leaf inside was too small, so touching it now only felt like an empty pouch.

Hui Niang looked at the embroidery work, which was extremely fine, and the two auspicious clouds were also very fortunate.

Ye Jiao happened to choose a superior Suzhou embroidery brocade pouch, quite appropriate as a gift.

Perhaps in Hui Niang's eyes, accustomed to fine things, this pouch wasn't much, but Hui Niang particularly valued the sincerity within.

She didn't care about the embroidery or satin, only the tassel Ye Jiao had personally made caught Hui Niang's eye.

She smiled and accepted it, saying softly: "Thank you, Jiao Niang."

Ye Jiao instructed her: "Keep it with you, don't lose it."

Little Ginseng meant for Hui Niang to carry it with her for good health, but Hui Niang thought this was Ye Jiao's sincere heart, so she would remember it.

Placing the brocade pouch in her bosom, Hui Niang nodded gracefully: "I'll certainly carry it and won't forget."

Seeing it was about time, Hui Niang got up to take her leave. But when she reached the front hall, she still didn't see Chu Chengyun. She wasn't anxious either, directly leaving and walking toward the nearby carriage.

The nanny serving beside Hui Niang looked extremely anxious. When Hui Niang went in, she didn't let her follow, so the nanny waited in the carriage. Seeing Hui Niang return, she hurried down to help her.

At this moment, Hui Niang's face no longer showed the warmth she'd had before Ye Jiao, but was entirely the reserved dignity of a great family's daughter, her brows and eyes carrying indifference.

Once in the carriage, Hui Niang took out the brocade pouch Ye Jiao had given her, examining it carefully, a smile appearing at the corner of her mouth.

The nanny was somewhat worried: "Mistress, where did this come from? Don't accept things from outside, be careful it's bad for your health."

Hui Niang restrained her smile and said coolly: "My body, after the Empress poured that bowl of medicine down my throat, has never been well. How much worse can it get?"

Hearing this, the nanny's eyes showed some heartache.

The prince was only nominally under the Empress's name, not her biological child. The Empress, seeing his reputation for virtue, was particularly wary, but didn't strike at the prince directly. Instead, she tormented their princess consort.

One bowl of medicine left the princess consort gravely ill. Even now, forget about children, even her body was probably ruined.

But Hui Niang didn't seem very sad, still indifferent, her hand gently touching the brocade pouch: "Jiao Niang has a good heart, with rare pure and kind thoughts in this world. I know her, trust her. Treating others with sincerity not only benefits others, but benefits oneself even more. Moreover, it's been too long since I've trusted anyone."

The nanny said no more, only quietly kneeling beside Hui Niang, eyes downcast, sighing softly.

Meanwhile, Little Ginseng in the courtyard stared at this jade tinged with purple for a long time, finally remembering where she'd seen it before.

Last time when viewing lanterns, Qi Yun had bought one to give her.

That piece was entirely purple, much more purple than this one.

Ye Jiao held it in her hand, and indeed her palm grew warm.

She smiled, seeing there was a hole in it, and thinking of the method Hui Niang had taught her during the day, she carefully made a tassel to hang on it.

But since it was Ye Jiao's first time doing it herself, the tassel wasn't very attractive and was somewhat crooked.

When Qi Yun returned, he saw Ye Jiao holding an ugly tassel and a piece of purple jade that looked somewhat familiar.

"What's this? It looks rather unique." Qi Yun didn't directly say it was ugly, just smiled and asked.

Ye Jiao excitedly told him: "This is a tassel Hui Niang taught me to make. I just learned how."

Qi Yun almost instantly changed his attitude: "You learned so quickly? Jiao Niang is really clever."

Ye Jiao nodded proudly, then handed the jade to Qi Yun: "I just tried it, it gets warm when you hold it. Take it, carrying it to warm your hands is good too." Her voice paused: "You don't have to wear it though. Actually I think this tassel doesn't look very good, but if you put it in your chest pocket, no one can see it anyway."

For anything Ye Jiao gave him, Qi Yun always accepted without exception, taking it and tucking it into his bosom.

The next day, Second Young Master Qi actually went out wearing the crooked tassel, looking completely natural.

In less than a day, everyone in the household knew that Second Young Mistress had made a tassel for Second Young Master to wear.

Though it wasn't made well, having such thoughtfulness was good. Liu Shi was also happy hearing this, quickly instructing Nanny Liu to make a bowl of steamed egg custard with milk to send to Ye Jiao.

This left Ye Jiao somewhat confused: "How did they know so quickly that I made it?" Obviously besides her husband, no one knew.

Little Su stood to the side, looking up at the sky.

Second Young Master told First Young Master, First Young Master told First Young Mistress.

Once First Young Mistress knew, everyone knew...

Qi Yun didn't know about this. He only heard Qi Zhao say the tassel looked ugly when he saw his elder brother, so he replied: "This is my wife's heartfelt intention, worth more than gold."

He didn't say anything else, but who knew when he returned from the study, he saw many kind smiles.

After briefly asking, he learned the reason. Qi Yun coughed lightly.

He didn't feel embarrassed, instead felt somewhat amused.

Manager Song beside him was happy today anyway. The merchant caravan matter was resolved, they could depart soon, and Golden Cup Wine had a name. It was clearly real income ahead. Now seeing Qi Yun happy, Manager Song was also pleased to flatter him: "Congratulations, Young Master."

Qi Yun looked at him: "What's the congratulation for?"

Manager Song immediately replied: "Prosperous fortune and harmonious marriage, aren't these all joyful matters?"

Hearing this, Qi Yun smiled, his steps calm, his voice light: "Harmonious marriage is inevitable. As for prosperous fortune, that depends on planning and heaven's will."

Manager Song nodded, knowing he was talking about the merchant caravan.

But before he could speak, Qi Yun continued: "Just one thing, Third Young Master providing the silver mustn't be publicized. After the caravan departs, every account must be crystal clear, and everything Third Young Master instructed must be done without fail. Even if we earn less, or even earn nothing, the maps to be drawn and books to be brought must all be prepared."

Manager Song no longer asked for reasons. Just do whatever his Young Master said. He immediately agreed and left.

Before returning to his courtyard, Qi Yun paused and first went to the small kitchen to get a plate of taro dumplings.

Entering, he indeed saw Ye Jiao leaning sideways on the soft couch, fiddling with a string of tassels on the couch table.

Seeing him return, Ye Jiao got up and went over, then clung to Qi Yun's embrace without moving.

Qi Yun naturally knew what she was thinking. He smiled, placed the food box on the table, opened it with one hand, but said nothing.

Sure enough, Ye Jiao smelled the taro dumplings and her face lit up with a smile.

Standing on tiptoe to kiss Qi Yun, she sat at the table and put one in her mouth.

Qi Yun sat beside her, watching her eat, occasionally feeding her water or handing her a napkin, extremely gentle.

After Ye Jiao finished eating, he said: "This is your heartfelt intention, I love it."

Ye Jiao glanced at him. Little Ginseng had already swallowed the tassel matter along with the taro dumplings into her stomach, completely forgetting: "Love what?"

Qi Yun's voice paused, then slowly said: "Love you."

Hearing this, Little Su quietly withdrew from the inner room and closed the door, being very tactful.

But Ye Jiao showed no sign of blushing. Instead, she directly reached her arms around Qi Yun's neck, softly replying: "I love my husband too."

Qi Yun gently held her and felt Ye Jiao's belly move again.

But this time Qi Yun didn't pay attention, instead gently kissing beside Ye Jiao's mouth.

As for the child... Qi Yun narrowed his eyes. Not even born yet, wanting to greet Jiao Niang could wait. There had to be a first-come-first-served order.

These past months, Qi Yun had been restrained, not daring to touch or move around his wife. Of course he still didn't dare now, but if he couldn't have a full meal, having some dessert was still possible.

Ye Jiao never refused Qi Yun's closeness, even being particularly enthusiastic.

Tightening her arms, she pulled the man to bend toward her, and they drew closer. She seemed to find standing on tiptoe tiring, and when she stood flat, their lips separated.

Before her was the man's collarbone showing from his clothing. She looked at it and gently bit it.

This bite made Qi Yun press his lips tight and bury his face in the woman's neck.

Not long after.

"Jiao Niang, your undergarment seems a bit small, quite tight."

"Let me feel."

"..."

"It is small, we'll make new ones next time."

"...Jiao Niang, it's still daylight, put your clothes back on first."

"Oh."

But just as the two were being affectionate, firecrackers sounded outside again.

Ye Jiao couldn't help releasing Qi Yun, not seeing Qi Yun's face suddenly turn cold, only pushing open the window to call outside: "Little Su, what's the commotion outside?"

Little Su had been standing guard at the door and naturally didn't know.

But before she could speak, someone outside was already shouting loudly: "The announcement bearer is here! Third Young Master got first place again! Top candidate in the prefectural examination!"