Lady of Fortune, Jiao Niang

Chapter 70

If last time Third Young Master Qi's first place in the county examination only earned a few complimentary words about being a reincarnated literary star, now that Qi Ming had achieved first place in the prefectural examination just two months later, it was truly being spread as something miraculous.

After the announcement bearer arrived, Father Qi immediately held a grand banquet, not caring at all how much silver was spent.

Liu Shi, who was usually very careful about such expenses, was also extraordinarily generous, her face never stopping smiling.

This time Ye Jiao didn't go along but stayed in the courtyard.

There were many people in front, inevitably causing collisions. Ye Jiao wasn't someone who liked crowding into groups of people anyway. Liu Shi also looked after her, having all the banquet dishes served to her separately. Little Ginseng was happy not to join the commotion in front.

However, just as the banquet began, Ye Ping Rong came to find Ye Jiao.

Ye Jiao was eating when she saw her elder brother arrive, so she told Little Su: "Go add a pair of chopsticks."

Little Su agreed and brought over bowls and chopsticks to set them out.

Ye Ping Rong didn't stand on ceremony with his sister either. After sitting down, he first set aside the box in his hands, then accompanied Ye Jiao for lunch.

But when he put down his chopsticks, Ye Jiao hadn't finished eating yet.

Ye Ping Rong's concerns differed from others. As an unmarried man, he didn't understand how much pregnant women should eat. Just seeing Ye Jiao eat happily made him happy too, thinking that being able to eat was a blessing, very good indeed.

Only after Ye Jiao finished two bowls of pork rib soup did she contentedly put down her bowl, had the table cleared, and looked at Ye Ping Rong with a smile: "Elder Brother, what brings you to see me today?"

"I came to escort my master, and also to visit you." Speaking thus, Ye Ping Rong handed the box to Ye Jiao.

Probably because recently everyone who came to see her brought gifts, this time Ye Jiao wasn't very surprised. Smiling, she thanked him, reached out to take it, and opened it to see various toys children liked inside.

Though there were many items, you could tell they'd been carefully arranged.

On the left were things boys liked: small footballs and horses. On the right were things girls liked: flower ropes and shuttlecocks. The preparation was extremely comprehensive.

Ye Jiao had Little Su put them away, then smiled at Ye Ping Rong: "It's still several months before the child is born. Elder Brother is preparing rather early."

Ye Ping Rong looked gently at Ye Jiao. Though he had a steady, stern temperament before others, with Ye Jiao even his voice softened considerably: "I have some matters to attend to, and when my nephew or niece is born, I'm afraid I won't have returned yet. So I thought to prepare the meeting gift early, as my intention as an uncle."

Even though Little Ginseng had never seen women give birth, with Liu Shi and Fang Shi talking to her every day, she could estimate that if she conceived in the first month, she'd see the baby as early as September or as late as October. But it wasn't even May yet.

Calculating this way, Ye Ping Rong would be away for at least four months.

Little Ginseng had a pure and kind nature. Whoever treated her well, she'd remember. If it were someone else going away for four months, Little Ginseng wouldn't care what they were doing. But hearing Ye Ping Rong's words, she became somewhat worried: "What business requires so long? It's not war again, is it?"

Seeing her worry, Ye Ping Rong quickly said: "How could it be war? The borders are now peaceful. That previous battle can keep the barbarians from invading for ten years. Even if elder brother wanted to earn military merit, there's no opportunity."

Hearing it wouldn't involve battlefields, Ye Jiao felt relieved.

She could hear Ye Ping Rong was being evasive about this mission, so she didn't ask more, only saying: "Then elder brother must remember to take care of yourself. If you really can't continue, resign and come back. Even doing some business would be good."

Court affairs weren't something you could just stop doing. Like Ye Ping Rong, even if he wanted to quit now, Prince Duan wouldn't let him go.

This mission was to return to the capital to see Prince Duan's father-in-law, Prime Minister Meng. When he could return, Ye Ping Rong didn't know.

He couldn't even say clearly whether the cold, murderous border battlefields were more dangerous, or the magnificent capital was more treacherous.

But these words from Ye Jiao made Ye Ping Rong feel very comforted. With a smile, he nodded in agreement: "Good, if I really can't go on, I'll come seek refuge with little sister."

Ye Jiao also smiled and nodded.

However, before Ye Ping Rong left, Ye Jiao called him back, finding a brocade pouch with her own handmade tassel on top, preparing to give it to Ye Ping Rong.

But for some reason, Little Ginseng still went to pluck a Stone Sprout Grass leaf to put inside before giving it to him.

Ye Ping Rong put it away and then left.

The banquet in the front courtyard continued until dark. The next day Liu Shi busily went to the temple, because she had made a vow before Qi Ming's examinations. Now that her wish came true and Third Son achieved first place, Liu Shi naturally had to fulfill her vow.

Fang Shi accompanied Liu Shi, also hoping to benefit from the good fortune.

But Ye Jiao didn't go along. After all, temples had strong incense, but that smell wasn't something a pregnant woman could tolerate. So Liu Shi had Ye Jiao stay home.

Also staying home was Qi Yun.

However, Second Young Master Qi didn't go to the study to handle business today, but pulled Ye Jiao to walk around in the family garden.

"Husband, wouldn't walking around our own courtyard be enough?" Though Ye Jiao quite liked coming out for walks, she didn't want to delay Qi Yun's business: "With Little Su here, I can walk fine by myself."

Qi Yun smiled and tightened his grip on her hand, saying gently: "Doctor Li told me last time that more walking is good for health, preventing difficulties later."

Doctor Li was extremely attentive to his employer, giving thorough instructions on all aspects. Qi Yun didn't have him tell all these things to Ye Jiao. Second Young Master Qi thought that pregnancy was already hard enough for his wife, with so many complicated matters. He'd rather remember them for her.

Among Doctor Li's instructions was mention of Ye Jiao's drowsiness.

Compared to other women, Ye Jiao only loving sleep was already very fortunate, suffering much less torment.

But sleeping too much inevitably made the body lazy and reluctant to move. If pregnant women exercised little, giving birth would be somewhat more difficult.

Qi Yun remembered this, which was why he specifically found time to accompany Ye Jiao in walking around. Moreover, yesterday all the shop managers had come to the Qi family for drinks. Qi Yun had brought back several large jars of Golden Cup Wine that were all emptied. These managers mostly went home drunk, so today they probably weren't in the mood to discuss business.

Today was good weather for taking his wife on a walk. Qi Yun felt comfortable too.

But while walking, Qi Yun looked toward Ye Jiao's hands: "Where's the Stone Sprout Grass? Usually you bring it out."

Ye Jiao replied with a smile: "After it bore fruit, it doesn't need special sunlight. Just leaving it in the room is fine."

Qi Yun nodded. He didn't ask much about what fruit the Stone Sprout Grass had borne, just felt relieved inside.

The flower pot was heavy. Ye Jiao carrying it every day always made people worry. Now that this matter was resolved was good too.

The man had Ye Jiao hold his arm, and Ye Jiao was happy to lean against him. The two walked unhurriedly through the garden's long corridor. Ye Jiao would occasionally step to make her shadow align with Qi Yun's shadow, and when they occasionally overlapped at turns, it could make Little Ginseng smile.

This clearly wasn't anything amusing, but seeing Ye Jiao happy, Qi Yun also curved his lips and inexplicably became cheerful.

Now it was spring's return to earth, the time when all things revived. The flowers and plants in the courtyard also bloomed particularly brilliantly.

Though Qi Yun was naturally weak and disliked going out, the more confined he was, the more he loved the gorgeous colors outside. Otherwise, he wouldn't have previously planted so many precious flowers in his own courtyard.

Even during his most serious illness, he would find opportunities to look at those flowers and plants, treasuring them greatly.

But now with Ye Jiao's arrival, giving Qi Yun something to cherish, his heart and eyes were full of his wife.

New person replacing old flowers, he didn't feel bad even clearing them all out to plant medicinal herbs. Now looking at the flowers and plants on both sides, he naturally had no appreciation, his heart full of Ye Jiao.

Little Ginseng couldn't say she particularly liked these flowers either. She was just happy to do things together with Qi Yun.

Even just walking and strolling in the garden, she found it very interesting.

At this moment, a gentle breeze blew.

Spring winds were different from winter ones.

In the depths of winter, the winds carried biting cold, cutting like knives when they hit your body, causing dull pain.

But in spring, regardless of temperature, it was always spring wind bringing warmth, with a comfort that made people happy.

Ye Jiao stopped, poked her head out from the corridor, and turned back to Qi Yun: "Husband, this weather is perfect for flying kites."

Compared to paper eagles without whistles, she also preferred kites. When flying them, they made whooshing sounds, very interesting.

Hearing this, Qi Yun looked toward Little Su, who immediately replied: "The two we made before are somewhat torn and the colors aren't bright anymore. These next couple days Tie Zi and I will make a new one."

Ye Jiao smiled and reached out to pat Little Su's hair: "Remember to attach a whistle."

"I've noted it down."

Qi Yun naturally wouldn't stop her from playing, only instructing: "You can fly kites, but you can't do the work. Let them get it airborne first, then you can just hold the string."

Ye Jiao knew he was worried she might fall, and replied with a smile: "I wasn't planning to do it myself anyway. All that running around, I can never get them up. I'll be happy just pulling the string when it's time."

"Why is that?" Others enjoyed the process of launching kites skyward, but for his wife it had become drudgery.

Ye Jiao replied frankly: "I'm afraid of getting tired."

Qi Yun couldn't help smiling: "How could I forget, my wife has always been afraid of getting tired, afraid of hardship too. I really can't think of when you're not afraid."

Little Ginseng actually thought carefully: "There are times when I'm not afraid."

Qi Yun casually asked: "When?"

"When researching books, I've never said I was afraid of anything you wanted to try."

Qi Yun: ...

This was something only the two of them would understand. Others wouldn't comprehend it, but Qi Yun unconsciously felt he could be rendered speechless.

They had already done everything there was to do. He wasn't innocent of mischief either. But every time he heard Ye Jiao speak so openly about these matters, Second Young Master Qi felt his ears burning.

Coughing lightly, Qi Yun said softly: "You mustn't say such things to others."

Ye Jiao also softened her voice: "Don't worry, I only say it to you."

Qi Yun smiled and said nothing more. But after walking another stretch, he still couldn't help himself: "We haven't finished our research yet. After the child is born, we'll study more thoroughly."

Ye Jiao agreed, her face beaming with smiles.

But feeling the breeze, Ye Jiao unconsciously placed her hand on her belly, touching it as she looked up at Qi Yun: "Last time when Hui Niang came to see me, she mentioned naming the child. I kept forgetting to ask - have you thought of names, husband?"

Qi Yun nodded. Naming a child was important business that should be prepared early.

Though by custom, children only received formal names four months after birth, preparing early was never wrong. He told Ye Jiao: "If it's a daughter, we'll call her Qian'er, which has good meaning. If it's a son, following the family genealogy, our child's generation should have the bamboo radical, with the single name Ce."

Ye Jiao was puzzled: "Bamboo radical? Little Shi Tou is clearly called Shi Tou, where's any bamboo?"

This amused Second Young Master Qi, who reached out to pinch her face, saying slowly: "Shi Tou is just a pet name, easier to raise with. His formal name is Qi Du, meaning loyal and honest."

Today was the first time Ye Jiao learned Shi Tou had a formal name. She was so used to calling him Shi Tou that the formal name was rarely mentioned.

Thinking again about the names Qian and Ce that Qi Yun had chosen, whether the meanings were good or not, Ye Jiao didn't know. After all, Little Ginseng had only recently learned to read. Being able to recognize all characters was already progress. But since Qi Yun had chosen them, they wouldn't be wrong. Reading them also felt smooth, so Ye Jiao smiled.

But since Shi Tou was a pet name, their child should have one too: "Since sister-in-law's child is called Shi Tou, what should our child's pet name be? Shi Zi?"

Qi Yun's eyebrow twitched.

Though humble names were generally better for raising children, if he had a child called Shi Zi, he'd probably need to laugh a few times before calling the name each time.

Coughing lightly, Qi Yun said: "No rush for the pet name. We can decide after the birth." Fearing Ye Jiao might insist, Qi Yun changed the subject: "The weather looks good today. How about we have hot pot tonight? I'll have the small kitchen prepare chicken broth."

Ye Jiao indeed smiled, nodding and touching her belly, temporarily setting aside thoughts of naming.

After turning another corner, Tie Zi came running over: "Second Young Master, there's an old woman at the front saying she has business and wants to see the master of the house."

Qi Yun's expression remained calm: "Did she say whose family she's from?"

"No, but that old woman's dress is particularly eye-catching, very colorful."

Currently, common people dressed plainly. Those wearing bright colors were mostly from wealthy families, but wealthy families wouldn't create such gaudy effects. Such dress was typical of market gossips doing various trades.

Qi Yun immediately guessed this must be a matchmaker, and currently the only unmarried person in the Qi family was Third Young Master.

Without thinking, he refused: "Tell her the masters are all out on various business. Have her come another day."

Tie Zi didn't ask questions, agreeing and quickly leaving.

Ye Jiao was somewhat curious: "Lately many people have been coming to the house. What are they all here for?"

Qi Yun continued pulling Ye Jiao forward, his voice gentling: "Our family is quite conspicuous now. Third Son got top honors twice. Regardless of his future prospects, there won't be few people wanting to form marriage connections. Usually when mother and sister-in-law are home, if people come calling, we needn't worry. But if they happen to be out, they might bring matters to you."

Ye Jiao looked at Qi Yun: "Is Third Son getting married?"

"According to mother's wishes, she's not too eager to arrange his marriage so early." Qi Yun gently supported Ye Jiao's waist, making her walk more comfortably.

Ye Jiao thought carefully about Qi Yun's words: "I'll listen to you. If it's like today when mother and sister-in-law are both out, if people come calling, I simply won't see them."

Qi Yun nodded, smiling: "Jiao Niang is truly clever."

But there was something else Qi Yun didn't say.

He had married Ye Jiao, and Ye Jiao had married him. Actually, both could be considered a blind marriage. Qi Yun had even brought divorce papers to the wedding ceremony. If he hadn't heard Ye Jiao say she ate dirt at the Ye family, he would probably have produced those divorce papers early on, and wouldn't have had this jade-like lovely wife.

This was a good marriage. Qi Yun was even immensely grateful he could marry Ye Jiao.

But not everyone had his good fortune, nor could everyone have Ye Jiao's good luck.

As Second Brother, Qi Ming's marriage wasn't his place to interfere, and Ye Jiao didn't understand these matters. It was best left to their parents.

Turning another corner, they reached the courtyard where the family kept poultry.

The Qi family was wealthy, and with recent good income, they had plenty of extra silver for home improvements.

The original poultry yard had been expanded and reinforced with additional fencing and walls. It should have been secure.

But now there was a black creature standing proudly on the wall, strutting about majestically.

Qi Yun stopped, narrowing his eyes.

Ye Jiao followed his gaze and was somewhat surprised: "Isn't that Little Black?"

Hearing its name, Little Black actually stopped and curiously poked its head down.

Seeing it had such poor survival instincts, Little Su wanted to grab something to shoo it away!

Hadn't she heard Second Young Master say they'd have chicken soup tonight? If it didn't leave, it would really be stewed!

But what Qi Yun focused on wasn't the rooster's meat, but the feathers on its tail.

Last time after plucking all of Little Black's tail feathers to make kites, it had been bald, its tail bare. If not for its comb, it would hardly differ from the little hens.

But now looking at Little Black, Qi Yun saw a full tail of beautiful plumes, looking quite magnificent.

Qi Yun suddenly looked at Ye Jiao: "Jiao Niang, didn't you say you wanted to fly kites?"

Ye Jiao nodded.

"Perfect timing." Qi Yun looked at Little Black: "Its feathers have grown back. Let's pluck them."

Little Su: ...Oh.

In the end, Little Black still couldn't keep its tail feathers, becoming a little baldy again. However, Little Black's recent feather growth was much faster than before. Plucked feathers grew back quickly, like leeks - harvest one crop after another.

Just shuttlecocks alone, they tied seven or eight. Ye Jiao thought they probably wouldn't lack shuttlecocks for the entire next year.

Days passed leisurely like this. Before long, it was midsummer, and the time for the Qi family's merchant caravan to depart had arrived.