Lady of Fortune, Jiao Niang

Chapter 71

When the merchant caravan departed, it was midsummer, the hottest time of year.

Ye Jiao was six months pregnant. Though her belly wasn't exactly large, it wasn't small either, and she walked with some heaviness.

Qi Yun originally wanted her to rest properly, but this time the caravan's assembly point was not far from the Qi family, using an empty field where the Qi family dried grain, surrounded by walls with mostly Qi family tenant farmers passing by. Outsiders couldn't see much.

If they went to town or the city, it would inevitably disturb others. Being too conspicuous was never good.

Even though the court now turned a blind eye and didn't interfere, if other merchants knew the Qi family had formed a caravan, whether from envy or jealousy, it would surely bring trouble. That's why they chose this location.

This place was also close to the Qi family residence, just a cup of tea's walk away. Seeing Ye Jiao's curiosity, Qi Yun brought her along.

When they arrived, Tie Zi said quietly: "Young Master, the restaurant manager just came to say someone rented out the entire second floor, from where they can directly see the activities here."

The Qi family was wealthy in this area, so that restaurant belonged to them. Naturally, they would come report when something happened.

Qi Yun was supporting Ye Jiao when he heard this and looked over there.

Qi Yun recognized that carriage, knowing it was Third Young Master's.

He had clearly invited him to come, but he didn't come. Now he was sneaking around to watch secretly. Who knew what these noble people were thinking.

On the surface, Qi Yun's expression remained calm: "No matter. That person is my friend, it's fine for him to watch."

Tie Zi said no more, just following behind Qi Yun.

Soon they saw Manager Song bustling about.

The current caravan was mostly formed by merchants pooling funds, selecting capable subordinates to assemble, bringing sufficient goods, and having skilled people for protection.

The mules and horses needed, guides along the way, even greasing various palms all required silver.

This was Qi Yun's caravan's first expedition. Usually such first expeditions had great ambitions, easily involving dozens of horses and hundreds of people. But Qi Yun was very cautious, plus with Manager Sun's reminders, there were only about thirty people in total, half of whom were skilled fighters.

The rest, besides those eloquent enough for business, were learned people who could speak well.

They also brought two painters specifically for drawing maps.

Just these scholars occupied several carts.

Manager Song watching from the side felt heartache.

He was getting older, and the older he got, the more frugal he became. Putting it nicely, it was called shrewd; putting it badly, it was stingy.

Under Manager Song's management, the wine shop indeed grew bigger and bigger. Manager Song seemed accustomed to spending flowing money to earn more silver, but this didn't mean he'd changed his temperament.

Now seeing a caravan built with thousands of taels of silver bringing only this little stuff out, it truly made Manager Song feel stifled.

With things bottled up inside, it showed on his face. Qi Yun could tell at a glance that Manager Song was upset.

He first smiled at Ye Jiao beside him, used a handkerchief to help her wipe sweat, indicated she could walk around and look by herself, then looked at Manager Song and said softly: "What's wrong? Is something troubling you?"

Since Qi Yun asked, Manager Song didn't hide it: "Young Master, this caravan expedition cost a lot of silver. Though Third Young Master paid the money, all the details, whether finding people or routes, even the greasing money came from us. We spent over a thousand taels, but we're only bringing this little stuff... Won't we lose money?"

Qi Yun looked around and said: "Nothing's missing, don't worry."

Manager Song knew he was talking about the things Third Young Master mentioned being complete, but what could really make money was indeed not much.

Usually people in caravans packed mostly porcelain and jade, which became priceless treasures once they went out.

But what about at home?

One cart of wine, one cart of books, one cart of paintings, and they even brought quite a lot of rouge and cosmetics for women!

Though these were indeed better preserved than porcelain and jade and less likely to break, Manager Song still felt they couldn't sell for good prices.

Manager Song thought for a moment and couldn't help saying: "Actually, what we have in hand besides wine is medicine. Why not bring some medicinal herbs? They don't take up much space either."

"No." Qi Yun refused without thinking.

And this refusal was different from other times. Previously when Qi Yun had his own calculations, he wouldn't explain in detail to Manager Song, just telling him to follow orders.

But this time, Qi Yun spoke very clearly: "We're doing business with foreign tribes. These things can be exchanged for money, but they're just trinkets, fine for display or use. But medicinal herbs are life-saving things. We just made peace after war, we won and made them submit, but their wolf-like hearts won't disappear. If we give them medicine, who knows whose blood will flow in the end."

Manager Song wasn't someone who couldn't understand. Just now he was momentarily anxious, but now that Qi Yun had explained things clearly, he immediately broke into a cold sweat.

He bowed properly to Qi Yun, his voice carrying some fear: "I understand. Thank you, Master, for the guidance."

Qi Yun didn't pursue it. He knew Manager Song's temperament, he might make mistakes, but once he knew he was wrong, he'd correct it without hesitation. That was good.

Manager Song went back to his work, while Qi Yun returned to help Ye Jiao walk over slowly.

Ye Jiao had been carrying this little one in her belly for six months now. When walking, she had to support her waist to stay steady.

Earlier when Qi Yun went to talk with Manager Song, Ye Jiao supported herself. Now that Qi Yun returned, she naturally put her hands down, and sure enough, the next moment the man had already extended his arm, gently placing it on her lower back.

The summer sun was harsh. Because the sun was high, Little Su brought an umbrella to shade Ye Jiao from the sunlight. Ye Jiao held a fan herself, wearing a silk dress with gauze outer garment, so she didn't feel too hot.

The gauze garment was light and thin, the silk dress underneath also thin. You couldn't see skin, but touching it you could easily feel the woman's body temperature.

Qi Yun moved his hand on her waist, thinking that even though his Jiao Niang was pregnant, she only protruded in front. Touching from behind, she was still slender with little change.

Yet this slender waist had to nurture a small life. Who knew how hard it would be.

Thinking this, Qi Yun felt even more tender-hearted.

Ye Jiao didn't know her husband's thoughts. Instead, she watched those carts with great interest, seeing them loading up, and couldn't help asking: "Husband, are those rouge and cosmetics?"

Qi Yun nodded: "Yes, this time we bought a lot of Hangzhou powder and spiral shell black. I also saved two boxes for you, you can use them when the weather gets cooler."

Ye Jiao blinked and asked: "Are these expensive?"

In Little Ginseng's view, since it was buying and selling things, it was like going to stalls to buy items, some expensive, some cheap.

But the more expensive ones earned more, the cheaper ones earned less.

Though these rouge and cosmetics were fine quality, compared to gold and jade articles, they were much cheaper.

Qi Yun was always patient with her. What he wouldn't say to Manager Song, he told Ye Jiao completely: "They're not expensive here, but expensive out there. Everything becomes more valuable the scarcer it is. Even if I sell these at gold prices, people will want them."

Hearing this, Ye Jiao smiled. She knew her husband was the most capable.

At this time, Tie Zi came over: "Second Young Master, Manager Song can't decide something and wants you to take a look."

Qi Yun nodded, said to Little Su: "Take care of Second Young Mistress," then met Ye Jiao's eyes, his voice gentle and slow: "Wait for me, I'll be right back."

Actually it was just a few steps away, they could still see each other, but after being together so long, even brief separations were hard to bear.

Ye Jiao nodded gently. Because her belly was big, hugging was difficult, so she just held his hand: "You also avoid the sun, remember to pick shady places to walk, don't let yourself get sunburned."

Qi Yun nodded, patted Ye Jiao's hand, then went over.

Ye Jiao stood in the shade watching, her eyes following Qi Yun around, never leaving him for a moment. Little Su supported her and vaguely heard Ye Jiao mutter something.

Little Su thought she wanted something and asked: "Second Young Mistress, do you need anything?"

Ye Jiao shook her head, looked up at Qi Yun, and said softly: "Husband's health still needs gradual care."

In this scorching summer when others were unbearably hot, wearing whatever was cool, Qi Yun still wore a dignified long robe without showing any signs of heat, not even a drop of sweat on his face.

This showed his body was still weak, which was why he couldn't feel the heat.

Now having White Rainbow Fruit in hand was reassuring, but that was for saving lives, a divine medicine for critical moments, most precious indeed.

But if eaten during ordinary peaceful times, at most you'd taste the flavor, not as useful as Little Ginseng giving him a kiss.

To get better, it seemed he'd need more nourishing in the future.

Thinking this, Ye Jiao felt that each time after intimate relations, her husband seemed to feel better, but she touched her belly, realizing this method would have to wait several more months.

Little Ginseng seriously calculated days in her heart. Qi Yun had no idea his wife was already planning to research books with him in a few months.

What Manager Song was busy with was nothing more than how to arrange and organize things, extremely trivial details. What needed Qi Yun's input was only guidance for the caravan members, nothing else to do.

Fortunately there weren't many people, so arranging things was convenient. Soon they had everything in order.

Looking at the team before him, Manager Song felt both gratified and worried: "Just don't know how much silver these things can be exchanged for."

Qi Yun smiled. What Manager Song could think of, he naturally could too, but Qi Yun didn't seem to mind: "Anyway, I'm not the one putting up the silver this time. Third Young Master is covering everything. Whether we earn more or less doesn't matter too much."

Hearing this made Manager Song even more anxious: "Precisely because we're not putting up the silver, we should make a bigger show. That Third Young Master, who knows how noble he is, doesn't even want to give his name, but you can tell he's extraordinary. If the caravan doesn't make money this time and he sees no profit, what if he doesn't invest next time?"

Qi Yun looked at Manager Song and curved his lips: "Don't worry, he might be dissatisfied with anyone, but he definitely won't be dissatisfied."

In Second Young Master Qi's heart, regardless of what Third Young Master's identity was, to him this person was just a money box. He absolutely wouldn't let Third Young Master get away.

All the necessary things were there. Even if they brought fewer profitable goods, the items promised to him were all properly placed in the caravan without exception. Third Young Master would definitely have no complaints.

Just as Qi Yun thought, Chu Chengyun, who was watching at this moment, was very satisfied.

For this caravan's departure, Chu Chengyun hadn't agreed to come watch with Qi Yun. At the time he thought this was after all competing with commoners for profit, and he was a prince, imperial relative, no need to travel around for a thousand taels of silver, feeling it lost face.

But when the actual day came, Chu Chengyun changed his mind again, even bringing Hui Niang to watch.

Hui Niang understood Chu Chengyun's thoughts best. This was his first time making his own decisions, first time doing things himself. If it didn't work out, he definitely wouldn't let her know.

But now that it had taken shape, Chu Chengyun was particularly happy to have Hui Niang see and praise him, letting him be proud for a bit.

Hui Niang was happy to indulge him, so she came with him, smiling, fanning herself, watching her prince's achievements with a beaming smile.

The two had rented the entire second floor of a nearby restaurant, seeing everything clearly.

Earlier when Qi Yun and Ye Jiao were saying their reluctant goodbyes was also seen by Chu Chengyun and Hui Niang. Hui Niang couldn't help saying: "They're truly a loving couple. Jiao Niang having such a caring husband must make life so wonderful."

Chu Chengyun had been enthusiastically watching the caravan, examining the uses of each cart one by one. Hearing Hui Niang's words, he turned to look at her: "Hui Niang, why envy others? I treat you better than anyone."

Hui Niang looked at him and smiled, nodding, gently reaching out to take Chu Chengyun's arm.

Even though in this marriage Hui Niang had suffered quite a bit and her health had declined, she ultimately didn't regret it.

Chu Chengyun treated her well, always putting her first, accommodating and indulging her. Hui Niang felt the suffering she'd endured before was like spiritual cultivation, and after the bitterness, sweetness would come.

Thinking this, Hui Niang's red lips parted slightly, her voice soft: "I wish to be the star to your moon, night after night our light shall meet."

Usually Hui Niang rarely said such sweet words to him. Now that she did, it left Prince Duan somewhat at a loss.

But he was ultimately delighted. Chu Chengyun looked around, remembering he'd rented the entire second floor with only Liu Rong besides them, so he glared at Liu Rong: "Turn around."

Liu Rong immediately turned around, sighing inwardly. Life was truly different. When Commander Ye was here, the prince never scolded him like this. Now that Commander Ye was away on business and he was the replacement, the treatment was like heaven and earth.

After he turned around, Chu Chengyun immediately kissed Hui Niang's face.

Hui Niang had just spoken from her heart in the moment, but she hadn't expected her husband to do something so rash.

Her face reddened. The usually virtuous and wise woman looked up at him and pushed: "Watch properly, why are you teasing me?"

Chu Chengyun didn't think this was teasing, but felt righteous: "I've figured it out now. Since we've left the capital, we don't have to face those old nanny faces sent by Mother Empress every day. We're husband and wife, being close is proper. I wouldn't do this with anyone else."

Hui Niang first smiled and nodded gently, but soon she asked slowly: "Husband, when you said 'anyone else,' who were you thinking of changing to?"

This question stunned Chu Chengyun. He had just spoken casually without really thinking about changing to anyone. He answered honestly: "I wouldn't change for anyone. My wife is so wonderful, I don't want anyone else."

Hui Niang raised her eyes to look at him and smiled again, this time looking much more sincere than before.

No matter what the future held, having this sentiment from him was enough for Hui Niang.

Chu Chengyun didn't know he'd just walked on the edge of danger. His eyes still watched outside, examining those carts one by one, his smile growing bigger and bigger.

Everything that should be there was there. Second Young Master Qi truly kept his word.

This made Chu Chengyun say: "Third Son truly has a good brother. His Second Brother really serves country and people. It's just a pity his health isn't good and he can't be an official, otherwise he'd definitely be a pillar of our dynasty."

Hui Niang smiled without speaking, her delicate hands gracefully picking up the wine pot to pour Chu Chengyun a cup.

When Chu Chengyun's eyes fell on Ye Jiao, he suddenly remembered: "This is Ping Rong's sister."

Hearing this, Hui Niang smiled: "Yes, a truly wonderful woman."

Chu Chengyun also nodded, then said: "This time Ping Rong returns to the capital, it's Prime Minister's idea. By rights, I should personally return to visit the old gentleman, but I previously got word that Father Emperor is ill again. This time it's reached the point where it can't be hidden. If I return to the capital..."

Hui Niang didn't let him worry: "Don't be troubled. My father is just worried about us. Having someone go report and put his mind at ease is enough."

But Hui Niang knew in her heart that her father was asking Chu Chengyun to return to compete for the throne.

She knew this, and presumably Chu Chengyun wouldn't not know, he was just pretending not to know.

Hui Niang knew her husband wasn't stupid, he was just waiting.

If he could live peacefully his whole life, he'd be his carefree prince with a good life. If not, he wouldn't just sit and wait for death.

Otherwise he wouldn't have sent Ye Ping Rong back to the capital, nor would he have this Qi family caravan traveling at this time.

He was keeping a back route while also keeping future prospects.

However, what lay across Chu Chengyun's heart was family affection. He wasn't someone who could easily let go, otherwise he wouldn't have pretended to be crazy and escaped from the capital.

Hui Niang felt somewhat helpless but also somewhat gratified.

Only someone with flesh and blood like this was truly human. In the entire imperial family, there were too few who were like real people. Fortunately, she'd met one with soul and spirit.

But Hui Niang understood the temperament of that palace better than Chu Chengyun.

What family affection, what brotherly love, before that chair, everything could be thrown away.

She lowered her eyes, expression gentle, hiding the coldness in her eyes.

The Empress had been ruthless to her, and would certainly not spare the prince either. This struggle was inevitable. Hui Niang wasn't anxious, she'd take it slowly.

When the caravan outside set off, Chu Chengyun brought Hui Niang away, completely satisfied. But Hui Niang could see he was actually thinking about other things. As for what, Hui Niang didn't ask, both understanding without words.

Qi Yun supported Ye Jiao as they slowly returned home. As soon as they entered the room, Ye Jiao felt sleepy.

Qi Yun helped her sit on the bedside, took off her shoes, helped her lie down, took a fan and sat beside her, fanning while saying: "Sleep."

Ye Jiao's eyes stared at him. Watching and watching, she grew sleepy and closed her eyes.

In summer, the bed curtains were changed to lighter ones, and a bamboo wife was placed on the bed, a hollow pillow made of woven bamboo that felt cool to hold.

But Qi Yun still fanned her. He never let others do this work, only doing it himself.

When fanning, he could watch Ye Jiao sleeping, which for Qi Yun wasn't tiring but enjoyable.

But this time Ye Jiao slept lightly. Probably because she'd just gone out for a walk, though not far, with her pregnancy advanced, just walking made her tired, so she slept more lightly.

What woke her was aching pain in her calves.

She couldn't help moaning twice and opened her eyes. Outside was still bright, then she felt continuous cramping in her legs.

Ye Jiao wanted to get up and rub them, but before that, someone was already holding her legs, gently massaging.

Little Ginseng felt much more comfortable and couldn't help propping herself up with her arms to look.

She saw Qi Yun sitting sideways on the bed, placing her legs on his own legs, massaging intently.

Seeing her sit up, Qi Yun looked at her and smiled gently: "Did I wake you?"

But Ye Jiao didn't speak, just stared at him blankly.

Her husband's weak constitution meant he didn't like to sweat, which Ye Jiao had long known.

Sometimes at night she didn't even need to hold the bamboo wife, just hugging Qi Yun could cool her down.

But now, Qi Yun's forehead already had sweat, his nose tip too. Though his smile was the gentle one he only had for Ye Jiao, you could see he was tired.

Ye Jiao's eyes moved to her own legs, watching him still massaging, and couldn't help saying: "Husband, I'm much better, I'm fine now."

But Qi Yun didn't stop: "You usually need at least a cup of tea's time of massage when your legs hurt before feeling better. It's still early, lie down if you're tired."

Ye Jiao couldn't help looking at him: "I... have I hurt before?"

Qi Yun's eyes were looking at his wife's snow-white calves, his voice slow: "Usually at night. If you walk too much during the day, you'll moan at night, but it doesn't wake you. Today you're probably tired from going out, that's why it hurts. It's fine, it'll be better soon."

But Little Ginseng still looked at him, hearing that this wasn't the first time, and looking at Qi Yun's practiced manner, she didn't know how many times before.

Every time, had this person massaged her like this?

Qi Yun thought she was still in pain and comforted her: "It's fine. Pregnancy is hard for you. This is all I can help share. You should..."

But before Qi Yun finished speaking, he felt the person's calf exert some force.

Then he turned his head and saw Ye Jiao retracting her legs, supporting herself with both hands on the bed, moving toward him.

Qi Yun quickly reached out to support her, but just as he supported Ye Jiao, the woman's soft lips were already pressed against his mouth.

Just pressed there. When speaking, he could still feel the softness of her lips lightly touching: "Thank you, husband. You're the best to me."

Qi Yun's eyes looked at her, supporting her waist so she wouldn't bump into anything, then deepened this kiss.

When their lips parted, Ye Jiao clutched his clothes and panted. Qi Yun stroked her hair and said softly: "I should be the one thanking you."

Qi Yun hadn't previously known about women's pregnancy matters. Now watching his wife, he truly understood what ten months of pregnancy suffering meant.

He'd only done small things, how could they deserve this thanks?

Little Ginseng hugged him, thinking how wonderful her husband was, so good it made her heart feel like it was filled with honey.

But while hugging, Ye Jiao felt something wasn't right.

She moved her calves and looked up at Qi Yun: "Husband, are you uncomfortable?"

Qi Yun said nothing. He also felt he seemed aroused and felt it inappropriate to stay close to Ye Jiao, getting up to leave.

But Ye Jiao held onto him. Qi Yun feared she couldn't sit steadily and quickly sat back on the bed.

But that wasn't all. Little Ginseng exerted a little force and pulled him down to lie down.

This startled Qi Yun, who quickly said: "Jiao Niang, I'll drink a few bowls of cold tea and it'll go away. It's fine."

Hearing he wanted to drink cold tea made Ye Jiao even more unwilling to let him go. Her eyes looked at him clearly: "You just helped massage my legs, so now I'll help you too."

"Help with what?"

Little Ginseng's hand slowly moved downward, calm and composed, her voice gentle: "Help you massage."

By evening, when it was time for the whole family to eat dinner, they arrived late.

Ye Jiao looked normal, eating with a smile, just occasionally putting down her chopsticks to rub her hands.

Qi Yun kept serving her food, making Liu Shi nod approvingly, thinking he cherished his wife.

Qi Ming was off today and happened to be home. He noticed Qi Yun's red ears and couldn't help asking: "Second Brother, are you hot?"

Qi Yun served Ye Jiao a piece of chicken, hearing this, turned to look at him: "I'm not hot. Are you?"

Qi Ming shook his head: "Not hot."

"Good, then copy twenty pages of large characters for me tonight. Now eat."

Qi Ming: ...