Lady of Fortune, Jiao Niang

Chapter 81

In this world, there are some things that can be calculated, and some that cannot.

From childhood to adulthood, Qi Yun never had anything he particularly cared about. He wasn't even afraid of death, so naturally there wasn't much else he wanted.

But this also made him dislike changes. Like a life already arranged, someone used to a calm existence doesn't appreciate surprises that suddenly pop up.

Even now, Qi Yun always thinks three steps ahead in business, only feeling comfortable when everything is firmly in his grasp.

However, Ye Jiao had become a rare source of vitality. Qi Yun didn't feel she would disrupt his life, but wholeheartedly expected her to inject some energy into his stagnant existence.

Of course, sometimes Qi Yun truly couldn't predict what his wife wanted to do.

"Moving around like this is too troublesome." Though he said this, Qi Yun's hands held her tightly, with no intention of loosening his grip even slightly.

Ye Jiao let him hold her, her voice soft and sweet: "It's no trouble. Xu Bao has already been fed, and Nanny Liu and Little Su are watching him. He's fine. Mother also said she was worried about you and told me to come check on you."

Qi Yun knew Liu Shi had understood the meaning behind his sending pastries and found an excuse to let Ye Jiao come.

However, Qi Yun looked down at her: "So Jiao Niang came because she listened to Mother's words?"

Ye Jiao leaned against Qi Yun, tightly clasping his waist, and said softly: "I was actually worried about you too. I only feel at ease when I can see you."

Qi Yun smiled, placing his hand on Ye Jiao's back, lowering his head slightly to plant a kiss on her hair.

After Ye Jiao arrived, time passed much faster than before.

Though they were just sitting close together, not doing anything else, Qi Yun couldn't help but smile. Just having his wife's company made even his breathing feel lighter.

However, as the carriage slowly moved forward and swayed gently, Qi Yun felt drowsy.

Ye Jiao noticed the weariness on his face. She straightened up, sat beside Qi Yun, pulled his arm into her embrace, and said softly: "You got up early today. Mother said it'll be a while before we reach our destination. Sleep for a bit."

Qi Yun didn't insist. He tilted his head slightly, resting against the cushion and closing his eyes.

Ye Jiao was in good spirits. Seeing Qi Yun asleep, she prepared to take out the "Three Character Classic" she'd prepared for Xu Bao to look at.

This was something Qi Yun had asked her to bring, saying that though Xu Bao was small, reading the Three Character Classic to him would help him learn faster later.

But before Ye Jiao could read for long, she felt the road becoming bumpy.

Little Ginseng thought this was probably because they'd entered the mountains, where the roads weren't as smooth as before and had some rises and falls. The bumpy road made the carriage sway much more than before. Afraid of waking Qi Yun, Ye Jiao put down her book and reached over to adjust his position.

Then, Qi Yun was lying in her lap.

Ye Jiao looked down at Qi Yun sleeping peacefully with his eyes closed, extending her finger to gently trace his features.

So handsome.

Little Ginseng smiled with narrowed eyes, reaching out to hold Qi Yun, occasionally pinching his ears, especially the earlobes, which felt wonderful to touch.

When the carriage stopped, Qi Yun opened his eyes.

He met Ye Jiao's smiling eyes directly, then received a soft kiss.

When they got off the carriage, Ye Jiao got down first, stepped back two paces to wait for Qi Yun, her eyes looking around, particularly at the horse pulling the carriage, which had a streak of white mane on its head that made it easy to recognize.

After both got off, Liu Shi came over and looked at Qi Yun's ears in surprise: "Why are they red?"

Ye Jiao also looked and explained: "Probably because I pinched them a couple of times just now, they turned red."

Liu Shi simply took this as their intimate play and didn't ask further. Perhaps only Qi Yun knew that when his wife kissed him just now, her hair fell across his face, mixing orchid fragrance with a milky scent. As Ye Jiao kissed him while softly saying "Husband looks so handsome," Qi Yun's ears were instantly flushed red.

Both ears were red, so it was impossible to tell which one Ye Jiao had actually pinched.

The days living in the mountain courtyard were more comfortable than at home.

Not that the Qi family wasn't good, but at home they usually just walked in the garden or went out to town, which became boring after several trips.

On the mountain, maple leaves covered everything in red. They could watch the sunrise in the morning and sunset in the evening. At night, they could find hot springs to play in with Xu Bao. It was quite leisurely.

Especially since Qi Yun could spend most of his time with them, which was probably what made Ye Jiao happiest.

After about ten days, Ye Jiao had walked through all the forests here and discovered quite a few medicinal herbs, bringing them all back.

Among these herbs, some Qi Yun recognized, and others he'd never seen before. Normally he'd consider them weeds, but Ye Jiao always planted them in flower pots, seemingly planning to take them home. Qi Yun also agreed.

He didn't ask too many questions or think too much about it, trusting her completely.

However, today they didn't take Xu Bao out. Qi Yun closed the door, saying: "Looking at the weather outside, it seems like it's going to rain. Rain in late autumn is especially cold, so it's better not to go out."

Ye Jiao nodded, handed the squirming Xu Bao in her arms to Little Su nearby, walked over to adjust Qi Yun's robe: "Then we won't go. Perfect timing, I wanted to play chess with you. How about we play two games?"

Qi Yun smiled and readily agreed.

But just as they took out the chess board, Tie Zi called from outside: "Second Young Master, Third Prince has sent someone."

Qi Yun was somewhat surprised. Recently, many managers had come to the mountain to find him, but Third Prince usually had no dealings with him. When there was news from the merchant caravan, he would actively send it over. This was the first time someone was sent to find him.

Opening the door, he saw Liu Rong standing at the entrance, bowing respectfully to Qi Yun and Ye Jiao: "Second Young Master Qi, my master requests your presence."

Qi Yun hesitated slightly before standing up, asking calmly: "Where is Third Prince now?"

"My lord is at the tavern halfway up the mountain. He has important matters to discuss with Second Young Master Qi." After hesitating, Liu Rong said quietly, "Third Young Master told me to inform you that there's news from Commander Ye."

Ye Jiao immediately sat up straight and asked: "Is my big brother well?"

Liu Rong immediately replied: "My lord didn't explain the specifics to me. Please accompany me, Second Young Master Qi."

Qi Yun nodded without hesitation, preparing to leave.

He knew in his heart that if it were just news about Ye Ping Rong, that person wouldn't necessarily call him over. Most likely there were more urgent matters.

If it were someone else, Qi Yun might not care too much.

But now, guessing that person's identity as imperial blood, and being called early in the morning, it wouldn't be a small matter. Moreover, it involved Ye Ping Rong, so Qi Yun had to go.

Though Ye Jiao was also worried about Ye Ping Rong, she didn't want anything to happen to Qi Yun: "Can't you not go? If it rains, it'll be very cold outside."

Qi Yun weighed the matter in his mind and said softly: "The tavern halfway up the mountain is just a stick of incense's time by carriage from here. It's very quick. I'll go and come right back."

Little Ginseng grabbed Qi Yun's arm: "Then wait a moment." She then ran to get a hand warmer and cloak, ran back, stuffed the hand warmer into Qi Yun's hands to hold, then put the cloak on him. While tying the strings, she instructed: "If that tavern is too far, don't stay long. Come back early."

Qi Yun smiled, grasping her fingertips, and nodded: "Alright, I understand."

"Also, take the carriage. No matter how urgent the matter, consider your health first."

"Alright."

"It's going to rain, take an umbrella. Take the largest oil-paper umbrella. Don't worry about the cloak getting wet in the rain. If it gets soaked, there should be another one in the carriage, remember to change. If it rains, come back early... No, wait until the rain stops before coming back. Just have someone send word that you're safe."

"I know, Jiao Niang, don't worry."

Liu Rong outside silently looked at the sky, suddenly understanding why his Commander Ye always talked about establishing a career and starting a family when he returned.

Looking at Second Young Master Qi's family, having a family really seemed quite nice.

Finally ready, Ye Jiao stood at the door, watching Qi Yun get in the carriage and leave.

Ye Jiao looked up at the sky with some concern. It should have been time for the rising sun and maple leaves like fire, but the sky was gradually darkening, making even the burning red leaves appear less vivid.

She closed the door, took Xu Bao from Little Su's arms and held him, gently swaying while worry flashed in her eyes.

Would husband get caught in the rain?

As if fearing what might come, in less than half an hour, it began pouring rain.

Autumn rain wasn't like summer rain with its thunder and lightning, but it was especially cold, continuous and dense, with no end in sight.

One autumn rain, one degree colder. After this rain, they'd probably truly step into winter's threshold.

But when the rain came, Qi Yun didn't return. Breakfast was served, Qi Yun didn't return. When it was almost time for lunch, Qi Yun still hadn't returned.

Others weren't anxious, thinking it normal for men to be delayed when conducting business.

But Little Ginseng knew that if Qi Yun promised to return early, he would definitely do so. Even if he was delayed, he would send someone to tell her, not letting her worry.

But now there wasn't even a shadow of a person. Even the usually cheerful and optimistic Ye Jiao couldn't help but feel small fragments of worry.

But just then, in the distance, she saw a horse galloping through the heavy rain.

It had a streak of white mane on its head, very recognizable. It was the same horse that had pulled the carriage away that morning.