Lady of Fortune, Jiao Niang

Chapter 87

Ye Jiao ate comfortably, but Qi Yun found it difficult to swallow his food.

He had long been able to guess that Third Prince's identity was extraordinary. Now this was just confirmation of that point.

That woman named Hua Ning, since she was addressed as "Your Highness," was either a princess or a county princess. She also said her father was gravely ill and she came to find her brother. Currently, the only one who was gravely ill was the one in the palace.

Putting it together, those two were a prince and a princess.

Since he was Third Prince, he was probably a prince ranked third.

However, he was just an ordinary citizen with no connection to official families. This place wasn't at the foot of the imperial capital either. Common people, much like his wife, probably wouldn't react to hearing "Your Highness" and wouldn't know who it referred to, let alone know the names of princes and princesses.

If he was the Third Prince, then Qi Yun could still recognize that as Prince Duan, since Prince Duan's fief wasn't far from here, and people nearby all knew about it.

But Prince Duan... Qi Yun suddenly felt the invitation in his chest was somewhat hot to handle.

Seeing him constantly serving her food, Ye Jiao turned her head to look at him: "Husband, you should eat too."

Qi Yun smiled, sighing inwardly.

These matters really shouldn't be discussed before meals. They truly affected one's appetite.

Ye Jiao picked up some shredded pork with her chopsticks and gave it to him: "This is delicious. Husband, use your chopsticks."

Though Qi Yun was thinking about these matters and originally couldn't eat, seeing Ye Jiao's expectant eyes, he still ate it.

Seeing that he ate whatever she served him, Ye Jiao was delighted and took turns feeding her husband. Qi Yun couldn't bear to disappoint his wife's good intentions, so he accepted everything, ending up eating even more than usual.

When night fell, Ye Jiao was on the bed coaxing Xu Bao, who had just finished nursing, to sleep, but her eyes were watching Qi Yun.

Qi Yun met her gaze and said gently: "Why is Jiao Niang looking at me?"

Ye Jiao looked at the sleeping Xu Bao, pulled the small blanket over him, and surrounded him with soft pillows, then said to Qi Yun: "Husband, you said earlier that you would explain Hua Ning's name to me."

Little Ginseng obviously had a good memory.

Qi Yun exhaled and didn't hide it from her. He pulled her to sit down and explained everything to her clearly and thoroughly.

After he finished, Ye Jiao blinked and summarized: "So Third Prince and Hua Ning are siblings, both born to the emperor, right?"

Qi Yun nodded.

"Very important?"

"Very important."

"More important than the County Magistrate in the city?"

"More important."

"Oh." But Ye Jiao didn't say much more. She responded with a sound and yawned: "I've memorized these titles. I definitely won't call them wrong next time. Husband, let's sleep." She then lay down on the bed.

Qi Yun was slightly stunned but also entered the bed curtains, lying down beside Ye Jiao, saying softly: "Isn't Jiao Niang afraid?"

Ye Jiao comfortably moved closer, letting Qi Yun embrace her, her voice soft: "Why should I be afraid? I haven't provoked him or done anything bad. What's there to fear?"

This one sentence left Qi Yun slightly stunned, then he smiled.

Indeed, what was there to fear? When matters came, they couldn't be avoided. Finding solutions was what mattered.

Lowering his head to kiss Ye Jiao's forehead, Qi Yun said softly: "Mm, Jiao Niang makes perfect sense."

Ye Jiao murmured: "Tomorrow Hua Ning invited me to come talk. I agreed to her."

...Tomorrow?

Qi Yun remembered that Third Prince had also invited him to come tomorrow.

It seemed this boat was one he had to board. Whether for Ye Jiao's sake or his own, Qi Yun had to make this trip.

On the other side, Chu Chengyun, whom Qi Yun was thinking about, had no deliberate intentions at all. He didn't know the Seventh Princess would invite Ye Jiao over. It was just a coincidence.

However, Qi Yun had guessed one thing correctly: Chu Chengyun indeed intended to discuss important matters with him.

"Husband, do you truly value him so highly?" Meng Shi sat sideways on the bed, reaching out to gently massage Chu Chengyun's shoulders.

Chu Chengyun's injuries hadn't healed yet. Any slight movement would cause pain, so he could only rest quietly in bed.

But while his body was resting, his mind couldn't relax.

He leaned against the soft cushions, looking at Meng Shi, saying slowly: "These matters will have to be revealed to Second Young Master sooner or later. I have a merchant caravan alliance with him, so I can't deceive him. If things succeed in the future, he'll rise to become an imperial merchant, which would be good. If things don't go well, he naturally needs to distance himself from me early. Right now, I especially can't keep him in the dark."

After Chu Chengyun said this, Meng Shi felt much more at ease.

Though Princess Hua Ning had spoken plainly when she came this morning, and Chu Chengyun had agreed to return to the capital, Meng Shi was still worried in her heart that he might change his mind at the last minute.

Now that Chu Chengyun could plan things out for Qi Yun like this, at least it showed he was determined to go back.

With her mind somewhat settled, Meng Shi's movements paused slightly, looking at him with apparent confusion: "Husband, I only thought you got along well with Third Young Master Qi. I didn't expect you'd also consider Second Young Master Qi's situation."

Being able to plan so much for Qi Yun, even thinking about how Qi Yun should distance himself if his own affairs failed, showed exceptional concern.

Chu Chengyun said softly: "When I formed the merchant caravan with him, it wasn't purely for fame and profit, but to do something for the court. Regardless of Second Young Master's initial intentions, in the end he helped me. This is a great kindness. Whether I succeed or not, he should be able to continue this work."

Meng Shi smiled and continued massaging Chu Chengyun's shoulders, saying: "Husband, you always focus on the matter, not the person. Your kind heart is why the Seventh Princess is close to you."

Hearing this, Chu Chengyun curved his lips, his voice carrying emotion: "Hua Ning came to find me this time not only because she's close to me, but also to protect her mother consort's family."

Meng Shi was slightly stunned: "What?"

Chu Chengyun didn't hide it from her, saying slowly: "Hua Ning's mother consort is Consort Guo. She and her daughter are living well now only because Consort Guo's brother is the current Agile Cavalry General with distinguished military achievements and elite troops, which keeps their lives stable. But all my brothers have won over court officials, including many military figures. Whoever ascends the throne, the people around them will gain the merit of supporting the dragon and rise with the tide. The Guo family will have no good days ahead."

After these words, Meng Shi pressed her lips tightly together.

How could she not understand this principle?

In fact, Prime Minister Meng always hoped Chu Chengyun would compete for the throne, also to preserve the glory of the Meng clan.

Princess Hua Ning had gone to great lengths to get out, probably not just for a man she fancied, but also carrying the hopes of the Guo family.

Both families understood clearly that they were already at the first rank, with no higher position to reach. If they didn't plan ahead, when the dynasty truly changed, it would be an abyss of ten thousand zhang.

But their calculations were all beneficial to Chu Chengyun without any harm.

Meng Shi smiled again, with some relief: "Husband is wise and sees through this matter clearly."

Her husband truly wasn't foolish. On the contrary, he understood very well. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to see through Hua Ning's thoughts with just a hint and have such calculations. Having this kind of planning was better than anything.

Chu Chengyun patted her hand and said softly: "I just figured it out. I have to fight for it. If I fight, there might be a chance to win. If I don't fight, I'm certainly doomed. I was able to survive once thanks to Second Young Master Qi and his wife last time. Next time I might not have such good fortune."

Meng Shi didn't speak, only thinking in her heart that if only she hadn't let him eat all the Thousand Carp Pool back then... But her hands didn't stop, continuing to massage Chu Chengyun.

Since he was severely injured and couldn't move freely, his body was always sore. Only by rubbing like this could he sleep comfortably.

Meng Shi was very dedicated. She had learned the technique from Doctor Li before, so she didn't let others do this work but personally massaged him every night.

Chu Chengyun felt comfortable from the massage and became drowsy. Half asleep, he heard Meng Shi say softly: "There's one more thing, husband. I notice the Seventh Princess especially favors Commander Ye."

The man yawned and didn't make Meng Shi work hard for him anymore. He reached out to pull Meng Shi and half-embraced her, saying leisurely: "It's no problem. Hua Ning has been domineering and lawless since childhood. It's rare for her to find someone she's infatuated with. Right now Ping Rong hasn't come to his senses yet. When he understands his feelings later, Hua Ning will probably have to listen to him instead." Then Chu Chengyun chuckled twice: "That little tyrant has met her match today."

Meng Shi carefully leaned against him, trying not to touch his wound, murmuring: "Somehow I feel that recently husband has become increasingly wise, while I've become more and more foolish."

Many things she used to be able to think through clearly, she now couldn't understand.

But before Chu Chengyun could speak, she heard Meng Shi continue: "Probably because I worry too much about husband's health. When I think about you, I can't think about anything else."

...Hui Niang's sweet words always came so suddenly.

Chu Chengyun, who had just begun to feel drowsy, immediately lost his strategic composure. He coughed lightly and looked down to meet his princess consort's smiling face.

Gentle with brightness within, Chu Chengyun also curved his lips, thinking in his heart that his Hui Niang was truly wise indeed.

The night passed without incident. Early the next morning, the Qi family's carriage prepared to depart for Third Prince's residence.

For Little Ginseng, she wouldn't bother thinking about princes and imperial positions. What she could remember was that Third Prince had connections with everyone in her family.

Now with Hua Ning added, the connections were getting deeper.

Last time, feeding him some White Rainbow Fruit flesh could save his life, but recuperating well without leaving lasting problems wasn't easy.

Before leaving, Ye Jiao plucked a leaf from the Stone Sprout Grass. After getting in the carriage, she thought carefully and felt it would be strange to have people eat leaves directly, so she broke open the red bean cakes she'd brought in the carriage, scooped out the bean paste inside, crushed the leaf and wrapped it in bean paste to form a pill.

Qi Yun got in the carriage after a while. As soon as he entered, he saw her making pills and was slightly startled: "Jiao Niang, what are you doing?"

Ye Jiao didn't look up, concentrating on rolling the pill in her hands, saying: "Since Third Prince is so important, his injuries should heal quickly. This can help him."

Qi Yun was somewhat curious: "What is this?"

"Something good for the body." Ye Jiao finished rolling the pill and put it in a pouch, then smiled at Qi Yun: "Don't worry, our courtyard has plenty of these. Giving him some is nothing. Hui Niang and Big Brother have tried it before, and the effects were good. Husband, just give it to him later."

Qi Yun didn't ask more questions. He had complete trust in Ye Jiao, and there were indeed many medicinal flowers in the courtyard. Having something that nourished the body wasn't strange. Since people had tried it before, even if it was useless, at least it was harmless. Qi Yun reached out and took the brocade pouch, placing it in his sleeve.

He didn't notice that the red bean cakes beside Ye Jiao were empty inside. But Qi Yun didn't have a chance to notice anyway, as Little Ginseng soon ate the whole plate of red bean cakes, her face showing complete satisfaction, which made Qi Yun lean over to kiss her.

Ye Jiao was quite natural about it, hooking his neck and kissing him back.

When they separated, Qi Yun felt even his mouth carried the sweet fragrance of red beans.

He couldn't help calculating days in his mind again. It had been three months now. Surely it should be fine.

After about half an hour, the carriage stopped in front of the Meng family medicine shop.

To conceal his identity, Chu Chengyun had borrowed Meng Shi's name to open this medicine shop. They lived in the courtyard behind it, and Hua Ning also stayed here after arriving.

Waiting at the door were Ye Ping Rong and a maid from Hua Ning's entourage.

Ye Jiao went directly with the maid to find Hua Ning, while Qi Yun got off the carriage and went with Ye Ping Rong to find Chu Chengyun.

Walking in the corridor, Qi Yun didn't mention the siblings' identities but asked with concern: "Is Big Brother's health much better? Our Doctor Li has good medical skills. Perhaps we could find a day for him to examine you, so you don't develop lasting problems."

Ye Ping Rong was close to Ye Jiao, so his attitude toward Qi Yun was also gentler than toward others. Hearing this, he replied: "It's fine. My injuries have healed. Brother-in-law needn't worry."

"That's good then. Jiao Niang also always worries about you. Yesterday she wanted to ask more, but with distinguished guests present, she didn't say much."

"Her Highness is very kind and gets along well with Jiao Niang. It's no problem."

Good, "Her Highness" - it seemed Jiao Niang really hadn't heard wrong.

Though Qi Yun's expression remained calm, he understood in his heart that his guess was probably seventy to eighty percent correct.

When they reached the door, Ye Ping Rong pushed it open and stepped aside. Qi Yun stepped forward to enter.

Chu Chengyun was still leaning on the bed. His body couldn't support getting out of bed yet. Meng Shi wasn't in the room to accompany him, only Liu Rong was there taking care of him.

Seeing Qi Yun enter, Chu Chengyun smiled and pointed to a six-sided armchair nearby: "I'm not well enough to get up. Please sit, Second Young Master."

Qi Yun saw he had no intention of revealing his identity yet, so he didn't bring it up either. He bowed slightly and sat in the chair.

Liu Rong and Ye Ping Rong stood to one side, one facing the door, one facing the window.

Chu Chengyun looked at Qi Yun. Compared to before, he now felt somewhat closer after sharing life and death, though his complexion was slightly pale. He still smiled and said: "How are your injuries?"

Qi Yun hadn't been intimidated by Chu Chengyun's identity. On the contrary, he maintained his usual calm and proper demeanor, only his voice carried some emotion: "Much better. I just didn't expect Third Prince to be injured so severely. You should rest well." As he spoke, Qi Yun placed a basket on the low table beside the bed: "This contains some easily digestible chicken congee and light pastries, all suitable for consumption."

Chu Chengyun nodded gently: "Thank you for your thoughtfulness, Second Young Master."

"There's also this." Qi Yun took the brocade pouch from his sleeve and opened it to reveal a black pill inside.

Chu Chengyun was somewhat curious: "What is this?"

Qi Yun's expression softened: "This is something my wife asked me to bring. It's beneficial for the body. Third Prince might try it."

For things that went into the mouth, Chu Chengyun generally wouldn't eat them directly, so he had Liu Rong collect it first.

The things in the basket were fine, but Liu Rong just stared at that black pill, his eye twitching.

Whenever he thought of Second Young Mistress Qi, he always remembered how she had stuffed a handful of dirt into the prince's mouth that day...

This pill - could it be made of dirt or mud?