Lady of Fortune, Jiao Niang

Chapter 89

After returning from the Meng family medicine shop, the Third Prince's group departed for the fief.

However, this time he went to the fief with great fanfare, not cautiously and carefully like before.

Princess Hua Ning had brought the emperor's decree, the Empress Dowager was still waiting for Chu Chengyun at his fief, and Chu Chengyun now had the emperor's people secretly protecting him. Even those who hated him to the bone had no recourse.

Many who had been waiting and watching were also puzzled, unclear whether the old emperor's protection stemmed from familial affection or because he was specially favored.

For a time, Chu Chengyun became a figure at the center of attention.

Though not in the capital, he had captured the attention of all the noble families there.

Chu Chengyun also understood clearly that now that he had cast aside previous familial bonds and decided to compete, he might as well be more conspicuous, which would actually protect him better.

Always acting low-key meant that even if he died, no one might know, which would be truly tragic.

Chu Chengyun swaggered off to his fief and took his entourage with him. As a member of Prince Duan's household, Ye Ping Rong naturally had to follow.

Once they reached their destination, communication between him and his little sister was limited to letters.

Each time she replied, Ye Jiao insisted on writing the letters herself. Her big brother doted on her anyway, thinking everything about her was wonderful. Even her round, clumsy characters could be praised as beautiful and unique, something others couldn't imitate. So Ye Jiao was happy to write to him personally.

Autumn often passed quickly, and soon it was nearly New Year's time again.

Compared to last year, the Qi family was living even better this year.

Qi Zhao's estate, having connected with Qi Yun's wine shop, had tripled its income. Though it might not match the prosperity of Qi Yun's shops, Qi Zhao was very satisfied. Besides what he contributed to the family, he had quite a bit left over, making Fang Shi walk with a spring in her step.

Needless to say, though Qi Yun had invested considerable silver in the merchant caravan, his empty silver chest could always be replenished. Income from the wine shop flowed like water, and the medicine shop was gradually building its reputation.

Moreover, after Chu Chengyun left, the Meng family medicine shop in the city couldn't be properly managed, so it was sold to Qi Yun at a low price. Second Young Master Qi quietly changed the signboard and nameplate, opening a shop in the city just like that.

Both of the Qi brothers were living better by the day. Only Third Brother Qi Ming had many affairs at the academy. With the academy examination coming next year, Qi Ming couldn't even return early for New Year, only able to come back around New Year's Eve.

Liu Shi worried but didn't dare rush him, only able to chant sutras and pray to Buddha daily, asking for divine protection.

However, as New Year's Eve approached, Liu Shi could no longer chant during the day, needing to manage household affairs. With prosperity came the need for grander New Year celebrations, both for appearances and to show the tenant farmers that when the master lived well, they would too.

Fang Shi and Ye Jiao were also busier than usual, spending mornings in Liu Shi's courtyard helping with arrangements, then returning to their own courtyards in the afternoon to manage affairs. This tense back-and-forth was part of the New Year atmosphere.

However, Ye Jiao had returned early today. Little Su followed with a large bundle. As soon as they entered, Ye Jiao said: "Alright, put the things down. Little Su, go rest for a while. Tonight you'll still need to go to Mother's to calculate accounts."

Little Su agreed, placed the large bundle on the table, and ran off, carefully closing the door to keep the cold wind out before leaving.

Ye Jiao went to get soft cloth strips from the nearby side table, carefully stuffing the door cracks to prevent any cold air from entering.

Behind the desk, Qi Yun had moved Xu Bao's cradle within reach, rocking it while reading account books. Seeing Ye Jiao's careful attention, Qi Yun couldn't help but smile: "Jiao Niang needn't be so meticulous. I'm not as fragile as paper anymore. It's fine."

Who knew Ye Jiao would jump up like a startled rabbit, turning to stare at him with wide eyes: "Husband, how did you get back so early?"

Qi Yun was also startled by her reaction. Steadying himself, he put down his brush: "Things finished early today. Everyone at home is busy hanging spring couplets and lanterns, making such a commotion that I couldn't concentrate on work, so I came back."

Hearing this, Ye Jiao nodded, her voice returning to its usual softness: "That's right, it is busy outside today. It's good that husband came back early. I thought only Nanny Liu was watching Xu Bao in the room."

"When I returned, I sent Nanny Liu back..." His voice suddenly stopped as Qi Yun's eyes unconsciously looked toward the chubby little one in the cradle.

So just now, when his Jiao Niang had so carefully sealed the door cracks to block the cold wind, it wasn't for him but for the baby?

Previously, Jiao Niang had only fussed over him.

Suddenly feeling inexplicably jealous, Qi Yun narrowed his eyes at Xu Bao.

The chubby little child was gnawing on his hand, and seeing his father look over, he gave a brilliant smile with "goo goo" laughter that made it impossible for Qi Yun to stay angry with him.

Ye Jiao walked over, picked up Xu Bao from the cradle and patted him in her arms, looking at Qi Yun with some disapproval: "Husband, though your health is much better now, you must still be careful. Doctor Li said you need to recuperate slowly and can't withstand any wind. You must carry hand warmers and wear fur coats, understand?"

Only then did Qi Yun smile and nod: "I understand."

Actually, he had many fur coats. The shop managers, wanting to curry favor, had sent him many gifts, including an excellent purple fur coat.

But no matter how fine others were, they couldn't compare to his wife's thoughtfulness. That black fur coat was something Qi Yun always treasured and would never discard.

Ye Jiao coaxed Xu Bao briefly before putting him back in the cradle.

Xu Bao didn't fuss either, just laughed and played with the tassels hanging above the cradle.

These weren't ordinary tassels but were made of black chicken feathers tied together, very light, securely bound, and didn't shed easily.

The feathers were naturally provided by Little Black, that strange chicken. Its feathers simply couldn't be plucked bare; they grew back as soon as they were pulled, seemingly inexhaustible. Moreover, the feathers were excellent quality and didn't shed easily, so they were cleaned and tied neatly to amuse Xu Bao.

Xu Bao was now plump with short arms. He could only barely bat at them with all his strength but couldn't actually grab them. However, he was delighted just seeing them sway, laughing cheerfully and entertaining himself for hours.

Seeing him playing happily, Ye Jiao smiled and touched his little face, then felt his tiger-head cap: "This hat seems too small. Big Brother bought it a size larger when he got it."

Hearing this, Qi Yun also came over to look, touching his son's forehead: "Children do grow quickly."

Ye Jiao said "Oh," thinking that human young ones were indeed different from small animals, growing in body and head size too.

But Qi Yun sighed inwardly.

People said big heads meant intelligence. His child's head was indeed larger than others.

Jiao Niang's idea to call him "Big Head" back then wasn't completely random.

Good thing they didn't use that name, or the more they called it, the bigger it might have grown.

Not knowing what Qi Yun was thinking, Ye Jiao touched Xu Bao's face again before going to the table to open the bundle.

Inside were several new garments.

Qi Yun had originally planned to continue reading accounts, but seeing Ye Jiao about to try on clothes, he immediately put down his brush, slowly stood up, picked up Xu Bao's cradle with both hands, and carried it into the inner room.

Seeing them come in, Ye Jiao couldn't help saying: "Not reading accounts anymore?"

Qi Yun first placed Xu Bao's basket on the couch, putting square pillows on both sides to prevent the cradle from rocking, then said to Ye Jiao: "It's fine, I'm finished reading."

Ye Jiao didn't suspect anything, taking clothes behind the screen while talking: "These clothes were measured by the seamstress last month. I was afraid my measurements might have changed, worried that what was tailored then might not fit now, so I had several made first to try. If any are too big or small, I can have her measure again."

Qi Yun let Xu Bao grasp his finger to play with, his eyes watching the screen, looking quite serious: "That's good, saves an extra trip."

He didn't continue speaking, just watching the bodice ties on the screen sway back and forth.

Left and right, left and right, making one dizzy.

Ye Jiao continued quite naturally: "Just now Big Brother sent another letter saying that after Prince Duan stopped hiding his identity, he also changed to official robes and got a position. His name changed too, to something like... right, Zhaowei Colonel."

Qi Yun, being well-read, though he hadn't taken imperial examinations, knew all the official titles and ranks by heart.

Zhaowei Colonel was a sixth-rank position. Though only two grades higher than the seventh-rank Commander, it was a real position with authority over subordinates, ceremonial processions when traveling, and common people would address him as "General."

However, still serving under Prince Duan meant future honor and disgrace would be tied to the prince. But having real power was better than having none.

Before Qi Yun could say anything, he heard Ye Jiao exclaim.

He straightened up, wanting to look, but sat back down as soon as he started to rise.

Coughing lightly, Qi Yun asked: "Jiao Niang, what's wrong?"

"It seems too small... but I can't see the back."

Qi Yun's eyes unconsciously looked around as he asked: "Do you need help?"

"Yes, husband, come look."

Qi Yun glanced at Xu Bao, who had tired himself out and fallen asleep, exhaled, then slowly stood and walked behind the screen.

The charcoal brazier kept the room warm enough that wearing just an under-robe wouldn't be cold.

Ye Jiao wore only a long skirt, her shoulders exposed as she reached back.

Seeing Qi Yun arrive, she took his hand and guided it behind her: "I can't quite reach the back ties. Husband, help me tighten them."

Qi Yun looked down and saw snow-white arms and a jade-green cord hanging around her neck.

Just one glance made Qi Yun's ears turn red.

But he kept his expression calm, reaching for the ties and tightening them slightly: "Like this?"

"No, looser."

"Oh, like this?"

"Better, but still tight." As she spoke, Ye Jiao turned to show him: "Is it bunched up?"

Yes, it was bunched, but seeing the jade-green bodice and expanse of snow-white skin directly still overwhelmed Qi Yun.

He quickly released his hands, trying to focus his eyes on Ye Jiao's face, his voice somewhat hoarse: "Mm, I can see it's indeed too tight."

Hearing this, Ye Jiao nodded: "Then good, I'll have a new one made in a few days. This one doesn't fit anymore."

But the man could no longer hear what she was saying, only looking at the sky, the ground, the screen, anywhere but at her.

Then Ye Jiao didn't ask Qi Yun to leave either. She simply turned her back to him, untied the cord to make herself more comfortable, then said: "Big Brother's letter also said he requested leave from the prince to come home for New Year and will pick up Third Brother from the academy on the way."

Qi Yun responded with a low sound.

Ye Jiao reached for her clothes again, continuing: "Husband, we won't need to send a carriage then. Big Brother can surely escort him back safely... Husband?"

Before she finished speaking, Qi Yun embraced her waist from behind.

The woman's waist was slender and her body warm. Qi Yun held her in his arms, lowering his head to rest his chin in the hollow of her neck, saying softly: "We can discuss their affairs later, Jiao Niang. It's still early, why don't we do something else?"

Ye Jiao blinked, her eyes clear as she turned her head to look at him: "You want to study the book again?"

"Mm."

"What about Xu Bao?"

"Xu Bao's asleep. We'll be quiet and won't wake him."

Ye Jiao thought about it but didn't agree immediately. Instead, she arranged her clothes properly, pushed him away, and stepped out from behind the screen.

Qi Yun, suddenly pushed away by his wife, was momentarily stunned and frozen in place.

The next moment, Ye Jiao reached out and grabbed his wrist, pulling him out too.

Perhaps because Qi Yun was somewhat confused, he just followed Ye Jiao out, then was pushed by his wife.

His feet caught on the footstool under the bed, and he sat directly on the bed. Then he saw Ye Jiao bracing herself on his shoulders and pushing down. Before he could react, he was lying flat, and Ye Jiao had climbed on top of him.

Qi Yun, who had just been disappointed at his wife's refusal, was too stunned to react properly, his voice stuttering: "Jiao, Jiao..."

Before he could finish, Ye Jiao covered his mouth, staring at him with bright eyes: "I told you not to call me that."

Qi Yun looked at her, took her hand from his wrist, and asked: "Jiao Niang, what were you just... doing?"

Ye Jiao looked back at the cradle on the soft couch, lowering her voice: "I can't see Xu Bao from behind the screen, so I'm not comfortable."

Xu Bao was not yet four months old and couldn't sit up, but he was quite strong at rolling over. Ye Jiao naturally wanted to keep him where she could see him.

Qi Yun had actually wanted to ask why she had pinned him down here.

But soon, Qi Yun stopped thinking about questions.

Turning over, he embraced his wife, gently loosening her hair knot, hearing Ye Jiao whisper: "You promised me you wouldn't make noise, or you'll wake Xu Bao, and then he'll be cranky if he doesn't sleep enough."

Qi Yun touched her silky long hair, also softening his voice: "Don't worry, if you don't make noise, I won't make noise." He was even less willing than Ye Jiao to wake Xu Bao.

After a while:

"Husband, you're lying. You said you wouldn't make noise..."

"It's the bed that's not sturdy. It creaks with the slightest movement. I can't help it."

"If Xu Bao wakes up, I'm blaming you."

"Fine, blame me, it's all my fault."

"Then move gently, slowly."

"...Alright."

The next day, Second Young Master Qi having people reinforce the bed frame didn't attract anyone's attention.

A few days later, the day arrived when Ye Ping Rong had written he would escort Qi Ming home.