Lady of Fortune, Jiao Niang

Chapter 91

Ye Ping Rong hadn't intended to alert the county office.

Now he no longer needed to be as cautious and careful as before, and Chu Chengyun had made it clear that being conspicuous was actually better for them now.

Only by being conspicuous could they remind the emperor of their existence. The emperor asking about them occasionally would be more useful than any guard.

Chu Chengyun had revealed his identity, Meng Shi and Hua Ning played daily, the Empress Dowager had temporarily settled in Chu Chengyun's fief, and Ye Ping Rong was directly promoted to Zhaowei Colonel.

This rank was sixth grade. Logically, Ye Ping Rong's qualifications were still shallow and he wouldn't be promoted so quickly, but with Chu Chengyun's recommendation and General of Agile Cavalry's (Hua Ning's uncle) regard, giving him the position of Zhaowei Colonel was only for training purposes.

Otherwise, direct promotion to fourth or fifth grade wouldn't be a problem either.

This time when Ye Ping Rong left, besides wanting to spend New Year with his little sister at the Qi family, he also received Chu Chengyun's instructions to escort Qi Ming home.

Ye Ping Rong changed into civilian clothes, picked up Qi Ming, brought two attendants, and headed home.

Qi Ming was still young, not fully grown physically, and couldn't ride horses. Ye Ping Rong specially found a carriage for him while riding his own horse. Only when they reached the city did he dismount and lead his horse on foot.

He had planned to find a place for lunch early, then continue their journey, but who could have expected to encounter such trouble.

Qi Ming in the carriage didn't know what was happening outside. He couldn't hear clearly, so he slightly lifted the curtain and called out: "Brother Ye, what's wrong?"

Ye Ping Rong could naturally see he was being scammed, but considering Qi Ming's young age and inexperience, afraid of frightening him if he explained, he hadn't let Qi Ming come out. Now that the County Magistrate had arrived, this matter could naturally be resolved. He walked over to Qi Ming: "Nothing serious. Officials have come to handle it. Wait inside."

After speaking, Ye Ping Rong put the curtain back down and secured it before turning back to face the County Magistrate.

The County Magistrate's heart had been pounding. He was only an eighth-rank minor official who might be considered somebody here, but when this person had sent someone to the yamen looking for him, he had presented a royal residence token!

Someone from a royal residence, and a sixth-rank Zhaowei Colonel at that.

They say one rank higher can crush you to death. Now facing someone many ranks higher with a prince as backing, the County Magistrate felt his back go cold, sweat on his forehead, while forcing a smile: "My lord, this humble official arrived late. I beg your forgiveness, your forgiveness."

Ye Ping Rong nodded slightly, his voice calm: "I was merely passing through and didn't want to trouble County Magistrate, but this matter still requires the county yamen's handling."

The County Magistrate immediately smiled apologetically: "My lord is too kind. This is naturally the county yamen's duty. How could it be troublesome?"

Ye Ping Rong nodded and said nothing more, standing aside.

Ding Ba lying on the ground was already stunned silly, completely losing his earlier scoundrel energy.

Scamming traveling merchants had become one of his methods of making a living.

Time was most precious for merchants, who couldn't afford delays. Moreover, outsider merchants were unfamiliar with the area, so Ding Ba's scams always had some effect.

This time he was just repeating his old tricks. Seeing these people had a carriage and unfamiliar faces, he planned to pretend his leg was broken and extort some money, getting himself some profit before New Year.

Who could have expected to encounter someone the County Magistrate addressed as "my lord"!

Ding Ba couldn't understand it. When officials went out, they either took carriages or sedan chairs with great official pomp, preferring to bring a dozen people to show their authority.

But this person called "my lord," though tall and heroic, wore robes that didn't look like an official's at all!

If you didn't know better, you'd think he was just the Young Master's attendant in that carriage!

Ding Ba realized he'd hit a hard target. After finally coming to his senses, he scrambled up wanting to run.

But he was surrounded by onlooking citizens with no way through. He could only hope to squeeze into the crowd and escape.

But the city people usually didn't bother with him only because he was shameless and would do any disgusting thing, and others found his character dirty and feared contamination, so they lazily ignored him.

Now seeing Ding Ba about to get his comeuppance, everyone secretly felt pleased.

Seeing evil people get their punishment was naturally cause for celebration.

When Ding Ba tried to run, not one person around gave him space. Instead, wherever he ran, people stood closer together, leaving no gaps and completely blocking him.

The County Magistrate also noticed he was trying to escape. Already fearing Ye Ping Rong might escalate this matter and affect himself, he naturally wanted to curry favor with Ye Ping Rong. Seeing Ding Ba trying to flee, the County Magistrate immediately shouted: "Go! Arrest that scoundrel for me!"

Thus, seven or eight constables rushed forward and pinned Ding Ba directly to the ground!

Ye Ping Rong understood the County Magistrate's intentions but remained impassive, walking closer to Ding Ba and looking down at him.

Ding Ba had just been pressed face-down on the ground. The city roads were paved with hard bluestone, and the constables had used great force. Ding Ba's front teeth knocked against his lips, immediately drawing blood and looking quite pitiful.

However, Ye Ping Rong didn't care about his mouth's condition, just kicking his shin: "I saw you get up and run quite smoothly just now. It seems your legs work fine. So your claim that our carriage broke your leg was false."

He said this slowly and deliberately. Though it was obvious, Ye Ping Rong insisted on stating it again. The County Magistrate silently praised this lord's composure, then wondered if Ye Ping Rong was venting by dealing with this scoundrel, thinking about how to please Ye Ping Rong next.

Little did he know, Ye Ping Rong was simply stating facts.

Though Elder Brother Ye was now an official, he had previously been a farmer with simple experiences, then went to war killing enemies. Though he could kill without blinking, he hadn't experienced much market life and naturally hadn't encountered many scoundrels. He was just making the right and wrong clear to Ding Ba.

Ding Ba wanted to beg for mercy, to say something, but with his mouth full of blood, he really couldn't speak.

Then Ye Ping Rong said to the County Magistrate: "County Magistrate, what follows is your yamen's business."

The County Magistrate immediately smiled and cupped his hands, then turned toward Ding Ba with furrowed brows, shouting in a low voice: "This official heard on the way here that this person is a scoundrel who has bullied countless merchants and citizens. Previously, only because this person was too cunning did he escape justice multiple times!" Glancing at Ye Ping Rong and seeing no change in his expression, the County Magistrate continued: "Since he's now caught red-handed, men, beat him!"

A constable approached and asked quietly: "My lord, how should we beat him?"

Usually when the yamen beat people, there were techniques involved. Whether one hundred sticks wouldn't kill someone or two sticks would be fatal required skillful judgment.

The County Magistrate coughed lightly: "Didn't he say his leg was broken?"

The constable looked enlightened and dragged Ding Ba away.

The nearby citizens all went to watch Ding Ba get beaten, feeling particularly satisfied. This type of person often had no major crimes but constant minor evils, sticky and disgusting like glue, annoying everyone. Many had been cheated by him, but his dirty tricks weren't serious enough for the yamen, and he was so shameless that ordinary people had no way to deal with him.

Now seeing him suffer was naturally venting for many people.

But this scoundrel was just a minor episode for Ye Ping Rong, not worth much thought.

Watching Ding Ba get beaten, Ye Ping Rong said to the County Magistrate: "County Magistrate, since the matter is resolved, I won't delay your time further."

"My lord, wait," the County Magistrate hurried forward two steps. "Since my lord has come, I should properly host you. How about moving to the post station? This humble official will naturally prepare good wine and food. Please dine before leaving."

Ye Ping Rong was eager to see his little sister and said: "No need. I have urgent business entrusted by the prince and cannot delay. I'm afraid I cannot accept the County Magistrate's kind offer."

Mentioning Chu Chengyun, the County Magistrate immediately dared not say more: "No problem, no problem. This humble official won't delay my lord's important business. My lord, farewell."

Ye Ping Rong slightly cupped his hands, then took his horse and prepared to leave.

Qi Ming in the carriage was curious. He had only heard roughly and caught a few words, so he asked through the curtain: "Brother Ye, you have urgent business? What prince?"

Ye Ping Rong silently glanced at the curtain, thinking the prince's urgent business was precisely delivering this worthy brother home.

But Chu Chengyun hadn't revealed his identity to Qi Ming, so Ye Ping Rong wouldn't expose it either. He could only pretend to be serious: "This is a secret, not to be spoken of."

Third Young Master Qi immediately imagined a grand drama of secret edicts, assassinations, family and national vengeance mixed with romance, so he shut his mouth tight and asked no more.

However, as they gradually moved away from the crowd, Second Brother Ye finally came to his senses.

Just now he had wanted to distance himself from any relationship, but now in his eyes, Ye Ping Rong seemed gilded.

Second Brother Ye really couldn't understand why his big brother had become successful but didn't tell him.

Last time he had even severed relations with him...

Yes, it must be that after making his fortune, he wanted to break ties and divide the family.

For a moment Second Brother Ye didn't know if he was angry or anxious, but his energy increased considerably. He pushed through the onlookers, chasing after Ye Ping Rong's carriage while running and shouting: "Big Brother, Big Brother! It's me, Second Brother! Wait!"

But before he could catch up, he was tackled to the ground.

The County Magistrate had just been nervous and finally relaxed a bit when he saw someone trying to chase after Colonel's carriage!

This was intolerable!

If they caught up and Colonel blamed him for poor management, he was about to retire and couldn't afford any mistakes.

So without the County Magistrate even speaking, just one look had constables tackle Second Brother Ye.

Only in operas would there be scenes of people chasing officials' carriages without anyone stopping them. Normally, such people would be dealt with by subordinates before their voices reached the official's ears.

Seeing him still making noise, the County Magistrate said: "Go, gag his mouth." Then the County Magistrate walked over, looking at Second Brother Ye with disgust: "What madman is this? Get lost, before this official uses the rod."

Second Brother Ye's earlier excitement was scared away by this tackle and gag. His joy at becoming an official's relative also dissipated, and he quickly nodded, afraid the constable's rod would fall on him.

After all, there was still the pitiful Ding Ba nearby, and he didn't want to be beaten down too.

The County Magistrate saw he was somewhat sensible, so he only had him beaten twice before releasing him.

Ye Ping Rong didn't know about the events behind him. Seeing the city people had recognized him, he had attendants buy some buns and pastries, ate something simple, then left the city.

Mounting his horse to travel, both he and Qi Ming were eager to return home, so naturally they hurried.

At the Qi family, everyone was also eagerly awaiting their return.

Liu Shi turned her prayer beads faster than usual, obviously anxious, but she didn't keep Ye Jiao with her to wait. Instead, she let Ye Jiao return to rest with Xu Bao, saying she'd call her to the front hall for dinner when Qi Ming and the others returned.

Ye Jiao took her chubby son back to the courtyard, and as soon as she returned, she saw Little Shi Tou refusing to leave her courtyard.

Little Shi Tou would turn four after New Year. He spoke clearly and ran fast, though still chubby, wearing a red jacket today that made him look like a blessing doll.

When Ye Jiao returned, Little Shi Tou was pulling the door frame with one hand and the servant woman caring for him with the other, pouting aggrievedly: "Want to play with little brother, wait for little brother, I won't go."

His voice was quite pitiful. Hearing it, Ye Jiao quickened her pace and said when she got close: "Little Shi Tou, get up, it's cold outside. Come in to talk."

Seeing her return, Little Shi Tou's eyes brightened considerably.

Though he was young and Ye Jiao hadn't seen him often due to pregnancy and confinement, Little Shi Tou still remembered this beautiful second aunt who was good to him and always smelled nice.

Moreover, Second Aunt had little brother here, and though little brother couldn't talk or walk and was silly, he was so appealing.

White and chubby with big eyes, much more fun than cloth tigers.

Little Shi Tou immediately released the door frame, stood straight, and called happily: "Second Aunt, see little brother!"

Ye Jiao patted his head, preparing to take him inside.

But before they could enter, they heard Qi Yun's voice from inside: "Jiao Niang is back."

Only then did Ye Jiao notice the door had been open all along. Little Ginseng immediately became anxious.

In this deep winter, with the door wide open, wouldn't husband get cold?

She couldn't bother with anything else, just went inside and saw Qi Yun wearing his fur coat, sitting at the table smiling at her: "It's fine, I'm wearing plenty, and there's no wind today."

"Still shouldn't keep the door open all the time." Ye Jiao put Xu Bao on the small bed, preparing to turn back and close the door. Little Su followed in to hang curtains.

However, Qi Yun looked at Little Shi Tou, then at Xu Bao, saying gently: "I brought back the 'Three Character Classic'. It's still early, how about reading it to Xu Bao?"

Hearing this, Ye Jiao was stunned, and Little Shi Tou froze completely like a real stone.

Qi Yun had his own reasoning: "Xu Bao should listen too, the earlier the better. When I was giving winter bonuses just now, I heard a shop manager say he read the 'Three Character Classic' to his child from when the child was in the womb, continuing until dark every day. When the child was born, he was indeed very good at studying."

Little Shi Tou was even more confused.

So little brother also had to learn the Three Character Classic... worse than himself. Mother only made him recite for two hours, but little brother had to listen until dark!

He didn't want to listen until dark, he still wanted to play!

So Little Shi Tou, who had just been clinging to Ye Jiao noisily, immediately hugged the servant woman tightly, mumbling about wanting to go home.

After the servant woman carried him away, Ye Jiao closed the door, secured the door cracks, dropped the door curtain, and lit the charcoal stove before sighing in relief.

As the room gradually warmed, Qi Yun took off his fur coat, but before he could speak, he saw Ye Jiao had already come over and taken his hands in her palms.

Little Ginseng felt the man's fingertips were slightly cold, so she gripped tighter and said softly: "Don't do this anymore."

Qi Yun immediately nodded: "I won't." Then his voice paused, and he said softly: "Jiao Niang, you owe me one from this morning."

Ye Jiao was somewhat puzzled: "What?"

Qi Yun pointed to his cheek. Ye Jiao instead rubbed his hands more: "Little Su is here, I'll make it up to you double later." Then she said: "Didn't you just say you'd read the Three Character Classic to Xu Bao?"

Qi Yun was sitting in a chair, and hearing this, he withdrew one hand to embrace Ye Jiao's waist, leaning his face against his wife's abdomen, his voice carrying the gentleness he only had for Ye Jiao: "No rush, I see Xu Bao is sleepy. We'll read when he wakes up."

Ye Jiao agreed, then asked curiously: "Does reading books from pregnancy really work? If I'd known, I would have read to him then."

Qi Yun said seriously: "Some work, some don't. If you really want to learn something, it's better for Xu Bao to read himself when he's older."

"Must he read?"

"Depends on whether he's obedient."

Ye Jiao blinked, thinking husband meant obedient children got to read, so she said: "Then Third Brother must have been very obedient as a child." Otherwise, why would her husband supervise him so strictly?

Being so attentive to him, he was able to help Third Brother achieve two top candidate positions.

Though Little Ginseng still didn't understand the intricacies of imperial examinations, everyone said Third Brother was very capable, so Little Ginseng thought her husband was capable too.

But Qi Yun's thoughts were opposite to Ye Jiao's.

Third Young Master Qi had been the most mischievous one as a child, though few people remembered that now.

Little Su was coaxing Xu Bao to sleep. With her there, the couple wouldn't be too intimate, just talking quietly, occasionally pinching fingertips, touching ears, keeping things subtle.

But such simple interactions found strange pleasures in their hiddenness, especially after Ye Jiao bit his earlobe once and watched it turn red, Little Ginseng found it particularly fascinating.

When Xu Bao fell asleep and Little Su left, Ye Jiao shifted sideways, half-sitting in Qi Yun's lap.

Little Ginseng raised her hand, brushing the hair by his ear, and seeing the "Three Character Classic" Qi Yun had placed aside, she said quietly: "Husband, what if Little Shi Tou comes tomorrow and wants to hear you read?"

Qi Yun looked up, giving her a gentle smile: "Don't worry, that child won't come for a while."

Ye Jiao was curious and wanted to ask why, but she saw Qi Yun embrace her, his fingertips massaging her waist and abdomen.

Second Young Master Qi lowered his head, touching her forehead and saying softly: "Jiao Niang, we're free now. Does what you said about making it up to me double still count?"

Ye Jiao blinked and wrapped her arms around his neck: "Naturally it counts."

But just then, Tie Zi's voice came from outside: "Second Young Master, Second Young Mistress, Young Master Ye and Third Young Master have returned and are in the front hall."