novelraw Chapter 96
Chapter 96
Ye Jiao wasn't familiar with the Lin family, and she didn't even have any impression of this surname.
For a long time she couldn't remember what kind of family the Lin family was, until Dong Shi said "their pottery jar business has been completely divided up by others" that she remembered. When she went to the County Magistrate's house for tea, that woman who stared at her relentlessly when leaving seemed to be surnamed Lin.
But at the time Fang Shi had only mentioned it in passing, and Ye Jiao had listened briefly without paying attention. Now she couldn't even remember what Madam Lin looked like.
Later when the family was eating, Fang Shi had also mentioned Madam Lin glaring at Ye Jiao, but Ye Jiao was concentrating on eating the newly stewed beef soup at the time, responding casually. Only Qi Yun had asked a few more questions, nothing else.
While feeding water to the two children, Dong Shi continued: "The County Magistrate's house has been noisy constantly, impossible to quiet down. After the Lin family came to cause trouble, even people from the government office came. But the Lin family desperately refused the divorce, insisting their daughter hadn't violated the seven grounds for divorce. If they really divorced her, they'd sue. Then the County Magistrate said he'd rather have his son go to prison than divorce her."
Ye Jiao blinked, not quite understanding: "Prison?"
Dong Shi explained: "If Madam Lin hasn't violated the seven grounds for divorce, her husband's family can't divorce her. If they insist on divorcing her, they'd have to serve a year and a half in prison."
Though Little Ginseng had never seen anyone go to prison, just hearing about it, she knew it wasn't a good thing.
Picking up her chubby Xu Bao, Ye Jiao gently patted his back while looking at Dong Shi: "Anyway, it's other people's business and has nothing to do with us."
Dong Shi hesitated, then said: "Actually, my husband told me not to tell you this, but I thought I shouldn't keep everything from you. It's better if you know."
"What is it?"
"The Lin family not only caused trouble at the County Magistrate's house, they also made a scene at the master's wine shop."
Ye Jiao's hand paused, somewhat surprised: "They went to find my husband? What does this have to do with him?"
Dong Shi shook her head: "I don't know. The Lin family must really be desperate, otherwise they wouldn't do something like commoners suing officials. The master's wine shop only used to buy jars from them, and now being blamed by them is truly an undeserved disaster."
But Ye Jiao was worried and stood up, wanting to find Qi Yun: "This won't do, I need to check on my husband."
"It's fine now." Dong Shi quickly stopped her. "Several Lin family members were arrested and taken to the government office for causing trouble. The master is perfectly fine, don't worry. I'm only telling you in case someone uses connections to approach you. Don't agree to anything rashly. Right now, don't get involved with the Lin family's affairs, or you'll bring trouble on yourself for nothing."
Hearing this, Ye Jiao sat back down and put the somewhat confused Xu Bao back on the couch.
She took note of Dong Shi's words. She'd avoid accepting invitations or going out recently, but she still wanted to ask when Qi Yun returned.
At this moment, the Qi Yun that Ye Jiao was thinking about was holding a note that Tie Zi had handed him, looking up at him: "When was this delivered?"
"The pigeon just landed. When I saw there was a message on its leg, I untied it and brought it over."
Qi Yun opened the bamboo tube, pulled out the paper inside, and unfolded it to read carefully.
There were many characters, obviously much to report.
Besides telling Qi Yun that the border had been peaceful recently, it mentioned that there was news about the merchant caravan that had encountered trouble before.
This made the man's expression much more relaxed.
As Qi Yun read, he said: "It seems Big Brother's personal letter was effective."
Tie Zi's face also showed anticipation: "Has the merchant caravan escaped danger?"
"Yes, Big Brother's friend has some influence in the area. He went to rescue them. Only a few were injured and one box of goods was lost. There were no other losses." Actually, the letter also said that group of deserters had been completely wiped out, not one left, but Qi Yun didn't tell Tie Zi this.
Compared to his peers, Tie Zi was already quite mature, but he was still a half-grown child, even a year younger than Qi Ming. It was better not to let him know about such matters of life and death.
Hearing this, Tie Zi's face broke into a big smile, genuinely happy for Qi Yun.
Having followed Qi Yun for so long, he could figure out some things.
Now the Qi family had many shops and should be able to earn a lot of money, but Qi Yun had never stopped working hard.
Qi Yun had invested the most energy in the merchant caravan, presumably placing many hopes in it.
Now that the caravan could escape danger, Tie Zi was naturally happy.
Qi Yun took out a flint, lit the paper, and watched it burn to ashes in the copper basin before standing up. He took a box from the shelf in his study and put it in his sleeve: "Come with me to thank Elder Brother Ye."
"Yes." Tie Zi agreed, then ran to get the fur coat from the shelf for Qi Yun to put on, also handing him warm sleeves.
These warm sleeves were chosen by Ye Jiao for him, crow-blue in color, not bright but very warm and solid.
Qi Yun put his hands inside, his face showing a gentle smile, then walked out.
Ye Ping Rong was staying in one of the Qi family's courtyards, originally prepared for guests. It was arranged neatly and cleanly, just far from the study.
When Qi Yun went there, he passed the poultry garden and saw Little Black pacing back and forth on the fence wall again, proud and spirited.
Second Young Master Qi paused slightly, then didn't say anything, pretending not to see.
Anyway, it was still cold now. When the weather warmed up, he'd make a feather kite.
But when he reached outside Ye Ping Rong's courtyard, he saw the gate was open but the door was tightly closed, not looking like anyone was there.
Just as he was about to go back and wait, he turned around and saw Ye Ping Rong walking in from outside.
Ye Ping Rong was strong and vigorous with high body heat. Even in the coldest days of winter, he only wore a robe to get through.
Seeing the fluffy Qi Yun now, Ye Ping Rong was first startled, then smiled: "Brother-in-law, did you come looking for me about something?"
Qi Yun nodded, his voice calm: "News came from the merchant caravan. They've escaped danger. I came to thank Big Brother."
Ye Ping Rong had been concerned about this matter too. The merchant caravan was related not only to Qi Yun's money but also to Third Prince's expectations. Ye Ping Rong naturally wouldn't be careless.
Knowing the merchant caravan was safe, Ye Ping Rong was naturally happy: "Come, let's go inside to talk."
Although the charcoal brazier in the room had gone out, there was still warmth inside, clearly Ye Ping Rong hadn't been away long.
After rekindling the charcoal brazier, Qi Yun took off his fur coat and warm sleeves and had Tie Zi hold them.
Seeing this, Ye Ping Rong couldn't help saying: "I was going to mention before, brother-in-law, this fur coat is already thick enough. Why do you still need warm sleeves?"
Qi Yun looked at him, then said: "My health isn't good. In winter I need to be more careful, wearing more can protect me." His voice paused: "This fur coat and warm sleeves were both chosen by Jiao Niang for me. They're her thoughtfulness, so I naturally treasure them."
Ye Ping Rong: ...
The sympathy that had just emerged instantly vanished.
His brother-in-law had little sister looking after him, how nice. As the actual older brother, he didn't even have one thing from his sister... Even the pouch from last time had fallen into a medicine jar during the fight and been boiled. He drank the medicine, but the pouch was ruined. Ye Ping Rong's heart ached thinking about it.
But Qi Yun's main purpose certainly wasn't to show off, or rather, after showing off he still had serious matters to discuss: "The merchant caravan has escaped danger, but it's winter now and freezing cold, so they can't return immediately. Please tell Third Prince not to worry. When the weather warms up, there will be results."
Ye Ping Rong agreed, his face also showing a smile: "This is good news. I'll tell the prince when I return in a few days."
Qi Yun nodded and had Tie Zi make the charcoal brazier burn brighter.
Then he took out the box from his sleeve and handed it to Ye Ping Rong: "This is a thank-you gift from me to Big Brother. Please accept it."
Giving gifts directly, Ye Ping Rong didn't reach for it but said: "We're family, why be formal?"
But Qi Yun opened the box to show Ye Ping Rong the contents, his voice calm: "Last time I heard Jiao Niang say that Princess Hua Ning likes flower decorations. These are all the newest styles..."
"Thank you, brother-in-law, I accept it." Before Qi Yun could finish, Ye Ping Rong took the box, closed it, and carefully put it in his chest.
Qi Yun had expected he would accept it and smiled, warming his hands by the charcoal brazier.
Ye Ping Rong hesitated, then said: "Brother-in-law, I just went to the city and heard on the way that the Lin family came to trouble you?"
Hearing this, Qi Yun didn't answer immediately but asked back: "What did Big Brother go to the city for?"
Ye Ping Rong didn't hide it from him: "I visited the government office to talk about the County Magistrate's matter."
Actually, this wasn't Ye Ping Rong being vindictive, but just reporting the facts.
A County Magistrate who could allow his subordinates to do such absurd things, even if he personally hadn't made major mistakes, at least bore the fault of poor supervision.
At that time, five people had surrounded their carriage. Though Ye Ping Rong could have protected Ye Jiao, if it had been ordinary people, they would have been in big trouble.
Now that the County Magistrate's decision was decisive, having his son divorce his wife showed his attitude and cleared his relationship. He wouldn't bear the big blame, but the responsibility for lax management couldn't be escaped.
Qi Yun couldn't help but look up at Ye Ping Rong: "Have they said how to handle it?"
"Early retirement. What he did in this matter wasn't a big mistake, but he's of age anyway. Retiring two years early saves face." Ye Ping Rong spoke plainly, but in fact this was lenient treatment.
If the County Magistrate had been stubborn and still let Madam Lin do as she pleased, he would now be facing forced dismissal and possibly prison time, far worse than the preferential treatment of early retirement.
Hearing this, Qi Yun nodded, his lips curving slightly.
But Ye Ping Rong hadn't forgotten his question: "I heard that Lin family shops are closing one after another. Did you do this?"
Tie Zi, pouring tea nearby, thought to himself, if it wasn't his Young Master who did it, then who else?
These past days Qi Yun had been working on this matter. Though he couldn't directly find officials to complain like Ye Ping Rong, Qi Yun had his own methods. He had added plenty of fuel to the fire behind the scenes, bringing up many previously inconspicuous problems to burn the Lin family, making all their past deeds subject to scrutiny and quickly ruining the Lin family's reputation.
If Qi Yun hadn't put in the effort, the Lin family wouldn't have fallen so quickly.
But the County Magistrate was also extremely angry. He didn't care who was working against the Lin family behind the scenes, just wanted to knock them down along with this wind. The retiring County Magistrate wished he could throw them on the ground and step on them a few more times to be happy.
But facing Ye Ping Rong, Qi Yun seriously denied: "Of course it wasn't me. What connection do I have with their family? Their current misfortune is because they've done too much evil in the past, causing a chain reaction that brought disaster upon them."
Ye Ping Rong still had some doubts but couldn't find any flaws in this statement.
Before he could speak, he heard Qi Yun continue: "Besides, I've been accompanying Jiao Niang to see the lanterns recently and worrying about the merchant caravan. Naturally I wouldn't think about their family's affairs."
Tie Zi: ...
But Ye Ping Rong felt what Qi Yun said made perfect sense. After all, in Ye Ping Rong's mind, his brother-in-law's image as someone who cared about the country and people had never collapsed. He probably wouldn't have the energy to manage petty grievances between small households.
Besides, his brother-in-law was physically weak, that fur coat was still there as evidence. With poor physical strength, how could he think about so many things?
If Tie Zi knew what Ye Ping Rong was thinking, he would surely sigh to the heavens.
His Young Master alone was worth eight other people's brains. When would he ever not have enough brains?
And whenever it involved the Second Young Mistress, Qi Yun was always ruthless and calculating, preparing hundreds of backup plans without any hesitation.
Actually, Tie Zi still couldn't figure out whether Qi Yun's harassment of the Lin family was because of business disputes between the Lin family and the Qi family, or because Fang Shi had casually mentioned that Madam Lin had glared at Ye Jiao.
He felt the latter possibility was greater.
Qi Yun didn't stay long at Ye Ping Rong's place. Today was an auspicious day, and Liu Shi had said she would go burn incense.
Previously, when Qi Yun's health was poor, he couldn't go along. Now that Qi Yun could go out and move around, he wanted to accompany Ye Jiao.
When he returned, Dong Shi had already taken Hu Zi home.
Entering the door, Ye Jiao was preparing things needed for going out, while Xu Bao was sleeping soundly. The chubby little fellow slept in an unrestrained position, making Qi Yun reach over to tuck his little arms in every time he saw him.
But Xu Bao didn't care about this. After being tucked in by his father, he would stretch out again before long. Though just a tiny child, he insisted on taking up space, wishing he could sleep rolling around.
Qi Yun squinted his eyes at him.
Xu Bao slept soundly, ignoring his tactics.
Ye Jiao watched from the side with amusement: "He's like this when he sleeps. Don't bother him anymore."
Qi Yun frowned slightly: "Children need to be disciplined from an early age."
But before he could reach out, he heard Ye Jiao say: "If you wake him up and he starts crying, none of us will be able to go."
Second Young Master Qi immediately withdrew his hand and even covered his chubby son with a blanket, praying in his heart that he wouldn't cry or make a fuss.
While selecting a cloak, Ye Jiao asked: "I just heard from Spring Orchid that people came to the shop to cause trouble. Is everything alright?"
Qi Yun smiled at her: "It's fine." His voice paused, and he seemed to say it sincerely to reassure Ye Jiao: "They'll be gone soon. Don't worry."
Hearing this, Tie Zi unconsciously looked at Qi Yun, then lowered his head, thinking it was indeed because Madam Lin had glared at the Second Young Mistress...
However, eyes are meant for seeing. It's better not to glare at people randomly.
Keeping evil thoughts to oneself is fine, but acting on them always tends to bring immediate retribution.
Ye Jiao felt reassured and didn't ask more, pulling Qi Yun along to choose cloaks together.
Previously, Little Ginseng always wore the red cloak Liu Shi had given her. Though the style was somewhat old, it had been worn by Liu Shi before and represented her thoughtfulness, so Ye Jiao was happy to wear it.
But this year was colder than usual. The seamstress had delivered several thick cloaks. After picking and choosing, they finally selected an amber-colored bamboo-patterned cloak. Qi Yun also had her take white warm sleeves to match his own, making them look like a pair, before they went out.
However, before getting in the carriage, Ye Jiao hesitated: "Is it okay not to bring Xu Bao?"
Qi Yun said: "This round trip will only take an hour and a half at most. He probably won't even wake up, and even if he does, there are servants watching him. Besides, the incense is heavy at the temple. Xu Bao is still small and can't handle the smoke. It's better for him to stay home."
Ye Jiao thought about it and agreed. Taking him along might make him cold or freeze him, so it was better to go and return early.
"Third Brother will also go. They can keep each other company."
Ye Jiao was curious: "What is Third Brother going to do?"
Qi Yun's expression remained calm: "Copy texts."
"...Why copy texts again?"
The man's expression was peaceful, his tone gentle: "It's for his own good." More because Qi Ming had lied.
As for what lie, Qi Yun didn't say. He just thought coldly that the boy had even concealed being dragged to brothels by others. If it weren't for dealing with the Lin family this time, he probably would never have known.
Mischievous children really needed to study more.
Ye Jiao thought that Qi Ming copying texts was certainly for his own good. Her husband had always been so kind-hearted.
Then the two went hand in hand to the carriage.
Originally the plan was for Liu Shi to take them together, but just before leaving, Liu Shi only said she wanted to enjoy flowers and tea with Fang Shi, telling them to go first.
Qi Yun naturally knew this was his mother giving the young couple time alone together. He gladly agreed, and they set out with just their one carriage.
They were going to the temple Liu Shi had taken Ye Jiao to last time.
The incense was flourishing here. Whether it was effective or not was debatable, but at least it didn't frighten Ye Jiao.
Little Ginseng had been here before. From entering the temple gate to entering the main hall, nothing had happened, so this time she was quite comfortable.
Since the Qi family habitually gave generous donations, they could worship directly upon arrival.
When Ye Jiao was making her wish, she opened her mouth and said: "I hope in the future..."
Qi Yun, who had finished praying first, was already standing up. Hearing this, he couldn't help but look at her, asking gently: "Jiao Niang, why are you saying it out loud?" And so loudly too.
Ye Jiao tilted her head, having her own reasoning: "Since I'm praying for someone to hear, naturally I should speak louder so they can hear me. Otherwise, if I just think it in my heart and they can't hear, wouldn't that be useless?"
Qi Yun thought about it and smiled: "That makes sense."
But Qi Yun didn't kneel again. Instead, he stood aside, watching his wife with gentle, smiling eyes.
Ye Jiao then looked up at the Buddha statue above and said clearly: "I hope in the future my husband will be safe and smooth, Xu Bao can grow up healthy, and our family will be harmonious and happy." Then Ye Jiao stood up and took out a small silver ingot to give to the young monk nearby.
Qi Yun helped her stand up, and after she donated the incense money, he asked: "Jiao Niang, when you just prayed, you only mentioned me and Xu Bao. What about yourself?"
Little Ginseng hadn't thought about praying for herself. In her view, she was healthy and could take care of herself, not needing anyone's protection.
Besides, life was already very good now, with food, drink, and her husband. She had no other wishes.
When Qi Yun asked, Ye Jiao answered honestly: "When you and Xu Bao are well, I'm well."
Hearing this, Qi Yun was silent for a long time.
His grip on Ye Jiao's wrist loosened and tightened, then loosened again, finally sliding down to firmly clasp the woman's fingertips.
Ye Jiao didn't know why Qi Yun had this sudden emotional fluctuation. She just asked with a bright smile: "Husband, what were you thinking when you prayed just now?"
Little Ginseng thought that since she had told her husband her wish, she still didn't know what Qi Yun had wished for.
Qi Yun shook his head and didn't tell her, even when Ye Jiao pestered him with questions.
It wasn't until they returned home that night, in the warm red bedding and curtains during their intimate moments, that Ye Jiao vaguely heard him say something by her ear, with fragmented breathing but more warm tenderness: "Do you still want to know what I wished for earlier?"
Ye Jiao didn't like how this person always stopped moving when he spoke, so she always urged him to finish quickly: "Yes, tell me quickly."
Then she heard him use his low, clear voice to whisper in her ear: "What I was thinking then was, I hope Jiao Niang's wishes all come true."
Ye Jiao couldn't help but turn her head, even in the darkness trying hard to open her eyes wide and stare at him.
At the temple, Qi Yun had prayed first, before Ye Jiao had even spoken.
Her husband didn't know that she had him on her mind completely, just as Ye Jiao only now realized that Qi Yun had her on his mind completely too.
Ye Jiao was silent for a moment, until she couldn't help but cry out from his actions, then reached up to embrace his neck and gently kiss the man's lips.
Though they were already deep in passion, her cheeks flushed and her waist somewhat sore, Little Ginseng's face unconsciously broke into a smile.
Her husband was truly the best person in this world.