Lady of Fortune, Jiao Niang

Chapter 97

After making a fuss for half the night, Ye Jiao forgot how she had fallen asleep.

When she woke up the next day, she was in Qi Yun's arms.

The first thing she saw was Xu Bao lying beside her, laughing and grabbing at a ball. The little one saw Ye Jiao open her eyes and immediately scooted over, reaching out to clutch at Ye Jiao's clothing, humming and whimpering in his mouth.

Ye Jiao rubbed her eyes, very skillfully pulled the little one into her arms to feed him, yawned, turned her face slightly, and snuggled closer into the man's embrace, mumbling: "What time is it?"

Qi Yun had woken up early. It was because Xu Bao had woken up early in the morning that he had someone bring him in. Who knew his chubby son was so good at seizing opportunities? He had been well-behaved just moments ago, but managed to get the jump on things and monopolize Ye Jiao.

Still in that sprawling position, lying directly on top of Ye Jiao, tightly gripping her undergarment and refusing to let go.

Fortunately, Qi Yun wasn't jealous. He just tightened his arms, holding both wife and son more securely, and said softly: "A quarter past the hour of the snake."

Ye Jiao had just woken up and was still confused. After reacting for a while, she blinked in some surprise.

Usually Qi Yun could wake up by the hour of the dragon, and she was about the same. Now they had actually delayed by a full hour.

She wanted to poke her head out to look, but as soon as she stuck her head out of the covers, she quickly retreated back in.

She didn't lift her head because it was cold outside and warm in Qi Yun's arms. It was so comfortable lying like this that she didn't want to move, and besides, Xu Bao in her arms was perfectly nestled between the two of them, his mouth pouting. Ye Jiao didn't want to shift position either, lest the little one not get enough to eat and start fussing again.

But lying so close, when she blinked, her eyelashes lightly swept across the man's neck, making Qi Yun instinctively hold Ye Jiao even tighter.

Ye Jiao let him, saying softly: "How did it get so late?" Then Ye Jiao shook her head: "That's impossible. It's not even light outside yet, how can it be the hour of the snake?"

Qi Yun lowered his head to kiss her and said: "It's snowing outside."

Ye Jiao was startled, then her face broke into a smile.

When it snowed last year, Ye Jiao had been afraid.

During her ginseng period, what she disliked most was snow. It was cold and stuffy, and sometimes she would be buried under thick snow. Without the little fox's protection, she would either suffocate or be crushed to death.

When it snowed last year, she had just become human not long ago and was afraid of everything she saw. Even going to the temple to burn incense would frighten her for several days, and she had to comfort herself for quite a while before she was willing to go.

But now that she had become human and given birth to a child, she was naturally accustomed to being human. When going out, she had cloaks and hand warmers, and when returning home, there were charcoal braziers and warm bed curtains. This snowy scenery could only be seen as beautiful, without the fear.

Just then, Xu Bao finished eating and drinking, contentedly let go of her, rolled over to make room to one side, and grunted as he flipped over and picked up his ball to play with.

Ye Jiao was especially happy as she sat up, placing both hands on Qi Yun's chest for support, her face beaming with a smile: "I want to see the snow."

Qi Yun quickly pulled her back down, wrapping her up in the quilt before saying: "Put on your clothes properly before going out, so you won't get cold."

Ye Jiao obediently agreed and reached for clothes at the head of the bed.

But Qi Yun was one step ahead, taking out undergarments that had been warmed under the covers and handing them to her, holding onto this person's fair arms: "Here, they're warm."

Ye Jiao's face showed a smile, knowing this was her husband caring for her, having warmed the clothes for her early on.

She agreed, and Little Ginseng hid under the covers to tie the undergarment's sashes, then crawled out to put on her clothes piece by piece. She loosely tied up her long hair and climbed onto the couch, carefully pushing open the window to look outside.

This snow was falling extremely heavily, forming continuous sheets. No wonder the sky was overcast. The snow had turned the sky white, and even the corridors outside had accumulated a layer that looked to be at least a palm's width thick.

Feeling the wind blowing in was particularly cold, Ye Jiao quickly closed the window and went to the charcoal brazier to warm her hands before crawling back into the bed curtains.

But instead of lying down, she sat straddling Qi Yun's legs across the covers, her smile bright: "The snow is really heavy, husband. When you've rested well, shall we go build a snowman? I've only seen others build them before, I've never tried it myself."

Qi Yun leaned against the pillow looking at her, his voice gentle: "I'm afraid that won't work. Today's snow is too heavy, and there's wind. Forget about building snowmen. If you stand out there too long, you might turn into a little snowman yourself."

Ye Jiao blinked, and as her excitement passed and reason returned, she immediately said: "Then we'll wait until the snow stops."

Even if she wanted to go, she had to consider Qi Yun's health.

However, she didn't get up, but continued sitting on his legs, patting them: "Husband, that's perfect then. Since we can't go out anyway, lie down properly."

Qi Yun was startled: "What for?"

Ye Jiao smiled at him: "Last night I was only thinking about my own comfort and probably tired you out. Here, lie on your stomach for a while, I'll massage your back."

Qi Yun: ...

This statement really left Second Young Master Qi not knowing how to respond, so he could only instinctively refute: "I'm not tired."

Who knew that Ye Jiao, who had long since memorized medical classics and acupoint diagrams, just pressed on his waist through the covers, and Qi Yun immediately frowned slightly.

It was fine when she didn't touch it, but with Ye Jiao pressing so precisely, Qi Yun was indeed somewhat sore.

Seeing Qi Yun's expression change slightly, Ye Jiao knew she had guessed correctly.

Without needing Qi Yun to respond, Ye Jiao's hands massaged the man's waist, looking at him with a smile: "It's normal for this area to be sore. After all, in that matter, I don't have to exert effort, I just follow your lead. Husband is different, always having to work hard, it's very tiring. I'll massage you and you'll feel better."

This was said with care, but the content left Second Young Master Qi somewhat dazed.

Though he had long known his wife was the type to seriously study "the book," whenever he encountered it, even someone as deep-minded as Second Young Master Qi couldn't help but be caught off guard.

However, when Ye Jiao used her eyes to signal for him to turn over, Qi Yun chose to close his mouth and obediently flipped over.

Then he felt his wife, instead of being gentle like before, sit directly on his thighs, both hands massaging his back while saying: "If anywhere feels uncomfortable, tell me. We still have a long, long time ahead of us, so naturally we need to take good care of ourselves."

Qi Yun's voice was muffled: "Oh."

"You rest, I'll massage you more, and also, I'll have the small kitchen stew a pot of radish, wolfberry, and mutton soup for you to drink later."

This soup was something Ye Jiao had read about in a book. It was very nourishing and perfect for drinking in winter.

Qi Yun, being well-read with a photographic memory, naturally knew the effects of this soup.

Kidney-strengthening and body-building, fire-reducing and fluid-generating.

Kidney-strengthening... Qi Yun coughed lightly and instinctively looked to the side, meeting Xu Bao's bright eyes.

Little Xu Bao couldn't understand what his parents were saying in their private conversation. Seeing Qi Yun looking at him, he just lay there giggling, laughing so hard that he made himself fall over. He simply lay there clapping his hands, as if cheering Ye Jiao on, or perhaps praising his own father for rolling over so easily.

This made Qi Yun blush deeply.

The family of three snuggled on the bed for a while, until Xu Bao's little face scrunched up and he was about to make a map on the bed, then Qi Yun hurriedly picked him up and took him down, while Ye Jiao leaned against the bed frame watching the father and son with a smile.

After getting cleaned up, it was already past breakfast time, so they simply combined morning and noon meals.

After finishing the meal, Ye Jiao had someone bring a small brazier.

These red clay small braziers came in various sizes. Some could warm wine, others could be used to brew tea. This time Ye Jiao had someone bring a brazier, and placed a clay pot of radish, wolfberry, and mutton soup on it to simmer slowly. When it was cooked soft and tender, she ladled out a bowl and handed it to Qi Yun: "Drink it."

If Ye Jiao hadn't previously explained what this was for, Qi Yun would have just drunk it down without thinking.

But now that it was clearly stated to be for kidney strengthening, Qi Yun found it somewhat difficult to reach for.

However, he ultimately took it and drank it sip by sip. The fresh, fragrant taste was indeed quite appealing.

His ears turned slightly red from the heat.

Just then, someone knocked on the door.

Ye Jiao poked her head out: "Who is it?"

Tie Zi outside the door said: "Young Master Ye and Third Young Master have come."

"Quickly let them in."

Before long, the door opened and two people carrying cold air entered.

Ye Ping Rong was fine. Being from a military background, he was robust and strong. Even the heavy snow outside couldn't freeze him in the slightest.

On the other hand, Qi Ming was wrapped in layers but still had his cheeks reddened by the cold. As soon as he entered, he stamped his feet, and even after taking off his cloak, he still needed to warm himself by the fire, completely lacking his usual composure.

However, this time Qi Yun didn't scold him for these things. Instead, he put down his bowl, took his own fur coat to wrap around Qi Ming, frowning slightly: "What are you doing coming out in such cold weather?"

Qi Ming lifted his head to let his older brother wrap clothes around him, and upon hearing the question, replied: "Delivering calligraphy." As he spoke, he handed a stack of papers to Qi Yun.

Qi Yun took them but didn't open them to look. Instead, he lightly tapped him with the stack of papers: "Next time, have someone else do this kind of thing. It's cold outside. What if you get sick and can't take the exam?"

Qi Ming agreed and smiled at Qi Yun.

Ye Ping Rong's nostrils twitched as he looked around the room: "Little sister, what are you stewing? It smells so good."

Hearing this, Ye Jiao smiled: "Mutton soup. Big brother, this one won't be useful for you. The small kitchen should still have pork rib soup simmering." Then Ye Jiao said to Little Su: "Go bring two bowls."

Ye Ping Rong was puzzled. Why wouldn't it be useful for him?

Qi Yun glanced at Ye Ping Rong and said nothing, silently continuing to hold his soup bowl and drink, thinking to himself that this was something his wife had specially made for him, and feeling inexplicably happy.

When the pork rib soup was brought over, Ye Ping Rong stopped coveting the radish and mutton simmering on the red clay brazier, accepting it with a smile, his eyes looking toward Xu Bao rolling around on the couch.

Xu Bao also saw Ye Ping Rong. The little fellow didn't know if he recognized him or not, just stared at him without crying, fussing, or speaking, his two eyes round and bright, making Ye Ping Rong find him quite lovable.

After drinking the soup and warming up, Ye Ping Rong went over and picked up Xu Bao.

Xu Bao first pursed his lips, but then being held and bounced by Ye Ping Rong, this was the first time Xu Bao had been held so high. He immediately forgot about crying and looked around with fresh interest, his face breaking into a smile again.

Ye Ping Rong couldn't help saying: "Little sister, this child of yours is truly bold. He'll definitely accomplish great things in the future and become a great general."

But before the Qi couple could respond, Qi Ming spoke up: "Xu Bao is going to study and become a top scholar. My older brother is so good at studying, it would be a waste if he didn't study."

Ye Ping Rong was also easygoing, smiling: "That's right too. Study and become a prime minister, that would also bring glory to the family."

Qi Yun looked at them somewhat speechlessly. Looking at Xu Bao's chubby little face, he really couldn't tell whether this child could become a general or prime minister. After all, his child was still wearing split-bottom pants and couldn't even speak yet. Considering his future seemed a bit premature.

Fortunately, Qi Ming quickly changed the topic: "Elder Brother Ye, how is my sworn brother doing lately?"

"He's doing well. The master also asked me to inquire about you and encourage you to study hard for the exam. He's been busy with family matters recently and might not be able to accompany you, but when you're able to enter the capital someday, he'll definitely accompany you to the examination grounds again."

Qi Ming also knew his sworn brother wasn't an ordinary person. Though he didn't dare guess what kind of imperial relative he might be, just from their usual conversations, he knew his sworn brother's family relatives were all troubled.

His stepmother didn't love him, his brothers despised him, and his biological father wasn't close to him either.

Now hearing that person's family had matters to attend to, Qi Ming said: "Then please have Elder Brother Ye convey a message for me. I hope my sworn brother has everything go smoothly. It's cold now, eating and sleeping well is what truly matters."

This was said simply and honestly, making Ye Ping Rong smile: "Alright, I'll remember and definitely tell him when I return."

Ye Jiao had remained silent throughout, and only after Qi Ming left did she ask: "Third Brother doesn't know that person's identity?"

Ye Ping Rong shook his head, while Qi Yun said: "Not knowing is a good thing. He's still young, and though he seems mature now, he might still be youthfully arrogant. If he knew he had sworn brotherhood with a prince, he might become proud and neglect his studies, which could harm him."

After he finished speaking, Ye Ping Rong also nodded: "The prince thinks the same way."

Qi Yun was relieved to see that Chu Chengyun also intended to keep it secret.

After all, no matter what, Prince Duan was still of imperial blood. Now that he was destined to compete for the throne, he might become the supreme ruler in the future.

Even if his third brother could strive to reach the palace examination, he might not be qualified to acknowledge this sworn brother. Otherwise, if he couldn't measure up, he might be immediately cast aside.

Ultimately, being human required ability. It was like clouds in the sky looking down on mud in the ground. Only by striving for dignity oneself could one earn others' respect.

Just as they were talking, someone knocked on the door outside, followed by an unfamiliar voice: "Colonel, a message from the master."

Hearing this, Ye Ping Rong first gently placed little Xu Bao back on the couch, then went to open the door just a crack, received the letter, and closed the door again.

He didn't avoid them, directly tearing open the envelope and unfolding the letter. Before finishing reading, his expression had already become serious.

Ye Jiao held a fan, gently fanning by the red clay brazier, her eyes looking toward Ye Ping Rong.

Qi Yun simply asked directly: "If there's something sensitive..."

"Nothing sensitive." Ye Ping Rong folded the letter and put it back, his eyes looking at Qi Yun. "Brother-in-law, I've come to bid farewell." After speaking, Ye Ping Rong stood up and bowed deeply to Qi Yun.

Qi Yun immediately put down his bowl and stood to return the bow, knowing in his heart that if it were an ordinary farewell, it wouldn't warrant such a formal ceremony, yet he didn't ask more questions.

Ye Jiao walked over and asked softly: "Big brother, are you going away for a long time again this time?"

Ye Ping Rong's tiger eyes were always gentle when facing his little sister, his voice softening: "Mm, it's fine, I'll go and come back."

Ye Jiao then said: "Wait, I have something for you." After speaking, she entered the inner room.

As soon as she went in, Ye Ping Rong said quietly to Qi Yun: "Take care of my sister. I entrust her to you."

Qi Yun looked at him: "Where are you going?"

Ye Ping Rong hesitated, then slowly replied: "Accompanying Third Prince, to the capital."