Lady of Fortune, Jiao Niang

Chapter 98

Hearing these words, Qi Yun understood Ye Ping Rong's meaning.

Even though he had never actively inquired about matters concerning Chu Chengyun, just from that person's identity and the previous assassination, Qi Yun could guess the general situation.

After all, Chu Chengyun had already become a prince with his own fief. For him, life had reached the point of leisurely freedom. Besides the throne, basically Chu Chengyun could obtain everything he wanted.

What could force Chu Chengyun into this situation could only be the throne.

If it were anyone else, Qi Yun would guarantee to remain silent, whether feigning depth or evading the topic, he could always find ways to get around it, knowing but pretending not to know.

But now facing his wife's biological older brother, though Qi Yun had reservations about him, at this moment, Qi Yun still said softly: "Big brother, be extremely careful on this trip. If things really don't work out, come back to live in hiding under a false name for the rest of your life."

Ye Ping Rong smiled, knowing his brother-in-law was making plans for him, naturally grateful and quite gratified, finding Qi Yun even more of a good and virtuous man.

However, in his heart, Ye Ping Rong had already made up his mind to sacrifice his life for Prince Duan.

Actually, when he decided to divide the family, Ye Ping Rong had already thought of this step. Though he despised his Second Brother, they were ultimately blood relatives who had grown up together. Ye Ping Rong's final kindness, besides that bag of silver, was cutting ties with him.

It wasn't because he feared Second Brother Ye would drag him down, but because he was afraid that one day, when he committed a capital crime, he would implicate his family.

Throughout history, the merit of supporting the dragon had always been like walking a tightrope. If successful, glory for a lifetime; if careless, it meant a bottomless abyss.

Those who fell were always more numerous.

Ye Ping Rong felt he hadn't properly disciplined Second Brother Ye or protected Ye Jiao. The document severing ties had been his final responsibility as the eldest brother.

Now that the moment had truly come, Ye Ping Rong had thought he could be without ties or concerns, but hearing Qi Yun's words now made him particularly grateful.

It wasn't because Qi Yun promised to take him in, but because Ye Ping Rong thought his little sister finding such a clear-minded husband was truly fortunate.

Moreover, Qi Yun was also someone who cared for country and people with the world in his heart, a benevolent and virtuous person. Ye Ping Rong was increasingly satisfied.

He didn't say more to Qi Yun, only instructing: "If there really is a catastrophic disaster, when the court becomes turbulent and life becomes unbearable, take your family and flee through the pass during the chaos." Then he stuffed a personal seal into Qi Yun's hands: "I have friends beyond the pass. With this, naturally someone will look after you. Besides, I think with your planning ability, life will never be difficult."

Qi Yun wasn't being falsely modest. He reached out to accept it and nodded in agreement.

However, he still hoped Third Prince could succeed. That person, though sometimes appearing overly benevolent and not having the sinister nature of ordinary powerful people, was someone who distinguished right from wrong and understood good and evil, presumably capable of becoming a benevolent ruler.

Though Qi Yun had never thought about country and world in his heart, and wasn't the type to care for country and people, others' life and death had nothing to do with him, but his small life had just been cultivated with some prosperity, and Qi Yun really didn't want it destroyed overnight.

Qi Yun calculated the days in his heart, estimating that Chu Chengyun's recovery from injury was only about a month. He couldn't help looking at Ye Ping Rong: "Can Prince Duan's body hold up?"

Hearing this, Ye Ping Rong couldn't help showing a smile: "Speaking of this, it's quite strange. Originally Doctor Li said the master's injury would take a year and a half to heal, but the master managed to recover seventy to eighty percent in just one month. It must be heaven's blessing."

Qi Yun looked at Ye Ping Rong with a somewhat subtle expression.

Usually, Ye Ping Rong definitely wouldn't have noticed, as he had a straightforward mind and never knew how to read people's expressions.

But now Elder Brother Ye's heart was entirely focused on wanting to entrust Qi Yun with caring for his little sister, so naturally he looked a few more times.

Seeing his strange expression, Ye Ping Rong quickly asked: "What's wrong?"

Qi Yun hesitated, then said softly: "Previously, Jiao Niang had me deliver a pill to Prince Duan that she said could help his recovery."

At these words, Ye Ping Rong also showed a surprised expression: "You mean..."

"Jiao Niang has planted many medicinal flowers, probably made by grinding these flowers."

Ye Ping Rong couldn't help looking outside. Though the window was thickly papered, he could still vaguely see bright colors outside.

Before Ye Ping Rong could say anything, Qi Yun reached out first, grasping his wrist, and said quietly: "Prince Duan probably didn't pay much attention to this matter either. Let's not tell others about it."

Ye Ping Rong was somewhat confused: "But I've watched Jiao Niang since she was small, and she never learned medicine."

Qi Yun thought for a moment: "Perhaps after you left the Ye family, Second Brother Ye treated Jiao Niang poorly, never giving her food and keeping her hungry. It was during that time she figured it out, otherwise she couldn't have survived. Jiao Niang told me before that she had eaten dirt."

At these words, Ye Ping Rong's face instantly flushed red with anger.

He only knew Second Brother Ye had randomly married off his sister, but when Ye Ping Rong saw Ye Jiao, she had already been nurtured by the Qi family with a rosy complexion. Ye Ping Rong had no idea Second Brother Ye had treated his little sister so harshly!

Gritting his teeth, Ye Ping Rong said hoarsely: "Just severing ties was too easy on him, that beast!"

Qi Yun patted him again: "Now isn't the time to be angry, Big brother. This matter absolutely cannot let others know."

Ye Ping Rong came to his senses and steadied himself somewhat.

Then he heard Qi Yun continue: "An innocent person isn't guilty, but possessing a treasure is. Even a little gold and silver can bring disaster for no reason. Jiao Niang's medicinal flowers need to be kept secret."

Ye Ping Rong deeply agreed and solemnly nodded. The two men tacitly reached an understanding.

In the inner room, Ye Jiao didn't know the two men outside had already created a perfect excuse for her. She wasn't listening carefully to what they were saying either, but was standing at the wall table, examining the Stone Sprout Grass on it.

This Stone Sprout Grass had grown for another year after bearing fruit. Though some leaves had been plucked off, it was still fairly lush now, at least looking more abundant than Little Black's tail.

However, there were differences between leaves. The leaves closer to where the White Rainbow Fruit had formed were wider and thicker, while those at the edges were smaller.

Ye Jiao had previously given the best leaf to Ye Ping Rong, and crushed an inconspicuous one for Chu Chengyun to eat.

Now seeing that Ye Ping Rong's pouch was gone, she didn't know if he had used it, but Ye Jiao didn't want to let Ye Ping Rong leave casually like this.

Her own big brother was naturally closer than outsiders. Ye Jiao unhesitatingly plucked another wide-looking leaf, then went to find a pouch, hung it with tassels she had made, stuffed the leaf inside, sealed it, and walked out of the inner room.

The two men outside had just finished talking and each had their tacit understanding. When she came out, they had already returned to a peaceful appearance, showing no abnormality.

Only Xu Bao, seeing his mother, called out "ah ah," arching his body upward, trying hard to get Ye Jiao's attention.

Ye Jiao quickly went to pick him up and patted the little one's back, then walked toward Ye Ping Rong: "Big brother, this is for you. Remember to keep it safe."

It was another pouch, but Ye Ping Rong was much more solemn than last time. He accepted it, hung it at his waist, then felt it wasn't secure enough, took it off to keep close to his body.

Ye Jiao didn't notice this, but looked outside: "The snow hasn't stopped yet. Do you want to wait a little longer?"

Ye Ping Rong shook his head: "Can't wait. Even if there are no horses and I have to run on foot, I must get back."

Hearing the urgency of the situation, Ye Jiao didn't delay Ye Ping Rong's time further. She stood beside Qi Yun and smiled: "Then big brother, have a safe journey. I'll wait for you to come back."

Ye Ping Rong's nose bridge felt sore, but he didn't speak. He just bowed formally and turned to leave.

However, the horse he rode away wasn't his own, but the one with a tuft of white hair on its head.

This snowfall continued for two days and nights before stopping.

When the sun came out, the world was covered in silver-white, actually brighter than usual.

Ye Jiao, who had been cooped up inside for two days, could finally go out for fresh air. Looking at the sunshine, she smiled: "Today is really good weather."

Qi Yun stood beside Ye Jiao, gently grasping her hand: "Mm, now that the weather has cleared, Big brother also sent news saying he has set out for the capital with Third Prince."

"It's good that he's safe." Then Little Ginseng looked at the expanse of silver-white, her face showing some eagerness to try: "Now that it's cleared up, can we build snowmen?"

Qi Yun smiled as he looked at her and agreed: "Alright."

This heavy snow was the last snowfall of the winter, lasting until spring came and flowers bloomed without a second snowfall.

However, the snow had fallen thick, and auspicious snow foretold a good year. Qi Zhao was happiest of all, as people at the estate began bustling about as soon as spring began.

The shops under Qi Yun weren't idle either. Wine shops opened in the city, medicine shops were thriving, and the restaurant Qi Yun had casually acquired was also crowded with customers and business was booming because it had the special Golden Goblet wine from Qi family wine shops.

Ye Jiao's days were particularly leisurely: spring outings to view flowers, throwing arrows into pots, drinking tea, or flying paper kites and shopping at stores. Every day was very comfortable.

Her daily essential activities, besides massaging her husband's back and making soup, were playing with her Xu Bao.

As Xu Bao grew little by little, in the capital, Ye Ping Rong stayed close to Third Prince Duan, never leaving his side.

He occasionally received family letters sent from the Qi family. Among them, what Ye Ping Rong most enjoyed reading were the letters Ye Jiao wrote to him in her round, rolling characters, which always described in detail the recent condition of his grand-nephew Xu Bao.

When Xu Bao was six months old and just learned to sit, he had also grown teeth. Ye Jiao specifically had the little one bite a tooth mark on paper to send to Ye Ping Rong.

In the capital, First Prince Qi forced the palace, was later suppressed, Qi Prince killed himself in the golden throne hall, his mother Imperial Consort Li committed suicide, and the entire Li clan was spared no one, either executed or exiled.

When Xu Bao was nine months old and could crawl, as Ye Ping Rong was receiving the family letter, Second Prince Lian and Sixth Prince Zheng died suddenly of unknown causes. As the birth mother of both princes, the current Empress was overcome with grief and went mad. In front of the Emperor, she revealed some scandal, whether in madness or deliberately. The Emperor became disgusted and confined her to the cold palace, not to emerge until death.

By the time Xu Bao was 11 months old, autumn had arrived, and it was time for Qi Ming to take the academy examination.

Third Young Master Qi had to leave home early to prepare for the exam, first going to the academy for final intensive study, sharpening his skills at the last moment.

When Qi Ming left home, the entire family saw him off at the door. Though no one expressed their expectations aloud for fear of putting too much pressure on him, the hope in their eyes was unmistakable.

This made Third Young Master Qi break out in a cold sweat, and he almost ran away the entire distance.

After seeing him off, Liu Shi took her two daughters-in-law to the temple to pray. Coming out of the temple, they went to a Taoist temple, burning incense and drawing lots, claiming that praying at multiple places couldn't hurt, there would always be one that worked. This made Fang Shi completely speechless.

But her Second Sister-in-law also followed Liu Shi in worshipping randomly, leaving Fang Shi with no choice but to follow along kneeling back and forth, bringing back a pile of amulets and spending quite a bit of money, making Fang Shi's chest hurt when she got home.

Ye Jiao had just returned and was putting the amulets she'd obtained onto Qi Yun one by one, making Second Young Master Qi somewhat amused: "So many, are you trying to turn me into a wishing tree?"

But even as he said this, Qi Yun still stretched out his arms, letting his beloved wife stuff things into his pouches.

Ye Jiao looked up at him with some defiance: "Mother said they're useful, so they must be somewhat useful."

Qi Yun habitually didn't believe in these things, but since his wife had spoken, he didn't dare disagree. He lowered his head to kiss Ye Jiao's forehead and smiled: "Good, my wife can always speak correctly. If you say they're useful, then they're useful."

Ye Jiao smiled along, happily stuffing his pouches full.

Qi Yun held her close, preparing to lower his head for a kiss, but was suddenly covered on the mouth by Ye Jiao.

The man's movement paused, then he followed Ye Jiao's gaze.

He saw a little chubby one standing against the wall on the soft couch, holding a cloth tiger in his hands, staring at them with clear eyes.

Qi Yun suddenly couldn't continue with the kiss. He coughed lightly and straightened up with a serious expression, lowering his voice: "When did Xu Bao get here?"

"He's been there all along. Didn't you see?" Ye Jiao said as she released him and walked over to sit sideways on the soft couch.

The little one who had just learned to walk immediately beamed with joy, threw down the cloth tiger, and toddled toward Ye Jiao, wobbling unsteadily. Halfway there, he tripped and fell flat, but didn't cry or fuss. Since the soft couch wasn't hard, it didn't hurt. He got back up, laughing happily as he walked toward Ye Jiao, then threw himself directly into her arms, giggling "ge ge ge."

This laughter was particularly infectious, making Ye Jiao laugh along. She planted a loud kiss on Xu Bao's forehead.

Qi Yun watched with envy and, taking advantage of the fact that Xu Bao couldn't speak yet, leaned over to Ye Jiao: "What about me?"

Ye Jiao gave him a light kiss on the corner of his mouth and even licked it. When Qi Yun tried to lean in closer, Ye Jiao dodged away, smiling as she held Xu Bao: "The child is here, let's play with him first."

Second Young Master Qi stood there for quite a while, seeing that neither his wife nor his chubby son paid him any attention, before he finally sat down beside Ye Jiao to join them in entertaining Xu Bao.

Xu Bao had just learned to walk and was still finding it novel.

He grew faster than other children. Though not yet a full year old, he could already toddle around by himself without needing support. Even when he fell, he could get back up. Unlike when he was small and always liked to wail at the top of his lungs, current Xu Bao still loved to eat and drink, but no longer loved to cry.

Sometimes when he clearly fell hard enough to hurt, Xu Bao still wouldn't cry. Once he had scraped his hand and didn't make a sound - only when Ye Jiao picked him up did she discover it. From then on, she didn't dare let him wander around on the floor alone, mostly letting him practice walking on the soft couch or bed.

Now Ye Jiao was using the cloth tiger to coax him to walk back and forth, from her side to Qi Yun's side and back again.

Xu Bao kept laughing happily, walking to and fro. But every time he reached Ye Jiao's side, he would cuddle for a while, yet when he got to Qi Yun's side, before Qi Yun could touch him, the little chubby one would turn around and walk away without even looking at him.

Clearly, compared to his always stern father, he preferred his soft, sweet-smelling mother.

Qi Yun wasn't angry either, since his favorite was also Jiao Niang. Having his son share the same preference made Second Young Master Qi feel somewhat gratified.

However, Xu Bao was still small and got tired after walking for a while.

He sat down right where he was to rest, then lay back with his arms and legs spread out. Without needing any coaxing, he fell asleep on his own in no time.

This wasn't the first time, so Ye Jiao and Qi Yun weren't surprised.

They carefully picked up Xu Bao and put him on the small bed, covered him with a blanket, blew out the candle, and the two adults also quietly got into bed to sleep.

Probably because they had visited so many places during the day, Ye Jiao fell asleep before long. Qi Yun didn't disturb her and just held her while sleeping.

But at night, Qi Yun woke up almost on schedule. As soon as he opened his eyes, he heard the familiar whimpering sounds.

This sound was milky and actually quite cute, but having it happen every night had made Qi Yun develop a habit.

Qi Yun quietly got up, quickly grabbed a pillow for Ye Jiao to hold without waking her, then put on his clothes and got out of bed to pick up his chubby son and take him out to relieve himself.

When they returned, Xu Bao fell asleep again without needing coaxing. Qi Yun tucked him in carefully before climbing back into bed, pulling out the pillow and quickly lying down. The next moment, Little Ginseng automatically curled up against him, her arms and legs wrapping around him tightly, her face buried in his chest as she slept peacefully.

Qi Yun also closed his eyes, and when he woke again it was the next day.

Coincidentally, Ye Jiao also woke early today. She opened her eyes as soon as he moved slightly.

"Did I wake you?" Qi Yun said, planting a kiss on Ye Jiao's forehead.

Little Ginseng lifted her head to let him kiss her, then looked at him with a bright smile: "No, not at all. Husband is wonderful."

Qi Yun smiled back but wasn't in a hurry to get up. Instead, he held Ye Jiao close: "Now that Xu Bao is almost one year old, his first birthday celebration will coincide with Third Brother's exam results. Father and Mother are planning to celebrate properly."

Ye Jiao blinked: "That's perfect, we can celebrate both together."

However, Father Qi and Liu Shi's thinking was that the academy examination wasn't easy - it was like ten thousand people crossing a single-log bridge, with very few who could pass. Though they felt their Third Son was intelligent and talented, they couldn't guarantee Qi Ming would succeed.

If he could become a scholar, he would be exempt from corvée labor, wouldn't have to kneel before officials, and couldn't be casually punished. If he did well, he could even receive monthly grain from the court, truly becoming part of the scholar-gentry class.

The reason they wanted to celebrate together was fear that if Third Son failed, having prepared early would invite gossip from others. Preparing together now meant that whether there were two happy occasions or one, it would still be a celebration.

However, Qi Yun knew that in Ye Jiao's heart, Third Brother was someone he had taught, and Ye Jiao trusted him, so naturally she was certain Third Brother had the talent to be a top scholar.

Qi Yun didn't explain much now, instead saying: "Since it's a first birthday banquet, you'll need to prepare too. Tell me who you want to invite, and I'll write the invitations. In a couple of days, go shopping and buy some bright new clothes."

Ye Jiao looked at him: "I wonder if Big Brother can come back."

When Xu Bao had his full-month celebration last time, Ye Ping Rong hadn't been able to make it. Now for his first birthday, Ye Ping Rong still hadn't said if he could return.

Qi Yun smiled: "That depends on timing, but I think if he comes back, he probably won't be coming back alone."

Ye Jiao was slightly puzzled, then smiled: "Is Little White coming back too?"

Clearly, Ye Jiao still remembered the horse with white hair on its head that Ye Ping Rong had taken away. That horse had saved Qi Yun's life, so naturally Ye Jiao wouldn't easily forget it.

Qi Yun took a moment to remember who Little White was, then said with some amusement: "I mean, if Big Brother comes back, Hua Ning will probably come back with him too."

Hua Ning had already been betrothed to Ye Ping Rong by the old emperor's decree. This dynasty had no rule preventing imperial sons-in-law from holding important positions, and Ye Ping Rong had also been promoted in rank, now serving as a Training Commissioner.

However, whether their marriage would succeed still depended on Prince Duan's final outcome...

Qi Yun was thinking about this when he suddenly felt a soft hand quietly grasp his palm, fingers interlocking tightly.

Looking down, he saw Ye Jiao's clear eyes.

Qi Yun immediately forgot about princes and princesses, his eyes holding only his wife, his voice much gentler: "Jiao Niang, what is it?"

Ye Jiao lifted her head to look at him, then accurately kissed Qi Yun's cheek.

In the early morning, the woman's lips had no rouge, clean and soft.

Ye Jiao did nothing else, but Qi Yun pulled the woman's waist closer, his eyes deep: "What are you doing, Jiao Niang?"

Little Ginseng showed a bright smile: "Making up for what I owed you yesterday."

Qi Yun held her even tighter: "Debts always accrue interest."

Ye Jiao paused, then muttered quietly: "Money-grubber." But she didn't push him away. Instead, she smiled and pulled him closer to her.

This was like a signal, and Qi Yun wouldn't miss the chance to collect interest.

But before Qi Yun could decide how to collect, he heard a familiar whimpering sound.

After a brief pause, before Qi Yun could react, Ye Jiao had already reached out to pull back the bed curtains.

Then they saw the little chubby one had already stood up in his small bed, holding onto the cloth-wrapped wooden railings beside him, staring at them.

Xu Bao looked at them cheerfully, and then a clear voice emerged from his mouth: "Mother!"