chapter 89
3038 Words
After returning from the Meng Family Apothecary, the Third Prince and his entourage headed straight for his fiefdom.
This time, he went in an open and grand manner, nothing like the cautious, low-key approach he had taken before.
Princess Hua Ning brought the emperor's edict, the Empress Dowager was waiting for him at his fiefdom, and besides, the emperor had secretly arranged men to protect Chu Chengyun. Even if others hated him to the bone, there was nothing they could do.
Quite a few onlookers were also muttering to themselves, confused as to whether the old emperor's protection of him came from familial affection, or because Chu Chengyun had long won the emperor's favor.
For a while, Chu Chengyun became a figure caught in the eye of the storm.
Though he was not in the capital, all the noble families in the capital had their eyes fixed on him.
Chu Chengyun had thought it through clearly. Now that he had cast aside the pretense of familial affection and decided to fight for the throne, it was better to be openly conspicuous—this would actually help protect him.
If he always kept a low profile, he might end up dead without anyone even noticing. That would be truly miserable.
Chu Chengyun went to his fiefdom in grand style, taking all his people with him. Ye Pingrong, as a retainer of Prince Duan's mansion, naturally went with him.
After arriving there, he only exchanged letters with his younger sister back home.
Every time he replied, Ye Jiao insisted on writing the letter herself. Her elder brother doted on her, and thought everything she did was wonderful. Even her plump, rounded characters he praised as pretty and unique, saying no one else could imitate them. So Ye Jiao was happy to write to him herself.
Autumn always passes quickly, and before long, the New Year was approaching again.
Compared with last year, the Qi family's life had gotten much better this year.
Qi Zhao's estate, connected to Qi Yun's wine shop, saw its income triple. Though it couldn't compare to the booming business of Qi Yun's shops, Qi Zhao was still very satisfied. After turning in the required portion to the family household, a lot of money was left over, and even Mrs. Fang walked with a spring in her step.
Needless to say, Qi Yun: although he invested a great deal of silver in the merchant caravan, he always managed to refill his empty coffers. The income from the wine shop flowed in like running water, and the apothecary was also gradually making a name for itself.
Furthermore, after Chu Chengyun left, the Meng Family Apothecary in the city could no longer maintain its operations, so they sold it to Qi Yun at a low price. Qi Erlang quietly changed the signboard, and just like that, the shop opened in the city.
The lives of the two elder Qi brothers were getting better day by day. Only the third brother, Qi Ming, had many matters to attend to at the academy. With the provincial examination coming up next year, Qi Ming couldn't come home early even for the New Year. He would only be back around New Year's Eve.
Mrs. Liu missed him terribly, but didn't dare rush him. She could only recite scriptures and pray to the Buddha every day, asking for the Bodhisattva's blessing.
But as New Year's Eve drew closer, Mrs. Liu had to stop reciting scriptures during the day to take care of household preparations. Now that the family's fortunes had improved, the New Year celebrations should be more grand. This was partly for the sake of face, and partly to show the tenant farmers that if their employer's life was good, their lives would be good too.
Mrs. Fang and Ye Jiao were also busier than usual. In the morning, they went to Mrs. Liu's courtyard to help with preparations, and in the afternoon they returned to their own courtyards to attend to their own affairs. This busy back-and-forth was exactly the kind of atmosphere that only came with the New Year.
But today Ye Jiao came back early. Xiaosu followed behind her carrying a large bundle. As soon as they entered the door, Ye Jiao said: "Alright, put the things down. Xiaosu, you go rest for a while. In the evening you still have to go to Mother's place to go over the accounts."
Xiaosu answered with an assent, put the large bundle on the table, and trotted out. Before she left, she carefully closed the door to keep the cold wind out.
Ye Jiao then took the soft cloth strip placed on the side wall table, and carefully stuffed it into the c***k of the door, not letting even the slightest bit of cold air in.
And behind the desk, Qi Yun had moved Xu Bao's cradle next to him. He was shaking it while looking at the account books. Seeing how careful Ye Jiao was being, he couldn't help but smile and said: "Jiaoniang, don't be so careful. My body isn't like the paper-thin weakness it used to be, it doesn't matter."
Who would have thought that Ye Jiao jumped like a startled rabbit, turning around to look at him, her eyes wide as round as saucers: "Husband, why are you back so early?"
Qi Yun was also startled by her reaction. After steadying himself, he put down his brush and said: "I finished my work early today. Everyone else is busy pasting Spring Festival couplets and hanging lanterns. It's all hustle and bustle and noisy, I can't calm down to get anything done, so I came back."
Ye Jiao heard this and nodded, her voice returning to its usual softness: "That's right, it's busy outside today, it's good you came back early. I thought only Mama Liu was here taking care of Xu Bao."
"I sent Mama Liu home after I got back..." His voice suddenly stopped, and Qi Yun's eyes subconsciously looked at the chubby baby in the cradle.
So, just now, when my Jiaoniang carefully stuffed the door c***k to block the cold wind, it wasn't for me, it was for him?
Clearly before, Jiaoniang only cared that much about me.
A strange wave of jealousy suddenly rose in his heart, and Qi Yun narrowed his eyes slightly as he looked at Xu Bao.
The chubby little baby was chewing on his hand playing, and when he saw his daddy looking over, he gave him a bright smile. The "gurgling" sound of his laughter made it impossible for Qi Yun to be angry at him.
Ye Jiao walked over, picked Xu Bao up from the cradle and patted him in her arms, her eyes looking at Qi Yun with a little disapproval: "Husband, your body is much better now, but you still have to be careful. Doctor Li said you have to recuperate slowly, you can't stand any wind. You have to take your hand warmer and wear your fur coat, do you understand?"
Only then did Qi Yun curve the corners of his mouth, nod and say: "I understand."
In fact, he has many fur coats. The shop managers under him have sent no end of gifts to curry favor with him, among them there was an extremely beautiful purple fur coat.
But no matter how good it is, it can't compare to Jiaoniang's affection for him. He has always treasured that black fur coat exceptionally, and would never give it up.
Ye Jiao held and coaxed Xu Bao for a while, then put him back into the cradle.
Xu Bao didn't fuss, he just smiled and pulled at the tassel hanging on the cradle playing.
That tassel wasn't the ordinary kind you buy, it was tied up with black chicken feathers. It's very light, tied tightly, and doesn't shed easily.
As for the feathers, of course they came from Little Black. That chicken is really strange, its feathers never get bald no matter how many you pluck. They grow back right after being plucked, it's like an endless supply. And the feather quality is excellent, and it doesn't shed easily. So they washed them and got them neat, tied them up to entertain Xu Bao.
Xu Bao is chubby and his hands are still short. No matter how hard he reaches, he can only pull at it a little, he can't even grab it. But he's happy as long as he sees something swinging, he laughs every day, and can play by himself for ages.
Ye Jiao saw he was happily playing by himself, so she smiled and stroked his little cheek, then touched the tiger-head hat he was wearing on his head. Feeling that the hat was tight, she couldn't help but say: "This hat looks like it's getting too small. When Big Brother bought it, he definitely bought a size bigger."
Qi Yun heard this, and also came over to look, he touched his son's forehead: "Children grow fast, that's normal."
Ye Jiao gave an "oh", thinking that human babies are different from small animals, their bodies grow, their heads grow too.
But Qi Yun sighed in his heart.
People say a big head means you're smart. His child's head is indeed a bit bigger than other kids'.
Jiaoniang wanted to call him Big Head at the beginning, that wasn't just talking nonsense.
Good thing she didn't end up calling him that, what if it gets bigger and bigger the more you call him that?
Ye Jiao didn't know what Qi Yun was thinking, she stroked Xu Bao's cheek again, then went to the table and opened the bundle.
Inside were several new pieces of clothing.
Qi Yun was just about to pick up his brush and continue looking at the accounts, but when he saw Ye Jiao taking the clothes to try them on, he immediately put down his brush, slowly stood up, picked up Xu Bao's cradle with both hands, and brought him into the inner room.
Ye Jiao saw them come in, and couldn't help asking: "Not looking at the accounts anymore?"
Qi Yun first put Xu Bao's cradle on the bed, placed two square pillows on both sides of the cradle to keep it from rocking, then said to Ye Jiao: "It's alright, I finished them."
Ye Jiao didn't doubt him, she took the clothes and went behind the screen, saying as she changed: "These clothes were measured by the seamstress a month ago. I was worried our sizes might have changed, so what she cut back then might not fit now, that's why she only made a few first to try on. If any are too big or too small, we'll have her measure us again."
Qi Yun let Xu Bao hold his finger to play with, his eyes were fixed on the screen, looking as serious as can be: "That's good, saves an extra trip."
He didn't say anything more, just stared at the straps of Ye Jiao's camisole swaying back and forth on the screen.
Sway left, sway right, it makes your head spin.
Ye Jiao continued quite naturally: "Just now Big Brother sent another letter. He said after Prince Duan stopped hiding his identity, Big Brother got a new official uniform and a new post, even changed his name. It's something called... right, Zhaowu Colonel."
Qi Yun has read a lot of books. Even though he never took the imperial examination, he still remembers all the official names and ranks in the court.
Zhaowu Colonel is a sixth-rank post. Though it's only two ranks higher than the seventh-rength of Ti Xia, it's a real solid position. He has people under his command, has an official procession when he goes out, and ordinary people even have to call him General when they see him.
But since he's still serving under Prince Duan, his future glory or disgrace will be tied to Prince Duan. Still, having real power in hand is better than having none.
But before Ye Pingrong could say anything more, Ye Jiao let out a sound of surprise.
He straightened up, wanting to look, but just as he stood up he sat back down again.
Clearing his throat lightly, Qi Yun asked: "Jiaoniang, what's wrong?"
"It seems to be too small... but I can't see the back."
Qi Yun's eyes unconsciously looked to the sides, he asked: "Do you need me to help you?"
"Yes, Husband, come take a look."
Qi Yun glanced at Xu Bao, who had played until he was tired and fallen asleep, exhaled a breath, then stood up and walked slowly behind the screen.
The charcoal brazier in the room was burning hot, you wouldn't feel cold even if you only wore a single thin shirt.
Right now Ye Jiao only wore a long skirt, her shoulders were loosened, and she was reaching back to adjust it.
When she saw Qi Yun come over, she pulled his hand to reach back: "I can't reach the tie at the back, Husband, help me tighten it."
Qi Yun looked down, and all he saw was her pale white arm, with a thin green string around her neck, hanging just right there.
Just one glance made Qi Yun's ears turn red.
But he kept his face calm, reached out and took the tie, tightened it a little: "Like this?"
"No, loosen it a little more."
"Oh, how about this?"
"Better, but it's still too tight." As she spoke, Ye Jiao turned her head to show him, "Is it too tight around me?"
Yes, it's tight, but seeing the green camisole and all that pale skin right there like this was still too much for Qi Yun to handle.
He quickly let go, forced his eyes to focus on Ye Jiao's face, his voice was a little hoarse: "Mmm, I think it is indeed a little too tight."
Ye Jiao heard this and nodded: "Okay, I'll have it remade in a few days, this one doesn't fit anymore."
Too bad the man couldn't hear what she was saying anymore, he was just looking at the sky, looking at the ground, looking at the screen, just not looking at her.
Then Ye Jiao didn't ask Qi Yun to leave, she just turned her body so her back was to him, untied the thin tie, made herself more comfortable, then said: "Big Brother also said in his letter that he asked the prince for leave, he's coming to our house for New Year, and by the way he'll pick up Third Brother from the academy."
Qi Yun let out a low hum of agreement.
Ye Jiao reached out again to get the clothes, continued as she did: "Husband, we don't need to send a carriage then, Big Brother will definitely be able to bring him back safely... Husband?"
Before she finished speaking, Qi Yun wrapped his arms around her waist from behind.
A woman's waist is slender, and warm against him. Qi Yun held her in his arms, lowered his head, rested his chin in the hollow of her neck, and said softly: "We can talk about their business later. Jiaoniang, it's still early, how about we do something else instead?"
Ye Jiao blinked, her eyes clear, turned her head to look at him: "You want to study that book again?"
"Mhm."
"What about Xu Bao?"
"Xu Bao is asleep, we'll keep quiet, we won't disturb him."
Ye Jiao thought for a moment, but didn't agree directly. She fastened her clothes, pushed him away, and walked out from behind the screen.
Qi Yun, who had just been pushed away by his wife, didn't recover for a moment, he just stood there stunned.
The next moment, Ye Jiao reached out, grabbed his wrist and pulled him out too.
Maybe Qi Yun was still a little confused, so he just followed her out, and then got pushed by his wife.
His foot caught on the footstool by the bed, and he sat directly down on the bed. Then he saw Ye Jiao put her hands on his shoulders and push down, he wasn't careful, and just laid flat out. Before he could react, Ye Jiao had already climbed on top of him.
Qi Yun, who had just been upset about being rejected by his wife, was too slow to react for a moment, his voice even stuttered: "Jiao, Jiao..."
Before he could finish calling her name, Ye Jiao covered his mouth, her bright eyes stared at him: "I told you not to call me that."
Qi Yun looked at her, reached down and pulled her wrist, asked: "Jiaoniang, what were you... doing just now?"
Ye Jiao looked back at the cradle on the soft couch, lowered her voice: "I can't see Xu Bao from behind the screen, I'm not reassured."
Xu Bao is less than four months old, he can't sit up yet, but he's already very strong at rolling over. Of course Ye Jiao wants to keep him where she can see him.
Actually Qi Yun wanted to ask her why she pushed him down here.
But very quickly, Qi Yun couldn't remember to ask anymore.
He turned over, held his wife close, gently loosened her hair, heard Ye Jiao say softly in his ear: "Promise me, keep quiet, don't wake Xu Bao up. If he doesn't get enough sleep he'll fuss."
Qi Yun stroked her satin-like hair, also kept his voice low: "Don't worry, if you don't make a sound, I won't make a sound." He even more than Ye Jiao didn't want to wake Xu Bao up.
After a little while longer.
"Husband you liar, you said you wouldn't make any noise..."
"It's the bed that's not sturdy, it creaks when it shakes even a little, what can I do?"
"If Xu Bao wakes up it's all your fault."
"Okay, it's my fault, it's all my fault."
"Take it slow then."
"...Okay."
The next day, the fact that Qi Erlang hired people to re-reinforce the bed frame did not attract anyone's attention.
A few more days passed, and it was the day that Ye Pingrong mentioned in the letter that he would send Qi Ming back.
- Writer
