When Qi Ming returned ho, it was quietly, with only family mbers knowing and no disturbance to others.
He was no longer the unrecognized young boy he once was. With two top candidate positions in hand, and the Qi family making no attempt to hide it, celebrating with grand banquets each ti, everyone around knew the Qi family had a heaven-sent literary star.
If soone recognized Qi Ming, they would likely crowd around to gawk, then ask for calligraphy or other items, hoping their own children might absorb so scholarly aura.
Especially during New Year, everyone liked to seek good fortune, and Qi Ming seed like an auspicious mascot to them, always worth approaching.
This ti Qi Ming obediently stayed in the carriage, only getting out at the family gate, and his first task after entering was to pay respects at Liu Shi's courtyard.
Qi Yun and Ye Jiao were also at Liu Shi's, waiting for him.
Ye Ping Rong, being a guest, was led to the front hall where soone served him hot tea and pastries.
Not long ago, Ye Ping Rong had visited the Qi family, but mostly went directly to find Ye Jiao. He had only been to the front hall once, arriving hurriedly with Hua Ning as a little tail. Ye Ping Rong hadn't carefully observed the Qi family then. Looking now, he felt the surroundings were serene, the servants well-behaved. Though not a wealthy prominent family, they clearly maintained strict household rules.
This put Ye Ping Rong's mind at ease.
Then Father Qi ca out to et him. Father Qi appeared honest and sincere, his speech and behavior showing kindness. Ye Ping Rong felt even more reassured.
Before going to rest in the arranged small courtyard, Ye Ping Rong t Liu Shi. After polite conversation, he finally felt at peace about the Qi family.
Perhaps others had forgotten how Ye Jiao ca to be married, but Ye Ping Rong rembered clearly that his little sister's marriage had been quite complicated.
Of course, this was the fault of Second Brother Ye and Second Sister-in-law Ye. The Qi family's three matchmakers and six ceremonies were complete, with everything proper and even grander than others. Ye Jiao's life was visibly good, but Ye Ping Rong still worried.
Even without the fortune-bringing marriage aspect, just a farm girl marrying up could easily lead to hardship.
He always wanted to support Ye Jiao, preferring to cut ties with Second Brother Ye's family rather than let him disturb Ye Jiao's life, all because Ye Ping Rong worried the Qi family might treat Ye Jiao poorly.
Even if Qi Yun was good to her, tornt from family mbers wasn't sothing an ordinary woman could endure.
Following Chu Chengyun, Ye Ping Rong had seen many noble families, and even among the most powerful, many mistreated their daughters-in-law.
What about the imperial family? His own princess consort had been undermined by the empress until her health deteriorated, sothing Ye Ping Rong could learn about.
But the Qi family was very good. Though Jiao Niang had indeed married up, looking at Father Qi and Liu Shi showed this was a harmonious household.
His little sister's life had been good since arriving, and now the Qi family was increasingly prosperous. Ye Ping Rong thought that with his own position now, little sister would have family support, making her future life even smoother.
Just as he was thinking, a subordinate entered and bowed to Ye Ping Rong.
Usually Liu Rong accompanied Ye Ping Rong, but the prince couldn't be without protection, so Liu Rong stayed behind. Ye Ping Rong only brought two trusted subordinates.
Now Ye Ping Rong was staying in the Qi family's guest courtyard. He looked at his subordinate: "Did anyone follow us?"
"No, a few constables only followed to the city gate. After we left the city, they dispersed."
Ye Ping Rong nodded. He had worried the County Magistrate from the city might co looking, whether to probe or flatter, which would be troubleso. Now seeing the magistrate was sensible enough not to intrude showed good judgnt.
Ye Ping Rong asked nothing else, waving them away before extinguishing the candle to rest.
When he woke, it was broad daylight with bustling sounds outside.
Today was New Year's Eve, and the entire Qi household was busy.
Ye Jiao rembered that last New Year's Eve, the whole family had gathered to make dumplings. Having finished lunch early today, she took Xu Bao over early and indeed saw Liu Shi had already organized everything.
There were many year-end tasks, mostly sweeping and cleaning, rewarding servants, or finishing miscellaneous estate and shop business, none requiring the won's involvent.
But on New Year's Eve, the cooks beca busy, rolling wrappers and preparing filling, starting before dawn. When Ye Jiao arrived, everything was ready, just waiting for the master's family to do the final wrapping.
Making dumplings wasn't just about the wrapping, but also about gathering together to talk and pass ti.
Seeing Ye Jiao arrive, Liu Shi beckoned her over but didn't have her work: "Elder Sister-in-law is preparing tea, and Little Shi Tou needs watching. Jiao Niang, just watch the two children. You don't need to help with anything else."
Ye Jiao turned to see Fang Shi concentrating on watching the copper kettle on the stove, while Little Shi Tou sat in a chair with a thick red rope around his waist, looking longingly at her.
The other end of the rope was tied to the table leg, probably because they feared he'd run around and get hurt. Even with a servant watching, Fang Shi still worried and tied him up.
Liu Shi felt helpless but said nothing, since Little Shi Tou was indeed very active and would dash off without supervision. It was normal for Fang Shi to be extra careful.
But when Liu Shi saw Ye Jiao's expression of "so that's how it's done," she suddenly felt sothing was wrong.
Ye Jiao washed her hands, removed her cloak, and sat on a nearby stool, holding Little Shi Tou and Xu Bao to play with them.
Xu Bao wasn't shy with strangers, and since eting Little Shi Tou last ti, Xu Bao seed to rember him. Seeing Little Shi Tou made him giggle and reach out to touch his face.
Little Shi Tou let him touch, laughing with Xu Bao, occasionally very carefully touching Xu Bao's soft hair and poking his forehead.
In Little Shi Tou's mind, this chubby little brother was especially pitiful, having to study until late every night.
At least his mother supervised him, but chubby little brother had to be watched by the cold Second Uncle... terrible.
This made Little Shi Tou especially accommodating, letting little brother squeeze the dough and giving him a cup to play with first.
But Xu Bao was still small and didn't understand Little Shi Tou's aning. After taking the cup and holding it with his little fat hands, he threw it on the ground.
Crash!
The sound of the breaking cup startled Xu Bao. Before anyone could say anything, he started dropping tears, burying his face in Ye Jiao's chest and not coming out.
Ye Jiao was both amused and exasperated, patting his back: "You threw the thing and no one even scolded you. Why are you crying first?"
Xu Bao couldn't understand Ye Jiao's words yet. He just whimpered twice, sounding aggrieved.
Ye Jiao felt her chest getting wet, thinking human babies sure had a lot of tears...
Liu Shi felt terribly sorry, chanting "pieces bring peace, pieces bring peace" while cleaning flour from her hands to comfort Xu Bao and Little Shi Tou.
Little Shi Tou was actually startled too, but seeing Xu Bao cry, he imdiately felt sorry, thinking chubby little brother was too pitiful, having to study and cry, which was exhausting.
When Ye Jiao put them both on the nearby small wooden bed, Little Shi Tou seriously comforted Xu Bao. Though Xu Bao was still tearful, he didn't want to lie down and quickly devoted himself to the great enterprise of rolling over, despite his tears.
Because Ye Jiao fed him well, Xu Bao had grown chubby and was strong, but rolling over always required considerable effort.
Grunting and groaning, Xu Bao soon forgot about crying entirely, focusing single-mindedly on turning over.
Little Shi Tou sat beside watching the chubby little brother working hard with determination. This sohow struck Little Shi Tou as very inspiring, and he clapped to cheer Xu Bao on.
Ye Jiao took the opportunity to wrap two dumplings for good luck, then returned to watch the two little ones.
When the dumplings were cooked and ready to serve, Xu Bao had fallen asleep lying on his stomach on the bed.
After playing so long and crying, both were exhausting. He slept very deeply.
Little Shi Tou also rubbed his eyes and fell asleep next to Xu Bao.
Ye Jiao didn't disturb them, covering them with a blanket and having a servant watch them before going to eat.
This reunion dinner included Ye Ping Rong eating with them. He and Qi Ming sat together.
It wasn't that Ye Ping Rong didn't want to eat with his sister, but first, Ye Jiao was now married into the Qi family and was a Qi family daughter-in-law. Second, everyone else was in couples, so he and Qi Ming, both single, were more appropriately grouped together.
During the al conversation, Ye Ping Rong only said he worked for the court, not revealing anything about Third Prince.
Though Liu Shi didn't know what rank of official he was, any official position was good and ant support.
She couldn't help looking at Ye Jiao with smiling eyes, thinking this daughter-in-law was well-chosen, truly blessed for the future.
When dumplings were served, Ye Jiao held her chopsticks and couldn't help recalling last year's dumpling feast.
Back then Little Ginseng didn't understand the auspicious anings, saying whatever she found, but hitting every special one, making Third Brother Qi want so good fortune too. Unknowingly he ate a whole plate and was groaning when they dispersed.
Now Ye Jiao thought she'd eat less, but seeing the plump white dumplings, she couldn't resist. Still afraid of finding the special ones, she waited quite a while before cautiously picking one and putting it in her mouth.
After chewing, Little Ginseng quietly raised her hand to her lips, then put it down, making no sound that even Qi Yun didn't notice.
But there wasn't only dumplings on the table, also many dishes and soups.
When Qi Yun and Ye Jiao ate together, caring for his wife had beco habit. He picked up so fish with his chopsticks, carefully removed the bones, then served the fish at to Ye Jiao.
Little Ginseng wasn't polite, directly eating the fish.
This happened every day between them, so naturally they felt nothing unusual.
But watching Fang Shi felt envious.
Elder Brother Qi certainly loved Fang Shi, but Qi Zhao was straightforward and often busy with estate matters. The couple rarely even ate together.
What wife wouldn't want more pampering from her husband?
Usually she might not think of these things, but seeing Qi Yun caring for Ye Jiao so sweetly, Fang Shi got ideas.
But Fang Shi knew her husband was straightforward and eye signals would be useless, so she gently kicked his shin under the table.
Who knew Qi Zhao would turn and ask: "Wife, why are you kicking ?"
One sentence made Fang Shi's face turn red, wanting to pinch him.
Liu Shi could guess so of Fang Shi's thoughts and coughed lightly, serving Father Qi so food.
Seeing this, Qi Zhao understood his mother's hint and quickly served Fang Shi so food too.
But he chose braised pork.
The pork was excellently braised with bright sauce and three layers of at, looking very appetizing, but Liu Shi sighed inwardly.
Her eldest son was good in every way: diligent, honest, pure-hearted, just sotis lacking perception.
Fang Shi hadn't touched any at dishes for a long ti, especially around New Year when she feared gaining weight. Since the al began, she hadn't eaten any at dishes at all.
Yet her son had so bluntly chosen the fattiest at on the table, which would surely displease her.
But to Liu Shi's surprise, Fang Shi wasn't angry but smiled instead.
Though Fang Shi was careful about her figure and avoided this and that, she imdiately put the at Qi Zhao served her in her mouth, eating while smiling. Though Qi Zhao didn't understand why his wife was happy, seeing her joy made him happy, and he served her several more dishes, which Fang Shi ate without exception.
However, this marital harmony had nothing to do with Qi Ming.
Third Young Master Qi silently ate his dumplings, lanting his single state, thinking he must study and test well. Mother said only after passing the scholar examination would she arrange his marriage... For a wife, he had to pass too.
After finishing the al, everyone returned to their courtyards to prepare for the vigil.
Xu Bao was taken away by Nanny Liu for care, while Ye Jiao returned to her room with Qi Yun. After briefly washing and tidying up, Ye Jiao sat before the mirror taking down her hair ornants, watching Qi Yun's blurry reflection in the mirror and asking with a smile: "What were you and Third Brother talking about just now?"
Qi Yun stood behind Ye Jiao, taking up the hair comb to brush her hair, and replied: "Nothing much, just asking about his studies. Next year Third Brother will take the academy examination. This step isn't easy - it's a big leap, unlike the previous two tis. Besides testing knowledge, it also depends on luck. Whether he passes in the end depends entirely on his ability. It can't be taken lightly, so I asked a few more questions and gave him so encouragent."
"He'll definitely pass." Ye Jiao's tone was certain as she removed her earrings while speaking.
Qi Yun reached out to massage her earlobes, sowhat curious: "Why are you so confident? I think even Third Brother himself wouldn't dare guarantee he'll pass."
Ye Jiao looked up at him in the mirror, her voice soft and sweet: "Third Brother has been taught by you since childhood, husband. I have faith in you - you'll definitely be able to teach a top scholar."
In Little Ginseng's heart, Qi Yun was the most capable person in the world.
Though Ye Jiao didn't know about Qi Ming's scholarly ability, since Third Brother Qi had been supervised and watched over by Qi Yun from a young age, he would naturally pass.
Ye Jiao had always been completely confident in Qi Yun.
Hearing this, Qi Yun couldn't help but lower his head, embracing the woman's shoulders and gently kissing her earlobe, his voice carrying laughter: "Wife, do you know what a top scholar is?"
"Not really, but Mother said the best test-taker becos the top scholar... Husband, wait a mont." Being tickled by Qi Yun's breath, Ye Jiao couldn't help but dodge backward.
But the man was standing right behind her, so the more she dodged, the more she nestled into his arms.
Feeling him bite her ear again, Ye Jiao pushed him: "Mother said we must keep vigil at year's end. Don't fool around - we need to wait for the firecrackers."
Hearing this, Qi Yun released her slightly, took a deep breath, then regained his gentle smile, leading Ye Jiao to sit on the nearby soft couch.
Candlelight flickered, night was hazy, and the charcoal fire in the room burned very warm.
They sat facing each other like this, but after a while Ye Jiao felt sowhat bored.
Usually when they were together, Qi Yun would think of what to do - whether playing chess or drinking tea, he always made the decisions while Ye Jiao just waited.
But this ti Qi Yun said nothing and did nothing, just stared at her. After a long ti, Ye Jiao felt uninterested.
She propped her chin on her hands, leaning on the low table, looking at Qi Yun and mumbling: "Husband, let's do sothing."
Qi Yun also leaned over, reaching out to touch Ye Jiao's nose tip, asking: "What does Jiao Niang want to do?"
Little Ginseng thought about it but couldn't co up with any good ideas.
But Qi Yun now only wanted to do one thing. With their son finally asleep early and the two of them able to steal so private ti without worrying about waking him, Second Young Master Qi definitely wasn't going to waste the opportunity.
He got off the couch, went to the nearby bookshelf to get a book, and placed it on the low table.
Ye Jiao looked and saw it was that book again - she could recognize this cover with her eyes closed.
Qi Yun maintained a serious expression: "It's still early until midnight anyway, and just sitting here is boring. How about we play a ga?"
Ye Jiao blinked and looked at him: "What ga?"
"Jiao Niang, you randomly flip to any page, and we'll thoroughly study whichever page you land on. How about it?"
Little Ginseng said nothing, just stared at that book with wide eyes.
Qi Yun thought she was being shy, so he coaxed softly: "Yesterday Jiao Niang said you'd make it up to , but you haven't yet."
Who knew Ye Jiao would look up at him quite seriously: "I can flip, but if the page we land on is too difficult and you're too weak to manage it, husband, we can't force it. Your health cos first."
Qi Yun: ...
Soon, Ye Jiao realized she probably shouldn't have said her husband wasn't capable.
Because what happened next proved that her husband was definitely capable, but once he was capable, her passionate responses nearly made her bite through her own lips.
Fortunately, Qi Yun told her that Xu Bao wasn't in the room tonight, so Little Ginseng finally relaxed her voice, making scattered sounds she herself couldn't even hear clearly.
When the firecrackers went off, Ye Jiao was lying dazedly on the bed, her eyes misty with moisture, reaching out to grip Qi Yun's shoulders, her voice sowhat blurred: "Husband, the firecrackers are going off..."
"It's fine, there'll be another round later. We can watch then."
"...Then don't move first, let catch my breath."
"No good, Jiao Niang said I wasn't capable, so we need more practice."
Little Ginseng: ...
In the end, Ye Jiao never did see the firecrackers, only managing to look out the window briefly when the fireworks were set off, then falling asleep holding Qi Yun.
When she woke again, it was already bright daylight.
Qi Yun had obviously woken earlier than her. The charcoal stove in the room had been relit and was warm and cozy. When Ye Jiao lifted the bed curtains, she saw Qi Yun, already fully dressed, sitting at the table drinking tea.
Seeing her awake, he was about to co over when soone knocked at the door.
Qi Yun stopped in his tracks, first closing the inner room door, then walking over to ask: "What is it?"
"Third Young Master just ca and delivered thirty sheets of large characters. He also said to thank Second Young Master for the reminder, that he'll definitely study diligently and not disappoint Second Young Master's expectations."
Hearing this from the inner room, Ye Jiao knew that Third Brother Qi had probably spent the whole night writing characters during the vigil last night.
She smiled, and when Qi Yun ca over, she said to him: "Third Brother is truly diligent. This is good."
Qi Yun nodded, replying calmly: "It's good that he's working hard now so he can reap rewards. Writing more characters is naturally good for him."
"Husband is such a good person." Always thinking about restraining and teaching his younger brother - truly a model older brother.
Qi Yun smiled and accepted this praise, lowering his head to place a gentle kiss on Ye Jiao's forehead, saying softly: "Jiao Niang should rest more. Were you tired yesterday?" He was thinking he should show more restraint next ti.
Who knew Ye Jiao would reach out to touch his waist, replying softly: "Husband should rest more. I'm not tired, you're the one who's tired."
Qi Yun's ears imdiately turned bright red as he quickly straightened up and coughed lightly.
Fortunately, Little Su ca in carrying Xu Bao, and the little chubby one was crying at the top of his lungs. Seeing Ye Jiao, he pouted pitifully and reached out his hands, clearly hungry.
Ye Jiao took him over to nurse, while Qi Yun seized the opportunity to step outside first. The morning chill helped him sober up considerably as he tightened his fur coat and headed to the study to get so books.
But just as he walked out of the corridor, he saw Manager Song pacing anxiously outside the courtyard gate.
Seeing him, Manager Song imdiately perked up and ran over. Though he wanted to speak, he still patiently bowed first: "Wishing master a happy New Year, may master have smooth sailing and joy in the new year."
Qi Yun could tell Manager Song probably had urgent business for him, but he still returned the bow properly.
This greeting wasn't just about observing etiquette, but also about wishing for good fortune in the new year.
After both had finished their mutual greetings, Manager Song could no longer contain himself, lowering his voice: "Young master, sothing's happened with the rchant caravan."
Qi Yun's brows furrowed slightly as he stepped aside: "Co, let's talk in the small room."
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