4

Ye Jiao had been looking forward to the meal—but what she didn’t expect was that there were quite a few formalities before she could actually eat.

The room was full of people, and one by one, she had to serve tea and greet them properly. The whole process left the little ginseng spirit’s back sore all over again.

Thankfully, the Qi family was small, so it didn’t take too long.

Aside from Qi Yun’s parents, he also had an older brother and a younger brother.

Qi Yun’s eldest brother, Qi Zhao, was married to a woman named Fang. The youngest brother, Qi Ming, was still a student. Other than that, there weren’t many relatives around.

Qi Yun explained simply, “Our family originally came from the north. After relocating here, we didn’t maintain many clan ties.”

Which meant the Qi family couldn’t rely on the power of an extended clan—everything they had, they’d built on their own. But Ye Jiao couldn’t care less.

The fewer relatives, the better. Less kneeling too—what were a bunch of relatives good for anyway?

Secretly rubbing her knees, Ye Jiao sighed to herself. Being human isn’t easy. From yesterday to today, it felt like the only thing she’d been doing was kneeling down and getting back up… again and again.

Still, while doing the round of greetings, she managed to sneak a glance at her newlywed husband.

Qi Yun wasn’t looking at her. He stood off to the side, eyes fixed straight ahead, his face completely expressionless.

So this is the real Qi Yun, Ye Jiao thought.

He wasn’t one to smile or talk much, and his complexion was so pale that when he stood there like that—stone-faced and still—you’d wonder if he was even alive, if not for the fact he was still breathing.

It was a far cry from the gentle man who had given her water yesterday.

By the time they finally sat down to eat, only Qi Yun’s mother, Madam Liu, and the newlyweds were left at the table.

Ye Jiao’s eyes lit up the moment she saw the dishes laid out. All the frustration she’d built up from kneeling over and over melted away in the face of that delicious aroma.

But just as she reached out, Qi Yun gently held her hand, gave it a small squeeze, then let go and whispered, “You can’t eat until Mother picks up her chopsticks.”

The Qi family wasn’t a noble house, and the rules weren’t overly strict—but the basic courtesies still mattered.

Qi Yun didn’t blame Ye Jiao for not knowing the etiquette; in his mind, it was entirely the Ye family’s fault.

They hadn’t fed her properly, hadn’t let her sleep in a bed, and hadn’t even taught her the simplest manners. If she had ended up in another household, who knew how much she would’ve suffered?

People could be so cruel.

Thankfully, she had ended up here with him. He could teach her—little by little.

But at that thought, Qi Yun’s expression dimmed. He didn’t know how long he’d be able to protect her.

Ye Jiao, though tempted by the food, was obedient. Determined to be a good human, the little ginseng spirit sat upright and still. Imitating Qi Yun, she leaned over and whispered sweetly, “That felt nice. You should squeeze more often.”

Qi Yun, still caught in his gloom, blinked in surprise. “Squeeze what?”

Ye Jiao gave her hand a little shake and said softly, “Holding the teacup for so long made my arm sore. Just give it a little squeeze—like you did just now.” As she spoke, she tucked her hand right back into Qi Yun’s palm.

It wasn’t entirely a lie.

Her arm had gotten a bit tired from holding the teacup during all the greetings, but more than that, she just wanted an excuse to hold his hand a little longer—pass along some of her nourishing energy while she was at it.

Qi Yun didn’t question it. He simply took her hand again, gently cradling her fingers and massaging them with careful attention.

Ye Jiao’s eyes narrowed slightly in contentment.

It really does feel nice. Ah… being married is wonderful.

Madam Liu, watching the two whispering to each other, couldn’t help the faint smile that appeared on her face.

Truthfully, Ye Jiao’s family wasn’t exactly a good match for theirs, but Madam Liu had never been looking for a perfect daughter-in-law. What she wanted most was someone—anyone—who might bring a bit of fortune and life back to her son.

Second Sister-in-law Ye had assured her that Ye Jiao was willing, and Madam Liu had believed it without question.

Qi Yun, on the other hand, had resisted from the start. He kept saying it wouldn’t be right to ruin someone else’s future. Madam Liu had tossed and turned in worry all night, afraid he might act out or make himself even sicker. But then she heard that the two had gotten through the night peacefully, without incident.

They had even missed the proper time for morning greetings—but looking at Qi Yun now, his complexion was visibly better than usual. Madam Liu saw it, and her heart filled with quiet joy.

Even if the Ye family wasn’t much of a support, as long as her son was doing better, that was all that mattered to her.

She had no intention of imposing strict rules on this daughter-in-law. So as soon as she picked up her chopsticks, Ye Jiao’s eyes lit up as she looked over at Qi Yun. When he gave her a small nod, she eagerly picked up her own chopsticks, fiddled with them for a moment, and managed to pick up a piece of meat with surprising ease.

Thank goodness for the original Ye Jiao’s memories—otherwise, she really might’ve just reached in with her hands.

But before she could eat it, Qi Yun reached out with his own chopsticks and gently placed a piece of vegetable into her bowl.

“Did I squeeze too hard?” Qi Yun asked, seeing how clumsily Ye Jiao was holding her chopsticks. He assumed her awkward grip meant he’d hurt her earlier.

Ye Jiao immediately shook her head, eyes bright as she smiled at him. “It didn’t hurt.”

Qi Yun didn’t believe her for a second. Her hands were clearly still sore, yet she insisted she was fine. His heart ached a little, and a strange warmth crept in. Without saying anything, he added another piece of meat to her bowl.

Ye Jiao wasn’t entirely sure what Qi Yun was imagining, but when it came to being fed, she wasn’t about to refuse.

She had no idea what any of the dishes were called, but she knew one thing: this one was good, that one was good—everything was good!

Way better than yesterday’s pastries!

Marriage is amazing!

Maybe it was because Ye Jiao was eating so happily, but Qi Yun ended up eating half a bowl more than usual too, which made Madam Liu beam with delight.

After the two of them left the table, Madam Liu stood up and went to kneel in front of the household’s Bodhisattva statue, earnestly praying for her second son’s health and happiness.

Meanwhile, Qi Yun returned to their room with Ye Jiao. Maybe it was the extra food, but he felt a bit too full, so he took her on a slow walk around the courtyard, using the time to introduce her to the Qi family layout.

“That’s my parents’ courtyard over there. That side is my eldest brother and his wife’s. Back there is where my youngest brother lives. Further north is where the tenant families stay,” Qi Yun said slowly as they strolled, his pace unhurried. “Other than dinner, the three of us usually eat separately.”

Ye Jiao blinked. “Why?”

Qi Yun glanced at her, then looked away slightly. “Father and my brother go to the estate during the day. My youngest brother is busy with his studies. Everyone’s got their own things to do.” His tone grew quieter. “I’m the only one who stays home… I help with the bookkeeping. That’s all I can manage.”

He trailed off and let out a low cough, the quiet warmth in his voice from before vanishing without a trace.

These days, the imperial court wasn’t like the one in the previous dynasty—it no longer strictly suppressed commerce in favor of agriculture. While merchants still weren’t as respected as scholars, many of the former restrictions had been lifted. Merchants’ children could now take the imperial exam just like any scholar’s child. Some even bought official titles with money, encouraging more and more well-off families to go into business.

The Qi family owned both a wine shop and an herbal medicine store. Normally, they hired people to manage them, while the family, as the proprietors, simply reviewed the accounts and collected earnings.

Because of his poor health, Qi Yun couldn’t manage the estate, nor could he endure the physical and mental demands of the imperial exams. Despite being well-read and deeply knowledgeable, all he could really do was stay home and help with the bookkeeping.

In the past, Qi Yun hadn’t thought much of it. A dying man didn’t need to plan for the future—so what if he wasn’t suited for civil or military service? It wasn’t like he had many years left to live.

But now, with a little wife clinging to him and relying on him for everything, Qi Yun suddenly felt… useless.

Just then, he heard Ye Jiao’s voice, full of awe: “Husband, you can read and do arithmetic?”

Qi Yun looked over at her, puzzled by the amazement in her tone. Still, he replied simply, “Yes.”

Ye Jiao blinked, then suddenly linked her arm through his, smiling so brightly her whole face lit up. “Husband, you’re amazing!”

Qi Yun couldn’t help but chuckle at that. “What’s so amazing about that?”

Ye Jiao thought for a moment, then answered seriously, “Everything I don’t know, Husband knows. So of course you’re amazing.”

Qi Yun could hear the sincerity in her voice. Even if he chalked it up to her inexperience and naivety, that pure and genuine admiration still warmed him. A faint smile finally touched his pale face.

He hadn’t smiled much earlier, likely because they’d been around others—but now, when he did, Ye Jiao was momentarily stunned.

He’s really handsome… especially when he smiles.

Qi Yun, unaware of her gaze, began walking again, speaking gently, “It’s always good to know how to read. Since we’ve got nothing urgent over the next few days, I’ll teach you.”

Ye Jiao immediately nodded, gripping his fingers excitedly. “Yes! I learn really fast!”

Qi Yun gave her a sidelong glance. “Oh? Noted.”

Ye Jiao tilted her head slightly. Why does it feel like he doesn’t believe me?

Just then, the two of them turned a corner and entered a quiet garden in the back courtyard.

The Qi family was the wealthiest household in the surrounding villages and towns. Most of their garden space was used for growing flowers and ornamental plants, though there were also areas set aside for raising chickens and ducks.

Qi Yun usually wouldn’t come to this part of the estate. He hadn’t meant to today either, but conversation had led them here but he had no intention of going in.

That was, until Ye Jiao suddenly pointed excitedly. “Ah! There it is!”

Qi Yun followed her gaze and saw a bunch of chickens wandering lazily around. He raised a brow. “What?”

Ye Jiao’s voice was clear and bright. “That rooster from yesterday! Look at the feathers on its tail—they’re so long and pretty!”

Sure enough, Qi Yun spotted the one she meant: a proud-looking rooster strutting around like it owned the place, its tail feathers long and strikingly beautiful.

Sensing the sound of people, the rooster turned its head toward them. Upon spotting them, it gave a dismissive flick of its head and promptly turned its back, lifting its tail as if to say you’re not worth my time.

Qi Yun: …Heh.

How could he forget? Yesterday, his dear little bride almost ended up performing a wedding ceremony with that very chicken!

Without another word, Qi Yun abruptly changed direction and walked straight into the garden.

Xiaosu, the young girl assigned to feed the chickens, had been slacking off, entertaining herself by kicking a shuttlecock. As soon as she heard footsteps, she looked up—and immediately froze.

The moment she saw Qi Yun, the girl, barely over ten, looked like she wanted to run for her life. Unfortunately, Tiezi wasn’t around to back her up this time. Stiff with fear, she stood rooted in place, dropping the shuttlecock and hurriedly grabbing the feed bowl instead. She didn’t dare move a muscle.

Qi Yun cast her a glance and said coolly, “Just carry on. No need to mind us.”

“Y-Yes, Second Young Master,” Xiaosu stammered, bowing her head low, trying to make herself as invisible as possible.

Meanwhile, Ye Jiao had walked up to the fence and peeked inside, eyes gleaming with pride.

Back when she was still a little ginseng, she’d spent so much energy dodging birds and animals. But now? No more hiding—they had to hide from her.

With her growing confidence came a playful streak. She reached over, pinched a bit of chicken feed from Xiaosu’s bowl, and carefully scattered it through the fence.

Qi Yun noticed and immediately stepped over to her, gently taking her hand. He pulled out a handkerchief and carefully wiped her fingers, his voice low but warm:
“Don’t touch things like that randomly. You’ll get your hands dirty.”

Ye Jiao smiled as she let Qi Yun wipe her hands, but her gaze drifted to Xiaosu. “How old is that rooster?”

Xiaosu, though terrified of Qi Yun, didn’t feel the same fear toward this beautiful, always-smiling new bride.

She still didn’t dare lift her head, but her voice no longer trembled. “Xiao Hei was raised last year. He’s one year old now.”

Ye Jiao blinked in surprise. “You even gave him a name?”

Xiaosu’s cheeks flushed red. She didn’t reply, but the innocent pride of a child was written all over her face.

Qi Yun also looked at the proud rooster with its beautiful tail feathers. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, he asked Ye Jiao, “Jiao-niang, do you want to eat chicken?”

The moment the words left his mouth, Xiaosu flinched in alarm. She instinctively feared this cold, quiet Second Young Master might be planning to eat her Xiao Hei!

Ye Jiao, however, didn’t sense anything strange. She simply patted her belly and replied, “I’m full from lunch. Not hungry now.”

Qi Yun gave a small nod, then glanced down at the shuttlecock Xiaosu had dropped. His tone was mild. “Is it fun?”

Xiaosu tensed again. She wanted to say yes, but she’d been caught slacking off, and now didn’t know if nodding or shaking her head would get her in more trouble.

Qi Yun, however, had no intention of scolding her. It was nearly time for his medicine anyway. Without sparing her another glance, he gently took Ye Jiao’s hand in his and said softly, “Let’s head back.”

“Okay,” Ye Jiao replied cheerfully, turning away from the chickens to follow him.

Just as they were about to leave the garden, Qi Yun paused, as if remembering something. He turned slightly and said to Xiaosu in his usual calm voice, “Tie up a shuttlecock and bring it over later.”

Then, glancing sideways at Ye Jiao, he added with a faint smile, “You can try playing with it.”

Ye Jiao had never played shuttlecock before, but she was eager to try anything. She beamed and nodded immediately.

Qi Yun’s lips curled slightly at her response. His eyes drifted back to the rooster. “Use its feathers—the ones on the tail.”

Ye Jiao didn’t quite catch what Qi Yun said as he pulled her away, so she didn’t think much of it.

Xiaosu, on the other hand, stood frozen, staring at her beloved Xiao Hei with a face full of despair, nearly in tears.

That evening, a beautiful shuttlecock made of glossy black tail feathers was delivered straight into Ye Jiao’s hands—and just like that, Qi Yun let go of the idea of having chicken soup.

After a peaceful night’s sleep, the day of Ye Jiao’s return visit to her family quickly arrived.

=^_^=

Xiao Hei: No feathers? Just kill me now!
Qi Yun: Kinda want chicken soup…
Xiao Hei: Take them! Take all my feathers! QvQ