7

At the moment, the only ones at home were Qi Yun’s mother, Madam Liu, and the Qi family’s eldest daughter-in-law, Madam Fang.

Madam Liu had sent someone to summon Ye Jiao, though she herself didn’t appear anxious in the slightest. Madam Fang, on the other hand, was busy bouncing her son on her knee while constantly glancing out the door—more eager, it seemed, than Madam Liu herself.

Seeing this, Madam Liu finally asked, “What are you looking at?”

Madam Fang turned to her at once, her round face glowing with a smile.
“Mother, I’m waiting for Second Brother and Sister-in-law.”

Madam Liu gave her a look, then set down her teacup and said, “Yun’er needs rest. Stop fussing over him.”

Even though Qi Yun had asked the physician not to report his condition to his mother, nothing that happened in the household could truly escape Madam Liu’s notice.

Before the physician left, she had called him over to question him directly.

The diagnosis was reassuring: Qi Yun’s health was improving. This latest episode had simply been caused by excess internal heat—not a serious matter.

In the past, it was always chills and cold spells. Though an overheated body wasn’t exactly ideal, Madam Liu could tell from the physician’s tone that her son was no longer teetering on the edge of life and death.

That alone was enough to gladden her heart. But she kept her joy to herself, afraid that speaking it aloud might jinx the good fortune Qi Yun had finally earned.

Composing herself, she turned to Madam Fang and said, “Second Brother is staying home today. Right now, all I care about is his health. All those formalities—let them go if we can. We’re not some lofty noble house with endless rules. As long as someone accompanies Jiao-niang, that’s enough.”

Though her words were casual, Madam Fang could hear the satisfaction behind them—her mother-in-law was clearly pleased with Ye Jiao.

So she smiled and chimed in, “Second Sister-in-law really does bring good luck. Not only is Second Brother’s health improving, even the weather’s changed. It was gloomy just a few days ago, and look—today the sun is shining!”

A small smile finally bloomed on Madam Liu’s face.

People were always a little superstitious at heart. Before the wedding, she hadn’t thought much of Ye Jiao—just another mouth to feed. But now, seeing that Qi Yun hadn’t suffered any serious relapses since the marriage, Madam Liu was starting to believe Ye Jiao might truly be a bringer of good fortune.

Today happened to be Ye Jiao’s return visit home—and what a beautiful, sunny day it was.

Even though Madam Liu knew Madam Fang was deliberately saying nice things to lift her mood, she still enjoyed hearing them.

As long as Qi Yun was doing well, she was more than willing to treat Ye Jiao kindly in return.

Noticing her smile, Madam Fang seized the opportunity and said, “Mother, Shi Tou is growing so fast—he’ll be needing new clothes again soon.”

As she spoke, she gently bounced the toddler in her lap, a boy not yet two years old.

Madam Liu glanced over but didn’t respond immediately. She simply reached out and stroked the boy’s head.

The child had been born frail and hadn’t been given a formal name yet, to avoid “thinning his luck.” The family had just stuck with the nickname “Shi Tou.”

He’d always been doted on, yet this time, Madam Liu didn’t immediately agree to the request.

Madam Fang didn’t dare push further and quietly sat still.

After a while, Madam Liu finally said, “Shi Tou will never lack food or clothing. If you need something made for him, go ahead and arrange it. No need to report everything to me.”

Madam Fang instantly lit up with a wide smile, her round face brimming with undisguised joy.

Madam Liu didn’t scold Madam Fang—she simply let out a quiet, helpless sigh.

Her eldest daughter-in-law was the daughter of a scholar. These days, with so many buying their way into official titles, it wasn’t rare to see someone purchase the title of juren. But Madam Fang’s father had passed the exams fair and square, earning his status properly. Even if he never advanced beyond xiucai, having a daughter who came from a family that could read and write had always been a desirable match.

Back when they arranged the marriage between the Fang family and Qi Yun’s elder brother, Madam Liu had paid a hefty sum to hire a top-tier matchmaker. It had taken quite a bit of effort to secure that union.

Who would’ve guessed Madam Fang would turn out to be so lacking in cleverness—and so incredibly stingy.

Shi Tou was currently Madam Liu’s only grandchild. She never let him want for anything, yet Madam Fang insisted on asking her for every little thing, never willing to pay out of her own pocket.

Still, since she was otherwise obedient and treated the family well, Madam Liu let it slide. She chalked it up to indulging her grandson.

Now that she’d gotten her way, Madam Fang’s face lit up again. She grinned as she bounced her son on her lap, picking up an apple from the table to tease him.

“Shi Tou, come on, give Mother a big smile.”

The little boy obliged, giggling as he clutched the apple in his chubby hands. His big dark eyes sparkled as they darted around, making him look all the more lovable.

Madam Liu adored her grandson. The moment she saw his bright smile, any irritation she’d felt toward Madam Fang vanished completely.

Just then, Ye Jiao lifted the curtain and stepped into the room.

She greeted them with a gentle smile, “Mother, Eldest Sister-in-law.”

Madam Fang feared Qi Yun—after all, that sickly, cold, and gloomy Second Brother could intimidate almost anyone.

But when it came to Ye Jiao, she was exceptionally friendly—perhaps even a little sympathetic.

The more frightened she was of Qi Yun, the more she pitied Ye Jiao.

Of course, beneath the sympathy lay a quiet sense of smugness. Her own husband, Qi Zhao, was strong and healthy. Compared to Ye Jiao, Madam Fang felt she was the one who had truly lucked out.

So now, seeing Ye Jiao, she stood up and warmly took her hand. “Autumn’s almost here—the weather’s getting chilly. Why aren’t you wearing more layers, Sister?”

Ye Jiao, no longer the lively girl she was around Qi Yun, responded with a careful and obedient tone, “I’ll remember next time, thank you for the reminder.”

A simple breakfast was set out on the table. During the meal, it was mostly Madam Liu and Madam Fang doing the talking; Ye Jiao quietly sipped her porridge without much to say.

The porridge was thick, rich with egg and a hint of meat. Ye Jiao enjoyed it so much her eyes practically curved into smiles.

After they finished eating, the servants came in to clear the dishes, wipe down the table, and serve fresh tea.

Madam Liu gave Ye Jiao a once-over, then waved her over and turned to the maid beside her. “Liu Mama, give those things to Jiao-niang.”

Liu Mama quickly stepped forward, presenting a bulging cloth bundle. When it was opened, it revealed several sets of finely made clothing and a jade hairpin of good quality and luster.

Ye Jiao, being a little ginseng spirit, couldn’t really tell how valuable these things were. But the fabric felt far more delicate than what she was currently wearing, and light in her arms despite the layers.

Madam Fang watched with envy, lips twitching to speak, but Madam Liu cut her off,
“You’ve just married in and probably don’t have many clothes prepared. When it gets colder in a few days, we’ll have someone tailor more for you. For today, just wear these.”

Hearing that, Madam Fang instantly understood: these weren’t just ordinary gifts. Madam Liu was preparing clothes and accessories for Ye Jiao to wear when visiting her family. It was a way of showing the Ye family that the Qi family valued her—and possibly a subtle warning not to meddle or cause trouble for her in the future.

Ye Jiao didn’t grasp all the implications, but she remembered Qi Yun’s instructions.

Her husband told her to speak well in front of Madam Liu, so she didn’t ask any questions. Instead, she smiled sweetly and said, “Thank you, Mother.”

That one soft, honeyed “Mother” made Madam Liu feel all warm inside.

Madam Fang, on the other hand, cleared her throat, lips pursed. That second sister-in-law sure looks pretty, and even her voice is pleasant…

She thought to herself with some resentment, I’ve called Mother so many times and never got that kind of smile…

But then she reminded herself—Ye Jiao had married into hardship. Who knew how miserable her life would be with Qi Yun? With that thought, Madam Fang instantly felt better.

Madam Liu had no idea what strange thoughts were running through her daughter-in-law’s mind and didn’t ask. Instead, she simply scooped up little Shi Tou and began cooing to him. The toddler’s innocent charm brightened the atmosphere of the room.

Ye Jiao left the Qi household in an ox cart. Although the family could afford mules and horses, ox carts were far more practical in a village.

Accompanying her—aside from the man driving the cart—were Liu Mama from Madam Liu’s side and Xiaosu, the maid Qi Yun had personally assigned to her.

Xiaosu clutched the parcel in her arms tightly, afraid the bumps along the road might damage it.

Aside from gifts for the return visit, she also held a food box.

Ye Jiao blinked at it curiously. “Is that box a gift too?”

Xiaosu, normally a cheerful girl who turned timid in front of Qi Yun, was much livelier now that she was outside. Her voice rang clear, “No, Second Young Master told me to bring it in case Young Madam gets hungry on the way.”

Liu Mama looked slightly surprised when she heard this. Having served Madam Liu for many years, she had practically watched the three young masters grow up. Second Young Master had always been cold and distant with everyone—yet now he’d thought to send snacks with his wife?

Ye Jiao’s eyes lit up. “Pastries?”

Xiaosu nodded eagerly and opened the food box.

Inside were six red bean cakes, the same kind Ye Jiao had eaten the night before. Only this time, they were still warm to the touch.

She’d had a full breakfast and wasn’t actually hungry, but just the sight of the pastries made her mouth feel dry and her stomach start to stir.

Still, she resisted the urge to reach for one. Instead, she motioned for Xiaosu to close the box again and pulled back the fabric curtain covering the window, gazing outside.

To the little ginseng, visiting her family didn’t really matter. If Qi Yun hadn’t insisted, she likely wouldn’t have bothered with the trip at all.

What she did care about was the Qi family’s herb garden, which she hoped they’d pass on the way.

At the moment, Ye Jiao was basically illiterate. The writing humans used was completely different from the script of the spirit world, with only a few similarities. She could count the characters she recognized on two hands—there were far more she couldn’t read.

Before leaving, Ye Jiao had deliberately taken a moment to study the signboard above the Qi family estate. She memorized the characters by treating them like a picture, carving the shapes into her mind. That way, if they passed the herb garden, she’d be able to recognize it and not miss it.

Not long after the ox-cart set out, Ye Jiao spotted a courtyard just off the roadside.

The surrounding walls were tall, and from inside, wisps of white smoke curled lazily into the morning air—it smelled like something was being boiled.

A sign hung by the entrance. Ye Jiao couldn’t read it all, but she recognized the first two characters: “Qi Family.” Coupled with the faint scent of medicinal herbs, she was sure she’d found the Qi family’s herb garden.

She didn’t keep staring. Letting the curtain fall back down, her gaze immediately drifted toward the food box.

Before she could even speak, Xiaosu had already opened it and held it out.

Ye Jiao picked up a warm red bean cake and took a bite. The soft pastry filled her mouth with a comforting sweetness, and she couldn’t help but close her eyes in bliss.

Delicious.

Her husband remembered her.

Marriage was wonderful!

But six red bean cakes were a bit much. She paused mid-bite, considering her next move. She’d been planning to claim hunger later so she could stop by the herb garden for a rest—but if she finished all the pastries now, what excuse would she have?

Her eyes shifted to Liu Mama and Xiaosu. “Are you two hungry?”

Before Liu Mama could reply, Xiaosu nodded enthusiastically.

She wasn’t actually hungry—just craving. The Qi family was wealthy, and while meals were always ample, the help rarely got treats this delicate. Sweet things were even rarer.

These days, salt was controlled by the state, and sugar was a luxury most families couldn’t afford regularly.

Ye Jiao saw the longing in Xiaosu’s eyes and pushed the box toward them. “Go on, have some. No need to save them.”

Xiaosu immediately grabbed one, as if afraid Ye Jiao might change her mind.

Liu Mama picked one up too, more reserved but quietly impressed. Ye Jiao clearly knew how to treat people, and Liu Mama made a mental note to remember her kindness.

The six red bean cakes were gone in no time, split neatly between the three of them.

Sweet things had a way of lifting spirits, and by the time the ox-cart rolled to a stop, Ye Jiao still had a bright smile on her face.

She was already good-looking, and with her body nourished by the ginseng spirit within, her complexion glowed with a natural flush. When she smiled, she was radiant.

The cart stopped right outside the Ye family’s courtyard gate. Xiaosu hopped down first, set a small step stool in place, then helped Liu Mama down before both of them reached up to assist Ye Jiao.

As Ye Jiao lifted the curtain and prepared to descend, she noticed a small crowd had already gathered nearby.

Truthfully, ever since the ox-cart entered the village, people had been quietly trailing behind, watching.

No one in the village was particularly wealthy—aside from the village chief’s household, few even owned a cow. So when an ox-cart appeared, it naturally drew attention.

Then the cart stopped at the Ye family’s gate, and it all clicked into place. Just a few days ago, a grand wedding procession from the Qi family had come through—this had to be the bride’s return visit.

Most villagers didn’t know Ye Jiao well. She rarely left the house, and when she did, she kept her head down and voice low—shy, reserved, and unremarkable to anyone who only caught glimpses.

But now, the girl stepping down from the cart was nothing like that.

In her past life, Ye Jiao had been a carefree ginseng spirit. Now, reborn as a human, and treated with warmth and kindness by Qi Yun, she had no concept of what it meant to be “inferior.”

She was newly human—naive, yes—but she trusted her husband completely.

And her husband had told her: she only needed to be cautious in front of his parents. Everyone else? She had nothing to fear.

So when Ye Jiao stepped down, supported by Liu Mama and Xiaosu, she moved with relaxed confidence.

The clothes Madam Liu had prepared for her weren’t extravagant like those worn by city ladies, but they were finely made, the fabric high-quality and flattering. And with Ye Jiao’s natural beauty, she looked every bit like someone born into wealth.

Her appearance startled the onlookers. For a long moment, no one spoke—just exchanged surprised glances.

Was that really the timid little daughter of the Ye family?

She looked way too stunning for that. If people had known she was this beautiful, matchmakers would’ve worn a path to the Ye family’s doorstep long ago!

Just then, Second Brother Ye came back carrying vegetables. When he saw Ye Jiao, he nearly didn’t recognize her. He stared for a moment before walking closer and finally muttering in disbelief, “Little Sis?”

=^_^=

Author has something to say: Qi Yun: It’s only been one hour since my wife left. I miss her. I wonder if she’s thinking of me too…

Ye Jiao: Red bean cakes taste best when they’re still warm.

Qi Yun: …Excuse me???