Chapter 19
When it came to managing money, Ye Jiao was truly clueless.
The former little ginseng had lived by eating dirt... well, by absorbing the spiritual energy of heaven and earth. Even when she occasionally wanted some rare treasures, it was mostly through bartering, never involving gold and silver.
The Ye Jiao in her memories had never managed money at the Ye family, otherwise she wouldn't have suffered so much.
Now with Qi Yun giving her ten taels of silver, Ye Jiao held the small wooden box as if it were burning her hands. She set it aside and reached out to tug Qi Yun's sleeve: "What should I do with it?"
Qi Yun was exceptionally patient, taking her hand to warm it together over the hand warmer, saying: "Although our family usually doesn't need to worry about ordinary matters, some things require extra spending, like if you want to get a new outfit or buy a hairpin. These all require your own silver."
Ye Jiao blinked: "I have to pay for everything myself?"
"Yes, when Mother had you measured for clothes before, Mother paid for that, which was a benefit she gave you. But if you want to make your own clothes, you'll need to spend your own money." Qi Yun spoke with complete honesty.
Actually, ordinary families rarely gave money to household members. Everyone bustled about for profit, so naturally men wanted to keep the money they earned in their own hands for comfortable spending and to maintain authority in the household, ensuring women couldn't get out of line.
Moreover, the higher the social status, the less money women controlled. Unless a woman had a powerful family background to hold financial authority, most only managed accounts superficially. It appeared they held the purse strings, but in reality they just had to work hard at management. When they actually wanted to spend money, they still had to ask the men for permission.
Even Liu Shi usually only managed things, with other decisions requiring Father Qi's approval.
Qi Yun naturally knew all this, yet he still gave Ye Jiao everything he had earned, keeping not a penny for himself.
He had wanted to do business precisely so his wife could live well in the future. Whether he lived or died, Ye Jiao would have something to rely on and wouldn't be unable to survive. Now that he had earned money, naturally he wanted her to keep it safe.
But Ye Jiao held the box and muttered: "You don't earn money easily. I don't want to have clothes made or buy hairpins."
This single sentence made Qi Yun's heart feel both sour and sweet.
He naturally knew Ye Jiao was pure and kind, and what she said came from her heart. What Qi Yun hadn't expected was that he had only known his Jiao Niang to be carefree by nature, thinking only of eating and sleeping, but now listening to her, she had clearly taken him to heart.
Having such a wife, what more could a husband ask for?
But Qi Yun didn't show it, instead making his tone even gentler: "Jiao Niang is right, but I now have many things to keep busy with, and the shop always requires careful attention. If I keep this money with me, I'd have to worry about it every day. Wouldn't that be troublesome?"
If anyone else heard these words, their jaw would probably drop.
This was silver, gleaming white silver! Others wanted it but couldn't get it, yet from Qi Yun's mouth, it had actually become a troublesome matter!
Where was the justice in that!
But Ye Jiao fell for this completely. She felt Qi Yun was absolutely right. This silver not only had to be kept safe but also required daily planning. Wasn't that indeed troublesome?
Moreover, her husband's health wasn't fully recovered yet. Working hard for the shop was already taxing enough. Naturally she should help him.
The resistance on her face immediately disappeared. Ye Jiao clutched the box and said firmly to Qi Yun: "Don't worry, husband. I can manage it well for you."
Qi Yun smiled, reaching out to touch Ye Jiao's hair: "Jiao Niang is truly helping me greatly. Thank you."
Ye Jiao smiled sweetly: "You're welcome."
After putting away the box, Qi Yun carefully explained to Ye Jiao about money she might need to spend in the future.
Besides expenses for getting things for herself, Little Su and Tie Zi now followed Ye Jiao and Qi Yun respectively, and their monthly wages had to be paid by Qi Yun and Ye Jiao. When going out, if they wanted to use the ox cart, they had to pay tips to the driver. Coming and going required copper coins for various gratuities.
From lunch through dinner, he still hadn't finished explaining.
In short, without money, one couldn't move a single step.
Ye Jiao listened in bewilderment but still tried hard to remember everything.
This time she didn't complain of hardship or exhaustion. The little ginseng felt this matter was troublesome, but giving it to her husband would be even more troublesome. No matter how difficult, she had to learn and remember to share her husband's worries.
But Qi Yun could see Ye Jiao was having trouble remembering, and since it was already night and he couldn't delay her sleep, he wrapped up, planning to tell her the rest when they encountered situations in the future.
The man repeatedly told her: "Don't be afraid to spend money, especially on yourself. Don't be afraid to spend silver. If it's not enough, I'll earn it back."
Qi Yun was trying to convince his wife not to hoard money without spending it. Money only created more money when spent. Keeping it clutched in one's palm made it dead money.
Silver couldn't reproduce little silver coins by itself, so it was better to spend it.
Seeing Ye Jiao nod, Qi Yun felt relieved, then laughed inwardly. He really hadn't expected that one day he would earnestly teach someone how to spend his own silver.
And he taught it quite happily...
When the two had finished tidying up and were lying side by side in bed, in the pitch darkness, Qi Yun heard Ye Jiao's soft voice: "I saw Father has a fur coat last time, all fluffy and looking very warm. How much silver would it cost to buy one for you, husband?"
Qi Yun's throat felt tight. He gripped Ye Jiao's hand and answered softly: "Let's go look together when we have time."
"Good."
After Ye Jiao fell asleep, Qi Yun carefully turned on his side and kissed Ye Jiao's forehead lightly before closing his eyes.
When Qi Yun woke up, it was already bright daylight. The charcoal fire in the room had been relit, filling the room with warmth.
The man sat up and turned his head to see Ye Jiao, already dressed and ready, sitting at the writing desk practicing calligraphy.
Qi Yun thought she was getting an early start on studying and didn't disturb her, taking care of his own dressing and washing.
But even after he had finished getting ready, he found Ye Jiao still hadn't moved from the desk.
Somewhat curious, he walked over and saw that Ye Jiao wasn't practicing calligraphy, but was using her round characters to write down everything Qi Yun had told her yesterday, line by line.
But Ye Jiao hadn't been practicing calligraphy for long and wrote rather slowly. She had been working all morning and still hadn't finished half.
Seeing Qi Yun approach, Ye Jiao looked up at him, her first words being: "Are you hungry, husband?"
Qi Yun looked at what she had written, then showed a gentle smile: "You can remember these slowly. There's no rush."
Ye Jiao set down her brush and pulled Qi Yun to breakfast while saying: "I'm writing it down so I won't forget. Oh, Mother sent someone earlier to say Third Brother returns to the academy today. Let's go see him off after breakfast."
Qi Yun agreed, and after eating, the two went to the front courtyard.
Qi Ming's academy holiday should have been three days originally, but because many students hadn't gone home during the last heavy rain, this time it was extended to five days.
After five days, Qi Ming had to return on schedule.
Liu Shi was naturally reluctant to part with him, but she didn't want to delay Qi Ming's studies. She could only endure her sadness while seeing him off, packing a large bundle for him to take in the ox cart: "This contains winter robes and a cotton quilt with newly fluffed cotton. Remember to use it. There are also some red bean cakes inside. Share them with your classmates and teachers."
Qi Ming agreed, showing no impatience with Liu Shi's nagging.
Often the children who leave home earliest best understand their parents' hearts. Qi Ming held Liu Shi's hand comfortingly: "Mother, I'll be back in a month or so, very quickly. By New Year I can rest several extra days. Maybe by then your son will already be recommended for the county examination."
Although Liu Shi still felt reluctant, her face also showed a smile, putting Qi Ming at ease.
Qi Zhao gave Qi Ming a packet of dried meat, and Qi Yun gave him a box of books he had annotated. Everything was loaded onto the ox cart for Qi Ming to take.
After he disappeared in the distance, Liu Shi turned away and cried for quite a while before being comforted. Only after her emotions settled did the sons and daughters-in-law return.
Manager Song had been waiting early. Qi Yun went with him to the small room to talk, while Ye Jiao prepared to continue practicing calligraphy.
At this moment, Little Su said: "Second Young Mistress, Manager Dong's daughter says she wants to see you. She's at the gatehouse now."
Ye Jiao immediately looked at the pots of flowers placed in the courtyard. After thinking, she said to Little Su: "Please invite her in."
"Yes."
When Lady Dong entered, she immediately saw Ye Jiao squatting beside the flower pots.
Her steps paused, and Lady Dong walked over with a smile on her face.
Lady Dong was in her early twenties, but had a round face that made her look younger than her actual age.
She was Manager Dong's daughter, married to the medicine shop's head clerk. She was thoroughly a Qi family subordinate, having to be mindful of her employers in everything she said and did. Otherwise, Qi Yun wouldn't have allowed her to come speak with Ye Jiao.
Before coming, Lady Dong had inquired about Ye Jiao's character, knowing she was kind and easy to get along with. Lady Dong herself was lively and outgoing without much scheming, so she was happy to learn Ye Jiao was approachable.
But she was still her employer after all, so Lady Dong spoke with some caution: "Lady Dong greets Second Young Mistress."
Ye Jiao looked up at her, removed her hands from the medicinal flower petals, clapped them clean and stood up, smiling at her: "Just call me Jiao Niang. You're Manager Dong's daughter?"
"Yes, my pet name is Spring Orchid." Lady Dong looked at Ye Jiao and smiled: "Does Jiao Niang like these flowers?"
Ye Jiao nodded. Hearing her mention the medicinal flowers, her eyes showed some eagerness: "They're all very good, but I still don't know how to care for a few varieties."
Lady Dong had been around medicinal herbs since childhood and could be said to love them passionately. Hearing Ye Jiao's words, and wanting to curry favor, she immediately stepped forward to explain the characteristics and cultivation methods of each flower to Ye Jiao.
As soon as Ye Jiao heard her speak, she knew she was an expert. Extremely pleased, the two quickly huddled together, circling around the pile of flowers, going from strangers to familiar in their conversation.
When Qi Yun saw Manager Song out, he saw two women sitting at the table, happily discussing a pot of flowers.
Seeing them come out, Ye Jiao smiled and stood up, first saying to Manager Song: "Manager Song, be careful on the road." Manager Song returned the courtesy. Ye Jiao smiled and nodded at him, then turned to Qi Yun, her eyes showing jumping happiness: "Husband, I have something to discuss with you!"
Qi Yun first saw Manager Song off, nodded slightly to Lady Dong who was bowing to him, then looked at Ye Jiao with gentle eyes: "What is it?"
Ye Jiao looked up, her smile bright: "We just figured out that these flowers still need to be planted in the ground." She pointed as she spoke.
Qi Yun looked in the direction Ye Jiao pointed, and Lady Dong stepped aside. Second Master Qi saw medicinal flowers everywhere.
These flowers had been delivered a few days ago, but Ye Jiao had been tending them without moving them.
Qi Yun asked: "Where do you want to plant them?"
Hearing this, Lady Dong looked around, her eyes showing some regret.
Lady Dong couldn't fully know the specific medicinal value of these medicinal flowers, but some could calm the mind and concentration, and some were beautiful to look at. However, most were delicate and difficult to care for, so they should be planted in their own courtyard for proper tending.
But Lady Dong saw that the plantable areas in this courtyard were already filled with flowers and plants. Even the most beautiful medicinal flowers couldn't compare to those ornamental flowers.
Lady Dong guessed that what she had sent might be planted outside, and with winter approaching and no one to tend them, most of the medicinal flowers would probably die.
What a pity.
At this moment, she heard Ye Jiao say: "How about planting them in our courtyard?"
In Ye Jiao's view, those ornamental flowers were pretty, but basically useless.
Medicinal flowers were different. Some could help her husband strengthen his body, and others could treat illness, so naturally they should be well cultivated.
Ye Jiao didn't hide her reasons, saying directly: "Husband, you need to nourish your health now. These medicinal flowers are certainly better than those others."
But Qi Yun didn't mind her reasoning at all. Seeing Ye Jiao's delight, he nodded, his expression gentle as he lowered his head: "I'll have someone come tidy up today. You don't need to watch over everything. The outside air is harsh, so go inside and rest early."
Ye Jiao's face lit up with a smile: "Will you be going out?"
"I have matters to discuss with Father. Don't worry, I'll be back by noon."
"Then I'll wait for you to eat."
"Good."
Qi Yun adjusted his collar, turned and left the courtyard. Before going far, he said: "Little Su, come here."
Little Su immediately dropped her broom and ran over, standing properly without any of her private liveliness.
Qi Yun's voice was flat: "The flowers planted in the courtyard, move what can be moved to the outside garden. Make room for Jiao Niang."
Little Su was stunned. She remembered that Second Young Master had usually treasured this garden full of blooming flowers, afraid she had misunderstood. She boldly looked up at Qi Yun and asked: "Move them all?"
Qi Yun said flatly: "Yes."
"Some can't be moved..."
"Then uproot them."
Little Su asked no more questions and nodded repeatedly in agreement. At this moment, she heard a string of footsteps approaching.
In winter, with thick clothing and thick-soled shoes, the steps on the stone path made clear tapping sounds.
Qi Yun turned to look and saw Ye Jiao running toward him. The man's pale face showed a trace of smile as he reached out to steady her: "Slowly now, why such urgency?"
Ye Jiao was breathing hard, the cold making her breath turn to white mist.
Without answering Qi Yun's question, Ye Jiao first looked left and right, seeing no outsiders except Little Su. She looked up at him, grabbed his collar to make him bend down, then stood on her tiptoes, her lips softly touching his cheek properly.