Married to a Villainous Minister - Chapter 100

When the women of the He family learned what was happening inside, they began whispering among themselves outside the room. The He family had yet to divide their household, and the old master hadn’t made arrangements for succession. Everyone from the other branches feared that if the old master passed away, the entire household would fall under the authority of the eldest son.

Second Madam He said with a sarcastic tone, “Last time, Eldest Master trusted some quack from the countryside, and it only made Father’s condition worse. Now he’s brought in a little girl from who-knows-where. Can she really be trusted? The old master’s health can’t take much more of this.”

First Madam He clearly heard the criticism in her words, but she pretended not to and replied kindly, “She’s not just any girl, Doctor Jiang personally invited her. The eldest master has been deeply worried about Father’s illness. He’s been losing sleep, doing everything he can. Even the slightest chance at saving him, he won’t pass up. We’ve even vowed to eat vegetarian meals daily, just praying for Father’s recovery.”

Second Madam He curled her lip in disdain. The words sounded noble, as if the eldest branch was the only one who cared about the old master.

“Big sister-in-law, don’t try to fool me. I heard that girl is related to that countryside quack, what famous doctor? And even Doctor Jiang couldn’t cure the old master. What could that young girl possibly do? Eldest Master may care for Father, but do you think we don’t?”

Feigning concern, Second Madam He continued, “It was already difficult enough for Doctor Jiang to save the old master’s life. How could you let some young girl toy with his health? Big sister-in-law, you should talk to big brother. I know he means well, but good intentions can still lead to grave mistakes.”

Seeing her press further, First Madam He’s expression turned stern. She replied bluntly, “So what you’re saying is, we should just let Father lie in bed and wait for death? That we shouldn’t even try to find a doctor anymore? The eldest master has been tirelessly searching for a good physician, and in your eyes, that makes him the villain?” 

“You’re so quick to blame others. Since Father fell ill, Second Master hasn’t invited a single doctor to the house. Could it be you whispered into his ear, telling him to do nothing so he wouldn’t be held responsible? Just sit and watch Father suffer?”

Her words made Second Madam He’s face shift from red to pale. She tried to defend herself, “ Big sister-in-law, that’s not what I meant. I was only trying to offer a reminder. After all, who knows if that unknown girl won’t turn out to be another fraud like the last one? Everyone knows how devoted Second Master is to Father. Aren’t your words a little too harsh?”

First Madam He gave a cold snort. When it came to filial piety, no one in the He family could compare to the Eldest Master. Since the old master fell ill, he hadn’t had a proper meal and stayed by his bedside every night. And yet, because he acted out of desperation and once used the wrong doctor, everyone now pointed fingers at him.

First Madam He, already brimming with anger, no longer cared about keeping things polite. She said icily, “True devotion isn’t just about saying pretty words. If we all avoided medicine like you do, then anyone who fell ill might as well go buy a coffin and wait to die. Whether that girl is here to save lives or harm them will be clear in time. If she ends up hurting the old master, my husband won’t need your reminder, he’ll deal with her himself!”

Second Madam He was left speechless after being so harshly and indirectly rebuked. Her face turned stiff, and she gave an awkward smile, not daring to speak further.

But First Madam He didn’t let her off so easily. She continued, “Since you’re not needed to care for the patient and clearly have too much time to imagine worst-case scenarios, why don’t you go copy the Medicine Buddha Sutra for Father? At least that’ll show some real devotion.”

Second Madam He, her face dark with rage, stormed off. Once back in her room, she smashed a set of teacups to vent her anger. Then she ordered her servants to keep a close watch on the old master’s condition. If anything truly went wrong, she swore she’d return all the humiliation she’d suffered today to the eldest branch tenfold.

Meanwhile, Jiang Qinghe had finished preparing the medicinal pills and rushed back without pause, afraid of delaying Yu Jiao’s treatment.

Yu Jiao selected one of the decoctions and personally went to the He family’s kitchen to brew it using a medicinal stove. Once it was ready, she brought it herself to administer to the old master.