Married to a Villainous Minister - Chapter 101

After administering a dose of hot herbal medicine, Yu Jiao borrowed some silver needles from Jiang Qinghe and performed acupuncture on Old Master He.

Not long after, the old man’s breathing became noticeably steadier and no longer sounded as labored. The deep wrinkles on his face began to relax, a clear sign that he was feeling much more at ease.

Jiang Qinghe checked Old Master He’s pulse again. The once thin and floating pulse had now turned firm and grounded. He was surprised, and his respect for Yu Jiao deepened.

About half an hour later, the previously unconscious Old Master He coughed lightly and slowly woke up. After rinsing his mouth, he actually requested food.

Since the day they returned from the Yu residence and started the herbal treatment, Old Master He hadn’t been able to eat anything. Now that he was asking for food, He Dongsheng was overjoyed and immediately ordered the maid to prepare some rice porridge.

“Father, how are you feeling? If you’re uncomfortable anywhere, just tell me. I’ve invited a new doctor for you, this time she’ll definitely cure you,” He Dongsheng said excitedly, leaning by his father’s bedside.

“I feel a lot better. Son, where did you find this miracle doctor?” Old Master He asked in a frail voice, scanning the room.

He Dongsheng, not daring to mention Yu Ruhai again, decided to offer some reassurance and half-truths. “This young lady Meng was recommended by Doctor Jiang. Don’t be fooled by her age, her medical skills are exceptional. Turns out we made a mistake earlier. It was she who cured Mu Family’s Second Master, not that quack Yu.”

Old Master He slowly lifted his heavy eyelids and glanced at Yu Jiao. She indeed looked very young, but having lived a long life, he knew better than to judge a book by its cover. That was why he hadn’t objected when He Dongsheng previously took him to the village to see Yu Ruhai.

“Very well. Thank this Miss Meng and Doctor Jiang properly on my behalf,” Old Master He said weakly. He gave Yu Jiao a small smile, then said no more.

A maid entered the room with the porridge. He Dongsheng personally took the bowl and spoon and fed his father. While Old Master He was eating, Yu Jiao went to brew another dose of medicine. After he finished a full bowl of porridge, she gave him the pill and the herbal decoction for internal infections.

Shortly after taking the medicine, Old Master He drifted back into sleep.

He Dongsheng left a maid to keep watch at the bedside, then dismissed the rest of the He brothers from the room. Leading Yu Jiao and Jiang Qinghe into the outer room, he spoke in a low voice, “I was rude earlier. I hope Miss Meng won’t take offense. We’re relying on you for my father’s recovery.”

Compared to He Dongsheng’s now polite and respectful demeanor, Yu Jiao remained calm and unchanged. She offered a faint smile. “No need to worry. Since I’ve taken on Old Master He’s case, I’ll treat him properly. Now, may I leave?”

But He Dongsheng had no intention of letting her go before his father had fully recovered. Hearing her ask to leave, he quickly tried to persuade her, “I’ve arranged a guest room for you. Please stay for a few days. My father’s condition is still unstable. If you’re close by, it’ll be easier to monitor and treat him.”

Yu Jiao sighed lightly and replied, “Master He, don’t you trust me? If you just follow the prescriptions I’ve given, he’ll recover. Whether I stay or not won’t make much of a difference.”

Though her medicine had already shown clear results, He Dongsheng still found it hard to fully place his trust in her. He replied gently, “Miss Meng, I’d feel much more at ease if you stayed. Please think of it as a favor to us.”

Seeing there was no room for negotiation, Yu Jiao said nothing more. She offered him some reassurance instead, “In three days, the infection on the old man’s head will show significant improvement. There’s no need to worry too much.”

These words eased He Dongsheng’s heart, and he ordered a maid to take Yu Jiao to rest.

Jiang Qinghe, who had not yet left, turned to Yu Jiao and said, “Miss Meng, may I have a word?”

Coincidentally, Yu Jiao had something to ask of him. She nodded. “Doctor Jiang, I’ll need your help to inform someone at my home. Please let the second branch of the Yu family know I’m temporarily staying here so they don’t worry.”

“This is a small matter. I’ll handle it for you,” Jiang Qinghe promised, then seized the chance to say, “Miss Meng, your medical skills are impressive. Would you consider taking a position at a clinic?”

Seeing her confusion, he explained, “You may be a woman, but you’re no less capable than any man. With your abilities, you could help countless patients. Why remain in a small village? If you join our Huichun Hall as a resident doctor, our proprietor will definitely treat you well.”

He had already inquired about her background and knew she was a child bride bought by the Yu family, who didn’t treat her well. This whole situation with Old Master He only proved how they were willing to push her forward when it suited them. Jiang Qinghe had tried to protect her a few times and thought she might be tempted.

Yu Jiao lowered her gaze, considering. Whether she stayed with the Yu family or practiced at Huichun Hall didn’t matter much, she had no deep emotional ties to the Yu family, aside from Madam Song’s household. Working at Huichun Hall might even be more freeing, at least she wouldn’t have to live at someone else’s mercy.

Then again, nothing was guaranteed. In this world, it was hard enough for a woman to stand on her own. Jiang Qinghe wasn’t even the owner of Huichun Hall, and besides, he only admired her for her medical skills.

“I’ll think about it,” Yu Jiao replied, keeping her options open. She had promised Yu Qizhe she would treat him, and she intended to keep that promise. Besides, she had spent all her time in Taiyan so far with the Yu family, it was familiar, even if it didn’t feel like home.

Jiang Qinghe, sensing her hesitation, added, “Are you concerned about your indenture? Don’t worry, I can handle that. I’ll personally retrieve your deed from the Yu family. If you join Huichun Hall, I’ll return it to you.”

At this point, the Yu family likely couldn’t wait to sever ties with her and fully push the blame for Old Master He’s case onto her. So Jiang Qinghe wasn’t worried about securing her deed.

Yu Jiao shook her head. “It’s not about the deed.”

Jiang Qinghe nodded. “In that case, if you ever decide, you’re always welcome at Huichun Hall.”

After leaving the He residence, Jiang Qinghe sent someone to inform Madam Song. That evening, a maid came to Yu Jiao, saying someone was here to see her.

Following the maid to the courtyard, Yu Jiao was surprised to see who it was. She walked closer. “Why are you here?”

Standing under a magnolia tree, Yu Qizhe’s figure was partially hidden by creamy-white blossoms resting on his shoulder. His already handsome profile looked especially serene and refined under the soft petals. At the sight of Yu Jiao, the gloom in his peach blossom eyes brightened.

“I came to stay with you,” Yu Qizhe said softly as he walked up to her, his tone calm and unreadable.

“Worried about me?” Yu Jiao teased with a smile.

He didn’t deny it. After the He family took her away, he had briefly wondered if she’d be scared, only to quickly dismiss the thought. Just like the girl standing in front of him now, she was calm and composed as always.