Married to a Villainous Minister - Chapter 137

Yu Qiaoshan tugged at Madam Zhang, trying to stop her from going on, but she angrily flung his hand away and said, full of grievance, “Zhizhou is also taking the county exam, why should the fine fabric sent by Master Mu be used to make clothes for Jinshu and Jinyan? Father, if you keep being this biased, our eldest branch really can’t stay in this household any longer!”

Yu Ruhai’s face darkened as he slammed his chopsticks onto the table. “Arguing again? Every few days it’s the same! Do you even see me as your father anymore?”

Madam Zhang wasn’t moved. If the old man treated everyone fairly, would she be making such a fuss?

Yu Qiaoshan had never intended to get involved in the pork shop business with the third branch. He was already grateful that Zhizhou was able to study at the county school. As long as the children were well, he didn’t envy the third branch’s money.

“The pork shop hasn’t even opened yet, and you’re already causing trouble?” said Old Madam Yu coldly. “It’s our family’s business. Why argue about money? Zhizhou’s exams will require a lot of silver later. The public funds won’t short him.”

Yu Ruhai turned to Yu Qiaoshan, face still stern. “Listen to the nonsense your wife is spouting! As the eldest brother, it’s only right for you to support your younger siblings. A family should work together, not nitpick about trivial things and ruin the harmony.”

Before Madam Zhang could retort, Yu Qiaoshan quickly said, “Father, Mother, you’re right. If Hanshan needs help, just let me know.” Without giving her a chance to argue, he grabbed her and pulled her out of the main hall.

Back in the west room, Madam Zhang was fuming. “Why did you drag me away? Father and Mother are so clearly biased! You won’t say anything, and I’m not allowed to either?”

“Say less and stop making a fuss,” Yu Qiaoshan said helplessly. “Zhizhou going to the county school is already a great opportunity. What’s the point of fighting with the third branch? We won’t win anyway. Don’t make Father angry again. I’m not jealous of the third branch’s business, and we shouldn’t get involved.”

Madam Zhang’s eyes welled up with tears, and she said bitterly, “If it weren’t for your passive nature, would I need to fight at all? The second branch has Meng Yujiao earning money, the third branch now has a business and some private savings. Only our eldest branch has nothing, not even enough to make a new set of clothes for Zhizhou!”

Yu Qiaoshan sighed when he saw her crying and said nothing more, quietly enduring her complaints.

Because of the scene Madam Zhang caused at the table, Yu Hanshan lost his appetite for wine. After eating, everyone quietly dispersed.

Madam Song went to wash the dishes in the kitchen. Hearing faint sobbing from the west room, she sighed.

Yu Jiao strolled in the courtyard after dinner, trying to aid digestion. Gazing at the starry sky, she became a bit lost in thought.

Yu Qizhe walked up behind her and followed her gaze into the night sky. “What are you looking at?”

“The stars and clouds,” Yu Jiao replied as her fingers moved subtly beneath her sleeves. After some quick calculations, her brows furrowed slightly.

Yu Qizhe had noticed her particular fondness for stargazing, much like his master. His master could read the stars and divine fortunes, though he didn’t think Yu Jiao dabbled in such arcane matters. It was more likely she simply appreciated the vast, tranquil beauty of the night sky.

He looked down at her calm, serene face and said warmly, “I’ve heard that in the northern deserts, the stars feel close enough to touch. It must be breathtaking. If you’d like, we can go there someday.”

Yu Jiao withdrew her gaze and smiled gently. “The lonely desert, the vast river at sunset, life is short. It’s only right to see as much of the world as we can.”

Her soft smile lightened his mood. The earlier commotion in the courtyard seemed to melt away. Her eyes held the stars, the setting sun, and distant lands, clear and bright, utterly captivating.

“I’m feeling better now. Let’s go to Fahua Temple tomorrow,” Yu Jiao said.

Yu Qizhe nodded. “Alright.”

They stood quietly for a bit longer before returning indoors. Inside, Madam Song and Yu Fuling were mending the bedding that Yu Jiao had taken apart and washed during the day. Yujiao also picked up a needle and thread from the basket to help them sew. Though her stitches were uneven, it didn’t matter for household use. Fuling teased and taught her as they worked.

Yu Mengshan sat nearby twisting strings to make a fishing net. A few days ago, Yu Jiao had mentioned that fish soup was good for recovery. Madam Song was reluctant to spend money at the market, so Mengshan planned to catch fish himself from the river at the foot of the mountain.

Listening to the cheerful chatter, a smile spread across his sun-tanned face, the whole room felt warm and harmonious.

As she sewed, Yu Jiao couldn’t help but recall the astrological signs she’d seen earlier. They made her slightly uneasy.

Yu Fuling brought up the earlier argument between Madam Zhang and Madam Zhao at dinner. “Grandpa and Grandma really are too biased toward the third branch, I feel bad for Aunt. That fine fabric Master Mu gave was meant for you, but the third branch took it and flaunted it. Third brother Zhizhou and our little brother haven’t had new clothes in years.”

Yu Jiao remembered the tattered cuffs on Yu Qizhe’s robe and asked, “Will we pass through town on our way to Fahua Temple tomorrow?”

Fuling shook her head. “No, it’s quicker to take the north route through Wangzhuang.”

Yu Jiao nodded. She figured she’d stop by town on the way back and buy plenty of fabric to make new clothes for everyone in the second branch. Though she had crumpled and torn the banknote that day, she’d been careful not to actually destroy it. After smoothing it out, she’d tucked it between book pages. It should still be redeemable at the money exchange.

Madam Song reminded Mengshan, “The third branch couple are both schemers. If they ask you for help, lend a hand if you can but don’t get too involved in their business.”

Mengshan nodded. “Got it.” His hands skillfully tied off a few pieces of twisted cord, weaving them into a net.

Yu Jiao noticed how deftly he worked and said, “There’s been a lot of rain this summer, and we’ll likely get even more as autumn approaches. Uncle Mengshan, why not make oil-paper umbrellas with Uncle Qiaoshan and sell them in town? It could be a good side business.”

Earlier, she had read the stars and noticed signs of heavy rainfall ahead. The weather lately has indeed been unusually wet. Though Qingyu Village wasn’t low-lying, she couldn’t help but worry.

Mengshan’s eyes lit up at the idea. Making oil-paper umbrellas wasn’t difficult. There was a bamboo grove at the foot of the mountain, plenty of material for ribs and handles.

“The umbrella faces need painted designs, though. Big Brother and I can read, but we’re no good at painting,” he said with some concern.

“That’s nothing to worry about. Zhizhou and I can help with that,” Yu Qizhe said, entering from the inner room.

Mengshan frowned slightly. “The county exam is coming up. You can’t afford to waste time.”

Yu Qizhe replied, “It won’t interfere. Father, maybe ask Uncle Qiaoshan what he thinks.”