Married to a Villainous Minister - Chapter 15

These words seemed to awaken something in Old Madam Yu. She paused to think and said, “Now that you mention it, that does seem to be the case. When we bought her from the Meng family, no one ever mentioned that she had any medical skills.” 

“If she really was as talented as you say, the Mengs wouldn’t have been so poor that they would have had to sell their daughter, nor would they have been willing to part with her! There must be something fishy going on.”

“Have someone go to the Meng family to ask around later,” Yu Ruhai said. “You should also tell Hanshan and his wife not to cause trouble for Meng Yujiao anymore.” 

“Her medical skills might be just what our Yu family needs to make a name for ourselves in Changkui County. We can’t underestimate her.”

Old Madam Yu sighed. Though she was reluctant, she nodded. “I just worry you’re overestimating her.”

Unaware of this conversation in the main hall, Yu Jiao had gone to the kitchen. But she was sure of one thing, Yu Ruhai is a shrewd man. If he truly intended to profit from her skills, he wouldn’t treat her poorly anymore.

She had shown off her medical skills precisely to gain a stable footing in the Yu household. She also knew that once she did, Yu Ruhai wouldn’t be willing to let her go easily. 

Her talk about buying back her freedom was just a move to secure a more comfortable life while she remained here.

When Yu Jinshu from the third branch had his engagement broken off, she could tell, Old Madam Yu is a formidable woman. Only Yu Ruhai could keep her in check. If not for him, that old woman would surely make her life a living hell.

In the kitchen, Madam Song was stoking the fire under the stove. When she saw Yu Jiao come in, she smiled and asked, “What did your grandfather call you over for?”

Yu Jiao crouched beside her, her almond-shaped eyes curved in a smile. “He said from now on, I can follow him when he treats patients and learn from him.”

Madam Song looked genuinely pleased. “That’s a great thing, your grandfather values you. He’s a physician himself and holds medical skills in the highest regard. It’s just a shame no one else in the Yu family has a gift for it. If you truly learn the craft, you can become a doctor one day too. You’ll be respected.”

Yu Jiao hadn’t expected Madam Song to be so open-minded, especially not caring that she was a girl. In fact, she really liked Madam Song, she reminded her of her own mother, both soft and gentle women.

She nodded and smiled. “Alright. I’ll study hard.”

Madam Song stroked her head and asked gently, “How’s your leg? Can it get wet now?”

“It’s scabbed over already, and some places are starting to peel,” Yu Jiao replied sweetly.

“Then after we eat, I’ll heat up a big pot of water for you to bathe. You haven’t had a proper wash in days.” Madam Song glanced at the stove and smothered the fire with the remaining wood before standing up.

Yu Jiao also stood. “I do need a good bath. Thank you.” She still couldn’t bring herself to call Madam Song “Mother,” even though she reminded her of her own. 

Madam Song chuckled. “Why are you being so polite, silly girl?” She rinsed her hands in a basin, lifted the pot lid, and began transferring the steamed buns into a basket. Yu Jiao helped by scooping out porridge.

Madam Song took an empty bowl, added some stir-fried zucchini and potatoes, grabbed a steamed bun, and said, “Go take this to the main hall, call your grandparents for their meal. I’ll bring food to your father-in-law.”

Yu Jiao nodded, cleaned a bowl, filled it with rice porridge, and carried the food to the main hall.

Just then, the eldest branch couple came back from collecting pitcher plants at the foot of the mountain. Yu Jiao paused and called out, “Eldest Uncle, Eldest Aunt, time to eat.”

Yu Qiaoshan, who looked simple and honest, nodded. Madam Zhang glanced at Yu Jiao but said nothing, heading straight to the backyard to feed the pigs.

Yu Jiao set the food on the table and said to Yu Ruhai, who was seated, “The food’s ready.”

Old Madam Yu walked in with Yu Hanshan and his wife, her face tight with displeasure. Although Yu Ruhai had told her to speak with Hanshan and Madam Zhao, both wore sour expressions when they entered and saw Yu Jiao.

Yu Jiao didn’t care. To her, these people didn’t matter.

In the Yu household, only the third branch, Yu Hanshan and his wife were allowed to sleep in. The other two branches had to wake early to do chores. The favoritism from Old Madam Yu was obvious.

Once the old master and madam sat down, along with the third branch, Yu Jiao also took a seat. She reached for a steamed bun, only to receive a glare from Madam Zhao. Yu Jiao ignored her and calmly stuffed the bun into her mouth, eating without looking up.

Soon, Yu Qiaoshan and his wife came in after feeding the pigs, washed their hands, and silently began to eat.

As the basket of buns dwindled and the side dishes were nearly gone, Yu Qizhe and Madam Song finally arrived in the hall. Without even sitting down to eat, Madam Song, eyes red-rimmed, said urgently to Yu Ruhai, “Father, please go check on Mengshan. He’s developed a fever.”

Yu Ruhai set down his bowl. “A fever? How did that happen so suddenly?”

Madam Song shook her head, her voice choked with worry. “I don’t know. When I washed him this morning, he didn’t complain about anything. But during the meal, he suddenly felt hot. I just touched his forehead, it’s burning, and he feels chilled all over.”

Yu Ruhai immediately stood and headed for the second branch’s quarters. Madam Song and Yu Qizhe followed closely behind. After finishing the last sip of porridge, Yu Jiao also left the hall and returned to the east wing.

Lying in bed, Yu Mengshan’s dark, gaunt face looked pale. His eyes were swollen, and he was breathing with difficulty. Yu Ruhai touched his forehead, thankfully, the fever wasn’t high. He exhaled in relief and reached for Mengshan’s wrist to take his pulse.

Yu Mengshan tried to sit up but had no strength. His vision spun, and he nearly fainted, forcing him to lie back down.

Yu Jiao watched from the side and said to Madam Song, “Aunt Song, roll up Uncle Mengshan’s trouser leg so I can take a look.”

Madam Song quickly complied. Yu Ruhai glanced at Yu Jiao but continued concentrating on the pulse. He couldn’t detect anything abnormal.

Yu Jiao checked Mengshan’s leg, no obvious swelling. She stepped past Yu Qizhe to the head of the bed, lifted Mengshan’s eyelid, and examined his eyes. The whites were slightly bloodshot.

“Are you having difficulty breathing?” she asked.

Yu Mengshan weakly nodded, then shook his head.

“Do you feel weak all over? Dizzy? Blurry vision?”

His eyes moved slightly, and he nodded with difficulty.

“It’s not a fever from a cold, nor from yang deficiency,” Yu Ruhai muttered, furrowing his brows. “Meng girl, can you tell what the illness is?”

He withdrew his hand, clearly unable to diagnose it. For once, he didn’t mind asking for help. Yu Jiao hadn’t drawn a firm conclusion yet. She turned her back to think.

The others looked at her in confusion. Yu Jiao spoke, “Aunt Song, please open Uncle Mengshan’s shirt so we can check for swelling elsewhere on his body.”

Madam Song immediately complied. Yu Qizhe stepped up to help, and after carefully examining his torso, he said, “There’s no swelling anywhere.”

Madam Song dressed him again.

Yu Ruhai asked, “Meng girl, can’t you tell what’s wrong either?”