Married to a Villainous Minister - Chapter 150

Ever since Yu Huangqi married into Mengjia Village, she had never heard that Liu Sanniang’s daughter knew medicine.

“It’s rather strange,” said Old Madam Yu. “She claims she apprenticed under a renowned physician in the capital when she was young, who knows if it’s true or not. Your father even said he’d go to your village to find out more, but then he forgot.”

“So according to you, our Yu family is relying on Meng Yujiao right now?” Yu Huangqi sat up in bed, reaching for her shoes to get out. “I remember that girl being small and quiet, and now you’re talking like she’s a different person altogether. I have to go take a look.”

Seeing her all flustered, Old Madam Yu scolded, “What’s the rush? You’ll see her soon enough. Mind your health!”

Yu Huangqi slowed her steps, cradling her belly protectively as she made her way outside.

While Yu Fuling was sewing a blouse and skirt, Yu Jiao wasn’t much help. Wanting to learn something simple like embroidering handkerchiefs or sachets, she asked for something easy. Yu Fuling found a basic pattern and used leftover cloth from the embroidery basket, stretching it over a small hoop for Yujiao to practice on.

Yu Jiao picked up the embroidery thread, but her hands felt clumsy and unfamiliar. It took her ages just to stitch a crooked little leaf, so poorly shaped it barely resembled a willow leaf at all.

Yu Fuling winced. “Take it apart and redo it.”

Yu Jiao sighed softly. She truly had no talent for embroidery. It wasn’t easy being a woman in ancient times, expected to master needlework from such a young age.

Just as she was reaching for the scissors to rip out her work, the bamboo curtain at the east room lifted. Yu Huangqi walked in from outside.

“Little aunt,” Yu Fuling called out.

Yu Jiao also looked up at her.

“Making clothes, are you?” Yu Huangqi’s tone was calm as she studied Yu Jiao. Perhaps it was the influence of what the old lady had said, but she really did feel Meng Yujiao looked different now.

She used to be skinny and pale, delicate-looking but sallow. After spending just a little time in the Yu household, her complexion had brightened, and she’d filled out a bit. Her face looked more mature, even striking.

“Don’t recognize me, Meng girl?” Yu Huangqi smiled as she spoke, though odd suspicions flickered through her mind.

“Of course I do.” Yu Jiao had a vague impression of her. In Meng Yujiao’s memories, it was Yu Huangqi who brought her from Mengjia Village to the Yu family.

Knowing that Yu Huangqi had interacted with the original host, Yu Jiao stayed cautious. She asked, “Last time I saw you, you weren’t showing at all, how are you this far along already?”

Yu Huangqi smiled and rested a hand on her belly. “I was already pregnant back then, just not showing yet.”

Yu Jiao bit her lip, hesitating before asking, “Little aunt, how are my mother and younger brother doing?”

She asked from the perspective of the original host. Even if Meng Yujiao had been sold by her family, a girl so young would still miss her loved ones.

Yu Huangqi’s lingering suspicion faded. She pulled up a stool, sat down, and sighed. “Your mother’s not having an easy time. You know your uncle’s family isn’t exactly kind. The silver from your sale all went into their hands. I blame myself, I should have given it to your mother.”

Liu Sanniang had always been soft-hearted. Otherwise, Meng Yujiao wouldn’t have been sold off by her uncle without so much as a word from her mother. Back then, Yu Huangqi had gone through Meng Yujiao’s uncle’s wife to see if Liu Sanniang would agree to sell her daughter to serve as a “fortune bride.”

Her aunt’s family had agreed immediately, handed over the girl, and took the money. Only later did Yu Huangqi find out that the silver never reached Liu Sanniang at all.

Because she’d bought Meng Yujiao to marry Yu Qizhe, Yu Huangqi had been keeping an eye on Liu Sanniang’s family ever since.

“Afraid your mother might remarry with land and your younger brother, your uncle seized your family’s farmland, kicked your mother back to her parents’ home, and took your brother in, saying he was your father’s only bloodline and needed raising.” Yu Huangqi spoke frankly.

Yu Jiao’s expression turned to one of concern. She had a vague memory that Meng Yujiao’s uncle’s family wasn’t great, but she hadn’t expected them to be this heartless.

“Your mother came back to the village a while ago. I saw her once and had a brief chat. Your maternal grandmother passed away, and your aunt by marriage didn’t want to take her in. She had no choice but to return to Mengjia Village.” 

“She caused a scene at your uncle’s home several times before finally getting your brother back. They have no land now. A while ago it rained hard, and their roof leaked like a sieve. When the weather cleared, I sent your uncle-in-law over to help fix the roof.”

Yu Huangqi felt genuine sympathy for Liu Sanniang and her son. A widowed mother and child had it hard enough, without a man in the house, even when it rained, all they could do was place basins to catch the water and watch helplessly.

“Thank you, little aunt. And thanks to uncle too,” Yu Jiao said sincerely.

Though she wasn’t the original Meng Yujiao, she couldn’t help putting herself in her shoes. If her real mother and younger brother were suffering like this, she’d be furious too, perhaps even ready to charge into her uncle’s house, blade in hand.

Yu Huangqi noticed her red-rimmed eyes and softened. Smiling gently, she said, “Fixing the roof is no big deal. Your uncle was free anyway, it wasn’t much trouble.”

Yu Jiao’s impression of Yu Huangqi improved drastically. She’d assumed, given how Old Madam Yu was, that her daughter wouldn’t be much better. But Yu Huangqi seemed kindhearted.

“When will you be heading back, little aunt?” Yu Jiao’s voice was warm and sincere this time.

Yu Huangqi had arrived late and planned to stay at the Yu household overnight before returning. Sensing Yu Jiao’s concern, she added, “Don’t worry too much. A few days ago, your uncle quietly brought your mother some grain. They’re not starving, at least.”

Yu Jiao nodded but still couldn’t relax. This society wasn’t like the modern world, back there, if you had hands and were willing to work, you wouldn’t starve. But here? Without land, what could Liu Sanniang possibly do to make a living?

“Oh, right! Meng girl, do you really know medicine? Why didn’t I ever hear about that in the village?” Yu Huangqi finally voiced her doubts.

Yu Jiao collected herself and answered smoothly, “When I was young and living with my father in the capital, I apprenticed under an old physician. My father said it wasn’t proper for a girl to practice medicine, so I kept it quiet. After coming to the Yu family, I found it easier to study medicine under grandfather, since he’s also a physician, so I picked it up again.”

Yu Huangqi believed her explanation. Though the Yu family had a long line of doctors, the craft had never been passed down to girls. In this world, it was rare for women to practice medicine.

After chatting for a while, Yu Huangqi began to tire. Since getting pregnant, she’d mostly been resting at home. She stood up, holding her belly. “Tomorrow I’m heading back to Mengjia Village with your uncle. If you want me to pass on any message to your mother, just let me know.”

Yu Jiao nodded, and Yu Huangqi returned to the main room.

Yu Jiao looked down at the deformed leaf on the embroidery hoop and began to rip it out. But her heart wasn’t in it anymore. Though her memories told her that Liu Sanniang had been cold and distant, she was still the original body’s mother. Knowing how hard things were for them now made Yu Jiao uneasy and sorrowful.

She believed in repaying kindness and karma. Since she now lived in this body, she owed Liu Sanniang a debt for giving her life and raising her.