Married to a Villainous Minister - Chapter 169

That evening, Zhao Xueru couldn’t resist coming over to the east wing to find Yu Jiao.

“Meng girl, not asleep yet?” Madam Zhao wore a forced smile and spoke in a gentle tone. “Third aunt was too anxious yesterday and spoke too harshly. Don’t hold it against me. I’m here to apologize.”

Yu Jiao remained silent, head lowered as she continued focusing on her embroidery.

Madam Zhao leaned closer to take a look, and blatantly lied through her teeth with a compliment, “Meng girl, your embroidery is quite good, are you stitching orchids?”

Yu Fuling almost burst out laughing. What Yu Jiao was embroidering were clearly a few crooked, unrecognizable willow leaves. It was impressive that third aunt could still find something to praise. Noticing Madam Zhao glancing her way, Yu Fuling quickly lowered her head, suppressing her laughter.

Yu Jiao was well aware of how poor her needlework was. Hearing Madam Zhao’s words, she too felt an urge to laugh. She set the embroidery frame down and looked at Madam Zhao, pretending not to know, and asked, “Third aunt, is there something you need?”

Madam Zhao carefully observed her expression, her tone ingratiating. “Meng girl, we’ll need to trouble you to make another trip to see Headmaster Lin about Jinshu and Jinyan’s provincial exam. I know the Zhang family incident wasn’t your fault, but they’ve taken their resentment out on our Yu family, there’s nothing we can do about that.” 

“You wouldn’t want to see your two older cousins have to wait another three years, would you? If they pass the exam and become juren, no one will dare bully you again when you practice medicine. They’ll stand up for you!”

(Note: Juren (舉人) – Title awarded to those who passed the provincial-level examination. Often translated as “recommended man” or “elevated man.” Attaining this degree qualifies the holder for government service and marks a significant rise in social status.)

Yu Jiao gave a faint smile at Madam Zhao’s childish persuasion. “So, third aunt, you don’t blame me anymore?”

Madam Zhao quickly responded, “How could I blame you? It was the Zhang family being unreasonable. Jinshu and the others gave Master Zhang over a hundred taels of silver and didn’t even get to meet Lord Zhang. Now we can only count on you to talk to Headmaster Lin. If your cousins can pass the provincial exam, Third aunt will never forget your efforts.”

Yu Jiao hadn’t intended to agree so easily, but Madam Zhao’s current tone seemed more reasonable, so she said, “I don’t have any real connection with Headmaster Lin. I can go speak to him, but if it doesn’t work out, you mustn’t hold it against me. If you turn around and blame me, I’ll have made the effort for nothing.”

Madam Zhao’s smile stiffened for a moment. After some thought, she said, “Even if it doesn’t work out, I won’t blame you. You’ll have tried your best. I just hope you can do everything you can to ask Headmaster Lin, after all, this concerns your cousins’ futures. If they succeed, the entire Yu family will benefit, right?”

“If I go to Headmaster Lin, I’ll certainly do my best,” Yu Jiao replied.

Madam Zhao smiled quickly, “Then their future rests with you. Third aunt thanks you in advance.”

Back in her own room, Madam Zhao quickly relayed everything Yu Jiao had said to Old Madam Yu, her tone tinged with worry. “Mother, what if Meng Yujiao talks to Headmaster Lin and he refuses to write a recommendation for Jinshu and Jinyan? What then?”

Old Madam Yu sighed softly. “Then there’s nothing we can do. We’ll just have to leave it to fate.”

Madam Zhao added, “Meng Yujiao really does respond better to softness than force. I thought she’d drag it out and not agree right away, but she caved after just a little coaxing. You were right.”

Old Madam Yu chuckled confidently. “You always like to be too direct and haven’t learned much over the years. Fortunately, the Yu family’s affairs are simple, and the eldest and second sons’ wives aren’t too shrewd. Otherwise, your comfortable days wouldn’t have lasted.”

Madam Zhao, unusually obedient, moved forward to massage Old Madam Yu’s shoulders while smiling. “You’re right, Mother. It’s all thanks to your care for our branch of the family.”

“As long as you know.” Old Madam Yu added a reminder, “Now that Wulang’s health has recovered and he’s planning to sit the exam again, if he actually makes the list this autumn, be smart and don’t provoke them. Things could change drastically soon.”

Madam Zhao’s hands froze for a moment. She lowered her voice, “He hasn’t studied in three years. Could he really pass on his first try?”

Old Madam Yu signaled for Madam Zhao to keep massaging and said, “No one can say for sure. Maybe he’ll pass, maybe not. Still, remind Jinshu and Jinyan in private to be more cordial with Yu Qizhe. If he doesn’t pass, it’s no loss. If he does, he’s still their cousin. When he rises in the world, he should look out for his own family.”

Madam Zhao nodded. “I’ll talk to them about it.”

The next day, Yu Jiao had Yu Qizhe write an essay and took him along to visit the Lin residence.

As soon as a servant at the Lin household saw Yu Jiao, he hurried inside to report. In no time, he returned respectfully to lead her to the main hall.

Lin Shen was already seated and received Yu Jiao with courtesy. After inviting Yu Jiao and Yu Qizhe to sit, he had tea served.

“Physician Yu, what brings you here today?” Lin Shen was a scholar, not adept at social niceties, and asked the question plainly without beating around the bush.

Yu Jiao smiled. “A few days ago, I had agreed with Headmaster Lin to have him review my brother’s essay. I’m sorry for showing up unannounced.”

Lin Shen, hearing her say she had arranged it with his father, smiled and said, “My father is currently at the academy and hasn’t returned yet. If you’re not in a hurry, you can wait here a bit, he should be back around lunchtime.”

Yu Jiao agreed easily. “In that case, I’ll trouble you.”

“No trouble at all. Ever since my sister woke up, she’s been deeply grateful for you saving her and her child. She’s been wanting to thank you in person. If she knew you were here, she’d be thrilled,” Lin Shen said with a smile.

Yu Jiao smiled back. “Miss Lin is too kind. As a physician, it’s my duty to heal the sick and save lives.”

Lin Shen smiled again. He clearly admired Yu Jiao’s temperament. After a moment of silence, he looked to Yu Qizhe and said, “This must be your elder brother? I’m a fellow scholar, if you don’t mind, I can take a look at your essay as well.”

Yu Jiao had told Yu Qizhe on the way that Lin Shen was a juren. Yu Qizhe presented his work with proper decorum. “I’d be honored. Please guide me, Brother Lin.”

Lin Shen took the essay and gave it a quick glance. Then, sitting upright, he read it seriously from beginning to end. When he looked up, he was full of praise. “Excellent talent!”

Yu Qizhe gave a modest smile. “You flatter me, Brother Lin.”

Lin Shen noted his composure and maturity, which far surpassed the other Yu family men he had met. Curious, he asked, “Are you taking the autumn provincial exam?”

Yu Qizhe nodded.

Lin Shen continued, “Your writing is refined and exquisite, every word a gem. For someone your age to write like this is truly rare. May I ask your name?”

Yu Qizhe introduced himself.

Lin Shen repeated it to himself a couple of times, and a spark lit in his eyes. “I remember now, you were the top scorer in the children’s exam three years ago! So it was you. No wonder your writing is so impressive.”