Married to a Villainous Minister - Chapter 175

Yu Ruhai welcomed Second Master Mu into the main hall with a cheerful smile.

Mu Nianjiu leaned in close to Yu Jinshu and whispered, “Quick, go get your fifth brother’s clever little wife who knows medicine. Have her ask my uncle to help solve the matter of the shengyuan qualification.”

“It’s already been resolved. Headmaster Lin himself wrote the recommendation letter,” Yu Jinshu replied, with a hint of concealed pride in his voice.

Mu Nianjiu looked a little surprised. “Headmaster Lin? Isn’t he known for staying out of student qualification matters? It’s impressive to get a personal letter from him!”

Yu Jinshu only smiled and didn’t mention that it was thanks to Yu Jiao.

“Well, that’s great! Now we can head to Qingzhou for the exam together.” Mu Nianjiu was always cheerful and straightforward. Knowing that Yu Jinshu and Yu Jinyan had secured their recommendations made him genuinely happy to have companions on the journey.

After a few polite exchanges with Yu Ruhai, Mu Yan said, “Is Miss Meng here? I have some matters I’d like to discuss with her.”

“She is, she is,” Yu Ruhai responded eagerly and was just about to send someone to call her when Yu Jiao walked in from outside.

“It’s been a while, Second Master Mu. You look radiant and full of energy,” Yu Jiao said as she found a seat and sat down.

Mu Yan laughed heartily at her comment, clearly pleased. Ever since his carbuncle had been cured, his body felt lighter, the constant pain gone. He was recovering well and even looked a bit younger than before.

He recalled how sharp-tongued Yu Jiao had been the first time they met, it had left him quite irritated. But now, she even knew how to say pleasant things to lift someone’s spirits.

After a good laugh, Mu Yan got to the point. “I’ve been in Qingzhou these past days and just returned. I heard from Nianjiu that there was some trouble with the recommendation letters for your younger brothers. Would you like me to put in a word on their behalf?”

Yu Ruhai had thought that Second Master Mu had come solely for this issue and quickly responded, “We appreciate your concern, but it’s already been handled. The boys will soon be heading to Qingzhou, though, if it’s not too much trouble, I’d be grateful if you could keep an eye on them while they’re there.”

Mu Yan smiled. “Of course. I came back mainly to accompany Nianjiu to Qingzhou for the provincial exams. Since the boys are friends and classmates, they can travel together and look after one another.”

Hearing this, Yu Ruhai was full of gratitude. “That would be a great help. With you watching over them, I can rest easy.”

Then, Mu Yan turned toward Yu Jiao, who sat quietly nearby. “In truth, I came today for another reason as well. An old acquaintance of mine is suffering from a private illness, and I’d like to ask Miss Meng to accompany me to Qingzhou to consult on the case.”

“May I ask what kind of illness your acquaintance is suffering from?” Yu Jiao asked.

In Changkui County, there weren’t many prominent families, and Mu Yan had already heard about the Zhang family’s affairs. While in Qingzhou, he’d learned that a certain gentleman’s wife had fallen ill. After some quiet inquiries, he had his household womenfolk strongly recommend Yu Jiao.

His return from Qingzhou wasn’t just to accompany Mu Nianjiu, his real purpose was to bring Yu Jiao to treat that lady.

Mu Yan hinted, “Actually, it’s the wife of my old friend who is unwell…”

Yu Jiao immediately understood, it was likely a woman’s illness. She thought for a moment. Accompanying Mu Yan to Qingzhou would allow her to be there for Yu Qizhe during the provincial exams, and it was also a chance to travel and experience the culture and scenery of Qingzhou.

Without much hesitation, she agreed. “Very well. When does Second Master Mu plan to depart? I’ll need time to pack.”

Seeing her accept, Mu Yan smiled. “Today is the third of the month. How about we leave the day after tomorrow?”

Yu Jiao nodded. A day was more than enough to prepare.

“My older sister will accompany me. She also knows some medicine and can assist me during the consultation,” Yu Jiao added.

Mu Yan had no objections. “I’ll take care of all travel and accommodations. You needn’t worry about a thing.”

With his objective achieved, Mu Yan didn’t linger. He left the Yu residence with Mu Nianjiu.

After they were gone, Yu Ruhai was in especially high spirits. He had never left the little village of Qingyu in his entire life, and now Yu Jiao was being invited to Qingzhou to treat someone. If only she were truly my granddaughter, he thought wistfully.

He kept Yu Jiao in the main hall and, with a warm tone, offered some advice. “Qingzhou is not like our small village. When you’re there, you must be observant and careful. Don’t offend anyone lightly.”

Yu Jiao nodded.

Yu Ruhai continued with a deep, earnest voice, “Our Yu family once had an imperial physician in the lineage. I never told you before, but after some misfortunes, our family fell into decline. Now that you are part of the Yu family, when you go out to treat patients, don’t use the surname Meng anymore. Your grandfather is useless, but I’m placing the burden of restoring the Yu family’s reputation in medicine on your shoulders.”

Listening to this, anyone unaware would think Yu Jiao was truly his biological granddaughter. She had indeed thought about one day opening a medical clinic under the name “Yu’s Medical Hall” but that “Yu” was not from this Yu family. Still, she answered politely, “I understand.”

“Go get some rest. Tomorrow, have your mother help you pack. If you need herbs from the storeroom on the west side, take what you need. If we don’t have something, go to the pharmacy in town tomorrow and stock up,” Yu Ruhai instructed with fatherly affection.

Yu Jiao returned to the east wing and told Madam Song and the others about her trip to Qingzhou. No sooner had she finished speaking than Yu Fuling, clearly excited, said, “That’s wonderful! Doesn’t that mean you can go to Qingzhou with Little Brother?”

Then she looked at Yu Jiao shyly and asked, “Can I… can I come with you too?”