Married to a Villainous Minister - Chapter 185

Yu Jiao smiled. “It’s no trouble at all.” Girls like them, from the countryside, might not have much in common with a young lady of the Mu family anyway.

Mu Yan took over the conversation. “I didn’t explain clearly earlier, you’re here to examine the wife of Magistrate Yang. Third Madam will accompany you to the Yang residence shortly.”

Yu Jiao nodded, not at all surprised. If Mu Yan had gone through the trouble of bringing her from Qingyu Village and even arranged accommodations for Yu Jinshu and the others, then the person needing treatment was surely of some importance.

When the Third Madam of the Mu family saw that Yu Jiao showed no unease or surprise upon learning she was to see the magistrate’s wife, she felt much more reassured. 

Originally, she hadn’t been too supportive of Second Master bringing a village physician to diagnose Madam Yang. How could a country girl’s medical skills be better than those of Qingzhou’s famed doctors? Even if she had successfully treated his abscess, it might’ve just been a fluke.

But the Second Master had insisted. And recently, the eldest brother had written from the capital, saying that Magistrate Yang might soon be promoted, possibly to a position in the capital itself. Since a magistrate already held a fourth-rank post, any advancement would only elevate him further, potentially even surpassing the rank of their own eldest brother. They were advised to maintain close ties with the Yang family while still in Qingzhou, in case Magistrate Yang did rise in rank. Once in the capital, he could become a valuable connection.

Ever since Madam Yang gave birth to a son a few years ago, she had rarely made social appearances. Even when invited, she often declined, citing illness. Since Third Master Mu worked in the same yamen (government office) as Magistrate Yang, Third Madam naturally had more contact with Madam Yang.

After much quiet inquiry, she learned that ever since childbirth, Madam Yang had been plagued with chronic gynecological issues and had never fully recovered.

Second Madam had heard this from her and then passed the information to Mu Yan, which led to Yu Jiao being brought in to provide treatment.

“I’ve already sent someone ahead with a visiting card. She should be back soon,” Third Madam said with a smile. “Once she returns, I’ll take you to the Yang residence. There’s no need to concern yourself with anything else, just focus on treating Madam Yang.”

Yu Jiao responded obediently with a nod.

Third Madam noted her calm and quiet demeanor, realizing she was someone who knew how to speak and act appropriately. This reassured her further, gynecological conditions, after all, were not a topic to be widely known. Madam Yang had gone to great lengths to keep it quiet, and they had to respect that.

Mu Yan, knowing she was invited on his recommendation, remembered how she once treated his illness using just a fish and some simple herbs. With a gentle smile, he said, “There’s nothing to worry about, even if it’s Magistrate Yang’s household. If you need anything while you’re there, just let Second Madam know.”

At that moment, the servant who had gone to deliver the visiting card returned and entered the hall. After bowing, she said, “Madam Yang asked me to pass along a message, there are guests at the house today, so it’s not convenient for her to receive anyone. She requests that Third Madam visit tomorrow instead.”

Third Madam nodded and waved the servant off, dismissing her. Treating a woman’s condition required discretion, and it made sense not to bring a female physician when there were visitors in the house.

Mu Yan said, “If it’s inconvenient today, then you can take Yu Jiao over tomorrow.”

Third Madam agreed, then turned to Yu Jiao with a warm smile. “I’ll come get you tomorrow, then.”

Yu Jiao nodded.

Third Madam glanced at the attire of Yu Jiao and Yu Fuling. Although they were from a humble background, visiting the magistrate’s household still called for presentable clothing.

Without letting her thoughts show, she smiled and said, “Later, I’ll have the maids take your measurements. You’ve come from far away, it’s only right that I prepare a few new outfits for you both as a token of hospitality.”

Second Madam, equally gracious, added with a polite smile, “That was my oversight. While the Third Sister-in-law handles the clothing, I’ll contribute a few pieces of jewelry.”

Yu Jiao didn’t refuse. Although she didn’t care much for fancy clothes or jewelry, declining would only make things awkward for the two madams. So she accepted in silence. She knew very well that Third Madam wasn’t giving them clothes out of generosity. It was more likely that she found their rural attire too shabby, unpresentable in refined company.

Later, when Yu Jiao and Yu Fuling returned to Luofu Courtyard, the maids brought over the promised clothing and jewelry. The garments were clearly from a quality tailor shop, fine materials, with a golden-stitched satin top and a pleated floral skirt for the bottom.

Yu Fuling adored them. She immediately tried one on, adorned herself with silver hairpins and floral accessories, and admired herself repeatedly in the bronze mirror, urging Yu Jiao to try on hers too.

Yu Jiao smiled. “I still prefer the dress you made. The stitching is finer, and it’s much more comfortable.”

Yu Fuling, no fool herself, understood that the Madams of the Mu family wouldn’t give them such things without a reason. She said, “My sewing could never compare to the skilled seamstresses of Qingzhou. We’d best wear the outfits from Second and Third Madam when we visit tomorrow.”

Yu Jiao nodded in agreement.

With little else to do in the room, Yu Jiao asked the maid for paper and ink, then began copying medical texts to practice her calligraphy.

Each time she finished a page, Yu Fuling would read it, asking for explanations when she encountered unfamiliar terms or prescriptions. In this way, they not only passed the time but also helped Yu Fuling learn a bit of medicine.

The next morning, they didn’t disturb Yu Qizhe in his studies. Not long after breakfast, Third Madam arrived at Luofu Courtyard. Seeing that the sisters had changed into the clothes sent the previous night, she smiled and said, “Do the clothes fit well? The young girls here all like bright colors, so I took the liberty of choosing something more vibrant for you.”

Yu Jiao was dressed in a pale apricot gown that complemented her fair complexion. She replied, “They fit perfectly. My sister and I both like them very much. Thank you for the trouble, Third Madam.”

Third Madam gave her a closer look. Previously, she had only noted how calm and reserved the girl was. But now, dressed up even just a little, she was a radiant beauty. Her sister, however, looked far more ordinary, neither her features nor her presence could compare to the younger girl’s charm.

Still smiling, she said, “As long as you like them. Let’s head to Madam Yang’s for your consultation.”

Yu Fuling went to fetch the medicine box, and the two sisters followed Third Madam to the front courtyard.

Morning sunlight spilled over the decorative screen wall. The servants had already prepared the carriage and stood outside the residence, horses in hand. The old maidservant who usually attended Third Madam brought out a footstool and helped her into the carriage first.

Yu Jiao and Yu Fuling stepped up after her.

The Yang residence was also located in Shuying Lane, not far from the Mu residence. Within the time it takes for a single stick of incense to burn, the carriage came to a stop.

From outside the carriage, the old maidservant announced, “Madam, we’ve arrived.”

Yu Jiao and Yu Fuling stepped down with Third Madam. A smiling servant woman from the Yang residence came forward to greet them, bowed, and called out, “Third Madam Mu.”

She led them through a side gate on the west end of the estate. The Yang residence, no less refined than the Mu household, had deep courtyards shaded by ginkgo trees, their branches still bearing pale green fruit, not yet ripe.

They passed beneath a flowering arch gate, through a winding corridor, and finally arrived at the inner quarters after crossing a marble screen-lined passage.

There, the maid led them into the eastern wing and respectfully announced to the seated woman inside, “Madam, Third Madam Mu has arrived.”