Married to a Villainous Minister - Chapter 199

Yu Jiao subtly pulled her hand away and took a small step back, her apricot-shaped eyes calm and distant as she looked at Yang Jiyan. She still said nothing.

An awkward expression flashed across Yang Jiyan’s face. Yu Fuling quickly explained, “My sister’s throat is injured and she can’t speak right now. She doesn’t blame you.”

Yu Fuling’s words gave Yang Jiyan an easy way out, and she forced a stiff smile.

Third Madam Mu chimed in to ease the atmosphere, “She was fine when she returned last night. Who would’ve thought she’d lose her voice overnight? I just gave her a bowl of turtle jelly earlier, hopefully it helps her recover quickly.”

Mu Yan looked at Yu Jiao with concern and said, “Since your throat hurts, don’t speak.”

He had been furious the previous day, but now that Yang Yuancheng had come to personally apologize, his mood had improved.

Yang Yuancheng furrowed his brows slightly, troubled. Xiao Ning couldn’t stay long in Qingzhou. He had rushed to find a steelworker through the night just so Yu Jiao’s request could be fulfilled quickly. But now that she had lost her voice, how could she instruct the craftsman on how to build the tools?

All of this, he thought, was the fault of that young Marquis Gu, what was he thinking, grabbing a young woman by the throat like that? And now, the mess had landed back on their own heads.

“My wife used the medicine you prescribed yesterday and is feeling much better. She praised your skills at length and specifically asked me to invite you back to the residence today to check her pulse again,” Yang Yuancheng said, avoiding any mention of Xiao Ning or the young Marquis Gu, using Madam Yang as a pretense. He figured that with Yu Jiao’s cleverness, she would understand the real message.

Yu Jiao indeed wanted to stay far from the drama at the Yang residence and heal Xiao Ning’s disabled hand as quickly as possible. She nodded in agreement.

“In that case, I’ll trouble the two of you to make another trip,” Yang Yuancheng said with a smile once she agreed. He pointed to the stack of gifts on the table and continued, “I heard your four older brothers are in Qingzhou for the provincial exams. Here are two sets of Yujiang pine ink and two Huizhou porcelain brushes, just a small token of my appreciation.”

Yu Fuling wasn’t sure whether they should accept the gifts. She looked at Yu Jiao for guidance.

Yu Jiao gave her a slight nod. After all, they had suffered quite a bit at the Yang residence. She didn’t feel any guilt about accepting compensation.

Thinking back on how adept Yu Jiao was at dealing with people like Yang Yuancheng, Yu Fuling gave a polite bow and expressed her thanks.

Mu Yan ordered the servants to send the brushes and ink to Yingfeng Courtyard.

“My wife is still waiting at the residence, so I won’t stay any longer,” Yang Yuancheng said, cupping his hands in farewell to Mu Yan and the Mu family’s third master.

The third master quickly stood to see him off. As a sixth-rank assistant magistrate, he had to show deference, Yang Yuancheng was his superior, after all.

Third Madam Mu had intended to go with them, but as they reached the gate, Yang Yuancheng stopped her. “No need to trouble Third Madam Mu, my wife will take good care of the two young ladies.”

Third Madam Mu paused. The third master quickly added, “Since Madam Yang will be hosting, there’s no need for you to go along.”

Mu Yan didn’t seem entirely pleased. He stepped forward and said to Yang Yuancheng, “The two girls are new to Qingzhou and don’t know anyone. It’s better to have someone familiar with them. Even with Third Madam Mu present yesterday, they still ended up injured.”

Yang Yuancheng heard the subtle reproach in his tone and gave a wry smile. “Yesterday was just a misunderstanding. Don’t worry, I won’t let them be wronged again at the Yang residence.”

Still seeing doubt in Mu Yan’s expression, he turned to Yu Jiao. “Miss Yu, would you like Third Madam Mu to accompany you?”

Yu Jiao smiled and shook her head at Mu Yan.

Seeing her stance, Mu Yan relented. “Then so be it. At least let some maids go along.”

Yang Yuancheng didn’t object to that. A few maids didn’t matter, he could easily manage them.

Mu Yan selected two clever and capable maids to accompany Yu Jiao back to the Yang residence.