Married to a Villainous Minister - Chapter 217

The warmth of his fingertips gently stirred across the back of her hand, as if toying with something he couldn’t bear to let go of.

Yu Jiao glanced down. Yu Qizhe’s slender, well-defined fingers were as elegant as sculpted jade, too good-looking, really.

The constant rubbing was starting to feel a bit uncomfortable, so Yu Jiao caught his wandering hand. She hadn’t noticed before, but apparently he had a habit of playing with people’s fingers.

Leaning against her shoulder, Yu Qizhe chuckled softly. He interlaced his fingers with hers, their palms pressed together, pale fingers entwined.

Such intimacy made Yu Jiao uncomfortable. She tried to pull her fingers away, but he only tightened his grip. Thankfully, they soon arrived back at the Mu residence. Yu Fuling was the first to hop off the carriage.

Yu Jiao began to rise, her small hand still trapped in Yu Qizhe’s grasp. She whispered, “Let go. We’re here.”

Yu Qizhe remained seated, his peach blossom eyes soft and smiling as he looked at her.

Those eyes were naturally beautiful, and when he smiled, they seemed filled with gentle affection, it gave the illusion of deep tenderness.

Under his luminous gaze, Yu Jiao grew flustered and, for some reason, her face flushed. She tugged her hand again, only for Yu Qizhe to suddenly pull her toward him.

She stumbled forward, falling into his arms, her cheek pressing against the firm muscles of his chest. He raised his right arm and held her close.

Flustered and annoyed, Yu Jiao scolded, “Are you insane?”

Yu Qizhe rested his chin against her smooth forehead, his voice soft and full of unspoken emotion. “I missed you.”

His warm breath tickled the top of her head, and Yu Jiao’s heart began to race. She tried to push away, but his arm only tightened around her.

Noticing his strange behavior, Yu Jiao guessed at the reason and asked gently, “Did the exam not go well? It’s alright if you didn’t pass. The imperial exam is a narrow bridge trodden by thousands. Even if one doesn’t make it, there are other paths. Ambition is good, but don’t become obsessed.”

Yu Qizhe listened to her murmured comfort, realizing she had misunderstood. He looked down at her snow-pale, delicate face, chuckled, and ran his fingers through her dark hair. “I promised you I’d pass.”

That brought back a memory, Yu Jiao recalled their earlier deal. She’d help heal him, and in return, he would pass the exams, reclaim her deed of servitude, and help her leave the Yu family. So much had changed since then that she’d nearly forgotten about it.

Outside the carriage, the driver noticed they hadn’t come down and could only continue waiting with the horse.

Not far off, Mu Yan was chatting with Yu Jinshu and the others. Yu Fuling, growing impatient with the delay and guessing what was going on inside, called out, “Whatever you two are whispering about, save it for later back at the courtyard!”

Yu Jiao heard her and paused, then patted Yu Qizhe’s head soothingly. “You don’t have to hold on to those words. Whether you pass or not, it doesn’t matter to me.”

That small, comforting gesture sent waves of warmth rippling through Yu Qizhe’s chest like a spring river, soft and gentle.

He finally relaxed his grip, stood up while still holding her hand, and helped her off the carriage. Only after they stepped down did he let go.

Mu Yan, spotting them, smiled and said, “Go rest for now. We’ll dine together in the front hall this evening.”

Everyone returned to their own quarters.

Yu Fuling tugged Yu Jiao along to the Yinfeng Courtyard. As they entered, Yu Jinshu suddenly turned around and stepped in front of Yu Jiao. “Are you familiar with Perfect Yang?”

Yu Jiao gave him a calm look. “Not really.”

Seeing her denial, Yu Jinshu sneered inwardly but kept a friendly face. “Didn’t you visit the Yang residence to treat the perfect’s wife? Thanks to you, I received a fine inkstone of Yujiang pine from Governor Yang. And I saw you speaking with the governor outside the examination hall, how can you say you’re not familiar?”

Yu Jiao saw through his intent immediately. She smiled faintly. “I’ve heard that kind of inkstone is quite valuable. Since it came about thanks to me, are you trying to thank me?”

Yu Jinshu, eager to use her connection with the governor, quickly said, “Of course I’m grateful. But since we’re all family, saying thank you seems too formal. Still, I’d appreciate it if you could introduce me to Perfect Yang.”

“You’re giving me too much credit,” Yu Jiao replied bluntly. “How could a young woman like me have any influence before someone like the governor? Best not to trouble me.”

Her outright rejection soured Yu Jinshu’s expression, and he was about to press further when Yu Qizhe suddenly turned back and reached out his hand. “Jiaojiao, come here.”

Hearing him call her by her childhood name, Yu Jiao froze for a moment. Her nose stung with an inexplicable ache, her almond eyes misted as she stared at the hand he extended toward her and reached for it without hesitation, a secret longing in her touch.

Yu Qizhe immediately sensed something was off. Her expression reminded him of that time on the carriage to Qingzhou, when she’d cried out someone’s name in a nightmare.

“Wu-di, I was just talking to Yu Jiao, what are you doing?” Yu Jinshu asked, annoyed.

Yu Qizhe’s grip on Yu Jiao’s hand tightened slightly. He said coldly, “Er-ge, Yu Jiao is just a woman. If you want to connect with Perfect Yang, find your own way.”

With that, he turned and led Yu Jiao away without looking back.

Yu Qiaoshan, hearing the noise, came out from his room intending to ask how the exams had gone. But seeing the tense atmosphere, he decided not to speak and simply stood by the doorway.

Yu Jinshu stared at Yu Qizhe’s retreating figure, face darkening. He mocked loudly, “You really have the nerve to say that, Wu-di. You get in the governor’s good graces and then stop me? What, is your ambition so great you’d abandon your own brother?”

Yu Qizhe stopped and turned, his gaze sharp and cold. “It’s absurd you’d say such a thing. What makes you think knowing the governor guarantees success? If you’re desperate to climb your way into power, don’t assume everyone else is as shallow and ignorant as you.”

Embarrassed by the blunt words, Yu Jinshu grew even angrier but had nothing to retort with.

Just as the two seemed ready to quarrel, Yu Jinyan had already entered the room, and Yu Zhizhou had to step forward to intervene. “Er-ge, ease up. We’re in someone else’s home, mind your behavior.”

If a shouting match broke out in the Mu family’s courtyard, word would surely get back to the hosts. It would be too disgraceful.

Yu Jinshu glanced at the servants around them and finally composed himself. He gave a cold snort, flung his sleeves, and stalked off toward his room.

His sleeve happened to swipe across Yu Zhizhou’s face, leaving a red mark. Yu Zhizhou touched his cheek and sighed, watching his brother’s retreating back.

What did he ever do to deserve that? Just standing there, and he got hit.