Married to a Villainous Minister - Chapter 24

Yu Jiao had no interest in arguing any further. She couldn’t wait to leave the Yu family and live freely on her own, without having to watch people’s moods all the time. 

She turned to Yu Ruhai and said, “In that case, why not let me leave? As soon as I’ve gathered enough money to buy my freedom, I’ll bring it to you.”

But Yu Ruhai had no intention of letting her go. To him, Yu Jiao was now a money tree, keeping her in the family meant more silver and a better reputation.

Suddenly, Yu Qizhe, who had been silent this whole time, spoke up. “Third Uncle, that’s too harsh. Meng Yujiao made an honest mistake today. Besides, the food was prepared for everyone, she didn’t keep it all to herself.” 

“She’s new to our family and doesn’t yet know our rules. This is my fault for not teaching her properly.”

Yu Jiao looked at Yu Qizhe, eyes widening slightly. She hadn’t expected him to defend her.

Yu Ruhai, who also preferred to smooth things over, softened his tone. “Since Meng girl has already entered our family, she’s one of us now. There’s no need to talk about redeeming yourself and leaving.” 

“Let’s not say such things out of spite. Everyone, sit and eat.”

Madam Zhao had hoped this whole ruckus would get Yu Jiao kicked out of the household. To her surprise, the old man hadn’t said a single harsh word, and now the matter had been dismissed so lightly.

Frustrated, she gritted her teeth and complained, “Father, Mother is still upset! You’re shielding that wretched girl and not even sparing a thought for Mother?”

Yu Ruhai frowned in displeasure. He was always concerned about appearances. Though he was mindful of Old Madam Yu’s feelings, going in to comfort her in front of everyone would make him look like he feared his wife. 

So, he forced himself to say, “It’s hot. Your mother is just overheated. Let her rest and cool off on her own.” Then, he gave everyone a stern look and said, “Sit down and eat.”

The first branch quickly sat at the table and began eating the now-cold noodles in silence.

Madam Song, looking uneasy, picked up a bowl of noodles from the table and whispered, “I’ll bring this to Mother in her room.”

Yu Jiao gently grabbed her arm and said calmly, “The old lady is still angry. If you go now, it’ll just make things worse.”

Madam Song knew Old Madam Yu didn’t like her. Still, years of deference and fear made her hesitant to sit and eat in peace.

Yu Ruhai, realizing he may have spoken too strongly earlier and worried his wife would be hard to appease later, turned to Madam Zhao and said, “Take your mother some food.”

Madam Zhao quickly grabbed a bowl of noodles and rushed off to the east room. She placed the food down and said only a few words to Old Madam Yu before hurrying back, afraid the eggs in the dishes would be gone by the time she returned.

Though the noodles were cold, everyone at the table still ate heartily. Not a drop of the noodles was left, and the stir-fried eggs with chives and the steamed mugwort were completely cleaned out.

Madam Song washed the pots and dishes afterward. She told Yu Jiao to go back to her room and rest. Yu Jiao squatted in the courtyard for a while, watching Yu Qiaoshan work on making a prosthetic leg, occasionally offering some suggestions.

After a while, Yu Jiao stood up and returned to the east room. As soon as Yu Fuling saw her enter, her face turned cold. “You troublemaker. Can’t you just behave for once? Ever since you came into this house, our second branch hasn’t had a single peaceful day.”

Lying on the bed, Yu Mengshan gave Fuling a reproachful look, then turned to Yu Jiao and said gently, “Meng girl, Fuling didn’t mean what she said. Don’t take it to heart.”

Scolded by Yu Mengshan, Yu Fuling shot Yu Jiao with a fierce glare.

Yu Jiao wasn’t one for bickering, and she certainly didn’t care to argue with Yu Fuling. Without responding, she turned and walked to the inner room, knocking on the door.

Yu Fuling immediately became alert and took a few quick steps forward, blocking her path. “Why are you looking for my little brother? He’s studying. Don’t disturb him.”

Just then, the door opened from the inside. Yu Jiao looked up at Yu Qizhe and said calmly, “I came to practice calligraphy with you.”