Married to a Villainous Minister - Chapter 34

“It’s no trouble at all, no trouble,” Yu Ruhai said warmly. “Nianjiu, you, Jinshu and Jinyan are schoolmates, just bring your uncle over, there’s no need to be so polite.”

After seeing Mu Nianjiu out, Yu Jinshu returned to the main hall and asked Yu Ruhai, “Grandfather, can Meng Yujiao really treat ulcerous disease? Could she be bluffing? And when did she learn medicine?”

“Indeed, Meng Yujiao does know some medicine,” Yu Ruhai replied after a moment’s thought. “Whenever she claimed she could treat something in the past few days, she always produced a prescription. I don’t think she’s just making things up.”

Yu Jinshu remained doubtful. Worried, he said, “Grandfather, you know the Mu family isn’t some common household, they’re a branch of the Mu family from Qingzhou. His uncle has many influential connections there.” 

“Nianjiu only got into the county academy thanks to his uncle. If she manages to cure his uncle’s condition, great. But if she can’t, won’t that just make a mockery of the whole thing? Even if they don’t say anything outright, the Mu family surely wouldn’t be pleased.”

Yu Ruhai was well aware of the Mu family’s background, that was exactly why he wanted to win them over. If Meng Yujiao could cure Mu Nianjiu’s uncle, the two families’ relationship would surely strengthen. 

When the provincial exams came in the fall, the Mu family might even lend Yu Jinyan a helping hand in Qingzhou.

“I’ll go talk to Meng Yujiao,” Yu Ruhai said. He, too, feared that if things went wrong, they’d sour a potential alliance instead of strengthening it. Unable to sit still, he got up and headed to the eastern room to find her.

“Mother,” Yu Jinshu asked with a confused expression, “What’s going on? Why didn’t Grandfather kick Meng Yujiao out of the house? Why keep her around?”

At the mention of Yu Jiao, Madam Zhao’s face twisted in disgust. “That wretched girl was beaten badly by your father and nearly died. Your grandmother even wanted to throw her in the mountains to feed the wolves.” 

“But somehow, she survived and claimed she’d learned medicine while living in the capital. Your grandfather values medical skill above all, so he couldn’t bear to cast her out. That’s how she stayed.”

“Does she really know medicine?” Yu Jinshu pressed.

Normally, Madam Zhao would’ve scoffed and dismissed the idea, but the stakes were high now, and she didn’t dare lie. So she begrudgingly recounted how Meng Yujiao had previously treated Zhou Huai from the same village, and a young boy from Zhang Village with epilepsy.

After hearing everything, Yu Jinshu murmured thoughtfully, “So she really might know what she’s doing. Let’s just hope she can truly cure Nianjiu’s uncle.”

Madam Zhao felt deeply conflicted. On one hand, she hoped Yu Jiao could pull it off. On the other, she feared that if Yu Jiao succeeded, she’d regain favor in the family and act smug and arrogant again.

She glanced at Yu Jinyan and, clearly uneasy, reminded him, “Jinyan, tomorrow you keep your distance from that wretched girl. Don’t let her latch onto you again.”

Yu Jinyan nodded and stood. “Mother, I’m tired. I’ll go to rest now.”

As Madam Zhao watched her handsome son’s back, her fear that Meng Yujiao still harbored feelings for him only deepened. She made up her mind to stay alert tomorrow, she’d watch Meng Yujiao like a hawk to make sure she didn’t entangle herself with Jinyan again.

Snapping out of her thoughts, Madam Zhao suddenly remembered the broken engagement with the Liu family. For a moment, she didn’t know how to bring it up with Yu Jinshu.

Sensing her hesitation, Old Madam Yu, Old Madam Yu, gently spoke, “Jinshu, come here. Grandmother has something to tell you.”

Yu Jinshu sat down beside her and took her hand, grinning playfully. “Grandmother, did you miss me?”

Old Madam Yu smiled. “Jinshu, what I’m about to tell you… don’t be upset, alright?”

“Alright, go ahead,” said Yu Jinshu cheerfully. His sweet nature and quick tongue had always made him a favorite of hers.

“The Liu family has withdrawn the engagement,” Old Madam Yu said gently, holding his hand. “After the autumn provincial exams, I’ll have a matchmaker find you a nice girl.”