Married to a Villainous Minister - Chapter 40

Just as he was about to head to the lavatory, Yu Qizhe stepped out from the east room and happened to overhear Yu Jiao’s words. 

In the dim light, his delicate and refined features darkened slightly. His eyes, cold and speckled like stars in winter, carried a sharpness that felt beyond his years.

Yu Zhizhou was flustered at what Yu Jiao said and forced a stiff smile, “Miss Meng, please don’t joke like that. I know I’m not worthy of you. Wu-di is extraordinarily talented, and Si-di is exceptional too.” 

“As for me, I have nothing to offer. You are beautiful and kind. You deserve someone outstanding. I could never be that person.”

Yu Jiao sneered inwardly. This Yu Zhizhou was certainly slick with his words. The original Meng Yujiao must’ve been flattered and egged on by such flowery praise to do what she did. But unfortunately for him, she wasn’t that naive fourteen-year-old girl anymore. 

She could see right through his manipulative charm.

Leaning by the doorway, Yu Qizhe had heard enough and turned to go back inside. Neither of the two in the courtyard noticed his presence.

Yu Jiao responded with thinly veiled sarcasm, “What’s that supposed to mean, Third Young Master? No need to belittle yourself like that. All those noble-sounding excuses, what it really boils down to is that you simply don’t want to marry me.”

Yu Zhizhou froze for a moment. With how foolish and easy to fool Meng Yujiao used to be, how could she say something like that?

He quickly tried to defend himself, “Miss Meng, you’ve misunderstood me. I meant every word—”

Yu Jiao cut him off, no longer interested in playing along. She said bluntly, “I know what you’re really worried about. You’re afraid I’ll tell everyone how you encouraged me to chase after Yu Jinyan. Don’t worry, if I didn’t spill it before, I’m not about to start now. But…”

She fixed her gaze on Yu Zhizhou, her voice suddenly cold, “Don’t take me for a fool so easily manipulated. And don’t ever try to play those games with me again.” 

“Next time, if you try to protect yourself while pushing me into the fire, it won’t be so easy for you to walk away clean.”

Yu Zhizhou looked embarrassed and hadn’t even thought of a response before Yu Jiao turned and headed back to her room.

The next morning, the Mu family arrived. Fortunately, Madam Song had woken up before dawn and prepared breakfast. The Yu family had just finished eating when Old Master Yu personally went out to welcome the Mu family’s carriage into the courtyard.

Seven or eight members of the Mu family had come. Yu Jinshu and Yu Jinyan were already waiting outside and greeted Mu Nianjiu as he stepped down.

“Uncle, we’re here,” Mu Nianjiu said respectfully to the person inside the carriage.

A servant lifted the curtain and helped Mu Nianjiu’s uncle down. Yu Ruhai hurried forward to greet him. “Please, come inside.”

Mu Nianjiu’s uncle was dressed in elegant clothes. Though already in his forties, he had a refined appearance, without the vulgarity that often clung to wealthy rural gentry. 

He did, however, look weary. He nodded politely at Yu Ruhai while being supported by his servants, they entered the main hall.

Once everyone was seated, Yu Ruhai quickly sent someone to call for Yu Jiao, while he busied himself chatting with Mu Nianjiu’s uncle.

“I often hear Nianjiu mention his uncle,” Yu Ruhai said with a smile. “Says you’re known in town as a truly kind man. And I can see that for myself, you look very gentle and dignified. Have you had breakfast yet? If not, I can ask the women to prepare some food.”

Mu Yan, who was clearly unwell, tugged a half-hearted smile and replied, “We’ve already eaten, Doctor Yu, no need for the trouble.”

Yu Ruhai wanted to keep chatting, but Mu Yan was already losing patience. His back had been tormented by boils for far too long. The pain and itching had worn down his originally mild temperament, turning him irritable. 

He had already seen all the famous doctors in Changkui County, even some from Qingzhou, but none could cure him.

He had no faith that a countryside physician like Yu Ruhai could treat his condition. Mu Nianjiu had pleaded with him many times, and only out of regard for their relationship as classmates did Mu Yan agree to make the trip.

“I heard from Nianjiu that Doctor Yu can cure my persistent illness,” Mu Yan said, urging things along.

“Let’s skip the pleasantries. Please examine me and prescribe something.”