Married to a Villainous Minister - Chapter 41

Yu Ruhai let out a dry cough to mask his awkwardness, then picked up the pulse pillow he had set aside and placed it under Mu Yan’s wrist, gently resting his hand on it. “Let me take Master Mu’s pulse first.”

Not long after, Yu Jiao entered the main hall. Yu Ruhai withdrew his hand and said with a warm smile to Mu Yan, “This is the wife of Wulang. She’s skilled in medicine. Why not let her take a look as well?”

Mu Nianjiu’s uncle, Mu Yan, frowned slightly. He lifted his eyelids to glance at Yu Jiao, clear irritation flashing across his face. “There are very few women who practice medicine in this world. Doctor Yu, you are certainly fortunate. But my illness, it would be most improper for a woman to examine me. I won’t trouble you further.”

With that, Mu Yan stood up. A servant quickly stepped forward to support him as he headed toward the door.

Yu Ruhai’s face turned visibly awkward, and he quickly said, “Master Mu, please don’t be in such a rush. You’re here today for treatment. My granddaughter-in-law is a physician, and in medicine, there should be no distinction between male and female. Since she can help, why not let her take a look before leaving?”

Yu Jinshu gave Mu Nianjiu a meaningful glance, and Mu Nianjiu hurriedly added, “Yes, Uncle. Since we’re already here, you might as well let her examine you before heading out.”

Mu Yan turned back and shot his nephew a cold glare. He hadn’t known beforehand that the physician was a young girl, if he had, he never would’ve come to the Yu family in the first place.

He scolded sharply, “You’re just going along with this nonsense! Have you forgotten all the rules of the Mu family? Come on, let’s go home!”

Mu Nianjiu stiffened. He had always held a mix of respect and fear for this uncle of his. Though Mu Yan usually appeared gentle, his presence was imposing even without anger. His word was law in the Mu family, and Mu Nianjiu had always dreaded his stern face.

Seeing his uncle already halfway out the hall, Mu Nianjiu had no choice but to chase after him and plead, “Uncle, whether the physician is male or female, what matters is curing your illness. That lady from the Yu family said she has a prescription that can treat your condition. You’ve been suffering for so long, please just give her a chance. I’m begging you.”

Mu Yan snorted coldly, raised a hand, and tapped Mu Nianjiu on the forehead with irritation. “Have you grown a pig’s brain in there? Since when do women practice medicine? Even doctors from Qingzhou couldn’t treat me, yet a village girl can?” 

“I know you’re worried about me, and I appreciate your friendship with her family, but how do you know she doesn’t have ulterior motives? She’s just taking advantage of your inexperience, trying to earn a few coins. We shouldn’t deal with people like this in the future!”

Agitated and itchy from the festering boils on his back, Mu Yan told his servant to scratch it through his clothes. But the moment they did, the pain became unbearable. 

Furious, he slapped the servant’s hand away and stormed toward the carriage.

After being thoroughly scolded, Mu Nianjiu stood helplessly in the courtyard, still unwilling to give up. He pleaded again, “Uncle, the Yu family would never treat this as a joke. I just can’t bear seeing you suffer anymore. What if she really does have a cure? Can’t we at least give it a try?”

“Get in the carriage!” Mu Yan barked from inside.

Seeing that there was no more room to persuade him, Mu Nianjiu turned back with a defeated look and began walking toward the carriage.

Yu Jiao, who had followed them outside, finally spoke, her tone calm but firm. “Why must Master Mu look down on women like this? Men aren’t the only capable ones in this world. If you’re worried the Yu family is trying to cheat you out of your consultation fee, there’s no need. 

“I, Meng Yujiao, give you my word, if I cannot cure your boils, I won’t take a single coin.”

There was no response from inside the carriage.

Yu Jiao stepped a little closer and continued, “If you refuse my help simply because I’m a woman, then all I can say is, what a pity. Master Mu is being foolish. If you choose to let the pain torment you rather than give yourself a chance, that’s entirely your own doing.”