Married to a Villainous Minister - Chapter 48

Yu Jiao had learned how to read the signs of the sky from her grandfather, but celestial patterns were vague and hard to explain, especially to someone like Yu Qiaoshan. 

Even if she tried, it would only cause confusion. Still, hunting on a rainy day was dangerous, so she gave a kind warning anyway.

“Uncle, maybe it’s better to go the day after tomorrow instead. Though the weather has been clear these past two days, when things peak, they often reverse. If it really does rain, it could be dangerous.”

Yu Qiaoshan chuckled. “Meng girl, you haven’t been up the mountain before, have you? I was nervous the first time too, no need to worry. The one who asked me to go hunting is Xiangzi, you should call him Uncle Zhou.” 

“He goes into the mountains all year round and knows the mountain weather like the back of his hand. If he’s chosen tomorrow to go, then he’s probably already considered the timing. Just follow us in the morning.”

Yu Jiao knew there was no point in saying more. Yu Qiaoshan was an experienced hunter, he wouldn’t change his mind based on a few vague comments. All she could do was say, “Then, Uncle, rest early.”

After Yu Jiao left, Madam Zhang brought Yu Qiaoshan some water to soak his feet and asked, “You’re really going to bring Meng Yujiao up the mountain? What if she runs off while you’re out? That girl’s full of tricks. If she escapes while you’re with her, Father won’t let you off easy!”

While soaking his feet, Yu Qiaoshan replied, “I don’t think she would. She said she wants to go into the mountains to look for herbs. I get the sense her mindset has settled, seems like she genuinely wants to live a steady life with the second branch.” 

“Who knows? Maybe she can even cure Wulang’s illness. If that happens, Mengshan and his wife might finally see better days.”

“Hmph, you’re being too optimistic,” Madam Zhang scoffed. “That girl’s sharp and has her own ideas. She doesn’t even take the old man seriously. I’m not sure our humble home is big enough for a deity like her.”

Yu Qiaoshan dried his feet and stood, picking up the basin. “Wulang’s a quiet type. If she’s strong-willed, that might actually help the second branch avoid getting pushed around. I think she knows her limits. Don’t be like the third branch, try being kinder to others. People will remember your kindness later.”

With that, he carried the basin out into the yard to pour the water, while Madam Zhang muttered to herself, “Why would I care whether she remembers my kindness? It’s not like I’ll ever need to ask her for help.”

Yu Qiaoshan, returning to the room just in time to hear that, gave a helpless laugh. “You really are something. Still, treating others with kindness always pays off, plant good seeds now, and you’ll reap good fruit later.”

Back in their room, Yu Jiao found Yu Fuling already lying in bed. When she saw Yu Jiao return, she sat up. “Uncle agreed to take you into the mountains?”

Yu Jiao nodded, undressed, and climbed into bed.

Suddenly, Yu Fuling got up and began packing. “I’m going too. It’s been ages since I’ve gone to gather herbs. If I don’t go now, the wheat harvest will start, and I’ll miss my chance.”

“You’re coming too?” Yu Jiao was already troubled over the rain forecast, she didn’t expect Yu Fuling to add to the chaos.

Yu Fuling stuffed a thick outer robe into her bundle and gave Yu Jiao a sidelong glance. “Uncle Zhou’s son is going too. I need to keep an eye on you. Who knows what embarrassing thing you might do out there?”

Yu Jiao was speechless. She turned her back, pulled the quilt over herself, and closed her eyes.

Yu Fuling walked over to Yu Jiao’s bedside. “The more you don’t want me to come, the more I will come. Don’t think you can sneak off and do anything shady behind my brother’s back!”

Yu Jiao muttered into her pillow, “Go if you want. I’m not stopping you.”

Only after placing her small bundle beside her pillow did Yu Fuling finally climb into bed. She tugged some of the quilt away from Yu Jiao and blew out the candle by the bedside.