Married to a Villainous Minister - Chapter 65

Yu Qizhe rose, gave a polite bow, and quietly left the main hall.

Old Madam Yu watched his retreating figure with a slight frown. She discreetly nudged Yu Ruhai with her elbow and whispered, “Master, Wulang’s health is clearly too poor for him to ever sit for the imperial exams again.” 

“Wouldn’t that make Master Mu’s promise of support nothing but empty words? Jinyan and Jinshu are taking the exams this year, shouldn’t that support go to them instead?”

Yu Ruhai found her argument reasonable. Putting on a thick skin, he turned to Mu Yan and said, “Master Mu, I’m afraid our Wulang is no longer fit to sit for the imperial exams. Fortunately, our Erlang and Silang are also studying hard. We hope the Mu family might offer them some guidance during the upcoming autumn exams.”

Mu Yan responded with a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. His tone was light but pointed. “Oh? So Doctor Yu’s entire family is full of scholars? Have your Second and Fourth grandsons already passed the preliminary examination?”

Yu Ruhai’s face fell slightly. Compared to the Wulang, Yu Jinyan and Yu Jinshu were far less gifted, and neither had passed the tongsheng exam yet. Embarrassed, he admitted, “It’s quite shameful. Although Jinshu and Jinyan study diligently, they have yet to pass the preliminary exams.” 

“Still, Jinyan has been admitted to the county academy and can sit for the autumn exams. I’m planning to send Jinshu there as well.”

Madam Zhang, who had remained silent until now, suddenly felt her anger surge. She recalled the conversation she had overheard outside the third household’s room the other day. The words had stuck in her chest like a bone, and now they wouldn’t go down or come out. 

With guests present, she couldn’t make a scene, but she angrily jabbed Yu Qiaoshan in the ribs with her elbow and shot him a furious glare.

Yu Qiaoshan stood silently by. He hadn’t believed his wife’s words at first, but now, witnessing his parents’ blatant favoritism, he couldn’t deny it anymore.

“Doctor Yu is certainly generous,” Mu Yan said with a faint smile. “You really do value education, and you don’t mind spending a little silver either.” Though there was no trace of sarcasm in his tone, the implication was obvious.

Of course Yu Ruhai caught the meaning, but wanting to curry favor with Mu Yan, he forced a smile and said, “As a parent and grandparent, one only hopes their children will succeed. That’s all I can do. I hope Master Mu can look after these two less accomplished grandsons of mine.”

Mu Yan nodded. “Naturally.” He seemed to agree, but he didn’t follow up. Instead, he glanced out the window at the sun, rose from his seat, and said, “Would you look at that, it’s already midday. I’ve imposed on you long enough. I won’t overstay my welcome.”

Yu Ruhai had hoped Mu Yan would stay for lunch. But the moment the conversation turned to Jinshu and Jinyan’s exams, he abruptly changed course and made to leave. 

In a rush, Yu Ruhai tried to stop him. “It’s already this late, Master Mu. If you leave now, it’ll seem as if our family is neglecting such an honored guest. Why not stay for a meal?”

Mu Yan waved his hand. “No need. My wife is waiting at home. If I don’t return, she won’t eat in peace. No need for formalities, Doctor Yu. Your Fifth grandson’s wife is an excellent physician, I’ll surely be bothering her for help again soon.”

At that, Yu Ruhai had no choice but to let him go. The Mu family’s servant, quick on his feet, followed closely behind Mu Yan as they headed for the door.

After sending Mu Yan off, Madam Song went to the kitchen to start the fire and prepare the meal. Madam Zhang didn’t follow to help. Instead, she grabbed Yu Qiaoshan and dragged him back into the main hall.

Yu Qiaoshan wanted to reason with his wife, but Madam Zhang had reached her limit and wasn’t willing to listen. She was completely fed up. All the good things in the family always seemed to land in the third branch’s lap. Why?

“Father,” she began, standing squarely in the center of the hall and facing Yu Ruhai and Old Madam Yu, “When you sent Jinyan to the county academy, I didn’t say a word. But now you’re planning to send Jinshu there too, and I need to ask, Zhizhou has also been studying for years. Don’t you think it’s time he went to the county academy as well?”

Madam Zhang had thrown all caution to the wind.