Married to a Villainous Minister - Chapter 66

The idea of sending Yu Jinshu to the county academy had been something Old Madam Yu discussed privately with Old Master Yu. 

In the past, Yu Ruhai might not have agreed, but now that Yu Jiao’s medical skills were bringing in significant income, the household had become more financially comfortable, so he gave his approval.

When Yu Ruhai agreed, it never crossed his mind that the first branch would be displeased. But now, seeing the fury on Madam Zhang’s face, Yu Ruhai turned a sharp gaze to Yu Qiaoshan, his voice heavy with displeasure. “Eldest, is this what you think too?”

Madam Zhang, afraid her husband’s usual submissive nature would cause him to back down, discreetly gave him a hard pinch.

For once, Yu Qiaoshan didn’t shrink back. “Yes, Father. That’s what I think.”

Yu Ruhai’s eyes narrowed. His eldest son had never defied him before, just a stern look had always been enough to bring him in line. Yet now, he was actually siding with Madam Zhang in this spectacle.

“Where did you get such foolish ideas?” Yu Ruhai’s voice dropped an octave. “Zhizhou is still young. Even if he loses a few years, it won’t hurt him. But the two of you acting like this, do you want to drive a wedge between the brothers? Turn our Yu family into a house of discord?”

Madam Zhang had endured for years, but she couldn’t swallow this injustice anymore. Ignoring Old Madam Yu’s cold glare, she forced herself to speak up.

“You call it ‘fighting,’ but if you and Mother treated all your sons and grandsons fairly, what would there be to fight over? I know you both favor the second and fourth grandsons, but Zhizhou is your grandson too. He’s reaching marriageable age, have you ever made plans for him?”

Madam Zhao nearly jumped out of her seat in rage. Lately, it seemed Zhang Qiulan had grown bold, first defending Song Chun the other day, and now sticking her nose into Jinshu’s education?

Furious, she screamed, “Zhang Qiulan! What right do you have to meddle in your elders’ decisions? You ungrateful wretch! Have Father and Mother ever shown favoritism to our branch? Has your Zhixing or Zhizhou ever gone hungry or cold?” 

“You’re just jealous Jinshu is going to the county academy. But have you ever stopped to think, maybe your Zhizhou just isn’t cut out for studying? We already spent silver to send him to the town academy. You should be thankful! And now you dare dream of the county academy too?”

Madam Zhang wasn’t intimidated in the slightest. She sneered, “Anyone in this room can see what’s going on. And you have the gall to say I’m heartless? How many times has Mother handed the best of everything to your third branch? Whenever there’s something good, who gets it? Not us, nor the second branch. Always you!”

She had come fully prepared to start a fight today. All the grievances she’d swallowed over the years came pouring out in one breath.

“Every time there’s a benefit, it goes to your branch. We, the first and second, never have a single spare of silver much less a coin, while you have more than enough. Jinshu and Jinyan never lack fine paper or fresh ink. And your husband, the third son, drinks and dines out without restraint.” 

“Meanwhile, our kids don’t get a single new set of clothes all year, but Jinshu and Jinyan are dressed like young masters from noble families! And you call that fair? We all work to earn money, so why is it only your family gets to spend it?” 

“You already sent Yu Jinyan to the county academy, now you want to send Yu Jinshu too? You claim Zhizhou’s not cut out for studying, but haven’t both Jinshu and Jinyan also failed the preliminary exam?” 

“If they were truly gifted, would you need to spend silver just to buy them a spot in the autumn examination? And you dare insult my Zhizhou?”

Wang Mengyan and Yu Zhixing had just stepped outside when they heard the commotion from the hall. Standing by the door, Wang Mengyan felt a wave of satisfaction hearing her mother-in-law speak her mind.

Though she hadn’t been in the Yu family long, she’d long since seen through her in-laws’ favoritism. She usually kept her head down, watching from the sidelines as the third branch took all the advantages.

Yu Zhixing, on the other hand, looked anxious. “This is bad. After what Mother just said, Grandmother definitely won’t treat us kindly anymore!”

Wang Mengyan reassured him, “Maybe this blowout is exactly what we needed. Grandmother never cared much for our branch anyway, what kindness are you expecting from her?” 

“If things really blow up, just say we want to divide the household. That’s all you need to say. Don’t get involved in anything else.”