Married to a Villainous Minister - Chapter 8

Old Madam Yu’s expression hardened slightly as she let out a cold laugh. “You say your Liu family came here sincerely to call off the engagement, then why did the whole village hear about it before you even set foot in our home?” 

“And why cause such a scene right here in our courtyard? The Yu family isn’t unreasonable, but your Liu family is clearly in the wrong. Yet you act arrogant and overbearing, trampling our dignity into the ground. And you still have the nerve to call us aggressive?”

She raised her voice, “Fine! This engagement is off. But let it be known, it wasn’t your Liu family who broke it. It’s our Yu family who no longer wants any part of yours!”

Her words slapped the Liu family’s pride like a whip. Madam Liu didn’t expect the old lady to be this sharp, her words so clear and firm. With nothing to say back, she forced a smile. “Well… it’s not about who wants who. Our girl just doesn’t have the good fortune for this match.”

Old Madam Yu didn’t even crack a smile, Madam Zhao scoffed. “No good fortune? Please. You already found her a better match. She’s about to marry a scholar, that’s the kind of ‘fortune’ you’re talking about, right?”

Old Madam Yu had heard rumors that Old Liu Juren had taken a liking to a young man who placed well on this year’s Tongsheng exam. She hadn’t thought much of it before, just assumed the old man appreciated scholars. But now that the Liu family came to break off the engagement, everything made perfect sense.

Madam Liu didn’t respond. She hadn’t dealt with the Yu family’s matriarch before and didn’t expect her to be so fierce. Not wanting to cause more trouble that could affect her daughter’s new engagement, she took the marriage contract and left with her family.

The villagers who had gathered outside slowly dispersed, but the gossip about the Yu family being rejected would linger for a while.

Back when Yu Qizhe passed three levels of the exam at once, the Yu family’s status soared. Even the county magistrate paid a personal visit. The whole village envied them. But now? Everyone knew Yu Qizhe was seriously ill and not expected to live long. 

The other sons of the Yu family were average at best. Yu Jinshu had taken the exam for years and still hadn’t passed the Tongsheng level. Even Yu Jinyan had no impressive results this year. He only got into the county school thanks to money. The Yu family had clearly fallen from grace.

Inside the main hall, Old Master Yu raised an eyelid, “It’s done?”

Old Madam Yu, who had been holding in her anger in front of outsiders, now looked furious. “What else could we do? The Liu family is just too much.”

Madam Zhao added bitterly, “That Madam Liu really looks down on people. Saying our Jinshu has no talent, does she think passing the scholar’s exam is easy? Has anyone in her Liu family ever passed it?”

Old Madam Yu shot her a glare, annoyed by her thoughtlessness. Yes, it was hard to pass but they had one, Yu Qizhe, their once-prized scholar. Talking like this would only make Old Master Yu favor the second son’s branch even more.

Sure enough, Old Master Yu sighed. “If only Wulang’s health hadn’t failed, our family might’ve produced a top scholar by now. The Liu family wouldn’t have dared to come here and break the engagement.”

Old Madam Yu poured him some tea, pretending to worry. “But Wulang’s body can’t handle the exams anymore.”

Old Master Yu went silent for a while before muttering, “Will none of my descendants ever bring honor to this family?”

Old Madam Yu consoled him gently, “Jinshu and Jinyan are still young. They may not have succeeded this time, but they’ll have more chances.”

He nodded and looked at Madam Zhao. “When Jinshu comes back from the academy, be sure to break the news gently. He needs comfort.”

Madam Zhao agreed. Neither Jinshu nor Jinyan had returned from school yet, they didn’t know about the broken engagement. Jinshu was known for his quick temper. Once he found out how badly his pride had been hurt, he would surely be furious.

Worse still, from the way the Liu family spoke, it was clear they believed the only reason the engagement was made in the first place was because of Yu Qizhe’s past achievements. Madam Zhao burned with shame and anger. Their entire branch had lost face today.

But there was no way to vent her frustration on the second branch. Then her thoughts turned to Meng Yujiao, who was still lying in the woodshed. All her rage shifted toward her.

“Father, Mother, it’s that cursed girl from the Meng family! Ever since she arrived, our branch has had no peace. She nearly killed Jinyan, and now Jinshu’s engagement is ruined. She didn’t bring good fortune, she brought disaster! She’s nothing but a jinx!”

Madam Song hadn’t expected Meng Yujiao to be dragged into this. She was just about to defend the girl when Old Madam Yu cut in coldly, “She is a curse. She can’t stay. If the second branch can’t bring themselves to end her life, then sell her to a broker. At least we’ll get some silver. We can’t keep feeding her for free. Who knows what kind of trouble she’ll bring next?”

Yu Qizhe was in his room reading. He hadn’t gone out to watch the commotion. And with him absent, Madam Song’s words didn’t carry much weight.

Old Master Yu stroked his beard thoughtfully after hearing what Old Madam Yu said. “Is it really okay to sell her like that?”

“Why not?” Old Madam Yu said confidently. “The Meng family doesn’t care about her. We bought her, and we signed a contract. Her fate is ours to decide—life, death, or sale. It’s none of the Meng family’s business anymore.”

Master Yu hadn’t thought Meng Yujiao would live this long. If she stayed, she might still cause trouble for Jinyan. Selling her off might actually be the best option. “Then find a trustworthy broker and sell her,” he told Old Madam Yu.

“Father…” Madam Song started, but Madam Yu shot her a look so sharp she swallowed her words instantly.

Back in the east wing, Madam Song told Yu Mengshan about the plan to sell Meng Yujiao, raising her voice on purpose so Yu Qizhe in the next room could hear.

She glanced into the room. Yu Qizhe had his head down, seemingly focused on his book. She didn’t know if he heard her, so she added with a sigh, “I’ve heard girls sold to brokers often end up in brothels… dirty places like that.”

Yu Mengshan could only sigh, “We can only hope the girl’s fate turns out okay.”

Inside, Yu Qizhe was starting to lose focus. Meng Yujiao’s bright smile flashed in his mind. He set his book down, opened a drawer, and pulled out an old coin pouch. He emptied it and counted just over forty copper coins. He had saved them bit by bit by copying books for others.

He quietly placed the coins back into the pouch.

Meanwhile, in the woodshed, Yu Jiao was chewing on a piece of straw, whistling out of boredom. The wooden door creaked open.

She looked up and smiled brightly. “Wu-ge, did you bring me something to eat again?”