Married to a Villainous Minister - Chapter 81

Off to the side, Wang Mengyan let out a sigh. Her mother-in-law really lacked a sense of tact. The crux of the matter wasn’t with Meng Yujiao at all. She could see it clearly, Yujiao wasn’t the kind of person who’d take a loss and hand over her money for nothing.

Tugging on Madam Zhang’s sleeve, she whispered, “Mother, Meng girl said she’s willing to lend the money. The issue is that the family elders won’t agree to repay it from the communal funds. If you really want to send San-di to the county school, you’ll need to convince Grandfather and Grandmother to approve repayment from the family’s shared money.”

Madam Zhang still didn’t quite get it and continued to believe Meng Yujiao was simply unwilling to pay up. But since she always listened to her eldest daughter-in-law, she immediately turned around and resumed wailing and pleading with Yu Ruhai and Yu Zhoushi.

The main hall was soon filled with shouting and chaos. Meanwhile, Madam Song returned to the second house, gently knocking on the bedroom door. Yu Qizhe opened it, and Song Chun quickly relayed what had happened in the hall.

After hearing it all, Yu Qizhe remained silent, but his younger sister Yu Fuling spoke up indignantly, “Little brother, don’t get involved in this mess. Yujiao is absolutely right, why should she just give up her hard-earned clinic money for free? If San-di wants to go to the county school, the expenses should come from the communal fund. Grandmother’s clearly playing favorites! Why didn’t she suggest having the third house borrow money first to send him?”

Madam Song sighed and turned to look at Yu Qizhe. “I’m just worried that if Meng girl refuses to hand over the money, your grandparents won’t let it go so easily.”

Yu Qizhe, his youthful and handsome face calm as always, cast his long, narrow eyes toward the courtyard. Out there, Yu Jiao stood with her chin slightly raised, chatting with Yu Qiaoshan. Her delicate and radiant face carried a soft smile, utterly unbothered by the drama unfolding inside. It was as if nothing in the world could leave a mark on her heart.

He withdrew his gaze and said gently, “Mother, you don’t need to worry on her behalf. She’ll make her own decisions.”

Madam Song had been afraid the old master would come to pressure Qizhe into making Meng Yujiao hand over the money. If that happened, it would surely upset the girl. But hearing her son’s words now, she felt a wave of relief. Thankfully, her son understood what was right.

She smiled with reassurance, said no more, and began urging Yu Fuling to get back to embroidering her wedding dress. Then she picked up her own sewing basket and sat by Yu Mengshan’s bedside to mend shoes, quietly murmuring, “Meng girl’s been personally making medicine and caring for Qizhe’s health lately, and Qizhe has been teaching her how to read.” 

“Their relationship’s clearly warming up. Now that Qizhe has someone who genuinely cares for him by his side, I’d really hate to see this nonsense from the old lady drive a wedge between them.”

From the bottom of her heart, Madam Song already saw Yu Jiao as her daughter-in-law. After all, the girl had already joined the second household. To her, Meng Yujiao was one of theirs now.

Yu Mengshan nodded in agreement. He also felt his wife made a fair point. Seeing her smiling more often lately, her demeanor no longer tinged with that old sorrow, he realized all these changes seemed to stem from Meng Yujiao’s presence.

After a moment’s thought, he said, “Why not have Meng girl move into Qizhe’s room?”

Madam Song was momentarily stunned, she hadn’t considered that. Her cheeks flushed slightly, and her embarrassment was mixed with a touch of concern. She said in a low voice, “That… that wouldn’t be proper, would it? Never mind whether Meng girl’s willing or not, Qizhe’s health couldn’t handle… well, the strain.”

They were both young, after all. If they really started living together, her frail son’s body might not endure… certain things.

Yu Mengshan immediately realized he’d misspoken. Though he did want someone to look after his son, having them live together now wasn’t exactly appropriate.

Meanwhile, in the courtyard, Yu Jiao turned to Yu Qiaoshan and asked, “Uncle, do you have any leather hides?”

Hearing her question, Yu Qiaoshan replied, “I sold off all the tanned hides earlier, but I still have a few sheepskins in my room. Want me to bring them over for you to take a look?”