Chapter 6: Whose Intentions Are Clearer?
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Du Zi Heng was proud, but he wasn’t foolish.
What proper family wouldn’t greet their beloved daughter at the door when she returned home after her marriage? Even though he had no real feelings for his wife, she was still his official spouse and, as such, represented his dignity. Letting her lose face meant he lost face too.
Yu Zhi Yi didn’t argue; she simply turned back to the carriage.
“Son-in-law! Son-in-law!” The steward hurried after them.
Inside the Yu Residence.
Several women stared at the quiet, empty courtyard, puzzled. “Sister-in-law, isn’t today Zhi Yi’s return visit day?”
These women were relatives of the Yu family. For big events like weddings or funerals, they would always gather together. Madam Yu hadn’t informed them, so they shouldn’t have been here, but Yu Zhi Yi had married the only son of the Chancellor’s household. If it reached the Chancellor’s ears that her own family hadn’t come to celebrate, their husbands might suffer for it.
Yu Jiao Jiao sat beside Madam Yu, her whole body adorned with pearls and jewels, looking every bit the picture of opulence. Though Yu Shang Shu was a third-rank official, not lowly by any means, they still couldn’t compare to the hereditary title of the Duke Courage’s. In terms of wealth and status, there was no comparison.
Yu Jiao Jiao had married into Duke Courage’s household, which was certainly considered a rise in status. From the way she carried herself, it was clear she was favored and living well. The other women couldn’t help but envy her, though outwardly, they remained polite.
Hearing their praises, Yu Jiao Jiao smiled smugly, letting it show on her face. “Yes, my husband treats me very well indeed.”
“These South Sea pearls and the gold peony hairpin from the Treasure Pavilion were chosen for me personally by my husband,” she boasted.
After flaunting her wealth, Yu Jiao Jiao sighed. “Aunties, you must know, Mother never intended to neglect Elder Sister and Brother-in-law. It’s just that…” She paused, as if struggling with her words, then continued with a face full of regret, “My husband has some connections and recently heard that on the wedding night, Young Master Du left my sister to spend time with some country girl, leaving my sister alone in an empty room.”
“Apparently, Young Master Du has long declared that he would only marry that woman, and marrying my sister was just to appease his mother’s desperate threats…”
“So they weren’t planning to come today. Mother didn’t want everyone to make a wasted trip, which is why she didn’t inform you.”
The family women were stunned. One of them, outraged, spoke up, “That’s too much! It’s like he’s stepping on the Yu family’s face!”
“Sister-in-law, you can’t just let this go!”
Madam Yu’s expression was complicated. “Even if I wanted to act, I need a good reason. But you all know that Zhi Yi has distanced herself from us since she was young. If she doesn’t send word, we have no justification.”
Yu Jiao Jiao listened, a faint smile playing at her lips.
Yu Zhi Yi, look at you now!
In their past life, she had been the one to endure all this shame. She was, after all, the legitimate daughter of the Minister of Revenue! How could she swallow such humiliation?
What made it even harder to bear was that Yu Zhi Yi had won over Zhang Tian Shun’s wholehearted love. But now, in this life, things had changed.
Zhang Tian Shun’s affection, the future princess’s position—they were all hers now!
Just as Yu Jiao Jiao was basking in her triumph, Madam Zhang came rushing in, hurriedly whispering into Madam Yu’s ear, “Madam, there’s trouble. Eldest Miss and the son-in-law have come for the visit! When they saw no one at the gate to greet them, the son-in-law turned to leave. The steward stopped him, but he’s very angry.”
Madam Yu’s face changed, and she instinctively looked at Yu Jiao Jiao.
Madam Zhang had kept her voice low, but Yu Jiao Jiao, seated right next to Madam Yu, heard everything clearly. She reacted strongly, “That’s impossible!”
Madam Zhang replied, “Miss, I wouldn’t dare lie.”
All the women stared curiously, and Madam Yu, after a moment of indecision, decided to speak plainly. “Zhi Yi and her husband have come. Let’s go greet them together.”
She then instructed Madam Zhang, “Send someone to inform Master and the five young masters.”
As for the men from the extended family, there was no need to call them, as many had already accompanied their wives and were now in the main hall.
Outside the Yu Residence.
Du Zi Heng’s handsome face was dark.
Yu Zhi Yi, on the other hand, looked completely at ease, as though the current situation was no surprise at all.
Seeing her calm demeanor, Du Zi Heng grew even more frustrated. “Aren’t you angry at all?” he demanded.
“This was expected. Why should I be angry?” Yu Zhi Yi replied serenely.
“They treat you so poorly, and you just accept it?” Du Zi Heng was incredulous. Where was the cunning she had used on him?
“The Minister and his wife raised me. The grace of raising a child is greater than heaven itself. If they asked for my life in return, it would be a reasonable request. What’s the point in resisting?” she countered.
Of course, she had repaid them in full during her past life. And everything they’d done to her had balanced out whatever debt of gratitude she once owed.
In this life, she wouldn’t yield unconditionally.
Du Zi Heng’s eyes widened, his dignified air momentarily lost, making him seem more genuine and relatable. He couldn’t reconcile the composed woman before him with the rumored scheming foster daughter of the Yu family.
Before he could think it through, a group emerged from the Yu Residence.
Yu Zhi Yi glanced over, her gaze settling on the bejeweled Yu Jiao Jiao. She let her eyes wander over her cousin’s face before smiling faintly.
So, that’s how it is…
Yu Jiao Jiao didn’t dare believe it until she stepped out the gate and saw Yu Zhi Yi standing there. But—how could this be?!
Why had Du Zi Heng, that wretch, come to support this imposter instead of accompanying her on her return visit?
Yu Zhi Yi wore the most exquisite crimson dress from Splendid Embroidery Workshop, her naturally stunning features further enhanced by its vibrant hue. The others were struck by her beauty.
One of the relatives gasped, “Isn’t that the famous Peony Red from Splendid Embroidery Workshop’s third floor? That dress costs three thousand taels!”
“It really is. Young Master Du is so good to Zhi Yi!”
Yu Jiao Jiao’s South Sea pearls and gold hairpin were precious, but together they were worth just over a thousand taels. Now, under the brilliance of Yu Zhi Yi’s dress, they seemed utterly lackluster.
Not to mention, the pearls and hairpin were randomly picked from the Duke Courage’s treasury, while the red dress had been specially bought for Yu Zhi Yi. It was obvious who cared more.
Yu Zhi Yi stood openly beside Du Zi Heng, allowing the crowd to scrutinize and admire her. Yu Jiao Jiao’s heart was in turmoil.
Madam Yu managed to keep her composure, apologizing, “Son-in-law, Zhi Yi, it wasn’t our intention to neglect you. The servants were negligent and failed to inform us of your arrival.”
Yu Zhi Yi didn’t expose the blatant lie, smiling gently. “It’s alright, Mother.”
Du Zi Heng frowned slightly, dissatisfied with how easily she let things slide.
Madam Yu breathed a sigh of relief, while Yu Jiao Jiao sneered internally.
Worthless. Even if Du Zi Heng had accompanied her back, she still couldn’t stand up for herself.
Yu Zhi Yi acted oblivious to their expressions, asking curiously, “Where are Father and my five brothers? Why aren’t they here?”