Chapter 7: All the Favor and Glory Belong to Her!
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Madam Yu’s smile faltered for the briefest moment, but she quickly regained her composure, speaking with unwavering confidence. “There was an unexpected matter in the clan, and they had to deal with it. They’ll be back shortly.”
Yu Zhi Yi nodded in understanding. “Does Zi Heng need to assist?”
Madam Yu shook her head. “It’s nothing major…”
As she spoke, Minister Yu and the five Yu family members arrived.
Madam Yu stepped forward. “How did the matter with the clan go?”
Minister Yu caught on swiftly. “It’s all taken care of.”
He turned to Du Zi Heng with an apologetic expression. “Dear son-in-law, Yi’er, I didn’t expect such a sudden occurrence. Please don’t take it to heart.”
Du Zi Heng responded with a polite yet insincere smile. “No one wishes for trouble in the clan, Father-in-law. Why would I hold it against you?”
On the surface, his words were reassuring, but their undertone suggested otherwise.
Minister Yu, undeterred by any potential implications, ushered the couple inside with a hearty laugh.
…
The men and women were seated separately during the banquet.
On the men’s side, there was jovial chatter as they raised their cups to toast and flatter Du Zi Heng.
On the women’s side, Yu Zhi Yi sat with graceful poise, her radiant red attire as dazzling as the sunrise, commanding the room’s attention. Everyone forgot the absurd claims Yu Jiao Jiao had made earlier.
The very sight of Yu Zhi Yi in such finery—a gift from Du Zi Heng—dispelled doubts. Why would Du Zi Heng not love her if he was willing to bestow such extravagance?
Yu Jiao Jiao, on the other hand, was almost blinded by Yu Zhi Yi’s brilliance. She clenched her fists so tightly that her nails nearly pierced her palms.
…
When the meal ended, Yu Jiao Jiao cornered Yu Zhi Yi at the end of a deserted corridor. “Imposter! What trick did you use to make Du Zi Heng accompany you back here?”
Yu Zhi Yi blinked innocently. “It’s the custom for a groom to escort his bride back to her family on this day. Isn’t it natural?”
Yu Jiao Jiao felt as though she had been struck in the chest.
Natural?! In her past life, Du Zi Heng hadn’t returned with her!
Instead, he had indulged You Bing Yue, allowing that wretched woman to harm her and even poison her with a lethal toxin that required regular antidotes. For months, she had lived in humiliation, unable to retaliate against that vile woman.
Seeing Yu Jiao Jiao’s face filled with disbelief, Yu Zhi Yi chuckled inwardly. She had merely stated the obvious, leaving the rest to Jiao Jiao’s imagination.
Yu Jiao Jiao, fuming, looked at Yu Zhi Yi’s face with burning jealousy. Clearly, Du Zi Heng had been bewitched by this woman’s beauty. A man like him, who had claimed loyalty to only one woman, was nothing but a hypocrite!
With a sneer, Yu Jiao Jiao hissed, “Do you think that just because Du Zi Heng escorted you today, he truly loves you? Don’t be naive. He already has someone hidden away—a woman he cherishes above all others. You’re just a pawn, forced on him by Madam Du to maintain appearances!”
Yu Zhi Yi’s smile deepened, warm and bright.
“Have you gone mad?” Yu Jiao Jiao snapped. “How can you laugh at this?”
“I’m touched,” Yu Zhi Yi replied, her tone light. “For you to worry about your brother-in-law’s affairs before settling your own… Your concern for me is heartwarming.”
Yu Jiao Jiao’s lips twitched. Don’t think I can’t tell you’re mocking me!
Her temper flared at the mention of her own unresolved marital woes. “You know nothing! After our marriage, my husband has begun to focus entirely on me. Soon, he’ll discard those useless women! His love, his loyalty—everything—belongs to me alone!”
She imagined a future where Zhang Tian Shun would achieve greatness and remain devoted to her. The thought made her anger subside, replaced by a condescending pity as she said, “My husband is destined for greatness. If you ever find yourself in dire straits, perhaps I’ll help you for old times’ sake.”
Yu Zhi Yi stifled a laugh with her handkerchief. “Then I’ll offer my blessings in advance, wishing you a swift success in taming your husband’s heart.”
With that, she turned and left, her figure as radiant as ever.
Yu Jiao Jiao stared after her, feeling a lump of unspoken frustration caught in her throat.
…
As Yu Zhi Yi and Du Zi Heng prepared to leave, Madam Yu clasped Yu Zhi Yi’s hand. “Take these with you. Don’t hold back with your mother. And do come back often—the Yu Mansion’s doors will always be open to you.”
Yu Zhi Yi withdrew her hand, smiling faintly. “Mother, you speak as if I no longer belong to the Yu family now that I’m married. Did you give my sister the same parting words when she left?”
Madam Yu’s smile froze.
Yu Zhi Yi didn’t bother with pretense, accepting the lavish gifts without hesitation.
…
As the carriage rolled away, disappearing from view, Yu Zi Xuan couldn’t hold back any longer. “Did you see her attitude? She marries into the Chancellor’s family and suddenly thinks she’s untouchable!”
Yu Ming Yu, his eyes dark, added, “Arrogance like that won’t last. She’ll come crawling back to us eventually, mark my words.”
The Yu family members nodded in agreement.
…
In the carriage, Du Zi Heng had calmed, though curiosity lingered. “What kind of life did you lead in the Yu Mansion for your return to be treated so casually?”
Yu Zhi Yi smiled faintly. “It has less to do with my standing in the Yu Mansion and more to do with a meddlesome rat who convinced Madam Yu that I wouldn’t return.”
Du Zi Heng’s lips pressed into a thin line. She was smiling, but why did he feel guilty?