Chapter 17: The Mother-in-law’s Makeover
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It was a bright morning when Old Madam Yao arrived to thank Yu Zhi Yi in person. Knowing her love for money and gems, she brought along a stunning blood-red ruby as a gift.
Yu Zhi Yi was absolutely delighted.
Thinking back to her previous life, Yu Zhi Yi remembered how, after marrying into the Duke of Courage’s household, despite their wealth and high status, her mother-in-law Madam Bai had been stingy and demanding. For over twenty years, Yu Zhi Yi had never received a single gift. In fact, she had ended up spending thousands of silver out of her own pocket.
Compared to that, she was now truly fond of the Du family. Everyone was lovely—except, of course, for Du Zi Heng.
“By the way, where’s my grandson Heng’er?” Old Madam Yao asked, looking puzzled. She had been there a while but still hadn’t seen Du Zi Heng.
Madam Yao’s smile faltered slightly, about to say something, but Yu Zhi Yi quickly stepped in. “Grandmother, he’s busy studying. The big exam is coming up soon, and he’s been so focused that he probably hasn’t even realized you’re here.”
Madam Yao sighed with relief but also felt a little guilty towards her daughter-in-law.
Her daughter-in-law was just too considerate. Even though Heng’er had been such a scoundrel, she still covered for him, protecting his reputation and image. It made her son look like an absolute fool—ignoring such a gentle, skilled, and well-mannered wife in favor of a loud and rude woman with no real abilities.
Yu Zhi Yi had no idea what Madam Yao was thinking. If she had known, she would have denied it immediately.
That’s not it! She wasn’t doing it for him!
She was, in fact, acting for her own sake.
If Old Madam Yao, out of gratitude, dragged Du Zi Heng back home, he would undoubtedly come up with some conspiracy theories again.
She certainly had no desire to repeatedly explain that she didn’t want to ruin his relationship with You Bing Yue. It was exhausting to say the same thing over and over.
Old Madam Yao gave a look to the maid behind her, who quickly handed Yu Zhi Yi an invitation. “In seven days, your fifth cousin will be hosting a chrysanthemum appreciation party at Shangjing Garden. He’s gathered some of the most precious chrysanthemums from all around for this event. If you’re interested, you should go and take a look.”
Old Master Yao worked in the Ministry of Rites, and he and his wife had three sons and two daughters. Madam Yao was their second daughter and had been quite pampered before she got married.
The eldest son, Master Yao, followed in his father’s footsteps and entered officialdom, now serving as the governor of Jiangzhou. In a few years, after completing his term, he would return to the capital for an important position.
Master Yao’s eldest son had inherited the talent of his father and grandfather. At twenty-five, he had achieved high marks and was now working at the Hanlin Academy.
The second son, Master Yao, wasn’t as gifted, but he still had his role in the court.
The third son, however, had no interest in politics. Instead, he had a natural talent for business and made a fortune on his own.
Fifth Cousin Yao Jin Ang had taken it even further. At just twenty-six, he was already a wealthy merchant known throughout the land.
Madam Yao smiled. “Your cousins and the younger girls will also be there. It’ll be a good chance for you to socialize, have some fun, and lift your spirits.”
Yu Zhi Yi didn’t have much interest in flowers, but since the old lady had just given her such a large ruby, it wouldn’t be polite to decline. “Alright, I’ll go take a look then.”
Time flew by, and the day of the chrysanthemum party arrived.
The party was set to begin at noon, so after breakfast, Madam Yao dragged Yu Zhi Yi to get dressed and made up.
Recently, Madam Yao had developed a new hobby—buying clothes and jewelry for her daughter-in-law, and personally helping her pick her outfits.
Yu Zhi Yi found herself wearing a dress in pale yellow, overlaid with a light green cloak. Her dark hair was gathered at the back of her head, styled into an elegant serpent bun, with her fringe naturally curled at her forehead.
Madam Yao even wanted to paint a flower mark between her brows.
Yu Zhi Yi quickly refused. “Mother, this is fine as it is.”
Before marriage, she had never dressed this way—all soft colors and girlish adornments. She never imagined she would experience such a youthful look after getting married.
In the mirror, she saw a young woman whose features were still elegant and refined, but the cute outfit had softened her aloofness.
Yu Zhi Yi used to think of herself as having the kind of face a Daoist priest might have—calm and detached from the world. Though attractive, she had always given off a sense of being untouchable, no matter how far or close one looked.
But now…
As Hong Luan would put it, “Who is that adorable girl with the chubby cheeks and big, sparkling eyes in the mirror?”
“Mother, how about I change into something else?” Yu Zhi Yi asked, unable to bear looking at herself.
It was ruining her image.
“I think it’s perfect,” Madam Yao said, growing more satisfied by the minute. “Zi Yuan, don’t you think this look makes the young madam even more beautiful?”
Zi Yuan’s eyes shone with admiration. “Absolutely, Madam. The young madam looks stunning! Your taste is impeccable.”
Madam Yao made the final decision. “This is how you’ll go! My dear Yi’er is sure to amaze everyone!”
Yu Zhi Yi sighed, rubbing her forehead. “Mother, I’m already married. There’s no need to amaze anyone.”
Madam Yao’s eyes narrowed. “Who says married women can’t amaze others? I want everyone to see how wonderful my Yi’er is.”
Madam Yao had always longed for a daughter. During her pregnancy with Du Zi Heng, she had experienced complications, almost not surviving the birth.
Afterward, her health was damaged, and she never managed to have another child.
Yu Zhi Yi fulfilled all her dreams of having a daughter—smart, beautiful, well-behaved, and filial. The more time they spent together, the more Madam Yao grew fond of her.
It was just a pity that her own son was so blind, unable to see Yi’er’s worth.
Today, she had taken special care to dress Yi’er up beautifully. Not only did she want Yi’er to look stunning when she stepped out, but also…
“Let that brat open his eyes wide and see how incredible his wife really is!”
“…” Yu Zhi Yi sighed again.
She wouldn’t say it, but she really wanted no part in showing off for her so-called husband. So, she simply smiled and said nothing.
Not long after, Du Zi Heng arrived.
Seeing Yu Zhi Yi all dressed up, he paused for a moment.
He didn’t lose his composure for long, though. Realizing he was staring at her, he frowned and looked away. “Mother, the exam is coming up, and I want to focus on my studies.”
Madam Yao gave him a stern look. “You’ve studied for so many years. Will one day make such a difference?”
Du Zi Heng tried to argue, but Madam Yao cut him off with an icy tone. “Fine. If you really want to stay home and study, you can. I’ll make sure no one disturbs you. I’ll tell the servants to keep the doors closed and visitors away until the exam is over. How about that?”
Du Zi Heng hesitated. “The flower party is only half a day. I can make time for that.”
Yu Zhi Yi stood aside, smiling softly, and kept out of the mother-son conversation.
Once they were in the carriage, Du Zi Heng closed his eyes slightly.
Yu Zhi Yi hadn’t bothered him in recent days, which he appreciated. It showed she knew her place well.
Plus, she had managed to catch a few corrupt stewards in the household, bringing some order to the family.
That made him see her in a slightly better light.
But just slightly.
It didn’t change his reluctance to interact with her.
However, if she wanted to talk to him, he would respond out of courtesy.
But it seemed she had no intention of starting a conversation either.