Chapter 17: Drastically Redone by Mother-in-Law
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On this day, Old Madam Yao personally came to visit Yu Zhi Yi to express her gratitude. Knowing Yu Zhi Yi’s fondness for wealth and precious stones, she thoughtfully brought along a fine blood-red gem.
Yu Zhi Yi was delighted.
She thought back to her previous life when she married into the Duke Courage’s Mansion. Although the household was prestigious and wealthy, her mother-in-law, Madam Bai, was both miserly and harsh. In over twenty years as a daughter-in-law, Yu Zhi Yi had not received a single gift; instead, she ended up contributing thousands of taels from her own dowry.
Reflecting on this, she couldn’t help but adore the Du Mansion.
Everyone there, save for Du Zi Heng, was utterly lovable.
“Speaking of which, where is Heng’er?” Old Madam Yao asked curiously, having waited some time without seeing him.
Madam Du’s smile faltered slightly, and she hesitated to respond. Yu Zhi Yi interjected smoothly, “Grandmother, he’s busy studying. The imperial examinations are approaching, and he’s been so occupied that he likely hasn’t noticed your arrival.”
Madam Du exhaled in relief but also felt a pang of guilt toward her daughter-in-law.
Her daughter-in-law was too considerate. Even though Heng’er had been nothing but a scoundrel, she still cared about his reputation and shielded him from criticism.
This made her son appear downright foolish—ignoring such a gentle, capable wife in favor of a brash, ill-mannered woman like You Bing Yue, who lacked both skills and substance.
If Yu Zhi Yi had known Madam Du’s thoughts, she would have denied it fervently.
That’s not true! I didn’t! Don’t twist the facts!
She was merely safeguarding her own peace. If Old Madam Yao decided to drag Du Zi Heng back out of gratitude, he might concoct another conspiracy theory about her motives.
Yu Zhi Yi had no desire to repeatedly explain that she wasn’t interested in sabotaging his relationship with You Bing Yue. Reiterating the same thing over and over was exhausting.
Old Madam Yao signaled to the maid behind her, who then handed Yu Zhi Yi an invitation. “Your fifth cousin will be hosting a chrysanthemum-viewing banquet at Shangjing Garden in seven days. He’s gathered the most exquisite chrysanthemums from across the land. If it interests you, you’re welcome to attend.”
The Yao family boasted an illustrious lineage. Old Master Yao was the Minister of the Court of Ceremonies, and he and his wife had three sons and two daughters. Madam Du was the second legitimate daughter, much adored before her marriage.
The eldest son had followed in their father’s footsteps into politics and was now a prefect in Jiangzhou. His tenure would soon end, after which he was expected to return to the capital for a prestigious appointment.
His eldest son, a prodigy like his father and grandfather, became a top scholar at twenty-five and currently served as a compiler at the Hanlin Academy.
The second son’s family was less accomplished but still maintained a respectable presence in the court.
The third son veered away from officialdom and excelled in commerce, amassing immense wealth. His eldest son, Yao Jin Ang, had surpassed him, becoming a renowned merchant at just twenty-six.
Madam Du smiled. “Your cousins and sisters-in-law will also attend. It’s a good chance for you to socialize and unwind.”
Yu Zhi Yi had little interest in flowers, but she couldn’t decline after receiving such a lavish gemstone. “Alright, I’ll go and take a look.”
Time flew, and the day of the banquet arrived.
The event began at noon, but Madam Du insisted on helping Yu Zhi Yi prepare early in the morning.
Recently, Madam Du had developed a new hobby: buying clothes and jewelry for Yu Zhi Yi and personally styling her.
This time, Yu Zhi Yi was dressed in a light yellow gauze gown layered with a smoky green shawl. Her ebony hair was coiled into a spiritual serpent bun, and soft curls framed her forehead naturally.
Madam Du even considered adorning her with a floral decoration on her forehead.
Yu Zhi Yi hurriedly declined. “Mother, this is more than enough.”
Before marriage, she had never dressed so vibrantly. Ironically, she was experiencing girlish styles only after becoming a wife.
The mirror reflected a woman with striking, elegant features, now softened into a more approachable charm due to the adorable outfit.
Yu Zhi Yi used to think her face resembled that of a nun—cold and detached. While her beauty was undeniable, it often seemed unapproachable.
But now…
As her maid Red Luan remarked, “Who’s that adorable girl with the round cheeks and sparkling eyes?”
“Mother, could I wear something else?” Yu Zhi Yi pleaded, unable to bear her reflection.
“Nonsense! This is perfect.”
Madam Du turned to Zi Yuan, her trusted maid. “Doesn’t the Young Madam look stunning?”
Zi Yuan, awestruck, nodded fervently. “Absolutely, Madam! Your taste is impeccable!”
Satisfied, Madam Du declared, “This is final! My dear Yi’er will dazzle everyone today!”
Yu Zhi Yi rubbed her forehead helplessly. “Mother, I’m already married. There’s no need to dazzle anyone.”
Madam Du’s eyes widened. “Who says married women can’t turn heads? I’ll show everyone that my Yi’er is the best!”
Madam Du had long wished for a daughter but, due to complications during her pregnancy with Du Zi Heng, was unable to conceive again.
Yu Zhi Yi fulfilled all her dreams of having a daughter—intelligent, beautiful, kind, and filial. The more time they spent together, the more Madam Du adored her.
The only downside was her son’s blindness to her virtues.
Today, she was determined to dress Yu Zhi Yi to perfection—not only to show her off but also to…
“Make that brat see how amazing his wife truly is!”
Yu Zhi Yi: “…”
She tactfully refrained from commenting on her nominal husband.
Soon, Du Zi Heng arrived.
He froze at the sight of Yu Zhi Yi’s striking appearance but quickly recovered, averting his gaze. “Mother, the imperial exams are near. I wish to focus on studying.”
Madam Du raised an eyebrow. “Haven’t you studied enough over the years? What’s one afternoon?”
He attempted another excuse, but Madam Du interrupted coolly, “Fine. If you’re so intent on studying, I’ll ensure no visitors disturb you and instruct the guards to keep the gates shut until the exams are over. How’s that?”
Du Zi Heng relented. “The chrysanthemum banquet won’t take long. I’ll accompany you.”
Yu Zhi Yi remained silent, smiling faintly as she watched the mother-son exchange.
Once aboard the carriage, Du Zi Heng closed his eyes slightly, satisfied that Yu Zhi Yi had not sought his attention lately.
Her contributions to rooting out corruption in the Chancellor’s Mansion had slightly improved his impression of her.
Only slightly.
This didn’t mean he wanted to talk to her.
However, if she initiated a conversation, he would respond politely out of courtesy.
But Yu Zhi Yi had no such intention.