Chapter 59: Why Should I Care if You’re Punished?
This novel is translated and hosted only on Bcatranslation
“When the younger generation misbehaves, it’s best to inform their elders or spouse. There’s no need to lower your standards because of them.”
Madam Yao immediately agreed, her temper dissipating in an instant. “Zhi Yi, you’re absolutely right. Those without proper upbringing should be disciplined by their own families.”
She wasn’t ignorant of the fact that the true daughter of the Yu Family, ever since marrying into the Duke Courage’s Mansion, had not been living an ideal life. Zhang Tian Shun, that good-for-nothing, had been parading various women into their home. The scandal of his concubine getting pregnant before the main wife was already infamous.
Even though the mansion had done its utmost to cover up the disgrace, the matter still leaked into the circles of the upper class. Moreover, the Duchess herself was far from respectable.
With these thoughts, Madam Yao let go of her anger entirely.
On the other hand, Yu Jiao Jiao was livid, glaring fiercely. “Yu Zhi Yi, you’re despicable!”
Yu Zhi Yi responded with a calm smile. “If defending those I care for against malicious schemes counts as despicable, then I’ll gladly accept the title.”
Madam Yao clutched her chest as her heart pounded violently, almost leaping out of her ribs. In that moment, Yu Zhi Yi seemed to radiate divine light in her eyes.
For the first time, someone had stood up for her so firmly. Even Chancellor Du and her own mother would occasionally demand she compromise for various reasons. Her wretched son? He only opposed her at every turn for the sake of some woman.
But this daughter-in-law stood unwaveringly at her side, declaring to the world with a soft yet resolute voice that she was willing to bear the shame of being called vile, just to protect her mother-in-law.
That feeling was indescribable.
From that moment on, Madam Yao resolved that she, too, would stand by this daughter-in-law against the world, even at the cost of her life.
When Du Zi Heng returned, carrying the results of the examination, he overheard Yu Zhi Yi’s words. His feelings were complicated. Earlier, You Bing Yue had been pestering him about his results, using his modest success as an excuse to pressure him into leaving the Du Mansion.
His performance, though commendable, had fallen short of securing the Top Scholar or Second Rank Scholar titles; he’d only managed to achieve the position of Third Rank Scholar (Tan Hua). While this was a respectable accomplishment for most, it was far below the expectations of both himself and Chancellor Du.
And yet, You Bing Yue hadn’t sensed his frustration. Instead, she’d enthusiastically planned a future free of his parents, showing no interest in returning to face them with him.
Sighing deeply, he felt as if something inside him had shifted.
Yu Zhi Yi was the first to notice him. “My lord, you’re back?”
Both Madam Yao and Yu Jiao Jiao turned to look at him. At that moment, a surge of intense hatred flickered in Yu Jiao Jiao’s eyes.
Unfortunately for her, no one cared.
Madam Yao approached eagerly. “Well? How did it go?”
Before Du Zi Heng could answer, Yu Jiao Jiao interjected spitefully, “What else? Look at his dejected face—obviously, he failed.”
Furious, Madam Yao snapped, “Young Madam Zhang, I’ve refrained from arguing with you out of respect for your father, the Minister of Revenue, and your father-in-law, the Duke. But if you keep spouting nonsense, don’t blame me for being harsh!”
Yu Jiao Jiao faltered but quickly regained her composure, fueled by the sight of her adversary.
Repressing her mounting hatred and rage from her past life, where she’d been ruined by this very man, she lashed out with venom. “How amusing! I’m simply stating the truth. Madam Du, are you going to punish me for being honest?”
“He failed! He failed! He failed! If you don’t believe me, ask him yourself!”
Anxious, Madam Yao turned to her son. “Zi Heng, is it true?”
Du Zi Heng cast a cold glance at Yu Jiao Jiao. Though baffled by her malice, her hostility left him disgusted. Turning to his mother, he said warmly, “Mother, I placed in the top three. Messengers will soon arrive with the good news.”
Though it was only Tan Hua, it was still a success, even if he wasn’t satisfied with it himself.
Madam Yao lit up with joy. “I knew it! My son is a great talent destined for success!”
Yu Jiao Jiao shrieked, “Impossible! You couldn’t have passed! You’re lying!”
But this time, no rebuttal from Madam Yao, her son, or Yu Zhi Yi was necessary. Others delivered the proof.
A lively commotion outside heralded the arrival of the congratulatory procession. Shortly after, a government officer dressed in celebratory red approached the trio and saluted them respectfully. Turning to Du Zi Heng, he announced, “Congratulations, Master Du. His Majesty has personally named you Tan Hua. In a few days, you’ll be granted an audience for the ceremonial crowning. Congratulations again!”
Madam Yao, though initially stunned, quickly recovered and instructed the maids to reward the messengers generously. She remained composed, concealing her dissatisfaction about the ranking from the outsiders.
Yu Jiao Jiao, however, descended into hysteria.
“Tan Hua? How? How?!”
She couldn’t understand why everything had gone wrong. Despite orchestrating events to her advantage by changing marriages, her life was still riddled with misfortunes, while Yu Zhi Yi and Du Zi Heng thrived at every turn.
By now, Du Zi Heng, with the support of Chancellor Du, was poised for a bright political career. Meanwhile, Zhang Tian Shun, who should’ve been a victorious military figure by this time in her previous life, remained an idle leech, indulging in debauchery.
Driven mad by this disparity, Yu Jiao Jiao didn’t even notice Yu Zhi Yi’s indifferent gaze as servants escorted her to a waiting carriage. With a faint smile, Yu Zhi Yi instructed the driver to recount every detail of today’s events to the Duchess of Duke Courage’s Mansion.
Yu Zhi Yi knew this would bring fresh torment upon Yu Jiao Jiao, given the Duchess’s domineering personality and tight grip over her son.
But… what did that have to do with her?
She still remembered how Yu Jiao Jiao, in a past incident, falsely accused her of abusing servants, leading to her being locked in a woodshed by Madam Yu. At that time, when Yu Zhi Yi confronted Yu Jiao Jiao about her lack of conscience, the latter had replied coldly:
“The one being punished is you. What does that have to do with me?”