Chapter 97: Giving Each Other Some Time
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Du Zi Heng entered the room, carrying a bowl of medicine. Seeing that Yu Zhi Yi had woken up, he said in a calm tone, “Awake? Good timing, the medicine is no longer scalding hot.”
Yu Zhi Yi raised her eyebrows. “…You knew I would wake up at this time?”
Du Zi Heng shook his head. “Just a guess.” After all, last time, she had been unconscious for roughly half a day as well.
Despite his prediction, he had still checked on her at intervals, ensuring the medicine was at just the right temperature by letting it cool slightly before warming it to about six or seven tenths hot.
The medicinal aroma carried the distinctive bittersweetness of herbal decoctions. Yu Zhi Yi knew, however, that once it touched the tongue, the liquid would taste unbearably bitter and astringent.
Without any fuss, she picked up the bowl and downed the concoction in one go. After all, it was nothing more than some nourishing herbs, at most causing her a bout of minor heatiness over the next two days.
Du Zi Heng’s gaze flickered slightly. He had wanted to ask this question last time but refrained. “Does it not taste bitter?”
Whenever he had to take medicine, he needed a moment of mental preparation to gulp it down. Forget about being a “strong man”—even men feared bitterness. Otherwise, why did every noble family stock up on sweets?
But Yu Zhi Yi’s expression was so calm, as if she were drinking plain water rather than something so bitter it could make one retch.
Yu Zhi Yi tilted her head to glance at him. “Not bitter. Don’t believe me? Try it yourself.”
Du Zi Heng hesitated but eventually dipped a finger into the medicine for a taste, and then…
Almost spat it out.
Watching his instant transformation into a face of agony, Yu Zhi Yi couldn’t help but smile, a faint curve at the corners of her lips.
Du Zi Heng was about to accuse her of deception, but when he looked up, he saw the amusement in her eyes. Startled for a moment, he quickly put on a stern face and said, “Young Madam Du, those who deceive others will themselves be deceived.”
Yu Zhi Yi arched an eyebrow. “Do you think you can outwit me?”
Du Zi Heng was left speechless.
Watching his aggrieved expression, Yu Zhi Yi felt her mood improve immensely.
Perhaps fearing her shamelessness might anger him to death, Du Zi Heng muttered a harsh remark before leaving the room in a huff. As the door closed behind him, he sighed softly.
If he could make her laugh, perhaps she was feeling a little better inside.
Not long after, Madam Yao entered the room. Seeing that Yu Zhi Yi was awake, she fussed over her with warmth and concern.
Sensing something was weighing on Madam Yao’s mind, Yu Zhi Yi asked, “Mother, has something happened?”
Madam Yao sighed lightly. “Nothing escapes you, does it?”
“Something did happen after you fell unconscious.”
She hesitated, unsure whether the news was good or bad. While Yu Zhi Yi had severed ties with the Yu family, and Madam Yao believed that to be for the best, what about Yu Zhi Yi herself? What did she think?
In any case, Yu Zhi Yi would eventually find out after leaving the palace, so Madam Yao decided it was better to prepare her now.
“His Majesty has stripped Minister Yu of his position for deceiving the emperor and conspiring against the royal family. He even ordered the entire Yu family dragged to the noon gate for execution.”
Yu Zhi Yi’s surprise was brief. She quickly composed herself. Considering the Yu family’s transgressions, they certainly deserved such a fate. But she had a nagging feeling that they hadn’t met their end yet.
Sure enough, Madam Yao continued, “They were already at the palace gates when Third Young Master Yu arrived with the Imperial Pardon Token.”
Yu Zhi Yi was genuinely astonished. “Third Brother?”
She wasn’t surprised that the Yu family possessed an Imperial Pardon Token. It had been earned by Minister Yu’s grandfather at great personal cost. During an assassination attempt on Emperor Hui, the elder had shielded the emperor with his body, saving his life but succumbing to his injuries. In gratitude, Emperor Hui bestowed the token, publicly declaring that unless the Yu family attempted treason, they could escape any punishment by presenting it.
This token had been enshrined in the Yu family’s ancestral hall ever since.
Madam Yao nodded. “Yes, Third Young Master Yu.” She sighed. “Who would have thought that this unassuming third son would turn out to be so farsighted? If not for him bringing the token today, Minister Yu… no, Yu Cong Wen and his entire family would’ve already joined the afterlife.”
Yu Zhi Yi remained silent.
Madam Yao took her hand in hers. “I know you’re warm-hearted beneath that icy demeanor. But the Yu Mansion was never a good place for you. Severing ties with them is for the best. From now on, the Du Mansion is your home. Your father-in-law, your husband, and I—we are all your family.”
“You need not feel burdened. Your father-in-law and I have already discussed it. There’s no rush for an heir. If it truly proves impossible, we’ll adopt a child from the clan into your name.”
Yu Zhi Yi was taken aback. “Why go to such lengths?”
Madam Yao’s voice softened. “My dear child, if this had happened right after your marriage, I might have considered letting You Lin take a concubine to continue the family line. After all, your relationship with him was strained, and there was that matter with You Bing Yue. I might have even permitted you to divorce.”
“But now? My heart is made of flesh, too. Your father-in-law and I both adore you and are grateful for all you’ve done for the Du family.”
“No matter what, I won’t push you into a situation you cannot escape.”
“You’re still young and may think your skills and independence will see you through. But, my dear, this world is harsh. Especially for women. Divorce may sound dignified, but it’s no different from being cast aside. Once the world looks at you with colored lenses, even your abilities might become a liability.”
Yu Zhi Yi frowned, ready to protest that she didn’t care.
Madam Yao cut her off gently. “Hear me out first, alright?”
“I know you’re still upset about You Lin abandoning you on your wedding night and about his involvement with You Bing Yue. I won’t force you to accept him, nor will I pressure you to consummate the marriage.”
“Let’s give it a few years. If, after that time, you still cannot accept You Lin or this marriage, your father-in-law and I will let you go.”
“In those years, you can establish yourself and solidify your position. By then, no one will dare question you. Even if they do, you’ll have the strength to shut them up.”
“As for You Lin… we will ensure he doesn’t take a concubine or behave inappropriately during this time.”
“What do you think?”
To be honest, given that Yu Zhi Yi couldn’t sever this karmic bond herself, Madam Yao’s proposal was incredibly tempting.
But…
Yu Zhi Yi furrowed her brows. “It’s not appropriate…”
Madam Yao interrupted quickly, “It’s definitely inappropriate! The events of your wedding night weren’t solely You Lin’s fault. I share some of the blame as well…”
Yu Zhi Yi was puzzled. “What does this have to do with you?”
Before Madam Yao could respond, there was a knock at the door. A distinct yet unfamiliar voice called out, “Madam Du, has the Young Madam awakened?”
Madam Yao, relieved for the interruption, exhaled slightly. “I’ll see who it is.”
It was a young eunuch from the emperor’s entourage, bowing respectfully. “His Majesty requests the presence of the Young Madam.”