Chapter 2: You Truly Are Calculative
This novel is translated and hosted only on Bcatranslation
Admittedly, Du Zi Heng didn’t marry of his own volition, but then again, neither did she.
If he was unwilling, he should have exerted his resistance before the wedding. Now that they were wed, he wished to humiliate her? That was out of the question.
This scene had played out in her past life, but back then, it was Yu Jiao Jiao who dealt with the fallout.
Yu Jiao Jiao harbored a grudge over the humiliation she suffered on her wedding night. Upon discovering You Bing Yue’s schemes, she vehemently opposed the Chancellor’s Mansion intervening.
In the end, You Bing Yue was apprehended—but not entirely.
Among You Bing Yue’s many male confidants was none other than the influential Carefree Prince. Not only did he protect her, but he also took revenge on the Chancellor’s Mansion, severely punishing Marquis Wu’an’s Mansion.
Unsatisfied, Carefree Prince went as far as to sabotage one of Yu Jiao Jiao’s outings, causing her carriage wheel to snap in the middle of the street. This public disgrace was compounded when she broke her arm, a wound that took half a year to heal.
Meanwhile, You Bing Yue emerged unscathed. Instead, the incident fueled Du Zi Heng’s determination. Three years later, during the imperial examinations, he earned the top scholar title. Using the emperor’s bestowed rewards, he requested a mansion and moved in with You Bing Yue.
At this new residence, Yu Jiao Jiao’s status plummeted. Though she remained the official wife, supported by the Minister Yu and his wife, she suffered frequent slights. Conversely, You Bing Yue thrived under Du Zi Heng’s protection, and her newfound prominence even softened the Minister Yu Couple’s stance towards her.
…
That afternoon, the Marquis Wu’an’s Wife’s invitation card indeed arrived.
At the time, Madam Yao, the Chancellor’s Wife, was unaware of You Bing Yue’s assault and mused aloud, “Why would the Marquis Wu’an’s Wife visit now?”
Her relationship with the woman was superficial, limited to polite nods.
As Chancellor Du entered, he overheard his wife’s query, his stern face clouded with anger. “Of course, it’s because of that unfilial son of ours!”
Madam Yao frowned. “What did Zi Heng do? He hasn’t caused any trouble these past two days.”
The only foolish thing he had done recently was the wedding night humiliation of his bride, but that didn’t warrant interference from the Marquis Wu’an’s Mansion.
With a bitter expression, Chancellor Du recounted You Bing Yue’s assault. “I’ve just learned of it myself. When I tried to apologize at the Marquis’ residence, they wouldn’t even see me. Now, trouble comes to our door.”
His fury simmered as he barked, “Summon that unfilial son and that woman! Let them fix the mess they made!”
Madam Yao hurriedly interjected, “My lord, no! If this isn’t handled properly, it could jeopardize Zi Heng’s prospects for this year’s imperial examinations.”
The imperial examinations valued not only academic performance but also character. A candidate with poor conduct, no matter how brilliant, would never be appointed by the court.
Being the Chancellor’s son and a top contender, Du Zi Heng was already under scrutiny. A scandal like this reaching imperial ears could ruin him.
Chancellor Du fell silent, his expression heavy.
The steward, feeling uneasy under the tense atmosphere, hesitated before adding, “My lord, my lady, the Marquis Wu’an’s Wife specifically requested to see the Young Madam.”
“What?” The couple froze in surprise.
After a moment, Chancellor Du ordered, “Call the Young Madam.”
Madam Yao amended, “Better that we meet her ourselves.”
Pausing, she changed her mind. “No, let Zi Heng deal with it.”
Meanwhile, Yu Zhi Yi finished reviewing her meager assets.
As the adopted daughter of the Yu Mansion, her dowry appeared grand at 120 carriages, but most of it was superficial. True valuables were scarce.
She possessed only 600 taels of silver in cash, with the rest comprising trinkets barely worth 1,000 taels when sold collectively. The two shops Madam Yu had given her were small, hidden in alleys, unfit for business or even rental income.
Yet, Yu Zhi Yi wasn’t fazed. After all, her own earnings far exceeded these paltry sums.
Zi Yuan, her maid, seethed. “Master and Madam are so unfair! I heard the Second Miss received over 10,000 taels just in ornaments, plus 10,000 more in silver. Each of the five young masters gave her 1,000 taels, and the eldest even added several lucrative shops and a hundred acres of fertile land!”
Yu Zhi Yi remained unbothered. “She’s the legitimate daughter of the Yu Mansion. Even if they emptied the family coffers for her, no one could object.”
Zi Yuan’s indignation persisted. “But before the Second Miss returned, Master, Madam, and the young masters treated you so well!”
Years ago, Madam Yu had given birth to a daughter while traveling. At the same inn, another woman had delivered a child. The latter, recognizing Madam Yu’s wealth, swapped the infants. Ten years later, when the truth surfaced, the deceitful woman took her own life.
Thus, Yu Zhi Yi’s position became precarious. Though Minister Yu and his wife couldn’t bear to abandon her, their affection waned. Over seven years, they grew colder. By her wedding, they offered little, with Madam Yu gifting only a plain gold hairpin worth less than 100 taels. Each brother followed suit with modest jewelry.
Even the 600 taels she now had were saved from her childhood stipend. After age ten, her monthly allowance was reduced to three taels—barely enough for expenses.
Was she hurt? At one time, yes. But dwelling on past sorrows would achieve nothing. She had learned to move forward.
Noting the bright sunshine outside, she instructed, “Prepare tea. We’re expecting a guest.”
Zi Yuan glanced at the empty doorway but didn’t question her mistress. She dutifully set about brewing tea.
Soon after, Du Zi Heng appeared at the Breeze Pavilion, his expression sour.
His scholar-like demeanor was accentuated by a flowing blue-and-white robe. The fabric billowed as he moved, lending him an air of elegance.
He was undeniably handsome, with striking features that could easily captivate. His lashes, long and dark, fluttered like butterfly wings—a beauty that had once bewitched Yu Jiao Jiao into blind devotion, despite his disdain.
Retracting her gaze, Yu Zhi Yi gracefully poured tea into a cup. Her delicate fingers gripped the handle as she called out, “Young Master, why linger outside? Won’t you come in?”